Hidden Value

Easy come, easy go. On the contrary, ang pinaghirapan 'di madaling kalimutan. We value things by the hardships that we take. In fact, what rewards us more than the challenges that entail is the feeling of worth that we earn. There are no shortcuts to precious-happy ends.

Gold miners are well known for their unsurpassed optimistic persistence. Exploration includes site discovery, preparation, ground testing and working tirelessly as a team, dig down the deepest depth of the earth, gather, pulverize, sieve until a sign of ore appears… in it stores endless treasures of great value, the reward of their hard labor. Similar procedures apply in finding the hidden value of things or in any relationship.

Yesterday, I told Cherry siya ang pinakamakulit na nakilala ko sa buong mundo. She reminded me, "I cherish you my dear, kapag ako ay hindi na nangungulit sa 'yo dalawa lang ang ibig sabihain non; either give up na ako sa 'yo or namayapa na ako." Alive and true, obviously for so many years, she considered the benefits of remaining engaged as opposed to slowly departing our friendship. She thinks less about the pains and disappointments that I gave when I openly contradict her opinions, honestly criticize her works, and sometimes I'm coincidentally unavailable to attend her demands or needs. Instead, she ponders more about the good times, the meaningful memories, ideals, and goals that bring and hold us together. She is always understanding and generous while I try to make up or reciprocate. Cousin Peachy just came from a happy-loving relationship that turned into war and hate. Does she care to repair the damage? Certainly, kung sana may panghihinayang but then she says, "We cannot choose people that enter our life but we can always choose the ones that we want to stay." In life, I realized that people we meet are there for a purpose. Some are there to use you, to teach you, bring out the better if not the best in you. Some may cause you pain and heartaches but one must learn to move on, to let go of the people who can't treat you right and hold on to those who can love you back and see your worth. After all, life isn't about meeting people but finding relationships that lasts.

More reasons than we can count, sometimes bad things happen to good relationships. Miscommunications, blames and excuses can lead tempers to flare, or people to quietly drift apart, feel hurt, let down, abandoned, frustrated or whatsoever. Do we invest right enough time, effort and reasons to the right person to find high value? It pays to know deeper than the surface, to look closely beneath the layers where gems await to be discovered. Ninang Mae tells me "In a world full of strangers, where life isn't perfect, it's a wonderful blessing to have found people who are sensible to hear your thanks or complaints for the day. Friends who can read you inside-out without difficulty finding language to explain. Friends who know their place in you and you know where you stand, never taking for granted ..for real friends cherish you and stay with you in your worst or even when the rest of the world are gone."

Of relationship, we are all hunters. I for one, when hunting gets tough and difficult and I feel like approaching the end of my string, I find more reason to hold on, give it another try. I may give a little extra but it's worth especially when someone say, "I don't want to lose you as my sister." That surely creeps to the treasure box of my heart, adding more precious gifts in life. I honor friendship by the law of trust and transparency. I let them know my fears, my weirdest dreams and that I love nature, good books, danish bread, ikebana, and Kris Aquino. Same way, I don't try to change them but I accept them for who they are. Friends are treasures more precious than diamonds.

Did you meet one today? Stay put to find the hidden gold then polish to shine. To discover and be discovered is worth more than the greatest treasures of a lifetime. Enjoy hunting!

Author: Annabelle Libao
*Published in True Friends Newsmag (January 2009 issue)

Konsensiya

KUNG HEI FAT CHOY sa mga kababayan natin. Pagnanakaw – marami na ang kasong ganito hindi lang dito sa Hong Kong kundi pati na rin sa iba't ibang sulok ng daigdig. Bakit nga ba may nag-nanakaw o mandurukot? Dahil kaya sa hirap, sakit na niya ang pag-nanakaw o wala siyang magawa sa buhay niya kaya niya nagagawang magnakaw o baka kaya naman galit siya sa taon na pinag-nakawan niya.

