Posted at 12/15/2012 9:28 AM | Updated as of 12/15/2012 9:28 AM
In the Philippines, celebrating Christmas is considered as the longest and the merriest season of all. It starts in September and lasts until January 6 to honor the Three Kings of Bethlehem. It is also the favorite time of homecoming for all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Those joyous moments of being with family, relatives and friends are unforgettable for most OFWs who only get to spend a month or two in the Philippines after years of perseverance, determination and hardwork in another country. This season is always a time of great anticipation.
Every 18th of December 18 is commemorated as the International Migrants Day, a global observance to recognize the contributions, efforts and rights of migrants worldwide. It is hailed by United Nations as the fundamental freedom of every migrant worker. Thus, we can aptly say that December can be called an OFW Month.
It is but timely that we at the Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards (PEBA) also give our homecoming Bagong Bayani or heroes a warmhearted welcome celebration to recognize and honor their talents and exemplary work. And let the whole world know about their creative talents in the field of blogging and photography.
This year’s event is dubbed as, "Sama-Samang Saya at Parangal sa mga OFW at kanilang Pamilya , Pamaskong Handog ng SSS at PEBA” which will be held on Saturday, 15th of December 2012 at 1:30pm at the RM Hall, SSS Main Building, East Avenue, Quezon City. There will be entertainment like music and dance extravaganza. In this event, winners of the 2012 International Blog and Photo Awards will be announced. There are 17 blog nominees for OFWS and Supporters categories and 32 photo entries coming from 11 countries competing. The photo contest is in partnership with the Social Security System or (SSS). Other PEBA sponsors include the Villar Foundation and SMART. PEBA is also grateful from its long time partner organizations who advocate OFWs welfare and rights like the Blas Ople Center and Patnubay Riyadh.
PEBA, with the help of the many selfless volunteers around the world will continue to recognize the talents of the millions of OFWs abroad. For the OFWs nothing beats the joy of coming back to the country to be with loved ones, but if their endless sacrifices and struggles will be heard and given honor, surely their stay is even worth remembering.
