By Delya Apsari

Julie Boadilla has a small altar at her house in East London, adorned with a crucifix, flowers, a candle and photos of her mum Julita and her dad Benjamin. Also on the altar are 鈥渙fferings鈥� to her parents – a Filipino macaroni soup that her Mum used to make, a cream sandwich, and a vanilla sponge cake. As for the drink, serving a glass of Lambrini felt almost obligatory; after all, it was her mum鈥榮 favourite. 鈥淢um loves her wine,鈥� she says.  

鈥淭oday, my siblings are coming over to remember Mum and Dad. In the Philippines, my family gathered at their graves, having a full on fiesta with costumes and fireworks. They even go as far as having the best costume awards,鈥� Julie laughs. 鈥淚 wish my children can experience this, too. I鈥檓 thinking maybe we can go next year to celebrate All Saints鈥� Day.鈥�

Julie, 54, lost her mother, Julita Martinez-Daguio, to abdominal cancer in June last year. Even while her mother was in palliative care, Julie knew that she would want to be buried alongside her father in their hometown in Tarlac City, a two-hour drive from Manila. Amidst their grief, Julie and her siblings arranged to repatriate their mother’s remains to the Philippines.

As Christian Filipinos celebrate Todos Los Santos or All Saints Day, Julie feels a sense of peace that her parents are together again, their graves lying next to each other in Tarlac.

Filipino families often approach death through a deeply religious and cultural lens. As they celebrate All Saints鈥� Day (November 1) and All Souls鈥� Day (November 2), the majority of Christian Filipinos, , pause for a solemn period for prayer, reflection and coming together as a family and community to honour their departed. Also called undas (from the Spanish 鈥渉onras,鈥� meaning honours), the two-day commemoration brings together the living and the dead in a uniquely Filipino way when cemeteries come alive with flowers, families gathering together and vendors selling anything from candles to balloons. 

Bringing loved ones back to the Philippines

For many Filipino immigrants, dealing with a loved one鈥檚 death can be complicated when repatriation is involved for whatever reason — in the case of Julie鈥檚 parents, a request to be buried in their hometown in the Philippines.

Julita came to the UK in 1971 and worked as an auxiliary nurse in Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood. Her husband Benjamin followed in 1992 and worked at St George鈥檚 Hospital, London as a domestic porter. Julie described her parents as hard-working, raising her and her brothers with love and discipline.

鈥淚 first contacted in May 2012 when my dad passed away. When a family member dies, you just don鈥檛 know what to do, and my dad鈥檚 wish was to be buried back home in Tarlac City,鈥� Julie, a business and intellectual property specialist at the British Library, shares.聽聽

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 know how the process worked. We live in Newham Borough, East London, and the late secretary of the church there introduced us to one of the grandsons of the T Cribb family. They鈥檙e very well known in East London for having an excellent repatriation service. I knew I could trust them,鈥� she says.

She found herself ringing them again 12 years later when her mum Julita passed away in 2024.聽 She recalls getting that dreaded call from the doctor at lunchtime: 鈥淭he doctor called to tell me that the time had come to say goodbye. I went to the hospital immediately.鈥�

From the hospital, took care of the delicate matter of collecting Julita鈥檚 body, organising the final wake, and bringing her remains safely back to the Philippines. 鈥淭he only things they needed from me were her passport, the original death certificate, and the contact details of the funeral partner in the Philippines,鈥� said Julie. The funeral company sorted out all the documents needed to bring Julia鈥檚 remains to Tarlac.聽

Julie recalls that as prepared for her mum鈥檚 final vigil at the funeral parlour, she didn鈥檛 even think for a second about what her mum would look nicest in or whether she would want to be seen wearing a hat. She was wrapped in grief and it made a difference that the staff were there to help her look after the preparations. 

鈥淭hey were very considerate about what she was going to wear. Whatever she liked to wear when she was alive, they were happy to dress her up. They were also talking to her while changing her 鈥� just very respectful. They even put a Philippines flag on top of the coffin; I was so surprised!鈥� said Julie with a warm smile.

TCS repatriations coordinator Andre Nascimento has been assisting Filipino families in the last few years and he knows their needs.  鈥淲e understand that once someone is gone, celebrating their life is very important to the Filipino community鈥�.Over the years, we have learned their customs and rituals, ensuring the deceased are treated with the utmost respect and in accordance with Filipino traditions.鈥�

Three weeks after Julita passed, the family were finally able to hold a vigil and a Mass in the church where family and friends came to say goodbye. Plane tickets were bought, and Julie and 14 family members flew to Tarlac City to lay her to her final rest. 

Julie would always remember her mum鈥檚 sense of humour. 鈥淪he was very funny and had a really good sense of humour. She loved all her grandchildren and would always feed them. They always look forward to her cooking, especially the ginataan (sticky rice balls in coconut milk). I used to get angry because making ginataan is very messy, but when I got angry, I think the kids like it more,鈥� she chuckles, recalling their banter.

Dealing with the practicalities of death

In Southeast London, Mark Lester Lopez, 37, never thought that he would have to deal with the repatriation process so soon. An IT project manager, he got to know TCS after his flatmate and colleague of four years passed away from cancer, right on his birthday. 

鈥淚 was worried about the documents, but surprisingly, everything was easy and smooth. I just had to prepare the documents, and TCS handled the rest, including securing approval from both the UK and Philippine embassies. The only thing we had to decide was which casket and funeral package to choose. That鈥檚 the helpful part of having a funeral director who really understands the process,鈥� Mark said with a sigh of relief.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 think I was able to grieve properly. The entire time, I was more focused on what needed to be done. I didn鈥檛 even know what I felt. It was a good thing that the repatriation service was extremely helpful. On the day of the viewing, they did live streaming so his family in Manila could see him.鈥�

The experience taught Mark a hard lesson for those who work overseas: it鈥檚 not easy to die in a foreign country.

