What I Have Learned As An OFW

What I Have Learned as an OFW

msgayeta

                         I  did  some  counting of the years that I have spent as an Overseas Filipino Worker    ( OFW ) .  Five months in the UAE ,  three years in Libya  and a year ( and still counting )  in Oman .   All in all ,  four  years and five months .  Would I say that time flies fast ? No .  Time crawls for  any  OFW.  However , I wouldn’t  say  that it was a terrible   period . In fact  , it was a period of  self-discovery and enlightenment .  Let me tell you what I learned from my   experiences.  

1.       I am responsible for what I feel . Loneliness  and depression  are  the worst enemies of migrant workers  like me . But I have a  choice . If I let   low , negative emotions get the better of me ,  my life abroad would be a psychological  torture  and I  would most likely fail in my work .  I choose  positive emotions : joy , optimism , hope  ---- no matter how difficult  the situation  may be . I engage in productive activities like  reading , writing and jogging  to rein my loneliness.   I will myself  to feel good.

2.       I am smarter  and  tougher now . My work abroad as  a teacher  has enabled me  to learn more about the academe in   different set-ups . I have learned new teaching  techniques , had intelligent discussions with multi-racial colleagues  and enjoyed the privilege of teaching the Arab youth .  On the other hand ,  the  war-related ordeals  I  survived  tested  my  courage and endurance  .  NATO airstrikes ,  gun fights  , days of  no electricity  and water supply . All  these  strengthened me .  What did  Friedrich Nietzsche say  ? “ What does not kill you  will make you stronger.”

3.       Situations are unpredictable--- save money ! Experience tells me that  I should  not  assume that employment abroad is for the long  haul . Anything can happen  --- war , company closure , unexpected termination , sickness .  I  can suddenly  find myself  on a flight home ---penniless .  It is tempting to buy the latest gadgets  and glittering fashion items --- but do I really need them ? Or do I  just want to flaunt  a  false social  status ?  I have learned to separate the needs from the  wants , the important from the trivial . I have  also learned  not to  feel guilty when turning down my children’s request  for non-essential things . We choose simple , practical luxuries . My son , who is now 14 years old , has never had a play station or similar play gadgets. But  he has a bike . Biking is a good physical exercise. I have taught my 19 –year-old daughter to be contented with low-priced  things.  My two children  are well-fed  and  sufficiently clothed. They live in a simple  yet comfortable house . They study in a good school.  I shouldn't be apologetic  for withholding other things.

4.        Miscommunication  is normal among people . Therefore , I don’t have to feel stupid   when  I sometimes  fail to understand  what  English native speakers say . I  have discreetly observed how Americans  ,  British and  other native speakers  communicate with each other ----and it is not that unusual  for them to  miscomprehend  each other  because of distinct  accent or  regional   idiomatic expressions.  In 2006 , when I was working  at an international school  in Dubai,  I heard  a British lady  describe   a fellow British  as having  a  “ very strange accent ”. Well,  if they sound “ strange ” to each other , how  do they  think they  sound to  me ? Occasional communication break-down occurs in many situations . It  happens  even to the  brightest of people .  As an expat teacher , I have met  English  native speakers  who  fumble with spelling ,  ( Remember , former US Vice President  Dan Quayle could not spell “ potato ” .) and  who don’t know the meaning of “ invigilation ” and “ soft copy ”.  No , they are not stupid . They don't know for several reasons . Firstly , there are several varieties of English . Vocabulary  and pronunciation may  differ in some  aspects .  Secondly , human beings are prone to linguistic lapses ---whether they are using their native language  or  their second language.  Thirdly, it is simply impossible for one human being to know everything in this world.  So , if I don't understand something  , I ask politely for  clarification. It's nothing to be embarrassed about. 

5.       Kindness is not exclusive to one group of people.  As ethnocentric beings  , we tend to think that we  are the “ better  guys”  .  We are wary  of  and judgemental about  other people whose appearance ,  cultures and beliefs differ from  ours.  My experiences  abroad  have confirmed  what I have always believed :  kindness  also  exists in the heart of  people   who are far different from me . I have received kindness from fellow Filipinos , but I have  also received  similar gestures  from  Libyans , Omanis , Indians ,  Nigerians , Americans , British , Australians . The list is long .  I have been helped by fellow Christians , but I have also been helped by Muslims , Hindus and Buddhists. Indeed , kindness knows  no national nor religious boundaries.  

6.       My previous  misconceptions about Muslims  are just that  ---- misconceptions . I have been to   five   Muslim countries : UAE , Libya , Tunisia , Iran  and Oman . Hollywood films and the international  media have, deliberately or indeliberately,  spread “ Islamophobia ”. Muslims have  been  usually portrayed as violent , angry people. Frequent  conflicts  in  Arab countries  have reinforced that  stereotype .  However , I have realized through first-hand experience that most Muslims are kind , generous and  gentle people . Indeed , travel makes us realize  that we are usually wrong about other people.  

In all likelihood , if external events don’t intervene , I  would  still spend years  working  in far away  territories .  It is an opportunity  I  won’t  squander  by sulking , judging other people , wanton spending  or  haphazard teaching. I will  use every moment of it  to foster  growth  --- in myself and in other people  who happen to pass my way . 

Kiribati : A Sinking Paradise

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Pres. Anote Tong 

The name Anote Tong may  not ring a bell to many people. He is the president of a small  country whose name  sounds just as unfamiliar. Anote Tong is definitely not as  well-known as Barack Obama or Vladimir Putin , but the task currently on his shoulders  is  more burdensome  than what these two leaders carry. Anote Tong  is the president of   the Republic  of Kiribati  ( pronounced as KIRR-i-bas ) . Unknown to many , he  has  the toughest , and most heartbreaking , responsibility  among national leaders   these days . His country is sinking , literally . And he has to relocate  his people ---- all of his people --- to another country . Scientists  have given him dire evidence : in the next  50 to 60 years , which is a short time in the context of world history  , the entire country will be under water .

Located in the central  Pacific Ocean , the Republic of Kiribati   is  composed of 33 islands , 22 of which are inhabited . Most of the  islands are low-lying and are   as flat as  pan cakes.   Its total  land area is only  313 square miles .The people are called I-Kiribati and by 2012 population estimates , there are 110,000 of them.  Kiribati  boasts of spectacular landscape  --- but that is beginning to change .

            Kiribati  is a casualty of drastic  climate changes due to  mankind’s environmental neglect. Salty water has contaminated fresh water supply .  Drought has  done substantial damage on agriculture. And the most threatening of all ,   the rising sea level  is starting to  submerge its islands. 

People in many  coastal  villages  are moving  to higher grounds . Their communities have become uninhabitable  because of the encroaching sea water  .  Tens of thousands  have already  transferred  to  Tarawa , the main island .  But how far and how high can they move ? At  present , the highest  accessible point in Kiribati is just two  yards above sea level. How long can it stay above the water is a question with an obviously  scary answer.

Actually , Kiribati has one island  that is 81 meters above sea level . It is called the Banaba Island . However , its area is only six square kilometers. How can 110,00 people  be cramped in  such a small area  and have  a sustainable life ? Besides , managing this island is a politically  complicated matter which involves   its neighbor Fiji .

At a United Nations World Environment Day in 2008  , Pres. Tong lamented  that efforts to reverse the effects of  climate change  may already be too late  for  Kiribati.  One of Pres. Tong’s desperate  plans   is to   buy  5,000 acres of  land  in  Fiji.  If Fiji agrees , the land will be used initially  for  business and agriculture --- and eventually for resettlement . Fiji leaders had assured Pres. Tong that   they are very much willing to help   when the time to evacuate comes.

Pres. Tong has appealed to other countries as well   to accept his people as migrants . Many Asia Pacific islanders have actually  immigrated to New Zealand . However ,  absorbing 110,000  I-Kiribatis will have adverse effects on its economy . On the other hand , as early as  2006 , Australian scientists  had already warned of the influx of environmental refugees  from countries like Kiribati.

Pres. Tong  has started to prepare his people  for life in other  countries . Batches of young  I-Kiribatis  have been sent for education and training  abroad .  The project is called “ Education for Migration ” . Pres. Tong  said that they intend  to “ migrate  with dignity ” . He wants the Kiribati people to be accepted as  skilled and capable migrants who will contribute to the growth of their new country  , and not as  helpless refugees who will be a burden on the economy . 

Pres. Tong is also considering  a very ambitious  endeavor . He  has  asked a Japanese engineering company about the possibility and viability of constructing man-made islands  where his people can live. Such artificial islands will be similar to off-shore oil-drilling platforms.  If  accomplished , these  man-made  islands  would be an engineering feat . Cost and sustainability  are  serious challenges  to consider .If  the project does materialize , it will be a drastic change for the I-Kiribatis  who have been accustomed to their paradise-like islands  with  beautiful  native houses  and  tall ,  graceful   coconut trees. Instead of  strolling  on the  soft powdery sand , they will be trodding  on hard , cold steel.   

