PHILIPPINES – the land of all smiling natural resources, or is China the one who smiles? The world’s capital of Social Media, and an avid fan of Miss Universe. What could define the jubilant core of this country aside from the Filipinos? - the most powerful race yet.
With our culture’s rich context, embroidered
history of diverse fabrics sewn by the colonizers, and our nation’s heroes in
headwaying to our liberty. With great pride, we are here today, sharing memes on
Facebook and ranting on Twitter.
We’re globally known for our unwavering perseverance,
and commitment to workforce. An ironic viewpoint as we laborize
ourselves as peasants in return for greener pastures. We have inherited
this attitude from our ancestors - carrying a torch of artificial light.
Seeing the country’s economic stability
and job allocations per region, seeking occupations abroad is the new
normal. A Filipino diaspora accepted and deemed promoted
by the government. A bold move that came with a high price.
Soaring than the means of money.
My father is paying it, currently.
A nightly ritual of video calling stories
from PH time zone to KSA’s. Notification lights blink green as one excitedly
waits for updates. All connections are glued by a single application,
“Can you hear me?” is our new introduction.
5 - 7 years old,
as my dad departed his way through NAIA 1’s airport, apprising me with brand
new toys as soon as he gets back. 10 years, when reality slapped an
innocent child, “Kid, your papa is suffering”.
Hello?
All for better upkeeps, distance
whirlwinds. During the nights, he finds himself eating alone in front of
our hanged family portrait.. Memories of his children smiling gives him unbounding
light to work during ungodly hours. Depression hits him big time.
“Pa, are you still listening?”
Right swiping the green button makes a
difference. It is vital as communication is.
For the OFW story isn’t a story of romanticized
modern heroism, rather a story of great authentic sacrifice.
“Pa, are you still there?”
13 years old as my mom sang, “On the
5th day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a Balikbayan Box”. An
unwritten norm that Filipino domestic workers abroad follow.
“Pa, is it still bearable?
Annual Decembers when repatriate boxes
are awaited from OFWs, containing plentiful of chocolates, apparels,
toiletries, and devices. Mentioned brands are even announced beforehand. With
the long list of wishlist our domestic workers have to settle, ask yourselves
this question,
“Do they still have enough?”
To fill these boxes, months of meal
skippings, extended workloads, and bludgeons of anxieties were taken
effectively. An iPhone XR for ulcer, a MacBook Pro for
anemia, a flat screen for health insurance. OFWs convert everything they
have for their families’ happiness - even though they don’t have anymore for themselves.
“Pa, spare some for yourself”
14 years old as all sides of a square
led him to more pressures. Payments to more bills, bills to more payments. All laid behind the calloused hands of a man begging for rest. Silent
nights of crying alone and seeking hope under hopelessness. Father,
father You don’t deserve this.
“Pa, how are you?”
It is ironic for a migrant’s life that
in order for them to show their love, they often have to leave. As what
my father told me before “what is the essence of a happy family if we are
starving?” A philosophy he continuously holding for consecutive 17 years,
and counting.
“Pa, I miss you.”
The OFW story is all about building each
other, together, despite distance. It is a story of faith, and
solidarity. An unselfish act that sacrifices one well - being to transcend the
other’s. Our drives are focused on the inside of the Philippines alone, often
neglecting that there are people outside of which, struggling to find home
away from home.
Pa, with all journeys
we both shared, I am extremely gratified for I never felt I lost a father
figure. With your help, I am standing in front of this vast audience, telling
you later,
I made it.
And to give light to my earlier question
what could define the jubilant core of this country, it could be easily
described
through a Skype Call.
Herold Buenconsejo would
like to thank the individuals behind this endeavor, Mr. Angelo Sicat, Mrs. Aisa
Arlos, Ms. Mary Batac, Ms. Mikayla Rueda, Ms. Marlfey Mactal, 11HA14,
Ms. Mary Lyka Mendezabal, Mr. Harold Buenconsejo, Mrs. Cathy Buenconsejo, Ms.
Cathrina Leigh Buenconsejo, Mrs. Filomena Calbay, Mr. Joseph Calbay.
and
God.