鈥淚 think people need to move past the culture where talking about death is seen as as a bad thing. Of course, no one wants to die. But you need the people you leave behind to know and plan everything. Do you want your body to be sent back to the Philippines? Do you want to be cremated? Lots of hanging questions.鈥�

With extensive specialist experience in international repatriations, TCS offers repatriation services to over 90 countries. They also have years of expertise navigating cultural and religious requirements.

Pre-paid repatriations plan

Andre shared that repatriations can be expensive for some so they are launching a next year. TCS hopes to help Filipino families prepare for the future by offering an affordable prepaid plan with fixed installments over a set period, rather than a lifetime payment. Through this plan, families can honour their loved ones鈥� wishes to return home when the time comes.

Andre added that all expenses would be covered when needed, protecting families from inflation or rising costs. Their aim is to ensure that every person鈥檚 final wishes are fulfilled in a way that is both affordable and respectful, whilst providing a caring and dignified service.

For Filipinos living abroad, repatriation allow families to honor their loved ones in line with their faith and traditions 鈥� ensuring that, even across oceans, the final journey home is carried out with care and respect.

About the author

Delya Apsari is a freelance journalist based in Bournemouth. She holds a Master鈥檚 in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University and previously worked as a journalist in Indonesia for three years. Her work focuses on multimedia storytelling, exploring cultural and social issues.

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By Liezel Longboan

Leading Filipino nurse Louie Horne has been appointed as national nursing officer by with more than 1.3 million members in both the private and public sectors. Ms Horne will be responsible for promoting and defending the interests of nursing staff for the union.

“This is huge. I’m honoured that they trusted me to take up this important role,” Ms Horne said when she spoke to 美女一级特黄大片. She is the first international nurse to take up the post.

The Filipino Nurses Association UK (FNA UK) described her appointment as “a truly historic moment” on their Facebook page. Ms Horne is the vice president of FNA UK, one of the two nursing associations for Filipino nurses in Britain. The other is Philippine Nurses Association UK (PNA UK).

Insights about Filipinos working in healthcare

“One of my advocacies is to raise awareness about the value and benefits of union membership among Filipino nurses and all international nurses,” she said. There are at least 50,000 registered Filipino nurses in the UK, the among international nurses, with India being the first.

Ms Horne shared that joining a union seems to be “an afterthought for new Filipino nurses.” She said that the monthly membership fee as well as “historical and cultural reference points” may be putting off Filipinos from joining unions when they come to the UK.

One of my advocacies is to raise awareness about the value and benefits of union membership among Filipino nurses and all international nurses.

One factor that may contribute to lower rates of union membership among Filipino nurses in the UK is that unions and labour organising in the Philippines are often through ‘red-tagging’ – where union leaders and members are falsely accused of being communist insurgents. The country is currently ranked one of the 10 worst countries in the world for working people by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).

Ms Horne said that when she first arrived in the UK 25 years ago, she was briefed about union membership and she immediately joined. “I thought this is a new country and I need to protect my rights by joining a union.”

Protecting workers’ rights

鈥淗aving worked both in frontline and strategic leadership roles, I鈥檓 keen to ensure nurses, midwives, nursing associates, students and healthcare assistants have a strong voice and receive the support they deserve. My focus will be on safer staffing levels, fair pay that reflects their skills and dedication, and supportive workplaces where staff can thrive and deliver world-class patient care,鈥� she said.

Ms Horne has completed programmes at the NHS Leadership Academy and University of Hertfordshire. She also chairs the Filipino Senior Nurses Alliance in the UK apart from being vice president of FNA UK. She says these roles have given her a real insight into global nursing challenges and the experiences of overseas nurses working in the NHS.

Louie has also specialised in equality, diversity and inclusion, particularly during her time as an adviser at RCNi, a learning platform for nursing staff.

She received a Medal of the Order of the British Empire in 2023 for her services to nursing.

A voice for international nurses

Her appointment brings a strong voice for international nurses, says UNISON. She has vast experience leading and supporting international staff groups. This has included more than ten years recruiting and supporting nurses from the Philippines, India and Africa.

A registered nurse, Louie has held senior clinical and strategic roles in the NHS, with more than 25 years in nursing in the UK. For the past year she has served as senior strategic improvement lead at the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust with responsibility for workforce development, health inequalities and digital transformation.

UNISON head of health Helga Pile said: 鈥淟ouie brings a broad clinical background, strategic leadership, and a commitment to international nursing advocacy. This depth of experience will play a vital role in strengthening UNISON鈥檚 support for nursing staff and shaping policies that reflect the diversity of the profession.”

Updated on 18 October 2025.

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In a celebration that blended centuries-old English tradition with modern multicultural pride, Filipino British entrepreneur Viva Andrada O’Flynn has been elected as the Mock Mayor of Barton, the first Filipina British person to hold the historic title.

The annual appointment, rooted in Barton鈥檚 17th-century defiance during the English Civil War, remains a cherished symbol of local identity and independence. For Viva, the honour represents much more than ceremony; it is a chance to celebrate her community, her heritage, and the vibrant diversity of Barton today.

With her family flying in from the Philippines to witness the event, Viva’s appointment marks a proud moment not just for Barton, but for Gloucester鈥檚 growing Filipino community. In this interview, she talks about how she was chosen, the deep history behind the Mock Mayor tradition, and what the role means to her as a community leader, artist and advocate for representation.

Q: How were you selected as Mock Mayor of Barton, and how did you feel when you were selected?

I became Mock Mayor of Barton in September after being invited by Gloucester鈥檚 Town Crier, Alan Myatt, and the Court Leet of Barton St Mary. We held an election at the Robert Raikes House, where people cast their votes for me, and I was chosen. It was both surprising and humbling, and I feel truly honoured, proud, and grateful to carry on this tradition.

