Human Interest Stories of Three Fil-Canadians in Vancouver

By: Veronica leighton

 

Lulu & Edward Navarro, Subway & Taco del Mar owners

Just like what I said in my Publisher’s Note, page 4, we were off to Vancouver, Canada for the main purpose of a pursuit for rest & relaxation away from work, but I found out that the pursuit of work has been deeply embedded in my body wherever I am, awake or asleep, vacation or no vacation, deadline or no deadline.

I always find people very interesting, and am always curious in knowing their personalities and character, their values and lifestyles, their outlook in life, and how they handle their life’s struggles and successes, what consumes them to be where they are right now . Let me start in presenting the most wonderful, hardworking Filipino couple that we met in this part of Canada, two endearing people whose personalities have made us establish instantly that kind of rapports and camaraderie.

They are Jose Eduardo Navarro (aka Ed or Edward, native of San Fabian, Pangasinan) and Lourdes Domingo Sian (aka Lulu, from Makati), our most hospitable hosts in Vancouver. Lulu is the older sister of Chicagoan Andy Sian who was also with us in this trip, together with his wife, Mel (Bubut).

Both Edward and Lulu were armed with college degrees when they started out as young couples, Ed, with a bachelor’s degree in Economics at San Sebastian College, and Lulu, a graduate of bachelor’s science in Biochemistry from UST.

Eduard joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and represented the Philippines in numerous local and international conferences in 1982, with a last posting at the Philippine Consulate General, Houston Texas, while Lulu got gainful employment at the American General Insurance and International Investment Consultant.

In 1988, with five young children in tow, Michael Anthony, Jose Eduardo, Jr., John Vincent, Mark Stephen, and Maria Lourdes, the Navarro’s immigrated to Vancouver, Canada, both of them initially trying stints in various employment to support their young family.

Not content with just being employees as their family was growing quite fast, Edward and Lulu pooled in some savings and braved themselves to buy and start a franchise business of Subway Sandwich Shop in a very good, busy location of Vancouver, Canada. This initial Subway shop still stands in the same location after more than 20 years–a thriving business for the Navarro family as all their five children who all worked and helped out at the store while growing up are now college-educated, happily working in their own employment, and are raising their own families.

These days, Eduard and Lulu have their hands full more than ever, as they are now proud owners of two Subway Sandwich Shops (the original one still in the same location and the new one in another good location in the first floor of Columbia College building) and the latest addition, Taco del Mar, a Mexican-inspired food chain. But they seem not to be relenting.

They both attribute their success primarily to their faith to the Almighty God, and for the cooperation and support of the whole family, and a quote from Edward, “especially to my ever-suportive and devoted wife, Lulu.” Edward confides that being in business and staying in business is not that simple and not an easy task. He says, “One has to endure working long hours, to persevere, be patient and stay focused on his/her stated goals.” He considers management as the most challenging aspect in business.

Furthermore, he advises, for those who would like to venture in business, whether it be manufacturing or retail trade, to do a thorough research on the project, and more importantly, on how to market the end product, and be able to sustain it. Name/Brand recognition is the key in any business. Likewise, it is the most expensive to achieve, hence, franchising may be a viable option. Numerous publications are readily available comparing franchises vis-a-vis private initiatives. Examine odds of success against them, and seek professional and spiritual guidance. if it’s needed.

Edward serves as the President/CEO while Lulu handles the position of director and secretary of the three holding corporations of the franchise-owned and operated businesses. Mind you, they are hands-on in the store’s daily activities, to the point of doing everything from serving, cashiering, and cleaning the tables and floors.

The Navarros are proud grandparents of eight grandchildren, seven boys and one girl…Noah, Joshua, & Isaiah; Theo; Jaxson & Jovina; Joaquin & Pao-pao and another one on the way.

Lulu & Edward Navarro, in their work get-up, posing inside their 2nd Subway Sandwich Shop, for this interview.

 

`Tatang’ Tomas Avendano of MHHS

The first night of our meeting the Navarro’s of Vancouver, Lulu & Ed, could not stop talking about this amazing Filipino grand man that everyone calls “Tatang” Tom Avendano, that we must meet.

