Employer leaves Filipina maid $4 million

britexpat
By britexpat

Great Heartwarmer .....................:O)

The maid refused to be named in public for fear of possible threats to her life in the impoverished Philippines, where wealthy people have been kidnapped for ransom and some killed by their abductors.

The windfall, including cash and a luxury apartment near the Orchard Road shopping belt, came from the estate of her employer Quek Kai Miew, a medical doctor and philanthropist who died last year at 66.

The maid had also taken care of the doctor's late mother, and was told that she would be a beneficiary of her employer's will when it was drawn up in 2008.

"I am the luckiest maid in Singapore, with or without the money," the 47-year-old single woman – identified only by the pseudonym Christine.

"There were no secrets between us. I was not surprised at all when she told me how much I was going to get," she said.

The woman was devastated when Dr Quek died a year ago, as the two were inseparable, and temporarily moved in with the doctor's nephew for solace.

"It was heartbreaking for me as I saw more years with Dr Quek than with my own mother. I would break down every time I thought about her. I could not be by myself," she said.

The maid, who is now applying for permanent residency in Singapore, said her new-found wealth had not changed her lifestyle.

"I do not really think much about the money I got. I just live my life as I did before, and not as a rich person," the maid, dressed simply in a blouse and slacks with short-cropped hair, said.

"I am still who I was before. I cannot behave differently because I have money now. Even my Filipina maid friends here still treat me the same."

Source: Telegraph

By SimpleLiving• 27 Jul 2010 22:24
Rating: 3/5
SimpleLiving

at the end of the day, she might go to her homeland...there's no place like home, so to speak....

By flor1212• 22 Jul 2010 08:15
flor1212

Sometimes a simple thank you or appreciation. But a SIMPLE USD 4 milion is not far enough for services heartfully rendered! Lol!

Why the need to go home when she can bring her entire family there! Lol!

By CG28• 22 Jul 2010 07:58
CG28

but only for the blessed few!

By FlyingAce• 21 Jul 2010 20:55
FlyingAce

She must be really loyal with her employers. Lucky person... :D

By heero_yuy2• 21 Jul 2010 20:20
heero_yuy2

@baldrick: any person who's used to living in the same other country for 20 years will always never be willing to go back home. You can ask plenty around here with the same situation. ;-P

It only realises us that staying the same will still get you everything and needs no change.

On britexpat's case, it's him who gets the better thing, I think. ;oP

By Visper• 21 Jul 2010 18:48
Visper

If that's how you perceive it,that working is selling ones life, then it's your opinion.. For me it's not selling.. It's sacrificing.. And there's a big emotional differences between that two.. :)

By imambudi• 21 Jul 2010 18:12
Rating: 3/5
imambudi

I'vee been selling my life in Qatar for 3 years..I miss my family and friends back there.

For me..everyone that leaving all the joy behind their native country for a better future same as selling.

Just like we're selling our skill to our employer...no offense...I just in a gloomy days.

I know the feelings of fellow overseas worker especially domestic workers such as drivers and maids that leaving their family behind...

You wish you could take your children every weekend for vacation..but you can't.

You wish you can visit your parents every weekend with your family..but you can't...

For bachelor..its wasn't that bitter I think

By gkramer• 21 Jul 2010 17:49
gkramer

imambudi do you work?

By Harry Budianto• 21 Jul 2010 17:45
Harry Budianto

Visper, you were right..

By Visper• 21 Jul 2010 17:16
Visper

imambudi, it's only $4million..

and who told you she sold her life for money? did she ever know the dr will give her such money? you should know that many Filipinas leave their families and try their luck abroad the sake of their love ones.. No, she did not sold her lilfe, she just got good luck.. :D

By Visper• 21 Jul 2010 17:13
Visper

I am applying as a housemaid.. My sponsor should be a millionaire.. :D

By imambudi• 21 Jul 2010 17:08
Rating: 4/5
imambudi

She has sold her life for $4billion, losing time she could use to make family, losing time to enjoying her life.

All her sacrifice is paid by financial gift...fair enough.......but not good enough..

You can't buy back your time

By [email protected]• 21 Jul 2010 15:13
roseesocta@yahoo.com

"I am still who I was before. I cannot behave differently because I have money now. Even my Filipina maid friends here still treat me the same."

..keep your feet on the ground and be thankful for the blessing,use that money in a nice way,investing some business but the best you can do is learn what kind of business you want to be planning and focus,like travel agency for Filifina maid for Singapore.

By Colt45• 21 Jul 2010 15:07
Colt45

so you better leave them a fortune too ;-))

By Colt45• 21 Jul 2010 15:07
Colt45

I think she should adopt me ;-))

By gudone• 21 Jul 2010 15:03
gudone

uhuuuuuuuuuu.. wat a luck!

By gkramer• 21 Jul 2010 15:01
gkramer

When will my boss die.. Maybe he will leave me a few millions too :-P

By britexpat• 21 Jul 2010 14:59
britexpat

Good luck to her, but I qould question - "Even my Filipina maid friends here still treat me the same." :O)

By ex.ex.expat• 21 Jul 2010 14:51
ex.ex.expat

so I am sure she considers singapore her home now, especially since she now has real estate there. Nothing wrong with that, mate.

By mjamille28• 21 Jul 2010 14:49
mjamille28

can't blame her for not wanting to go back....

By marie_2• 21 Jul 2010 14:49
Rating: 4/5
marie_2

She must have been a great maid and companion to that Dr. Salute!

By somwerNdmiddle• 21 Jul 2010 14:48
somwerNdmiddle

it's like in the movies, good for her!

well, it's here choice baldrick :)

By baldrick2dogs• 21 Jul 2010 14:46
Rating: 4/5
baldrick2dogs

"The maid, who is now applying for permanent residency in Singapore, said her new-found wealth had not changed her lifestyle. "

Not changed her, except she will not go back home ... hmm.

Log in or register to post comments

More from Qatar Living

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Let's dive into the best beaches in Qatar, where you can have a blast with water activities, sports and all around fun times.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

This guide brings you the top apps that will simplify the use of government services in Qatar.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

this guide presents the top must-have Qatar-based apps to help you navigate, dine, explore, access government services, and more in the country.
Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Qatar's winter months are brimming with unmissable experiences, from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 to the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 and a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural delights.
7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

Stuck with a week-long holiday and bored kids? We've got a one week activity plan for fun, learning, and lasting memories.
Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a sweet escape into the world of budget-friendly Mango Sticky Rice that's sure to satisfy both your cravings and your budget!
Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in  high-end elegance

Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in high-end elegance

Delve into a world of culinary luxury as we explore the upmarket hotels and fine dining restaurants serving exquisite Mango Sticky Rice.
Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Celebrate World Vegan Day with our list of vegan food outlets offering an array of delectable options, spanning from colorful salads to savory shawarma and indulgent desserts.