OWWA’s Indifference to Undocumented OFWs

The son of our neighbor died last January 29, 2016 in Spain. And through the goodness of the Lord was home yesterday and buried this morning.

During the wake last night, I happened to sit next to the person who worked hard to make things work so that their son will be brought home the soonest. She told me snippets of what she went through:

Bringing home the body of her kin is not without trouble. He was undocumented or illegally entered Spain to find work. But before he went to Spain, he was legally working in Norway as a nurse, and came to Spain when his permit expired.

On January 29, 2016, he died on his sleep, and was discovered by his employer. The employer informed the girlfriend of the boy who in turn informed his family here in the Philippines. Now, the big question was, “How can they get his body from abroad and bring it home?”

She was tasked to do the work.

Of course, this event is an unfortunate one that it only happened, God forbid, once in our life. So, having no idea “How” she thought of the most obvious agencies of the government who might be able to help or give advice on what to do – and first to mind was the OWWA.

She went immediately to OWWA office in Baguio City to inquire. To her dismay, instead of getting a professional answer, all she got was a very discouraging one. The director said, “They have nothing to do with the case because the subject was undocumented” – period.

Wow, that’s something. It was a plain ill-mannered way to handle an obvious problem of Kababayans asking for advice how to solve it; that the ones whom you expect to lean on gave you a cold shoulder!”

The family member who told me her story said the OWWA seemed to suspect everyone who goes to their office is only asking for money assistance. She said, “Okay, let us say I went to ask if they can provide financial assistance but since the law says the government cannot provide because of his being undocumented, will these people at least have the heart to tell me what best to be done in order to bring home the body of our son? Can she not at least recommend other offices who are working in cases like this? I believe this is not their first time to experience people erroneously coming to their office for help.”

Imagine yourself being the one who went there to ask for help and got nothing more than just the word “We cannot help because your son is undocumented!” How do you feel?

Anyway, God is great! He guided this mother, who did not let her anger get the best of her, to think what is the next step to be done. The next thing, with a companion, they went to DFA Manila and there they were given assistance and connected to people whom they should approach.




She continued, “We are lucky and glory to God who made things easier. I said, “Lucky” because while being in the DFA Manila there was one parent with her companions (probably family members) crying in front of the information for help because they have been waiting for more than six months for the body of their family member to come home."

Yah, we can have the comfort that our neighbor’s son is finally put to rest after a month of emotional waiting. A large amount of money was spent (From 20K euro down to 7K euro) to bring home the body and though this amount hurts it can only hurt the pocket. But the pain caused by insensitive people being paid by our taxes to help us in times of needs like this one is more painful and will not easily be forgotten.

Anyway, we pray and hope, they will learn and next time they’ll be ready to help even those ones considered undocumented as they call them. May they realize that while those OFWs are undocumented they are working so hard and are sending their hard earned money home; In return, is helping our country’s economy.

Lastly, let us pray that those families of OFWs will not have to go through months and even years of waiting for the bodies of their love ones who were unfortunate while away whether legally deployed, became illegal, or used the backdoor because the front door was so full of red tape.

Signs of Unreliable, Weak and Corrupt Leader

The troubles our country has gone through and now going through is exposing our respected leaders’ capability of leading our country.

And with the election time fast approaching, maybe these observations of my friends provoke voters to scrutinize more the character of those whom they will elect to lead this country out of the brink of becoming the most “lovable” worst country in the world.

My friends believe we Filipinos are not only intelligent but now wiser to choose our next set of leaders after the sufferings and dilemmas we have gone through – if not, then the one to blame if we suffer the same sufferings in the hands of inefficient leaders is very obvious - “Ikaw na bumoto ng isang salot!”

The leader being talk about here includes the highest to the lowest position where vote is necessary to put them in their position.

1. Always looking for ways to promote his/her name by any means even at the expense of losing integrity. The law has many loopholes but a morally upright leader doesn’t use them to get ahead of others.

Many of these leaders “Kuno” are seen almost every day in the televisions. During calamities and during gatherings they come to give us things in the form of freebies but their name is written in it. Sometimes it is not noticeable because they use their supporters to do the dirty work and can always say they don’t know anything about it or dismiss it as a propaganda against them from people who wants to discredit their name.

