Daisy Licoben Bucad-Eng, a former domestic helper in Hong Kong, shares her inspiring story of how she suddenly became a multi-millionaire after her late senior citizen employer reciprocated her loyalty and kindness.
In an episode of "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho" aired on October 10, 2021, the good fortune of Daisy Bucad-Eng was featured.
Daisy's story is that she was only 16 when she got pregnant and got married. She sold salt in her hometown of Agawa, Besao, Mountain Province, but her income was not enough to support her family so she thought of working abroad just like her neighbors.
Young Daisy went to Hong Kong as a domestic helper in hopes of providing a better life for her family. Unfortunately, it did not go well with her first employer because she only had two hours of rest every day.
Daisy, missing her family back home, was also saddened to learn what was happening to her children who were often on the streets.
Although unlucky with the first employer, everything changed when she landed with her new employer Marie Augusta Ramchand Ribiero Sadarangani, an old Portuguese woman living in Hong Kong.
Even though her salary is not high at 900 HK dollars or the equivalent of P2,700 per month, Daisy still considers herself lucky because her new employer treats her like a family, with respect.
Marie also visited and lived with Daisy in the Philippines because she did not want to live in a home for the aged in Hong Kong. Marie died in 2002 of heart disease while in the Philippines.
Marie's remains were repatriated back to Hong Kong by her family.
Until one day, Daisy was shocked when she received a letter from Marie's family stating that she was included in the Last Will and Testament of her late employer.
Daisy was bequeathed by her employer with properties such as an apartment building worth P26 million, P25 million, and stocks in various companies.
"Yung mga stocks sa iba-ibang company. Dinala kami sa executive room. Well-treated kami doon. "Totoo ba to?' Parang may katotohanan na nga ito," Daisy recalls.
When Daisy got her inheritance, she bought a house and a plantation in Mountain Province and built a five-story penthouse.
The penthouse has transient homes, a gym, and spaces for rent intended for commercial establishments and events.
Daisy's building proudly displays the culture and tradition of her origin because even the pieces of furniture were inspired by the Igorot culture.
"Talagang ginawa ko talaga iyon para ma-picture out ko yung pinanggalingan ko," she said.
And to honor her late employer and friend, she had a memorial statue erected as part of the penthouse with "Marie Augusta Ramchand" written on the epitaph.
Daisy also shared Marie's advice to her when she was still alive. She said she would never forget it, and she promised Marie.
"I will do my best to do and to live and be the person you want me to be."
Daisy believes that Marie is happy now.
"I'm very sure you are so lucky looking at your legacy. Super talaga yung saya ngayon sa binigay ni Madam Marie. Maraming naitulong sa aking pamilya."
Daisy also gave advice to Overseas Filipino workers.
"Sa mga OFW naghihirap kayo ngayon, patience and hard work are the key to success. The overall denominator ng [lahat] ng ito ay yung honesty. Kung anumang trabaho ang meron ka diyan, gawin mo na nang tama."
Indeed, honesty is one of the qualities that has always been an integral part of the Igorot's "Inayan" way of life, that by treating anyone with respect, in return, the blessings will return a millionfold from Kabunian.
Watch Daisy Bucad-Eng's thoughts after being featured on the Jessica Soho show below:
"This is to inform every one that the very reason of my willingness to open my true- life story to GMA is not to brag of what I have today ,but to give hope and encouragement to all especially to my co - OFW'S , who are one of our Phil. heroes in our beloved Country and of course to our love ones. Envy, jealousy and hatred is not a constructive emotion but it is a physical and mental destruction that hinders success , matago tago tako am in , mabuhay tayong lahat and to God be the glory," the proud Igorot humbly said.
