Dayuhan: PEBA 2010 Entry 101

An entry from 2009 PEBA Winner, Palipasan managed by The Pope, of the capital city Doha, State of Qatar. Chosen by the 5 judges as one of their Top 10 Choices, Palipasan eventually emerged as No. 6 in the over-all ranking.
Some of the judges comments about Palipasan:"Inspirational and a model of what bloggers should be.""They who have withered the storm should be rewarded."
Today, we are proud to present to you the spirited and devout blogger from the tiny but booming state of Qatar. Joining PEBA and KABLOGS as a volunteer, spending his precious hours without pay and without expecting anything, George V. Babiano, a.k.a The Pope is an example of a blogger-in-action. His countless services for nearly two years both as Assistant Administrator of KABLOGS, the PEBA gateway, and as Secretariat of the 2010 OFW Supporters nominees, is truly an honor.
This is PEBA, we honor the bloggers, and in turn they bring honor to the OFW's around the world. We join him in an invitation for you to join PEBA, be a nominee and inspire the globe.

Si Efren, dalawang taong nagtrabaho sa Saudi Arabia at sa tuwing umaga bago pumasok, di nakakalimutan na tumawag sa asawa upang sabihin ang mga katagang "I miss you honey, and I miss our children". Ngaun nasa Pilipinas na sya at nagbabakasyon, nagrereklamo ang kanyang pamilya, dahil sa araw at gabi mga kainumang barkada ang laging kasama, pag nasa Saudi ang "miss" ay pamilya pag nasa Pilipnas ang "miss" ay barkada, videoke at serbesa.

Panay ang simba ni Rolly sa Doha at ang laging dalangin sana ay dumating na ang araw ng kanyang bakasyon para makasama ang pamilya. Sumapit na ang araw ng bakasyon ni Rolly, at tuwing araw ng Linggo hindi sya makasama ng pamilya sa pagsisimba, dahil kapag Linggo ay ibang Kristo ang kaulayaw nya, sa sabungan mo sya makikita pumupusta sa meron at wala.

Truck driver si Domeng sa Kuwait, sa loob ng pitong taon na pagta-trabaho isang beses pa lang syang umuwi ng Pilipinas, kuntento na sya sa pagpapadala ng pera sa pamilya, yung vacation leave pay at ticket na pinagkakaloob ng kumpanya ay kino-convert na lang nya na cash upang maipadala sa pamilya. Katwiran nya "magastos ang pagbabakasyon, kaya mas mabuti pang ipadala na lang pera na dapat sana ay gagamitin sa pagbabakasyon sa pamilya. Kaya nga daw nagtatrabaho sa ibang bansa para kumita.

Si Gemma, dalaga at IT sa Singapore, kumakayod para mapag-aral ang mga kapatid. Subalit sa bawa't bukas ng kanyang bibig sa mga magulang at kapatid pera ang laging sentro ng usapan at ang tanging kinakamusta ay ang iniwang negosyo, ang kanyang paupahan bahay at naipundar na tindahan. Di nga nagpapabaya sa pagpapadala ng pera't balikbayan box subalit di naman naaalala kamustahin ang kalagayan ng ama't ina. Kaya't ang mga magulang nya'y minabuting huwag magsabi ng kanilang karamdaman, dahil pilit nilang inuunawa ang anak na masyadong pinahalagahan ang pera, dahil mas kilala nla ang kanilang anak, pero ang anak, di na kilala ang kanyang ama't inang tumatanda na.

Kung pamilya ang laging una puso nating mga OFW, bigyan natin sila ng tunay kahalagahan, sa maikling panahon ng ating pagbabakasyon, igugol natin ang ating oras sa isang makabuluhang pakikipagrelasyon sa ating pamilya - sa asawa, anak, magulang at kapatid.

Ang pagiging tunay na bayani ay nagsisimula sa pamilya, maging tutuo tayo sa ating pabigkas ng I LOVE YOU at I MISS YOU... say what you mean and mean what you say.

Huwag nating ipagkait ang ating sarili sa ating pamilya. Mahalaga ang pera pero mas mahalaga ka sa iyong pamilya at alam kong mahalaga rin ang pamilya sa iyo kesa sa perang iyong pinadadala.

Si Efren, Rolly, Domeng, at Gemma, ilan lang sila sa mga kababayan kong dayuhan sa ibang bayan, hanggang kailan sila mananatiling dayuhan sa kanilang sariling tahanan.