What made the moment even more meaningful was having my family fly all the way from the Philippines to witness it. To share such an important occasion with them by my side filled me with joy and reminded me of the sacrifices and love that have shaped who I am.

I am also the first Filipina British to be Mock Mayor of Barton. Alongside this role, I serve as secretary of the Filipino Association of Gloucestershire,  study at Gloucestershire College, and work for Gloucester City Council. For me, this role is not just about tradition, it is about service, representation, and community.

Q: For those unfamiliar, could you tell us more about Barton in Gloucester?

Barton is such a special part of Gloucester. It lies just outside the Eastgate and is one of the most diverse and vibrant communities in the city. Around 12,000 people live in Barton and Tredworth, and more than 70 languages are spoken here, making it one of the most linguistically and culturally rich places in Gloucester.

What makes Barton truly unique is its strong sense of heritage, culture, and neighbourliness. It鈥檚 a place where people from all walks of life come together, and that spirit of diversity and unity is the heart of the community.

Q: Barton has a long tradition of appointing a Mock Mayor. How did this tradition begin?

The tradition of appointing a Mock Mayor goes back to the time of the English Civil War. In 1643, King Charles I laid siege to Gloucester because the city stood against him and supported Parliament. The people of Gloucester held out and the siege failed, which became a turning point in the war.

When the monarchy was restored years later under King Charles II, Gloucester was punished for its defiance. The city鈥檚 boundaries were reduced and Barton was cut off from the official city. Because Barton could no longer have a say in civic life, the people created their own mayor, , as a proud response. It was their way of saying, 鈥淚f the city will not give us a mayor, we will have our own!鈥�

Q: What does it take to become a Mock Mayor today?

To be eligible for the role today, you must either be born in Barton or have lived here for at least two years. The Court Leet looks for someone with a genuine connection to the community, who has contributed positively, and who can carry the title with pride, positivity and humour.

Once chosen, the Mock Mayor is formally robed in a ceremony and represents Barton in community events. One of the highlights is leading the Gloucester Day parade, where the Mock Mayor meets the official Mayor of Gloucester in a playful exchange.

Q: What does this role mean to you personally as a Filipino British woman?

The role has no political power, but it carries deep symbolic meaning. For me, it is about honouring the courage of those who came before us, celebrating the resilience and unity of Barton today, and inspiring future generations to take pride in who they are and where they come from.

No matter your background, if you give your heart to the community, there is always space to belong, to contribute, and to build a brighter future together. – Viva O’Flynn

Taking part in Gloucester Day was a joyful and humbling moment that I will treasure forever, made even more special by having my family fly from the Philippines to witness it. Their presence reminded me that this honour is not just mine, but something we share as a family and as a community.

As the first Filipina British to hold this position, I hope my appointment shows that no matter your background, if you give your heart to the community, there is always space to belong, to contribute, and to build a brighter future together.

Looking Ahead

As Barton鈥檚 new Mock Mayor, Viva brings fresh energy to a role steeped in history. Balancing her duties with work at Gloucester City Council, studies at Gloucestershire College, and her service with the Filipino Association of Gloucestershire, she embodies the spirit of community that Barton is known for.

Her story bridges cultures and generations, a reminder that tradition thrives when it opens its doors to new voices. In representing Barton, Viva also represents the many who have made Gloucester their home, proving that belonging is not defined by where you come from, but by how you give back.

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From lion dance to Burmese food, weaving workshops to an Indonesian ikat exhibit, the ESEA Cultural Festival: Homegrown, held on 14 September, showcased the richness and diversity of East and Southeast Asian cultures in Britain. Organised by the Southeast and East Asian Centre (SEEAC), the from Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Japan, China, Singapore, Myanmar, and neighbouring regions at Pelican House in Bethnal Green.

鈥淭oday is about celebrating together and enjoying different cultures, food, music, dance, and performance,鈥� said Mariko Hayashi, executive director of SEEAC.

Guests were treated to a skillful lion dance performance by ESEA Lions and the powerful rhythms of the Tamashii School of Wadaiko Do Drummers. Indonesian performers also captivated audiences with a variety of traditional dances: yapong by Alexandrie Vie and Bataknese dance by Suzanna, selendang and maumere by the Indonesian Networking and Development UK, and the plate dance by Florinda Dilyanti. Later in the afternoon, Hong Kong-born singer-songwriter Monica Wat provided a change of pace with a set of original songs on guitar.

Many attendees arrived in outfits made from traditional textiles, adding vibrant colour and texture to the festival. London-based Indonesian Raing McCullagh displayed her exquisite collection of ikat cloths, handwoven in her hometown of Sumba in Eastern Indonesia. Each piece, rich in intricate patterns and deep natural dyes, carried the mark of painstaking craftsmanship. 鈥淵ou will only find three pieces with the same design anywhere in the world,鈥� she said, emphasising their rarity and cultural value.

While visitors enjoyed food and workshops in the courtyard, others gathered in the hall to watch three short films. Tergenang by Singaporean artist Nis Murat, Sometimes I Submit, Sometimes I Surrender by Thai filmmaker Chris Kittisakul, and Gossips of Cicadidae (Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig) by Filipino director Vhan Pascual explored themes of stagnation, hierarchies, tradition, resistance, and autonomy.

Charities working with the ESEA community also took part, including Kanlungan Filipino Consortium, Migrante UK, On Your Side, and Doctors of the World. On Your Side provides support to people of ESEA heritage who have experienced racism or hate, offering advice on mental health, access to counselling, and guidance on reporting incidents to the police.

For some attendees, it was their first time to attend an ESEA cultural event. Sabah Baig, an NHS pharmacist, came to watch her aunt perform a traditional Indonesian dance. 鈥淚鈥檓 South Asian but I think it鈥檚 nice to mix and know more about other cultures,鈥� she said. Her Pakistani uncle is married to an Indonesian woman, and she came to show her support. Anelie, of Malaysian French heritage, was there to cheer her friend Monica Wat. She said she enjoyed the food and the performances.

