We Surprise Our Former Helpers In Philippines And Indonesia | Finding Auntie - Marathon

11. >> So, how does it feel that we are going to see Auntie Zen tomorrow? >> I can't believe this is happening. I hope she'll remember us. >> I'm very excited. Are you excited? >> I don't know. In her head, she look at me. Y'all come all the way here for what is the that's the fear. Okay. I'm I'm very excited to see her cuz it's been like 20 something years really. I'm a bit insecure that because the last time Zen saw me and I saw Zen, I was 7 years old. So presumably in her head, she may not have a lot of memories of me or have memories of quality conversations with me. So Nikki is the backup plan. >> I mean his insurance >> also. This is our first uh sibling trip. >> Will we survive? So this is 665 Jaland Dami. This is my childhood home. If I'm not wrong, this is the longest home I ever stayed in growing up. So growing up, my parents both ran a business together. And my parents used to travel a lot overseas. Almost every month, they would have one trip or two trips. So when I was about threeish, Auntie Zen was hired to take care of my sisters and I. She was in her late 30s. She's from the Philippines. Auntie Zen was with us for about 5 years. It was just me at home with Auntie Zen most of the time. So this is the playground where I spent a lot of my childhood in. Um, Auntie Zen would bring me here. Auntie Zen was what I would consider my first friend. She gave me a lot of time to play and she played with me and she let me expand my imagination. I will look out the window a lot cuz I wanted to be a bird and she will play along and tell me why you want to be a bird. What does a bird see when a bird's over there? I think because of that I've become very imaginative. Auntie Zen used to bring me to the mini m a lot. So I later learned that all this time she spent her own money to buy me snacks. This is the mason level and behind this wall, if I'm not wrong, is my um actual bedroom. There was one time when I came back from school and I saw in the middle of where the stairs is, auntie Zen was just sitting there. She was clutching a letter in hand and she was like wailing. It was a sound I've never heard before. It was only that night that I realized from my parents that there was a letter telling her that her father, the person taking care of her three children back home in Philippines, had passed away. I think within a week she was packing her bag already and I remember my parents told me auntie Zan's going home today. I was devastated. Um I think I cried for the next two to three days. >> So do you all have any memories of Auntie Zen? I feel like I was very young during that time. >> Yeah, she's very kind. I remember I got my period for the first time. I was like in pain. Then when I got out of bed and going down the stairs, right, she shouted damn loud like, "Oh my god, Nikki is a woman." She's excited about these little milestones. Okay. So, who do you think was Auntie Zen's favorite? Because I really think it's me. >> I think it's you or me. >> I think you're completely out. >> So, when you all asked me, right, I thought it was genuinely me because I feel like quite close to her. >> Yeah. So, Daddy, do you remember right last time you used to joke that John need to smell a armpit before he sleeps? >> Yeah. This this is a joke because this was too sticky. >> So, it's just a joke, right? You never actually smell. >> No, we never do that. The only thing is because he every time like to cling on auntie Zen. >> But that's why you think you're the favorite. >> I I think I spend 90% of my time with her. >> This for this >> last time when we have family dinners, right? Does Auntie Zen join us? >> Always. >> Is it you always? >> Yes. Initially when I say come Zen eat together and she was very reluctant and she will say no mom it's okay I'll eat later. No. Then I'll say, "No, get yourself a plate of rice, sit down and eat together." So she was very happy. I think she felt like we are we really treat her like a family. >> During one of our family dinners, we were talking about auntie Zen and then so when I said I know auntie's full name is Zenida or I I mean I was I was there when she write her letters to her son. So I knew her full name from there. So John suddenly like had a light bulb moment. He was like if you know her full name, why haven't we tried to look for her? I thought nobody knows her name. Mom also don't have her agency documents anymore. I wrote the name and she was the first entry. I decided to drop Auntie Zen a Facebook message and then it went cold cuz Auntie Zen never did open the message. So then after that, I started messaging people with her last name. The first person that replied was Auntie Zen's cousin and then Auntie Zen's daughter. She said, "I know that you are the one my mom took care of in Singapore because she used to tell stories about you and Nikki all the time." Then I sent her like three crying emojis. So, now that I know she remembers me, I'm super interested to know if she will recognize me after 27 years. So, right now, I feel like it's really not a bad idea to actually fly there and surprise her. I'm sid 69 years old. I have three children. One is 10 years old and 9 years old and then 4 years old. Old boys. Last time I earned $250 a month. I sent all the money because I want to buy my children TV, clothes, food, and then go to school. Mom, Susan have three children. Nikki, Allison, and Jonathan. My favorite is Jonathan. I always miss Jonathan. >> We finally arrived at the Raga. >> They have like one of the most famous active volcano, >> Mayon volcano. How much does Auntie Zen know right now? >> The production team has informed Auntie Sen that we are doing an interview with her to talk about her past experience working in Singapore. >> You think she believes so far? >> Yeah, I think so. >> Finally here. I want to show you something. >> So today we find ourselves at a very special place. >> Do you recognize this? Where is this? >> Special place. >> Never been here before. >> Look for someone very very special to us. I think outside. Is that her? How long does that end? >> I'm so scared you forget me. >> No, I never forget you. I never forget you because I open your nose, your eyes. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> I remember you. I'm so happy you remember me. >> I remember also because you this one I take the >> this one. >> Oh my god. >> Because you put in my bag. This one you always smell you. I have another one. I still have. >> So this is my smelly pillow. The moment I saw this, I recognized it immediately. My maternal grandmother made for me. And I couldn't sleep without this one. According to her, I I put it in her back. >> Oh, this is crazy. No wonder my nose. >> I was a little bit disappointed because when I look at her, I knew there was no recognition. When we went into the house, then she started asking me about Nikki. And then I said, "I'm Nikki. You already >> Oh my god. >> How many years now? >> 26. 26 years. Really? >> We on and off always talk about you. So, everybody really miss you a lot. So, we didn't forget you >> at all. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> I I I talked about you every year. I think >> after you left, we all cried for days. She ride to me and then Auntie Sen go back in Singapore. >> The letters she wrote came to this house. >> Yes. >> So why didn't you come back? >> Because my father died and then my brother died also and my son my sister never take care. >> You have to take care of your children. >> Yeah. >> Last time when you work in Singapore, >> you send money back. >> Yeah. And then >> for my children. >> Did the children manage to save the money? >> No, because they go to school, eat the food, can and then buy clothes. >> So when you when you have to come back, >> no more. >> There was no more. >> No more money because my father die, my brother die. I have all the money. No more >> on the funeral. So >> and then I wash the clothes other house. >> You wash the neighbor's clothes? >> Yeah. I was and then I cook only the glutenous rice with coconut and sell the outside and then the typhoon destroyed the house and then two times also. >> Oh my god. >> This one, this lot here, this one the old house here destroy >> here used to be your house. Ah, this one >> when the typhoon came and blew the house down, >> then y'all rebuilt. >> Yeah, >> she's one my granddaughter. What's her name? Kendall. >> Hi, Kendall. >> Hi, Kendall. >> This is my husband. Oh, hi. >> Can touch the rooster? >> Yes. Can touch. >> You really can. Really can. >> What do you do with the chicken? If uh chicken so cheaper, I I cook. And if the chicken expensive, I save. >> Oh, it's Oh my gosh. >> Oh my gosh. It's so big. >> So, how long have you had her? >> One year now. >> Huh? >> One year. >> This is 1 years old. >> Oh, yeah. >> This pig is 1 years old. >> Oh, yeah. This one is pregnant. Oh, >> this one is my friend told me to take care this and then the piglet half >> you get half. >> Wow. So what happens to the baby when the baby come out? >> If the baby 3 months can sell. >> How many piglets will usually? >> Sometimes 12 or 14. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> This is the kitchen. >> Yeah. All this roof it rain always drop down. >> Yeah. Last time my husband worked in Ginobatan >> and then this one he give the people to change the >> because the typhoon destroy all this. >> So destroy all the then the husband's workplace gave him more sheets to move. So this is a new one already. I think the actual surreal moments was the way she reacted when she saw us. You could see in her eyes and her reaction that this was truly special for her. >> It was very very nice to know that she remembers us and to see her again. That moment was really very precious. >> Tomorrow we're going to come in the morning then we cook together and we help you sell. Okay. >> Okay. Goodness. >> I love you. >> I love you too. I think I'm looking forward to tomorrow to spend more time with her to also do a bit of more things that she does on a day-to-day basis to spend a day in her shoes a bit. >> Yeah. >> Today we're going to go and make rice cakes and then we're going to sell it together. I'm make sapin. Sapin. Sapin. Sapin. What does sapin mean? I don't know. Because layer layer. >> Oh. >> What are we making now? >> I'm making maruya. >> Maria. Is it like goring pisang? You remember goring pisang from? >> Yes. This is called maruya. Say it. >> Maruya. >> Maruya. >> Maruya. >> Maruya. >> So this is what we made. It's a three layer cake. This is called sapin sappi. And the banana is called marua. Right now it's 1:00 p.m. We are packing up the food that we made this morning to go and sell in the neighborhood. When did you start making this to sell here? Yeah, >> I sell it 4 years ago. I always sell this one for school. >> How long is the walk to the school? >> 15 minutes. >> Now we sell it here. >> Sell there outside also >> to the neighbors. Why you change? >> Because of my leg thing. >> Do you know them? Everybody? >> Yes. >> Do you have regulars? Yeah. >> One is uh 15 pesos. >> No, 10 pesos. >> But I make what? >> Where's my cut? >> So 10 pesos for you, 5 pesos for me. Yeah. >> Expensive. >> Which is the first house? >> He's right there. Why? Why am I nervous? >> He he he's a nice man. >> Yeah, >> he won't call me. >> Hi. Do you want to buy? >> Hello. >> We are selling Uh, sapin. Sapin. >> Yeah. >> And maruya. >> So, she's buying five. >> Five. >> Okay. Five. What? >> Five. >> Banana pieces. >> Okay. Okay. >> Of the banana. >> One, two, three, four. >> One more. >> All right. >> Five. Yay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> How many? >> Five. >> Okay. >> Thank you. I will give the money shopping. >> Three. Okay. >> Too warm. >> Hi. You want enough food? >> Yeah. >> 10 pesos >> each. >> I sit down first. >> It was very heartbreaking because I think 20 minutes in when we saw that her leg was hurting already. But she don't want to tell us, right? She don't want us to worry. >> Yeah. Uh so I mean it worries me if one day her legs um are not as strong anymore when she can't even walk slowly. How will she make an income? >> Where do you buy the medicine for your leg? >> I make the airb only. >> You make your own medicine? >> Yes. >> Your own plant? >> Yes. >> Here. >> How you know this is medicine? >> Last time my mother I saw her take and then I always here. Yeah. Take the here. I put a little bit salt and then I phone. >> Then I put here. >> Okay. And it helps every night. It helps. >> Yeah. >> I feel better. Then the moist take out. >> Oh, that's why there's the saw really to draw the moisture out. >> Have you seen a doctor for this one? >> No, I have no money to see a doctor. So today is our last day with Auntie Zen. >> She's going to bring us out around the town area and show us her favorite place. >> Wow. >> This one is a Mayon volcano. Many people here come and see them. Yeah. >> Very nice. Today is too cloudy, right? Yeah, it don't have a cloudy. I see the volcano. Yeah. >> Wow. Look, >> you can see the smoke. >> My mom got pack a present for you. My mother is very sad. She never come. >> This is from mom. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Whoa. >> You open. She wrote a note for you. >> Wow. Oh, >> the family. >> Oh, this is the picture that I show you. >> Alison and your mom made the same face. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> My mom wrote you a note. >> My mom wants to say hi. I miss you. >> I miss you all. >> I love you too also. Mom, >> are you happy to see John and Nikki? >> Yes, I see them. This one all my son and daughter. Thank you. >> Edison cannot make it, right? >> We call everybody. We see who is free. >> Hi everyone. Meet Auntie Zen. Oh, >> this is my wife Katrina. >> This is Ellison. >> How are you? Good. >> The whole family is crying. >> Are you doing okay? >> Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. >> The photo there. >> Do you like the photo? >> Yes, I like her photo. I'm very happy. Thank you all. Thank you. Thank you. >> I mean, I want I want to say the surprise went as I expected, but just a lot more intense than I expected. >> Yeah. Emotional a lot. >> I think for a relationship like this to transcend more than two decades, almost three decades, right? She must have been an amazing person to begin with, she must have really enjoyed her time with our family. This is the photos we took today. You okay? Okay. >> Okay. >> The last three days just make me realize how beautiful is that we mean as much to her as she meant to us. That this was not just a job for her. And it has helped me realize what a big journey she actually made to come to Singapore in 1993. And the sacrifice for her because she was leaving three of her young children behind. I'm so glad that we got this chance to see you. Really? >> I'm very glad you're well. You still have children that is living with you and take care of you. I'm so happy you never forget me. >> Yeah. >> And you keep the pillow case. >> Yes. I always keep the And then the picture. >> Um I think for me it like filled in the gaps. Like I had questions why didn't she come back? I just remember her to be a very important person in my life. So I think that gave me a little bit of closure also to know that it's not that we are not important to her. It's just that her family needed her more than we did. We know how to reach her. She knows how to reach us. And because of that, I know we'll meet again. This is Auntie Amy. This is me. Auntie Amy took care of me ever since I was born. Over the course of 16 years, she taught me how to read, encouraged me to save my allowance and listened to my teenage wos about boys. I haven't seen her since she went back to the Philippines in 2010. And I think a reunion is long overdue. Auntie Amy came to work for our family in 1986, 2 years before I was born. So she was like a big sister to me because when she came she was actually still a teenager. We used to play together all the time back then. Auntie Amy and I used to share a room. So our favorite thing to do at night was actually to catch uh this Hong Kong TV series called My Date with a Vampire. The time slot was 10:30 at night. I'm supposed to be in bed. We would put the volume to the lowest and then we would really camp in in front of the TV to watch the whole show for an hour. I was 10 years old. That was the year that I scored 39 upon 100 for my math test. I told me why daddy cannot know that we are watching TV. If not, we will both be scored very badly. Auntie used to peel the grapes for me and cut them into fours and then she'll put it in a bowl and basically serve it to me. It's such a hassle to actually skin the grapes. So a for effort auntie Amy. She treated me I feel like a princess. She did everything for me. Can you believe it? So I was actually 10 years old when I found out that grapes had skin. Actually, come to think of it, Auntie Mi was quite controlling. She didn't like me to have soft drinks. She didn't really like me to eat sweets. And my parents would let Auntie Amy have the final say for everything when it came to me because she was around me almost 24/7 and she knew what I did, what I ate. So, in a way, Auntie Amy was more like a mother to me than my own mother. My mom actually shuffled back and forth between Beijing and Singapore. When I was about five, she was mostly based in Beijing. You know, when I was younger, I used to be very angry with you. Whenever you had to go away, then I always feel like, oh, you don't spend enough time with me. >> But now you understand, right? When you were complaining, you were crying here. Mommy was crying over at the other side. But of course, I didn't tell you. You know, it was always very difficult because you were crying. Well, my husband and I had complete trust in Amy taking care of uh Charlene because we saw her, you know, the way she handled her taught her, you know, ethics, uh taught her how to read. >> Auntie was very uh particular about my inunciations. I I'm not I'm not sure what her education level is, but when she read is obviously she's she's educated. That's why we thought you know uh she actually set very uh good examples for her. >> I remember when I was in kindergarten I would go to school come back and then she would line up all the soft toys for me and then I had a chalkboard and then I had to reiterate whatever that I learned to my soft toys. So my my mom told me that auntie Amy was actually the first person who uh carried me >> when I was a baby. I think my husband was in Indonesia. So I drove myself to the hospital. Amy went to stay with me the very night. Charlene was born Cesareian. So when the nurse brought the baby in for us to see, Amy was the first one to carry the baby, not me. No. So I guess you know there was this very strong bonding. I bring shorts, jeans. Oh, and then I bought her favorite Milo packet. She loves Toberon. Do you know that there are many flavors of Toberon? After I finished secondary school, I actually went to Melbourne to study. H that was in 2005. Auntie Amy really loved kids, so she left to take care of another family with three kids because I I wasn't around. So, she basically didn't have that much to do anymore. Honestly, I did feel a bit betrayed because I just assumed that she would be with our family for ever cuz she was like family to me. Wow. Okay. Auntie Amy left Singapore for good in 2010. I didn't even know that she left. She contacted me one day on Facebook and she told me that, "Oh, she's back in Philippines." And then I was like, "Huh?" Uh, I was a bit shocked because I didn't get to say goodbye. I'm making this trip to her hometown in Tarla. It's going to be a surprise. I've never been there. I don't know what to expect. I've only um seen pictures on Google Maps. It's been 15 years since I've last seen her. And