From Manila to Moncton: Our Canadian Journey

When people ask me about our path to Moncton, I often joke that we’ve done a cross-country tour of Canada before finding our way to New Brunswick. 😂 The truth is, like many immigration stories, ours hasn’t been a straight line – it’s been a winding road filled with tough decisions, unexpected turns, and ultimately, finding a place that feels right.

The Toronto Chapter 🏙️

Our Canadian journey began in Toronto, Ontario back in December 2021. We landed there specifically because my wife Alaine was studying culinary management. On paper, we were doing well – we had old friends from Manila nearby and created our small, comfortable social circle.

Toronto had that familiar big city energy that reminded me of Manila. Different weather (definitely colder! ❄️), better public transit, but that same urban anonymity – people rushing past each other, everyone in their own bubble. We tried connecting with church groups but nothing quite clicked into a feeling of home.

Despite being settled, we faced a hard reality: Ontario’s permanent residency pathways were incredibly competitive. With so many immigrants choosing the GTA, we needed to consider alternatives if we wanted to build a lasting future in Canada.

The Edmonton Experiment 🏔️

By May 2023, we found ourselves in Edmonton, Alberta. The move was strategic – Alberta offered a potential PR pathway related to Alaine’s culinary career.

Edmonton felt more manageable than Toronto – less crowded, surprisingly friendlier people, and a different pace of life. The transit system wasn’t Toronto’s level, but it worked for us. Having Alaine’s aunt and family nearby helped ease the transition, and I even found some basketball games to join – a small thing that meant the world to me after leaving behind my regular games in Manila. 🏀

Yet even with these positives, we remained uneasy about our PR prospects. Immigration pathways can change quickly, and we needed a backup plan.

The Moncton Decision 🤔

That’s when Moncton entered the picture. Research showed I could qualify for the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) – but we’d need to pursue multiple options simultaneously. We decided I’d move to Moncton while Alaine would stay in Edmonton – keeping both immigration pathways open while maximizing our chances.

This strategy made sense on paper, but emotionally? Not so much. We didn’t want to do long-distance again (been there, done that, got the phone bills to prove it 📱). But sometimes immigration requires tough choices.

So in October 2023, I packed up and headed east while Alaine continued our life in Edmonton.

Those first months were rough, not gonna lie. I went through most of the Maritime winter solo, which was its own adventure coming from tropical Manila. I decided against buying a car – where would I go alone anyway? Eventually, when we realized the Edmonton pathway wasn’t panning out as hoped, Alaine joined me in May 2024. Best. Day. Ever. 🥰

Finding Home in Moncton 🏠

Moncton has surprised me in the best ways. It’s smaller, yes – you won’t find Toronto’s endless entertainment options or Edmonton’s sprawl. But there’s something about this place that just clicks for us.

We were lucky to connect with old friends from the Philippines who had lived here before (they’ve since moved to Calgary, but introduced us to a wonderful circle of friends first). The city has a relaxed pace that suits us perfectly. Sometimes I miss the energy of bigger cities, but I’ve realized I don’t need that daily – visiting on vacation is enough.

The culinary scene isn’t as diverse as Toronto or even Edmonton (my foodie wife would have more to say about this!), but maybe that’s a blessing for my waistline and wallet. 😅

The Journey Continues ✈️

Looking back at our Manila-Toronto-Edmonton-Moncton path, I can appreciate each stop for what it taught us. We’ve made lifelong friends across Canada, experienced different provincial cultures, and learned what environment truly suits us.

As fun as this cross-country adventure has been, we’re hoping Moncton is where our nomadic journey ends. We’re working toward that coveted permanent residency here in New Brunswick, looking forward to the day we can truly exhale and say, “We’re home.”

The immigrant journey isn’t just about finding a place – it’s about finding your place. For us, that place seems to be here in Greater Moncton, where the pace is slower but the welcome has been warm.

Have you made multiple moves in your immigration journey? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below! 👇