| Chris and his family are settling in Winnipeg, Canada, where they just bought their own home. Life in Manitoba's capital is a far cry from life in Manila, where he was born, but it looks like they're having a good time there. He never thought he'd end up living there, but now "Come to Canada" is his advice to others. |
 Chris Cruz |
-Where were you born?
I was born and raised in Manila, Philippines.
-In which country and city are you living now?
I live in Winnipeg, Canada.
-Are you living alone or with your family?
I live with my family.
-How long have you been living in Canada?
I have been living here for about 6 years now.
-What is your age?
I’m 27.
-When did you come up with the idea of living in Canada?
I never thought of going here, I didn’t have a choice back then because my wife didn’t want to settle in the Philippines, that’s the reason why I came here.
-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
Not at all, I just mailed in my application to the embassy in Manila.
-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
Never thought I needed one, I was a student when I came here. Over here in Winnipeg, as soon as I got my permanent residency papers, I got my health insurance in a snap.
-How do you make your living in Canada? Do you have any type of income generated?
I work for a research firm, and have been with them for about 5 years now. I did use the Citizenship Council of Winnipeg for some career coaching then went on my own to look for a job.
-Do you speak the local language and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
I believe that speaking both official languages (English & French) is very important, since I am Canadian (although it’s not mandatory).
Being one of the Queen’s subjects, I am bound to the local rules and regulations of the country, I have pledged my allegiance to Her Majesty.
-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
Of course, I miss my parents, brothers and relatives, they’re all there and I’m the only here in Canada.
-Do you have other plans for the future?
I got lots actually, I want to bring my son to Disney World on his 7th birthday (that’s where we went for our late honeymoon), and I want to go to France and Italy to enhance my cooking skills. As for business, it’s on hold for now. I want to go back to Japan, I love those Japanese people, oh and I want to see South Korea too. lol.
-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
We lived in an apartment for about 5 years, and we just bought our first home (townhouse) recently. It’s very nice and it is the right size for the three of us. It’s a 2-bedroom townhouse, cozy, with a fireplace (I don’t even know how to use this). My wife designed the interior of our home so it became cozier and expresses a mix of a contemporary and chic lifestyle.
-What is the cost of living in Canada?
:) I would say it’s okay 'cause we’re still surviving lol.
-What do you think about the Canadians?
Of all the places I’ve been to, Manitoba is the friendliest province in Canada.
-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Canada?
More opportunity – but the healthcare sucks! (I guess we can’t complain more – it’s free but it sucks!).
-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Canada?
Oh Canada, just come to Canada, we got maple syrup here, Mounties, oil, etc. Lol.
-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Canada?
Yeah, visit my site:
Visiter mon website:
http://santocruz.blogspot.com
