Philippine Airlines (PAL) sponsored the round-trip ticket of the 2023 Gawad Kasambahay Household Manager of the Year, Helen Mata Adducul, facilitating a joyful reunion with her family in Manila.
The Dubai-based Filipina nanny recently emerged victorious in the second edition of the Gawad Kasambahay awards, besting 34 finalists from an impressive 1,500 nominees in June at the Asiana Hotel’s Boracay Club.
Josh Vasquez, the Area Manager of PAL in the UAE, expressed the airline’s delight in being part of Helen’s special journey.
“As the airline celebrating the heart of the Filipino, Philippine Airlines is pleased to have flown our GK Household Manager of the Year 2023, Ms. Helena Adducul on her journey to the Philippines. Ms. Adducul’s story is truly inspiring; indeed she deserves the comfort of flying on a direct, non-stop flight to Manila and experiencing PAL’s Buong Pusong Alaga brand of service. Mabuhay ka, Ate Helen!” he said.
Helen’s remarkable journey began 13 years ago when she left her teaching job in the Philippines to work abroad, intending to support her children’s education.
Her dedication saw all her children achieve academic success; one is now a lawyer, another a civil engineer, and others followed paths to become an accountant, an agriculturist, and a teacher.
Her youngest children are nurturing dreams to become an architect and a doctor. Helen always stressed the value of education to her children, steering them towards great heights through open and regular communication, despite the distance.
Triumph over challenges
During her time abroad, Helen encountered challenges including adapting to a new culture and overcoming initial disagreements with her employers.
However, her perseverance and ingenuity not only improved her working conditions but fostered a deeper bond with the family she served, to the extent that she became a valued member of their household.
Honoring modern day heroes
The Gawad Kasambahay awards, presented by CMG Cargo and Balikbayan Store, were established to honor household service workers like Helen, who dedicate their lives to nurturing families abroad, sacrificing their own familial relationships in the process.
The creators of the award, guided by managing director Michelle Quinto Guinto, affirm that these individuals are “unsung heroes,” deserving of the highest appreciation and respect.