The issue of climate change and global warming    still seems  so remote to  many people . They think it is   just a  chapter in a high school textbook ,  or something discussed by nerd scientists  in the halls of the academe , or a topic dabbled in by  politicans  in the United Nations headquarters. But to the I-Kiribatis , climate change is a real enemy that has come pounding on their  beloved country  and is  threatenening their very existence .  If scientists are correct , after 50 years , Kiribati will be  no more.

                                                  Kiribati : from this 

  

to this ? 

        

                                 

                                                           

The Six Most Annoying Types of OFWs

msgayeta

Are you  a new Overseas Filipino Worker ( OFW )  ?  Are you  joining  the diaspora  ?  Prepare to meet   different  types  of  kababayans  out there .  Don’t worry  , most  OFWs  are  decent , nice and  helpful people . They will be eager to  give you a hand   , from finding a bargain  to overcoming a homesick heart .  However  , there are some who can be a pain in  the neck. They can make you uncomfortable , and in some cases , they can get you into trouble  . Know  who they are   and be prepared to deal with them .  

1.      1. The “ Bag of Wind  ” . OFWs  with inflated ego  and delusions  of self-importance . First , there are the “ oldies ”. They are not necessarily old , but they   “got there first.”   Maybe ,  they have been working in that country  for  a   decade or  a year---it does not matter --- but what matters to them is that they got there  before YOU did . And that makes them cocky  .  “ The boss asked for MY opinion .” “  I will be sent by the company  to the Timbuktu conference . ”  “ This new office chair  was bought for ME  “ .   Yes -- I , ME and MY --- those  are the only pronouns they know.  They will  show  you   that they are a force to be reckoned with  and that you  better be nice to them .

          Then,  there are  the  “ newbies” .  They are the newcomers  who , like the “ oldies” ,  like to boast . Swaggering like smart-alecks , they blurt   out  lines  insinuating that  they are   the best  guys    the company   now has .    

        Deal with them tactfully . You can give them the compliment they always fish for . But eventually , you can just  ignore  the brag . Nothing hurts their ego more than being ignored.  Give a little smile , though.

2.     2. The “ Ultra  Tightfist ”  OFWs  who  would do everything in their mortal power  to save and keep their own money --- at the expense of other people .  Here are their dirty tactics  . First , they “ always ”  run out of  loose change  or money of small denomination for the taxi  or for small purchases .  Or they  always “ forget”  their  wallet, and then borrow  a small  amount  from you . One riyal , half-dinar , one dollar .  Of course , they never pay you back . And because  it’s embarrassing to collect a small amount  ---  yes , that’s the trap ---you choose to let it pass.   After a month  ,  they stupidly  assume that you have forgotten  and then,  borrow  from   you again.

              And are you wondering why your shampoo  bottle is getting lighter faster than a speeding  bullet ?  No , you didn’t spill it . Your stingy housemate is using  it to save her   own !  And have you noticed ? Whenever she has  to make an “ important “ phone call , her  phone  either has a  low battery or  has  no load. So , she  borrows  your phone to make that  “ urgent  call” ( which is about getting a facial at a spa ) .  She offers to  pay you something  for the call --- but of course , you don’t accept it.  She knows you won’t. And do you remember  ? The other day , she  didn’t buy snacks from the cafeteria because  she  was   “ on a diet ”--- but  when you   offered   her  your own sandwich , she grabbed it like a starving beggar .  

        Well , we’re talking about hard-earned money here . You left your family because of that money .Don’t let  some  pennypinching  kababayan  play games  with it.  Wait for a week or two  , --- then collect . Well , you can come up with a  creative excuse ( I need that one riyal  to buy some peanuts . ) Or just say it straight . ( Can I have the half-dinar you borrowed  for me two weeks ago ? Yes , emphasize the time .  ) Another tip :    don’t leave your shampoo   and other stuff in common areas. Keep them in a  portable utility box or a small  pail  that you can put under your bed.   Don’t feel guilty or embarrassed . Remember , you are sacrificing  a lot  for  money. 

