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.

Salve Astano - Head Sushi Chef of Le Sushi Bar

Salve Astano – Head Sushi Chef of Le Sushi Bar

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.