Category Archives: Personal

Mar 2 2013

Thank you Sir Roussel! “Mission Accomplished”

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I am sad to learn that Consul Roussel Reyes finally ended his tour of duty as one of the member of the diplomatic corps of our Philippine Embassy in Riyadh.

I first met him in his first days of assignment during the Partidong Pandaigidigang Pilipino tripartite meeting where he was our Guest of  Honor representing the then former Ambassador to the Kingdom Tony Villamor. We finally became friends when he accepted my invitation as one of our panelist during the OFW Forum – “Know your Rights and Obligations as OFW in the Kingdom” held at the 2nd Industrial Area of Riyadh.

Consul Roussel Reyes during the Farewell get-together at Philippine Embassy

Consul Roussel Reyes during the Farewell get-together at Philippine Embassy

Reyes tenure was marked with plenty of hubbub coming from the so-called progressive alliance of OFWs in the Middle East; from “no indelible ink” in the last Absentee Voting where he  oversees the implementation of the OAV in Riyadh; to non-assistance of jailed OFWs where he heads the ANS-Assistance to National Section till his tenure ended. But these allegations never stop him from doing his job silently and satisfactorily with no media mileage. I still remember when he explained to me in details  how difficult to follow up some ANS sensitive cases.

For the past five or six years of his posting as Third Secretary and Vice Consul and just recently as  Consul, I was able to track his work and how he managed to deal some complexities of his job. He told me and accepts that his first experienced as a diplomat was challenging, tough and grueling. According to Consul Reyes in one of our friendly chat, “the Saudi legal system and the procedural aspects of their criminal law is very complicated” he said. Yet despite from all the untiring efforts that he and his colleagues had done in assisting distressed OFW cases, there are still some quarters that don’t believed ANS  are doing their very best.

with Consul Reyes & Mario Ben (KGS)

with Consul Reyes & Mario Ben (KGS)

Consul Roussel Reyes is a lawyer from San Juan, Metro Manila. He graduated in 1998 from the University of the Philippines-Diliman with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree from the same institution in 2002 and passed the Bar examinations of 2003. Just recently the DFA named him as 2012 Outstanding Diplomat-Gawad Mabini Award.

He joined the Department of Foreign Affairs in 2004 as Foreign Service Officer, Class IV, after passing the Foreign Service Officer Examinations of 2003. Prior his posting in Riyadh, he was a Principal Assistant in the Office of Legal Affairs of the Department from April 2005 to August of the same year. He was subsequently designated as an Acting Division Director in the office from August 2005 to October 2006. His first foreign assignment was in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as Third Secretary and Vice Consul from October of 2006 to February 2013. He is married to Mary Michelle C. Reyes and has two daughters.

For me, I don’t have the superlatives to describe who he was as a diplomat and a friend. He has been an exemplary Consul. It is good to imagine that the DFA  got it so right in sending  Consul  Atty. Roussel Reyes and for posting him first in Saudi Arabia. To those who know him well, will going to miss him. And of course I will miss his smiling face and sparkling eyes, the part of his imagery.

Surely, he will look back on a job well done, in a place where he will be missed. 

Thank you  Sir Roussel! “Mission Accomplished.”

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imagesCA5NK2HOAssistance-to-Nationals Citizen’s Charter and Procedures

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Jan 1 2013

OFW Empowerment Blog 2012 in review from: WordPress

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

About 55,000 tourists visit Liechtenstein every year. This blog was viewed about 340,000 times in 2012. If it were Liechtenstein, it would take about 6 years for that many people to see it. Your blog had more visits than a small country in Europe!

Click here to see the complete report.

Dec 4 2012

A creative practical joke

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To : All OFWEmpowerment blog readers

This is regarding  to our blog post titled “Job Opportunity“,  please be informed that the  two email addresses posted in that particular entry where you can send your resumes was hacked as reported by my friend Mr. Jun Saldo.

