Two years ago today, December 05, I was able to have a surprise homecoming to the Philippines. Receiving two awards from Overseas Balikbayan Reputation Award (OBRA) 2012 and Migration Advocacy Media (MAM) Award 2012, are my prized possessions as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) and blogger.
But before anything else, I am a daughter, a sister, a relative, a friend who took by surprise my loved ones and very special people, with my unexpected homecoming. Although I was not able to bring much “pasalubong” for them but the quality of time spent was more than enough to treasure.
Homesickness is the number one struggle any Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) must be able to surmount. Adjusting in a new environment, being with people with diverse background, education, nationality is a tough task to handle at first. Most Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) would like to come home for a vacation and it becomes more exciting when it is the month of December!
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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Wow congratulations Grasya! Receiving awards is just a bonus with your achievements! Was looking for your Facebook Fan page if you have one?
Hello po. Thank you. Yes, I have one. Here is the link po. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Diary-Ni-Gracia/160024587398244
Congrats po on your award 🙂
Its always good to be home for Christmas. I have such respect for OFW. It must be so hard to be away from family.
Wow, Congratulations for winning those awards. And of course, for being able to celebrate Christmas will your loved ones 🙂
Welcome back to the Philippines and congratulations with your acquired awards 🙂
It’s always great to come home after some time. Like they say, there’s no place like home 🙂
I agree with you. Lots of overseas workers are experiencing struggles being away from the family. Good thing though that we have ways of communicating like using Skype, facebook, viber etc. Through that the home sickness will be filled by communicating with them online. Hoping you’ll be with your love ones again soon! Happy travels! Cheers!
Kim
http://www.kimkaylan.com
Lucky are those OFWs who are able to visit their families here in the Philippines for Christmas. As for my parents, they can’t take their holiday or leave on December because they are not permitted by their bosses 🙁
There’s no better place to spend Christmas than in the Philippines! Homesickness is natural and its a terrible feeling. Just remember people here love you and thinking always of you!