Canadian TV Personality Melissa Grelo Speaks About “Under-Appreciated” Filipino Caregivers
Melissa Grelo, co-host of the new Canadian talk show The Social (which discusses current news and social media topics), expressed how she felt about nannies and domestic caregivers and her Filipino connection on-air on July 24, 2014.
(Photo courtesy of CTV, Bell Media – TheSocial.ca)
Melissa, a well-known half Pinay entertainment personality in Toronto, led the discussion about TIME’s recently-posted list of what they believe to be today’s top 10 most under-appreciated professions (read their list here!). She asked her co-hosts what jobs they think deserve more recognition, to which they responded outdoor bathroom cleaners, teachers and telemarketers.
Melissa then expressed her own opinion on the topic.
“For me, I will have to say nannies and domestics or housekeepers, whatever word you want to use. And I’ll say this because my mom is Filipino, so the stereotype is that you have the Filipino nanny… and I always think to myself, these are women who largely have left their own families at home, have come to whatever country they have gone to, and I honestly feel so passionate about this that I’m having the inkling of maybe even doing a documentary about, you know, when they’re watching and raising our children, who’s watching and raising theirs? And I think they need to be paid more, I think they need to be treated better, and I think it’s one of the most under-appreciated jobs for the most precious cargo that we can ever think of.”
Melissa was immediately greeted by multiple spectators via Twitter, strongly agreeing with her remarks and welcoming her desire to make a documentary looking closer into the issue.
I think many people would benefit from learning about how much OFWs go through and how hard it is for them to be so far away from their immediate families, yet they continually uphold the diligence to selflessly help others. I hope this can happen!
What other professions do you think Filipinos should be more recognized for?
Maraming salamat, Melissa! Mabuhay!
You can follow Melissa on Twitter and Instagram: @melissagrelo.
(Feel the Filipino pride! See how many of these 6 Hilariously Pinoy Habits YOU are guilty of!)
