Lucky 'Wowowee' contestant inspires Canada’s caregivers
VANCOUVER, BC – It’s been months since Barry Bogert, Jr. had an emotional reunion with his long-lost father in the US but hundreds of Filipino caregivers still couldn’t help but cry when they listened to his story.
Bogert was a special guest Saturday at the 2nd Annual Caregiver’s Conference hosted by the Multicultural Helping House Society, and attended by more than 300 caregivers. He was joined by Greg Rosas, the man who helped him find his father.
Together, they shared their story of family separation and reunion that started when he joined ABS-CBN’s popular game show “Wowowee.”
Bogert tried his luck as a contestant on the show and reached out to the father he never knew.
Barry Bogert Sr. left Subic Naval base when his tour of duty was over, when Barry Jr. was still in his mother’s womb.
Rosas, a TFC subscriber, was touched by Bogert’s story and decided to bring him to the US and help him find his father.
Bogert had a message for all the nannies, who like him, have been separated from their families and are longing to be reunited with them too.
“Keep on dreaming, keep on working hard, and success will come,” said Bogert, who arrived in the US last May.
The caregivers were grateful for the inspiration.
Vivian Cabillete, a live-in caregiver, said she felt an emotional connection to Bogert.
“I cried! I felt the pain in my heart. His story gives inspiration to all,” said Cabillete.
Evelyn Salib, another caregiver added, “we felt better and stronger in the knowledge that we’re not alone”.
However, family reunification is not always a positive experience. This is why the conference also prepared nannies on the realities and difficulties they may face upon reuniting with children they’ve left for a long time.
“There’s anger, which is why some kids rebel. Some withdraw from their parents. Others just want to go back to their grandmothers’ care. It’s a lot of work and our caregivers should be prepared for that,” explained Joy Jose, a multicultural worker at the Vancouver School Board.
Canada is the only country that allows live-in caregivers to petition their families to become permanent residents in the country. Balitang America
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Isa na namang buhay ang napaayos ng wowowee, kayo meron bang natulungan ng ganito?
Wowowee is an inspiring show
Wowowee is an inspiring show but it needs to go off air as it is associated with Willie.
WOWOWEE helps to reunite father and son
So why cancel the show.
WOWOWEE was a forum for many who wanted their 15 minute of fame. A show where hundreds were employed, cameramen, directors, dancers etc. This show gave millions of people around the world a means to entertain themselves even for just an hour. Many times I was also irked by WILLIE for being arrogant but that is minuscule compared to the many things that he does well.
As I said, this was a forum where many dreamt to be on. It's their dream to be actors, singers, etc and this was the show where they can realize their dreams for even minutes. The different persona, the emotions, the drama and once in a while a discovery is made of a very talented singer, dancer, performer and so on, who otherwise will not be discovered if not for WOWOWEE.
So to cancel this show because some dislike the host is an injustice to the many participants and viewers who love the show....with all its idiosyncrasies, eccentricities, etc that is WOWOWEE.