COMMUNITY

Have Your Say – Edina Bueza

Author/ Being Neighbourly
18 January 2025

Edina Bueza is a 45-year old domestic helper from Lucban, Quezon, the Philippines. When not working, she likes to join workshops and activities for migrants to enhance her knowledge and then share it with fellow migrants to help them. Bueza believes that anything is possible and that we all have the potential to make our dreams come true.

How long have you lived where you are now?

I came to this beautiful place in May 2015. I felt nervous and excited because it was the start of making my dreams come true. Now, I’m proud to say I’m working on my dreams and have changed my mindset from dreams to goals.

Can you see yourself living anywhere else?

While working on my goals, I’ve fallen in love with Hong Kong, for its beautiful surroundings and views. I have lived with my employers in Fo Tan for 13 months. Sometimes I face discrimination, but I try to stay positive. I enjoy being alone in nature, surrounded by beautiful sights. If I could live somewhere else, I would choose Japan. I love the atmosphere, the clean surroundings, and the people are disciplined. The food is amazing, and I miss Japan so much! It’s on my list of places to visit once I achieve my goals.

What’s so great about your home/neighbourhood?

If you love nature, Fo Tan is the perfect place for you! There are many wonderful spots for hiking, walking, and sightseeing. My home is just a 10 minute walk from the MTR station, and there are also malls nearby for shopping. There’s also a public park where you can relax on your days off.

Best little known gems?

Do you know DS, 360 and Prizemart grocery shops? These are branches known for their cheap prices and variety of products. Most migrants shop here when they send ‘Balikbayan boxes’ to their families.

Best places to eat breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner?

Best places to eat breakfast? I highly recommended Jollibee and McDonalds for their reasonable prices. Jollibee is known for their delicious crispy chicken, and mouth-watering spaghetti. McDonalds I recommend for their pancakes and mashed potatoes. Brunch, tea time or dinner? I highly recommended Momoku. If you are a cheese lover, you will absolutely fall in love with this restaurant!

Best places to drink coffee/find a drink?

The best place to drink coffee is in a park, while sitting alone and listening to beautiful music. My second choice would be at a workshop with my fellow migrants, especially when the coffee is unlimited, and there’s chatting before the workshop starts. Otherwise… at my employer’s house, while having breakfast.

Best other hangouts?

I can almost not remember the last time I hung out with a friend, I’ve been so busy attending workshops and seminars! Sometimes, after a workshop, I’ll try to join them sitting at the park for a homemade cooked dinner — a priceless moment.

What’s true/not true about your neighbourhood?

My place is 10 minutes to the MTR station, and there are just a few bus routes, so if you want to go to a place like Central, it takes 45 minutes, plus a 10 minute walk from my home. For me, this is very inconvenient, especially when I have an early schedule and need to wake up early (so I will never be late). But, on the other hand, Fo Tan is a good place to take a walk if you love nature. The beautiful sights of hills and peaks, especially at night — this view will calm your heart and mind.