In view of this, please send your resumes or biodata’s  direct to the recruitment agency in Philippines. You can click this link:  http://www.medicalstaffing.com.ph/  and look for their email address.  This could prevent  the hacker from whatever he/she have in my mind or reason for hacking my friend’s email addresses.  I am so sorry for this inconvenience.

To the hackers,  may I remind you that hacking is punishable under  RA No. 8792 or the Philippine E-Commerce Law which penalizes hacking under Sec. 33 (a) which states:

 ”Hacking or cracking which refers to unauthorized access into or interference in a computer system/server or information and communication system; or any access in order to corrupt, alter, steal, or destroy using a computer or other similar information and communication devices, without the knowledge and consent of the owner of the computer or information and communications system, including the introduction of computer viruses and the like, resulting in the corruption, destruction, alteration, theft or loss of electronic data messages or electronic document shall be punished by a minimum fine of one hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) and a maximum commensurate to the damage incurred and a mandatory imprisonment of six (6) months to three (3) years.”

In Saudi Arabia  article 3 of the country’s ”Anti-Cyber Crime Law, Royal Decree No. M/17 8 Rabi 1 1428 / 26 March 2007,  states: “Any person who commits one of the following cyber crimes shall be subject to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year and a fine not exceeding hundred thousand riyals or to either punishment:”

1. Spying on, interception or reception of data transmitted through an information network or a computer without legitimate authorization.

2. Unlawful access to computers with the intention to threaten or blackmail any person to compel him to take or refrain from taking an action, be it lawful or unlawful.

3. Unlawful access to a web site, or hacking a web site with the intention to change its design, destroy or modify it, or occupy its URL.

4. Invasion of privacy through the misuse of camera-equipped mobile phones and the like.

5. Defamation and infliction of damage upon others through the use of various information technology devices.

To those “hackers” who stole my friend’s yahoo and hotmail account;  identity theft or larceny is punishable under above applicable laws by a number of different crimes, depending on the circumstances.

hackers-100013444-largeFurther, in U.S., the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) created the Cyber Genome program to combat the growing threat of cyber attacks on US resources.  Cyber Genome, a project aimed at developing a “cyber equivalent of fingerprints or DNA”, so that the hacker can be conclusively identified. The project under the supervision of DARPA will strive to produce “revolutionary cyber defense and investigatory technologies for the collection, identification, characterization, and presentation of properties and relationships from collected digital artifacts of software, data, and/or users.

Maybe with the recent cyber developments in U.S., the “hackers” days are numbered but for the sake of our readers – the following steps may  safeguard your computer and prevent computer hacking (taken from WikiHow).

  1. Perform required software updates for your operating system and web browser.
  • Hackers attack where they see weakness. A system that hasn’t been updated recently has flaws in it that can be taken advantage of by hackers.
  • Go to the Microsoft Update website to download patches and secure the most recent version of your operating system. If you have a Mac, click on the apple in the top left of your screen and choose “Software Update.”
  • Type your browser plus “update” into a search engine to find the company’s site and download the newest version.

      2.   Install a firewall on your computer.

  • Firewalls forbid outside threats such as hackers and viruses from gaining access to your system.
  • Personalize your firewall settings during the setup process to reflect how much data you want to allow into your system from the Internet.
  • Update your firewall regularly.

     3.  Change your passwords every month.

  • Use multiple, intricate passwords for each website you log onto. Banking and other financial websites are especially important to maintain security.

     4.  Purchase or download anti-virus software.

  • Many computers come pre-installed with certain anti-virus software, but if not, or if you want more powerful software, research online to find what product suits you. Anti-virus software is crucial to keep your computer healthy. A “sick” computer, or one racked with viruses, is more susceptible to hacking.
  • Set your preferences so your anti-virus software updates automatically.

     5. Install anti-spyware/adware programs onto your system.

  • This type of intrusion is not as dangerous as a virus, but adware places advertisements onto your browser and incorporates pop-ups into your programs. This can slow down your computer, making you vulnerable to a hacker. Spyware can survey your Internet behavior and copy your passwords to use for illegitimate purposes.