Tulad na lang sa Worldwide, nag-kalat ang mga kawatan; hindi lang mga shop ang ninanakawan kundi pati mga kapwa kababayan natin na alam na maraming dalang pera dahil kakasuweldo pa lamang at magpapadala sa kanilang pamilya. Hindi ba kayo na- kukonsensiya sa ginagawa ninyo? Sa masama mong ugali na nag-nanakaw ka ng pinaghirapan ng iba! Hindi ba ninyo naisip na pinaghirapan at kinita mula sa pawis at dugo ng ating kababayan ang ninanakaw ninyo? Kung kapit man sa patalim ang dahilan ninyong mga kawatan, isaalang-alang naman sana ninyo ang bagay na ninanakaw o dinudukutan ninyo. Naisip ba ninyo kung ano balik niyan? Kung hindi man sa iyo mismo ang balik niyan, sa pamilya mo babalik ang mga ginawa mo. Iyon ay ang tinatawag na KARMA. Inisip mo man lang ba kung tama ang ginagawa mo? Pero sabagay kung talagang gawain mo na ito, manhid ka na talaga o wala ka ng konsensiya sa ganoong bagay. Hindi mo na iisipin kung ano kahihinatnan ng ginawa mo! Ano kayang mukha ang ipapakita mo sa pamilya mo kung sakaling ipinapulis ka dahil sa pagnanakaw? Sabagay sosyal naman ang dating dahil you become an international shoplifter. Yun nga lang wala ka na ring trabaho, kaya goodbye Hong Kong ka na rin.

Sa mga kapwa natin OFW porke't hindi tinitignan ni amo ang listahan, sige ang sulat ng mga pinamamalengke kahit hindi naman binili. Dinadagdagan at pinapalaki ang presyo ng pinamimili maka-ipon lang ng pambili ng phonecard na pantawag sa pamilya nila o sa mga boyfriend nila sa ibang lugar. Matauhan ka naman sa ginagawa mong pangungupit o makonsensiya ka naman dahil may pamilya kang tao sa Pilipinas. Sila dapat ang isipin mo hindi iyong kung sino-sinong ka-text mo. Mayroong nagsasabing, "hindi naman kami kasal kaya okey lang na makipag-boyfriend kahit ilan" pero takot naman malaman ng asawa sa Pilipinas. Tapos pag wala ng money na ipinapadala iyong boyfriend, say goodbye na rin. Ang pangunguwarta at pangungupit ay walang pinag-kaiba sa pag-nanakaw.

Magkatulad din iyan. Tayong may pamilya na sa ating Inang bayan, pumunta tayo dito para pagandahin natin ang ating buhay; isipin natin kung paano natin itataguyod ang ating pamilya. Hindi natutulog ang Diyos. Lahat ng galaw natin ay alam Niya. If we do something bad expect that in the end you will be the one who suffer. We are not perfect but if we want to be one, we can.

Author: Ed Roquel
*Published in True Friends Newsmag (January 2009 issue)

Career In Information Technology & Communication (I.C.T.)

"Do you still have a career in I.C.T?" When computer technology started during the early stages of our modern present times, the small group of people who are knowledgeable in computer started as a sub-group or sub-team of either under the administration department, or finance & accounting department, or engineering department.

The small section turned into and became a computer department as a separate entity, during the transformation and recognition of its importance and functionality. Nowadays, the whole computer or I.T. department could be the whole company itself. The company's business pertains to I.T. solutions or services for another company requiring their skills and technology.

Where and what is then the integration career in I.T. as many of you have asked. The answer varies and dependent on the requirement of certain companies, also your qualification, your age and most important your computer skills. Your know-how gives a great deal since it is directly related to your experience.

Even if you are not working in a company but uses the computer system at home or even at the computer school, at computer rental, or Internet café, it adds up to your experience. All you need to do is apply or continue practicing several techniques using specific computer software implemented for everyday personal use.

