She learned to fry at six. The youngest of five, Liza Silagan Ombao (Candidate # 10) knew poverty at a very young age. Their father died when she was 4 years old and her mother, like many mothers in the past generations, including mine, did not finished elementary. The siblings, 2 girls and three boys, find a means to live. They cooked various delicacies like “puto” and “kalamay” to sell for their fare and allowances. Liza and her older sister will wake up at 4 AM, cooked their foods to sell and then they will come home to cook “Empanada” and sell them to school. That was her childhood sacrifices along with her siblings and their mom. Like many families, sometimes they don’t have foods at the table. But instead of losing hope, the whole family worked together to live life as much as they could and survive without leaving school.
Raised in Davao City, Liza had a penchant for singing at their school programs. Like every Filipino, we all had that kind of calling in the classroom to sing until we felt like fainting. But Liza chewed music like a peanut. She had a remarkable voice. In high school, she has already started singing with the band named “The Black Nazarene.” And she already became Champion in both Divisional and Regional levels representing their school. Liza was the band’s lead singer and the Band traveled to Japan, Taiwan and Australia to perform.
They were separated in their pursuit of education as some of the siblings became working students. All of them earned a degree. Liza earned a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Commerce Major in Business Management at the University of Mindanao.
Liza’s older sister, a teacher, is now in Australia. When Liza got married, she was off and on with her singing as she bears children. But then fate made other plans for her that brought her to Tai Wan. From there her path led her to Canada. She came to Canada in 2006. Liza admitted the difficulties of adjusting to new life in Canada. But like many, those who are smart in life knew where to go and who to lean on.
Fil-Core Support Group may have been one of those who embraced Liza and lessen the burdens attributed to working in Canada as a Caregiver. Joining Fil-Core’s Miss Caregiver Pageant is a manifestation of a hardcore loyalty and gratefulness.
Liza Silagan Ombao is Candidate # 10 as she walked gracefully on stage at St. Michael’s College School Centre for the Arts in Bathurst Street last July 16, 2016 along with nine other Candidates. The competition was fierce. But the audience took notice of Liza because of her singing at her talent portion. Her voice was packed with power and her delivery a trademark of professionalism.
The Judges were incredibly having difficulties in choosing the winner in each category. But when Liza (Candidate # 10) came out with her evening gown, the obviously colorful gown made of various color of plastics, the Judges hand her the Best in Creative Gown Award. The Judges also choose her the 1st Runner Up for Miss Caregiver 2016.
Liza quipped that she did it for three months in between her two jobs. She said she took guidance from a Fashion Designer in the Philippines named Roy Alcordo. Liza used a fishnet on the lower part and cacha cloth on top by using glue. The result was a classy creation that look like an expensive gown. It was elegant.
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