Coming Home for His Graduation: A Promise Fulfilled
For many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), coming home for his graduation is more than just a trip back to the Philippines—it is an emotional journey filled with sacrifice and deep affection. Myla dela Cruz, an OFW from Doha, Qatar, experienced this firsthand when she returned to witness a milestone she refused to miss: her son Hennessy’s high school graduation.
Separated by years and distance, Myla did not return for a vacation but to keep a heartfelt promise to her son. “Ito po ‘yung surprise na hindi niya inakala talaga. Hindi ko po siya binigyan ng pagkakataon na isipin niya na uuwi ako sa mismong araw ng graduation niya,” she shared in an interview (This was a surprise he truly didn’t see coming. I didn’t give him any hint that I would be coming home on his graduation day).
From Humble Beginnings to Motherhood Dreams
Myla came from a large family in Nueva Ecija, where poverty prevented her and her seven siblings from finishing school. Despite the hardships, their parents instilled a shared goal: to support each other and rise together. “Sa amin pong magkakapatid, wala pong nakatapos. Dahil po sa dala ng kahirapan… pinalaki po kami ng mga magulang namin ng iisang hangarin sa buhay—magtulungan, magmahalan. Sabay-sabay po kami aangat,” she recalled (None of us siblings finished school because of poverty… but our parents raised us with one goal: to help and love one another. We were determined to rise together).
Carrying that dream into motherhood, Myla vowed to give Hennessy a future filled with achievements like diplomas and honors—opportunities she never had.
Struggling to Make Ends Meet
Before working abroad, Myla juggled various jobs to support her family. She worked as a waitress, a barista in a five-star hotel in Dubai, and even as a farmhand picking eggplants, chilies, and bitter gourds. “Namasukan po ako na mamitas ng talong, ng sili, ng ampalaya… Ang kinikita ko lang po noon, 150 pesos per day,” she shared (I worked as a picker of eggplants, chili, and bitter gourd… I only earned 150 pesos a day).
When Hennessy was born, she stayed with him as long as she could. But as a single mother, she knew love alone would not secure his future. At just four years old, she made the painful decision to leave again and work overseas. “Sinabi ko po sa magulang ko na ako po ay aalis ulit. Gusto ko pong makilala niya ako—na ako ang ina niya,” she said (I told my parents I was leaving again. I wanted him to grow up knowing me—that I am his mother).
Emotional Struggles and Unbreakable Bonds
Life in Qatar provided financial stability, yet the emotional weight of being apart remained heavy. Hennessy often told her, “Mama, umuwi ka na. Sama ka na lang dito sa akin” (Mama, come home. Just stay here with me). Meanwhile, his grandparents lovingly raised him, nurturing a grateful heart that made Myla both proud and emotional. “Nata-touch ako ‘pag sinasabi ng mga kapatid ko, utol, ang suwerte mo kay Bebe,” she said (I get emotional when my siblings say, “You’re lucky to have Bebe”).
The Unforgettable Graduation Day
As the graduation day neared, Myla received heartfelt messages from Hennessy thanking her for standing in as both parents. “Mama, maraming salamat. Kahit wala akong kinagisnang ama, ikaw ‘yung tumayo, Papa at Mama para sa akin,” he wrote (Mama, thank you. Even though I didn’t grow up with a father, you stood as both Papa and Mama for me).
Motivated by those words, Myla booked her flight without telling anyone at home. “Pinapangako ko sa’yo, sa senior high school mo—uuwi si Mama. Ako na ang kasama mo,” she promised (I promise you, for your senior high graduation — Mama will come home. I’ll be the one by your side).
On graduation day, she quietly entered the school grounds and surprised Hennessy by tapping him on the back. “Sa sobrang tuwa niya, halo ‘yung emotion niya—pagkagulat at ‘yung pagiging masaya na si Mama nandito,” she recalled (He was overwhelmed—a mix of shock and joy that Mama was here).
That day, Hennessy earned awards for Outstanding Leadership and Outstanding Science Lab Officer, and for the first time, his mother was there to witness his success.
A Mother’s Love Beyond Distance
For Myla, the medals and ceremonies were secondary. What mattered most was showing up—fully present for the child who had waited so patiently. “Hindi ko man siya palaging kasama, pero lagi akong uuwi sa kanya. Lagi akong babalik,” she affirmed (Even if I’m not always by his side, I will always come home to him. I will always return).
Her story reflects the powerful truth that love is not measured by miles or time apart but by the moments when it arrives—steady, unexpected, and just in time.
— sources said
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