Back to our original questions, do you still have a career in I.C.T.? The answer is both yes and no. When I say YES, you should start at a younger age, let's say early 20's (20-25 years old) by learning a special skill, like applying your college degree knowledge or start to master computer related application. Example of which is web page designing, learning accounting system (even if you are not an accountant), learn and master a computer language for programming and developing software. But, when I say NO it means, it will not be a career anymore because you will no longer work for somebody or in a company but work for yourself on your own company, all you need is apply what you learn in your computer lessons.

If you are not yet convince to study with us why don't you just try us because what you will learn will be beneficial as your background and experience. Other reason they keep saying is that "I am too old already and let my children do it for me." But, don't you realize that they (your kids) do not have that time to spend with you teaching, so why not do it yourself and learn yourself the intricacies of computer technology. And, why don't you follow others that they are the one being asked by their kids because they are more knowledgeable in computer than their kids. Isn't it it's a better feeling that you are the one teaching your kids than your kids is the one teaching you.

Just follow our advice and undergo our tutorial service, a service to our co-Filipino's for a better Philippine citizen, will you allow non-Filipinos to develop their computer skills ahead of us again? A question I leave to you to answer and digest.

Author: Dennis Madlangbayan
*Published in True Friends Newsmag (January 2009 issue)

Pakialam (Mensahe Sa Tula)

Walang masama sa pagbibigay ng payo
Lalo na kung ito'y nagbuhat sa puso
Lagyan din ng limitasyon pananalita mo
Magkakaiba ang damdamin ng lahat ng tao.

Minsan di mo alam, nakakasakit ka
Akala mo ok, pero hindi sa kanya
Tumahimik ka lang kung may napupuna
Huwag manghimasok sa buhay ng iba.

Ang buhay ng kapwa ang laging paksa
Sa mga usapan ng walang magawa
Tingnan ang sarili at ika'y mahiya
Huwag kang makialam, lalo na ang manira.

Kayrami ng taong may ganyang ugali
Kapag walang ginulo ay di mapakali
Hindi nakikita ang pagkakamali
Manahimik kana lang d'yan sa isang tabi.

Ang lahat ng tao ay may karapatan
Na gawin ang gusto sa kanyang paraan
Kung hindi sang-ayon, tumingin kana lang
Ang mahalaga, hindi ka naaapektuhan.

Sa mga natamaan, pasensya na po
Masasaktan ka lang kung ito'y gawain mo
Sa mga nabiktima, naku, hayaan mo
Babalik din sa kanila, maling ginawa sa iyo.

Ang aking mensahe sana ay makarating
Sa mga taong walang ibang gawain
Kundi makialam, manakit ng damdamin
Umayos ka naman, sarili ang atupagin.

Author: Zyrel

*Published in True Friends Newsmag (December 2008 issue)

Kalusugan Ay Kayamanan

Sa buwang ito, bibigyan ko po ng pansin ang mga natatanggap kong mga katanungan sa text o panulat galing sa aking mga taga-subaybay at mambabasa, na pawang nagtatanong ukol sa kanilang KAGANDAHAN. Sa unang mga palatandaan ng pagkulubot ng mukha, marami sa ating mga kababaihan ang natataranta at nag-aalala. Biglang nararamdaman natin ang pagtanda at paglipas ng ating kasibulan. Inaalala na lamang ang lumipas na panahong nawala ang ating kabataan. Sa kabilang banda naman, may mga kababaihang may edad na subalit mukhang bata pa ang hitsura. Dalawang bagay lamang ito: maaaring sa tulong ng siyensiya o sila ang mga kababaihang hindi nilalabanan ang natural na nangyayari sa kanilang katawan, bagkus ito ay tinatanggap nila ng maluwag sa kanilang kalooban at inaalam ang tamang pangangalaga sa kanilang balat at katawan.