And the commission on election is inutile because the law has loopholes that it cannot prevent or stop an aspiring politician from being always on the media talking about their being good leaders “kuno.” These aspiring leaders thinks the “Masang Pilipino” is stupid to not notice their motive in boasting what they have done just to be seen for the purpose of hypnotizing people to memorize their name.

If only that amount spent for the ads were spent to help people then probably his chance of winning is higher because more people will pray for him/her to win.

2. Always blame someone or look for an escape goat for things went wrong or anything that bad happened.

The best example is the Mamasapano. I can’t believe why suspended former police director General Alan Purisima was blamed for the death of the brave 44 SAF by sharing his knowledge and expertise in tracking and killing one of the topmost terrorist hunted by the international community. If Purisima did not do anything would he be blamed if the terrorist killed civilians through his bombing skill?

3. These leaders reason or talk like the people are so stupid to believe their words.

4. He/she cannot accept responsibility for things went bad or wrong.

As a result number two and number three happens.

5. They own almost all the highest positions as a family(Dynasty).

Well, their reasons are sometimes is reasonable: They are honest and people vote for them.

6. They eliminate anyone whom they sense as a threat to their position – by the use of the gun or by the use of the tongue.

By the use of the gun some kill their challengers to eliminate them. By the use of the tongue, many aspirants are now being charge - some for valid reasons, some are obviously in the name of politics.






7. They take advantage of people’s weakness especially in terms of money.

I just hope people appreciate the value of their votes that when they sell it, the price should be enough to carry them through the next election.

8. Insensitive to people’s travails that when no one is complaining “Very loud” to be heard by the whole nation, no action is taken.

These people don’t mind the sufferings victims are going through and even blame the victims for their misfortunes. The shame this country is going through because of inefficient people managing the airport says a lot. It’s been decades the OFWs are suffering their but still is being taken as something no value. I still cringe and angry each time I remember my experiences with connection to the airport.

If the name of your father is being trampled year-in-year-out what will you do? NAIA – worst airport!? Hayyyyy……..

9. They are apprehensive or fearful to mention God

Either they are atheist or boastful they forgot God is watching above or they are guilty of not being honest in their responsibilities. I don’t know if both my ears have problem of hearing, but have you heard anyone of these leaders mentioned about heaven?

There are more obvious other signs of “Fake” leaders, however, these are the most discussed among my friends now whenever election is being the topic. Do you have any observations and ideas as signs of weakness of a leader? Please, feel free to share in the comment section.

RHBill: A Warning on Philippines Declining Morality

The Supreme Court, according to news, started hearing arguments about the RHBill last July 09, 2013. If you read the arguments from both sides, both have points to defend. Yet, those are not what this article is going to tackle.

This article is about the title as it says that RH Bill is a wake-up call to the Philippines, as a nation, about her deteriorating morality. While the country’s economy has improved, the respect for the elders and veneration for family are greatly losing its value on the younger generation. Unwanted children (aborted, left dead, and abused children) had reached a level that alarmed the government. And like what I have said before in my previous post, the government must do something in order to remedy the problem. Thus, the RHBill is conceived.

Strong oppositions sprung-up for many valid reasons, and as usual the so called morally good people are the majority and strongest challengers to the bill. These are the priests, holy sisters, pastors, and clergymen and other so called “Holy people.” According to them, they know what is moral, ethical, and accepted to the Lord, and unluckily RHBill does not passed the moral standard required to be accepted.

So, to oppose the bill, they call the support of their legions to go in the streets shouting their opposition to what they call as “Evil Act.” And they blame the corruptions of the government administrators as the reason for all the difficulties of the people forcing them to become morally corrupt.

I attended many spiritual gatherings, bible studies, attended different churches to listen to their preaching but I came out dismayed. What I heard were about prophecies, and the one thing being stressed is for members to give more tithes because it is needed to build more church. However, when it comes to spiritual food the most important thing crucial to be stressed to the followers to overcome temptations and bad inclinations is not emphasized.