Sure enough, the following day we came seeking for Tatang Avendano at a building on Fraiser Ave. housing the Multicultural Helping House Society (MHHS), a community service organization that he founded in 2001. Inside, the modestly-sized building are offices for staff and volunteers, and rooms for the Center’s projects, classes and meetings. Tatang emphasized during this interview that they even have quarters for the new immigrants/ arrivals who don’t have homes to stay in.

By the way, the MHHS Center, though multicultural in nomenclature, claims a large membership of mostly Filipinos (99.9%) It gets its funding for projects from the Canadian government, and the modestly-sized Cemter itself was donated by the government. The organization itself made its transition from purely a Filipino to multicultural service oganization.

Where did he get the gumption and the idea for such a gargantuan service-oriented devotion to the minorities? Tatang, just like many of us new immigrants from the Philippines, has stories to tell about his ups and downs and challenges as a Canadian immigrant when in his 50’s he landed in the “Land of Canucks” in the 1980’s.

Fragile-looking but quite alert and healthy, and now in his mid-80’s, you can tell that he really has that steely desire to help others. He said that he does not wish for anyone to suffer what he had to undergo as a new immigrant when he moved to Canada and worked a a maintenance man in McDonald’s for twelve years. He was a teacher and a politician in the Philippines before he moved to Canada.

Multicultural Helping House Services in Vancouver assists those who are disadvantaged due to barriers in language, employment and social isolation, provides respite housing for recent newcomers and distressed temporary foreign workers. It also has a Youth Program and Seniors Programs…serving as a really good assistance program to Canada’s multiculturalism and integration programs for its citizenry.

Due to his humanitarian work and dedicated service to the community, Tatang Tom has received numerous awards and recognitions from the Canadian government, politicians, and other service agencies, the latest of which was as a “Multicultural Leader” award. His vision? He wants to help kababayans back home by starting immigration workshops for both skilled and unskilled workers before moving to Canada, through the assistance of the Canadian government.

Don’t we need some kind of a Tatang, Godfather, or Ninong Tom to help out our deteriorating Rizal Heritage Center here in Chicago? We surely do miss the late Mr. Carmelito Llapitan, one of the founding fathers of the Rizal Center. He was some kind of Tatang Tom of our community, circa 1970’s to 1980’s.

The Chicago-Vancouver gang flanking Tatang Tom Avendano during Veronica’s interview in Vancouver, Canada. Front: Tatang Tom Avendano, Veronica; Back: Bubut & Andy Sian, Edward & Lulu Navarro & Joe Mauricio.

THE ESCUETA BROTHERS MUSICAL GROUP

The next story is about talented musician brothers known as The Escueta Brothers Musical Group in Vancouver. Their story of struggles as brothers playing music together for the Canadians had hit some bad notes and missed chords like their favorite musical instrument– guitar.

Coming from a musical but poor family of nine children, the four Escueta bros tried their luck in Saskatchewan, Canada. On a working visa, the Escueta brothers and their beautiful music had become such a big hit and they became the favorite of Saskatchewan locals where they entertained for a few years until the Canadian immigration had told them that it was time to leave the country. Their many fans and friends tried to come to the rescue, and petitioned the immigration office for their legal stay. The rest is history, from Saskatchewan to Vancouver now. regarding their now legalized status in Canada.

We were brought to meet the Escueta Brothers at the popular Newlands Country Club where they have been playing for 15 years now. Ricky Escueta, a very good friend of Chicago musician Andy Sian, and who granted me an interview at the Navarro’s residence, plays the guitar, composes songs and teaches music, brod Ramon plays the bass, and brod Raffy, sings and also plays the guitarist. Another brother, Mike, was on a break, but also sings and plays the guitar.

With his life and music, Ricky says that he looks at music like a guitar which is an extension of one’s self, that whatever you hear comes out of your instrument, and connecting to the world out there.

The Escueta Brothers are now well settled in Vancouver with the rest of the family members but most importantly, their music delights many Canadian fans.

Ricky is happily married to Olivia, his Chinese wife of many years. ##

The Escueta Bros. Musical Group, from left, Ricky, best pal Andy Sian since younger days, Raffy and Ramon, (missing brod is Mike).