Karamihan sa mga kababaihan sa ngayon bata man o matanda ay pawang may ipinapahid na kung anu-ano sa mukha (cream, lotion, astringent at iba pa). Ito raw ay upang mapanatili ang kasariwaan at kagandahang panlabas. Sa mga taong umaasa sa mga nabanggit na kosmetikong ito—walang "magic potion" o "cream" ang makakapag-alis ng mga kulubot o ano pang mga imperpekto sa mukha tulad ng pekas. Gaano man kamahal ang mga ito, gaano man karami ang ilagay mo hindi pa rin nito mapapanatili ang kabataang inaasam mo ng pang habang panahon. NGUNIT, ang pagpapanatili ng kagandahan ay maaaring makamit at mapasaiyo ng mas matagal pang panahon. Maging disiplinado lamang at magkaroon ng likas na kagalakan at kasiyahan sa iyong pananaw sa buhay.

Paano ba tayo magiging disiplinado? Simple lamang ito. Una sa lahat ay sa ating pang araw-araw na pagkain. Habang tayo ay nagkaka-edad, humihina na ang ating metabolismo. Hindi na ito tulad noong mga "teenagers" pa lamang tayo. Noon talaga, maaari tayong kumain ng kumain hanggang kaya at ibig; sapagka't hindi naman natin napapansin ang mga pagbabago sa ating katawan. Kumbaga, kahit anong gana natin sa pagkain, kay dali pa ring matunaw ng ating kinakain kaya ating napapanatili ang ating "slim" na pangangatawan. Subalit, sa pagsampa ng mga edad na 35 pataas, ang ating "hormone" na responsable sa magandang metabolismo ng ating katawan ay humihina na at hindi na rin aktibo, kaya tumataba na tayo at unti-unting nakakadiskubre ng mga linya sa ating mukha at may mga hindi kanais-nais na "cellulite" sa ating buong katawan. Ang pagpapanatili ng slim na katawan ay malaki ang maitutulong kung ibig nating mapanatili ang ating kabataan. Kapag kasi tumataba o mataba tayo, ang unang nangyayari ay nagmumukha tayong may edad na. Ikalawa, naririyan na ang mga "cellulites" na "stored fats" sa ating katawan na nagbubuo-buo dahil masyadong mabagal ang ating mga kilos gawa ng mabigat ang pakiramdam. Kailangan nating imintina ang liksi ng ating katawan.

Sa pagdagdag ng edad mas kailangan natin ng ehersisyo. Ang kaso mo, masarap daw kumain, kahit ako ay hirap na hirap ding imantini ang aking "ideal weight". Hindi sana ito mahirap gawin kung may determinasyon at disiplina tayo sa ating katawan upang mapanatili ang ating liksi at lakas. Para huwag mahirapan, ugaliing maglakad sa umaga, kung ang iyong tinutuluyan ay nasa ikatlo o ikaapat na palapag isang magandang ehersisyo din kung ikaw ay maghahagdan na lamang huwag ka lang magdala ng marami. Ugaliin ang sadyang paglalakad—kung ang iyong pupuntahan ay malapit lamang at may oras ka pa. Labing-lima hanggang dalawampung minutong paglalakad ay mainam sa ating mga nagkaka-edad.