Paunawa:

Hindi po ako kasali at hindi rin po ito poste bilang enty sa PEBA 2010. Ito'y isang paanyaya sa mga makakabasa sa makabuluhang tema ng kasalukuyang patimpalak ng PEBA - "Pagtibayin ang Pamilyang OFW: Mas Matibay na Tahanan Para sa Mas Matibay na Bayan"

Huwag maging dayuhan sa usaping pamilya. Makibasa, makibahagi at sumali bilang nominado sa adbokasiya ng PEBA tungo sa maayos na Pamilyang Pilipino.

Share|

©2010 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards

Family First for PEBA 2010 - Pink Tarha Girls

Below is the full text from the Pink Tarha Girls, your lifestyle Kikay guide in Saudi Arabia, especially in the capital city of Riyadh. No. 2 winner of the 2009 International Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards, the Pink Tarha's "Ang Tunay na Katas ng Saudi" narrates the stories of four daughters of former OFW's in Saudi, and what they felt now that they themselves are all OFW's. It was a witty, heartwarming and inspiring post that was nominated twice as No. 1, and twice as No. 2 best blog. Pink Tarha Girls believe that "real men, read pink!" :)

***********************************************

Man's basic instinct is survival. We bet that the Overseas Filipino Worker's basic instinct is survival... of their family.

Time and again, we shout out loud in this blog that we are products of people who ventured into the great desert circa 90s. Without thempeople whose basic instinct was to support us, feed us, send us to school, and give us a good present and an even better future, we will not be here. These are the people whose love for us weighs more than their needs and wants. These are the people we respect highly and love with all our hearts and souls. These are our parents. Without them, there will be no Pink Tarha. No us.

Most Overseas Filipino Workers we know are parents. Whether they are mothers or fathers, we know that the main reason they are working abroad is their children. But of course, there is no perfect way to go about this. Being away from your husband/wife and children puts theab in a normal family life. As much as possible, to be a family and to raise a family means being close literally and figuratively. But we'd like to think that an OFW family is not abnormal. Just different.

Defying the distance.

This difference can somehow translate to difficulty. It is difficult to lead this kind of family life. We recognize that there are more factors affecting an OFW family. The physical distance measured in miles is nothing compared to the emotional and psychological distance created by the absence of OFW parents in their children's lives, and vice-versa. This distance, this absence destroyed many OFW families over the years. But it shouldn't be a trend. It shouldn't be THE trend. While the statistics are staggering, we'd like to believe that there are still many families out there who are working hard to keep theirs intact. That there are many fathers and mothers out there who are not just working hard literally but are also working hard to remain loyal and faithful to their roles in their homes - as husbands, wives, and parents (and of course, children who respect and understand their parents too). We'd like to believe that there are still many (like us) who think and feel thatthe family is still the most important thing in the world.

This year, the Philippine Expats/OFW Blog Award puts the spotlight on the FAMILY, the basic unit of the society.

In honor of the Filipino families all over the world, of Filipino families sharing their meals together, of Filipino families separated by migration and diaspora, of Filipino families surviving amid the trials of the times... the PEBA 2010 highlights the FAMILY, the HOME. PEBA 2010 opens its third season with the theme "Strengthening the OFW Families: Stronger Homes for A Stronger Nation."

PEBA has witnessed in real life the suffering and loneliness of the OFWs and their families and believes that strengthening the OFW families, strengthens the homes and the nation! Thus, this season’s theme of “Strengthening the OFW Families: Stronger Homes for a Stronger Nation” does not just momentarily fit the hour but is a timeless subject that cannot be bound by shackles so long as there are OFWs out there.

What can we do as bloggers? The PEBA 2010 Season opens with not just the OFWs and Pinoy expatriates writing about the OFW families but will be joining forces with local bloggers who, in one way or the other, have been influenced by an OFW in their lifetime. The support of the local bloggers who are sympathetic to the OFW cause will have that exponential effect of reaching even to the grassroots level.

PEBA calls on the bloggers to write and post about topics on strengthening the OFW families despite their being miles away from each other. Topics about communication, family gatherings, parent-child coaching and counseling, assistance and support in children’s homework and projects, conference meetings with family members, online contact with families, pointers on cheap communication, etc. PEBA calls on the bloggers to write about what they are doing to strengthen their families despite the distance and their absence from home. PEBA calls on the bloggers to share insights, ideas, pointers and how to express love for their spouses and children.

