OFWs Are Real Heroes

By Alon Calinao Dy: I'm grateful to meet these industrious expatriate workers in Saudi Arabia. I learned important lessons in life because I witnessed their sacrifices for their families and deep love for their family members who presently live in the Philippines. I was an expat too before I started into blogging. That's why I knew what they'd just been through.

Photo credit: Odette Navalta, Maria Estrada, Alvin Santias, and Jaycee Claveria

I'd been in two nations in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, and learned the difference between the two and the life of people who lived and worked in these regions. It was more comfortable to stay in Kuwait than in Saudi. But all OFWs, who endured the hardships of life in Saudi, are very strong people because of how hard their lives really are.

There was a joke from my Indian friends that wherever you'd go, even on the moon, you would be able to see at least one Indian because they are now the largest population on earth. I believe in them. I also believe that most OFWs are hard working people because we've experienced poverty in our country. Others say it is in our blood.

In recent years, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest population of OFWs in the Gulf regions, where modern heroes are to be found and those who assist the Philippine economy due to their monthly remittances despite the instability of our country. 

Of course, I would not take for granted the sweat and blood of our OFWs who worked in other countries like Dubai, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Oman, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, America, Israel, and many more. They are real heroes who support their families in the Philippines and help our economy to become stable despite rampant corruptions in our land.

These people lived the pain of being mistreated in other countries. I felt their loneliness every time they go to work because some family members in the Philippines are sick and they can't attend to their needs. They are nurses who serve well to other nationalities, but they could not take care the demands of their respective households.

Photo credit: Bevic, Jeremy, Fidz, Lydia, and Melrose

I have understood the sacrifice of most domestic helpers. Many of them are well-educated and professionals and are being raped by their employers. Because of the needs, they set aside their pride and self-worth. I have seen most of them in our Philippine consulate, asking for assistance. Their families left behind in the Philippines do not have ideas, whether they are still alive or not. 

Some domestic workers who run away from their employers have left their passports. They prioritized their own safety at work and the loved ones who hope for their financial backing. The undocumented Filipinos, because of the fear of imprisonment, some would live with their boyfriends and mostly Pakistanis, Bangladesh, Indians, and even Filipinos.

Some OFWs become victims of unpaid wages, sexual abuses, discrimination, and maltreatment. Many of them shut their mouths off and close their eyes, yet hoping for greener pastures in life. Many of them endure the pain and loneliness to avoid embarrassment from their families and friends. Many of them have big dreams, but they let their children live up with that bright future.

They are not slaves in foreign countries, but they are real heroes who battle poverty in life. Remember, no human being is born as a slave. Although I left my friends out there, my thoughts and love are with them.

Mabuhay sa lahat ng OFWs!

My Saudi Arabia Experience

By Alon Calinao Dy: Saudi Arabia is a huge country and is considered as one of the richest countries in the world as Saudis rely mostly on their oil wealth and gas exports to avoid economic crisis. 

As of 2013, over 9 million expats of the world's estimated 29 million lived in Saudi Arabia. The cost of living in this country is relatively low and people enjoy a tax-free lifestyle.

I lived, worked, and learned so many interesting things about the real life in Saudi Arabia for a year and a half. At the beginning, I thought it would be extremely difficult for me to adjust and settle in this new country. I thought I would not last for a month since I heard from many expats that there was no social life in this Arab state. 

Although I was so damn bored when I first arrived in Saudi because I always thought of my loved ones I left back home, I've had friends who brought me mouthwatering food like best chicken kabsa.

Medical Ward Unit

Nurses on duty at International Medical Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Mark Almonte and me

I remember my friend named Mark Almonte who was the first person in Saudi Arabia who bought me a dinner. He was a good man, a friend by everyone in the hostel.

Melchor Flores

Jeremy Decamora

Then I met Jeremy and Mel. They were very friendly people who taught me a lot of things like going out, shopping, and other things I still didn't know. Jeremy was my roommate and I found him very funny person who loved to share his personal experiences. 

I really admired him for he loved his family so much, especially his two adorable children. I saw him once crying in the living room as he yearned for his family after his one month vacation in the Philippines.

International Medical Center (IMC), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

I fell in love with this new state-of-the-art hospital. I had so many fond memories in medical ward unit and out-patient department. 

At the moment, I still remember my friends ma'am Marivic, Aireille, Lydia, Melrose, Elizabeth, Anne, Melrose, Noraina, Bevic, Maria Cristina, sir Joseph, Alvin, Francis, and many others. I would never ever forget those happy moments I was laughing so hard with them.

with Joseph Rosario

After we played basketball near IMC hospital, we went to Starbucks coffee house because we loved drinking our favorite coffee with great music, Wi-Fi, and everything. Indeed, Starbucks stores are everywhere. It is the largest company in the world, with thousand stores in many different countries.

So now, it is fictitious that there is no social life in Saudi Arabia as what other expatriates told me. Whether in Jeddah or Petro Rabigh, there are a lot of dinner parties, social gatherings, picnics, and other in-home events. There is no problem to get together with a group in this Arab state. 

Although there are some restrictions, there are known private beaches in Jeddah and Petro Rabigh to socialize with your friends and other people. Let's always remember to respect their culture and obey their laws.

When I was in Jeddah, fish market in Al-Balad was my favorite hangout every friday of the week since I loved eating different species of fish. I always purchased shark meat from a trusted vendor in Al-Balad as he had a lot of fresh goods and loyal buyers. 

Aside from that, there was also a fascinating place called Corniche where families and friends could gather for picnics and other recreational activities. I often visited this place to unwind from my stressful work. 

A Friendly Reminder:

Be careful if you are an unmarried man who plans to bring a female friend, as it is strictly prohibited by Saudi law unless she is your wife and you have a marriage certificate.