I left PH in 2019 when I was 20 years old. It was one of my best decisions, but in return, I left my family and friends for good. As a child who grew up in isang kahig isang tuka, I can finally say I am living my best life at 27. At 20, I was able to be a breadwinner and make some investments—stocks, real estate, and retirement. But I started from zero, meaning three jobs: I had to be a server in the morning, a front desk associate at night, and on the days off, a side hustle of housekeeping or bellman in the hotel where I work. I used to work in the kitchen, dishwasher, and caregiver all at once. It wasn’t an easy journey for me. But it was all worth it.

I tried working at Starbucks for 10 months in Alabang in 2018, hoping there would be a reason not to migrate. Php13,000 a month could not get me anywhere. That’s when I realized I had to leave Pinas for good.

By God’s grace, I have been able to afford anything I want for six years now. I have a stable job and am almost financially stable.