In a country where dreams often clash with harsh economic realities, the story of 25-year-old Filipina Cathy Bonesa is both heartbreaking and eye-opening. Like many women in the Philippines, Cathy longed for something more than what her poverty-stricken hometown could offer—steady work, dignity, and the hope of building a brighter future. She earned meager wages working in a department store, barely making ends meet.
With over 18 million Filipinos living below the poverty line and unemployment hovering around 7.5%, many young women like Cathy are forced to seek opportunities elsewhere—sometimes through risky, even dangerous, means. Her story is not just one of struggle, but also of how vulnerable individuals can fall through the cracks of a system that fails to protect them.
In this post, we’ll dive into Cathy’s life, her dreams, and the tragic turn her journey took. We’ll also explore the broader issues surrounding poverty, migration, and safety for Filipina women—offering both insight and warning for anyone navigating similar paths in 2025.
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- Faithfully reviewed over 500 International online dating and matchmaking services
- A highly experienced International dating expert since 2010
- Master of Language and Cultural Studies / Goethe University Frankfurt
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Why Filipinas get married foreigners?
It is very common for these women to marry a foreign man usual from developed countries such as The Unites States, Germany, Australia, or Canada. In the recent years, men from South Korea and Japan are becoming more frequent buyers in the mail order bride business.
Filipinas are a hot commodity not only because of their beauty but cultural wise they are taught how to be submissive to a man. In 1990, there was a law passed in the Philippinas that made mail order brokerage a criminal act. That doesn’t stop the business from continuing on under the noses of officials.
The man that purchased Cathy was a 42 year old farmer from South Korea name Gonju better known as Park. After only a few dates, they got married and Cathy went to South Korea to live. From the beginning Park’s mother didn’t like his new wife and gave her a very hard time.
Mystery story of woman's death
Added on was the language and cultural differences from both sides that lead to isolation for Cathy. A year later things started to look up for her, she was pregnant and the relationship with her mother in law began to take a turn for the better, so she thought.
That happiness was short lived, due to the high medical bills from having a C-section, they had to borrow the money from Park’s mother to pay. This started to be the beginning of the end for the 25 year old. Her husband had a hard time dealing with his mother’s demands for the money and that lead him taking his frustrations out of Cathy by hitting her.
His mother suggested that his new wife could be a prostitute to earn income and to help pay back the borrowed money. This is what she did, against her will. Months later she was dead.
The Korean officials state that she committed suicide by hanging. However, the Philippian report advises that she was strangled to death. Will her family ever know the truth behind her demise?
Last Updated & Reviewed: May 08, 2025
Welcome to Asian Dating Journal – Your Trusted Guide to International Dating
Hi, I’m Krystyna – dating blogger and coach, specializing in international relationships, romance scams, and cross-cultural connections.
At Asian Dating Journal, my mission is to support Western men on their journey to finding meaningful relationships with Asian and foreign women. Through practical guides and honest insights, I share real-life experiences and proven strategies to help you navigate the world of international dating with confidence and clarity.
You’re not alone—I’m here to help every step of the way.
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