No wonder the RH bill came up because the people who are supposed to teach people about morality and holiness are not doing their job hard enough. They are more concern about material things their churches supposed to be needed (in order to have reasons to collect more money). Do I sound like accusing them? Well, if they are doing their job well, then the percentage of people doing uncivilized things should be at the minimum.



One argued to me there are more people now than before, so, the consequence is obvious. Yes, but one can see there are more than doubled workers to spread godliness than before. Compare it two decades ago, it was only the Catholic Church, Anglican Church, Iglesia ni Cristo, and a few more were doing the work while today in almost every corner you could see houses of worships. So, why this RHBill suddenly is here ready to rule men and women.

One thing is obvious – the RH bill is a warning from above that morality has declined to a level it needs to be corrected. Thus, if these religious men don’t like the RHBil of the government, they should work double time; instead of going to the streets barking their opposition, they should spend the time preaching to the people the need to mend ways.

Filipino Voices can Easily Capture Israeli Hearts

The winning of a Kababayan and fellow caregiver, Rose “Osang” Fostanes, in X-Factor Israel made me and all Filipinos proud that Filipinos anywhere in the planet can do an impact and is making this country a talk of their towns. From the miss Universe, Miss world, American Idols, and now X-Factor Israel all are making a buzz to the whole world, topping the lonely news of disasters that are besetting the Philippines.

Osang’s winning reminded me one of the memories I can’t forget I had during my 2nd month working as caregiver, for my third employer, in Gilo, Israel, a neighborhood found in Jerusalem and can be passed by when one goes to Bethlehem.

The work required me to stay all the minute next to my ward because of the fear he will stand up and lost his balance. The only time I see outside is when I peeped on the window, or when I go out early in the morning to throw out garbage.

In the 5th day, boredom kicked in which my very nice religious sons(Brother-in-laws) of my employer noticed, so, they brought me a radio with a cassette tape player. I was so happy, because I had with me some cassette tapes to play for the purpose of overcoming the sickness. The cassette tapes I brought with me from the Philippines are country songs, and my favorite local ones, Ilocano and songs from my favorite Igorot singers, Joel Tingbaoen(Sorry Lourdes I can't find any of your tapes that time).

First, I played Eddie Rabbit which they heard and commented I must be happy now that I can listen to music and songs to fight my loneliness. Then they left.

At the following day, the son came in to see how their father was doing. Their father was sleeping so I was inside the laundry room, that was converted as my room, listening to the voice of one of my local favorite singer, Joel Tingbaoen. Joel Tingbaoen is locally well known singer in the cordillera, singing songs from foreign country singers.  He was our most favorite male Igorot singer since we were kids with my playmates.  I remember we used to carry around a cassette tape of him and play it whenever we found a home with cassette player.

I thought my employer's son will just said goodbye as they usually do when their father was not available, but to my amazement, he got inside my room praising the song I was listening to.  And since it was Saturday, he did not stay long because he was going into their synagogue.

I thought he was just trying to be nice to me on that day, but the following day he came again, now, together with his brother-in-law, just to listen to the voice of the singer, which according to them, with a very beautiful voice like Elvis Presley. They don’t understand much English, and don’t understandd what the songs were all about, but they wanted to listen to the voice – back to back.

No kidding, but during that whole week, when they came in the evening, they would let me play the tape first before they go home.

Sad to say, they no longer heard the voice of Joel Tingbaoen the following week, because there was a misunderstanding between their sister who was in-charge of my recruitment and with my agency.  The agency found me another job, so, I left with my precious tape.

And now that Osang wins this competition despite her being a Filipina and in an age everyone gives up, and not having the beauty everyone expects from a Champion, especially, in a career and age where outward looks is the strongest factor to win, I am now convinced and believe, Israel can be easily serenaded by any Filipino singers.

Thank you ISRAEL for giving ALL people the chance to prove themselves regardless of their race, looks, and status in life to show up their talents. Proving you don’t discriminate people and judge them fairly regardless of your ego.

To Rose “Osang” Fostanes, you made our country proud again, but most especially, you’ve taught us and given us, fellow caregivers in Israel and all OFWs around the world, HOPE that success comes at the right time as long as we don’t give up. MABUHAY KA, at Mabuhay ang ating Bansang Pilipinas!