鈥淚t was great to see performances today from different cultures,鈥� added Albertus Andito, an Indonesian volunteer with SEEAC.

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“Comfort” is a fictional retelling inspired by the multiple harrowing stories of Filipino “comfort women” 鈥� young girls who were captured and forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II. While much of global wartime history focuses on battlefield heroics and political shifts, “Comfort” sheds light on a chapter often left in the shadows: the personal, painful and courageous experiences of women whose stories have been silenced for decades.

Written by Giannine Tan and directed by Elisabeth Tu, “Comfort” is set against the backdrop of one of the darkest periods in Philippine history. The play delves into the lives of young Filipinas caught in the unforgiving tides of war. Through a poignant blend of narrative, memory, and imagination, the production honors the strength, resilience, and humanity of these women. It explores what it means to survive the unimaginable 鈥� and the long journey toward reclaiming one鈥檚 voice.

This educational production goes beyond historical retelling. It is a reflection on the intergenerational impact of trauma, the silences passed down through families and communities, and the importance of breaking those silences to heal and move forward. While the subject matter is sobering, “Comfort” also makes space for tenderness, humor, and hope 鈥� capturing the full complexity of the human spirit in times of crisis.

Audiences are invited to bear witness to a story that is both deeply personal and historically significant. As the characters attempt to speak their truth and reclaim their agency, “Comfort” invites viewers to learn with them, laugh with them and grieve with them. It is a call to remember, a call to reflect and a call to never forget.

At its core, “Comfort” is not just a story about war. It is a story about the greys in war, survival, dignity, and the urgent need to confront the past in order to shape a more just future. In retelling these stories, the production challenges us to confront the horrors of war 鈥� not only in its violence, but in the generations of lives forever altered in its wake.

“Comfort” will be performed as part of the 2025 Camden Fringe Festival from August 19 to 22 at 3:00 PM daily at the Etcetera Theatre, located in Camden Town, London.

Join us in this vital act of remembrance and resistance.

For any enquiries, please contact Giannine Tan through comfort.ww2play@gmail.com

Tickets are sold in 

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By Liezel Longboan

Behind Consul General Rhenita Rodriguez鈥檚 warm smile is a seasoned diplomat with a deep commitment to the welfare of overseas Filipinos. After six years as Deputy Head of Mission at the Philippine Embassy in London, 鈥淐onGen Rhen,鈥� as she is affectionately known, reflects on the connections she鈥檚 forged with the Filipino community and the challenges they continue to face.

No, she won鈥檛 miss the long hours or heavy workload. But she speaks with emotion about the daily rhythms of her work, her colleagues, and 鈥� most of all 鈥� the Filipino community that made her London posting meaningful.

鈥淚 will miss the Filipino community,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 will miss attending Filipino activities and events.鈥� From raising the Philippine flag to celebrate Philippine independence day at Cardiff Castle to joining the feast of the Sto. Ni帽o in Kilburn, she has been a visible and supportive presence at countless events organised by Filipinos across the UK.

From journalism to diplomacy

Originally from Tarlac, Ms. Rodriguez was only 16 when she began studying journalism at the University of the Philippines in Baguio 鈥� a safe and manageable distance from her hometown. Her career path began in the media, first as a local radio anchor, then as a news writer for IBC 13 and followed by a short stint at a trade magazine.

She had been working for several years as an editor at a business process outsourcing company when she learned about the Foreign Service Officer exam, one of the toughest in the Philippine civil service. 鈥淚 wanted to contribute to foreign policy鈥� to see the world and experience other cultures,鈥� she said. She passed on her first attempt 鈥� a feat befitting a Mensa member.

A mission to protect and support overseas Filipinos

Beyond community engagement, Consul General Rodriguez has worked to extend consular services to Filipinos outside London. She credits Ambassador Teodoro Locsin Jr. for spearheading efforts to reach Filipino communities across the UK’s four nations and beyond. In recent months alone, the Embassy has held outreach missions in Cardiff, Plymouth, Cornwall, Chichester, Guernsey, and Inverness.

Ms. Rodriguez emphasises that the entire Embassy team 鈥渨orks as one鈥� in serving the community, even if their roles are distinct. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), through the Migrant Workers Office鈥揙verseas Workers Welfare Administration (MWO鈥揙WWA), assists overseas Filipino workers. Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) consular team supports students, dual citizens, tourists, and permanent residents.

We will continue to support our…kababayans here in the UK should there be any effects from the proposed changes in immigration policy.

She stresses that Filipinos in need can turn to the Embassy for legal aid, financial assistance, temporary shelter, and repatriation support should they wish to go back to the Philippines.

Regarding proposed stricter immigration changes under the UK鈥檚 Labour government, Ms. Rodriguez assures the community: 鈥淲e will continue to support our…kababayans here in the UK should there be any effects from the proposed changes in immigration policy.鈥�

Embassy ties with Filipino nurses

The Embassy maintains strong relationships with Filipino nursing organisations, including the Filipino Nurses Association (FNA), the Philippine Nurses Association鈥揢K (PNA-UK), and the Filipino Senior Nurses Alliance (FSNA). Beyond formal neetings, Ms. Rodriguez connects with Filipino nurses during community events and informal conversations.

She recalls the early days of the pandemic as particularly difficult. Filipino nurses approached the Embassy with urgent concerns, including the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) and being required to work despite being unwell. The Embassy , which coordinated with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). As a result, PPE was swiftly provided 鈥� not just for Filipino nurses but for other NHS staff as well.

She recognised the value of Filipino nurses speaking up and presenting their needs to the Embassy. 鈥淲e really appreciate that they came to us to with their concerns and we immediately raised their concerns with our contacts and counterparts,鈥� she said.

