Anna Mae Mendez Cantal

Anna Mae Mendez Cantal is a 34-year-old Filipina from the municipality of Ajuy in the province of Iloilo. She is the fourth child among seven siblings—five brothers and one sister. She comes from a humble, hardworking family. Her father, now 62 years old, continues to work as a carpenter, while her 66-year-old mother is a full-time housewife. Though legally married, Anna Mae is no longer living with her husband and is now the sole caregiver and provider for her two young children, aged 8 and 2. Her current situation as a single mother has motivated her to seek employment opportunities abroad to better support her family and secure a brighter future for her children. Anna Mae completed her secondary education at Culasi National High School in 2008. Although she did not pursue college, her determination to work and provide for her family pushed her to seek employment early in life. Her work experiences are: 1. Philippines (2010–2012) Anna Mae began her domestic work career in the Philippines, employed by a Filipino family residing in a two-bedroom bungalow. The household consisted of a couple and their two children, aged 16 and 9. Her main responsibilities included: General housekeeping such as cleaning, washing clothes, ironing, and tidying the home ; Cooking daily meals for the family; Providing childcare, particularly for the 9-year-old child—helping with daily needs, preparing school things, and accompanying the child to and from school ; This experience gave her a strong foundation in balancing household duties with childcare, especially for school-aged children. 2. Saleslady – Philippines (2013–2014) After her initial domestic helper role, Anna Mae worked as a saleslady in a local retail shop. In this role, she gained customer service experience and became familiar with product inventory, basic cashiering, and communicating effectively with different types of people. Although this role was not related to domestic work, it further developed her interpersonal and organizational skills. 3. Saudi Arabia (February 2020 – June 2022) Anna Mae worked for an Arab family in Saudi Arabia for over two years. The household included the couple and their four children, aged 20, 16, 10, and 8. She served as an all-around domestic helper. Her duties included: Full-scale housekeeping: sweeping, mopping, washing clothes, ironing, and organizing ; Childcare for the younger children (ages 10 and 8), including bathing, feeding, dressing, and school preparation ; Assisting her female employer in cooking and meal preparation, where she learned to help with various Arab dishes; Managing household supplies and assisting in occasional errands ; This overseas role tested and strengthened Anna’s adaptability, endurance, and dedication, as she worked long hours in a foreign environment while meeting her employer’s expectations. She gained valuable exposure to Middle Eastern customs, food, and household systems. Anna Mae is currently in the Philippines, staying at home in Ajuy, Iloilo while caring for her two children. She is actively seeking employment as a domestic helper in Singapore, hoping to find a stable job where she can