It's Not Just Where She Stands. It's More On That

She was often judged for the things she have done, and for all the reasons she live.

She was born in a big family of eleven children. She used to be a Daddy's girl and a sweetheart to her siblings.. She grew up to have everything in front of her, a favorite of the crowd and a loving child to everyone. Years had gone so quickly and the passing of days was unforeseen, until she realized she is a woman. Great responsibilities was bestowed upon her shoulders. Her early days was filled with colorful memories. Reading books was her passed time and she used to locked up her self in the school library just to finished every stories she had started to read. One day she asked her Dad, "daddy, for my next birthday, I want a set of Encyclopedia". Her father replied, " Dear, it is very expensive. But I will try my best to get it for you. Counting of days was over and waiting had paid off. She had gotten her first set of books. To her surprised it wasn't the set she wanted, however, she joyously grabbed them and start flipping the pages. She was the girl who wants to know everything and anything under the sun. For every stories she read brought her to somewhere she called " Wonderland". She turned seven and she was in primary 1. She is so proud to tell that she can even memorized the entire English textbook she had. She recited one, and it goes like this- Henny Penny. the story title. "Henny Penny is a hen. Henny Penny is a red hen. Henny Penny lays eggs. Henny Penny has ten eggs.. so on and so forth. It was funny as it still stuck in her mind embedded as She memories. Her school days was amazing. Like balls rolling, life isn't always  wonderful. Problems also came and in tantamount situations. Then she realized, her weaknesses. No matter what she must be firm and stay on her ground. She couldn't be any weak person for her family. Her big dreams started to shuttered. Her hopes faded like dust blown by the wind. She became little to herself and the only strength that was left in her was her Faith.

Witnessing her struggles was heart breaking. But her determination is tremendously amazing which inspired everyone who is known to her. Her life is filled with meaningful details which are undiscovered, unveiled. Yet, she believes that time will channeled her to her destinations. Along every steps in her journey she is not walking alone. She has with her people, her  soul and her inspirations.

It's not just where she stands, it's more on that and to be continued........

I Don't Feel Resting if its only means is to Slowdown

"this is my battle, this is my fight"

It's the last month of the year in the eve of a new dawn, I am still awake. My fingers are still hitting the keyboard of my Strawberry's computer. Unstoppable, and still wired - I am slammed on my bed flashing back  life events from the past week. Only one thing I learned and it's constant. Never expect things to come along as you wish it should be. Life is really unfair. You give love and try to understand. But imperfections hurts. The more I am trying to be perfect, the more I was judged wrongly. Anyway, this is my battle, my fight. Like rocks over the hills on the verge of falling down, I won't give up. No storm or disaster can ever stopped Me. If I have to face my fight ALONE, I will!

People always see people as different from each other. But I couldn't understand why they tend to compare these two creatures at some certain points. I am just human.. made up of flesh and bones. I am strong and also I am weak. I don't feel resting, if its only means is to slowdown. I want to move on and face my fight.

"Hmmmm, do I sounds serious? Well, maybe, but this is because I am  being realistic. I hate being squared. I don't want to be so radical. I admit, I am not a sweet girl to everyone. Dad was the only man who found me sweet. and maybe  Strawberry, as sweet as what I called him. But sometimes, because of some  S**** , I became sour.

This is the second night I stayed up late. Well, what to do? I am not sleepy nor wanting to even lay down. I want to shout from the top of my lungs that World!!!!! please listen and understand ME!!!.. In my silence, shouts my soul. In my loneliness I found real Joy. Strawberry? He must be sleeping tight on his slumber. Soundly snoring with his pillow in between his legs. Ooops... well just a tiny revelation. Sshhhhhh......... I am just guessing as we are miles away. I hope he can read this blog although I know he will not find any interest clicking to my blogsite.

Its 12:18 in the morning and the rain just started to pour again. A good time to sleep. Yet I can't. I really don't feel resting.

Little Things Can Be Great Things; A Friend of Mine

I don't need to be perfect, nor to be like them. I have my own identity and my actions are not subject to be judged by anyone's own philosophy. I am a friend to those who wants to be friend Me.