     6.    Delete emails from unknown sources. Never click on an emailed link that looks questionable.

According to online article  ”The Meaning of Hack“,  “hacking” might be characterized as ‘an appropriate application of ingenuity’. Whether the result is a quick-and-dirty patchwork job or a carefully crafted work of art, you have to admire the cleverness that went into it.  An important secondary meaning of hack is ‘a creative practical joke’.  This kind of hack is easier to explain to non-hackers than the programming kind.

Aug 21 2012

Paalam DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo

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Ang OFW Empowerment BLog  ay nakikiramay sa pamilya, kamag-anak , mga kaibigan at sa buong bansa sa pagpanaw ni Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo.  Ang kanyang paglisan ay isang kawalan ng bansa sa isang  magiting at totoong lider  ng bansang Pilipinas.

Maalaala po namin kayo Kalihim Robredo bilang isang maka-Diyos at maka-Taong lider na ipinahayag ang tunay na katapatan bilang lingkod publiko ng bansang Pilipinas. 

May 1958 – August 2012

Kapag hayag at may pananagutan ang pamamahala, malalaman natin kung hanggang saan tayo nararapat na tulungan ng ating pamahalaang panlalawigan, bayan o panlungsod sapagkat magiging madali para sa ating makita kung magkano at ilan ang nakalaan sa bawat serbisyo publikong kinakailangang ipatupad.
DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo

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Government Record

Appointed DILG secretary by President Aquino in 2010, Robredo, 54, was one of the most prominent figures among a rising generation of local officials becoming known on the national stage. His performance in Naga, where in 1988 he was elected mayor at the age of 29 – then the youngest city mayor in the Philippines – brought him national as well as international recognition.

Robredo was born on May 27, 1958, in Naga City. He is a second-generation Filipino-Chinese, and the third of five children of Jose Chan Robredo Sr. and Marcelina Manalastas.

He served the city for an unprecedented six 3-year terms, DILG records note, in 18 years, transforming Naga into the Bicol region’s premier city.

In 1996 he was named one of the Philippines’ Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) as well as one of Ten Outstanding Young Persons  (TOYP) in the world. Two years later, at the age of 38, he won the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service.

Asiaweek Magazine called Naga one of Asia’s Most Improved Cities, and credited Robredo with bringing dynamism and innovation to public service, the local bureaucracy, and community concerns from housing to public health matters.

Academic record

Robredo was an Edward Mason Fellow and a graduate of Masters in Public Administration at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, the DILG says on its website.

He earned a degree in Industrial Management Engineering and Mechanical Engineering from De La Salle University, and then an MBA from the University of the Philippines.

After his graduation from DLSU, it seemed Robredo was on track for the corporate life, joining San Miguel Corporation’s Magnolia division. But then he returned to Naga City in 1986, and was convinced to sign on as Program Director of the Bicol River Basin Development Program. Here he developed his taste and passion for public service, and two years later he ran for mayor.

His fellow local officials elected Robredo to lead the League of Cities of the Philippines in 1995. “He was also elected chairman of the Regional Development Council, the regional planning and coordinative body of Bicol’s six provinces and seven cities, from 1992-98. Since 1995, he also chairs the Metro Naga Development Council,” the DILG says on its website.

