Ilocano domestic helper stars in MMFF

Sunday beauty queen Hazel Perdido

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff reporter

PAOAY, Ilocos Norte—A 33-year old single mom and domestic helper in Hong Kong who hails from this town has captured the hearts and admiration of Ilocanos here as her life story has been featured in a documentary film entitled, “Sunday Beauty Queen”, which is one of the entries in the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

A graduate of Computer Science at the Mariano Marcos State University, Hazel decided to apply as a domestic helper in Hong Kong in 2008 to sustain the needs of her three growing boys—Jaylord, 13, Daniel,12, and Genesis, 9.

Leaving behind her three boys to her 66-year old mom, Rosita at Brgy. Pambaran here to find her fortune abroad is one of the toughest decisions she had ever made. Fortunately, she landed a good employer who supported her when she was asked to join a beauty pageant in Honking.

Hong Kong’s annual search for ‘Sunday Beauty Queen’, exclusive for Pinay Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) inspired Director Baby Ruth Villarama to document the story of some Pinay OFWs, featuring their resilient beauty and personal struggles abroad.

“Having [been] chosen as one of the five OFWs whose life story was featured in the big screen is quite overwhelming,” said Hazel as it opened more opportunities for her to grow.

“I hope more families and children of OFWs will be able to watch the film. It’s a very touching movie as we share our struggles working 24-hour a day as all-around domestic helper,” said Ms. Perdido citing some of those who have seen the movie in Manila while having a theater tour recognized and praised them as a ‘real-life hero’.

For the first time after eight years working in Hong Kong, Ms. Perdido is delighted to have Christmas with her children in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.

“I’m so grateful for being featured in the film. I hope this would inspire more people specially the children of OFWs,” Ms. Perdido ended as she bared her plan to go on a “cross-country’ expedition once her contract with her Honking employer expires.

For his part, Paoay mayor Jessie Galano who met with Ms. Perdido during her stay in the province said the people of Paoay takes pride of her for giving honor to her hometown.

“As a native of this town, we congratulate her for her achievement and for giving honor to Paoay,” said Mr. Galano.

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