Filipina Chef in Lebanon: An OFW Success Story
It is not very often that we get to read about Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) success stories that is why it is always a welcome treat to come across one. The story of Salve Astano, the Head Sushi Chef of Le Sushi Bar is an example of such. In one of the oldest districts of East Beirut, Lebanon, particularly Achrafieh, Salve’s personal success story unfolds to inspire others.
The Filipina Chef in Lebanon
Salve Astano has not always envisioned herself being part of the food industry business. In fact, her educational background is a Bachelor’s Degree in English. Like many Filipinos who decide to work overseas in the hopes of getting higher pay even at the cost of accepting low-level jobs, Salve went to Lebanon to work as a waitress with high hopes for herself and her family.
Her transfer to Le Sushi Bar (LSB), also to work as a waitress proved to be a major factor in the success she is experiencing now. This was where she got the unexpected opportunity for a sushi apprenticeship under an older head chef of LSB. After several years of training, she became a maki master and went on to reign as the head sushi chef of the restaurant. Her success in a male-dominated profession in a country where some working opportunities are not readily available to women, broke expectations and traditions so to speak not only because she is a woman but also because she is of Asian descent.
Finding Her Place in the Profession
Salve readily admits that it isn’t easy being a woman in a male-dominated field. She tells about having to prove her mettle for manual work like cutting up fish bigger than her. At times, she literally had to “act like a man” to survive the kitchen. Apparently, it isn’t as bad now. After all, she is the head chef.
While 2Famous.TV, a site that features quality videos about daily life in the Middle East was looking for the best chefs in Lebanon, Salve’s name came up. That discovery gave way to her being featured in a cooking show for at least 4 episodes. Here are the first three while the fourth is coming any time soon.
Preparing Amberjack Foldover
Preparing Salmon and Shrimp Tempura Maki
Preparing Special Foie Gras Maki
My Say
It feels good to know of stories like this that tell of an OFW succeeding against all odds. It would be wonderful if every OFW who leaves to work in another country can tell of a similar one but that would probably be too much to ask for in real life. Still, while we continue to hope that OFW horror stories will be no more, we rejoice at every instance of OFW success. This Filipina Chef in Lebanon should make us proud.
Maru
Hope to hear more ofw success stories. Any blog on pagibig fund ? I would love to share it.
Thanks
Pinoy Expat
It is really rare to see an OFW success stories and it proves that a life of an OFW is not as easy as many may think. But telling stories like this energize my body to strive more to success. Thanks for sharing this.
Ditas
Wow! It’s always nice to know about Filipino’s making it big abroad. I am very happy for her.
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen
She is indeed very very inspiring!
lumpycloudprincess
She is truly an inspiration! This is one of the stories that bring tears to my eyes and feel good that I am Pinoy (and uyy, i like the salmon and shrim tempura ha
mommynuts
Such an inspiration! I feel so proud to be a Filipino reading stories such as this!
MommyPehpot
Her story is very inspiring, for someone who have no history on food industry and then becoming a head chef, she really did prove that nothing is impossible.
Maria Teresa Figuerres
Salve’s success in Lebanon is truly inspirational; it makes us all proud to be Filipinos. I hope we hear more stories like this about Filipino OFWs and less horror stories.
Salve astano
Thank you so much for all your inspiring comments, its good to know that there are people who is inspired by my story, i am really blessed that i have an employer who believes in me and encourage me to be the best that i can be, and to all the management and staff of sushi bar, thank you very much for all the support.
Teresa Martinez
Thank you Salve for providing an inspiration to all Filipinos who seek a better life.
Dhemz
I salute her for her dedication…such an inspiration to everyone! Thanks for sharing the videos.
JessicaWCassidy (@wifetoalineman)
Wow! She is one remarkable chef and so proud of her 🙂 Congrats Ms. Salve 🙂 my heads up to you and please keep your feet on the ground 🙂
Shengkay Apuhin
agree mommy Tere..nakaka-proud maging Pinoy knowing people like them di ba. Indeed Filipino are talented.
Pauper's Lens
It truly feels good to read success stories of Filipinos overseas. It brings hope and encouragement to the rest of us.
betchai
so happy for her, and what’s great is she looks very happy too and now very confident of her work, wathicng her makes sushi makes me want to make some now 🙂
Nova S
Felt very proud for those Filipino who work so hard in order to reach their goals and motivates those others who also have dreams.
Chubskulit Rose
I want to try that foe gras, it looks delicious.
It’s great to read success stories like this of our kababayans abroad.
Algene
This is another inspiring success story of a fellow Filipina 🙂 It really makes me happy everytime I learn about the success of others while they are in other countries!