A Guiding Light: Greener Pastures in the Great White North

In this series, three Filipino families share their stories with the Philippine Canadian Inquirer about moving from the Pearl of the Orient Seas and living in the Great White North.

The Gabay Family (left to right) – Micah, James, Joy, Gabe, and Jean.

We Filipinos are most famous for being hospitable and for our insanely close family ties.

This is why many Filipinos grab the opportunity to provide a better future for their spouse and kids, and sometimes even their extended family, the moment it knocks on the door. And when it comes to providing a better future, Canada is one of the top choices for Filipino families.

In this series, three Filipino families share their stories with the Philippine Canadian Inquirer about moving from the Pearl of the Orient Seas and living in the Great White North.

“Gabay” is the Filipino word for “guide,” which is exactly what Micah Gabay’s parents James and Joy Gabay did in 2008. In an effort to keep the family together and yet continue to provide well, Micah’s parents contemplated on moving to Canada for good.

They celebrated their fifth year in Winnipeg, Manitoba on August 10th. Spending the last five years in the Great White North opened Micah’s eyes to so many things that she was not used to in the Philippines.

“I like how this country is very diverse. Here, volunteering is very common. Sometimes, that’s what employers look for when they hire workers. There are also a lot of job opportunities for hard workers. And even if you’re just earning the minimum wage, it’s usually enough for you to get by. And of course, bacon!”

As a health care aide, Micah is mandated by law to pay her taxes, but like most Canadian taxpayers — she doesn’t mind.

“I like the fact that you know where your taxes go. We get great health care services, and you’ll see that the government is using the people’s money for our benefit… We also get employment insurance.

They also have programs to help newcomers and those who couldn’t afford to go to school so they can get a job. For me, personally, and for my siblings Gabe and Jean, we can easily avail of study grants and loans when we need it.”

While many Filipinos will attest to Canada’s great opportunities and smoked meat products, there are still some things that Micah is yet to warm up to.

“Here in Canada, they don’t really care too much if you earned a degree or you accomplished a lot of things in another country. I know people who graduated with degrees with a lot of work experience abroad, but they have to study here again for them to practice their profession. Also, since it’s very easy to find a job here, oh man, people just want to work all the time. Busy lifestyle.”

Such great opportunities, sadly, are not yet widely available in the Philippines, but Micah and her family still wants to come back to the Philippines to visit. Perhaps, someday when they visit, the Philippines will have learned something from the Canadian government, starting with how the taxes paid by Canadians are used for Canadians. Micah also pointed out one very important thing about the Canadian government.

“I’ve noticed, here in Canada, politics and show business are two different things.”