"49": A PathFinders competition in partnership with Xyza Cruz Bacani


By PANGYAO_Official on 26th Oct 2022
 Image
 Image
 Image
 Image
 Image

What is “49”?

As part of the #WorkingMomsHK campaign, PathFinders organised an image competition for Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) mothers and their children in their home countries.

 

Participants submitted images and stories about how they connected meaningfully with each other even when living apart. 49 images, most of them from the competition, will be exhibited in a virtual exhibition in November.

 

Visit the exhibition to discover the inspirational and moving stories of resilience, joy, longing, courage, creativity, commitment, and love!

 

Why “49”?

That’s the number of years MDWs have been working in the city to create brighter futures for their children – as well as the children in Hong Kong! How do I view the “49” exhibition?

 

PathFinders has the privilege of partnering with award-winning photographer Xyza Cruz Bacani for the “49” exhibition! Besides being renowned for her powerful images, especially of MDWs, Xyza is well acquainted with separation and is passionate for children and their MDW mothers to connect despite the distance. This is largely driven by her personal experience of growing up without her mother by her side.

 

Xyza will be curating the “49” exhibition together with PathFinders.

 

And the winners are...

Thank you for participating or spreading the word about the “49” image competition! Congratulations to our 10 winners. PathFinders will be in touch about redeeming your prizes!

 

Alinggar Alfat Akbar, Lymuell Joshua, Levi Martle Dae, Dennise Carol Aieseca Rosauro, Laurence Fuentes, Roselie Salomeo, Ramona Garcia, Marites Palma, Jovelyn Soriano, Defni Katimbang

 

A PathFinders competition in partnership with Xyza Cruz Bacani

“My mother Georgia hugs my youngest sister Sharila goodbye while my father Villamor comforts my niece Lexus. She is going back to Hong Kong after her short visit. Saying goodbye is a routine we have done countless times since my mother left for work in 1996 but the pain never ceases. I hope that mothers and their children can communicate better and be more connected” - Xyza Cruz Bacani

 

More information about the “49” exhibition can be found on PathFinders’ Facebook and

Instagram pages. PathFinders will also be running a special social media challenge on mental health this October, more details available via their Facebook page!

 

PathFinders is incredibly proud to showcase the 3 winning images and stories from children of migrant moms!

 

 

Lymuell Joshua (15 years old)

“My mom has time for us even when she is far away. She helps me with all my studies and teaches my little brother to read using video calls. Even when she is far away, I can feel that my mom loves me.”

 

 

Alinggar Alfat Akbar (10 years old)

“My name is Alinggar. 24th July 2015 was the last time I celebrated my birthday with Ibu (mom) before she went to work in Hong Kong.

 

I have been without my mother for 7 years. I know Ibu wants to be beside me to wish me a happy birthday. Hopefully next year Alinggar can eat birthday cake again with you, Ibu. Alinggar loves Ibu.”

 

 

Levi Martle Dae (21 years old)

“I am so happy to see my mama again after 3 years. Since we live by the beach, we enjoy the resources we have. I love my ma so much, she did everything for me, for my brighter future. That is why I am also doing my part as a child.

 

I can say that I am a responsible child, I follow her instructions for my own benefit. My mama is just one message away. She loves me dearly and I love her more. I am preparing myself for her golden years. I want her to be happy and enjoy her life to the fullest. I am very proud of my mama, watching her on Philippines’ television and reading her achievements on different media platforms in Hong Kong. I cannot ask for more from my mama. She is the best mama in the universe.

 

Enjoying our moments together like a child. I miss days like this. My mama left me when I was 11 months old, and now I am 21 years old. Though it’s been very difficult to grow up away from my mama, I am still blessed because of the guardians who look after me well. They love me so much.

 

My mama sacrificed herself. She became an overseas worker when she was 26, and now she is 47. I call her a legend. She doesn’t only look after me, but she also looks after her fellow migrant workers. This teaches me a lesson – no matter what our status in life is, even if we are poor, we can still help the ne edy with compassion, kindness, and love. This is what I learn from my mama.”