Kumain lamang paunti-unti. Sadya itong mainam kaysa biglang pagkain ng marami sa tatlong beses sa maghapon; maaaring kumain ng paunti-unti kahit ilang ulit sa maghapon. Ang ating panunaw ay hindi na kasing bilis gumiling tulad ng dati. Sa pag-aalaga sa mukha, pumili ng sabon at "cream" na ipapahid upang hindi matuyuan ang balat. Kailangang "moisturizing" ito at may "Vitamin E" at "Collagen". Ang paglalagay ng kolorete o "make-up" ay gawing paminsan-minsan na lamang o ayon sa okasyon; at hangga't maaari ay mas mainam na iwasan ito dahil sa mga kemikal na napapaloob dito. "Moisturizing" ang kailangan sa panahong ito ng nagkaka-edad. Ito ay mainam din laban sa klima (sobrang init, sobrang lamig o ang tinatatawag na UV "ultra-violet"). Malaki ang maitutulong nito upang hindi agad maglabasan ang mga linya sa mukha. Gawin ninyo ito, pati ang pagmamantini ng "ideal weight", makikita at mararamdaman natin ang buting dulot nito. Higit siyempre sa lahat, ang magkaroon ng bukal na kaligayahang nagmumula sa kaibuturan ng ating puso. Kahit gaano karaming kolorete ang ipahid natin sa ating mukha, kahit gaano kamahal, kahit na gaano kabantog ang tatak nito hindi kayang itago ang mukhang nagdanas ng hirap. Kulapulan mo man ng Cover Mark o Estee Lauder o Mark Spencer at iba pang mamahaling make-up ang iyong mukha, hindi ka naman maligaya, wala rin itong saysay. Ang panghuli, magkaroon ng walong oras na tulog at pahinga. Ito ang "best beauty treatment" na maaaring makuha ninuman ng libre.

Ito po ang inyong lingkod Ines A. David na nagpapasalamat na muli sa aking mga taga-subaybay sa aking kolum. Nagpapasalamat din ako sa sumulat sa akin na taga-Discovery Bay na nagtatanong tungkol sa almoranas. Ikaw ay aking inaanyayahang subukan ang ating "cleansing" sa pamamagitan ng Chlorophyllwith guarana juice. Sa mga tumatangkilik at patuloy na gumagamit ng "detoxifying process" ng Chlorophyll with Guarana Juice na nagpapalakas ng ating "immune booster" at panlaban sa sakit. Ang ating DYNATONIC na nagpapalakas sa ating bato, pantog at "colon". Sa ating mga "power coffee users" Kacif Fatimah, Tongkat Ali at Ganoderma, maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat!

Author: Ines David
*Published in True Friends Newsmag (December 2008 issue)

Away In A Manger

Though I used to celebrate many occasions in life away from family nothing beats the emptiness I felt as Christmas approaches the month of December 2006. I deeply missed home and for the first time I will be spending the season without my children.

I went to Tsim Sha Tsui for a little gift-shopping then headed at the Grand Promenade to have snack, savour a good book, relax my aching legs and enjoy the beauty of the harbour. Slight rain drizzled the air and the place was crowded. I settled at one of the benches, and I noticed that my seatmate –a Filipina – was doing some serious observation of the festive decor. She was holding a sketch pad and a well pointed pencil. I'd forgotten how our conversation started but I will always remember our warm sharings. I'd known that she is a widow with 3 children left in Bulacan under the care of a relative who offered them refuge when they left Lanao – grieving, broke, hopeless and in need of shelter and justice. It's been 11 years but memory shrouded her with pain as she related to me the terrifying day when the life of her husband was taken – tortured to death in front of her and her children.

"It was traumatic and I know that we can never regain our losses but I'm thankful for the opportunity to rebuild our future making sure we will not be homeless and hopeless forever. Well, I take drawing as a therapy to express my emotions, and I always sent them to my children, this way I feel closer to home." Rose (her name) said.

To let her know that many shares in her affliction, I told her about the story of a respected High School head-teacher who was murdered in a bus stop cafeteria on her way to Baguio City to attend a seminar and the hopelessness of a church-mate whose father and brother were framed of the crime, sentenced to life imprisonment with no opportunity for a fair trial.

We talked about many things, almost everything under the sun and we finished our foods. Darkness fell, and we said goodbye. Surprisingly, she gave me her work of art. I was deeply touched, my tears dropped as I moved closer to embrace her... on the paper the "Nativity" scene was drawn skillfully. The night was cold and crisp. I passed Nathan Road and admired the peace and grandeur of brightly lit decors of the season. Alone and away from home, I found a place for the manger (courtesy of Rose) in my room. Christmas to me is no longer bleak and barren. There on my wall breathing with a message of love, hope, and calmness is a wonderful gift of the Holy Family – Jesus – once a homeless fellow.

