An OFW Postscript to August 21

The day was August 21, 1983 and I was busy playing, eating, sleeping… I was not yet in pre-school then. I could vaguely remember the scenes when Nanay would open our television set and hear the names Ninoy, Cory, and others. Three years after, 1986, I was already in pre-school and another scene dominated our television set, EDSA People Power, as Nanay and my other relatives told us, kids.

From grade school, to high school until college, I became more aware of what August 21, 1983, and EDSA 1986 meant because there were lessons and discussions about these in school.

Now that I am part of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) here in Kuwait, I am not physically bound by the special non-working holiday when August 21 comes because I am presently out of the Philippine shore, but that doesn’t mean that I care less about its significance.

Democracy, I think is the significance of these above-mentioned dates. Freedom to choose, what to do and think, yet still living within the limits of Philippine laws and moral laws of Filipinos. As OFWs, we are also subject to respecting the laws and customs of the host country where we are working and currently living. Let us be proud that we are Filipinos, we are kabayans, but in doing so, let us not also forget to make our country proud by all the positive things we can and must do not only to fellow kabayans but to everyone regardless of race, culture and religion.

A multi-award-winning blogger and advocate for OFWs and investment literacy; recipient of the Mass Media Advocacy Award, Philippine Expat Blog Award, and Most Outstanding Balikbayan Award. Her first book, The Global Filipino Bloggers OFW Edition, was launched at the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait. A certified Registered Financial Planner of the Philippines specializing in the Stock Market. A recognized author of the National Book Development Board of the Philippines. Co-founder of Teachers Specialist Organization in Kuwait (TSOK) and Filipino Bloggers in Kuwait (FBK). An international member of writing and poetry. Published more than 10 books.  Read more: About DiaryNiGracia

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