You're just like one of them. Jolly, comical, cunning and many more. But what made me hang out in length was the way you speaks about 'Life". I apologized if I couldn't state your name nor give preference to who you are. Only true friends knew each other. Care for each other's welfare, laugh together and  understands each other's very well. To those who criticized our friendship, they must know this; what you hear is an opinion, and what you see is a perspective'. I am just a simple girl who always wants to be open to anyone. For after all, we are created equal.

In my moments of silence, I am recalling the past. Sad to remember that no matter how I am trying to be normal, people in some instances looked at me as a different one. Well, I am an earthling not  an alien. But somehow, I realized that maybe its better to be unknown, hideous and isolated for only then, I learn to respect my being, love my own identity and pays attention to what I really want. For those who are with me, I am with you!.

Lovingly yours,

CHELLE

Self Respect; Knowing myself well, rescued me from being a Pessimist.

Sometimes, it pays to be alone. Knowing myself well, rescued me from being a pessimist.

I jumped out of bed early Sunday morning. Awaken by the deafening sound of my alarm clock, I am ready to go for Sunday Mass after half an hour. "Rithelle ?, let's go" my boss calling me from outside my room door. We were out for almost two hours. Starting the day praising God and living with His words, is such a rejuvenating things to do. I was all set for the day!.

After wrapping up some stuffs, I head off to my regular Sunday part time job. Three hours was quite fast and its all done, Dropping by at the grocers nearby, I shopped for  some items to bring to my Dear. This was my regular routine, while other girls like me are enjoying and spending time with friends and acquaintances. This is my choice and I love doing it. After a short visit to someone and a yummy pizza for lunch, though

the lime juice tasted like salt water, I  was filled with satisfaction and joy.  I went to our School event- our photography exhibit. My love for arts and colors, brought me to developed an interest in Photography. I was so glad to be shortlisted . Learning that photography is not only taking photos and images, but the story behind each photographs speaks louder than anything.

It was a wonderful event and an enjoyable day for me as some friends - expected and unexpected ones came to give their supports. But there are times in our lives that no matter how we act to be normal and refined, people around us have some things to say, think and the worst are concluded just based on what they saw and what they heard maybe. Invasion of someone's' privacy is a Crime. Before you say something, find out the truth first. Isn't that's a simple and basic things to do?

I treasured my friendship. And trust is very meaningful to me. My actions are strong and my words are profound. Being outspoken in some manners to express myself is an innate nature of mine. I am not being harsh in my words nor showing sarcasms. I don't need to justify myself either. Self respect is the only thing I have. Kknowing myself well will save me from being a pessimist.

My eyes are swollen from sleepless nights, my heart is raging with anger. My soul is finding worth  for me not to give up. For after all these turmoil, Only Me and Me alone can tell WHO I AM. 

Rediscovering: A Journey Of My Soul

Like any  little girls, once I have an honest and simple dreams. Things that made me  happy and made other people happy. A dream that might have been lingering me. Don't underestimate the wisdom of a child within. 

     My name is Ritchelle, I am a Filipino foreign domestic worker in Singapore and I'm gonna tell you my story. I took the biggest decision of my life in 2009. I decided to leave my life in my home town Iloilo central part of the Philippines. I left the place leaving two little boys behind. My heart was longing for something else. Greener pastures, new faces, nature and silence. I moved to this place called Singapore. A small country of high rise buildings and sophisticated technology. A country known for its multi-rational culture where dreams were cultivated and made come true. So actually, it was like coming home.

The Marina Bay Sands Singapore displaying colours of royalty in mid June 

     When I first came here, I have no money and no friends. But I had a dream. I wanted to find a way to make a living so that I can send my boys to school and support their basic needs. It was a beautiful place that I felt I have a home in my heart. The first year in Singapore was just very challenging. I was longing for my children while adjusting to my new environment, homesickness and a constant worry about money and the everyday chores that awaits a full time sacrifice just to earn  a living.
At times when my limits are constantly tested. But during those times, I found my passion in life.

When times I tried to put myself on a stagnant environment and rediscover what makes me smile, I became like a scavenger looking for my paintbrush: and I paint.

