Highlights
- For Ghia, being a parent to an ASD child requires strong will
- Whilst working full-time, Ghia finds other ways to earn extra cash
- The 32-year-old mum challenges herself to do extra to be able to live a better life
Ghia Man was originally from Pampanga, Philippines. The 32-year-old has been living in Australia for 6 years now and had previously worked as a flight attendant in Emirates Airline.
Taking a 'flight' towards building her dreams
“I have always dreamt of being a flight attendant. Travelling and saving up some money was all I was working for since I was single. It made me ponder, I am getting old, what should I do with my life?”
Ghia met her boyfriend at work, and they ought to build a future together. Untimely, Ghia became pregnant. She went on a three-day work off to meet his boyfriend and told him the news. When she rang back to work, she was no longer accepted back. Being pregnant, without family and work, she became emotional and fragile.
“Yung ibang tao ayaw ako kausapin. Diba sa atin iba ang tingin sa mga babaeng nabubuntis bago kasal. Mabuti na lang na supportive yung mum ng boyfriend ko. She sends money so I can survive.”
“My husband stayed with me through trials. Though there had been some quarrels, we made it work.”
Ghia as a flight attendant back in the Middle East Source: Supplied by Ghia Man
Ghia also reinforces the notion that having a supportive and respectful husband was key to her being able to overcome her challenges.
She wants to break the barrier wherein married women are suited for staying at home and raising children.
“In our relationship, there is equality. If he can provide financially, I can do so as well. If I am to do house chores, he does it as well.”
The Unexpected Turbulence
Ghia and her husband are now parents to two lovely children. When Ghia’s son, Hudson, turned 3 years old, he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD, parenting for her became even more challenging.
She would sometimes cry and ask why it happened to her son. She however is thankful for the available support she gets such as the assistance given by the government.
“Napakaswerte po na nandito kami sa Australia kasi may suporta ng gobyerno. Paano nalang kung sa Pilipinas?”
Though there is financial support coming from the Australian government, there are still further expenses that they need to spend for her son. She is already working full time as an executive assistant to her company’s CEO.
Ghia with her son Hudson Source: Supplied by Ghia Man
Gearing the “EXTRA” Mindset
Her thinking was due to the bigger financial demand of being a mother for a child with special needs, she geared herself to find ways to earn more. She ventured into online business.
“I sell pyjamas, different vitamins for kids, bottled gourmet delicacies – also I have resellers worldwide in Canada, USA, Singapore, Taiwan, Sweden and more.”
Ghia in one of her online selling sessions Source: Supplied by Ghia Man
She was not only a full-time worker, entrepreneur and a full-time mum, she also is an admin of a Facebook support group named “Autism Mom Pinay.” The group discusses parenting-related issues for parents whose children or family members have ASD. She aims to raise awareness towards ASD. They now number to over 100 members.
Autsim Mom Pinay Source: Supplied by Ghia Man
“Sometimes, I don’t even know how I managed my time, but I am very lucky and blessed that my family are very supportive, and they helped me in everything that I do.”
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