Filipino talent continues to make waves internationally, especially in China, where both artists and educators have built meaningful connections with local communities. Through music, education, and cultural exchange, Filipinos abroad showcase their passion and resilience, earning admiration and recognition.
One such educator is Marianne Lourdes Leonor, known as Mary to her students and colleagues. A Filipina teacher and overseas Filipino worker (OFW), she has spent 13 years in China teaching children aged 2 to 15. Leonor describes her journey as both fulfilling and unexpected.
“I didn’t even realize it’s already been 13 years—it’s really fast,” she shared during a press conference on February 14 at the 86-year-old Kamuning Bakery owned by Wilson Lee Flores.
Despite being far from home, she has found joy in her profession and in the warmth of the people around her.
“Working there really gives me a lot of experiences and really I would say that I’m very happy to be there. And the people, the local community, especially my employer, I feel very welcomed. They take care of me,” she continued.
She also shared how her students have a deep appreciation for Filipino artists.
“My students, they like [KZ Tandingan], because she joined the contest with Jessie J,” she said, referring to the Chinese singing competition Singer 2018, where Tandingan made waves.
“Also they like mga [Filipino] dramas, I’m shocked. And they like SB19’s Gento,” she added.
Beyond music, her students and colleagues recognize world-renowned Broadway star Lea Salonga. “One thing they know about Filipinos, – teachers [and] my students, the first thing that comes in their minds when it’s Philippines [are] singers, karaoke, Lea Salonga. They know her,” Leonor said proudly. Another artist who stands out is Marcelito Pomoy, whose dual-voice singing talent amazed international audiences. “They love him so much,” she added.
If her life were ever turned into a film, she already has a shortlist of actresses to portray her: Dimples Romana, Iza Calzado, or Mylene Dizon.
“I have 3 choices,… my first is, of course, Dimples Romana, second would be Iza Calzado, or the third, kasi I really like how versatile she is, Mylene Dizon,” she said.
She envisions an inspirational, feel-good story that highlights the importance of teachers and students, especially in today’s digital age.
“Definitely it is a feel-good movie, inspirational, and I wanna focus my story to inspire specially teachers and the students. Kasi millennials, now are more of social media. I want still to touch, you know, the inner selves natin.”
Beyond teaching, Leonor has a deep passion for rescuing stray dogs. “It’s not easy being there alone. Literally alone. Thank God, I have rescued dogs,” she said. Over the years, she has saved more than 15 dogs, rehoming some as far as Canada and the U.S. “…Talagang I make sure I rehome [them],” she added.
Leonor’s journey reflects the broader impact of Filipinos abroad. Whether in education, music, or acts of kindness, Filipinos continue to make a difference in China and beyond.
TATAK MNL 
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