BrightSpathlight: Celebrating Women’s Strength and Determination

March 2025 Edition | International Women’s Month Special

Leal Maat Cayabyab: A Single Mother’s Journey from Pangasinan to Perth

When we think of inspiring journeys, the story of Leal M. Cayabyab, a native of Bayambang, Pangasinan, and now a dedicated international student in Perth, Australia, stands out as a symbol of hope and perseverance. Her experience embodies the dedication and courage required to pursue dreams, even amidst challenges.

A Leap of Faith: From Hesitation to Taking Action

Leal never imagined she would one day be an international student. As a single mother, she devoted her life to providing for her son. It took nearly three months of encouragement before she finally decided to take the first step. On May 22, 2023, she signed an agreement with BrightPath Visa Consultancy, a decision that would transform her future.

At that time, Australia’s Department of Home Affairs had yet to implement increased visa fees, stricter financial requirements, and mandatory English proficiency tests—policies that have since made applications more complex. Determined and excited, Leal submitted an impressive 60+ documents to demonstrate her genuine temporary entrant status. Her dedication truly amazed us.

We recommended Macallan College in Perth, Western Australia, for her studies. She enrolled in:

✔ Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
✔ Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery
✔ Diploma of Hospitality and Management

The total duration of her studies is 104 weeks, and after we lodged her visa on June 15, 2023, she received her approval just one month later—a moment of joy and relief!

Leal was one of our pioneer students, making us incredibly proud. When she arrived in Perth, she eagerly shared her journey with us through photos. One memorable image was taken during her cookery class, where she was skillfully preparing a hearty, aromatic soup, fully immersed in her newfound passion.

Building a New Life in Perth

Currently, Leal works as a shift supervisor at Chicken Treat, a popular fast-food chain under Craveable Brands in Perth. She expresses deep gratitude to her employer, a fellow Filipino, for supporting international students.

“It’s not just a job,” Leal shares. “It’s a community that lifts students like me, helping us find stability in a foreign land.”

Adjusting to life in Perth wasn’t easy. The different curriculum, unfamiliar environment, and cultural shifts initially overwhelmed her.

“It’s been a roller-coaster ride,” she says. “But with the right support system, understanding instructors, and sheer determination, I found my rhythm.”

With her Certificate III and IV already completed, she is now advancing towards her Diploma of Hospitality Management, bringing her closer to her ultimate goals.

Her journey proves that balancing work and studies is challenging but possible when fueled by a clear vision for the future.

Why Perth? A City That Feels Like Home

Leal’s choice of Perth wasn’t random. She saw it as the perfect blend of education, opportunity, and comfort.

“Perth’s charm lies in its balance—it’s not as crowded as other cities, but it has everything a student needs: top schools, accessible transport, and a welcoming community.”

For students like Leal, Perth’s supportive atmosphere and abundant job opportunities make it a great study destination. Beyond academics, the city fosters both personal and professional growth.

A Mother’s Love, A Lifetime of Sacrifice

Leal’s journey is deeply anchored in motherhood. Learning about her visa approval was a bittersweet moment—filled with excitement yet tinged with heartache.

“Leaving my son was the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” she confesses. “But every sacrifice I make is for him. I want to give him a bright future.”

Being away from her child means missing milestones and cherished moments—a burden many overseas parents carry.

“Every time I see a photo of him smiling, I feel a mix of pride and longing,” she shares.

As a single mother, Leal’s journey reflects the strength of women worldwide who make tough choices for their children’s well-being.

This International Women’s Month, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and sacrifices that define motherhood.

“Motherhood is about making hard decisions,” she reflects. “One day, my son will see all this and understand why I did it—for him.”

Her love for her child fuels her ambition, proving that while the road may be difficult, the rewards are immeasurable.

A Proud “Probinsyana” with Big Dreams

As a proud “probinsyana” from Pangasinan, Leal remains deeply connected to her roots.

“I want to use my education and experience as my greatest weapon,” she declares.

Her long-term goal? To establish a hospitality business in the Philippines, creating jobs and opportunities for others in her community.

She represents the ambition and resilience of those who dream of studying abroad, proving that hard work and dedication lead to success.

