In the glitz and glamor of showbiz, we often imagine celebrities living in luxury and fame. While this might be true for some, emerging actress Kaori Oinuma’s journey is a testament to humble beginnings and hard work.
Before entering the limelight, Kaori worked as a caregiver, just like her mother, in Japan. During school breaks, she assisted her mother, emphasizing the need to save money so they could return to the Philippines.
“Nung naranasan ko trabaho nya, hindi ganun kadali yung magbuhat, magpakain, maglinis ng matatanda. Sobrang hirap… gusto ko tumulong. Wala ng panahon at that moment para maginarte pa,” she said in an interview with Karen Davila on her vlog.
Her stint as a young overseas Filipino worker wasn’t without challenges as she struggled to learn the ropes of caregiving.
“Napapagalitan ako ng mga seniors sa akin. May mga small details na hindi ako nagagawa. Pero gets ko naman yun kasi para sa patients namin,” said Kaori.
Kaori continued to persevere, holding on to her dreams for a better life back home until her big break came. She seized the opportunity to audition for Pinoy Big Brother when the show opened its doors for celebrity hopefuls in Tokyo in 2018. It marked the beginning of her journey in showbiz.
“Pumunta ako ng Tokyo. Hindi ko na nasama nanay ko kasi wala ng ticket available. Nagaudition ako, ako pa ata una sa pila nun. (Nung natanggap ako) umuwi na ako,” she recalled.
Today, Kaori has become a rising star, realizing dreams beyond the stage. She has purchased a lot in the province, a condo unit in Quezon City, and even a car for her family. Despite her success, Kaori’s ultimate goal remains to bring her mother back to the Philippines.
“Ang pinaka pangarap ko talaga ay mapauwi ang nanay ko sa Pilipinas. Hindi ko pa nararating yun pero kahit papaano,” said Kaori. “Ako na lang magtatrabaho… Ako naman,” she added.