PEBA will not just be an organization that will give annual awards for exemplary blogs but it will proactively act on issues that will make difference in people's lives, especially the young children, and the OFW's and their families. [Read more...]

This year, PEBA gears up for this bigger, brighter and meaningful mission and the Pink Tarha encourages every OFW blogger and supporter to join PEBA 2010!

We really like the theme emphasizing families because we love ours. For us, whatever we do, wherever we may be in our lives right now... we always go back to our roots. We always go back to the basic unit of our lives... our families."Other things may change us, but we start and end withfamily."

Share|

©2010 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards

OFW Family: An Emergency Case

This is a repost from Francesca in France, a two years winner as PEBA Best Blog in Europe Region, and No. 4 in 2009 Top 10 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards.

We are so grateful for this nominees and winners who is supporting PEBA 2010 all the way!

________________________________

As previous winner of two years' PEBA contest, I became an automatic member of PEBA, so I cannot join anymore the contest, to give others the chance to win. Instead, Im posting this as a support entry to PEBA website.

Sorry po mga readers ko, winner na ang Lola nyo, NAKS!


Overseas Filipino Workers' Family, a growing emergency case.
The married man is anxious for the things of the world, how he may gain the approval of his wife,” and that “the married woman is anxious for the things of the world, how she may gain the approval of her husband.”

The Husband or the Wife work abroad, to improve financially the married life they started, that he or she can do more, earn more, and prove more of each skills and and self dignity in the idea that if they are abroad, their value is better than they work in their own country.

This is the story of Mario a very responsible husband. He had a growing business. He had five children that grows too. Eventually, a travel agency offered him to work in France.
Illegally.
He sold his business, left his family with a heavy heart and a promise: "Ill make it sure to be succesful in France. I will bring you all in France too."

He arrived in Hongkong, he met a Kababayan, who cried, she cannot board the plane to France. The travel agent that supposed to meet her in HK Airport ran away with her money, and her visa to Europe was found fake.Mario felt pity, he gave his pocket money of 200php to the Kababayan for a phone card to call her relatives in Manila. Mario went through the HK immigration to Paris France.

He arrived at Charles de Gaulle Airport,Paris, the immigration do not speak English, Mario was interrogated,(by a translator) for two hours in a room, and when asked, how much money he brought for his tour in Paris, Mario was clever enough to say, he doesnt bring cash when traveling, it is dangerous, but he has a Visa card. He showed them, his visa card. Later Mario saw the immigration agent stamped his passport. He was allowed to come in to visit France.

If the Immigration agent checked his visa card, it was zero balance. Oh yes, part of the agent's scheme, they put your money in it, but when the flight left Manila Philippines, the agency empty the bank account.

Mario went out of the airport. It was shivering damp and cold in November. He asked for the direction of his hotel from the information, the lady desk said, the hotel doesnt exist. Another scam.

Mario, with out money and no hotel to stay, went to a park, try to coil himself from cold and managed to sleep with the homeless in the park. The next day, Mario woke up to see Paris and fortunately found a Kababayan working as a Nanny. Mario found refuge. The Nanny lived in a 30sq mtrs damp and cold apartment. With five others. All irregular situations. Mario showed to them the address of where he can work as an engineer. The Kababayans all laughed. The company does not exist.And to work in a company , Mario must have legal papers in France.

Mario felt , the world crumbled,he imagined already he was in deep trouble.

The Kababayans (co filipinos) told Mario to come with them the next day, they found some work in a newly built villa. As cleaners.Ten euro per hour(or 600pesos)
Mario said, but I am an engineer. I cannot work as a cleaner??!!

"As you wish. If you dont like it, you can come back home here, wait for us to bring you food, and wish that we will continue to feed you. Remember, you dont have money, you do not speak french, and you are homeless. Your choice is ZERO."

Mario accepted the work as a cleaner.He even did some ironing that he never did in his life! On top he cannot stand the cold winter months.Snowing, damp, cold. Really bitter cold that juggled his jaws.November to April.

Mario experienced culture shock about the weather, and another shock was,his Kababayans were all living an adulterous life.

At first,Mario cannot understand them.Eventually he got it, with the situation they were in, when love ones are far from the eyes,will be also far from the heart.
Mario saw also how they deal with their family.For each OFW family they just text:
" I send you the money now."
The response (in a flash of a second):"How much, can we get it now? What? Thats all? Its not even enough!? How about your Auntie? Your cousins? Your god mother, she brought you up????!!! DONT YOU REMEMBER!!!!"

