Fiona fondly remembers her hometown of Batangas, known for its stunning beaches. High school days spent by the ocean, vibrant festivals, street food, and the joy of island hopping are among her favourite memories. So, moving to Canada wasn’t just a relocation. It was a dive into the unknown.

“I wanted a much better life for myself and my family. Plus, I’ve always craved adventure and new experiences.”
– Fiona

Enrolling as an international student, she completed programs in Event Management and Marketing Management. While juggling her studies and work, Fiona was also navigating her path to permanent residency.

Photo of Fiona Terrence Caringal at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto — Credit: Arash Safavi

The initial experience was far from the grand adventure she envisioned. It was a period marked by sacrifice and survival. “I felt like I lost myself,” she admits. But this phase of self-discovery led to personal growth and new-found confidence.

Joining the Canoo Community

Her journey took a delightful turn when she discovered Canoo on Instagram. It quickly became a cherished part of her Canadian experience.

“Canoo is a warm welcome as a permanent resident. My husband and I can now enjoy Toronto together, exploring museums and more, all thanks to Canoo.”
– Fiona

Photo of Fiona Terrence Caringal at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto — Credit: Arash Safavi

Among the many adventures enabled by Canoo, visiting Little Canada stands out. “It’s a miniature version of the country, and we have fun pretending we’re giants among the tiny places,” she laughs. It also serves as a source of inspiration for future travels across Canada.

For Fiona, Canoo is more than just an app. Canoo is a community. Seeing fellow members share their experiences on social media fosters a sense of belonging. She loves contributing her own stories, hoping to inspire other newcomers to explore and enjoy their new home.

To potential Canoo members, her message is simple: “Just try it out, and you’ll love it! It’s a huge help, offering not just free entrances to landmarks, but also deals on essentials, like banking and phones.”

Alongside using Canoo, Fiona’s advice to newcomers is to stay curious, embrace local culture, and be patient.

The Importance of Sharing Success

“By bringing in success stories of immigrants, we can motivate newcomers by showing them that success is still achievable here.”
– Fiona

Her courage to move abroad at the age of 21, maintain a long-distance relationship, and build a life in Canada speaks to her strength.

Reflecting on her journey, moving to Canada at a young age has been transformative. Working as a sales and marketing manager at an immigration agency helped her assist her sister in moving to Canada.

Maintaining a long-distance relationship with her husband Matt was tough, but it strengthened their bond. “The distance allowed us to become stronger individuals and appreciate our time together even more,” she reflects. Now, they eagerly look forward to new adventures together since Matt’s recent move to Canada.

Photo of Fiona Terrence Caringal at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto — Credit: Arash Safavi

In Canada, Fiona aspires to grow her career in social media, advocate for immigrants, and build a home with her family. And, next on her list is an exciting trip to Montreal. Which she and her husband plan to explore using Canoo’s discounts!

Her journey, enriched by Canoo, is a story of resilience, growth, and the joy found in discovering yourself.