International Domestic Workers Day – 16th June 2024
This International Domestic Workers’ Day, let’s celebrate the contribution and achievements of Migrant Domestic Worker (MDW) Aunties! We cosy up with talented artists Cristina Cayat and Noemi Manguerra – the illustrators of Hong Kong’s (HK) latest children’s book “My Extra-Special Aunty” who are also MDW Aunties – to find out about their personal stories and artistic journey!
Congratulations, Cristina and Noemi, on the publication of “My Extra-Special Aunty” in collaboration with Joanna Bowers! Tell us a bit about yourself. How long have you been in HK? Besides creating art, what do you like to do in your free time?
Cristina
I have been in HK since 1995. I used to contribute to The Sun newspaper on my day off before co-founding Guhit Kulay, a Filipino MDW artists collective. Now, I am designing clothes for Inabel Tailoring, a local brand in Baguio city in the Philippines using handwoven fabric of the Cordillera people. This way, I am able to practise and get familiar with different weaves from my own tribe.
Noemi
I am a self-taught artist born in Bulacan, Philippines. I now reside and work in Canada. I worked for 16 memorable years in HK. Besides creating art, I love writing poems and going for hikes.
Have you ever imagined you will be publishing a book one day?
Cristina
Yes! I did imagine.
Noemi
Yes, I did imagine that someday I will be publishing a book. When this collaboration with Joanna Bowers happened, it was a dream come true.
If there’s one word you could use to describe the book, what would it be?
Cristina
I will describe it as “educational”.
Noemi
If there’s one word that I could use to describe the book that would be “empathy.”
The book was written from a HK child’s perspective. Have you cared for a child in HK before? Do you have a special story to share?
Cristina
Yes, I had a ward. I took care of her when she was about 1 month old. I saw her first step. I heard her first word. Lots of sleepless nights, yep! But it was rewarding. I had this feeling of eagerness to go back to my employer’s place on my day off. When the baby heard me opening the main door with my keys, I could hear her running to it.
When she was about 6 to 7 years old, she started to bribe me just so we could play princess. Instead of me reading a story to her, it was the other way around. There are a lot of stories to tell about her. All happy stories.
Noemi
I never took care of a child in HK. I took care of my elderly employer for 14 years. We really bonded. I cared for her like my own mother and was with her wherever she needed to go. I also cared for 2 teenagers before I came to Canada. They were so appreciative of everything I did.
What would you like to say to the children in HK on behalf of the MDW community?
Cristina
Aunties are loving people. It is our nature to be joyful and laugh a lot. We love to sing, dance and giggle.
Noemi
Simply say “thank you”. For appreciating everything that we do to make your day-to-day life easier. For making us a part of your life and for treating us as your extra-special Aunty.
We’re excited to hear about your artistic journey – how you discovered art as a passion, how you learned along the way and grew to be the accomplished artists you are today. Would you like to share it with us?
Cristina
I grew up in a poor family. We did not have extra money to buy art materials, but I have crayons which I used to draw on the walls of our old house.
I was a frustrated fine arts student, as I failed the college entrance exams. But art stayed with me along the way, not in a big way but in small things; like being so enthusiastic about decorating my employer’s place especially when preparing for a big party, and creating DIY gifts such as bags, candles, key chains and jewellery.
But the real art experience for me was in 2017 when Noemi and I participated in a series of workshops at the Philippine Consulate. Then came the first exhibition called “Beyond Myself” in 2018 which was organised by Enrich HK, HKU, and Goldsmith University. This exposure led us to set up the Guhit Kulay collective to inspire more migrant workers to create art.
Noemi
Art has always been my passion since I was in grade school. I guess I got my artistic side from my dad. I stopped for so many years until I came to HK. I spent my day off at the park with my art materials, and started sketching again. Thanks to the Philippine Consulate and Pintura Circle for giving free art workshops to MDWs. This was how Guhit Kulay started. It is an artists collective in HK.
What would you like to say to MDWs who wish to discover and pursue their passion and dreams?
Cristina
I believe that we all have gifts, talent (if not talents!). We just have to explore.
Noemi
Dream big! Never underestimate your ability to do things you are capable of. Your passion and dreams will put you where and how you wanted it to be. As I always say: everything has its own perfect timing – believe and it will happen.
With your very busy work schedule, how do you find time to create art?
Cristina
You will always find time for your passion and interests!
Noemi
I find time creating art whenever I’m done with my work on my work days, and during my 2 days off.
How do you connect with your family and loved ones who live in The Philippines? Do you use art?
Cristina
I connect with my family through the internet. And since my nephew is learning digital art, we chat on messenger about product designs.
Noemi
As much as possible I call them through Facebook messenger so I can see them. I also send them messages everyday. In the last online workshop with Kamustahan Art Projects, I was able to express my deepest thoughts and emotions for my family and loved ones through art and poetry.
Who inspires you?
Cristina
People who inspire me are those who created a name for themselves from pure talent. I am also inspired by Alma Quinto, a local veteran artist from the Philippines.
Noemi
My family, friends and the people around me. The culture and tradition of every nation. The diversity of every individual makes the world of art more inspiring and amazing.
Complete these sentences. I am_____. I am_____. I am a MDW and more.
Cristina
I am an Igorota.
I am an artist.
I am a MDW and more.
Noemi
I am an artist.
I am empowered.
I am a MDW and more.