Here is a video share from YoutTube to view Rose "Osang" Fostanes winning moments:

The OFW Menace

Who says being an OFW is a blessing? On a glimpse, yes, it is, but every OFW understands that it carries with it a very heavy curse because of the many sacrifices and trials every OFW must have to overcome.

Any success one gain from working abroad, cannot compensate for the years missed being with the family, especially with the children whom you left when they were a few months old, or can barely walk when you left.

The warmth of love of being together as family was completely sacrificed.

What material things can replace the smiles, and hugs of children? What material things can replace the hugs and soothing rub of parents to their children when they’re afraid of lightning and thunders, or hurt from exploring new things? Nothing!

I know this from experience.

While it is true that you will be off better financially, you do not know how much love and affection your children lost from you as their father, from you as their mother or both from you as their parents when you were away. In addition, they lost the opportunity to learn from parents how to travel this life when their time comes to leave and live at their own. And vice-versa. How much smiles from kids each parents missed while being away? If their smiles in the internet cam makes a parent’s heart jumps with joy, then how much more if one is cradling the child?

How much opportunity you missed to teach them wisdom they need to learn to make them mature and responsible person while they grow up? You can’t reprimand them when you only have once in a while opportunity to speak on facebook, skype, or google+, or Ymessenger if their mother said about their mischiefs.

Because of this abroad syndrome, the strong sense of family closeness is now fading. Many children are now living like orphans of live parents. When these kids marry, they have no sense of how to become parents because they didn’t have “parents” during their kiddy times they could emulate. (I experienced this with my parents who grew up without parents – they were kind of learning how to handle us as when we were growing up)

I see people whose wife or husband is working abroad. They were young a decade ago or two ago, but now they have aged and I cannot imagine, where is the happiness of being married when they have been living separately most of their lives – if one call that a married life. These people are lying to their face if they say they’re living happily away from each other.

Okay, they built big houses, bought cars, lands, and complete material things as the number one investments of many OFWs, but what’s the use of having all those things when you cannot enjoy them because you’re still busy working to earn more money because there’s not enough saved for the future. One of my employers used to say, “Most people are working so hard as if they’re going to live forever!”

Many times, it’s already too late when they come home. I have seen many of these OFWs had arrived home very sick, disabled, and cold dead. What hurts the most is when one did not enjoy the warmth of love, parents and children were longing for when they were away from each other.



You may also like to read My Experiences as an OFW

When you ask OFWs why they are going abroad or staying away for so long, the foremost reason given is they are working for the future of their children. Yes, they’re sacrificing because of their love to their children. Love - or the ambition to get all the material things every human being desired to have in this world? Because if it is true that the ultimate reason is “Love for the children,” how come many if not most OFW families are broken? Why can’t the husband and wife stay together as one family for the sake of their children? Why can’t they forgive each other’s shortcomings – for the sake of the children? Poor children – they’re being used by their parents as escape goats for their selfishness. How many OFW parents applied for annulment of their marriage for the sake of themselves but did not think about the sake of their children?

Many children are wandering for they have no goals in life because they have no parents to guide and show them examples how to live life even without wealth. Then at the end when they failed on their studies and became menace to the society, they end up taking all the blames because they did not value the sacrifices of their parents - and did not listen to the teachings of their teachers!

When the kids are lucky enough to finish their college and got a degree, most of them end up working as OFWs because there were not enough jobs in their own country or the degree they finished is a low paying job. How many of those kids I saw were helped by their parents to go abroad after spending so much money in school? I said they’re the next generation or cycle of OFWs. When they get old and lucky enough to have family and children, the children will replace them, too, in after more than two decades, and the cycle continues – until nothing is done to stop the cycle.
My ten years of being an OFW made me understood, that OFW as a means to improve one’s financial status is a big blunder. It’s a menace to the family as a foundation of strong society.

A menace that must be addressed now to avoid the inevitable collapsed of a nation.

You may also like to read Cheapear Places to Remit In the Philippines

Cheaper Places to Remit in the Philippines

My work is sending remittances to different people to all four corners of the Philippines. And from doing it, I learned different things about those establishments, foremost of course is their charges, and how customers are served. 

These include some of the banks, and the different popular remittance shop we found around.

