Blend 45 recognizes Ilongga OFW
Innately helpful and caring, Filipinos are known to go out of their way to assist those in need, friends and strangers alike. The Pinoys’ pleasant nature and easy smile can make anyone feel at ease, while their compassion and nurturing spirit can lift spirits even in the most distressing of times. That is why Overseas Filipino Workers are sought worldwide.
One example is OFW Teresita Sajonia known to the family she worked for as Aunty Terry. Her virtues inspired Ilo Ilo, a film that recently won the Caméra d'Or in the prestigious Cannes Film Festival this year and has been receiving various accolades from all over the world. The film’s director, Anthony Chen, is one of the boys that Aunty Terry took care of when she was a domestic helper in Singapore in the early 1990s.
Anthony is the eldest, followed by Justin and Christopher, the closest to Aunty Terry. Christopher, now 24, remembered “We shared a bunk bed, and every night she would pat me on my back until I fell asleep.” The success of the film led to the reunion of the siblings and Teresita, who lost contact with the family when she returned to the Philippines 16 years ago. Now 56, Aunty Terry will fly to Singapore to watch the film that revolves around her and her life with the Chens. She will also be reunited with the whole family.
Set in 1997, Ilo Ilo chronicles the relationship between a family of three and their newly arrived Filipino maid, Teresa, who, like many other Filipino women, went to Singapore in search of a better life. The main character in Ilo Ilo, Teresa, is named after Teresita and is also called Aunty Terry in the film.
Her caring hands, loving words and warm smile made it possible for the Chen family to become attached to this hardworking Ilongga. Aunty Terry exemplifies the true value of Filipinos; seeing life in a lighter perspective and confronting its challenges with positivity and a smile. Aunty Terry touched lives and left a legacy that will be forever remembered, especially by three boys.
Blend 45, the “Kapeng Pinoy” honors such individuals -- everyday heroes who showcase all that is good in the Filipino.
“Auntie Terry truly exemplifies the Filipino way of being Maalaga,” said Edwin Totanes, Universal Robina Corporation’s ( URC) Marketing VP for Beverage. “Blend 45 celebrates these Pinoy values… Matulungin, Maalalahanin and Malambing… Values that we grew up with, that were instilled in us by our parents and grandparents. That’s why our tagline is ‘Gisingin ang masarap at mabuti sa Pinoy’ -- for sure, there are a lot of Auntie Terrys out there.”
Aunty Terry will be received a “pangkabuhayang showcase” from Blend 45, composed of a variety of URC products worth fifty thousand pesos.