Thinking Global in Minnesota Think Global: Public radio collaboration A tale of two companies How China saved the Iron Range Timber competes in the global marketplace Aveda goes global Buying local: does it make a difference? Tracking livestock to prevent disease Bringing global goods to American markets Volunteers share their time abroad School lunches go international Immigrants bring old grievances to new home Walker redefines the art 'world' Minnesota's global faces: An interactive map An immigration timeline Audio Jay and Haide explain why they moved to the U.S. Jay and Haide talk about the close relationship between the U.S. and Philippines Jay and Haide talk about adjusting to Minnesota Jay and Haide describe Manila Photos The Florentinos More from MPR Return to interactive map Resources CIA World Factbook: More about the Philippines Tools E-mail this page Print this page Sponsor

The Philippines: Haide and Jay Florentino
May 15, 2005

Haide and Jay Florentino moved to Minnesota from the Philippines in October 2003. (MPR Photo/Melody Ng)

Mounds View, Minn. — Haide and Jay Florentino moved their family to Mounds View from Manila in October 2003. They have four sons -- Stephen, 22, Franco, 19, Gabriel, 12, and Jesson, 4.

Haide, a registered nurse, had always wanted to work in the U.S. Her husband was ambivalent about moving, but when a hiring agency that brings nurses from the Philippines to the U.S. offered Haide visas for the entire family, he was willing to uproot and give the U.S. a try.

Haide works as a nurse at the Presbyterian Homes in Roseville. Jay was an architect in the Philippines. Once in the U.S., he could not find work in his field. After a year of job-hunting, he took a position as a technician in a dialysis center.

Haide and Jay are originally from a small seaside village on the island of Negros Oriental. People in their village grow most of their own fruits and vegetables, and Haide and Jay have a very strong love for growing food and working the earth. They hope to learn more about the types of foods they can grow in their backyard in Minnesota.

They say they would not have come to the U.S. if they had to live in a city like New York or Los Angeles, but they like life in Minnesota. They say it's a good place to raise their children, that it's a comfortable and pleasant place environmentally, socially and spiritually.

Haide and Jay say they hope to save some money while here so they can return to the Philippines when they retire.