Moving to Los Angeles
Q: Why did you moved to L.A.?
A: My husband has his profession there that he cannot leave.

Life of Filipina in Los Angeles
Q: How’s the life of a married Filipina in L.A.?
A: My life here in L.A is very good, even if i don’t have a job yet. I’ve been here for 20 months but i have nothing to complain, my husband is very nice to me as well as to my family. I am so lucky here and very opposite to some of my friends who married other white guys too.

Q: How do you spend your regular time in L.A.?
A: At first it’s hard a lot of adjustments, the weather, people and of course the place… But generally speaking it’s okay. As of now I’m getting busy helping my husband in organizing his office and some other stuff.  Especially that we are a basketball season holder and I and my husband are taking vacations.

Q: Do you miss you family back in the Philippines?
A: Of course! Surely you would especially that it’s me who leave the country. However as to compensate my absence, though it’s not enough as to cover the feeling of missing them, I just contribute financial assistance.

Filipino community in Los Angeles
Q: Is there any Filipino community in L.A. that you’ve been with?
A: Yes, there is… I know some Filipinos here but i did not join them, because i don’t know how to drive and don’t have a car either, and since husband is very busy I prefer in spending my time to help him.

Filipino jobs in L.A.
Q: “Filipino seeking for a job in L.A.” Is it a good idea, based on your experience living there?
A:  it’s good actually especially if you’re a nurse, there are lots of opportunities but sad to say that economy here is down, so not much this time. But if you’re in a medical field i guess no problem at all…

For this year’s Miss Universe pageant Binibining Pilipinas-Universe Maria Venus Raj is set to represent thePhilippines. But before flying to the United States, Raj paid a courtesy call on Pacquiao to ask him in signing boxing gloves and for an advice on how to win in Las Vegas. Raj was evidently excited to meet Pacquiao for the first time and was very thankful for the encouragement that he gave to her.

As this posting made Maria Venus Raj is currently gaining online popularity survey and being the No. 1 in Miss Universe poll sponsored by the Miss Universe organization. Raj expressed her happiness being in No. 1 ranking in the online rating of fans. However, to the organizer this online popularity poll has nothing to do as who will be crowned Miss Universe 2010. Winners will be based in evening gown, swimsuit competition and mostly the interview.

The 2010 Miss Universe Coronation Night will be held in August 23 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Mandalay Bay Events Center. Knowing the stiff competition in the upcoming Miss Universe Pageant Raj is doing her best to bring home the crown to the Philippines. And like Manny Pacquiao made a history, Maria Venus Raj also wanted to win in the same place.

As the time is fast approaching millions of fans around the world is now excited to watch the 2010 Miss Universe Coronation Night. To Maria Venus Raj this year’s Miss Universe Pageant is perhaps the biggest event in her life. She will surely be doing her utmost best to win the title. Hence we must also extend our support for this young woman as she is not only bringing her fame and opportunity but the name of every Filipino abroad.

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However, Christine did not receive the amount as her salary but an inheritance from her late employer.Reported from a Singaporean newspaper, the Filipina domestic helper inherited P200 million and a posh apartment after serving with devotion and a good heart to her recently deceased employer whom she had served for more than 20 years.

The Filipina accounts that she was in service for more than two decades to Quek Kai Miew, a medical doctor and philanthropist who died a year ago at age of 66. The Filipina has been serving the family since 1986 in fact she was also in-charge for taking care of the doctor’s mother. The death of Dr. Queck was devastation to Christine as the two were inseparable. To find solace from distress of her employer’s lost, the Filipina domestic helper moved to the doctor’s nephew.

The Filipina’s inheritance of cash and luxury apartment near the shopping area of Orchard Road, was not a surprise to her since she was already aware of being a beneficiary to her employer’s last will before it passed away. “There were no secrets between us. I was not surprised at all when she told me how much I was going to get,” the maid recalled. The doctor’s memories still flashes in the Filipina’s mind that her emotion crashed every time she recalls.

As of now the Filipina domestic helper would be applying for a permanent residency in Singapore. But even with the new-found wealth she has right now, Christine promised that it will not change her lifestyle. “I do not really think much about the money I got. I just live my life as I did before, and not as a rich person,” as she relay to the Singaporean newspaper.

Indeed the story of the 47-year old Filipina domestic helper working in Singapore is inspiring to someone finding his or her utmost luck abroad. It proves not only of having a new life for a hopeful Filipino working abroad but a global portrayal in the goodness of every Filipino working abroad.

The Filipino Seaman abroad is considered as one of the overseas workers abroad or the OFW. Regardless of your job for as long as you work abroad, you belong to the OFW. However, not all have the same life experience in life. The only experience every life of the Filipino Seaman has in common is that every one remits money towards the country, the Philippines.