“A trustee of Synergeia Foundation, a national advocacy group for education governance reforms, Robredo is a member of the Liberal Party of the Philippines and a prime mover behind the Kaya Natin!, a national movement that seeks to bring genuine change and ethical leadership in the country.”   ( interaksyon.com )

Jun 16 2012

Update: “BABY MAVEN WANTS TO THANK YOU-ALL FOR YOUR KIND HEART”

We are looking forward to a very nice day today! Baby Maven, the little warrior is going home.
Thanks to ALL BIG HEARTS WHO HELPED HIM & US IN THIS BIG BATTLE. Touching as it was, thousands of good men & women all over the world, known & unknown to us, silently responded voluntarily and gave love in any small ways they could – to snowball this MIRACLE to happen. We salute you and we will never  ever forget you in the entirety of our lives.
Three months ago, it was an impossible dream. Hopes were nil. The only thing possible was prayers. Yes, prayers – what else? But GOD operates in strange ways. He enlightened the minds of Buboy & Hannah to have this love campaign at FB. And it came. The baby had been operated on and he is now recovering. God made it happen through the big hearted men & women in you! Thank you guys for being made the instrument of God in delivering this Miracle.

GOD IS GOOD. Thank you LORD.

Join me in Thanksgiving prayers. Amen. Continue reading →

Mar 27 2012

Expats Top Ten Attributes at Work in Saudi Arabia

The business set up in Saudi Arabia is exceptionally conservative and to make sure successful cross cultural working environment you will need to uphold a proper degree of formality.  

1)  Superiors and those in senior positions are always deferred to and be treated with utmost respect. Treat your co-workers with respect as well.

2)  Do not question the decisions that has been reached inside the workplace or in a round table. Decisions are only made by the highest-ranking employees while in general their subordinates will wait to be told what to do.

3)   When working with people from Saudi Arabia, it’s advisable to bolster the importance of the deadline agreed upon. Saudi educated managers appreciate the importance of executing deadlines and work schedules.

4)   Saudis are tough in negotiating table at work. They believe that everything is open to discussion and should arrived a concrete decision on the matter and repeating your main points will be interpreted that “you’re telling the truth” and “they’re telling lies”. You may need to compromise on a point if someone’s honor is at stake.

5)   Saudi’s sensibilities are common in the working environment, so ensure you don’t offend colleagues by telling them “you are wrong” on a certain decision that were made. Business and friendship go hand in hand in Saudi Arabia.

6)  It is necessary to get to know your associates in the workplace. As an expat it is good to note that the traditional Saudi greeting is “As-Salaam-Alaikum” which means “Peace Be Upon You”. The traditional response is “Wa-Alaikum-Salaam” means  “and Peace Be Upon You”. Saudis are very proud of their culture, learning this small phrase is very pleasing to them. 

7)  When meeting, you should shake hands with everyone present, starting with the most senior and proceed anti-clockwise around the room and eye contact is important as this will show honesty and naturalness. 

8)   Saudi Arabians have a different sense of personal space to expatriate workers and most likely stand close to you while talking or discussing something. The significance is placed on politeness and the building of relationships, so always be considerate and civil.

9)  Saudi’s address each other in the workplace by “Ab” or “Abu”, this means “Father” and usually followed by the name of their son ie: “Abu Sultan” or “Abu Saad” (Father of Saad or Father of Sultan).  Do not address them using “Ab” or “Abu”,  it may cause offense as it is usually only done if you are close personal friends. Saudi traditional greeting will do followed by a sincere smile.   

10)  The Saudis have a relaxed attitude towards timekeeping. Meeting decisions often take time but never show impatience as this will be regarded as a sign of weakness and defeat.

If you have this kind of attributes at work  in Saudi Arabia, surely you will be rewarded with  respect and you will always be treated someone special.  

About the Author:  Manuel Amora is an Overseas Filipino Worker who’s been working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for 18 years. He is now working at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology-KACST, a Saudi government institution. He is also an active Filipino Community leader, helping fellow OFWs to be aware of their rights and obligation as expatriate workers in the Kingdom.  

Aug 17 2011

KACST will make Kingdom Global Research Power by 2025

Competition, Tough Standards, Bring New Vigor to Saudi Science
AAAS News and Notes
Edited by Edward W. Lempinen

Several years ago, Saudi Arabia’s leaders were confronted with a challenge: The kingdom had a well-established science sector and strengths in several areas, but while research publications were surging in some Middle Eastern nations, Saudi publication numbers were flat. Science competition was escalating, and they were falling behind.

