Unexpected reunion for chess mates

A staff recruitment drive at Epworth HealthCare in Victoria has led to a chance reunion for two friends who studied nursing together 20 years ago in the Philippines.

When Mik Bonto joined Epworth in 2021, having moved from the Philippines to Melbourne, he did not expect his old mate Cary Bognalbal to turn up working on his hospital ward.

Despite being in different years at college, the pair had bonded over a love of chess, but went their separate ways after graduating.

Mr Bognalbal had worked for almost a decade in their home country, then nursing took him to the United Kingdom before he answered another international recruitment advert.

"Epworth sponsored me to come to Melbourne and I have a two-year working visa to work at Epworth Richmond," he said.

When he arrived for his first shift on the orthopaedic ward, he was surprised to see Mr Bonto's name on the roster list. He immediately sent him a message.

"I was shocked and surprised that we would be in the same ward. But, of course, also happy," he said.

Mr Bonto was similarly taken aback: "I haven't seen him for nearly two decades and to reconnect again is exciting."

Aside from their passion for nursing, they have also reconnected with their other great love.

"Mik invited me to his house, and when I arrived he asked if I wanted to play chess. We are now looking at playing in local tournaments," Mr Bognalbal said.

Mr Bognalbal was one of 51 registered overseas nurses recruited in 2022 by Epworth, Victoria's largest not-for-profit private hospital group, which hired more than 850 nurses and midwives last year.

He said he had no regrets about moving around the world to follow his nursing dream, and would recommend the experience to other job seekers.

"I love Melbourne and I love the sun. Melbourne has amazing people and it is an amazing city," he said.

• Are you interested in working in Australia's private hospitals? Search APHA's dedicatedprivate hospital jobs siteto find your next role.

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