     
     I started with photography, painting, writing blogs, and even go back school to study again. I started a little blog so that I can share some moments of my new life and express my love for nature in photos and some words.

When I feel hopeless, she is my only "HOPE"

     I also looked after a dog, Hope that became my best friend ever. Being so close to people and nature awakens something in me. I felt an urge to create and it became my biggest passion to continue creating and moving people with my arts.

    Its now been 9 years since I've worked, and still I am working in this place. From here I ran my own business. I spent my days doing household chores, helping my madam to teach her son with his school lessons, doing photography, painting and writing blogs and all the things my heart wants to expressed. And still my wish is give something beautiful to the world. Something that breaks through barriers and reaches the soul.

      These are the magical moments that I got to experience here. Images that tells about rediscovering myself, my passion, my struggles and my HOME.. I have learnt so much during these years. Most of all , that feeling being grateful in small things in life is the  key to the big things. The only way itself is to set limits of what is possible and not and to have patience, and never give up and never be afraid of losing your feet on the ground. 'Cos sometimes that could be the best things you could ever do.

Pencils and Brushes- "This is Me"

My pencils and brushes give me the strength to express my feelings and emotions when words are difficult to utter and actions are hard to do.

          My name is Ritchelle, 37 years old a domestic helper for 7 years in Singapore. Life being a maid is a constant struggle of homesickness and hardship for the sake of our family back home. Being a single mother, living your kids behind to find means to raise them and give them a better future is not easy. But over the years of battling life's journey, I slowly realized that my dreams for my children are coming true. I am not a brave fighter. Most of the times, I broke down and cried desperately for some problems in the family. I have several weaknesses. One day, I tried to find means to overcome that weakness, and started to do an experiment. I was in Engineering and Designs school in the Philippines before, and for so many years, I have forgotten how to draw and paint. Four years ago, I have an operation on my wrist. My pulse was affected due to a big cut that I got from an accident at work. I thought I couldn't paint anymore. I was so frustrated. Until one day, I said," the only solution to a problem is to face the problem itself.

I started buying colored pencils, paints, brushes and other drawing and painting materials out of the money I save from selling newspaper and other recycled materials at home. My first try after so long, wasn't that bad. I was amazed to see my artwork again. My heart suddenly leaped for joy whenever I grab my brushes and paints. There I realized that it was not too late to start anew. I learned a lesson of perseverance and determination. My dormant skills was once again finds its channel to flow and soon after, my world is as colorful as what I want it to be. Here is one of my favorite piece.

"This Is Me"- at the Spiral near Khatib Hospital Singapore. Aside from pencils and brushes, books are also my best friends. From young, I love to read. I remember that day when Dad scolded me and asked me to eat finished all the burnt part of the rice that I cooked because I was hooked in to my books and had forgotten the rice I am cooking. That was a lesson for me on that day, I hit two birds with one stone. I learnt to be aware of the things I am doing and developed a hobby that brings me to the love of blogging and writing.

My own interpretation of an Abstract Floral Mass Arrangement

This is me and this is how I appreciate the beauty of life beyond all the sufferings I have. Being optimistic to what life can offer us. I never limit myself in doing what is good for my self and overcoming the negativities in a positive and calm way.  For my boys, this is how I fight boredom, for my peers, this is how I express myself and for my God, this is the beauty of His creations; for this is ME.....

Gabriel - the 6 year old boy I am looking after. Because of my enthusiasm in drawings and paintings, this boy had developed a strong interest in arts. We love to draw and tell stories, we have so much fun everyday. I am glad that one day, my passion and hobby have been a legacy to Gabriel. He is truly amazing.

The Hidden Starboard - at first glance, who can tell that these are Canoes piled upside down? Yes they are. This photo was taken at United World College Campus during a workshop in Lensational Photography. This is me, a woman with piles and tons of something in mind that considered dormant. That dormancy is now slowly unleash and waiting to be seen.

The Joy of Her Duty is Love Beyond Compare - "HOME"

My Faith - an altar in my room, the first place I visited in the morning and the last one before I rested at night. Being away from home, in times of finding hope and spiritual guidance; my faith is my cornerstone.