King Abdulaziz City for Science & Technology-KACST

To reverse the trend, the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology—KACST, the Saudi national science agency—committed to an ambitious research and education plan designed to make the kingdom a global research power by 2025. As one element in this effort, KACST asked the AAAS Research Competitiveness Program to help shape a grant competition based on international standards and tough, independent peer review.

Today, research funding has increased, and competition for grants is growing more intense. With the support of King Abdullah, Saudi Arabia is pressing ahead with extensive new science-related construction and projects. And the KACST-AAAS partnership is expanding into important new areas.

“From the start, we decided that… we should raise the bar quite high so that we get our researchers used to tough competition and strong evaluation,” said Turki bin Saud bin Mohammad Al Saud, KACST’s vice president for research institutes. “And we chose AAAS because of its experience in this—it is a leading science organization and it has done evaluations like this in the United States and other places. We think that this is the right organization to work with.”

Left to Right - Dr. Abdulaziz AlSwailem (Vice Pres. for Scientific Research Support-KACST), H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al-Suwaiyel (President-KACST) and His Highness, Prince Dr. Turki Bin Saud Bin Mohammed Al-Saud (Vice Pres. for Research Institutes-KACST)

The AAAS-KACST relationship reflects the kingdom’s broad science ambitions and growing international recognition of the venture. It has established partnerships with corporate giants, leading universities, and top scholars. It built the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, a state-of-the-art, coeducational research center, to serve as an engine of innovation.

AAAS President Nina V. Fedoroff, while serving as Science and Technology Adviser to the U.S. Secretary of State, delivered a keynote address at the university’s inauguration ceremonies in 2009. Today, the influential plant biologist is a distinguished professor there.

KACST was founded in 1977. In 2002, the kingdom’s Council of Ministers approved a national S&T policy, and in 2007 the science agency adopted its National Science, Technology, and Innovation Plan.

Turki, who earned a doctorate in aeronautics and astronautics from Stanford University, explained the plan’s goal in an interview: With investments, partnerships, and initiatives to develop the skills of the kingdom’s 26 million people, Saudi leaders want to transform their oil economy to a knowledge economy. The plan focuses on more than a dozen areas of research and advanced technology, from water desalination and solar energy to nanotechnology, biotechnology, and space science.  read more>>>>>
Jul 31 2011

Ramadan Mubarak!

As the crescent moon is sighted…
 And the holy month of Ramadan begins…
May Allah bless you with happiness  and  grace your home with warmth & peace!

Ramadan Mubarak

May This Ramadan be as bright as ever. May this Ramadan bring joy, health and wealth to you.May the festival of lights brighten up you  and your near and dear ones lives.

May this Ramadan bring in u the most  brightest and choicest happiness… and  love you have ever Wished for.

May this Ramadan bring you the  utmost in peace and prosperity.

May lights triumph over darkness.

May peace transcend the earth.

May the spirit of light illuminate the world.

May the light that we celebrate at Ramadan  show us the way and lead us together on the path of

Peace and Social Harmony.

Wish you a very happy Ramadan Mubarak!

From: OFWempowerment WordPress Blog
Dec 12 2010

OFWEmpowerment Blog- 5 years of existence

OFWEmpowerment- 5 years of existence

Like any other anniversaries, today marks a new year to a new beginning and my further commitment to serve the OFW sector.

"AKO Pilipino Taas Noo Saan man Dako sa Mundo"- Babalik AKO Bayan Ko

Five years of existence is a symbol that increases in value or in strength with each passing year that reflects what this blog has made in the partnership of my fellow OFWs. As what I’ve said in my previous entry “I am not perfect but it’s quite relieving that someone out there believes in you.”   

Today is a significant milestone for this blog and time to pause, to reflect, and to celebrate what has been accomplished in a relatively short span of years. Though this blog started  just for fun to ease the homesickness of the blogger far away from home and his loved ones; yet it is very fulfilling that it became a home to our fellow OFWs who needs answers to their unanswered questions.  