OFW marriages are sinking. It sinks,due to long distance separation. Countless OFW's marriage remain afloat(by keeping the marriage bonds) but are stuck in stagnant waters.No communication except the ones mention above.They missed their family, but they cannot see them. They can go home, but they cannot come back.

Five long years of hiding from one hole after another, working day and night as a house employee , exploited, without social security, Mario wanted to give up and go back to Philippines.

But he ventured in Nice, France, tried to befriend with the filipinos in the area and he found a work as a deck hand in a Yacht. It was another hardwork. He scrubbed the boat while hanging in a rope, varnishing wooden rails and floors. Pulling the Yacht when docked.He had to beat the scorching sun.His hands were not as soft as before.

Pictures are some daily sceneries Mario has to sink in being alone.He missed his family.

He was optimist. He was already in France, just deal with the situation.
Besides,every euro earned has a purpose.

In those years, he accomplished valuable decisions.
He rented a "chambre de bonne" (room) to have an address. He also open a bank account and calculated his expenses religiously.

30%for his cost of living
30% for his family in Philipines
30%for his savings in the bank
10%for his piggy bank as calamity or emergency fund.

Some months he was not able to make it,due to jobs lost, but he was determined to keep his plans and stick to it.
He also avoided unnecessary expenses and pleasures. He stayed at work and at home.

On the sixth year , he applied for his legal papers to live in France.
Denied, instead of legal papers, he received a deportation letter.
He tried again.Denied again.Deportation Letters again.
After third try, he got it.

God is good, Mario said.

He was able to work legally and he was able to bring his family to France.



Mario has difficulties...



Promise, hindi po eto parang Flor Contemplacion story.
Wholesome and blog ko, kaya walang madugong kwento, hehehehe.


Mario and Lina loved each other very much. After a year that they lived in France with their children,Mario and Lina decided to separate lives. Here's their version.

Mario: After so many years of not being together, we realized, we do not cooperate together as a couple.If we watch television, she prefered TFC Channel, which is not really my cup of tea.I'm more fond of watching football.She wanted to go places ,Im fed up of going out to show France to her.

Lina: Mario does everything for his family in Philippines but he never asked me if I agree or not.I asked him, who is important, your father, mother, sister and brother, or us? And, unbelievable, he lied to me many times.I told him, once you lied to me, you will always do it, and if you do not stop lying to me,it would be best we separate lives.I'll get an annulment.

Mario: I dont know what to do anymore. I asked my co worker,he advised me:
"Tell her to shut up,if she still nag, beat her up."
Once I slapped Lina,and kicked the table,the television falls down the floor ,it was a big fight.Lina packed her things and went to a filipina friend.Later, we decided its over and will file an annulment of our marriage. The children cried, but we both stood our grounds.Lina started to pack ALL her things.

Lina: I was about to go out the door, when the door bell rang. A Filipina lady was standing outside our door with her french husband.I let them in.

Mario:At work, I have doubts to let Lina separate with me and the children.
So I decided to ask a leave from my employer and ran home.At home, I found Lina discussing with another filipina and her husband.She told me: "Both of you must do something together"."Yes", I answered. "Whatever it is as long as it will save our marriage."

Lina: Francesca and her husband Michel visited us regularly and started counseling us God's arrangement on marriage. That is why a man will leave his father and his mother and he must stick to his wife and they must become one flesh.

Mario: I immediately got the point. I discussed with my parents: "From now on, I must discuss first with my wife before I decide on something.I will also give way to her about her TFC Channel films. I will buy her a computer so she can watch her films anytime without disturbing my football programs.Also, I learned from the Great Book that God hates liars, I will do my best to tell Lina the truth.

Lina: I changed also. Before, when he arrived from work, I nagged him: Where did you go again, we do not have a budget anymore of this and that...You always send money to your parents...your relatives...etc etc..."

"Also I always contradicted his decisions.When I saw he changed for the better, I submit to him."
Mario: "We are now retired,at 65 years old, and we are still together after 28 years.We will be spending our retirement pension in Batangas,Philippines ,a beach front, and if you like, Francesca and Michel, you are welcome to spend your holiday with us."



The couple left France, to Philippines,for good, last July 15,2010.

This story is my tribute to them. - Francesca In France

For pictures and full entry, visit here.

THE END

Share|

©2010 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards