From the Cordilleras to Corporate Canada: Charzie Castillo’s Story of Identity and Success

Celine Gabriel

Public Relations and Communications Expert, Charzie Castillo (Photo courtesy of the author)

Born in the Philippines and raised in Toronto after migrating with her parents at the age of two, Charzie Castillo carries her Ilocano and Igorot heritage with pride. But she admits it wasn’t always easy to feel that way. Growing up in a predominantly white school, she often wrestled with questions of identity. 

“I used to wonder, could I be lighter? Those thoughts came easily being immersed in a very Canadian culture — but looking back, it was probably just part of growing pains.”

Years later, at 25, she visited the Philippines and was surprised to feel a similar sense of otherness. 

“This time, I felt more Canadian. I couldn’t speak Filipino or Ilocano fluently with my relatives, and that made me feel a little out of place in a different way, although they were very loving and welcoming of me, of course.”

What once felt like a tug-of-war between cultures has since become her strength — a dual identity that allows her to navigate spaces with empathy, confidence, and pride. This strength she has taken with her to Corporate Canada where she has been working in the field of Public Relations and Communications, a career she has worked towards with focus and determination since she dropped out of an education in healthcare/psychology and decided to pursue a Bachelors in Public Relations instead.

This led her to work in a diverse range of companies from Agency, Sports, Dairy and now, Retail and Wellness. When asked what she loves about her work, she says:

“Everyday is different. Everyday poses a different challenge in such a dynamic industry. I get to work with different stakeholders and working in communications has given me the ability to speak with and approach anyone.”

She added that the wonderful thing about Canada is that here, success can mean so many different things. 

“I’m lucky I have supportive parents who didn’t really understand my career choice back then but still supported me anyway, and still do. My chosen career is not the usual one for Filipinos in Canada but they trusted me, and so far, they’ve never had to worry about me. They know that I’ll always be able to take care of myself. For me, it’s important to take advantage of what Canada has to offer and to work and succeed here so that the sacrifices from the people who brought me here will not be wasted. My parents never pressured me, but that’s my own utang na loob — which is a very Filipino trait to have.”

Though her parents never meddled with her career choice, one thing they did is to deeply instill in her a sense of Filipino pride. Both of her parents are very active in the community and Charzie herself played in basketball leagues, a sport that Filipinos notoriously love so much, which kept her surrounded by her culture all the time.

“Representation truly matters — I had the privilege to be around other Filipinos doing things that didn’t seem possible and now, that’s what I hope I can show others. You can do and become anything you want to be. You can be the one to open that door. When I’m in a room with other Filipino communications professionals, I think, wow that’s amazing!”

“I love my Filipino culture more and more as I get older. I love how my culture has shaped who I am, and what being Filipino has done for me. There’s an instant connection when you see a Filipino and you’re never really alone no matter where you are in the world.”