More recently, Filipino nurses have raised issues around the UK鈥檚 English language requirements and the non-recognition of Philippine nursing degrees. Ms. Rodriguez said the Embassy staff are set to meet the nurses to discuss these matters. To be able to practice as a nurse in the UK, overseas nurses must pass an English proficiency exam and a test of competence.

Lost passport? Here鈥檚 what to do

While the Embassy handles policy-level work, it also responds to individual needs. One recurring issue is passport loss, especially among Filipino domestic workers fleeing abusive employers who have confiscated their documents. Survivors of trafficking and modern slavery are often unsure how to report these incidents, especially if the passport was not 鈥渟tolen鈥� in the legal sense.

Ms. Rodriguez advises that affected individuals can report the loss via the UK鈥檚 Report My Loss platform and are encouraged to seek assistance directly from the Embassy.

鈥淚 invite them to come to the Embassy so we can guide them through the process,鈥� she says.

A deeper appreciation for Filipinos in Britain

One moment that continues to resonate with Ms. Rodriguez came during Ambassador Locsin鈥檚 credential presentation to King Charles III in May 2023. The King acknowledged the sacrifices of Filipino health workers during the pandemic:

鈥淲hen there were no vaccines and no medicines,鈥� he told the Ambassador, 鈥淔ilipino nurses had one more medicine 鈥� they removed their gloves and held the hands of the dying so they could go gently into the night.鈥�

While she appreciates such tributes, the Consul General remains grounded in the ongoing challenges Filipino workers face 鈥� from mental health concerns to immigration uncertainty and exploitative labour conditions.

Looking ahead

Ms. Rodriguez will return to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila, where she will work on the Asia and Pacific Affairs portfolio. Filipino groups in the UK have been holding despedida (farewell) gatherings in her honour.

When asked about her legacy, she pauses and says simply:

鈥淚 would say that it is bringing Filipinos together.鈥�

Her warmth, dedication and tireless advocacy for overseas Filipinos will surely be remembered long after she leaves London.

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By Junart Kim Nieva

Today marks the 133rd anniversary of La Liga Filipina, a founded by Jos茅 Rizal, considered as the national hero of the Philippines. Despite Rizal鈥檚 non-violent efforts to unite the country through La Liga, Spanish authorities arrested and exiled him to Dapitan. Four years later, in 1896, Rizal was executed 鈥� his death becoming a catalyst for the Philippine Revolution. As we remember this moment, I am drawn to reflect on Rizal鈥檚 life, especially his time in Britain. This period feels particularly meaningful for me, not just as a Filipino, but as a member of the diaspora living in the same city where he once walked, studied, and dreamed.

A Filipino scholar in London

On May 24, 1888, Rizal first set foot in the United Kingdom, arriving in the port city of Liverpool after a long voyage from New York aboard the SS City of Rome. From Liverpool, he traveled to London, where he spent several months immersed in study and reflection. Rizal stayed with the Beckett family at 37 Chalcot Crescent near Primrose Hill, a quiet street not too far from the famous Regent鈥檚 Park and Camden Market. A in his honour. While this may be just another historical sign for many Londoners, for me, and hopefully for many other Filipinos, it鈥檚 a powerful reminder that despite being thousands of miles away from home, Rizal never stopped working for the betterment of his people.

There鈥檚 also a more personal side to this story. During his stay with the Beckett family, he formed a warm friendship with Gertrude 鈥淕ettie鈥� Beckett. The young Gettie admired Rizal鈥檚 intellect and gentle manner. Our national hero, ever the gentleman, remained kind but distant. His heart, after all, was committed to a greater love 鈥� his country. In many ways, it鈥檚 that quiet sacrifice, that deliberate distance from comfort and romance, that speaks to the core of Rizal鈥檚 nobility.

I have visited this location many times and still remember the feeling of standing outside the very house where Rizal once lived. I could almost picture him at his desk, surrounded by books and papers as he thought of the Philippines. Rizal鈥檚 former address is now privately owned, but it is worth visiting. The closest underground station is Chalk Farm, on the Northern Line. A few blocks away, the quiet beauty of Primrose Hill Park offers a panoramic view of the city. It鈥檚 not hard to imagine Rizal strolling here on weekends, reflecting on his homeland. London, at that time, was teeming with ideas鈥攐f freedom, revolution, science, and literature. Rizal immersed himself in this intellectual atmosphere, which sharpened his voice as both a reformist and a nationalist.

Rewriting Philippine history at the British Museum

During his stay in the British capital, Rizal dedicated himself to research at the British Museum. There, he worked tirelessly to ,鈥� a 17th-century chronicle of early Philippine society. It was there, under the guidance of his friend and mentor Dr. Reinhold Rost, that Rizal found the support he needed to access rare historical documents. Rizal鈥檚 annotations were not simply scholarly notes; they were acts of resistance. He challenged colonial distortions, reclaiming a history that was rich, dignified, and uniquely Filipino. He believed that by understanding our past, we could better shape our future. The fact that his name and London address exist in the museum archives is deeply moving.

A few years ago, during our Knights of Rizal European Regional Assembly, several members, along with family and friends, had the chance to see his actual signature in an old, preserved logbook at the British Library. The Knights of Rizal is which aims to honour and uphold the ideals of Rizal. Seeing the logbook with Rizal’s signature makes his presence in the city feel not just symbolic, but tangible. Even amidst his research and other activities, Rizal continued to write letters and essays.

His 鈥淟etter to the Women of Malolos,鈥� written during his stay in London, remains one of the most powerful statements on gender equality and education in our national literature. He also laid the groundwork for an international association of Filipino scholars 鈥� an ambitious idea far ahead of its time. Although it did not materialise, I am proud that today there are many organisations dedicated to the promotion of Philippine history, culture and arts, as well as fundraising activities for various charitable initiatives.