BrightPath Visa Consultancy: Your Trusted Partner in Success

Leal is grateful to BrightPath Visa Consultancy for guiding her through the process and making her dreams a reality.

“Thank you, BrightPathVC, for helping shape the person I am today,” she says.

Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring students, proving that with the right guidance and determination, anything is possible.

Do You Want to Be Like Leal?

If you dream of studying, working, and thriving abroad, we can help make it happen.

Let BrightPath Visa Consultancy be your partner in achieving your goals. Start your journey today!

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BrightsPathlight: Jasmin Manabat’s Journey to Becoming an International Student

A Dream Deferred, But Not Denied

“It was unbelievable,” says Jasmin Manabat, recalling her journey to becoming an international student. Her dream of studying abroad seemed shattered when she received a visa refusal after applying through another agency on September 25, 2023. On March 5, 2024, she was informed that her visa application had been denied.

But Jasmin wasn’t ready to give up. A family friend introduced her to BrightPath Visa Consultancy (BrightPathVC), and her story took a new turn. After a careful assessment of her refusal letter, BrightPathVC identified a crucial issue: her chosen course—Business—was not deemed valuable to her future by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). To improve her chances, the team advised her to shift to a program more aligned with her academic background and work experience.

A Strategic Shift: Choosing the Right Course

Jasmin Manabat hails from Santa Rosa, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. She completed Senior High School at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic School, specializing in Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM). After graduation, she worked in her family's business, gaining hands-on experience in financial management.

Given her background, BrightPathVC recommended that she enroll in a program that would strengthen her skills and enhance her career prospects. With this in mind, she applied for Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping and Diploma of Accounting at the National Polytechnic of Australia, located at Prince Centre, Level 28 Quay Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, which also has a branch in Melbourne.

The Visa Process: A Test of Patience and Determination

The reapplication process required diligence, patience, and a well-prepared set of documents. Jasmin’s student visa was officially lodged in June 2024. Two months later, the DHA requested additional financial documentation, requiring her to demonstrate financial capacity of AUD 38,737.17 for a year of expenses. She also had to submit updated financial statements covering June to August 2024.

BrightPathVC guided Jasmin through the process, ensuring she met all requirements promptly to avoid delays. Thanks to her commitment and proactive compliance, the long wait finally ended with her visa grant in September 2024! It was a nerve-wracking experience, but her persistence—and BrightPathVC’s expertise—paid off.

A Bright Future in Australia

Fast forward to today, and Jasmin is now four months into her studies in Australia. She has also secured a part-time job relevant to her field of study, proving that determination and proper guidance lead to success.

At a young age, she is thriving—submitting assessments on time, attending all her classes, and making the most out of her student experience. We asked Jasmin about her inspiration, and she shared:

“I want to inspire young Filipinos who think they can't achieve their dreams because of fear. I want to tell them to step out of their comfort zones, explore, and believe in their potential. Even if you fail, you always have more chances to try again.”

Be the Next Jasmin!

Jasmin’s story is proof that a visa refusal is not the end—it’s just a challenge to overcome. With the right support, determination, and a well-planned strategy, success is within reach.

✨ Do you dream of becoming an international student like Jasmin? ✨

📩 Send us a message today!

📍 BrightPath Visa Consultancy
🌐 Website
📧 Facebook

Shining a Light on Success Beyond Borders

Welcome to BrightsPathlight, your ultimate guide to navigating the journey of international education! At BrightPathVC, we believe that every student’s story is a testament to resilience, ambition, and the power of expert guidance.

✨ Student Stories – Real experiences from our students, from the first application step to the thrilling visa grant.
🌏 Life Abroad – A firsthand glimpse into the everyday lives of international students—challenges, triumphs, and everything in between.
🤝 Community Updates – Encouragement, tips, and insights to inspire and prepare aspiring students.
🎓 Expert Guidance – Invaluable advice from our team to support you at every stage of your journey.
🚀 Opportunities Ahead – The latest updates on programs, pathways, and opportunities to secure your future.

Stay tuned for our first feature, where you’ll meet students who turned their dreams into reality—made possible through BrightPath’s expert support and commitment to success.

#YourBrightPathStartsHere 🌟