Banks 
Sending your remittance to a receiver through the bank, I say is the best, and is much cheaper compared to the remittance shop outside, like, Western Union, Cebuana, MLhuillier, and Palawan.

However, within the banks we want to find out which one has the cheapest, so I will enumerate those banks I only had transactions and not those banks I never made remittance transaction.

 In banks, it is required that the receiver must have a bank account on the particular bank you’re depositing the money.

Take note:  The information I have given below are all based on my own experiences and I am sharing it here for customers who want to have an idea of transferring money, locally. Thus, what's discuss here does not include remittances coming from overseas or sending remittance abroad.

Thus, it is advised that customers must ask for more information about bank policies regarding their charges, like, when the branch is located only on the other city, or if it’s located somewhere in Mindanao, or further places.

1. BPI (Bank of the Philippines Island)

Charges = it's no longer free

It used to be free. But beginning this year 2019, they started to charge Fifty-pesos(Php50)anywhere you sent in the Philippines. I just don't know if they have a bracket to base their charges. Because when I went to deposit money into the account of a friend located in Manila, they charged Php50 pesos even for the amount of Php1,850 pesos.

One thing I like about this bank is you feel comfortable waiting with their soft seats distributed around and you can cool-off if you've been stressed outside due to traffic and heat.

2. BDO (Banco De Oro)

Charges = P50 for the amount until P50, 000 pesos and there is additional charges above it. However, the bank has a program of Kabayan account, where in the deposit will not be charge. Ask the teller about it when you open your BDO account.

Areas covered = the whole Philippines

The service is good, however, if you want to avoid varicose veins try to send somebody to do the depositing for you or find out the best days wherein no line of people waiting. Standing an hour is a lot of work lost, lot of cholesterol used-up, and lot of additional age-lines if you have no patience. Just glad sometimes looking at their beautiful tellers can ease the pains on the neck.


3. PNB (Philippines National Bank)

Charges = Php100 pesos 

Areas Covered = Whole Philippines

I am glad PNB have those chairs to sit on while waiting. However, there are times bed is needed and just ask the guard to, please, wake you up when your number is called. But, if you have patience find the other smaller PNB branches where lines are short. And is it correct PNB is merging with Allied Bank? If they do, I hope that will improve their service

The main branch of PNB found at Session road, Baguio city is a large building, but can you believe it does not have comfort room for customers? Waiting an hour when people, are like having an agreement to meet at PNB on the same day and hour, can make one to feel the urge to visit that special room. So, if it happened you're troubled by call of nature get out and relief yourself somewhere - just don't forget to ask the guard to memorize your face so that when your number was passed by, you can go straight to the teller when you come back.

And they don't have utility worker/janitor, so if robbers attacked and able to get inside that's because some of the guards are busy wiping the floors when someone happened to wet it and others are guiding and helping the customers fill in the blank test questions. I believe guards are guards not utility men and assistants to tell customers how to fill up deposit slips.

4. DBP (Development Bank of the Philippines)

Charges = Php100 pesos 

Area Covered = Whole Philippines

So, far the only thing I encountered here is the teller will let you change what have you written because they don't include charges on the amount of deposit. I got used with PNB who includes charges to the amount of deposit. 5. Metro Bank

Charges = Php50 pesos

Areas covered = Whole Philippines

They work fast and systematically to avoid crowding the chairs, so if you've waited for ten minutes you can start to complain.

6. Land Bank

Charges = free to areas covered by the place they’re doing business. Ex. Enter branch deposits within Cordillera region are all free of charges. However, areas outside cordillera will be charge Php50 pesos and above, I believe depending on the amount of money.

The only time you at least scratch your head here is during paying taxes. Other than that, it seems they mastered how to dispatch customers fast like Metro Bank. However, you can't make transactions outside while you're inside the building - it's forbidden to use cellphones. Seems like their security needs upgrading, together with the other banks' security companies. They think cellphones can be an instrument to call your partners outside and rob the bank, but you never see an improvement on how they detect bad people by just looking at them.


7. RCBC (Rizal Commercial Bank of Corporation)

Charges = Free, however, I am not sure for further places because I have been depositing it to branches within the area.

The last time I used this bank was awful! I waited more than an hour. You know why? Some smart real Filipino-blooded people found ways to sneak in the line because the guard was not looking - because the guard was, again, busy helping customers to fill in the blank test papers. If we did not find out about it and complained, we could have waited ‘til closing time.

Remittance Shops

Remittance shops varies on their charges and one is cheaper and one is very expensive. Customers must be keen to see the brackets because that is where many consumers are confused. I snapped images of charges by these shops and I am giving you the work of comparing them.

Palawan Express Pera Padala
  I just saw for the first time that PEPP has branches located at Kayang Street, Baguio City.  So, I snapped an image of their updated rates as one can see below.

*NOTE:  Palawan Express updated and lowered it's charges.  Below is the new rates.

MLhuillier or ML Kwarta Padala This is the remittance place I used the most because it has the lowest rate compared to Cebuana, and Western Union. That's before I found Palawan Express Pera Padala. Another thing is MLhuillier has a shop open 24 hrs a day - just hope their internet connection is okay - and is spread all over the place 15 minutes away from each other.

NOTE:  MLhuillier  Updated and lowered remittance rates:  Below is their new rates.

Cebuana Lhuillier Money Remittance Service 

The good things about this shop is you don't have to answer a lot of questions you feel like you're taking examination on a subject you did not review. In addition to that, they have card where you can earn points and be able to use it to pay your next remittance or use it to buy load. And they have shops spread around you don't need a map to locate one.

The only thing that makes me dread using this for remittance is it has a very high rate compared to MLhuillier. Look at their rate to the amount of Php28,000 pesos. Cebuana charges Php720 pesos while MLhuillier charges Php300 pesos. You can eat with the best food in a restaurant with that amount.

Figure C1:   Old Rates (Before September 01, 2013)

Cebuana updated its charges a month after I posted this one, and I haven't used the company for a long time.  Well, I found out that they lowered their charges somewhat, though it's still high, it's no longer as sky high like the old one.  Figure C2 shows the updated charges.

Figure C2:   Updated Charges(September 01, 2013)

Western Union I used this twice to send and thrice to received, but if I have the choice, I will never use it. Their charges are ridiculous, compared to the other remittance places. Another thing is when you receive money from abroad you are charged for a service fee masked by another name. The only good thing about this shop is spread almost anywhere.

My Experience as an OFW

  Life as an OFW is very challenging. Aside from the challenge of overcoming the melancholy of being away with your family, there always comes a time when other challenges confronts you up to a point the question of morality and practicality of life become two distinctive things where one is sacrificed in order to survive. And most of the times morality is given up in favor of practicality because, as a common reason, you can’t live and achieve what you want by being upright. Thus, in the most trying times, many OFWs resort to “selling” their bodies in order to survive – Filipina and other races. While others always find ways to survive, upholding their integrity and moral life, like, Manang Lex. She said she went abroad to earn money for her children’s future, and to help her family.

Here is her story, retelling me how she survived two of her very trying moments abroad including the crisis that beset the world economy at the latter part of year 2000 when I visited her at their modest home at La Trnidad, Benguet.

I worked in Abu Dhabi, Manang Lex said, as she pointed to me some of her pictures taken abroad that are inserted on the pages of a medium size photo album.

I don’t know if the word “hard” can picture the difficulties I went through, she said, in between smiles and jokes. Just glad I am now home alive and healthy, she continued. Many times, I did not have a permanent job, so, I worked as freelancer, customary term for people who don’t have a permanent working visa, yet. As being a freelancer, I experienced different kinds of employers and life experiences abroad.

Most of the works, I say, were okay, although they all bring out your best, spiritually. I said, spiritually because, as one of the daughters of very conservative religious parents, we were strictly thought to always follow the right path, or not to compromise “good for bad” even though it can make your life or situation better. And when that time comes, trust Him and have faith. I did not know those teachings were put to test later.

The time came when I must go away; endure the taught of being away from my love ones – to survive!

Here at home, the word "abroad" was a sweet word to hear. It sounds like it is the ultimate solution to all your problems. But a thing I found out to be also a bitter word because of the dreadful experiences I had to go through. However, it was not that so dreadful because all those experiences made me a better and stronger person today.

