I was working with Filipino intelligence in Bangkok when I became close to an Australian, Tina. They viewed my friendship with her as a security risk, so I was given a choice to either ‘terminate the liaison’ or to go back to the Philippines without her. Instead, I married her!
At first, it was quite a struggle settling in Australia. My Bachelors degree wasn’t recognised, so getting a job was difficult – either I was not qualified or I was ‘over-qualified’. Finally, I got work as a clerk. A year and a half later, I decided to take up a scholarship with the Queensland Education department, and as a result I worked as a teacher for 37 years. I spent most of these years at The Gap High School and at Inala High School.
Inala didn’t have a good reputation but I liked it. I became a teacher there in the true sense of the word. At other schools, kids achieved despite teachers, but at Inala, teachers had to work hard to motivate them and win their trust. Because of the high unemployment in the area and the incidence of child abuse, many of those kids were ‘at risk’ and at times, I had to put myself in between the system and their welfare. I like to think quite a few of them regarded me more as a surrogate father because I used to spend time with them, talking about their personal problems.
I also learned from them – most importantly, to be able to say ‘Shit happens’ when things go wrong!
I’m retired now, and I’m enjoying spending time with my grandchildren. But I miss those kids. When I see them around now, they always say thank you to me, for caring.
Marvin
The Philippines
Arrived 1971
#migrants #migration #Australia #Philippines #Brisbane #Queensland
If you would like to support the New Humans of Australia project to tell migrant stories, please visit www.patreon.com/newhumansofaustralia
How lucky we are to have had you choose Tina and now Australia as your home. Thank you for your incredible hard work in our schools and shaping the future of Australia!
It frustrates me to realise that the political landscape and mainstream media don’t acknowledge people like Marvin (and everyone else on your page) exist in Australia. Apparently they will only acknowledge his existence and his experience if he threatens ‘our way of life’ or requires government assistance…
why can’t stories like these be more visible in the ‘stop the boats’ landscape to balance out the incorrect rhetoric that migrants (legal or not) are not an asset to our communities?
What a great contribution you have made to your adopted community. As the descendant of refugees it is wonderful to see people coming to Australia, growing, thriving, giving so much to others- making a difference.
If you would like to support the New Humans of Australia project to tell migrant stories, please visit http://www.patreon.com/newhumansofaustralia
This wonderful man was my teacher at the GSH in the 80s…a great teacher and it was wonderful to read this story and find out a little more about his background.
This is my dad!!!! So proud of everything he has done. The impact he has had on so many of his students lives is incredible. Any of his past students will tell you this. But his contribution to the Filipino community and the migrant community in Qld shouldn’t be forgotten either. He even was awarded a Migrant Services Award! Yep, I’m one proud daughter!!!
I am so proud of my husband, Marvin. He is a humble man and doesn’t like to speak of his many achievements (which are many). However, his greatest achievement is the love he not only has for his family but the caring he shows to all.
You were an amazing teacher Mr Dumo, you taught me back in the late 80’s up to 1990. I have very fond memories of being in your class at The Gap high school and hope my children are lucky enough to have a teacher that they remember so fondly in their adult life.
Marvin was simply the best….
My friend our President in our group!!!!
A great husband and terrific father ????
Known him for 38 years now
And still the champion……
cheerssssss
Loved you at The Gap High Mr Dumo. Bit of an icon really. Everyone hoped they got you for History. What I remember most was your sense of humour and capacity to make everyone feel they mattered.
Mr Dumo taught both myself and my brother Ian in the early 80s at The Gap High. He was a well respected and very popular teacher who we all loved!
Both the story and the comments are making me so happy. This story is filled with so much love. I don’t know Marvin or his family, but I’m proud of you all.
Wow! Just go through the great comments by all and it sums up what a great man and couple Marvin& Tina are! Way to go guys!????❤️????
Holy crap! Mr. Dumo! He was so much more than a teacher to us kids at The Gap State High School – he was a friend. And he still has our friendship and respect all of these years later. All the best to you, Sir.
I wish people would realise we are all immigrants to this land and there are some wonderful and awful people amongst us. I love it when these stories are told.
This is such a lovely man, he taught me at TGSHS and when I see him around the neighbourhood the memories from then always make me smile.
Wonderful comments, Mr Dumo. What an achievement to have made such a positive effect on your students and parents such as me. It was a pleasure to have your lovely granddaughter as a guide also.
Wow! Mr Dumo! What an amazing teacher and after 20 years I can still recall your laughter and big smile like it was yesterday! A lovely story. Congratulations on all you have achieved.
Marvin was a wonderful teacher I was lucky to have him for economics back in 76-77 one of the few subjects I actually wanted to go to . He was also a great supporter of my cricket and had me on an interesting incentive if I got 5 or more wickets in an innings which did collect on at least 3 times. He is a great bloke and I still manage to see him at the local shops and have a chat
What an inspiration! A great story about a great man! Mr Dumo was my Economics and Modern History teacher and then later on a colleague. Hope you and your family are well.
We never knew this story! !!!! Wow! Mr Dumo was my history teacher at The Gap-1988-1990 ….we still see him around, he still says hi, and even remembers my name. … great teacher! Xx
Mr Dumo. What a fabulous teacher and such a wonderful person. He was my Economics teacher in high school and I have never forgotten how he inspired and supported his students. Great sense of humour and always had time for you no matter what. Thank you.
Dear Marvin and Tina. What a wonderful story
You both deserve the accolades you are receiving. What amazing tributes from ex pupils that you made such an impression on and they remember and love you still. Congratulations ????????
Wow,,!!!what good story there are some good people in world and you are one Marvin ,, love from Surrey xx xx
Mr Dumo. Taught us history at the Gap State High School. He was a as great teacher. Thank you.