This Pinay Came to Singapore as Domestic Helper, Now She’s A Famous Photographer
Mayrhose Coronado has been working as a Filipino domestic helper in Singapore since 2009.
It was not what she had in mind when she left her job in Manila as a Food & Beverage trainer to find a better-paying work abroad, preferably in the same industry.
It had not been easy for Mayrhose to accept her new situation, but as fate would have it to those who don’t give up, life throws some surprises when you least expect them.
She is now one of Singapore’s distinguished photographers, and has been collaborating with the Singapore Tourism Board and Apple Singapore on various projects. She also has 22,900 Instagram followers to date.
In an online interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), May recalls how her career path turned out better than she expected in the Lion City.
She relates, “After I left my job as F&B trainer in the Philippines, I decided to look for work abroad,” she says.
“So I went to Singapore, hoping to land a job in F&B industry. But things didn’t turn out as planned. I didn’t manage to get a job.”
May was disheartened, knowing that her younger sisters needed money to get through their studies back home.
Desperate and confused, May resolved to become a domestic helper.
She continues, “My first few months of working here as a domestic worker was so depressing. I had a really hard time adjusting to this new environment that I’m in and spent most of the evenings crying myself to sleep, thinking that I am worthless.”
May also felt alone in her battle. At that time, she couldn’t see herself winning it just yet.
“For four years, I isolated myself socially. I avoided interacting with other people as I felt that I am not worthy enough, that I am not good enough.”
MAY FINDS HER PURPOSE IN PHOTOGRAPHY
May soon realized that her situation would not change unless she changes her perspective of it.
She says, “But I knew back then that I only have two choices, it’s either to feel miserable about situation or go out there and face the world.”
May chose to float rather than sink amid her oceanic woes, and everything since then has gone swimmingly well for the 34-year-old domestic helper.
She tells PEP.ph, “In 2014, I came across Aidha… a non-profit organization [that] provides financial literacy for foreign domestic workers.”
May enrolled in one of its courses where she learned the basics of investing.
Not only did she find means to expand her knowledge, she was also able to discover her untapped talent for photography.
It happened when she was just strolling around the city with her Xiaomi 1S phone.
May narrates, “It was on a sunny Saturday afternoon in December of 2014 when I came across Purvis Street.
“I instantly fell in love and was so fascinated by the shophouses that I started taking photos and showcasing them on Instagram. “
From there, she began seeing the positive side of every situation and opening up to the world she is in.
She continues, “Little did I know that through Aidha and photography, my perspective in life would change dramatically.
“They helped me regain the self-confidence that I once lost.
“They helped me realize that it is possible to achieve my dreams regardless of my situation or circumstances… to live life to [its] fullest potential.”
A changed person by now and confident of her gifts, May continues to take photos of the vibrant streets of Singapore.
“I decided to continue taking photos of Singapore’s older neighborhood because it gives me the freedom of expression.
“It gives me a sense of belonging. Also, something that I look forward to on my off days.
“It keeps me grounded, and photography is something that keeps me going.”
MAY WINS COMPETITIONS AND SIGNS COLLABORATIONS
May began to prosper as a photographer when she first joined a global Instameet, a social gathering of Instagram users in Singapore.
She relates, “I learned about Instameet through the local Instagram communities that I have been following on IG.
“And I thought that it would be the right time for me to reach out to this amazing group of people,” she explains.
Through Instameet, she interacted with like-minded people who eventually helped boost her number of IG followers.
Next thing, the Instagram people themslves were telling May her work would be featured on their app.
She recalls, “It was in July of 2015 when I received an email from Instagram saying that I was selected as one of the suggested users.
“I have no idea why I was selected,” she says.
Her guess is her shot of the “gorgeous and colorful Peranakan shophouses” on Purvis Street, captures the scene in “the right light, and symmetry.”
Encouraged, May began joining photography competitions.
In 2015, her winning photos were included in the exhibition Singapore Local Life organized by Singapore Instagram and the New Majestic Hotel.
In 2018, she was the overall category winner in the UnspokenLife Photography Competition organized by Aidha.
Unstoppable now, May also showcased her photos on the Instagram accounts of Nippon Paint Singapore and Singapore Tourism Board on their invitation as part of a campaign to celebrate their country’s culture and heritage.
Another memorable stint was in 2017 when Apple Singapore signed her up to do “a photo walk session as part of [the] Today at Apple” campaign.
May has built a name in a profession she did not plan.
In May this year, her portfolio was featured on the Singapore parenting site sassymamasg.com as part of the site’s Helper Association Month Celebration
The opportunity allowed her to share her experience and shatter the stereotyped mold of household helpers.
May does not waste the gift she didn’t know she had nor does she squander her earnings from it,
“I save most of it and send some to my family,” she shares.
However, May also reveals she usually receives only tokens of appreciation from her photo exhibitions.
MAY’S PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
May toughed it out and emerged a happy, fulfilled person.
She is thankful that her employers and loved ones have been supportive of her along the way, and have applauded her achievements.
There was a time when her workshops and photo walks caused some conflicts with her employers.
She recalls, “My employers were hesitant at first, especially if I would go out too early or coming back late whenever I would attend a photography workshop and photo walk.
“But after they realized that I have received numerous awards, they started to be okay with it.
“I struggled at first, but I strongly believe open communication is key.”
She says her family and life partner are solid foundations of her success.
“I do have a partner and family who have been very supportive since day one. I am grateful for my partner who always pushes me to be the best version of myself.”
And thanks to all the lessons she has gained throughout her journey, May is ready to take on anything.
One of these lessons, she says, is realizing “that even though I am working here as a domestic helper, there are so many opportunities waiting for me to be discovered.”
She adds, “The whole experience made me realize how ordinary it is to love the beautiful and how beautiful it is to love the ordinary.
“It just made me appreciate life even more!”
Despite the attention and projects she’s been getting since 2015, May continues to work as a domestic helper.
“Yes, still working as a domestic helper. Because I learned to appreciate this job on a deeper level.
“I’ve learned a lot from my fellow domestic helpers on how they live their lives graciously despite the hardship and sacrifices that they’ve been through.
“And I hope that more people would realize and appreciate our contribution to society.”
Now, May wants to travel and take photos of other picturesque spots in Asia.
She has also been encouraging other domestic helpers to try photography.
“I plan to organize a photo walk and photography workshop for my fellow domestic helpers,
“Also, I am planning to explore more heritage sites or shophouses in South East Asia, and showcase them through my photography.”
She is definitely not staying put, declaring, “In the near future, I plan to have my own photography and food business.”
Source: www.pep.ph