The Bench - it might be a simple bench as what you can see, but for me, it's a silent witness for the many things that happen in the lives of a people around this area. A place to sit and relax after a long day of work. A comforting place that carries and ease every burden that makes ones life heavy.

Her smile was filled with so much joy and gladness; an aura that I couldn't imagine to see from a woman who dedicated her life to serve a family which is not her own.

   A few months ago, Aidha, an organization that helps empowering women, particularly  FDWs in Singapore held a free workshop in Photography sponsored by The Lensational Organisation. I was one of the privileged women who attended the workshop. It was amazing, interesting sessions. There I learned different techniques and functions of highly sophisticated cameras. One day, on an early morning  walk with my dog Hope, at the park across the road from my employer's house, I met an  Aunty Josie. She's on an early walk with her employer's grand daughter. She greeted me, "magandang umaga" in tagalog which means good morning. I am surprised to see her after a long years of her disappearance. The weather was calm and the sun was just about to rise and set its rays in the horizon, we both settle  in center area of the playground and began  a morning chat.. I took a stolen shot of her on the swing with the cute little girl she carried. Her face reflected a smile that was filled with so much joy and gladness; an aura that I couldn't imagine to see from a woman who dedicated her life to serve a family which is not her own. Her wrinkled skin, slender body and gray hair that once vibrant and young, are a superficial evidence of hard work and perseverance which she bore over 30 years.

Sometimes, I couldn't imagine myself to be like Aunty Josie. She had long forgotten her own self for the sake of loyalty to her employer. Her dedication to her duty being a domestic helper is outstanding. But before we parted , as my dog was impatiently barking  and dragging me home, I asked her why she is still working here. She answered, " This is my home and they are my family. As long as the government will allow me to work here, I will remains to be a maid. After all its a noble job. Singapore has Prime Ministers, Olympian, Social Workers, Professionals and many more. Most of them have maids and had participated in molding their values and characters. I am proud to be a maid, and happy to grow old as a maid." Her words are like a stigma that wrapped my heart and whole being with so much pride of being a Maid.

The Playground in Binchang Rise, Singapore. A sole witness of the moments of laughter, tears, friendship and disappointments of  most helpers here in Singapore. A place where we used to get together every afternoon to bring our "kids" our employers' children to play and mingle with other kids in the neighborhood. The place where I met Aunty Josie, a maid, a woman, and a noble person, who was proud of herself being a Helper for three decades. This is Singapore, this is our second "HOME".

I turned my self towards home with my dog walking along, and I looked back to that playground. The Aunty was still there and I told myself, "will I be able to see the same playground after 5 years?" Tears of Joy  trickled down my cheek as I realized how lucky I am to be given a chance to study in preparation for my retirement. I am proud to leave Singapore someday, for I know that in my journey back to Philippines, I had left a wonderful footprints behind.

My Faith is My Cornerstone



" Finding self worth by making a difference to some ones life"

     "Zao an", good morning in Mandarin was the first word I learnt before I came to Singapore.

    

     Year 2008, after my husband passed away, leaving our two boys Jayson and Gabriel with me, at a very young age, I am a widow. With only a suitcase to carry, we left our home in Batangas, southern part of Luzon about 300km away from Manila the capital of the Philippines. I returned to my hometown the Province of Iloilo in the Central part of the Philippines. We started a new life living with Mom and Dad. Everyday is a constant struggle of sleepless nights thinking how can I raise my children and give them a better future when I am alone? The only thing that was left to me was my "

"when times get tough and the world seems to be filled with dark clouds , my faith is my refuge"

faith. Prayers became my refuge. To overcome financial hardships, I applied for a job and eventually worked as a Sales Representative at Globe Telecom. I spent days at work by selling broadbands from house to house. It was a tough jobs when most of the times, I missed my lunch and almost got hit by a car on the road. Dad tried to stop me from working. But I said, "no, Dad my children needs me." One day, I was walking along the streets in Jaro, Iloilo City where I walked pass the Cathedral. It seems there was a force pulling me to enter one of the rooms along the main church. I went in and it was an Adoration Chapel. I kneeled down and broke down to cry. In front of the Blessed Sacrament, I released all my worries, my hardships and pains which  I bore for so many years of battling life's journey. For that couple hours, I was alone in the room. Suddenly , my phone rang. It was my manager. The voice desperately saying, "Where are you? Come to the office right now and hand me your resignation. You are fired!!" Instead of being worried, I was enlightened and I smiled. That day.. I lost my job.

