Filipino expat Erwin's career growth in the United States is the result of hard work and enthusiasm for his job. This young man tells us how he came to be living in San Diego, California, what he enjoys doing in the city, his path to becoming a 4-star resort's Executive Chef, and his plans for the future.	Erwin Joven

-Where were you born?
Manila, Philippines

-In which country and city are you living now?
San Diego, California, USA

-Are you living alone or with your family?
Alone

-How long have you been living in the USA?
Since 2000, with a year living in Napa Valley (2002-3).

-What is your age?
28

-When did you come up with the idea of living in the USA?
After graduating from college in the Philippines, I came across an opportunity to work for the Marriott in Coronado (San Diego) for a year and a half on a J-1 visa (international exchange trainee). I was 21 at the time and, feeling adventurous, decided to go for it. The money seemed like it was worth the trip (it was) but you have to put into consideration taxes, rent, other living expenses. To someone growing up using a weaker currency the prospect of earning in dollars is a dream come true ... until you realize that you are spending in dollars as well.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
No for the J-1 visa as the company sponsored it. For my subsequent M-1 (student's) and H1-B (working professional) visas it has been both an expensive, for both myself and the companies sponsoring me, and humbling/humiliating (interviews at the consulate/embassies will break you if you are weak!) experience. Do not go into this unprepared!

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
No, most companies will sponsor or at least subsidize medical expenses. Healthcare still is expensive especially for California. A lot of people get insurance that they can use across the border in Tijuana, which is less expensive. Do not live here without health insurance as it will be very expensive for you if you get sick ... and you may have to ask one of your Mexican co-workers to get antibiotics for you from across the border (obviously someone is speaking from experience....).

-How do you make your living in the USA? Do you have any type of income generated?
I've moved up from being a culinary intern to the Executive Chef of a 4-star resort in a short 7 years - the embodiment of the American dream! Going to school here had helped immensely though. All my income has been from jobs/positions I've held here. Looking for a job and a work permit sponsor after culinary school was tough and I had to go back to San Diego and tie up with people I had known from doing my internship (as with anywhere else it just goes to show it is who you know that gets you the job). It was not a city that I had planned on moving to as there are other culinary hotspots like San Francisco or New York, but it was up and coming and young chefs are in demand.

After looking for a sponsor, I hired an immigration lawyer (the first one that said yes to my case) to navigate the complex paperwork to get the work permit. During this step it is important not to get discouraged as many lawyers will give you the best advice there is to stay in America - that is to get married. The best tool here to land the job and get the work permit is perseverance - you'll get it if you want it but it's not going to be easy.

-Do you speak the local language and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
Yeah dude, for sure! Hehehe! Californians speak English differently and with a different accent than Americans from other places. After living here for 7 years I've learned most of the slang even though some words/phrases still puzzle me as the slang is ever-changing. Having a foreign accent here is not uncommon, just be able to keep up with the speed in how Americans speak English and have a fast "come back" for comments. I was like a "deer in headlights" when I first came here. California is a big melting pot and most "locals" (and I use the term to describe anyone who has lived here for more than a year) appreciate the general diversity of cultures. Learning Spanish in California helps too.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
Yes, but mine has come to visit me often and I've had the chance to go home (direct flights from LA/San Francisco to Manila/most points in Asia help). I also have relatives in LA so that helps when I want to reconnect with family. There is a big Filipino community in San Diego so I haven't missed the food part, lots of Asian markets too.

As for recreation, San Diego has a lot to offer, especially in the outdoor and action sports categories. Everyone seems like they want to be outdoors surfing, or hiking, or doing whatever (this can be distracting at work!), and San Diego has plenty of venues for this. There is an ocean lagoon near where I live that I took my kayak out this morning....

-Do you have other plans for the future?
After living in San Diego for 7 years I'm seriously thinking of being closer to my family geographically, either in Hawaii, Philippines or Australia. I guess it all depends on the money I'll be making and the position I'll be taking on in the next place. 7 years is enough time in California ... even though it is hard to leave such a beautiful place.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
Currently renting a house with roommates. Getting "roomies" is a great way to save on rent especially in an expensive city like San Diego. My roommates and I are paying a nice deal for Carlsbad (upscale, coastal community in North San Diego) - $2000/mo for a 4br/2.5 bathroom townhouse, but this is not typical. Expect to pay $3000 up for something similar in the area. The recent fires in and around the suburban areas will not do anything to drive rental prices down...

-What is the cost of living in San Diego?
Expensive but slightly lower than San Francisco or New York. Food is relatively cheap, but you have to know where to buy it. Bargain stores for clothing and household goods are everywhere and sales happen all the time making it silly to actually pay for anything at its suggested retail price.

-What do you think about the locals?
Good for the most part as everyone here is from some place else. But oddly enough people who have been here longer will make you feel that you do not belong unless you make an effort to fit in. Most foreigners in San Diego hang out with other foreigners, at least at the start.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in the USA?
Positive: Fast upward mobility for the ambitious, not much traffic or congestion, lots of entertainment/recreation options, earning in dollars

Negative: It is an expensive rat race to live in! Don't be fooled by Southern California's laidback attitude - working here is not a vacation. There is a reason why California is the 8th largest economy in the world.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in San Diego?
It's a great place to live ... but don't lose yourself here (as the California tourism board suggests) as it will be a hard place to leave if you do. :)

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about anything related to San Diego?
Lonely Planet was the guidebook I was reading when I first came out here... and I still refer to it.

www.signonsandiego.com ... news, events, etc.

www.sdreader.com ... things to do, coupons