This book is the result of what I saw and heard during the many years in the Philippines as I prepared to immigrate and the years since I came to America. It is a compilation of stories from myself and others who came to the United States and the lessons we learned along the way. My mission is to give hope, comfort, and support to future immigrant families as they face the challenges of immigrating.


What We Know For Sure features Filipino U.S. Embassy employees who provided long, faithful, and valuable service to the United States Government. In this book, they share the process of coming to America and the truth behind the hard work and sacrifices it takes to stay. It was written for potential immigrants and immigrants, no matter what stage of the process they are in. These stories are here to comfort, inspire, educate, and guide any immigrant throughout his or her journey to the land of the free.


I recently fulfilled my "Mission Africa" and was inspired to create another mission called "Mission Philippines" which was eventually the impetus for this first book.


"Readers will find their stories informative and heart-rendering. A testament to their individual and collective determination to build better lives in America for themselves and their families. They remind us of the importance of humility in starting over in a new land while at the same time demonstrating perseverance amid health scares, loss of family in the Philippines, and career challenges."
--- Harry K. Thomas, Jr. ---
Former U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines (Retired)