Lara Quigaman shares life challenges in Canada

July 5 ------ Lara Quigaman and husband Marco Alcaraz moved their family to canada to begin a new life. After living in the Philippines for many years, beauty queen and actress Lara Quigaman shared how a life-changing decision brought her and her family to British Columbia, Canada. The move was more than just a relocation it was about building a better environment to raise their children.

"Nung first time namin pumunta ni Marco, napag-usapan talaga namin na parang masarap mag-raise ng family dito," she said in an interview with Canada's OMNI News. "Hindi ko alam na in demand 'yung mga teachers. Nung nag-decide kami kung ano ang kukunin kong course sabi ko talaga gusto ko maging preschool teacher. Gusto ko mag-Early Childhood Education (ECE). So, parang tinuloy ko lang 'yung pangarap ko."

Now pursuing her passion for teaching, Lara also opened up about the distinct differences in the educational approach she's encountered in Canada, especially in early childhood. "Dito sa Canada, everyone's included, gusto nila included talaga sila, very inclusive dito. Hindi talaga nila sini-separate 'yung mga bata. Kahit may special needs, children with autism, children with behavioural needs or challenges, lahat 'yan kasama halu-halo."

Her experience in the classroom hasn't always been easy. Lara spoke candidly about the emotional and physical demands of working with children who have unique challenges. "So mahirap lang kasi may times na iba iba rin 'yung moods ng bata so nagkasabay sabay. More than the physical na pagod, minsan gusto ko silang tulungan kasi hindi mo alam kung paano matutulungan kasi may mga bata na non-verbal, hindi nila ma-explain kung ano 'yung nararamdaman nila," she explained.

Thankfully, Lara isn't navigating this journey alone. She expressed deep gratitude for her husband, Marco Alcaraz, who has become her partner not just in parenting but also in running their household. "Sobrang laking tulong talaga ni Marco, ng husband ko. Grabe 'yung supporta, hindi talaga kaya kung ako lang. Dahil nandiyan siya, mas malaki talaga 'yung effect sa akin, sa sanity ko. Talagang tumutulong siya. In terms of pagluluto, hindi na ako nagluluto kasi masarap magluto 'yung asawa ko."

Reflecting on their transition abroad, Lara offered heartfelt advice for families considering a similar path. She emphasized the importance of preparation, faith, and having realistic expectations about starting over in a foreign country. "Sa lahat ng desisyon, kailangan talaga pinag-pi-pray. Kailangan ready ka, when we moved to Canada, talagang prinepare namin sarili namin, ang mga bata. Meron kaming mindset na kapag dating namin doon, tayo lang talaga. Hindi katulad ng nakasanayan natin sa Pilipinas, hindi magiging madali 'yung journey so kailangan ready," the former actress said. "Mukhang madali siya but it's not. Ang pagiging teacher, ang pagiging educator, it's really a calling. Kailangan talaga mahal mo 'yung ginagawa mo and you love working with children," she added.

Source: gmanetwork.com