Rizal鈥檚 enduring inspiration

Today, as a Filipino living in the UK, I see Rizal鈥檚 story as more than a chapter in a textbook. I see it as a living reminder that we Filipinos carry a responsibility, too. His example challenges us to remain engaged, to speak for truth, and to contribute meaningfully to our communities, even when we are far from home. As a member of the prestigious Knights of Rizal, I find deep meaning in the fact that Rizal chose to undertake these activities here in Britain. At the time, London was a global center of free thought and constitutional democracy. Rizal admired the British system for its relative fairness and liberties 鈥� values he hoped to see one day reflected in the governance of our homeland.

As we remember Rizal鈥檚 founding of La Liga Filipina 133 years ago, I invite my fellow Filipinos, especially those living in the UK, to reflect on the life of a man who gave so much without asking for anything in return. Let us not only remember him as a hero of our history but as a fellow traveler who once walked the same roads as we do now, facing loneliness and adversity with courage and grace. Greatness doesn鈥檛 always come from grand gestures; sometimes it comes from a pen, a bench at the library, a rented room in a quiet neighborhood, or a letter written at night for a motherland far away.

Dr. Jose Rizal鈥檚 legacy in Britain is written in the lives of Filipinos who continue to uphold his ideals wherever they may be. May we continue to share his journey, not just as history, but as a living call to be curious, courageous, and committed to something larger than ourselves.

Mabuhay si Dr. Jose Rizal! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

About the author

Sir Junart Kim S. Nieva, KCR, is an active member of the Knights of Rizal 鈥� London Chapter UK. He is passionate about Philippine history, heritage and preservation, diaspora engagement and promoting the Rizalian values through education and cultural outreach. His interests include travelling, writing, community organising, charitable works and youth empowerment. He regularly participates in Filipino-British civic initiatives and events that strengthen Filipino identity. For inquiries and collaborations, or speaking engagements, he may be contacted at jks.nieva@gmail.com.

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My love for reading and books started when I was young. My parents, especially my father, encouraged my siblings and me to read. It started with Dr. Seuss and then moved to the great classics like Jane Austen, Thomas Hardy, and the Bronte Sisters. At school, we were encouraged to read both Filipino and foreign books. I grew up reading Jose Rizal, Bob Ong, Lualhati Bautista, Amado V. Hernandez, F. Sionil Jose, Nick Joaquin, and so much more.

But after a couple of months, the homesickness finally hit me. There was this nagging feeling and yearning that I couldn鈥檛 shake off. I found myself longing for books by Filipino writers. I began searching for them here in the UK, realising that as a minority in a foreign land, the representation of one鈥檚 culture and identity isn鈥檛 just important 鈥� it鈥檚 essential. I knew that Filipino writers would understand what it feels like to live away from our motherland, to carry that constant pull to return home. 

Here are books by five Filipino writers in the UK that you should definitely check out:

1) War Dove by Troy Cabida

War Dove is a published by Bad Betty Press in 2020. This poetry collection reflects mostly of Cabida鈥檚 journey of coming to terms with one鈥檚 self while also protecting and defending one鈥檚 self from the harshness of society. I felt a particular connection to several poems, especially Phonetic, Bonds, and Calatagan, 2019.

In the poem 鈥淧honetic鈥�, I commend how he has captured one of the traits that Filipinos are known for: resilience. I cannot forget this line when I first read it:

鈥淭agalog is a tactile being,

arms and feet familiar to earth and sun,

to years of toil and exhaustion.鈥�

Reading this line made me realise how we Filipinos work hard; we worked hard to gain our independence from our colonisers as we work hard today to gain freedom from the hardships of life.

The last poem in this collection called 鈥淣ot Dying for London鈥� has also caught my attention, its word play and creativity is just superb:

鈥渄ying                        as in Sunday evenings talking to a bridge/as in rejecting a hug/as in a sleeping drunk/as in your back as a symphony of cracks/as in the path I chose/as in a side effect of truth/as in a side effect of silence/as in not speaking鈥�

Cabida鈥檚 poetry collection is lyrical, well-crafted and resonates deeply into the soul. I highly recommend reading it in one鈥檚 own time as these words need to be savoured slowly with a good cup of tea or coffee.

2) Moments That Made Us by Joan Cruz

A debut poetry collection independently published in November 2020, Moments That Made Us is a true reflection of what nursing is all about. This collection is divided into three parts. 

The first part mainly describes not only the struggles but also the little joys and delights of being a nurse. The very first poem 鈥淟egacy鈥� is an embodiment of Florence Nightingale:

鈥淲e sprung from a woman鈥檚 courage,

a caring heart and a vision so clear

With wise words, she had taught us,

鈥淗ow very little can be done under the spirit of fear.鈥�

So that during times of turmoil,

we can rise to be who we need to be

Unseen heroes that are nurses,

Nightingale鈥檚 living legacy.

The second part consists of poems that tell stories about people and their illnesses (cancer, dementia, stroke); that these people are human beings that are more than their illness or disease. Also included in this part of the book are poems about existing social issues: homelessness, drug misuse, domestic violence and struggles with mental health. 

鈥淭he CAT scanner bared your bones but not your spirit.

Underneath crushed bone, you are not broken where it counts.

And from there, one day, may you find it in you

to sprint without turning back,

To pack your bags together with all the reasons that kept you

from letting go of the man

who鈥檚 greatest kindness in this life

was knocking you out cold.鈥�

As for the third part, all poems echo the experiences of an NHS frontliner during the COVID pandemic. More than the hardships comes the compassion and true essence of Nursing during an unprecedented time. As they face death while they go into their shifts every time, their courage and tenacity didn鈥檛 falter even if it means they would also catch the disease and die alone.

鈥淲hile you were out there clapping,

You thought you saw people bowing their heads.

This is our life, not a curtain call,

They were not bowing, they were dropping dead.鈥�

Truly a gem, this poetry collection is a quintessential homage to all nurses and healthcare professionals all over the world. 