I would really love to see her again to give her a hug. Yeah. And I want her to give me a hug also. Yeah. So to get to Talak, we're flying from Soho to Clark. And then from Clark, we're going to drive about an hour to Tarlak City. And from Talak City, we're going to travel to Hunting's Village. I hope she recognizes me immediately. Not there'll be a pocket silence. Finally going to see her after 15 years. We started out in Halak City and we've been driving for about 25 to 30 minutes. Auntie Amy thinks that she is on a documentary featuring domestic workers in Singapore. >> My name is Emilita Abraham. My boss called me Amy. Oh my god. I think we're here. This box is actually called the Balik Bang box. When I was younger, Auntie Amy used to send this balik bang boxes back to Philippines for family. Auntie Amy would actually fill up the box with things like Milo packets, uh, non-p perishables and clothes, bags, shoes. So, I used to be very excited to be able to climb in and help her pack the box from within. So, I prepared a surprise for Auntie Amy. I'm going to be in this box. I work in Singapore when I was 19 years old. This is the first baby I take care of. She's just like my daughter. >> Okay, I can fit inside. Okay, I think it's sturdy enough. So, my plan is halfway through the interview, this box will appear and then I will pop out of it and say soalong basically means uh a gift from afar. So, today I am the pasaluong. Shalin sometimes will send me a box from Singapore and she will put letters her old clothing some food. She asked me what do I want from Singapore. Then she will buy for us. We have something for you actually since we are talking about boxes. Okay. Maybe we can go over there. So because Charlene knew that we were coming to film you, so she sent some extra things for the wrong. Why you look at me like that? You don't recognize, are you? surprise. But I'm here. >> I finally get to touch her face again. It feels the same. Like her cheeks feel the same as how I used to remember. >> She's definitely aged, so I can still tell that she's the same person, but she looks more weathered. >> Miss you. I miss you. >> I miss you also. How How many years we did not see each other? >> 15. >> You get married, they did not see. They put you in a box. Can you breathe or not? >> Of course, I can breathe. But oh, you know. Darling, this is our living room. The CD player is there and the TV but not working. What struck me was probably the size. I always imagined that village houses were a bit bigger. This is our bedroom. Hey, the mingling bang box. What? What is it doing here? >> Our cabinet. Can I open >> again? When I saw the balik bang box cabinet outside, I was thinking that, oh, they are quite um innovative to make it into a cupboard, but also I think I would want to buy her a cupboard so that she can properly store her things. Oh, I see the things that I put inside the balik bayang box. >> Yes, that's all from you. >> This is my husband. Hello, Randy. >> Hello, mom. >> Don't call me ma'am. >> So, how long have you all stayed here? >> We've been here until uh since we married. >> When was that? >> June 10, 2010. >> How do you guys afford to build this house? >> When I was working in Taiwan, I see money. When you worked in Singapore, did you save money? >> I did save some money, but I lent to friends, but she did not return. >> Are you going to get the money back? >> No, I not. >> She's very fierce. Just a money you can earn. >> We sell vegetable and harvest vegetable and uh within two weeks we harvest two times. >> So where is your vegetable f? Very >> far just what 15 minutes. >> Why don't you wear farming clothes? I will bring you there tomorrow. >> You want me to farm? >> I want to see you. >> Just see. >> I just want to see. >> Yeah. >> Okay. I'm going farming with Auntie Amy today. I've never farmed before and I hope I don't kill her plants. of vegetables. Are you ready to farm? Uh, yes. No. But okay. >> The journey walking here is not very near her house, so she has to tread through through a forest. It took quite a while to come here. Auntie Amy told me that every other day she would have to take that path at 5:00 a.m. when it's dark and she has to walk from her house to the farm. So, I think it's quite a tough job. So this is your whole farm? >> Yeah. >> So this whole plot of farm only you and Wendy take care of it. >> Yeah. >> Oh, >> the two of us. >> No one helps you. >> No, >> you twist it. >> I twist it. >> Yeah. >> Just anyhow twist. >> Oh, okay. Quite easy. Wow. Before in Singapore, Sharon will help me with the house work like sweeping the floor and wash the clothes. She do a good job. >> No. Now Shin help me with the farming. I don't think she will do a good job. She doesn't know how to plop or twist it. >> You know, you spoil it already. Sorry. >> Answer. When you were younger, did you ever think that you'll be working on a farm? >> No. >> What do you want to work as? >> I want to be a midwife. That's why I went to Singapore to work so that I can earn some money to use for my study. So then how come you didn't continue studying >> after you were born? >> I didn't leave you. >> A what do you miss most about Singapore? >> Looking after you. >> I'm so big. >> Yeah. I still want to look after you. But you don't want me anymore. >> I never don't want you. You left it. You left. You left for Australia. So I left. You leave me alone at home. >> Why do you decide to leave Singapore? I want to stop working and get married. >> So when you came back, you wanted to have your own family. >> That's right. When I came back, I was 40 years old. It's difficult to to have kids. >> This one can when I see what Auntie Mi is doing now, I feel that, oh, maybe she should have stayed with us for longer. I don't know. Or maybe if she had come back earlier and she had started a family, maybe she would have a kid to help her out now. Yeah. So feel a bit uh heartache I guess. Yeah. This is what they harvested today. How much do you sell this for? >> 60 pesos per kilo. Someone will come and pick it up and they will sell it to the market. >> So this is enough to sell. >> No, not enough. So we just cook it. He will start the fire. >> Where do you get the wood from? From the trees. My heart is going. How often do you eat this? So I smell it. Is it too much? A bit too much. It was my first time cooking a good fire. So I didn't know that it would be so stinging on the eyes even to cook. She needs to go through quite a lot of trouble. And so now you cook quite often with it. more often. >> Yeah, because last time in Singapore you don't cook, remember? Yeah. Ta. >> Not bad. >> Very nice. Very nice. All your ingredients, not mine. >> I'm very surprised that Sharon eat my vegetables. >> Why? Why are you surprised? >> Because last time you don't eat vegetables >> almost 20 years ago. >> Yeah, >> that was the last time I ate your food. >> Now I eat the food that you grow. Are you happy with your life now? I'm happy with my husband, but hope things will get better someday. So, when I asked Auntie Mi what she usually does here, she said she doesn't really go out. I wanted to bring her out. So, today we're going to the market and it's my treat. When I saw that Auntie Amy's house had a kulong kulong, I was very excited. It looks very cute when Auntie Amy and Wendy are on the bike. He's riding and she's there. It feels very romantic. Look. H how to choose? Okay, you just choose the not right one. >> The white one. >> Not ripe yet. >> Not ripe yet. >> Yeah, because it easily easily ripe >> by tomorrow then cannot use anymore. Oh, okay. Wait, wait, wait. Market. Okay, enough. Auntie Amy's spending habits is the same as before. She is very stringent on whatever money goes out of her hand. She makes sure that what she buys is enough. She doesn't overspend. What chicken? >> No, I don't want chicken. >> Why you don't want to eat chicken? >> Okay. You want to buy noodles or anything? That's enough. It feels a bit um heartache, I think, or like frustrating because I really pull her that, oh, yeah, I'm paying. But sometimes I think she doesn't know how to treat herself very well, but also I think she really wants to save cuz she wants a better life. Okay. Okay, we going waterproof. Yeah, waterproof. Yeah. >> Do you remember last time in Singapore, you always forced me to save half of my pocket money? >> Yeah. I was very frustrated cuz I always cannot buy anything big. I only can buy small small things. But if it's for your own good. >> Yes. So now I also save a lot. Save money. Save money. >> Do you want to buy anything else? >> No. No. I want to eat Filipino food. Can you bring me? >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Nice one. >> Nice. It's like toyam soup. Leon finally eat. >> They were very sweet. What are your plans for for the future? >> Maybe we can build a a small store in our house in our neighborhood. Just like that. Provision shop. >> Oh, a small provision shop. >> Yeah. >> So, how much money can you save now every month? >> No, I cannot save money because the money I uh earning right now. >> She will teach you how to save like how she taught me how to save. >> From now on, I teach. >> Okay. >> Good luck to you. Yeah. >> I look so naughty last time. So I have two mothers. Both love me unconditionally. One of them is in Singapore. Another one is very far away in the Philippines in Herona Talak. I want to thank you for being my mother when mommy was not around. I want to thank you for taking care of me so well. >> Aunt will always love you. >> Me too. I will always love you. And you must also love yourself. >> Because Auntie Amy is so far away, it does make caring for her a little bit more difficult. I feel bad that she doesn't have kids. Yeah. Cuz I know that she really loves kids. Yeah. And then I feel like, oh, she spend too much of her youth taking care of me. Yeah. >> It is worth, darling. Yeah. I I did not regret at all. >> I am very happy that she