Behind the Lens: Soc De Mesa’s Mission to Uplift Others

In the heart of Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada, Soc De Mesa—known as Soc Digital Media on YouTube—embodies resilience and hope. His journey from Lucena City, Philippines, to becoming a beacon of guidance for aspiring immigrants is a testament to the power of determination and community support.

Early Life and Career

Growing up in the Philippines, Soc learned the value of hard work early on, selling plastic bags and cooking ingredients in local markets. His entrepreneurial spirit was forged through adversity, particularly when his mother left for Hong Kong as a domestic helper and his father faced ongoing health struggles. These experiences instilled in him a profound sense of responsibility and ambition.

After graduating from the University of the East in Manila, Soc began his career at a Chinese fast-food company, quickly rising from Management Trainee to Store Manager. However, everything changed in 2010 when his father suffered a stroke that led to severe kidney complications. Despite his promising career, Soc found it increasingly difficult to cover his father’s mounting medical expenses. Seeking help from charitable organizations like Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) proved insufficient. Faced with overwhelming challenges, he made the heart-wrenching decision to leave his family behind in search of better opportunities abroad.

Journey to Canada

In December 2010, Soc captured his final family photo before embarking on a transformative journey to Canada as a Temporary Foreign Worker. Arriving in Lethbridge, Alberta, he faced financial strain while sending money home for his father’s dialysis. By April 2012, his father’s health deteriorated, leading to hospitalization. Despite exhausting all resources, including selling his car and jewelry, Soc faced the unimaginable loss of missing his father’s funeral. Yet, amid these profound personal tragedies, Soc’s spirit remained unbroken, embodying resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Building a New Life

In Canada, Soc’s journey was marked by his relentless pursuit of better opportunities. He began his career working as a cleaner and driver before transitioning to a higher-paying role as a Carpet Technician. Alongside this, he took on a part-time position as an evening custodian for the school board, where his night shifts involved a variety of responsibilities: cleaning classrooms, dusting and wiping tables, sweeping and mopping floors, washing gym floors with a floor scrubber, and maintaining student restrooms. He also collected and disposed of garbage.

When Soc first arrived in Canada in December 2010, he faced the harsh reality of winter; he walked 3.3 kilometers for 45 minutes in freezing temperatures at around 5 AM just to reach work by 6 AM. After two weeks, he was relocated to a site closer to home, reducing his walk to 1 kilometer. By summer, fortune smiled upon him when he found a bike discarded by a dumpster—an example of how people often left usable items behind. He would also pick up used clothes and furniture, making the most of what he found. His situation improved significantly after obtaining permanent residency, which enabled him to purchase his first vehicle—an old car for $900 that served him well for five years.

For three consecutive years, Soc worked the evening shift from 9 PM to 6 AM at a Tim Hortons restaurant. His dedication often saw him working straight through until 2 PM or being called in on his days off, driven by the need for financial stability. Taking a sick day was not an option; he had bills to pay. Even during winter months, he would shovel snow and apply ice melters on the sidewalks before starting his shifts, fully aware that navigating thick ice after work was just part of the job.

By 2013, Soc’s hard work paid off when he was promoted to supervisor and began applying for permanent residency in Canada. In 2014, he achieved this goal and welcomed his wife and two children to join him in Sherwood Park.

YouTube Journey

Soc launched his YouTube channel in 2010 but truly discovered his voice during the pandemic. He dedicated himself to creating content that resonates deeply with Filipinos aspiring to migrate to Canada, producing videos that include immigration tutorials, inspiring personal stories, and interviews with fellow immigrants.

Despite facing technical challenges such as poor sound quality and inadequate lighting, these obstacles fueled his growth, allowing him to develop valuable skills in communication, confidence, and content planning—skills that enriched both his personal life and online presence. During the pandemic, his subscriber count skyrocketed, initially gaining 10,000 subscribers a day and reaching 70,000 in just one week. A viral video detailing an easy way to migrate to Canada garnered over 1.6 million views, significantly boosting his channel’s success. This surge in momentum inspired him to consistently create content, as he effortlessly found his niche.

Community Engagement

With plans for live sessions and Q&A events on the horizon, Soc aims to deepen his connection with his audience. He has cultivated friendships with many subscribers who have successfully navigated their paths to Canada, creating a supportive community centered around shared experiences. Soc believes that an ethically designed social networking platform like HelpeerZ could further enhance this mission by fostering connections among immigrants seeking guidance. He emphasizes that such a platform would help build trust and confidence with his audience while providing a safe and respectful space that protects intellectual property, data, and privacy. By leveraging HelpeerZ's features, Soc envisions a space where he can continue to mentor aspiring immigrants and share valuable insights.

Testimonials from Subscribers

The impact of Soc’s work is evident through heartfelt testimonials from subscribers who have benefited from his guidance:

JJ Ortal shared: “Your video on finding an employer in Canada helped me land a job in dairy farming!”

Leyson Rey expressed: “I discovered your video about direct hiring without an agency—it changed everything for me.”

Nikki Amber Navarro Sinco noted: “Thanks to your vlogs, I finally understood how to apply for my visa.”

Oliver Acorin, who moved from Saudi Arabia to Edmonton said: “Your insights about the Job Bank were invaluable; they made my transition smoother.”

Future Plans

With nearly 495,000 subscribers, Soc is excited about upcoming projects that include collaborations with other content creators who share similar themes and potential brand partnerships. He believes that an ethically designed social networking platform like HelpeerZ could significantly support his mission by fostering connections among immigrants seeking guidance. Soc appreciates HelpeerZ's commitment to creating a safe and respectful space that protects intellectual property, data, and privacy. He sees this platform as an opportunity to build trust and confidence with his audience while positioning himself as a mentor. By leveraging his experiences, Soc aims to guide aspiring immigrants in Canada, much like established mentoring programs that connect newcomers with experienced professionals. He envisions HelpeerZ as a vital resource for sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration among those navigating their immigration journeys.

Celebrating a Quiet Hero

As part of the Quiet Capes series—a true embodiment of quiet heroism—join us in celebrating Soc De Mesa. His journey inspires many to embrace their paths and celebrate the victories that shape our lives. Through resilience and dedication, Soc continues to uplift those around him while navigating the complexities of life as an immigrant in Canada.

Advice for Future Vloggers

For aspiring vloggers and content creators, Soc offers invaluable advice: “Be authentic and passionate about what you are doing while always considering the value your audience will gain from your videos.” He encourages creators to ask themselves what their content offers viewers. Above all, he emphasizes trusting in God and never giving up on dreams—a message that resonates deeply within his community.