Jocel Fay Fernandez

She was followed by her Mum and younger siblings. English is the second language spoken in the Philippines so this made the transition a little easier navigating life in a new town and country. However, it did take time to adjust to a very different culture, climate and the “four seasons in one day in Ireland!”

Jocel is very happy here and has integrated reasonably easily, attributing much of this to the friendliness and openness of people in Northern Ireland. It also helps that she is a student at South West College, studying Applied Science and hopes one day to become a medical professional. Education in the Philippines is hugely important and Jocel found it a little frustrating that qualifications from her country aren’t easily transferable to the education system in Northern Ireland. But she is positive and focused and has found a pathway that will lead her to fulfil her career dreams. She is a very passionate about the importance of integrating, connecting with others and has an extraordinary heart for helping others. Her community is very multi-cultural. She has Filipino friends, who are of course important to her and it very special to still be able to chat to them about life and her childhood in her home country. Of course, through college and church, she has made friends who live locally as well as those from other countries.

The Philippines is predominantly a Christian country. Christian culture and traditions influence daily life, public holidays and national culture. Jocel’s Christian faith is a vital part of her life. From her early childhood practicing her faith in the Philippines and going to church regularly, she acknowledges God’s goodness in leading and directing her life and finds strength to face difficulties in her life by leaning into her trust in God. Church life has been key to helping her build friendships and community in Mid-Ulster and shapes her core values and beliefs.

The Christmas celebrations in the Philippines are second to none! Jocel tells us how the celebrations start on 1^st September, marking it the start of the world’s longest Christmas season. The “Ber” season, referring to “Ber months” September, October, November and December bring Christmas carols, decorations, parties and feasting. Christmas trees go up early and traditionally the festivities last for the whole four months in her country. Jocel loves Christmas, especially Filipino style! She laughs, “our Christmas tree will go up early, but maybe not 1^st September!” This is a big part of her culture she will never leave behind and the family celebrate with parties, singing, dancing and eating traditional food.

The Filipino community and connections are still strong for Jocel and her family in their everyday life and activities in Northern Ireland. She still listens to music from her country and is always up for karaoke! Karaoke is a deeply ingrained part of culture in the Philippines. No celebration is complete without a karaoke machine!

Jocel has embraced life is Mid-Ulster wholeheartedly and at the same time, is still proudly a Filipino women. She is keen to integrate and equally to hold on to her cultural roots that have shaped, defined and anchored her identity. She is a breath of fresh air, full of life and hope for the future. Home for now is here but she loves to return to her homeland especially if there is an opportunity to celebrate Christmas Filipino style with a sing-a-long and karaoke!