Every year, from 2003, OFW remittances grow yearly an average of 14% (with the highest growth in 2005 with 25%) according to Banko Sentral's remittance report with 80% of last years remittances from land based OFW while the rest from seafarers. As per the census' report for 2010 released this July, the number of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who worked abroad at anytime during the period April to September 2010 was estimated at 2.0 million with almost one-third being laborers and unskilled workers (32.0%). Those who worked as service workers and shop and market sales workers made up 15.1 percent. The trade and related workers (14.9%) and plant and machine operators and assemblers (14.3%) registered similar proportions.
Why do most Filipinos believe that the grass is greener on another country? There are many factors why Filipinos opt to work abroad, but I believe that the main reason is the lack of appropriate work and low salary.
Almost a third of my cousins in my mother's side are working abroad. A few in America and most in Middle East and Asia. Our reunion attendees decrease while most of relatives go to work abroad. If given a choice, would you chose to work abroad?
Never in my travel in Asia did I miss to meet a Filipino. As you get to hear their story, you will see that some are happy with the achievements they have made, being able to help with their families left in the Philippines, being able to give their children good education. But for every choice, there is an opportunity cost, a sacrifice that is made by choosing one thing over the other.
Approximately 78% of OFWs work in Asia. If it because the size of the continent or because the proximity of the countries to the Philippines? If I was to choose which country I would go to to work abroad, my best choice is Singapore. The reason is due to the distance of the place to the Philippines and the cheap cost of going home.
When you convert most of the salaries our present day heroes, it is really not that big especially for unskilled workers who comprises the 35% of our OFWs. But they still decide to work abroad mainly because they have no choice. Just to earn and save money, you will see Filipinos do part time jobs aside from their main jobs, you will see 10 people compressing themselves in a house that is only good for 5.
Not everyone gets to be lucky and not every gets what they want. Just remember that when making these decisions, make sure not to only think twice, 3,4,5 or more times, is it really worth it? Is it worth losing the chance to see your child grow? Is it worth it to not be there when a loved one is sick or passes away? Is it worth it to possibly lose your partner to another person due to the long distance relationship? Is it worth it to sacrifice what you have to sacrifice?
If you have a loved one that is working abroad, remember the sacrifices they made in order for you to live a good life, so don't waste that.
Those in government, remember the sacrifices the OFWs made in order for them to be able to support their family, remember the help that their incomes brings in to our economy. And remember that if it is not for the lack of work and support of the government, these people could have a choice to stay with their family.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
WTD in Cebu: Tourist Spots
Much Ado About Nothing. Spent the weekend at home after having a busy June schedule. I missed sleeping all day, and that was exactly what I did on a rainy Saturday. Since I don't really have much activity this weekend, I'll discuss most of the known places to visit in Cebu.
Let's start of with Magellan's Cross which is found in Cebu City near the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño/Sto. Niño Church. One of the contributions of our Spaniard colonizers is bringing Christianity to the Filipinos and we have embraced it ever since. We are symbolic people and as Catholics, Filipinos also have the love for catholic artifacts. Another artifact that you may find in the area is the sculpture of the Sto. Niño which was believed to be given by Magellan to a Cebuana local and which was spared from fire during the time of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. A church was built where the icon was found and was later promoted to a Basilica.
In my many visits to Cebu, my latest trip was actually the first time I was able to set put at the Cebu Cathedral. I have always had the idea that the Basilica was also the Cathedral. The Cathedral is found just a few blocks away from the Basilica.
Another tourist spot that is just within the area is Fort San Pedro. It is considered the smallest and oldest triangular bastion fort in the country built to protect Cebu from Muslim Invaders. Two of it side faces the sea, which is now covered by new buildings.
Let's start of with Magellan's Cross which is found in Cebu City near the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño/Sto. Niño Church. One of the contributions of our Spaniard colonizers is bringing Christianity to the Filipinos and we have embraced it ever since. We are symbolic people and as Catholics, Filipinos also have the love for catholic artifacts. Another artifact that you may find in the area is the sculpture of the Sto. Niño which was believed to be given by Magellan to a Cebuana local and which was spared from fire during the time of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. A church was built where the icon was found and was later promoted to a Basilica.
