From Dreams to Reality: Yen Estores Dela Cruz's Inspiring Journey from the Philippines to Canada

Finding Her Voice, Building Her Vision: The Journey of Yen Estores Dela Cruz From Dreams in the Philippines to New Beginnings in Canada

On July 29, 2020, Yen Estores Dela Cruz stepped onto Canadian soil carrying more than just luggage—she brought with her years of experience, talent, and a vision for a better future. Before coming to Canada, Yen was already making waves as a voice actor and working in marketing, building a career rooted in creativity and communication.

Her decision to move was deeply personal and purpose-driven: to create a better life for her mom and her future children. Like many immigrants, it was a leap of faith—but one anchored in love, responsibility, and hope.

Redefining the Immigrant Journey

Yen challenges a common belief many newcomers carry—that immigrating to Canada means starting from zero and leaving behind everything you’ve built.

She shares a powerful truth:

“You don’t have to follow the flow and you don’t have to listen to what the previous generation tells you is right.”

For Yen, success did not mean erasing her past—it meant building on it. She encourages fellow immigrants to recognize their worth, apply for roles aligned with their skills, and confidently prove their capabilities.

While acknowledging certain professional limitations in regulated fields, Yen emphasizes that:

• You can continue your career

• You can pursue further education

• You can obtain Canadian licenses

• And most importantly, you can grow without losing yourself

The Filipino Spirit:

Creativity, Resilience, and Persistence At the heart of Yen’s message is pride in the Filipino identity. She highlights the innate qualities that Filipinos bring with them wherever they go:

• Creativity

• Resourcefulness

• Resilience

• Unmatched persistence

She reflects on the immigrant journey—the long nights, the paperwork, the sacrifices—and reframes it as proof of strength. “You can continue this energy with a larger room for opportunity now.

Go build your world, make mistakes, fall down and get up again. This is your home now. The only doors that won’t open are the ones you don’t knock on.”

A Community That Feels Like Home

After spending five years in Toronto, Yen and her family moved to Kitchener—and immediately felt a difference.

She expresses deep gratitude for the Filipino Canadian Association of Kitchener Waterloo community, describing it as warm, intentional, and welcoming. Here, connections were formed quickly, friendships came naturally, and cultural roots remained strong.

“We never felt like we are away from the Philippines.”

What stood out most to Yen was the meaning behind community events—they were not just gatherings, but opportunities to pass on Filipino values and identity to the next generation.

From a Simple Setup to a Thriving Business

Yen’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to humble beginnings and bold action. Vivid Curiosity Productions began as a simple idea—to tell stories and bring joy through technology.

With the support of her husband, Yen started small:

• An iPad

• Studio lights

• Free services for community events and schools

Armed with her marketing background and determination, she reached out, promoted relentlessly, and embraced every opportunity. One of their earliest milestones? Working with the Philippine Consulate in Toronto. From there, growth came through continuous learning and improvement:

• Taking notes after every event

• Refining systems and processes

• Attending conferences and expos

• Testing new services and innovations

Today, Vivid Curiosity Productions has grown into a thriving business:

• Serving 150+ clients annually

• Partnering with hotels, venues, and media companies

• Working with major organizations like CIBC and Manulife

• Creating unforgettable experiences for families and communities And through it all, the mission remains the same: to tell stories and make people smile.

Finding Her Voice Again in a New Land

Yen’s voice acting journey in Canada took a different path. In the Philippines, she had already built an impressive portfolio, lending her voice to organizations like Lazada, DepEd, and even serving as the official voice of the Philippine National Railways. But in Canada, new rules and barriers meant starting differently.

Many agencies required Permanent Residency before offering representation. Instead of waiting, Yen created her own opportunities:

• Built her personal website

• Marketed herself independently

• Secured projects with global brands like Pfizer, Mobile Legends, Nestlé, and Remitly Her persistence paid off.

Today:

• She is part of the Canadian Association of Voice Actors

• She continues to train, attend workshops, and audition

• She is completing studies in Audio Engineering

• She has joined a new agency, opening even more doors Yen embraces the uncertainty with optimism: “I’m not sure where everything will lead yet, and I guess we’ll just have to continue to find out.”

A Story That Inspires

Yen Estores Dela Cruz’s journey is not just about success—it’s about courage, authenticity, and belief in one’s self. Her story reminds us that:

• You don’t have to start over—you can start stronger

• Your past is not a limitation—it’s your foundation

• And your dreams don’t end when you move—they evolve

For every immigrant finding their place in Canada, Yen’s message is clear:

You belong here. Build boldly. Dream freely. And never stop knocking on doors.