“America will always be a beacon of light for the oppressed of the world.”

- William Denis Fugazy

For seven years, I relished every moment I spent at San Miguel Corporation. A sudden turn of events was no match for the joy I had while working there. My life was turned upside down by a tragedy that engulfed my whole world, and the next thing I knew, San Miguel was now my past.

It left a strong imprint in my young soul; the strength I carried from it as I fought for my life took me across halfway around the world with my spirit intact and my hopes bright for a new beginning. The next thing I knew I was in America – the richest country on earth. It is the third largest country next to Russia and Canada in terms of size, and the third largest country next to China and India in terms of population.

Considered the world’s most powerful nation, the USA is the extreme opposite of the Philippines in terms of economy marked by rapid advances in technology, low unemployment and steady growth.

You would think this would be great! From the Philippines to the richest country – why would I complain? After all, I have dreamt of going to America and seeing the Statue of Liberty. It was the most prominent figure I have in my head about this country. I also grew up watching movies of Robert Redford and listening to singers like Barbra Streisand. But, the circumstances under which I was forced to leave no one but me could heal. My heart was heavy leaving my beloved native land, a happy successful career at San Miguel, and most important my two children. But, coming to America I must say was one of the richest journeys of my life. It was through this new frontier I found courage, hope and dream to start all over again for the sake of my children's future.

My new world was also a freedom-loving country with rich opportunities and a promise of equal opportunity regardless of race, gender, nationality, and even religion. And just like other Filipinos ahead of me, it's up to me to seize every opportunity life has to offer in my new world.

(Read the book and learn more about Filipinos in America...)

Welcome to my new frontier, the United States of America!