In my many visits to Cebu, my latest trip was actually the first time I was able to set put at the Cebu Cathedral. I have always had the idea that the Basilica was also the Cathedral. The Cathedral is found just a few blocks away from the Basilica.
Another tourist spot that is just within the area is Fort San Pedro. It is considered the smallest and oldest triangular bastion fort in the country built to protect Cebu from Muslim Invaders. Two of it side faces the sea, which is now covered by new buildings.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Macau Experience
Wow, it's been a quarter since I last blogged. Been busy with work and travel. Now I'm back again to write some non-sense and pollute the cyber world. And let's start the second half of the year with a few things about my trip in Macau.
We were actually planning to stay in the Venetian hotel care of a friend that offered a discount as part of their privilege but it was too late when we confirmed. We could have saved half the price. I really wanted to stay but it was also a good thing since it was still like 15 grand that we saved for a 2 day stay.
We arrived late at night and was greeted by my cousins neighbor who is now working in Macau for about 11 years. We took the shuttle from the airport to Venetian and wandered through the hotel/casino. Most hotels and casinos have shuttle services from the airport and ferry terminal. You can be able to tour most of the tourists spots without even spending a dime on transportation.
Macau is known as the Las Vegas of Asia and you can see various casinos everywhere you look with attractive lights at night that makes the area more lively. The area is more active at night and even way past midnight, the sky is still bright due to the reflection of lights.
Not only will you find plenty of casinos, Macau also composes of many churches which I find a bit ironic. One of the famous site in the area is the Ruins of St. Paul or as the Filipinos in the area call it "putol (unfinished)". The site is walking distance also from the Senado Square and other major areas in Macau.
Being a Portuguese colony until 1999, you can see several European inspired buildings and cuisines. One of the best pasalubong (goodies) you can bring home to your friends is their Pasteis de Nata or egg tarts (similar to the egg pies in the Philippines only in smaller servings).
Macau has limited shopping options compared to Hong Kong, but you can always visit its neighboring SAR via ferry with a 1 hour transit time. You can get specials when you play at the casinos and get the return trip back for free. For people not comfortable with traveling via ferry, a bridge connecting Hong Kong and Macau is in the works, but considering the distance of the two regions, they are considering placing artificial islands between the two. Once completed, this should be one attraction people would like to experience.
Based on my experience, if you are planning to visit Macau, best option is to also include a trip to Hong Kong because if you are not that into gambling, you will run out of activities in one or two days.
We were actually planning to stay in the Venetian hotel care of a friend that offered a discount as part of their privilege but it was too late when we confirmed. We could have saved half the price. I really wanted to stay but it was also a good thing since it was still like 15 grand that we saved for a 2 day stay.
We arrived late at night and was greeted by my cousins neighbor who is now working in Macau for about 11 years. We took the shuttle from the airport to Venetian and wandered through the hotel/casino. Most hotels and casinos have shuttle services from the airport and ferry terminal. You can be able to tour most of the tourists spots without even spending a dime on transportation.
Macau is known as the Las Vegas of Asia and you can see various casinos everywhere you look with attractive lights at night that makes the area more lively. The area is more active at night and even way past midnight, the sky is still bright due to the reflection of lights.
Not only will you find plenty of casinos, Macau also composes of many churches which I find a bit ironic. One of the famous site in the area is the Ruins of St. Paul or as the Filipinos in the area call it "putol (unfinished)". The site is walking distance also from the Senado Square and other major areas in Macau.
Being a Portuguese colony until 1999, you can see several European inspired buildings and cuisines. One of the best pasalubong (goodies) you can bring home to your friends is their Pasteis de Nata or egg tarts (similar to the egg pies in the Philippines only in smaller servings).
Macau has limited shopping options compared to Hong Kong, but you can always visit its neighboring SAR via ferry with a 1 hour transit time. You can get specials when you play at the casinos and get the return trip back for free. For people not comfortable with traveling via ferry, a bridge connecting Hong Kong and Macau is in the works, but considering the distance of the two regions, they are considering placing artificial islands between the two. Once completed, this should be one attraction people would like to experience.
Based on my experience, if you are planning to visit Macau, best option is to also include a trip to Hong Kong because if you are not that into gambling, you will run out of activities in one or two days.
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