said that. I feel quite touched that she uh thinks of me as her kid. I think Auntie Amy and I would continue to be a part of each other's life because we would definitely make the effort to see each other. Thank you for coming to see me. Thank you for finding Amy. >> This is actually the first time I'm not traveling with my parents, so it's a bit stressful. Take care. Remember, put the man into the pack. Give her a big cup. I think she needs it. >> All right, we are now going to Indonesia. I'm quite excited to be able to surprise Auntie Fit, but also a bit nervous. Yeah, cuz the plane ride itself 2 hours, but we have a car ride that's 4 hours. So that's one of my concerns. I'm on a medication to overcome my motion sickness. Hopefully it won't be too bad. But yeah, I mean it's all for Auntie Fif. So Auntie Fif joined us before me and my sister we were born. >> Happy birthday to auntie. Happy birthday to you. >> Yay. >> I think the most important part about what she did was to spend time with us. >> I do miss her. She was always the one person I could talk to. Yeah. Especially when I was having breakfast. When I was in primary school, um I would always sit down here and um my dad will be sleeping and my mom will be sending my sister to school. My auntie will always come and she'll like accompany me. So, she'll like to talk to me about all sorts of things. Maybe a new toy, new movie, what's going on in school, how am I doing? I really appreciated those moments. Nowadays, I had breakfast alone. It doesn't feel the same. >> Yeah. This is you, a little peanut. This was when we first celebrated Auntie Pifit's birthday and you were less than a year old. When I first saw her, there was a good feeling from the start. She always um always looked out for them. In terms of disciplining, we both felt the same way that it was important for a child to be raised with manners with proper discipline. >> You want milk? >> Remember he used to teach you how to call down for milk? >> He taught you how to do the intercom. How do you call auntie fif for milk? Daddy, >> she used to teach you your manners also. >> What must you say? >> Okay. >> I think there are many times where when I will tell her, we can say it's okay. They can stay up late and she will no mom cannot. No, they must sleep. No, mom, they they need to do this. No, mom. They need to have proper food and things like that. I can always trust her to always have their best interest at heart. >> When I was younger, when we go traveling, then uh my parents um go for dinner. Then they'll leave me, my sister and my auntie in the room. We'll also put on the TV. Then we'll just watch and we'll laugh together. Sometimes we even play games also just until maybe we get tired for fall asleep. I don't know how it worked, but we bonded so well. when she joined me, she was no more than than 20, I think. And they would always play together. She was with him 24/7. His meal schedule, she was with him. It was almost like they grew up together. I went to work at Singapore 2008 because I want to know the outside world and I want to know the the different culture. I study English for 2 months. Then finally I fly to Singapore. It's very hard for me to leave my family. It's because it's like it's my first time live apart from my family. But when I come to mom at wina family is very happy because they don't treat me like they treating me like family then I also tell my family that I'm happy here don't worry about me and me is like sibling because I love to play with him then he also love play with me and grad is a best friend forever I miss them so much that I cannot say anything when I say that I will start Yeah, it's very hard for me to leave them. It's like my own family. So, yeah, I'm sorry. They always cry when I Yeah, I don't want to go home. Actually, it's more my family ask me, you already old enough, you should go home and get married. So, for me, then I start thinking, okay, I already been 10 years in here. So, I decide to go home. But it's not what I want. Actually, Vivian was there for quite a few other milestones in my life. The first time I was able to walk when I first learned how to swim when I was K1 kindergarten, I picked up WoU either WoU competitions or my swimming test. She'll always be there to support me. Yeah. Because I think she wanted to watch me prevail through that milestone. I thought it was very interesting how I had an auntie that encouraged me on and I think that's what the most important thing that's what led me to continue to want to try something new. I started learning to dance when I was about 13 years old about 4 years after left. When I first saw dance, I was a bit scared to tackle it because of the amount of hard work and the amount of skill or the amount of talent that I thought it would take. But I think at that moment, I remember undefeated and that the fact that she wanted me to try new things. I didn't really expect it to be something that I would love as much as I loved it. Today and Pipet knows that I'm dancing, but I don't think she's seen anything that I've really done yet. So, I I really want to show Andy Pit of what my efforts have done and how much they've paid off over the past 4 years. I've decided to go to Indonesia to give her a surprise visit and hopefully she'll like my dance. So, I have made it to Indonesia with the production crew. Yay. Yep. So, from Indonesia Suraya, we're taking a 4-hour drive to Jambar City, which is a city that is closer to auntie's village. I get to visit my auntie who I haven't seen in six years. That's amazing. So, when we get to Jabber City, it might be a little bit too late to go and surprise her. So, we'll go ahead and do that tomorrow. I was very worried I was going to be carick, but thank goodness I took the medicine. So, we are finally on the way to Auntie Fit's house and I'm going to deliver her a box of medicine and snacks that we all bought for her. >> This is the house. >> The red color. >> Yeah. Okay. So, do you still keep Graden's photos? >> Yes, I do. This one. This one. >> My mom will be calling her. That's the time that I'm going to get going. >> Somebody's calling me. Somebody's calling me. Hi. >> Hi, Mom. Hello. Everything okay? >> Yeah, everything's okay. late. But then I wanted to just tell you I already sending some m over so you look out for the delivery. >> Yeah. >> I got it delivered to your place. >> Okay. >> Okay. Okay. Okay. Bye. >> Bye. >> Bye. Bye. >> Someone is at the I think someone is at the door. You want to check I'm your delivery man. I have all your snacks and medicine inside. I wish you always came all the way here just to see you. >> So here a present from all of us. >> Thank you so much. Really? >> Yeah, of course. >> I miss you so much. You know you I miss you so big already. Are you happy to see me? >> Yeah, I'm very happy. But I I'm I'm in shock now. But you look so different now. You are so big. But >> I mean I must grow up 6 years or so. >> I know. >> You want to say house? Of course. It's a big Okay. >> No, no, no, no. Please. So, were you born in this house? >> Yes, I born here. But last time the house is not like that. >> This what auntie Fifi earned from working with mommy. Renovate become nicer. Last time it's not like that. >> So, who are you staying with now? My mother, my father, my husband, and my son, and my elder brother. >> Oh, that's nice. >> You remember this? Where are we? >> Oh, I think Wait. Okay. Wait. Oh, Bangkok. >> Yes. >> Oh, actually, I got one more thing to show you. >> Oh, no. >> Oh, not this one. >> You see this? >> Is your photos there? >> I was like 4 years old, right? >> Yeah. I'm You see your cute cute baby face still there? Now you got handsome friends. >> I remember it. I remember it. >> Let's go around. You see this? You won't see this in Singapore, right? >> This where I was we store the water. This where Auntie Fif's mommy go around like working selling vegetable in the morning. >> Oh, >> this where Ali used to bake our cookies. You remember selling her cookies, right? >> This is my father. >> Hello. Nice to meet you. >> Hello. This one is my mother. >> Hello. This Auntie Fifi uh husband >> and there's Ro. >> You want to see Auntie Fif's cow? >> Oh, you have a cow? >> Yes, of course. >> You want to feed her? This is the baby's cow is 2 month old. The one around 3 years old. You put it here little bit. So, you put it here. Are you scared? >> A bit. >> She's so big. It's a she or a he? >> Yeah, she just de this one. It is one around two month for me. >> So cute. Do you use the milk? No. >> No. No. This one is not milk one. >> Oh, >> this one is more about like breeding is it? >> Oh, >> breeding. It's more after g then we sell it. We give it again, sell again. Those kind >> This one is you get from where? >> So you work on the land. We grow corn. Then we use the leaf to feed the cow. >> Oh for >> I've been wanting to see her for the past six years. I'm very curious about the way that she live her life. I see. >> I'm looking forward to the next few days that I'm going to be able to spend with her. >> I see you tomorrow. >> I miss you. Yeah. Well, she will get to be here. >> Olivia. Hello. >> Hello. >> Yeah. >> I make breakfast for you. Fried rice and fried chicken. >> Oh, it looks so good. >> Do you miss my food? >> Yes. >> How is it? >> M. I love this one right now. >> You remember you like tomato ketchup, right? >> Oh, they so good. >> Really? I recreate it, but my sauces is not really the same as Singapore. But I try as much as I can. Yeah. >> Remember last time you used to say me like during my first time? >> I know. After you left, no one no one eating already. >> Stoping my little boy. Last time I always keep you company then just what you eat, right? >> Yeah. >> But are you okay? >> Yeah, I'm okay. I'm here with you now. >> Okay. >> So, where are we going now? >> We are going to the farm. Actually, you have to carry this for me later. You want to help, right? This one's