3) Antiemetic For Homesickness by Romalyn Ante

Also a debut poetry collection published by Chatto & Windus in July 2020, Antiemetic For Homesickness is a remarkable literary work as it has been and shortlisted for the Jhalak Prize 2021. 

This book captures the essence of the experiences of OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) and Filipino migrants: the homesickness, longing and struggles of being away from Inang Bayan. Perhaps among all the poems in this book, every OFW could easily relate to the heart-felt poem entitled 鈥�Notes Inside A Balikbayan Box,鈥� below

鈥淒ear son,

In my place, here is a Balikbayan box.

Here are the LeBron James rubber shoes (size 9)

and the video game tapes to replace all the palm cakes

I owe you for every Simbang Gabi and PTA meeting

I could not attend. I promise I鈥檒l be there for Christmas.

I know I鈥檝e been saying this for a decade now.鈥�

Through the whole book, Ante voices out the pain of the parents who leave behind their kids to seek greener pastures elsewhere, and the pain of the children who are left behind.

鈥淏ecause my mother has followed the sunset,

because she has burnt her lips on mash and gravy

in a three-minute lunch break.

Because she calls me Anak 鈥� my child, my baby.

She asks, What do you want for Christmas? for your

产颈谤迟丑诲补测?鈥�

The poem 鈥淗补濒蹿-别尘辫迟测鈥� is an ode to all Filipino nurses working abroad: 

鈥凄谤耻驳:

Migrationazoline (available in full or half-empty bottles)

Side effects:

鈥� drowsiness/vertigo/nausea

鈥� behavioural changes

鈥� weight loss (when you deprive yourself of a steak bake

and ceaselessly convert pounds to peso)

鈥� severe acne (unknown relatives who demand money)

鈥� low mood (on occasions as Noche Buena)

鈥� bloating (as you yearn for the sweetness of lanzones or

see flakes of desiccated coconut in the black November

sky)

鈥� intermittent euphoria (when you hand the bald girl her

crocheted unicorn hat and her mother the discharge

form)

鈥� acute insomnia (when a child on a stretcher is rushed

through the door 鈥� his face blood-soaked, and for a

second you think of the one you left back home)鈥�

Over all, Ante鈥檚 poetry collection explores the complexity of longing for your home country and belonging to a new country where you try to live and survive. All through out, the book is studded with familiar Tagalog words, which for me upon reading these words evoke a true yearning of coming back home. I hold this book close to my heart as I relate to it so much. 

4) The Philosopher Joel by Danny Obillo

A , this book is published by independent publisher A Tree In Bani in 2020. The story starts as a foreigner wanders off in the province and meets Joel, a local, in such an unconventional way. Soon, Joel invites the foreigner to come with him to show him around and partake with the province鈥檚 fiesta as well.

Along the way, the foreigner and Joel develops a unique friendship, with mostly Joel sharing his philosophical insights on almost everything (including multos and his fascination of siopao), which mainly confuses and amazes the foreigner at the same time.

The writing is witty and funny, from Joel鈥檚 Filipino accent, exchanging the Fs and Ps or the Vs and Bs, to finding the characters in embarrassing and unforgettable situations. But don鈥檛 let that fool you, as this book is packed with profound understanding of the history of humankind. 

鈥�He claimed that dead stars cannot die again, not with the porce of a million exferiences nor with the will of the most desperate mind. Whateber it was he looked for was contained somewhere within those worlds and it was his duty to crack open space so he could see its contents.鈥�

This book also showcases how truly Filipinos are hospitable and trusting, taking in a stranger and developing a human connection I鈥檓 sure any foreigner would treasure.

5)  Tall Story by Candy Gourlay

First published in May 2010 by David Fickling Books, Tall Story tells the story between half- siblings Andi and Bernardo who both live worlds apart but yet has so many things in common, especially basketball. Told between alternating viewpoints of Andi and Bernardo, their relationship as brother and sister seem to flourish now that they are closer, only that both characters needed to adjust to changes in their lives as Bernardo comes to the UK to live with his family.

As Bernardo stepped into the UK, he was greeted by the sight of a small, energetic girl beaming up at him. Andi’s eyes widened in astonishment as she beheld her brother’s towering height, standing at an incredible eight feet. He was not just tall; he was a gentle giant. Initially taken aback by Bernardo’s extraordinary height, Andi soon found herself drawn into his “magical” world. Together, they discovered the wonders of a unique sibling bond, overcoming their differences and embracing the joys of being family.

Gourlay鈥檚 incorporation of Philippine mythology into the story in such a unique and creative way makes this book not only a perfect read for children and adults alike, but also a captivating journey through the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines, blending timeless tales with modern storytelling to create an experience that resonates with readers of all ages. 

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By Liezel Longboan and Jacob Delos Santos

Filipinos across the UK have voiced deep concern over the Labour government鈥檚 recently announced plans to tighten immigration rules. In a major policy speech on 12 May, Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowed to of Britain鈥檚 borders and reduce net migration, signalling a dramatic shift in the country鈥檚 immigration stance.

Labour鈥檚 newly released , Restoring Control Over the Immigration System, proposes sweeping reforms, chief among them a ban on the recruitment of overseas care workers. The government cites low domestic recruitment, poor sector pay, and worker exploitation as reasons behind the decision.

The news triggered heated discussion among Filipinos on Facebook groups and community forums. In response, 美女一级特黄大片 hosted an on 15 May to help unpack the white paper鈥檚 implications. The video has been watched by 3,900 viewers.

While the white paper remains under consultation and lacks a full implementation timeline, it lays out a stark shift in the UK鈥檚 immigration approach, prioritising high-skilled, high-wage labour and significantly tightening the eligibility criteria to study, work and settle in the UK.

Impact on Filipino healthcare workers

Filipinos working in health and social care will be among the hardest hit by these reforms, said Crystal Dias, an immigration solicitor and founder of . Currently, 50,180 Filipino nurses and midwives are registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, making them the of international staff after India. Although there are no data available on Filipino carers, it is widely known that .  

