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Thursday, June 10, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
an ofw article
Since busy ako sa school requirements at trabaho sa opisina, lets just re-post a forwarded article na may kurot sa puso ng mga ofw. na maski ako ay tinamaan..
Received from my yahoo inbox : FW: [united_ppol] OFW Article
Hindi mayaman ang OFW - We have this notion na 'pag OFW o nasa abroad ay mayaman na. Hindi totoo yun. A regular OFW might earn from P50K-P300K per month depende sa lokasyon. Yung mga taga-Saudi or US siguro ay mas malaki ang sweldo, but to say that they're rich is a fallacy (amen!).
Malaki ang pangangailangan kaya karamihan ay nag-a-abroad. Maraming bunganga ang kailangang pakainin kaya umaalis ang mga pipol sa Philippines . Madalas, 3/4 o kalahati ng sweldo ay napupunta sa tuition ng anak at gastusin ng pamilya.
Mahirap maging OFW – Kailangan magtipid hangga't kaya. Oo, masarap ang pagkain sa abroad pero madalas na paksiw o adobo at itlog lang tinitira para makaipon. Pagdating ng kinsenas o katapusan, ang unang tinitingnan eh ang conversion ng peso sa dollar o rial o euro. Mas okay na magtiis sa konti kaysa gutumin ang pamilya. Kapag umuuwi, kailangan may baon kahit konti kasi maraming kamag-anak ang sumusundo sa airport o naghihintay sa probinsya. Alam mo naman 'pag Pinoy, yung tsismis na OFW ka eh surely attracts a lot of kin.
Kapag hindi mo nabigyan ng pasalubong eh magtatampo na yun at sisiraan ka na. Well, hindi naman lahat pero I'm sure sa mga OFW dito eh may mga pangyayaring ganun. Magtatrabaho ka sa bansang iba ang tingin sa mga Pinoy. Malamang marami ang naka-experience ng gulang o discrimination to their various workplaces. Sige lang, tiis lang, iniiyak na lang kasi kawawa naman pamilya 'pag umuwi.
Besides, wala ka naman talagang maasahang trabaho sa Philippines ngayon. Mahal ang bigas, ang gatas, ang sardinas, ang upa sa apartment. Tiis lang kahit maraming kupal sa trabaho, kahit may sakit at walang nag-aalaga, kahit hindi masarap ang tsibog, kahit pangit ang working conditions, kahit delikado, kahit mahirap. Kapag nakapadala ka na, okay na, tawag lang, "hello! kumusta na kayo?".
Hindi bato ang OFW - Tao rin ang OFW, hindi money o cash machine. Napapagod rin, nalulungkot (madalas), nagkakasakit, nag-iisip at nagugutom. Kailangan din ang suporta, kundi man physically, emotionally o spiritually man lang.
Tumatanda rin ang OFW - Sa mga nakausap at nakita ko, marami ang panot at kalbo na. Most of them have signs and symptoms of hypertension, coronary artery disease and arthritis. Yet, they continue to work thinking about the family they left behind. Marami ang nasa abroad, 20-30 years na, pero wala pa ring ipon. Kahit anong pakahirap, sablay pa rin. Masakit pa kung olats rin ang sinusuportahang pamilya – ang anak adik o nabuntis; ang asawa may kabit. Naalala ko tuloy ang sikat na kanta dati, "NAPAKASAKIT KUYA EDDIE!"
Bayani ang OFW – Totoo yun! Ngayon ko lang na na-realize na bayani ang OFW sa maraming bagay. Hindi bayani na tulad ni Nora Aunor o Flor Contemplacion. Bayani in the truest sense of the word. Hindi katulad ni Rizal o Bonifacio. Mas higit pa dun, mas maraming giyera at gulo ang pinapasok ng OFW para lang mabuhay. Mas maraming pulitika ang kailangang suungin para lang tumagal sa trabaho lalo na't kupal ang mga kasama sa trabaho. Mas mahaba ang pasensya kaysa sa mga ordinaryong kongresista o senador sa Philippines dahil sa takot na mawalan ng sweldo.
Matindi ang OFW – Matindi ang pinoy. Matindi pa sa daga, o cockroaches which survived the cataclysmic evolution. Maraming sakripisyo pero walang makitang tangible solutions or consequences.
Malas ng OFW, swerte ng pulitiko – Hindi umuupo ang OFW para magbigay ng autograph o interbyuhin ng media (unless nakidnap!). Madalas nasa sidelines lang ang OFW. Kapag umaalis, malungkot and on the verge of tears. Kapag dumadating, swerte 'pag may sundo( madalas meron). Kapag naubos na ang ipon, wala ng kamag-anak.
