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:

Reflection of Life as OFW

By:  Jolyn

Fast, like the weaver’s thread whirled, days spun and be gone.  And the only reminder is how we missed our families at home!  We know how much time had gone when we experienced an inexplicable longing for our children to be with them.  Worst, when a long holiday is near fast approaching, but we cannot make use of our time to be with our family!

We need to work hard to support our family. For me, I need to do more extra job cleaning houses, aside from being a caregiver during the night, just to earn more dollars and save some for the future of my kids especially for their education. 

Life is a gamble. Never in my wildest dream had I planned to leave my husband, especially, my two precious daughters for abroad. I just want to be a simple mother and a simple wife. However, life nowadays is very demanding that to fulfill my goals in life, I decided to sacrifice, thinking that in few years, all I planned will be achieved… but it’s not easy like the way I thought.  The few years became a big chunk of absence from my family, that in between, challenges are cropping up like bitter and poisonous mushrooms.  Problems that is common to OFWs – family matters.  

Many times, I feel so tired from working hard, which is aggravated by being alone and away from the comfort of my family. Physical tiredness I can deal with, but mental tiredness is tough to overcome when it slowly sets in as I start questioning myself why I need to work in a foreign land. Leaving behind what are dearest to me.  The thought of circumstances why I am away starts to torment me emotionally until sometimes I get the feeling of anger as I begin looking for people to blame.  Or, many times, I question G-d why he allows me to suffer; albeit, there is no one to turn to in times like this, thus I pray to Him for help. 

I pray every morning and whenever I am feeling distraught. I ask God to help me overcome obstacles; to help me accomplish my goals, and be home as soon as possible for my family.  Oh, how I missed my kids. For my husband? I do not know, his ego must have been slighted, because I now bring home a greater share of the bacon, that he looks for causes to do his crooked things, and find ways to hurt me – emotionally. 

Life is a bed of roses – however, thorny roses that the stings penetrate to the bottom of my heart.  But G-d is a real solace.  He brought me to stay and work here in the Holy Land, in His beloved City of JERUSALEM.  Being here lessens my loneliness for I feel God’s presence as I meditate with His words I hear from attending Messianic Services.  Thanks to God help, I stayed firm and strong despite the trials in life, trials that made me appreciate more the beauty of living.

Finally, I saw the purpose of my life, telling others what God has done for me.  Thank you to the one and only G-d, the trials and challenges opened my eyes and filled me with His spirit. I hope that sharing Yahweh’s kindness, in every opportunity, could also open the way for my friends and others find their way to the Lord and surrender to Him while His spirit guides them to the path of life.

After all the challenges that came into my life while being an OFW, I am glad that I overcame it all, and I am happy to reached the sixth year, this week, staying and working here in the Holy Land. I considered these as an inspiration to guide me as I journey in this constantly changing world where I can blend rhythm of my work and passion.  

Let me take this opportunity to say a BIG THANK YOU, to all the people who love and trusted me and accepted me for what I am. Thank you, Lord for guiding and loving me constantly. To my husband, whom I don’t know, if he still adores me till now. And to my children who serves as my inspiration? And for the undying love of my parents and brothers and sisters. Yahweh keeps us always safe and blesses us more and more…