A university lecturer, an education consultant, a public speaker, a writer and now, Chairman of the Association of Cordillerans in Thailand, Abel Morales Cadias remains unassuming in his ways. But for those who know him well, he will always be known for his professionalism and his bravery. Even amidst controversy and criticisms, he remained steadfast; standing tall for his beliefs and convictions. Very few people know and appreciate the initiatives he started for the benefit of hundreds of Filipino teachers who needed licenses to teach in Thailand and those who had to go through the Thai Culture Training. He simply charges all that he’s been through to experience, and considers his efforts as his contribution to the Filipinos in Thailand, being one himself.

Amongst the Filipino community in Thailand, he remains a leader in his own right. And always, his is a voice to lend to those who can’t speak up for themselves.

Siam Pinoy features Abel Morales Cadias in Khun Pinoy!

Having lived for a considerable amount of time both in Chiang Rai and Bangkok, how would you compare the two in terms of work and social life? Does Bangkok necessarily offer more opportunities in these two areas by virtue of its being the capital city of Thailand?

Living and working in Chiangrai for seven years was the golden days in my personal and career life in Thailand. I worked in two major universities: one in the undergraduate level at Mae Fah luang University and the other in the graduate school at Chiangrai Rajabhat University; and I established the Mini-English Program in one of the leading secondary schools in this lovely town.  My teaching career In Chiangrai was very fulfilling and fruitful especially when I was given the obligation to help develop the MEP at Damrong High School. For almost five years in the said program, the real challenge of immersing one’s self in ESL teaching and the story that comes with it was very satisfying. My ideals as a classroom teacher and neophyte administrator truly fit in a very supportive school where every principle of academic freedom truly existed coupled with the ultimate trust in high competence and professionalism.

Talking about experiencing authentic Thai culture, I was socially amazed how humble, generous and loving the people in Chiangrai were. They were ,and I strongly believe still are, the best representation of unique northern Thai culture.  In fact, a local Thai family treated me like their own son, and two of my closest Thai friends are from this peace-loving province.  

Bangkok is a large metropolitan city and it does offer many opportunities be it work-related or social-related occasions. Living and working in Bangkok depends on how you play your cards well.  Bangkok is a jungle. My mentor in Chiangrai assured me that I can only find true sincerity and concern from among those people I worked and laughed with in that province and then warned me that living and working in Bangkok is pure business.  She was right.  Part of my “acculturation” in Chiangrai is to trust and always be forgiving and kind; and I brought this temperament with me in Bangkok.  The values I treasure in Chiangrai are still with me except that this time, I have to play smarter and tougher. And so, if there’s one thing that I miss the most in Chiangrai, then that would be simple life in a simple affable town.


In your work with Siam Inter, you had plenty of opportunities to work closely with the Ministry of Education, the Teachers’ Council of Thailand, in particular. How was that experience?

It was the toughest ever but at least I could honestly claim that I went out from my comfort zone. I got involved as the training coordinator and speaker of the dreaded “Thai Culture and Professional Standards Training” course set up by the Teachers’ Council of Thailand. It was always very stressful and emotional but in the end it was very professionally uplifting. Imagine a Filipino teacher who speaks in front of hundreds of foreign teachers in Thailand talking about the controversial licensing requirements while most, if not all, are cursing you for doing your job as the messenger of  “bad news.”   All the attention, controversy, drama, suspense and thrill were there with you all day and all night. That’s how I’ve been working last year.  So if there’s anyone out there who is trying hard to “get” this job then I’ll be very glad to write a recommendation…be my guest and I wish you all the best!



You are a writer, an educator, a public speaker, and now, the Chairman of the Association of Cordillerans in Thailand (ACT), what words would you impart to the many Filipino teachers here in Thailand who also want to achieve success in many aspects of their interests, apart from teaching?

My piece of advice is: just do it!  If you feel that there’s a need to do something about it, then do it no matter how trivial or hefty it is.  I haven’t reached the peak yet in terms of my writing, teaching, speaking and leading skills and so I have to continue practicing, learning from my mistakes and perfecting my field of interests.  As a writer, I am still in the first stage. As an educator, I believe I am halfway to reach my personal ideals. As a public speaker, I don’t think there is an end to it. As the chairman of a growing Filipino organization in Thailand, a year or two is good enough.  The point is you’ll never know how it feels like if you won’t try it…and when you tried it and it gave you a reason of living then by all means continue doing it and then perhaps later you’ll treasure all what you’ve done because you made a difference…you empowered others to do the same!



You are known to be very upfront and straightforward, thus, the title of your column here in Siam Pinoy. How do you deal with your critics?

I ignore those who hit below the belt, I appreciate those who constructively give their views and I socialize with those who agree and understand my point of view. I learned to ignore my detractors when I came back to Bangkok last year. Ignoring is a very important skill when you are faced with non-sense and malevolent hypocrites.  Appreciating others’ constructive criticisms shows sportsmanship.  And socializing with the right people is therapeutic. 


Is there anything in particular you wish for them to understand about your pursuit for truth and transparency in the community?

I always believe that no one can hide the truth and so being transparent means you do not have any intention of lying.  There are some “good” decisions that we do in the process that might result to unfavorable approval.  And I think that’s part of the game. But when your decision will foster great negative impact to others and to the entire system, then there’s a need to pull you out away from the system.  And when you had enough of those circus shows, you just don’t stand up and leave…you go tell them how unentertaining they were and then suggest some new stunts.  I think that’s where I am coming from. I am not just an OFW in Thailand, I’m a Filipino with a conviction. 



What are your 'words of wisdom" for the Filipino Community in Thailand?


I hope that someday all Filipinos in Thailand and around the world will soon shout: “I am not just an OFW, I’m a Filipino with a conviction.”


What are your thoughts on the improved Siam Pinoy online community?

SP New Look: Invigorating!

And so the giant is awakened! It’s been a year since SP members and avid readers have been waiting for change.  And SP family headed by its stalwart webmaster Master J and his strongest staunch ally Madam H brings not only A change but CHANGES to the leading Filipino online community in Thailand and in Mekong sub-region: SIAM PINOY.   

Siam Pinoy’s trendy-look layout is very welcoming to all walks of life.  The rejuvenating theme captivates your eagerness to join the community’s sensible discussions, worthwhile activities, and wholesome fun and laughter.  

Siam Pinoy’s home page has evolved to a magazine-like media package: news, feature articles, entertainment, business…you name it…SP has it! And that’s just the front page!

Siam Pinoy’s foruming experience brings more excitement and avenue in expressing your thoughts as it surprisingly reveals more posting gimmicks and free posting prizes and giveaways. 

Blogs?? Friends?? Photos?? Videos?? Link your personal blogs and Facebook account, and upload your photos and videos to Siam Pinoy’s community network. A one-stop internet surfing, indeed! 

This year, as Abel leads the Cordillerans to a fresh start, there is more to be expected from this group. To date, they have already started to awe the few privileged audiences who have seen their display of authentic dances. They have also started a basketball team of their own. And though, just like any other newly-organized team, they also have to go through "birth pains", they show a lot of promise. And so, to all SP members and Filipinos in Thailand, in general, let us all eagerly await other great things from this remarkable Khun Pinoy among us, whose energy and sense of purpose, can only lead to all great endeavors still in the future. Siam Pinoy features Abel Mlorales Cadias - another great Khun Pinoy!

Check the all new…all true Siam Pinoy portal!  Get invigorated!! 

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed