In just three years of working as a household service worker (HSW) in Saudi Arabia, Grace Veridiano was able to build a home for her family in Tanza, Cavite.
The 37-year-old OFW told The Filipino Times that they used to live in a small rental room in Manila. “Bago ako umalis sa Pinas, sabi ko sa sarili ko, hindi ako uuwi nang walang sariling bahay kasi nangungupahan kami,” she narrated.
With the help of her partner who manages their salaries well, her dream of having her own house became a reality.
She said that while her monthly salary goes to the construction expenses, her partner shoulders the rest of their family’s daily expenses. “Ako po kasi naka-focus lang (sa) pagpagawa ng bahay tapos ang husband ko yung mga gastusin at needs sa bahay namin,” she explained.
According to Grace, she could not have done it without her partner. A full-time security guard and father, Rogelio pays their monthly bills and ensures that Grace’s sacrifice would be fruitful.
It all boils down to family. Grace misses her mother and siblings in the Philippines but most of all, she misses her little girl, Glaiza. Grace confessed that is was difficult to leave her daughter knowing that raising her own child is something she should not miss out on.
“Nalulungkot ako kasi yung nag-iisa kong anak, di ko maalagaan dahil nandito ako sa malayo. Pero para rin naman sa kanya ginagawa ko,”
Before she flew to Dammam, Grace worked as a sales supervisor for a clothesline boutique in a popular mall chain in the Philippines but her 10 years’ experience did not do her much good.
“Wala man lang ako (n)apundar ni isa,” she regretted.
For now, Grace anchors her strength on the photo of her seven-year-old daughter posing in front of their house. Her partner regularly updates her on her kid’s progress in school and whenever they go to mall.
Grace was also surprised how pictures of her house inspired other Filipinos abroad who share the same dream as hers. She said: “Nang i-post ko yan, dami nag-PM sa akin. Dami na-inspire na mga OFW. Gusto din nila magkaroon ng sariling bahay.”
Grace advised to fellow OFWs to avoid buying on impulse and fulfill their dreams to have a place they can call their own.
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