Sana sikat ang OFW para may boses sa Kamara. Ang swerte ng mga politiko nakaupo sila at ginagastusan ng pera ng Filipino. Hindi nga sila naiinitan o napapaso ng langis, o napagagalitan ng amo, o kumakain ng paksiw para makatipid, o nakatira sa compound with conditions less than favorable, o nakikisama sa ibang lahi para mabuhay. Ang swerte, sobrang swerte nila.
Matatag ang OFW – Matatag ang OFW, mas matatag pa sa sundalo o kung ano pang grupo na alam nyo. Magaling sa reverse psychology, negotiations at counter-attacks. Tatagal ba ang OFW? Tatagal pa kasi hindi pa natin alam kailan magbabago ang Philippines , kailan nga kaya? o may tsansa pa ba?
Masarap isipin na kasama mo ang pamilya mo araw-araw. Nakikita mo mga anak mong lumalaki at naaalagaan ng maayos. Masarap kumain ng sitaw, ng bagoong, lechon, inihaw na isda, taba ng talangka. Masarap manood ng pelikulang Pinoy, luma man o bago. Iba pa rin ang pakiramdam kung kilala mo ang kapitbahay mo. Iba pa rin sa Philippines, iba pa rin kapag Pinoy ang kasama mo (except 'pag kupal at utak-talangka) , iba pa rin 'pag nagkukwento ka at naiintindihan ng iba ang sinasabi mo. Iba pa rin ang tunog ng "mahal kita!", "day, ginahigugma tika." "Mingaw na ko nimo ba, kalagot!", " Inday, diin ka na subong haw? ganahan guid ko simo ba". Iba pa rin talaga.
Sige lang, tiis lang, saan ba't darating din ang pag-asa.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
happy new year!
It’s already the 12th day of January and I haven’t written yet my farewell to the year 2009. To put more drama and to set the mood on what I was thinking to write, I was initially planning to do it on the New Year’s Eve in Laguna but decided to just enjoy the moment with my in-laws.
2009 has been a tough year for me. Well probably many would agree that it was not an easy year. We felt the effect of the Global Economic Crisis that exploded on the last quarter of 2008 – and I am one of its casualties. First half of 2009, I was jobless. Instead of going back to Philippines, I decided to give another try and look for possible employment here in Malaysia or Singapore, good thing AIG gave us a good separation package, that I must say enough to support us for 6 more months.
June 2009, through continuous prayers and Faith, I was able to get an employment in one of the local companies here in Malaysia. To date, I am still connected with the company and currently involved to several projects.
It was also the year that we became closer to Him. Through the Couples for Christ Community we met new friends that helped us to strengthen our Faith and balance our spiritual life. We will continue to be active on this organization for this is our way of thanking and bringing back to Him all the blessings that we are receiving.
Moving on, I am now officially opening this formerly “anonymous” blogsite to my friends. I am now letting go of the pain that the economic crisis has brought to me and welcoming this year with faith and high hopes that are plans will be done according to His will. Let my past year be a reminder that nothing is permanent in this world and despite of these trials there would be always our God who would strengthen and guide us.
Cheers to 2010!
“Thank you Lord for all the blessings that you have showered upon us for the past year; For our Jobs that support our needs; For keeping us safe; For the good health;
As we journey the coming days of 2010, Please continue to guide and bless us.
Amen.”
2009 has been a tough year for me. Well probably many would agree that it was not an easy year. We felt the effect of the Global Economic Crisis that exploded on the last quarter of 2008 – and I am one of its casualties. First half of 2009, I was jobless. Instead of going back to Philippines, I decided to give another try and look for possible employment here in Malaysia or Singapore, good thing AIG gave us a good separation package, that I must say enough to support us for 6 more months.
June 2009, through continuous prayers and Faith, I was able to get an employment in one of the local companies here in Malaysia. To date, I am still connected with the company and currently involved to several projects.
It was also the year that we became closer to Him. Through the Couples for Christ Community we met new friends that helped us to strengthen our Faith and balance our spiritual life. We will continue to be active on this organization for this is our way of thanking and bringing back to Him all the blessings that we are receiving.
Moving on, I am now officially opening this formerly “anonymous” blogsite to my friends. I am now letting go of the pain that the economic crisis has brought to me and welcoming this year with faith and high hopes that are plans will be done according to His will. Let my past year be a reminder that nothing is permanent in this world and despite of these trials there would be always our God who would strengthen and guide us.
Cheers to 2010!
“Thank you Lord for all the blessings that you have showered upon us for the past year; For our Jobs that support our needs; For keeping us safe; For the good health;
As we journey the coming days of 2010, Please continue to guide and bless us.
Amen.”
Thursday, December 10, 2009
home
Playing on my background is a song by Daughtry called “Home”. Let me share some of the lyrics:
Actually, it is not advisable to listen to this song when you are an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) or if you are miles away from your friends and family. It will just make you sad and makes you feel you want to quit and go home in an instant! I don’t know, but for me, whenever I hear this song, my thoughts will be immediately filed with memories of being home. I can clearly feel the atmosphere of the activities that I used to do.
