I always try to live life with a smile on my face. It sounds simple but it really makes a difference. I love spending time with my family, especially my children. The small moments together mean so much. Even just cooking together, which is what I used to do with my mother. These simple experiences are what I cherish because we were not always able to have those.
Life was a real struggle for me growing up in the Philippines. My parents tried their best but I had eight siblings so it wasn't easy. We would have enough food for one meal a day if we were lucky. In 2006, I moved to England in search of a better life, but sadly it wasn't the fresh start I'd hoped for. I was trapped in an unhealthy and abusive marriage for a very long time. I thought about leaving many times but couldn't. I faced further difficulty when I was made redundant during the pandemic. After 11 years I finally managed to escape with my children, leaving me without a job or a home. Thankfully, I was connected with a refuge who took us in during our time of need. I cannot thank them enough for their support.
Now I'm connected with Beam I want to use this opportunity to move into a career I'm passionate about. My dream is to work in a hotel or restaurant kitchen preparing all types of food. But with most kitchens closed during this period, I am going to work as a carer until they open again.
In two years time, I want to have finished my studying and refined my culinary skills. Ideally, I'll have a permanent position at a kitchen and be working my way up the ladder. Mary Berry and Nigella - watch out! Fingers crossed during this time I would have saved up enough money so my children and I can have a long-overdue trip back home to visit our family.