In order to achieve what you want to be in life is that you need something. As to the life of the Filipino Seaman abroad, it requires knowledge, effort, patience and perseverance. The life of the Filipino Seaman abroad should be equipped with these values. Otherwise, it will be a lot of questions wether or not one blends towards the life of the Filipino Seaman abroad as each value holds its importance. Wherever you may be outside the country, the knowledge helps a lot. It serves as your weapon to deal with other nationalities. See how the effort pays? It is your effort that keeps you strong to compete with other seaman across the nation.

But being strong is not enough. For you also need protection, that is patience. It is your patience that serves as your shield. It keeps you away from harm from whatever it is thrown to you. But what about the perseverance? How does it help towards the life of the
Filipino Seaman abroad? Well, it moulds you to become the real you as it makes you courageous no matter how long and how much it takes.

One might ask, are these all enough that a Filipino Seaman abroad should have? No, there are things that a Filipino Seaman working abroad should have to consider . For the life of the Filipino Seaman abroad is susceptible to experience some things which are beyond his knowledge or expectation. Those things beyond the control of the Filipino Seaman working abroad, those things he doesn’t want to happen but it simply happen.

The life of the Filipino Seaman abroad is not a piece of cake. It is accompanied with tests and trials. But despite of those, the Filipino Seaman abroad doesn’t simply give up. He doesn’t care though how far he may go. He dares to venture the seas. The angry waves and the stormy days don’t threaten him. Even the sleepless nights and boredom don’t weaken him. He does nothing but just keep working. The Filipino Seaman abroad does it for no other reason than to provide the goodness for his family. This is the only thing where the strength of the Filipino Seaman abroad originates. Nothing can shatter him except to have a problem on his health. As it is his health that matters most to continue working.

The Filipino Seaman abroad is looking after for the happiness of his family. It is his pleasure to provide his family’s needs. But sometimes, the family goes beyond the limit. The family comes out of bounds and ends up with a high expenditures. So the Filipino Seaman abroad takes vacation and ends up in chaos financially. He has nothing but debt that forces him to go back to work abroad again. The worse thing that comes secondly with the health problem is that if this scene comes again and again each year.

This is the life of the Filipino Seaman abroad. So how do you see him? Does he deserve this after all, doesn’t he?

Submitted by:
Totskie- a Filipino Seaman Abroad

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Courageous Filipinos keep on fighting not only for the country’s freedom, for religion and territory but also to escape from hunger as a result of poverty.

The current economic crisis, high unemployment rate, graft and corruption, the highest reported cases of swine flu in Southeast Asia, and other national problems and concerns are seriously tightening up almost 90 million Filipinos into severe bondage.

Despite predicaments and labor issues, we never lose hope and determination to uphold the sovereignty of our motherland as we become more global, coping with the challenges confronting us.

For years, we have proven our worth for our talents and developed the skills we possess for others.

We are highly recognized through world-class performers like Lea Salonga, Charice Pempengco, Freddie Aguilar and the phenomenal pound-for-pound champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, all of whom have conquered the world of entertainment and sports, identifying us for our hard work. They have helped the world regard us as becoming a global partner in the world’s economic development.

As we commemorate the declaration of Philippine Independence, we greatly honor the unconditional sacrifices of our living heroes spearheaded by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and expatriates, who keep on bringing so much pride and glory despite considerable reported cases of abuse, prejudice and mistreatment.

Also, the “bayanihan,” or a communal unity in the spirit of volunteerism, still exists among Filipinos working overseas.

Here in Korea, Filipino workers joined with one another to empower their small groups wherever they belong ― an organization of migrants with a common goal: to help fellow migrants.

Korea has been regarded as an ideal destination for Filipinos engaged in various professions such as engineers, factory workers, traders, domestic helpers and entertainers, with the total about 51,000.

Civic groups, religious leaders, Korean spouses, fellow workers as well as conscientious Koreans are helping distressed workers, regardless of their gender, religion, visa status and educational background.

Moreover, the recent visit of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to Seoul and the ASEAN Commemorative Summit in Jeju Island have significantly strengthened the relationship between the two countries in trade, education and tourism. One such accomplishment is the continuous hiring of more than 5,000 OFWs under the Employment Permit System, for which a memorandum of understanding has been signed anew.

As we celebrate our independence day, themed “One Philippines,” in Korea, we also commemorate the 60th year of diplomatic ties between Korea and the Philippines with pride and joy. In this vein, pageantry of culture, tourism and beauty has been showcased in Seoul through music, dances, artwork and movies ― reaffirming the friendship between the two countries in the course of recognizing each other’s contribution toward global democracy and economic development.

Such privileges and opportunities greatly helped to free us from poverty.

To reciprocate the valuable contribution of OFWs to the economy of this country, the government should provide more concrete and immediate livelihood programs to elevate and support the living conditions of some displaced workers and those who opted to stay for their employers during the economic downturn.

In celebration of our 111th anniversary of the Philippine Independence and 14th Philippine Migrants’ Day in Korea, albeit retroactively, let us band together to support the OFWs to be more productive and make us show the local community the talents, skills and unity that we Filipinos have become famous for.

By Elizer Penaranda

Source: http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/opinon/2009/07/137_48001.html