There are mornings here in the UK when I wake up before my alarm — the sky still dark, the radiator ticking against the cold — and the very first thought that finds me is you. Not the you of a memory or a photograph, but the real you: the one who was already awake long before any of us, already moving in the kitchen, already carrying the day before anyone else had even opened their eyes. I used to take that for granted. I am so sorry, Mama.

Healthcare has always been more than a profession for me — it is a calling that grew from my desire to help people and make a difference in their lives. My journey in nursing is shaped by years of learning, clinical experience, leadership, and continuous professional growth.

Planning activities during school holidays while managing your leave entitlement can be both challenging and rewarding — especially for Filipino nurses working in the UK. Whether you’re in the NHS, community nursing, or private hospitals, annual leave often isn’t enough to cover all the school breaks your children have, which makes careful planning even more important.

3/10: Through the Crystal Ball: Seeing My Journey in a Different Light (Malayo na pero Malayo pa Photo Competition

Being a migrant parent is a different ball game. It presents tougher challenges and at times entails bigger sacrifices.