the herbicide for the grass. >> Sure. >> Okay. So, you we have to put some that one the maximum for the grass. We we mix with water. We put it here and we spray them. Ooh. Okay. Let's go. I got two of my lamb that I bought when I work in Singapore. I earned then I bought and the other one I rented. So I got three place. The tree place I plant corn all of them. Every season our change every two month we change the plant. In one year we can plant four times. So all these plants like all these vegetable this is like how you all earn money also. >> Yes. Every day we rely on this all the farming. >> So this is like your main source of income. >> Yes. >> Are you okay to try? >> Okay. >> Please be careful. >> So you have to pump this and spray this there. When you see the grass, you can spray on it. Yeah. How you find it? Is it heavy to pump? >> Yeah, a bit. It's a lot actually. It's a bit tiring, but it's a bit fun. >> It's very tiring for us also. It's not only you. >> I can imagine you do this almost every day. >> Yeah. >> So tiring. >> So why do you learn to do this? >> I learn it from my husband. Actually, you know, right until I'm back from Singapore, >> I don't know all of this. >> We are looking for the cow's feet. We use this leaf to feed the cow. Then the cone we sell it to get money. >> So there's like no waste of it. >> Yes. The down part you have to pull it like that. Like that and like that. >> Can I try? >> Yeah, sure. Okay. Oh, >> I think we can rest. >> Okay. >> We can put it down. Okay. I will help you. Thank you. I got it. >> Is it heavy for you? >> Oh, nice. Okay. My normal school bags are heavier than that. >> Really? Yeah. >> Do you think I've grown up a lot like over the time that you see me? >> Of course. You know, last time you were so little that was like >> Yeah. >> Now it's not. It's more like teenagers that Yeah. >> So you grow a lot then. But you are still migrating. >> It was a bit hot, but she kept on checking on me just like how she always did last time when I was young. Yeah. She's always so even a big boy to me. Still I look for him like a little boy. Love you. So, one of the main reasons about why I came to Indonesia to see Auntie Fifi was because of how I wanted to show her how much I've changed over the past few years. Now I'm going to be practicing my dance. So the dance is meant to be a surprise for it tomorrow. And hopefully she'll like the second surprise that we have for her. I got cake order tomorrow. We are making a traditional Indonesian cake. Call it pukis. We do the pandan cookies. >> Oh, pandan cookies. Oh, pan. I love pandan. >> Oh, >> okay. >> So, this is like what you normally make for people. I know you have a cake business. Then you sell to the people in your neighborhood? >> Yes, my neighborhood and friends. Yeah, I sell many types. But this best seller, let's say. >> Oh, okay. So, how do you learn to make all this? >> I learn all of this from the YouTube. So I'm very curious and you know like I love to try new thing, right? >> So that's what I learned and where I start my business and earn some money from that. >> You want to try one? >> Yeah, sure. >> Okay, you can have it. >> Is it yummy? >> Is it yummy? >> It's so good. >> We pack the cake and we are done for the day. So, this is a sound system that was made by Auntie Fifi's husband. Yeah, it's really cool. It blast music so loud. So, I'm going to be using this in my performance when I'm going to surprise auntie my dance. Auntie Fit. >> Yes. >> So, I've actually prepared something for you. You just sit over here. >> Okay, let's go. You're so cool. So good. It's very good feeling. It's so surprising. >> So I prepare this surprise for you is because over the past 3 4 years I learned to try dance because you inspire me to try new things. >> I'm so impressed also. Really? >> Yeah. I wanted to show show you how much that you've made an impact in my life. It's all because of you. >> Thank you baby. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> I love you. >> Why happy here? I'm happy because I'm staying with my family. I'm not happy about the, you know, I got financial issues right now. >> Do you think what you're doing now like farming or baking is enough for you? >> No, not really. Yeah. So, what I usually do is I got to live really simple life. I harvest only 3 months one time. So, whatever we we earn have to last for 3 month. Even though I live in the tough life right now, I can only tell you please don't give up. Whatever you want, you try hard. If I give up, I will run away from from here. I don't want my husband. I don't want the family. I just run to Singapore to get better life. I can earn more there. No, but I love my family too. >> Yeah. >> I'm not the type of person like easily to give up. >> You always support you no matter where you are. >> Yeah, I know. I got the peanut cookies and this brownies and this uh called traditional Indonesian is made from glutenous rice flour. I think mommy will like this. And I got the sprinkles one for you. Oh, okay. >> Okay. Please give this to mommy. I'm going to miss you guys. Thank you so much for coming again. I'm really going to miss you so much. >> Okay, I think I have to let you go. We call you again. Okay. Where's your shoes? Can I wear it for you for the last time? My little boy. >> I love you. >> I love you, too. >> Bye-bye. >> Stay safe. Okay. I always miss you. >> I'll miss you, too. >> Bye. >> Bye. I love you. >> I love you, too. It was very sad to leave her after 3 days. Honestly, really didn't think I would get that emotional when I left. But it felt very sad, I think, because I knew at that moment I won't be able to see her after that for a very long time. I think my biggest realization for the entire trip is definitely the fact that I live with it really does care on me a lot. I do realize that she does love me almost like exactly as my parents do and I feel that it is quite hard to find someone else that loves you almost just as much as your parents. I'm just very grateful for that. >> So this is Lily. She's pretty much like a big sister that I never had. Lily is very outgoing. She will like talk to us all the time. She's also like a one-stop solution. We would go to her for almost everything. When I was a kid, I would fight with her and call my mom and complain about her. Things changed after I got a bit older. Sometimes when my parents are still not home yet, when you see Auntie Lily sitting there, it sort of gave me the assurance that there's still someone home. That's when I feel that I start to rely on her a lot. I'm trying to replicate Lily's iconic instant noodle. This is the dish that Lily always cooked for all of our family gatherings. And none of us can do it. I don't know why. Maybe she has some magic. I think the noodle is a bit too soft. The yolk is completely hot, but beggars come with juices. My relationship with Lily is like instant load. I didn't feel anything special about her. Not until she left. I guess we just always take for granted the simple things in life, such as companion. We have about five helpers. The third one, which is Lily, uh she's been with us for the longest time ever. She came in 1999. I was five. I was a very bad kid. I I fight with her a lot. I would pull her hair. I would throw things at her. I did make her cry a few times. But as I get older, then I learn to appreciate her more. Without fail, we will celebrate her birthday every year. I would say in this family, I'm the closest to Lily. On and off. She went back to take care of family and then she came back again. So there's gaps in between, but she's been with us for at least 15 years. The last separation was 2021. Her mom had dementia, so she decided to go back to take care of her mom. >> Everyone at home gets along very well with Dilly, especially I have a very big family. >> Normally, she will cook for us. >> I miss Lily cook the fine hyper fish. >> I miss her pasta. >> I miss Lily copio. I miss Lily's fried hockey meat. Lily is very important to us. She can handle every single things in my house. >> Some of our helpers once they are done with their work, they will go into their room and hide. Lily is always seen in the living room and then there's a lot of engagement with her and then so from there I think we created a bond. >> Yeah, my dogs are actually very attached to Lily. They would follow her everywhere she go, especially when we go to the kitchen. When Lily went back, my black dog was actually sitting by the door the whole night just waiting for her to see if she'll come back. >> Whenever there's distance, people won't be as close as before. But I try my best to check in on her at least once a month. >> Sit down. >> I will always share very random things with her. Maybe like pictures on videos of my dogs to let her know that, you know, we didn't forget you. Till today, Ly's WhatsApp profile picture is still the pictures of my two dogs. So, it's very nice to see that she still didn't forget us. >> I like very much the dog. I also miss all the family talk. I can't express how I miss them. I have one employer only in Singapore. They treat me like a member of the family. I keep returning the them because I if I go to the other employer later they not treat me like the same as my old employer. Singapore is change changing me so much because last time I don't know how to look after children slowly slowly to learn how to look after them. I teach on like my son my own son. Sometimes I feel regret leaving Singapore because I cannot go back there to work. The reason why I stay for good here is my mother because she have a dementia. Now she passed away already. This is my life now. I'm living alone together with the dogs. She first left in 2003. The only way we can communicate is through letters and sending Christmas cards and all that. The second time she left, she got Facebook already. So that's how we connected. I really thought that she would come back when she last left because it