Professor Hsiao has been
fortunate to have Danilo's
(pictured, left) help getting
around.

Looking back at over 20 years in Taichung

Words and photos by Taichung City Government
Translated by Naomi Lai

Name: Danilo Jornales Heledo
Nationality: Republic of the Philippines
Position: Nurse for Professor Yuchau E. Hsiao

It's magical how people connect with each other. Professor Yuchau E. Hsiao and Filipino male nurse Danilo were born on the same date, just 12 years apart. They first met in 2000 and, for nine years, Danilo has served as Professor Hsiao's helpful assistant. This year, he was honored as a Model Foreign Laborer by the Taichung City Government.

A great friendship developed through mutual assistance
Professor Hsiao, currently researching and teaching at National Chengchi University, is confined to a wheelchair due to infantile paralysis (polio), which also left him with inflexible fingers, paralysis in both legs and the need to wear a iron spinal brace at all times. With the assistance of a human resource company, he was able to locate a foreign nurse which led to his meeting Danilo.

Danilo is from Pagadian City in the southern Philippines. During his employment period, he has traveled constantly between Taipei and Taichung with Professor Hsiao and was even along to take good care of the professor when he had to travel to the United States for seminars. Recalling his first arrival in Taiwan, Danilo notes, "Taiwan is colder than the Philippines. As my stay prolonged, I've gotten used to the weather here. The mild weather of Taichung is making me fall in love with the place."

Having conquered climate differences and homesickness, Danilo has grown increasingly comfortable with his life as a nurse in Taichung. Every small, day-to-day part of Professor Hsiao's life, including going to the restroom, getting dressed, and moving indoors or outdoors all have depended on Danilo's help, as he pushes the wheelchair or carries the professor up and down steps. With Danilo's help, Professor Hsiao has been able to step out into the world around him.

We hope to meet again!
Being a "foodie", Hsiao often takes Danilo out to seek out delicious cuisine at places like Sogo Department Store, Shinkong Mitsukoshi Department Store, Howard Prince Hotel Taichung, The Splendor Taichung Hotel and other establishments such as Jogoya Japanese restaurant. During these outings, the professor has introduced Danilo to sashimi (raw fish) and turned him into a fan of the Taiwanese specialty Dan Dan Noodles. Sometimes the two of them have traveled to various restaurants near Beitun district's golf courses for a bit of tranquility away from the uproar of the city.

Danilo's wonderful work ethic has earned him great friendships in Taiwan. However, due to restrictions on the time foreign workers can spend in Taiwan, he must now leave. This will mean that Professor Hsiao now needs to find a replacement helper to take Danilo's place as their close friendship will have to continue at a distance.

Left: 2010 Taichung City Government Model Foreign Laborer awards.
Right: Danilo with Deputy Mayor Hsiao.