Thea was recruited for domestic work in Manila at the age of 15. She is the seventh of nine children born to laborer parents. Due to poverty, Thea had to stop attending school after reaching fifth grade. She resented the situation and sought comfort in her friends, through whom she met her recruiter. She left her town in after being promised that she will be able to help her impoverished family, and save for her education, with a monthly salary of Php 2,900.00.
As a domestic worker, Thea was made to do all chores in the household, as well as serve as nanny of her employers’ two children. She would wake up early in the morning to perform her chores, prepare the kids for school and accompany them, then continue the chores upon getting home, way into the night. For all the hard work, Thea did not receive any salary. She didn’t have the chance to save, nor was she able to send money home.
When Thea asked permission to leave, her employer maligned and threatened her. Deciding she couldn’t suffer through the situation another day, she planned her escape. Her employers caught her and accused her of stealing and had her committed to a Youth Home. The case did not prosper.
Thea, as an abused domestic worker, was brought to the Visayan Forum Center of Hope for appropriate interventions.
At the Center, she receives utmost care to help her recover, heal, and transform her life. She undergoes life skills training, and was enrolled in an Alternative Learning System (ALS). At school, she is not only doing well academically, but is also actively participating in extra-curricular activities. She has joined a Performing Arts group where she learns how to play a guitar and enhance her talent for singing.
Thea is one of the avid users of the Center of Hope’s Entertainment Room. This is where she watches her favorite musical performances and artists. Watching these shows helps her learn techniques in singing and dancing, making her a valuable member of the performing arts group she joined.
At the Center of Hope, she leads her fellow survivors in musical performances. She inspires fellow survivors during singing and dancing workshops, and helps them learn routines they have a hard time picking up.
To Thea, music has healing powers that helps her deal with her experiences.
Her powerful voice was one of those that received a standing ovation during the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking Thanksgiving Dinner on February 11, 2015 at the Philippine International Cultural Center, and again at the Visayan Forum’s 24th Anniversary Thanksgiving Dinner on February 26, 2015 in Makati City.
Thea is also one of Visayan Forum’s inspirational advocates. She courageously shares her story whenever there are visitors at the shelter in the hope of moving them to help fight human trafficking and modern slavery.
She is currently awaiting results of her ALS examination. If she passes, she will be able to proceed to high school, and will be given the opportunity to reach her dream of finishing her education and living a better life.
If her performance at school and her dedication to her musical craft is an indication, Thea is one step closer to achieving her goal.