And out of those experiences, there’s an incident that sometimes makes me shudder when I think about it.

For being an honest employee, I offended or triggered the anger of one boss(I called him the little-boss or right-hand boss) in the company I was working. He was the right-hand of the owner(I called him Big-boss) of the company, and the overall administrator each time the owner leaves to do his business abroad.

 The Big-boss, hired me as his secretary through the recommendation of one of my employer who was his friend. As the secretary I was tasked to check stuffs that arrived, released, and updated him of what was happening while he was away.

 So, I did as he directed. And from doing my job, I didn’t know that the little-boss was offended and upset. He became so nasty to me, saying insulting words, but I did not mind him because he was not the one who hired me. And in addition, I was just doing what was told to me by my Big-boss.

Then, one day, while the big-boss was away, the right-hand boss told me to pack-up and go home as I am no longer needed in the company. Surprised from his reactions, I told him, he was not in a position to fire me. It was only the big-boss who can do it because he was the one who hired me. But, he would not listen and even had all my stuffs removed from my office.

Then he ordered his Sri Lankan driver to bring me home to my apartment. At first, I did not want to go home yet, and stayed inside the office for almost two hours, because I know the big-boss will be arriving on that day. While I was waiting, the driver tried to persuade me to go home. And sensing I was determined to wait for the arrival of my own boss, he told me that it’s better for me to go home then contact my boss if I wanted to speak with him, and do it in another place.

Then I was shocked when he revealed about his boss’ plan of hurting me. He said the assistant boss ordered him to bring me to the farthest desert – mistreat me, and then leave me alone. However, the driver said he cannot do such a thing, so he will just pretend he carried out the plan. But, he needed my cooperation, so, the bad man will not notice.

The driver said he learned from friends who worked with the bad man, it’s what he was doing to all employees who drew his resentment. Afraid of what I learned, I decided to follow his advice, and agreed he drove me home.



Another challenge came again on the later years of my being an OFW. The company I worked closed due to the crisis that affected the country in 2008. I was jobless, and had so many things to pay. I was paying a flat, and sending money to my children who were in college, and also to my mother who was sick.

There were some part time jobs, but I don’t like the job work of cleaning houses. I am an office girl and not used to working in houses. I thought hard what to do to survive. I had experience selling goods here in the Philippines, thus, I thought of giving it a try.

 I went to the malls to look for something to sell. I bought herbal medicines and things for women to use and I sold them to anyone on the streets I met. To the Filipinos and foreigners who are interested with my stuff.

It was awkward at first because I had to introduce my products and convince them to try and get them as steady customers. The wok required me to walk daily. Also to take advantage of time when I know more customers are easier to be found. I got up at 5a.m in the morning to prepare myself and the goods I had to sell. At 7a.m. I was out from my flat and go to the parks, restaurants, and on weekends, I visited Filipino flats, because it was there day off. Most of the times, I was home late around 10-11 at night. For almost a year, it was what I did to survive and be able to not break sending money home – monthly.

As I am thinking about it now, I secretly feel proud I had the courage to do such things and survived. However, I feel bad and sad about many of our kababayans there who submitted to the lure getting into a relationship with foreigners in exchange for a few hundred dollars($200-$300 a month) as allowance just to survive and no to “default” sending money to their families home. Many of them were tempting me to do the same; however, I cannot stand the idea. Although, I am already widow when I went there, it never occurred to me to marry a Muslim man, especially, when I observed they have a very low regard of their women. In fact, many of the Filipina who had relationship with them ended in a very bad situation. They lost their freedom; because they had to report every move they do to their partner, and in addition, got black-eyes as bonus, and worst others got killed by their partners. My big thanks go to my parents who thought us a very strong spiritual foundation, because who knows what happened to me if I gave in to the temptations of taking the shortcuts to survive.

 Looking back, I don’t know if I can do it again. Nevertheless, those experiences gave me one important lesson, when your back is against the wall, you will learn to find ways to get over the humps, no matter how high they are. And you don’t have to give up your dignity because there are many ways the Lord provided for you to overcome problems as there are many problems cropping up to test how strong your faith is.