kind of feels like a pattern. You know, she leaves, then she'll come back and then she'll leave again. But this time it's really different. She's never coming back. So I was thinking, why not I go look for her? >> So I was looking through my calendar. I was like, "Wait, October is Lily's birthday. I'm going to Philippines to give Lily a surprise. It's going to be so much more meaningful. Her mom just passed away and she's going to be celebrating her birthday alone." So, I actually got Le's address from her cousin. She gave me the address. It's called Myaga Iloilo. It's not like a specific block you need or anything. Even Google Maps, they don't they don't bring you to like the street view because it's I think it's so udu. And she told me that if it rains then good luck. It's going to be very hard for vehicles to go into the town and all that. You have to walk because I've never been to like this kind of kong areas. So I think it's very challenging. It's 6:00 a.m. right now and I just landed in Manila. I'm going to catch my transit flight to Iloilo in a few hours. I'm finally in Iloilo. Right now, I have to get to Miyagal. And the thing is they don't have a direct transport to to Miagal. So, I have to change a few different modes of transport. It's a little bit complicated, but let's see. Yay! I've done many things in my life, but this is the first. Looks like it's going to rain. Please don't rain. Do you know how to get to Mia? Oh, okay. Oh my god. Oh my god. This is F1. I just hope that I get to Miyaga safe and sound. Woo! We are finally in Miaga. I left my house at about 11 p.m. So, it's been about 13 hours of traveling. Auntie Lily lives in Miyagawa, but it's a place called Oa, which is still a distance. Hi, sir. Do you know how to get to Oa Oa Oi? >> Go >> that way. I think the uncle is bringing us >> Oh, that one. >> Thank you. Is this the jney to go into? >> Oh my gosh, it's so full. >> Is it safe? >> So, the car is too full. I have to go to the next one. This one, right? >> Yeah. >> Oh my gosh. Luckily, this is much better. So, I met this really nice lady and she actually spoke to another driver to see if they can squeeze in another trip for me. How many jibneys in a day to Ooi? >> Three. >> Three only. >> Three only. >> Every day. >> This is the only mode of transport to get to OA. So, if you miss this one, you have to wait hours for it. My travel time has been close to about 14 hours. And I'm still not there yet. I kind of put myself in her shoe. I finally know how tiring it is for her just to get to the airport to go to Singapore to work. >> We are crossing the river. >> Yes. >> The car is going into the river. >> Yes. >> I don't think any other vehicles can like go through this road except a jeep. >> Oh my god, guys. We are driving through the river. So now I know why when it floods they there's no way that any vehicle can get out. It's a bumpy ride. Oh, they have to go through this every day like Oh yeah. Oi. I'm finally here. The crew told Lily that um they're doing a documentary about domestic helpers that worked in Singapore for the past years. >> Hi. >> So, right now they're just interviewing her. >> But actually, it's about a surprise that's going to come. Yes. >> Take one. >> Uh my name is Little P for Gray. Uh, I'm 54 tomorrow. >> I'm having butterflies. I just hope that she's really surprised. >> Do you remember the Singaporean family? >> Who do you miss the most? >> All the family there. >> Also the cousin, all the relatives of my >> Who do you miss the most? Hi. >> Hi. >> This is the first time I actually saw her really just cry out loud. >> We We took a very long journey to come here. How are you? >> Fine. >> Why you never tell me? >> It's a surprise. That's why we don't tell you. I cannot express. >> It's just very nice to see that, you know, everyone's so emotional and just very happy. >> I miss them a lot. >> And we are here. We made it. Yay. >> Let's do a house tour. Hey, my >> This was my painting. Everyone said that this sunflower looks like a 5-year-old drawing. So I actually didn't want it. The time I wanted to throw, right? I wanted to throw >> I bring back. >> You put into the box. Yeah. >> Then I put inside the box and bring here. >> Hey Lily, this one is our curtain, right? >> Yeah. The time is the the curtain in the living room. >> Number one housekeeper in the world. It's very nice to see like some of the old gifts that we gave to her and then it's still sitting at the house. >> I keep this stock for the memories so that I never forget them. So tonight I can stay here, right? >> Okay. Here. Here. >> This one. This room. >> Yeah. You open. >> To me. She looks exactly the same like how she was 3 years ago. She's still as giving as ever. >> Right now. We are just going to walk around her neighborhood. >> Okay. Hello. That one is my cousin. Say hello. One of my relatives also. >> Oh, this one is our relative. >> How big is the family tree? It feels like you know there's a lot of occasion, a lot of parties. >> Go and take a look. >> Ah, treasurer. >> She's the one uh raising the money for the projects. >> Wow. Very important. Very important. >> Yes. when uh she was in Singapore uh that pandemic that time we asked some help and they send us money then we buy a cloth uh face mask. >> Oh, it's to help the the hospital and all that and also the town basically. Do you help the town? I think that you guys really have the village spirit. >> So what's in front there? >> The river. >> Oh, river raining time. very difficult here because if they have a flood, no car cannot cross the river. Only people can cross the bridge. >> Why you still want to like stay around here? >> We grow up here and no matter what happen, I will stay here. >> I mean, I can only remember as a kid, Auntie Lily is always putting our needs first and then putting her own needs behind. I mean based on what I've seen the whole day I think this is the wish is being brought up and I also feel that it's because of the location that they are at. It's a very secluded uh village. They are actually very easily impacted by natural disaster which is why they are always so united. Everyone here is looking out for her which I feel a lot more rest assured. So I feel that it's the right time for me to you know give back and to surprise her this time. Maybe come up with a simple party for her and everyone can join. I want to ask if tomorrow I can uh do a birthday party here for Auntie Lin. Yes. So maybe I need a few people to help me to decorate the whole stage area there. Can we eat dinner? >> Give me you. You You're not eating. >> You eat. >> I eat first. >> Yeah. >> The day The day I try to cook again. M >> my own. It's really different from the one that I tried to make. >> My first night with Auntie Lily ends with a simple dinner. >> It's little things like this in life that, you know, we take for granted. And even though it's just a simple dinner, it's heartwarming enough. >> This is actually my first uh Kong experience. I've always wanted to try. My sleep was okay. I actually woke up at 5 because the rooster at the ceiling just couldn't stop calling out. There's actually no hot water here. When you shower, you use the fresh water from the mountains, the waterfalls, and also in the kitchen, they use the wood. And then you know they have to really burn the wood. >> Good morning. >> Good morning. >> From yesterday till today she's been sharing with me about her lifestyle. >> I want to teach you how to cook the banana tun. >> Banana turun. >> Yeah. >> So is this one of your favorite dish? >> Yes. Then we cut into four and then we make this one. So the sugar. >> So the whole thing just put inside the Oh, okay. Okay. Quite easy one. >> Easy one. >> Amma told me that you can cook everything that she know. Everything she taught you. So the you know the the red wine, chicken, the pineapple fish. She say all this you know how to cook really >> cuz teach me one how to make. So I I learned from Ama. So now nobody passed down this recipe to all the younger ones already. >> Yeah, nobody know. >> I'm actually a kitchen hazard. I I' I've never fried anything in my life. Can't really >> feel like that. >> Okay. >> You do better. M. It's really good. >> It really tastes like going pizza, but a different type of crust. >> Cheers. >> Ever since your mom passed away, you live alone. >> Yeah. >> So, you used to it. >> I feel like nobody care for me. Like something like that one. Then slowly slowly I I can move on now. >> So do you share all this feelings and thoughts with your sisters or your relatives? >> I I never share for them how I feel I >> but why not? >> I don't want to burden for them. >> Do you have like something that you want to achieve but you cannot? Last time I my dreams it become I have a family but working working you forget my dear one you thinking about the the family I support them then I forget myself >> but now it's not too late what >> God give me your family I never regret to work for your family in my whole life >> we are also very very grateful and thankful that to have you. >> I was thinking we put it here. >> The front. >> The front. Yeah. My family is we are always celebrating each other's birthday and Auntie Lily is always the one that's helping us to put up all the decorations and not a surprise. So now it's my turn to actually do it for her. We're just going to make this place as vibrant as as happy as cheerful as possible cuz I know Auntie Lily relies a lot on all the people in the village. So I want them to, you know, be united and just basically have fun, you know. I'm done with the birthday setup cuz I think I'm gone for a bit too long. I don't want her to suspect anything. Okay, so now's the time. Let's go. Lily, take out your specs. Okay, we are going to go somewhere. >> Okay, >> I go where? >> We're going on a trip. We are almost there. >> Okay. What's this? >> Ready? Okay. Take out a blindfold. >> One, two, THREE. >> Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday. Happy birthday. >> Yeah, cuz you always do our birthday, right? in in Singapore. So now I use the same proper. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> I'm very very happy. I very speechless. >> I was a bit skeptical to do this um show in the beginning because you know I just didn't know if you know if you come here and just say hi to her for like 2 days 2 3 days and then after that you know you just leave and then like you know it's just going to leave her feeling empty again. But after seeing how it's like here and how her friends are, how her relatives are and how close they are and how they are always looking out for each other, I kind of feel relieved that, you know, I don't really have to worry so much. I think she's in good hands. >> Three. >> So, I've been here for 3 days and today will be the day that, you know, I'm going back to Singapore. >> Got you a farewell gift. >> Open it. I draw this for you and your mom. >> Wow. >> Nice. Right. >> Thank you so much. >> My mother. >> And then this one I saw just now. I don't know what kind of thing there. >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yeah. I thought you say you won't cry. >> You're very emotional again. >> You want to go back with me? >> You put me inside the luggage. >> Okay. Then you check in. >> I check in you. >> Yeah. Then we you collect me in Singapore already. >> Bye-bye. Thank you. >> The whole village come and send us off. >> Thank you. Thank you everyone. Thank you. >> Take good care of Auntie Lily. Take good care of each other. Okay. You take care. Okay. >> Take care. >> Okay. Bye-bye. >> Bye-bye. >> Bye-bye. It's always me saying goodbye to Auntie Lily, but this is the first time that uh she sent me off. So, it's a different feeling. I just feel that Auntie Lily has never left. You know, even though we are miles apart, she will always be in my heart. >> Auntie Melon, >> very delicious. >> The first thing you think of when you think of Auntie Melon is her food. She was just an excellent cook. She could cook anything. We have a WhatsApp group that's called Meling Cooking Fan Club, which is a group of family friends who used to come over every two weeks and it was always something that Auntie Melon would have cooked. That's still the name of the chat group. Even though Auntie Melan is not here to cook for us anymore. >> Auntie Melon came to live with us in 2001. Auntie Melon was in her 40s when she came to work with us. So she was uh our helper from the time I was about 5 years old to the time I was 26. So she lived with us, cooked for us, cleaned for us, took care of my sister >> and me, >> raised us basically. She's been living with us for pretty much my whole life. >> It's auntie Mel. >> Fine. >> So she had come to Singapore when she was about 26 and then she wor with one family. It's because I knew one of the children that she looked after as a grown-up and that's how I got the recommendation for Melanie. We got a helper because both my parents were working at the time and they just needed someone to be in the house with me to make sure I was fed and taken care of just to look after me while they were away. >> My father, he's a gynecologist. He used to work really long hours and my mom who's a theater actress had rehearsals and they both just were out of the house most of the day. >> Said, "Okay, we'll just have to do the Singapore thing and get a helper." I didn't get a helper to raise my child though. And I also didn't want to feel that my children were brought up by somebody else. But they she did bring up my children, right? Because at home when I'm not there, she's there and always no problem. Actually, I I have no idea how you saw her or what you saw her as. I only remember what my mom has told me, which is that she came to the house and said, "Hi, I'm I'm Auntie Malin. I'm here to stay with you." >> And immediately Rachel said, "Where are you going to sleep? Can I sleep with you tonight? >> It just goes to show how warm and welcoming she always was. You can't help but like her. She always has a smile on her face. She's always laughing. She's always just so warm, I think, is the best word to describe her. She was just such a natural part of my life. It never crossed my mind to think that one day she would go home. I stay there for about 37 years. I stay longer in Singapore than in the Philippines. Before I walk to Singapore, I'm a manicurist in Manila. I think about 1979. I heard from the radio that they are hiring a domestic helper to Singapore. I decided to go to Singapore because of my parents. I have a dream that I want to give them a good life. My mother is selling seafood. My father is a colleague in town there. So I always see my father carrying the passengers bag. If you want to earn more money, you have to go overseas. So I told them, never mind. I'm a domestic helper there as long as I earn a dollar. So in February of 2022, she was 62 already and we all kind of felt that she was tired and she was just ready to go home and live her own life after being with us for so long. I want to visit her because I miss her. It's been about 2 years and I think every day kind of expect to see her downstairs still. eventually. >> Okay. So, do you think Auntie Man is going to cry when she sees you? >> I think you will cry. >> I will have tears in my eyes, but I don't think I'm going to suck, but it will. I'm sure I will. I mean, it's just How can you not cry after not seeing? Well, it's my first time visiting the Philippines and uh funnily enough, I didn't get to see any of Manila because we transferred directly to Calibro. So, I really didn't realize how far away Auntie Melon lives from Manila or from Singapore. You know, it's taken us two flights to get here, and we're still not even actually there yet. Tomorrow, we have to take a boat over to her village. It took us about 8 hours to get from Singapore to Kalibbo. And now we're finally on the last leg to Auntie Melon's house. We're taking a boat. So Auntie, she knows that the filming crew is coming to interview her for a documentary on domestic workers who've retired, but she doesn't know that I'm coming. The water is very slow, you know. This one I just see people cooking like in the hoka center. Quao all this meoring cooking and then it's standard and then look at them. Then I learn already. I know what is the ingredient already. >> Delivery is there. >> Yes. How are you? You look so >> You surprised me. >> I miss you. never change that also never change >> and never expect her you know >> I'm very happy to see that you're okay >> I'm also happy for so many years I'm just sitting there look at my picture before I sleep I see my handphone I yeah I said the more you look at the picture the more you miss them >> anyway I brought you some things from Singapore so this is your old games that you like to play later. >> Do you remember you used to do this word search? >> Yes. >> Do you remember? >> You think I am the >> That's not why. >> Thank you so much. >> Yeah. So, what do you do now? Auntie >> first came back and go and renovate this house. Then after that, I make a pig. My pige no more ready because of the what is that? A swine >> swine flu. >> Flu. Then I go and make a store. It was quite surreal to see Auntie Melon again after about 2 and a half years. We immediately jumped into Have you eaten? Come, let me cook for you. It was almost as if nothing had changed. >> Auntie Melon opened a sar sorry sari store when she came back to the Philippines. She said that she would show it to me and I'm hoping to convince her to let me work there for a little bit. This is where I spend most of my time here selling all this stuff. Yeah. You see a lot of things are not is my sari store. This why all those bread I used to sell everything I want to sell but no space already. >> He wants to buy rich this jelly. >> This one. >> Which color you want? >> What color you want? >> The one 3 pesos each one peso rich is the black one. Okay. Here you go. >> I'm the boss today. Okay. Open the bottle. >> The kind of opener is there. There inside the other way. >> The other way that right is near the this one. >> This one. >> Ah. Yes. >> Okay. >> Okay. Here you go. Thank you. And then where is because I don't know where anything is. Auntie, how come you don't want to just retire? How come you still must come back and build your store, build your pigory? If I just sit down, I don't want to die early because you have nothing to do then you become a senal, you grow old. I also enjoy my myself looking after my store. That is what my enjoyment is. >> Auntie, why did you come to Singapore? >> I went to Singapore because of the typhoon destroyed my house. So I decided to work very uh very hard in Singapore. Actually my old house is very near only. I can bring you there now, you know. >> Yeah, let's go. >> Yeah, of course. >> I'm very proud of auntie for opening this store. As much as we wish she would take our advice to just rest, I'm glad that she's able to do something that keeps her active and that helps her talk to people in the village. She said she's always wanted to have little store of her own. >> This one is my old house last time. >> And then I want to show you how I grew up. >> Then how life is difficult. >> All my siblings we stay here. >> My father and mother. >> So auntie what happened to your house? >> My old house will knock down by the typhoon on them. But after that my mother want to build a house here. >> She wants to stay here is the reason why I came to Singapore and walk. >> Then I'm always thinking I have to work hard. I have a dream of my life that I want to all those dream come true like that. Life for me is very difficult when I'm young. I everything I have to do for my family. I have to wash clothes. Everything I have to cook for them. I take care of my family. Last time even though in school last time they have the pancake >> I have to bring that with for my siblings