LABRADOR CITY, N.L. — Jeff Bunyi was prepared for the cold but not for the loneliness he felt after leaving his home community of Laguna in the Philippines for life in Labrador.
Bunyi, a shipper-receiver in an electronics company, said many of his co-workers had applied for work abroad as conditions weren't always ideal in his home country.
He decided it was time for a change and sought out an agency to help.
Eventually he was hired, as part of a group of 16 people, for a job in Canada.
Bunyi says he was "heartbroken" when the employer backed out.
Determined to find work outside in his home country, he persevered and eventually had a Skype interview with the Home Hardware store in Labrador City.
It paid off and he was hired.
Flying halfway around the world to a place he knew nothing about was daunting. He did a lot of internet research to learn more. His search on Newfoundland and Labrador showed a lot of results with icebergs and bears.
It was his first time out of the country and his first flight. Every day presented challenges, including how to navigate an airport.
He was grateful his employer met him when he arrived in February 2013 and showed him to the house where he would be living.
He faced other challenges like learning how to cook and wash clothes since appliances are different here. He also had to master using a Smart TV.
Grocery shopping was difficult since many foods were foreign to Bunyi. When his boss asked if there was anything he needed, he requested a rice cooker. Rice is a staple in the Philippines and the cooker made his life a lot easier.
He said between work and the cold he didn't get around town much at first, and didn't meet many people.
Eventually that changed. He found out about a Filipino basketball league and he met people at his church. He soon had friends, and met many other Filipinos living in the area.
He said he came here to help his family and it was worth any sacrifices he made. Bunyi had been living with his parents in the Philippines. He also has a son who lives with his mother.
But just as Bunyi was adjusting to his newfound community in 2015, the Canadian economy took a downturn. Oil projects weren't doing well, the mines in Labrador west were feeling a slowdown, Wabush and Bloom Lake had been closed.
Four thousand Filipinos had to return home, and Bunyi was one.
He said he was devastated and didn't tell his surprised parents he was returning home.
He eventually found work in the Philippines, all the time dreaming of coming back to Labrador.
He got a break in 2019 from a friend, Evelyn Rufino, who helped him find work at a new paint shop opening here. He says the paperwork took about a year to process and he credits owner Ken Manstan and Cindy Ward for helping him achieve his desire to work in Labrador City once again.
Bunyi had no hesitation returning, and said it was worth a four-year wait.
He said he is well prepared for Canada this time and will apply for residency.
He'll get help from the Association for New Canadians and Bill Soper who is guiding him through the steps he needs to take.
Bunyi is comfortable here and he is embraced by employers and new friends who include him in community celebrations and holidays.
"I hope to get my residency and someday, bring my son here," he said. "I have no intention of leaving. People are accepting. I'm comfortable. This is my second home."