I came to realization that what I am doing is not enough, because with you as my partner, together – WE can do many things to help each others in times of needs and for us to lend a hand to those who needs us.

And as long as I am the writer, the editor and publisher  of this blog, I will remain your humble servant. I will try my best to keep this blog alive, to hear your sad stories, inquiries among others. I will also try to give all the information you need beneficial to the OFW sector.

To all my readers, visitors, friends and fellow community leaders, I have been deeply moved and heartened by your unwavering support and encouragement. I am gratified by the wholehearted endorsement of so many to read and subscribed “OFWempowerment” blog.

Today, WE still exist because of   YOU out there. You are the bedrock upon which OFWEmpowerment existed; you are the foundation that will sustain OFWempowerment towards a new years’ to come.

OFWempowerment 5 years of existence is also dedicated to my dear friend the late OFW Farmer Claro Ybanez  of  Davao and to his family. Wherever you are now  Nong Claro, I want you to know that -  We continue to exist because of  you and you are my inspiration.

To my brothers  Doods  and Bebs who believes of what I am doing, to my family, to my close friends, to OFW Congress-Riyadh and to all of you in the cyber world – THANK YOU So much!

Happy 5th Year Anniversary.

December 13, 2010

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The busiest day so far in the Year 2010 was  Wednesday, December 8, 2010.  

596 views on your busiest day, December 8, 2010

Pageviews: 596

 

Top 10 Posts & Pages

These posts on your site got the most traffic.

2010-12-08

Title   Views
Home page 129
Iqama Rules, Jawazat Procedures, Repatriation Advisories 91
New Saudi Labor Law 40
KSA Exit & Re-entry Visa 31
Handbook for Overseas Filipinos 23
GCC Labor Laws 22
Iqama System Violations & Penalties 19
Open Letter from Ex-OFW Marge 15
SLL Basic Information 15
Rep. Act #10022 13
Oct 19 2010

ofwempowerment blog: one year stats

To our ofwempowerment readers,

Data Stats

Please note that  one (1) year viewing statistics for ofwempowerment blog as of yesterday 18 October 2010  has so far recorded a total of 32,765 direct hits to our ”homepage“ ; and the highest viewed entry was Iqama Rules, Jawasat Procedures, Repatriation Advisories  seconded by New Saudi Labor Law.  

The record also showed that July 20, 2010 was the highest hits recorded by “day“ with 537 pages viewed by our readers across the globe.

For the recorded statistics re: ”Comments“, the New Saudi Labor Law got the highest number of 331 followed by Iqama  Rules, Jawasat Procedures, Repatriation  Advisories with a total of 169 and  70  for OFW Guide.  

Thanks a lot!  Maraming maraming Salamat Po sa inyong patuloy at mainit na pagsusubaybay!   

BongA 

Top Posts for 365 days ending 2010-10-18 (Summarized)

Summarize: Year   From 2009-10-18 to 2010-10-18 

Title Views  
Home page 32,765 More stats
Iqama Rules, Jawazat Procedures, Repatri 6,475 More stats
New Saudi Labor Law 4,350 More stats
OFW Guide 1,909 More stats
Rep. Act #10022 1,861 More stats
About Me 1,153 More stats
Employee Benefits: End of Service Gratui 1,132 More stats
Top 10 Misconceptions About Islam 1,124 More stats
Salient Features of the Saudi Labor Law 867 More stats
Loan Assistance to OFWs 836 More stats

Busiest day: 537 views on Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Oct 4 2010

A blog “Definitely for Filipino”

At first, I never thought that blogging will be part of my daily routine or perhaps became part of my life.  My week would be empty if I can’t post anything and my days would be boring if I don’t receive or read  comments and inquiries from our readers more particularly fellow OFWs.

And it is a fulfilling day if I can share to someone my thoughts, advices and opinions. Though I can’t say that what I shared or reply to those who asked my opinions are perfect, but it’s quite relieving that someone out there believes in you.   