     On the way to the jeepney stand, I saw que of ladies. I went to asked. They were queing for an interview to Singapore. The sign said, "URGENT HIRING - DH for Singapore". I joined the que and got interviewed that day.

     January 10,2009, the plane I boarded had touched down the tarmac. I am in Singapore. I told to my self, this will be my second home. It took 4 days after clearing all my working documents, my employer picked me up from the agency. On the way to home, she was giving me a head start to what will be my duties and whom I am gonna be with in the house. To my surprised  I found out that we shared the same Faith, the same belief. Initially I am not thinking about salary, treatment or freedom that I may get from working with them. My heart was overfilled with joy and gratefulness because I believe My God is with me.

     That very first day at work, I managed to call my Dad and my children. I am so glad to tell them that I wasn't been treated as a maid. I told them all the good things I experienced in working and how lovely the people around me. Dad was so happy. I did really find a second home. A year after, Dad passed away. Another challenging moments in my life. My employer got pregnant and because of her condition, she is reluctant to send me back for my Dad's funeral. I gave her my words, " I will never leave you especially this time when  I know you needed me the most", She hugged me and tears trickled down her cheeks.

Despite of so many ups and downs in life, I never gave up. My patience and determination was put to test several times. I always find ways to be inspired and get motivated. I rely on reading books, paintings and doing other useful things. I even write blogs as a channel to pour out emotions, feelings and ideas  which mostly I would like to share.

     My employer founds me enthusiastic in learning. One day she approached me if I want to study, after she saw an article in the news paper about Aidha and its good side on teaching OFWs about financial management. I joined Aidha in 2014. There I completely realized my dream. I fully understand myself being an individual an met a network of amazing women who became my mentors friends and inspirations in life.

our last day for Leadership Club

Women In White

Aidha"s former CEO- Ms. Karen Fernandez





     I am beginning to like the idea of learning or rather become conscious to it. As soon as I decided to confront a problem, I realized that I am more capable than I thought I was. That all my strength and knowledge comes from within and from the people whom I mingled each day. Aidha is an institution that not just teaching students about financial management and entrepreneurship, but most of all, she teaches us how to become a better person. The spirit of sharing, encouragement and empowering women from all walks of lives regardless their religions, nationalities and backgrounds. 

     For Dad, I am a daughter, for my kids, I am a mother, for my employer, I am a helper and a sister, for my friends, I am a comforter and a listener, for my business partner, I am a soulmate, for my fellow woman, I am an individual, a fighter and a believer that nothing is impossible if we believe in ourselves and always committed to do the right things for our future and never limit our capacity to explore useful ideas and make a difference to each and every women's lives.

     This story is attributed to Aidha to its strong commitment to uplift the lives of OFWs in Singapore. Thank you so much. 

Flower You May Take Rest , For She is Here

Flower, like you cared for me, as fragile as it was, I am cherished

In fields of blooms, I let go my sadness. I am a wandering soul finding rest. Do you really exist?

That's what I asked to my self one day. Never thought something like this to come again. You are unique. I believe in signs as just when I think I have learned the way to live, life changes and here you are.

Under the moonlight, I kept my promise. For life long, I kept awaiting for soon I know you will be back and again hear these words flows out from your lips like petals, blowing in the wind. Flower you may take rest, She is here. Yes indeed I am. I will be there .Your caring hands, your inspiring words, your laughter, your anger, your whole being.... now I consider my World.

Let me fly to there on the wings of hopes. Let me freed my soul like butterflies. The fear of falling wasn't even felt for I know you will catch me as willing as I am. No matter what life may bring, we are born to be and destined to create our own world of blooms of love and hopes that soon or sooner  will turns to be FOREVER.....