and I have to >> cut that into how many of them then we they have to share. That's why I work very hard in Singapore. I don't want to suffer. And sometimes also if I remember my parents, I also miss them because I never grow up with my parents. I never take care of them. >> I just walk walk like that. I sacrifice myself for my family. You see, I never get married. They always ask me why I never get married. You see, when you are young, I I think you are very pretty. They told me no. I say it's not that I don't want to get married because I want to pursue my own dreams like that. >> I regret I'm happy really. I'm very happy. Yeah. I sacrifice my own life for Rachel's family because they treat me so nice. I love Rachel like my own children. >> I was very moved seeing Auntie's old house and hearing the full story of why she came to Singapore. I didn't know about what her parents were doing and why she was wanting to support them. Hearing her story about her childhood and why she was so motivated to spend so much of her life in Singapore was very touching. You cannot say no. I'm forcing you to take an off day. You finally after 65 years have to take an off day. Okay. You cannot say no. I say okay. >> Okay. Just for you, I will go with you. I had a very busy first day with auntie. I got to see what a day in her life looks like. I got to work in her store a little bit. Today, my plan is to ask her to teach me how to cook her famous aliolio, which I miss a lot. Then, we're going to visit Auntie's old school where she went to primary school. seeing what her life looks like since she's come back. She's always working at her stores, even though she was supposed to be retired. So, I have a bit of a surprise planned for her that will hopefully give her a bit of a day off from her usual life. Since you like to eat pasta, so I show you how to cook. You put this one first, please. Okay. First, you have to put the olive oil. You tell me when you tell me when. The whole bottle. Oh, >> can you please pour a lot? Okay. Okay. This one we put the garlic all >> Yeah. stiring. >> See how how do you know how much salt to put? >> No. I just brown enough auntie. >> Yeah. >> Never even look enough. Okay. The salt is not enough. Easy. Just add in then just just other See how is it hot? >> Just knife. Okay. Okay. Enough. Enough. >> I score for you. >> No need. I scoop myself. So you give me the whole plate. >> Okay. Enough. >> Thank you, Auntie. >> You're welcome. >> Auntie Makan. >> Makan. See that is nice. Oh, is that is it the same? >> Yeah. It's like I'm back. How? It's like last time. I have to take a photo and send to everybody. They'll be super jealous. So, auntie, after lunch, where are we going to go? >> I'm bringing you to my old school. >> Okay. >> I want to bring you her in my school. >> Because the last time I used to bring you in school in Singapore, now it's my turn. So, I have to show you around my school. >> Yeah. So what's the one thing that you miss the most about working with us? >> I missed working with you is that every day I have to cook. I know what you want to eat already. So I just prepared together with all your friends there. Sunday they eat together, listen to music like that. >> Hey actually auntie What's up? We have the group all the church friends right? We called it Melon's cooking fan club after. >> So I actually told them that I had come to visit you, right? I show you some of the recipes. You remember she's healthy and enjoying her retired life. Looking forward to visiting her restaurant if she opens one. >> But I don't want I don't want to open. >> I know. I know you don't. I'll tell him that. And then Bruce says, "Hi, we miss you. Please take care. We hope to see you soon." So they all your food. >> So you never used to go out, right? You always, even though we give you an off day, I'll never even go on off day. Even in the Philippines, you also don't take an off day. >> No. >> If you could go anywhere in the Philippines, where would you go? >> One place, but I never go anywhere. You know, like that. >> Yeah. I'm afraid auntie, I'm going to force you to take a holiday. Tomorrow I'm taking you to Barakai. You cannot say no. I'm forcing you to take an off day. You finally after 65 years have to take an off day and go to Borai with me. >> Okay. just for you. I will go with you. I have to force you to go holiday somewhere. >> Auntie Melon has always been a bit of a homebody. Especially in her later years, Auntie Melon would never go out. Even on her off days, I wanted to just stay at home and she would still offer to cook for us. So, this trip to Borakai is my way of forcing her to take a break, and hopefully she enjoys the time that she gets to spend with me. How auntie are you excited to go to Morakai? >> Very very excited. >> Oh from there up to here >> auntie. This one. >> Ah this one. >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you. >> What is that? Where do you have to do this? >> Huh? >> They're just saying they're saying welcome. >> Okay. >> Cheers. Cheers. >> Cheing. >> Yeah, I finally see the baraka. Yeah. >> I got you out of the house. Hey auntie. Hello. Why you walk into the ocean? Auntie, I want to play water with you. You stand there. You stand there. Come. Let's go. I'm wearing shoes. Never mind. Huh? It's okay. Come. Let's go. >> Okay. Okay. Okay. Come in. Okay. Come. Let's go. Where's your swimming costume? Come. Don't fall down. >> I I really appreciate it. >> I also never forget you. really give me a big surprise. Do you know 2024 I won't forget? I never imagine that you come here. >> I mean I think you stay here. I take a photo of you. You stay here. >> Smile. >> Okay. Well, I'm glad I managed to force you to leave your house and force you to take a day off. If you didn't come to Singapore, right, do you think you would have had your own children? >> No, I still don't want children because I know a lot of children now suffer. >> I can see that I don't want to be like that next time when I have children also. So that's why I choose to be like this because a lot of children no food to eat. Especially now I'm very lucky really because of your papa. He saved money for me to start all this. >> It's your money. You work hard for that money. Not you when you're old. Do you think you'll forget me? >> No, I won't forget you in my whole life. Up to now, even though you are not here, you're always in my mind. >> When are you coming back to visiting? >> As soon as possible. Auntie, don't say already. I'm very sad. >> Tomorrow is a very sad day. >> I know. I know. Going back to Singapore and going back to my business. >> Yeah. Actually, I have a small surprise for you. This is the last one, I promise. But remember, I gave you a scrapbook for your birthday a long time ago. >> Yes. So, I made you another one. >> One so fast. >> So, it's just all the photos that we took >> at your shop. >> Thank you, Rich. >> No. >> Auntie, I just want to say like the reason why I'm here. I think I never really told you how important you are. If you didn't come and work for us, then like pups cannot do his job, mom cannot do her job, and then >> I don't know how they would have taken care of me. So, because of you, you could make my family's dreams come true. And I'm so glad that we also helped you make your dreams come true. >> I would feel great as though your full family. >> We wouldn't be able to do anything without you. >> I only want to do what I want to do with the family. I I know that if you came back from school or you came back from I'm there for you. I'm very happy about that. >> I know you are. I told you don't make me cry already. I cried enough this trip. Okay. >> Oh, God. Thank you, Auntie. >> What can I give you? I nothing to give you. >> You've given me your whole life. You've given me 21 years of your life. Do you enjoy bar time? >> Yes. >> How about you? >> Yeah, definitely. It was really nice. >> This is the last day of our of our adventure. >> This is the sad that we have to park. >> I know. >> Maybe tonight I'm going to sleep. It's okay. We'll miss you a lot. >> Yeah, I miss you. >> Take care of yourself. Okay. >> I'm really glad that I came out. I'm so happy to see that she's well, that she's the same, and that I got to tell her everything that I wanted to tell her. I've learned a lot about Auntie Melon in the last few days, maybe more than I've ever learned in the last 21 years that she was with us. I got to hear understand a lot more clearly why she wanted to come to Singapore and why she wanted to stay in Singapore rather than go home. My favorite moment from the last few days would be hearing the story of her old house and hearing about her childhood. I had no idea that that was her backstory and it really made me appreciate all of the sacrifices she made of herself, for her family, um, and for us. I considered auntie to be a great teacher of my life or a great influence of my life. But seeing her and how she lives her life and the values that she has, I hope that some of that has rubbed off on me.

Young Singaporeans journey to the hometowns of their long-serving domestic helpers, to surprise and reconnect with them and create new shared experiences. This series shines a light on the deep bonds formed over years of service and the acts of kindness that have transcended employer-employee relationships. =========== About On The Red Dot: CNA's weekly programme documents the stories of ordinary Singaporeans and celebrates their resilience, identity and sense of belonging. =========== On The Red Dot playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkMf14VQEvTYbQaR9ddxnJmJRangPrY5f #CNAInsider #OnTheRedDot #Singapore #Indonesia #Philippines #DomesticHelper #FDW For more, SUBSCRIBE to CNA INSIDER! https://cna.asia/insideryoutubesub Follow CNA INSIDER on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cnainsider/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cnainsider/ Website: https://cna.asia/cnainsider