A message from MetroVan Independent News Co-Publisher Luisa Marshall
CANADA, OH CANADA! 26 beautiful but challenging years, and I still feel blessed to be living in this democratic country. I’m grateful for all the opportunities and I’m very proud to be Canadian.
I first came to Canada in 1989 as a Temporary Foreign Worker, painfully leaving behind my whole family and one year old daughter. I cried nightly being away from those I loved most but knew I had to stay strong so that I could support my family back home and give my baby daughter a better future.
I brought 8 members of my band from the Philippines to Canada and struggled with finding fair contracts as we travelled all over BC and Alberta. We were an all Filipino band that had to work extra hard to gain the respect of our Canadian audiences. But through years of hard work we were luckily accepted as one of the most sought after bands.
Travelling on the road for roughly 3 years, it was a challenge to live normally as we moved weekly from one town to the next playing music. At times when we couldn’t find work, we had no place to stay and not much food to eat because we were sending money back to our loved ones in the Philippines.
Lucky for us, we were blessed to have some fellow Canadian kababayans come to our rescue. In times of struggles, these fellow kababayans welcomed us into their homes and went out of their way to put a roof over our heads and food to eat.
After 4 years of uncertainty, and support from our Canadian friends, I, together with my two siblings, were able to secure our permanent residency status. Within years after that, I was able to sponsor my daughter, my mother and youngest brother to come to Canada. It was a dream come true.
Not one day goes by where I don’t think about the genuine kindness and hospitality that was given to me as I struggled to fight and make Canada my home. My Canadian kababayans gave me hope and gave me the life I have today. I am everyday grateful.
Today, I’m proud and blessed to say that I have a comfortable life and successful career surrounded by my wonderful family and friends here in Canada. Although I’m very much a Filipino at heart and spirit, I’m happy and honoured to also be Canadian.
To me, being Canadian means being a fighter for freedom, equality and peace. Being Canadian means standing up for what you believe in with dignity and integrity. Being Canadian means embracing diversity and being compassionate – giving hope to those who are in need.
To all the supporters of MetroVan Independent News and Simply The Best – The Luisa Marshall Show, you guys are awesome! To all my Luisa Marshall Band supporters and Tina Turner Tribute fans, you guys rock! Thank you all for being a part of my dream. I couldn’t have done it without your love and support.
As a proud Filipino-Canadian, I look forward in continuing to serve and give back to my community for many years to come. Mwah!
