Five individuals continue to volunteer and teach their skills to their “kababayans” on Saipan.
Jojo Sotto, who teaches pastry cooking, said: “I enjoy sharing my knowledge.”
His class at the Filipino Workers Resource Center of the Philippine Consulate General has 40 students.
His students learn how to prepare buko, or coconut, pies, chocolate cakes, tarts and other baked goods and pastries.
Ofelia Lopez, who teaches baking, said her students “are very cooperative and interested to learn.”
Nhanie Cayao teaches home décor while tattoo artist Edward “Dragon” Elenzano teaches food carving.
Elenzano graduated from the culinary arts class of Hermie Coronejo, Fiesta Resort & Spa’s chef.
Coronejo started his volunteer service in 2004. “I am always willing to impart my skills and knowledge,” he said.
Consul General Medardo Macaraeg said the free livelihood classes are for Filipino workers who want to go into business once they return to the Philippines.
All that they need now is the capital to start a new venture, he added.
