DUE to financial problems, Junel Ymbong Villela, 32, had to leave his family to find a better future outside the country.
It was a hard decision, especially that it was his first time to be away from his family, which is based in Cebu, Philippines.
"I have to prove to myself that I can live independently knowing that my pure intention is to support my family with their daily needs and help my niece and nephew with their educational needs until they become successful in life," he said.
Villela is a proud Cebuano from Timpolok, Barangay Babag in Lapu-Lapu City. He is an alumnus of Cebu Normal University. He worked for six years in SSI, formerly known as Western Wats, an American-based research company with an office at MEZ 2 in Lapu-Lapu City.
It was in 2014 when he first landed in Detroit, Michigan. He later moved to Topeka, Kansas, where he worked as a call center representative at Kansas Department of Health and Environment. He then moved to a call center of a local bank.
Despite tight schedules and his being away from home, Villela's devotion to the Senior Santo Niño did not fade.
He said he has been a devotee of the Child Jesus since he was a kid -- the reason he is still active in holding Sinulog activities even in America. He calls his group as the Filipino-American Community in Topeka, KS.
"Ang Sinulog, eight years na mi nag-celebrate (We celebrate Sinulog here for eight years already) spearheaded by the group of Filipino teachers here in Topeka, Kansas," Villela said.
"Our kababayans here are very cooperative and are so glad that we are bringing in the festivities here," he added.
They always have a Sinulog dance and lechon for dinner, as part of their celebration, the same way the Cebuanos celebrate the feast of the Santo Niño.
Aside from Sinulog, they also celebrate Santa Cruzan, which they held for the first time in 2017.
Asked why they continued their devotion, he said it helps them adjust to the environment in the United States and fight homesickness.
"This is also our way of introducing our culture to the Americans as well as for our strong faith in God through the religious festivities," said Villela.
"A group of Filipino teachers here started most of the events before I joined the Filipino community because they want to feel like they are just in the Philippines and to continue their faith especially to Senior Santo Niño," he added.
Villela's group is also active in other events, such as Valentine's party, Flores de Mayo, Topeka Duwa Summer Games, and New Year's Eve party, among others.
He encouraged kids to showcase their talents, especially in singing, by organizing a musical presentation.
"I will be forever grateful to God for the talent and skills that He has given me and I lift them back to Him for His glory," he said.
Villela is just one of the hundreds of Filipinos who struggled to make a living outside the country to be able to support their families back in the Philippines. He comes home every year to celebrate Christmas and New Year with his family and friends. (SunStar Philippines)