3.    3.   The “ Bootlicker  or  Sychopant ” –  We have the exact word:  sipsip.  Well , we all need to survive .  We  usually need to be politically correct to  keep our jobs.  There’s nothing wrong with that . But when people resort to  excessive asshole kissing or bootlicking , that is so annoying !  They always flatter the boss. “ You look so beautiful, madam ! ” ( even if  she looks like a  cross-breed between a pitbull and a Persian cat ) . They bake cookies and cakes for the boss ( who owns  two pastry  shops ) They buy presents  for him ( from his own souvenir shop ) .  They offer to massage his back ( and other parts of his anatomy ).These are dangerous OFWs ----- because in many cases, they manage to “ hypnotize “ the boss  who eventually believes whatever they say about other people ---including you .  So , you have to watch your back !

4.       4.   The “ Over-Flirtatious and Promiscuous  "  – OFWs  who have problems controlling their groin area.  Well , there’s nothing wrong with a little flirting  here and there--- if you are single . It can even help you cope with life overseas. But some of our kababayans  are just  going too far.  Women in this category  contrive  ways to  bait a hunk--- from faking  drowning  to faking an   overtime so that they can be alone with that  guy in the office.  ( They won’t fake choking  because that looks ugly ) . They can not  stay put  in the presence of handsome men.  They fidget , they squirm , they gyrate . Away from the prying eyes of  the old folks  in the Philippines , they spin out of control . You’ll  surely get  embarrassed  if you go out with them.

                  Maybe it’s their raging hormones ,or loneliness , or deep psychological issues.  OFWs  like them , whether men or women  ,  are in constant  need for the attention of the opposite sex ( or same sex )  and easily get into illicit relationships.  They  hunt for prospects   everywhere : in the office , at the park  , at the supermarket, and of course , in bars .

    If they are  married back home , they would invent stories of  marital dispute . A nagging wife,   an abusive husband , or a domineering mother-in-law.  Whether the marital  conflict  is true or not does not really matter . These people  are simply  justifying  their  adulterous  acts  and reckless  behavior.

Flirtatious and promiscuous OFWs   always get  into trouble .The effects  of what they do are usually  serious  and irreversible : career  problems, broken families and HIV-AIDS .  

Stay away from them . You don’t need them as friends . They will gradually pull you down in the same  disgusting mudhole they are in. Never forget what grandma said  about playing with fire.  

5.    5.   The  “ Nosy Rumor-monger”  -  OFWs who live to gossip . They have    eyes as sharp as an  eagle’ s  and  tongues  as deadly as a viper’s .  They  snoop  for issues :  from an ugly  handbag  to “ who’s dating who” .  They tiptoe  behind you ,  pull you to the toilet  cubicle or to the kitchen  , and then dish out  the juiciest gossips :  Peter has been scolded by the boss ;   Jane  is wearing a borrowed dress ,  which  looks so lousy anyway  ; Vicky’s husband  has squandered all the remittance on his kabit  ( mistress ) ---- blah blah blah.

              How do you deal with them ? If you  are new , smile politely  but DON’t  say anything !  Never , never utter a word of approval .  If you show even the slightest  hint of belief or agreement ---  you’re dead !  They  will be pointing out to you as  the source of the gossip.  And  because they are  also   very good  liars  ,  complete with drama and  swearing on  the Holy Books of ALL  religions  ----some will actually believe them.  Remember , DON’T  SAY ANYTHING !  Even a fish would stay out of trouble if it keeps its mouth shut.

6.   6.    The “ Control Freak”.  OFWs  who act like dictators .   First , let us assume that the person is not your boss. If he is ---- I’m afraid you don’t have much choice  but to  be at  his beck and call. Let’s  assume that he is just a colleague or a housemate .  He wants  you to do what he does  or what  he says .  He  tells you how to do your work ----even if you’re the company  nurse   and he’s an  accountant . If he’s a housemate , he will  meddle  in everything that all the other housemates  do: how  they  do their laundry , which mall they should   visit this weekend  , what  TV programs  they  should ALL watch ( He keeps the remote control, anyway .  ) .  Of course , he  makes  the house rules .  Maybe , you can play along at first . But if  playing  along  is making you uncomfortable , then , you can speak with him politely but firmly : “ Sorry , I  have other plans .”  If you are not bothering  anyone , you should not be  afraid to say so.  Be polite with all your housemates , but you have to show them that you can not be pushed around  just because you’re new.   

                 For me , these are  the most annoying types of OFWs . Dealing with these people is not easy. They can get on your nerves but I suggest patience ,  diplomacy and firmness  . Don’t  get into a  shouting match  with them . That would destroy  newbies like YOU .   Don’t stoop  to their level . Try to understand them as much as you can  but  cover your back all the time . YES . ALL THE TIME .   Well , you have been warned .  But let me say again , most OFWs are wonderful people .  Enjoy your life with them !