Photo credit: Rhea Santos

Rhea Santos, a beloved Filipina journalist who took a leap of faith by moving to Canada in 2019, has achieved yet another milestone. She has been named one of the "75 Faces of Migration," a project celebrating 75 years of strong ties between the Philippines and Canada.

Rhea shared her gratitude for being part of this meaningful initiative by the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa and the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines. Some of these inspiring stories, including hers, were highlighted in July during a special reception hosted by Canadian Ambassador David Hartman.

Adding a personal touch to the honor, Filipino artist Gio Sampayan painted a portrait of Rhea. This artwork is set to become part of a larger mural displayed at the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines—an incredible tribute that left Rhea feeling deeply moved.

Reflecting on her journey, Rhea said, “I took a leap of faith in 2019 and never expected to be back doing the profession I love.” As a journalist in Canada, she’s embraced the opportunity to share the stories of fellow Filipinos, saying they inspire her to improve every day.

Rhea also extended her gratitude to key figures who made this recognition possible, including Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita Austria and former Consul General Arlene Magno of Vancouver.