'Dream big in the middle of a pandemic'
A 27-year-old overseas Filipino worker (OFW) from Baguio City shares his story of hope in times of crisis and how he grew a business while under quarantine.
Carl Laurenz D. Wagang was already on his way to achieve his dreams, but due to the global pandemic, his world turned upside down.
Wagang, who graduated with a Degree in Hospitality Management from the University of the Cordilleras, started working in a cruise ship as a kitchen assistant in 2018. He had traveled to more than 100 countries in the course of his career.
He had two contracts with his previous employer and was able to come home before the pandemic broke out last year. He was supposed to go back onboard last April.
"The effect of this pandemic was a lot to take in, honestly. My savings plummeted and besides that, it took away my opportunity to continue exploring different places," he said.
Just like other OFWs, Wagang worked abroad hoping to provide a better life for his loved ones.
He said that his inspiration to work hard was his mother, who passed away due to cancer in December, 2014. "My mom was my strength because she inspired my love for cooking. I am the youngest of three children. It was soul-crushing to see the number one person who inspired you, who motivated you, who cheered for you, and most importantly loved you, leave so quickly," shared Wagang, who is now living with his siblings and his aunt.
Challenges
While Filipinos working abroad are oftentimes mistaken to be living an enjoyable life away from home, Wagang said they are still facing unequal treatment in the workplace and racial discrimination.
“To tell you honestly, I never knew the word discrimination until I felt it. It is real and it happens. It shouldn’t be shrugged off. Another is the right to be given an equal pay and opportunities working abroad. Here, I have seen how, we, Filipinos remain mum on issues like this."
When asked if working abroad was worth it even if it means being away from his family, Wagang said: “Aside from the salary which is higher talaga abroad and the chance to explore the world for free, yes, worth it naman, because at the end of the contract, uuwi pa din ako sa Pilipinas (I will still go home to the Philippines).”
“Ganun talaga, may homesickness, may sacrifices, pero walang mangyayari kung hindi tayo mag take ng chances, risks sa buhay. (It's really like that, there will be homesickness, sacrifices, but nothing will happen if we do not take chances, risks in life.) Always trust the process. I think as long as you have determination to have a great life, it will happen. And when you have a positive outlook in life, it will attract positive things as well," he added.
Wagang said he is more than willing to work abroad again once the pandemic ends.
Moving forward
Although the pandemic seemed to have clipped his wings, he said that it also made him begin something he can truly call his own.
Wagang decided to put up his own online bake shop called Madeline’s Cakes and Pastries, which he named after his mother.
“My experience as a chef has been solely on working on the hot and cold kitchen side and I always wanted to explore the side of baking and desserts. So I said, why not start baking?”
Wagang said he started from making Japanese soufflé pancakes, which he only sold for five pieces for P100. Now, he accepts made-to-order cakes and pastries.
Being a beginner in the business, Wagang said he keeps himself updated on trends, through research, and even asked his fellow chef friends for advice. “I just read my cookbooks, did some research... I was always asking for feedback so I’ll know what I need to work on and what I need to improve on.”
He also cited three factors why he decided to open a food business despite the pandemic and the fierce competition. "One, I needed income; two, food is essential; and three, despite all that has happened, I want to remind people that this is not the end.”
"Always let your dreams and aspirations in life be bigger than your fears and doubts," he added.
For every order, Wagang would also always put a thank you card along with some bible verses or short words of encouragement.
You may also check his page https://www.facebook.com/MotherMadelines/.