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FILIPINOS AROUND THE WORLD SHARE THE SAME HOPES, DREAMS, AND ASPIRATIONS
by Michael J. Gurfinkel, Esq.
FILIPINO ACHIEVER IN NORWAY. Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel with Filipino
chef Alex Cabiao, part-owner of “Alex Sushi” in Oslo,
Norway. Cabiao, who grew up as a poor boy in Samar, has earned
a name for himself as the foremost sushi-maker in Norway. His
customers include the Norwegian Royal Family and Sir Elton John.
Cabiao went to Norway to follow his father’s advice: “Go
abroad, do your best, and succeed.”
I just returned from a trip to Norway, where I visited Alex Cabiao,
a Filipino chef who is renowned throughout Europe. Alex was an
ordinary Filipino wage earner who achieved extraordinary success
in Oslo, Norway. His story could be a source of hope, inspiration,
and pride for other Filipinos around the world.
Alex was born in Samar, and grew up as one of ten children in
his household. He made his way to Manila, where he got a job as
a busboy. He eventually worked his way up to waiter, and then
ultimately became the Chef at Furusato Restaurant in Manila. One
day, Alex was approached by one of his customers, who offered
him a chance of a lifetime: go into partnership with him and open
a Sushi restaurant in Norway. Although Norway is known for its
fish (such as Norwegian Salmon, etc.), surprisingly, there were
no Sushi restaurants.
To make a long story short, Alex sought the advice of his father,
who told him to go abroad, do his best, and succeed. So, Alex
accepted the Norwegian’s offer, and together they opened
the restaurant (appropriately named “Alex Sushi”).
His talent as a premier Sushi Chef is known throughout Norway,
where even the Royal Family regularly orders Sushi from Alex.
He also has, as his customers, world-famous talents, such as Sir
Elton John and other Champion chefs from other parts of Europe.
Despite Alex’s success, he remains true to his Filipino
roots, tradition, and culture. Just like Filipinos everywhere
around the world, Alex regularly remits funds to his parents and
family in the Philippines. Through his overseas earnings, he was
able to put his brothers and sisters through college.
Alex’s story provides a great immigration lesson for Filipinos,
as well, especially those in America: Because Alex was “legal”,
he was able to achieve his phenomenal success, earn well, and
sufficiently provide for his family back home.
There are so many other Filipinos in the U.S., or around the world,
who may be just as talented and hardworking as Alex. But, because
they don’t have their “papers”, they have to
accept menial jobs, such as busboy, waiter, or caregiver. If only
they were legal, they would have maximized their potential, and
earn a lot more than what they are getting in their jobs today.
The father’s wish for his son Alex had come true: that his
son Alex would be able to work abroad so he can “make a
name for himself in his chosen field.”
Alex’s wish for his father: that his father gets to visit
him in Oslo, Norway to see what he has achieved. The simple lad
from the province is now a well-known chef in one of the most
economically stable countries in Europe. His father really does
have a lot to be proud of.
Alex’s story, and his high regard for his father, is especially
appropriate for this coming Father’s Day, as a way of recognizing
all the fathers in various parts of the world who have chosen
to seek greener pasture elsewhere for the benefit and prosperity
of their families. To them, I pay homage, for it takes a lot of
courage and sacrifice to go through life without their loved ones
near them. I wish them the best in their endeavors, that they
may be able to achieve their goals, improve their family’s
lot, and eventually be reunited with their families in their newfound
homes. I sincerely hope that they could also make full use of
their potential, by legalizing their status in the United States
or elsewhere, and provide well for their families, similar to
what Alex and his father have now.
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
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