Key Points
- Former Philippine seaman, Roland Blancaflor, began his career in Australia as a cleaner with the Rails network in 1992. He studied and qualified as a car wagon operator, dedicating over 27 years to the industry.
- Alongside his wife, Evelyn, and their eldest son, Ervin, Mr Blancaflor actively advocates for their second child, Richard, who has special needs.
- Since retirement in mid-pandemic, the passionate photographer has been spending more time gardening and doing recreational activities like cycling and fishing.
PAKINGGAN ANG PODCAST
Pamilya, komunidad at paghahardin: Sentro ng buhay ng Central Coast retiree na ito sa halos 35 taon sa Australia
SBS Filipino
26:24
Petitioned by his younger sister, Roland Blancaflor, together with his wife Evelyn and their young son Ervin, made the life-changing decision to leave the Philippines and start anew in New South Wales in 1991 in the middle of a financial recession.
The transition was not easy.
Blancaflor, a former seaman and photo studio owner back home, faced over a year of uncertainty before securing employment, starting as a cleaner working with the Rails network.
He studied and became a qualified carriage wagon operator, responsible for repairing train brakes—a role he held for nearly three decades.
While life on the Central Coast was relatively stable, it came with challenges.
Their second child, Richard, was born with special needs, reportedly due to a developmental delay, testing the family's resilience.
Roland Blancaflor, with his second son, Richard. Credit: Evelyn Blancaflor (Facebook)
"The fight continues for those facing life's struggles. It's important to build friendships to avoid loneliness."
He also emphasises the value of finding things to engage with and spending quality time with family and friends.
Roland Blancaflor with his wife, Evelyn, as they enjoy harvesting some of their veggies from their garden. Credit: Annalyn Violata/SBS Filipino
The father-of-two and part-time photographer remains an active volunteer in the Filipino community— a commitment his eldest child Ervin has inherited.
Ervin used to be a volunteer firefighter and now works as a paramedic and a part-time firefighter.
Aside from photography, Roland enjoys a range of hobbies, including fishing and cycling. But gardening is his favourite.
"I really love gardening. I started when we bought our house in 1998.
"I enjoy planting. My wife and I get to eat fresh vegetables."
Over the years, his backyard garden has flourished with a variety of vegetables—eggplant, ampalaya (bitter melon), patola (sponge gourd), mroinga, chillis, sweet potato, and many more.
He also grows fruits such as calamansi, mango, banana, kumquat and others.
Central Coast retiree, Roland Blancaflor and his passion of backyard planting, Credit: Annalyn Violata/SBS Filipino
Beyond the joy of enjoying their harvest, they also get to share their yield with their community.
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