With the impending ban on overseas carers, Dias asked, 鈥淲here are they going to get the workforce?鈥� She said the Conservative government has been saying they need to train more people to work in the sector for the last 14 years and asked, “What’s happened to their plan?”

Jay Trondillo, a senior care home regional director and president of (FIC), echoed these concerns. “It will be interesting to see what sort of strategies that the government have in terms of supporting the sector. What investments are there? Are they proposing to increase training for people to come and have a career in care? Will there be funding?…What does that look like and what does the pay look like to encourage people to work in this industry?鈥�

Trondillo said the association is monitoring the developments closely and will issue a formal response once there is more clarity.  Filipinos in Care is a national association of Filipinos working in the adult care sector. 

“A political move”

鈥淚 believe this is not a well thought-out set of policy changes. This is more of a political move,鈥�  said Edgar Jr Baylon, an employment rights advocacy officer at the . He believes that the policy is divisive, with people being labelled as low-skilled or high-skilled. 

Baylon said that the government needs to support vulnerable workers. “Migrant workers experience all forms of abuses and oftentimes because of the lack of safeguards and the support from the government,” he said.

During the briefing, an attendee named Pauline remarked: 鈥淭he government is going after those that are easier to control to show UK voters that they’re doing something about immigration. The real issue in the UK public鈥檚 mind is the boats coming from across the channel, and the government is struggling to control that. What they’re doing with the white paper is a dead cat.鈥�

In public relations (PR), “dead catting” is a aimed to divert people’s attention from an issue by releasing alternative, often amusing, stories to the media.

Analysts say that Labour鈥檚 tough stance on immigration is a response to Reform UK’s success at the recent local elections. But while Labour attempts to court Reform voters, the latest YouGov鈥檚 polls suggest that it’s , who are now switching to the Liberal Democrats and Greens.

Stay informed and engaged  

Despite the more challenging outlook, panellists agreed that the proposed changes are merely plans until approved and ready to be implemented. They urged the audience to stay on top of the news.

Jay Trondillo hopes that things can still change. 鈥淔or example, in 2015, the government exempted the nurses from the 35K ILR (indefinite leave t remain) income threshold after a strong backlash from the NHS and the unions. Also, the care workers were added to the shortage occupation list after lobbying by the care providers during the COVID-19 recovery. 

鈥淎nd just last year, the initial ban on dependents for care workers was softened with an in-country switching exemption. So surely, as a community, we have our say here as a stakeholder, and even media and public opinion have successfully changed this based on precedents. So there’s something that can do.鈥�

What migrants can do now

“You can鈥檛 control policy, but you can control your response,鈥� said Crystal Dias.  She advised the audience to prepare for possible changes and 鈥渇uture-proof鈥� themselves. Here’s her advice: 

• Secure your status early: Renew visas or apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) before new rules take effect.
  
• Upskill: Take UK-accredited qualifications to meet new RQF levels.
  
• Prepare for language tests: new rules may require B1 and B2 English levels for both workers and their dependents.
  
• Rely on trusted sources: Follow the UK Home Office, accredited immigration advisers, trusted news and information sources
• Be engaged. Write to your MPs and give your position on this issue.

鈥淲e need to make our voices heard,鈥� said Edgar Baylon of SEEAC. 鈥淪o if they are saying a lot of things against migration and we remain silent about this and we don’t give our own ideas about this issue, then鈥hey will think that this is actually true.鈥�

About the author

Jacob Delos Santos is a master鈥檚 student at SOAS, University of London. Originally from Marikina City, he now lives in Oxfordshire, working in medical advertising at IPG Health.

Beyond journalism, Jacob enjoys anime, swimming, and cooking vegan Asian dishes. His favorite fruit? Fresh mangoes from his family鈥檚 province in Zambales.

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Filipino-British families in Reading are gearing up to run the 2025 Green Park 3K Mini-Marathon on 1 June 鈥� all to raise 拢3,000 for 美女一级特黄大片, a nonprofit media platform that works to amplify the voices and stories of Filipinos across the UK.

A portion of the funds will also support , a celebration that brings together families and friends to enjoy Filipino traditional games and food.

BFBA president Clarissa Dyson, said “We are grateful to for part dedicating much needed funds to help celebrate part of our culture that make us all happy, bring unity and team spirit and most especially keep the spirits alive of our tradition and culture.”

You can donate to their .

Families run together for a cause

Three Filipino-British families in Reading will take to the track on race day: Lee Levett and his son, Leo, 7; husband-and-wife team Angelica Delgado-Campo and Ryan Campo, their two daughters, Alexa, 8 and Arya, 6 and; Liezel Longboan, husband Harry Kretchmer and their son, Owen, 8.

These families are not just running 鈥� they are standing up for representation, storytelling, and cultural pride.

Why support 美女一级特黄大片?

Founded in 2020, 美女一级特黄大片 is run entirely volunteer-run. It offers media coverage, advertising, media training, and events to strengthen community groups, businesses and individuals.

In 2024, it organised a nursing careers event, bringing together new and experienced nurses to share their experiences on how to navigate and succeed in their profession. It also offered a press release writing workshop to help businesses and community organisations learn to promote their work in their local areas.

美女一级特黄大片 has trained and mentored at least 25 interns – mostly from ethnic minority backgrounds – who have learned skills in journalism, marketing, web and graphic design. Many of them are second-generation Filipino-British who are keen to keen to explore their heritage and express their views.

It was first news outlet to raise the issue of the lack of robust data about Filipino nurses in the NHS during Covid. It was also the first to cover the inclusion of the Filipino ethnic category in the NHS staff record.

The website offers legal advice and parenting columns that specifically address the concerns of the Filipino community.

Support the voices of a growing community. Donate to their

Updated: 18 May 2025

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