Blogging is being promoted as one of the easiest ways to promote oneself, organization, company or a product, etc. My friends asked me why I don’t put any ads in this blog and other moneymaking features that can make money or earn money out of it. I told them blogging from the start is just a hobby and this is my personal blog and I am determined to write anything that will pops out in my mind, no one can ask me what to do, what to write and what to say because I owned this blog. I am the writer, the editor and publisher rolled into one.

Blogs these days are very popular form of expressing ones self, pouring out your emotions on a certain topic  that you think entertaining or interesting to others or posting something that you think an important events, ideas and useful information that your readers may know.   

The Philippines has plenty of historical buildings still standing today. To me, this particular building really stands out as it is one of the few that has survived the test of time and war. I am going to make the photos speak for themselves. (Click the Photo)

During most of my spare time in the office and at home, I surf the internet, and read blogs too that might interest me and give me an idea on what to post.  Today, I stumble upon a blog that I may consider call it  “a fantastic blog” and a very informative blog in which you can find all the topics you want, from business, living, sports, technology, news, travel, photography, you name it!  You can find in this blog. It even has a chatroom and a store, huh! If you’re a writer, you can submit article. The design is superb and neat.  If you want “Nostalgic Videos”, it has! You can even watch “The Battle in Manila, 1945”.  Whew! My snappy salute to Ben Totanes the creator of DEFINITELY FILIPINO.  

Want to see it for yourself guys! Visit “the blog for online Filipinos”, DEFINITELY FILIPINO!

Sep 21 2010

“KSA National Day” – Give us and Treat us what WE Deserve

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia "National Day"

Filipinos like me don’t realize how much Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has done to the thousands of Filipinos seeking greener pasture in this oil rich region. Many are lucky, some were unlucky. Successful OFW returnees were able to buy properties, build house, own businesses, become investors, provide good education for the children and others. All of these we called “Katas ng Saudi”.

But yes! It is true that some of us are not doing well working in Saudi Arabia, like all the other nationalities does in every other country. Broken families after long separation, workers rights were violated, some went home abused, maltreated and worst arrived home in a box. Other says the main concern of Filipinos in Saudi Arabia is the cultural and religious differences. However, we can’t argue that we don’t have any other choice but to keep coming back in this desert land  rather than building lives at home in poverty.

Nevertheless, this country gives hope to thousands of Filipinos dreaming for a good and better future at home. Though, there are reports of abuses, maltreatment and contract violations in this country, majority of Filipinos are satisfied of their job, salaries, benefits and emotionally focused on their lives. And mostly those Filipinos working in the Kingdom for a long time found out that most of our perceptions about the Islamic world have another side of the story.  It is just like saying “the mistake of one could not be a mistake of ten”.

On the other hand, the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is very proud hosting Filipinos in their country. I remember an article in Arab News and Okaz, (English and Arabic) popular newspapers in the country cited that Filipinos are “highly skilled, hardworking and get along well with people” a contrast actually with other nationalities, who do not possess the same qualities we have Filipinos. This is simply the reason why Saudi companies like to employ Filipinos because we are known for our eagerness to do a certain job and we are honest dealing with clients and most of all – we respect time to deliver a job.

The present administration should make a concrete move to establish comprehensive bilateral labor agreements with the host country that will clearly focus on the protection of OFWs, the issue of contract substitution and Filipina Household Workers on the issue of maltreatment and abuse.

We can’t just deny that majority of OFWs loved this country and consider it as second home. You have to be here and learn these things yourself. In my 16 years as an OFW I realized that Saudi Arabia is a unique country with many facets that most of us do not understand.  It is an opaque culture, conservative in nature, fiercely proud and protective of its culture and religion.

