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KINGDOM ADVENTURES BY GILDA PINEDA DIONELA

television, EastEnders, Big Brothers and Strictly Come run for the position of Councillor. She did not possess
Dancing were filmed in the studios there. This is the any political experience, but the party was looking for
hometown of Cynthia Barker in United Kingdom. Let someone fresh or non-politician, a woman from a diverse
us follow her journey as she joined me in my Kingdom background who knows the community in and out.
Adventures. Things happened at the right time and place without her
Cynthia never dreamed of being a politician, she pursuing it. She is now holding the position of Town
worked in British Council looking after the scholars, Councillor and Borough Councillor at the same time.
worked in a mobile company then put up her own Let me quote her in these two important questions that I
businesses in recruitment, healthcare care training & asked:
immigration law practice. Shas a daughter and two lovely
grandchildren who inspire her to contribute to make GPD – What Filipino values would you like to impart
life in Great Britain even better for others. She started to the Conservative Party which you think will make a
volunteering in the community after she retired from difference in this country and eventually can influence
work. As part of her development to become a better the world?
person,and aside from family and other organizations
she involved herself with, she gave credit to Rotary Club CAB – Be authentic and be who you really are.
International for her accomplishments, she is currently Always take with you the values taught to us as a child
the President. The Club made her grounded to the fact such as “Bayanihan” culture or helping one another, faith
that there are countless people who are in dire need. in God, love of family and respecting the elders.
The Club promotes fellowship and friendship and become
creative in dealing with people. Their motto is: ” Service GPD- Being one of “100 Most Influential Filipina in
above self”. the World” who is the one who gave you the inspiration
to be who you are today?
Filipino Values in British Politics
Cynthia believes that though most Filipinos especially CAB – It is no other than my mother. She has always
those in the Philippines have economic and financial been my hero. There is never a day that I don’t think of
needs yet are considered very rich and blessed. Filipinos her. In fact, I have her photos in my kitchen (women’s
know what love is in the real sense of the word. At the favourite part of the house). My foundation all comes
very young age Filipinos are taught to love God, love our from her. She worked hard to give us education and
family, help and give to those who are in need, respect the everything we needed until we can manage to live on our
elders and other people whoever they are and whatever own. She inspired me in everything that I did. She passed
they do in life. Those traits Filipinos bring to whatever away in January 1997. That made me work even harder to
place they are sent in different parts of the world. cope with my loneliness.
Then the door of British politics opened for her. Since
she was involved in different community activities even We thanked Ms. Cynthia Barker for sharing her story
during elections such as canvassing or encouraging people with us. As I looked at her life it can be summarized into
to vote not necessarily endorsing any political party. In three biblical principles: Love God, love your neighbour,
2014, she was encouraged to join the Conservative Party. and, honour your father and your mother, so that you
She did secretarial work such as taking the minutes of may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving
the meetings, and campaigning to name a few activities. you. n
Then in the 2015 General Elections she was persuaded to

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