You may have heard about them. To our dear international readers, OFW's (Overseas Filipino Workers) are expatriates coming from the Philippines. They leave their homeland in hopes of finding good opportunities in other countries. They believe the Philippines is not wealthy enough to offer them high-paying jobs.
Believe it or not, Filipinos are one of the bravest people on Earth. They are willing to take on any challenge ahead. The thought of their families back home is what pushed them to work hard. There are Filipinos working as engineers, teachers, accountants, doctors, nurses, entrepreneurs and salespeople.
Being an OFW isn't all sunshines and rainbows. Kids, remember that your families are working hard to send you to school, keep a roof above your head and make sure there's always food on the table. You can complain about why nobody bought you the latest gadget of the year all you want, but try to be grateful in the end. Your parents worked day and night, crying after dealing with cruel strangers and trying to survive themselves.
There is an important quote from Marji Satrapi's "Persepolis": "Always remember your roots."
When they've been far from home for a long time, there are instances of people forgetting their true identity.
They have tried hard to be like one of the locals, embraced their values and cultures, as well as spoke the language.
These Filipinos felt ashamed of their identity. They don't want to be reminded of the poor country they grew up in. One of the most painful thing you would hear from them is "Filipinos are poor and lazy."
You may enjoy the fresh snow in New York as a new blonde socialite or find some love in Japan, but time will always bring you to where you once been. Once a Filipino, always a Filipino.
Filipinos, do you wanna know how other countries become progressive? They continue to love their country despite its imperfections.
There are people from the United States who talk about how chaotic their town is but deep down, the fondest memories of living in the country brings the national pride in them. There are a number of Indians ecstatic to return home to their families.
Hearing about these OFWs leave the country in hopes of a better life teaches us to be grateful for what we have. People will always seek out for something absent from their own lives.
Remember, life isn't perfect.
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