On the lighter side, 7 days from now, we will be going back to Philippines again for a 2-week vacation. The past weeks have been a very busy week for us. We attended the Couples for Christ Christmas Party and I was tasked to bring one of the dishes. Guess what, I cooked “Binagoongang Baboy” (Pork with shrimp Paste). I must say that I was able to give justice to this dish for everybody enjoyed it. One time, I will post my recipe that you should try! The night of that same day – dec 5, we attended another Christmas Party in Cyberjaya, it was organized by some of our Filipino friends, technically, they are the officemates of Michelle. Since I gained some good reputation in cooking to them, I was assigned to bring Leche Flan! I prepared it the night before the party and finished at around 3am. Not being over confident with what I prepared, again, it tasted really good!
On the lighter side, 7 days from now, we will be going back to Philippines again for a 2-week vacation. The past weeks have been a very busy week for us. We attended the Couples for Christ Christmas Party and I was tasked to bring one of the dishes. Guess what, I cooked “Binagoongang Baboy” (Pork with shrimp Paste). I must say that I was able to give justice to this dish for everybody enjoyed it. One time, I will post my recipe that you should try! The night of that same day – dec 5, we attended another Christmas Party in Cyberjaya, it was organized by some of our Filipino friends, technically, they are the officemates of Michelle. Since I gained some good reputation in cooking to them, I was assigned to bring Leche Flan! I prepared it the night before the party and finished at around 3am. Not being over confident with what I prepared, again, it tasted really good!
@Couples for Christ Group, Villa Impiana Condominium
@ Cyberjaya 
We also bought some “Pasalubong” (Gifts) for our families and friends. We took advantage of the Mall wide sale here in Malaysia. Usually it happens whenever there are occasions like Ramadan, Christmas and other special occasions. It’s not just a 3-day sale, it’s like, 2 months or all throughout the season and I must say that the prices are really LOW! But of course we never splurged on shopping, remember, it’s recession so need to set aside some ringgits to fund unexpected expenses in the future.
Right now, we are literally counting the days, excited to be back home again.
“Pilipinas, Buhay ay Langit sa Piling Mo”
Friday, November 20, 2009
christmas tree
It’s the time of the year once again. Christmas is just around the corner and everybody is already feeling the cool breeze of the season. Last night after meeting my wife at the train station, we headed to Endah Parade Mall (just a small shopping complex across our condo) to join some friends who invited us for dinner. Actually it was not in the plan for as much as possible we avoid dining out in exchange of just buying fruits and eating home cooked foods. Because for the past weeks, we felt that we are not getting a healthy diet.
Anyway, after the dinner, on our way to the grocery store, we saw the Christmas Decors Section. My wife and I have been planning long time ago to buy a Christmas Tree, so we tried to look around and we spotted this best buy Christmas Tree! 7.90 MYR (Malaysian Ringgit). I know you want to convert, its roughly 13.50 PHP = 1 MYR. After that, we added 3 sets of Christmas balls, 1 Christmas light and this long shiny thing that I don’t know how it is called.
This is our first Christmas Tree since we got married, we never had the chance to buy one when we were still in Makati. That’s why we are very happy and excited with this one. It actually feels good to see our humble Christmas Tree from our living area, making us more excited to be in the Philippines again. 28 more days and we’ll be home once again.
So here is our 3-ft slash low-cost slash but loved Christmas Tree!
Anyway, after the dinner, on our way to the grocery store, we saw the Christmas Decors Section. My wife and I have been planning long time ago to buy a Christmas Tree, so we tried to look around and we spotted this best buy Christmas Tree! 7.90 MYR (Malaysian Ringgit). I know you want to convert, its roughly 13.50 PHP = 1 MYR. After that, we added 3 sets of Christmas balls, 1 Christmas light and this long shiny thing that I don’t know how it is called.
This is our first Christmas Tree since we got married, we never had the chance to buy one when we were still in Makati. That’s why we are very happy and excited with this one. It actually feels good to see our humble Christmas Tree from our living area, making us more excited to be in the Philippines again. 28 more days and we’ll be home once again.
So here is our 3-ft slash low-cost slash but loved Christmas Tree!
Ooops, if you are wondering where the “Star” is, we’ll be buying a small one probably this weekend.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
future plans
This week, I am a bit free for my immediate supervisor is on leave. Technically, I have a lot of things to finish, it’s just that, I can do it on my own pace. The past weeks have been a very busy week for me. Change request from our client needs to be attended and everything is urgent for we are nearing the deadline - Nov 15. Thank God I was able to surpass that week and comply with the deadline. So for this week, I think my boss is also giving me time to slow down and relax, though I am not sure, I am just assuming. Right now, I am attending to other requirements and some minor requests.