To my fellow OFWs in KSA, maybe life will not turn out to be as what we planned. I know some of you are worried about the outcome of your plans and your life while working in the Kingdom. Learn to live with disappointment, but remember that disappointment does not have to endure. Keeps on praying and never stop praying as well as never give up, because in every road – it offers a way to opportunity.

To my host country, WE are your visitors, WE are your humble workers, WE are your servant, Your wish is our command  BUT our emotions alert us when natural human need is not being met, so please give us and treat us what we deserve.

On behalf of the Overseas Filipino Workers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; WE are so  thankful to Allah for having blessed us working in this country; to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, the Crown Prince His Royal Highness Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz, His Royal Highness Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Premier, and the people of Saudi Arabia, thank you for giving us (OFWs) the opportunity to be of service to the Kingdom and WE wish you a “Happy Celebration” on the occasion of the Kingdom’s “NATIONAL DAY” (September 23).

Aug 23 2010

I Won’t Hold You Back

This song is dedicated to the late Beauty Queen Melody Gersbach, 24, who died yesterday in a car accident. Gersbach represented the Philippines in the Miss International beauty pageant in Beijing last year. A native of nearby Legazpi City, Gersbach was born to a German father and a Filipino mother.

Melody Gersbach

“The best way to show beauty is to give a sincere smile” – MG

Aug 11 2010

Ramadan Karim!

Ramadan Karim! (August 11 to Sept. 10, 2010)

Ang Ramadan ay buwan ng pag-aayuno para sa mga Muslim sa buong mundo. Kalakip nito ang pigilin ang sarili mula sa pagkain, pag-inom, at pakikipagtalik mula sa madaling araw hanggang dapit-hapon sa panahon ng Ramadan. Para sa mga nag-aayuno ito ay isang paraan ng pagpigil sa  nasa ng katawang tao at pisikal na pangangailangan. Subalit yaong hindi nag-aayuno ibig sabihin hindi nito naiintindihan ang kanyang layunin.

Ang pag-aayuno sa buwan ng Ramadan ay isa sa limang haligi ng Islam. Ang mga ito ay ang pundasyon kung saan ang buong istraktura ng Islam ay itinayo. Ang mga ito ay binubuo ng deklarasyon ng pananampalataya, panalangin, pag-aayuno sa Ramadan, nagbabayad ng Zakah [ang taunang kawanggawa] at gumaganap ang paglalakbay sa banal na lugar sa Makkah, na kilala bilang “Hajj.” Ang mga Muslim ay kinakailangan na gawin ang mga ito dahil sila ay bahagi ng kanilang relihiyosong mga tungkulin at ang mga ito ay bahagi ng kanilang tipan sa Diyos. Ang kakayahan ng pag-aayuno sa Ramadan at ang kanyang layunin ay sumailalim sa Banal na Aklat ng Qur’an.

Ang banal na buwan ng Ramadan ay tumutulong sa mga muslim na bumuo ng moral na disiplina. Ang pag-aayuno ay hindi lamang para sa pagpigil ng sarili sa pisikal na pangangailangan, ito ay isang okasyon na ipatupad ang moral na responsibilidad para sa espirituwal na paglago. Ang Ramadan ay isang uri ng pagbati sa Diyos at pagtupad ng pangako sa mataas at marangal na kaparaanan. Sa Islam, ang tunay na pag-aayuno ay paglilinis sa sarili, pagtitiis, pagpapatawad, awa at pakikiramay.

Sa mga bisita ng kaharian, irespeto natin ang banal na buwan ng mga muslim. Hindi man sa aspetong gawin natin ang kanilang pag-aayuno ngunit may mga kaugalian at mga regulasyon na dapat sundin sa pamamagitan ng hindi kumain, uminom, o maninigarilyo sa harap ng mga Muslim o sa anumang pampublikong lugar sa Kaharian sa mga oras na may liwanag pa ang araw.

Sa mga Muslim saan man dako sa mundo – Peace, Happiness and Divine Blessing  to you all! RAMADAN KARIM! - ( Bong Amora)

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From: OFWempowerment Blog