Being free now, made me think and allowed me to do a lot of things. It allowed me to update this blogsite again. Ofcourse, my mind has been occupied of future plans. My wife and I have been working here in Malaysia for almost 2 years. I can still remember before leaving Philippines, I told to myself that we will just finish the contract and will return to Philippines to continue with our career. But with the recession and my previous job loss, I think we need to extend to atleast recover and further help our families. Infact, we are enjoying our stay in Malaysia. We have our friends be it Filipinos, Indonesians, Indians, Chinese or Malay. We have our Couples for Christ Community that enriches our spiritual lives. We enjoy the food and we are learning the diverse cultures that Malaysia has. The only thing is that, when you want to go back to your hometown like Bulacan or Laguna to relax, to eat a good food and be with your family, it will just make you sad and miss these things, what you can do is divert the attention to avoid any drama. (Just like what I am doing now). There is no way to do that anyway for we are 3.5 hrs plane ride away from the Philippines so better to think of happy thoughts. As of now, we need to focus with our work and live our lives on where we are.
I am also thinking say after we have saved enough money here in Malaysia, are we going back to the Philippines? Continue to stay in Malaysia? Or try our luck in migrating to other countries?
I am always like this, I like bothering myself with future plans especially when I am free. I will even create an excel file for budgets and timelines, word document for list of goals. Well it’s better to plan the future ahead while we still have the time than regretting that you have never tried.
Btw, I passed the Comprehensive Exam for my Masters. I will now be working on my last subject – to develop the system that I have proposed last semester. I have also submitted my Application for Graduation and I am now officially a “Cand”- Candidate for Graduation.
“Thank you Lord for all the blessings and please Lord, help us to accomplish our future plans. We know that everything will happen in your time. Amen.”
Being free now, made me think and allowed me to do a lot of things. It allowed me to update this blogsite again. Ofcourse, my mind has been occupied of future plans. My wife and I have been working here in Malaysia for almost 2 years. I can still remember before leaving Philippines, I told to myself that we will just finish the contract and will return to Philippines to continue with our career. But with the recession and my previous job loss, I think we need to extend to atleast recover and further help our families. Infact, we are enjoying our stay in Malaysia. We have our friends be it Filipinos, Indonesians, Indians, Chinese or Malay. We have our Couples for Christ Community that enriches our spiritual lives. We enjoy the food and we are learning the diverse cultures that Malaysia has. The only thing is that, when you want to go back to your hometown like Bulacan or Laguna to relax, to eat a good food and be with your family, it will just make you sad and miss these things, what you can do is divert the attention to avoid any drama. (Just like what I am doing now). There is no way to do that anyway for we are 3.5 hrs plane ride away from the Philippines so better to think of happy thoughts. As of now, we need to focus with our work and live our lives on where we are.
I am also thinking say after we have saved enough money here in Malaysia, are we going back to the Philippines? Continue to stay in Malaysia? Or try our luck in migrating to other countries?
I am always like this, I like bothering myself with future plans especially when I am free. I will even create an excel file for budgets and timelines, word document for list of goals. Well it’s better to plan the future ahead while we still have the time than regretting that you have never tried.
Btw, I passed the Comprehensive Exam for my Masters. I will now be working on my last subject – to develop the system that I have proposed last semester. I have also submitted my Application for Graduation and I am now officially a “Cand”- Candidate for Graduation.
“Thank you Lord for all the blessings and please Lord, help us to accomplish our future plans. We know that everything will happen in your time. Amen.”
Friday, October 30, 2009
recreating those days
I took a day off from the office to review for my comprehensive exam tomorrow. As I read my books, browse the net and move around the condo alone, the feeling during the time that I was jobless slowy started to fill my mind. The same exact feeling of being worried, fridays that are not exciting as it should be.
I have been back to the work force since June 2009 but I just realized the trauma that the Financial Crisis has given me is still fresh in my memory.
I have been back to the work force since June 2009 but I just realized the trauma that the Financial Crisis has given me is still fresh in my memory.
I decided to turn the negative thoughts into something positive that will inspire me and make me more productive. I tried to recreate the routines that I was doing back when I was still jobless. I turned on the TV and watched Travel and Living (and yes, everytime I hear the theme song of the show, It brings back the days that I am waiting for a call from an employer). Then after lunch, I took a nap, then did some laundry and went to swimming at around 5pm. While doing these things, it made me to appreciate and love more my job despite of some issues that I think is normal in any working environment. That waking up early in the morning to go to work should not be avoided but instead should be looked forward. That being so busy and pressured at work are challenges that you can learn something after acomplishing it.
I think I need to go back to my review now.
Be inspired. Be blessed.
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