As the US President-elect Barack Obama was delivering his victory speech in Chicago, equality and democracy filled every American as they made historical change having their first black President. And it is also inspiring to note just recently, that the mainland authorities extended protection to rescue thousands of Chinese residents and travelers to fly back home for safety from the chaotic situation in Thailand.

Our country is a place of beauty, and agricultural richness. Majority back home are trying to make a living from the land that has never paid them well, while millions toil overseas hoping for a change of fate. I wonder what life could be for those OFWs who do menial labour, constantly facing danger and abuse, those who never got the chance to enjoy prosperity, freedom and family presence? Have our leaders enforced enough measures to protect our welfare and rights?

I wonder what future lies in our country as issues of controversy, scams, allegations of graft and corruption never seemed to run out. Like Rose, and many others who are "Casualties Of War", as our dear Editor said (TF November Issue), still continue to fight an invisible enemy with no territorial boundaries. These "Casualties" hungers for truth, equality, security, and opportunity.

Some parts of our country is blessed by effective, ethical leaders like Ed Panlilio and Grace Padaca of Isabela. Will there be more of them? Will there be more leaders, lawmakers and law-enforcers who will work earnestly to uplift our economy, restore our peace and security and regain the many losses of our sufferings? In and outside our country, we dream and pray.

Author: Annabelle Libao
*Published in True Friends Newsmag (December 2008 issue)

O Ikaw! Tsismosa Ka Ba?

Tsismis is my business. Ito ang nagiging libangan na ng mga Pilipino na ang pinag-uusapan ay ang buhay ng may buhay dito sa Hong Kong. Ang ugali sa Pilipinas dinadala hanggang dito. Hindi mo malaman kung naiingit lang sila sa taong kanilang pinag-uusapan o gusto lang nilang siraan ang buhay ng tao. Wala naman sigurong masama kung makipagkuwentuhan lang basta huwag lang ang pinakikialam ay iyong buhay ng iba. Sabi nga, "Who are you to judge the life I live? I'm not perfect, and I don't live to be. But before you start pointing fingers at others, make sure your hands are clean."

Ano ba ang nakukuha natin sa ginagawa nating pakikialam sa buhay ng iba? Wala naman tayong mapapala nito. Kung may narinig kang kuwento baka naman pwedeng huwag mo ng ipamalita sa iba. Dahil ang kulang baka madagdagan pa. At isa pa masama ang dating nito sa taong pinag-uusapan. Eh, ano kung may ginawa iyong tao? Buhay niya iyon eh. Alam naman niya na mali na ang ginagawa niya, kaya 'di na dapat para siya ay i-tsismis.

Oh ikaw ba naman na nag-kukuwento perpekto ka ba? Wala ka bang ginagawang kababalaghan Dahil lang sa tsismis marami ang buhay na nasisira maraming pamilya ang nawawasak kasi nadadala sa sabi-sabi ng iba. Lalo na iyong mga kababayan nating galing sa i-isang baryo na nag-sisiraan. na maayos natin ang mali hindi naman nagkakaganoon, dahil lalo lang nating dinadagdagan. Kumbaga sa isang pelikula kung may bida, may kontra bida. Ganyan ang tsismis kung may nagbibida na nagtsi-tsismis, may nakikinig, 'di ba? O kaya sabihin na lang sa nagkukuwento, iba na lang kaya ang pag-usapan natin? Wala naman tayong mapupulot o mapapala diyan.

Iyan ang dapat na gawin, bilang kagandahang-asal. Pero talaga lang, para sa mga kapwa natin kababayan na mahilig mag-tsismis, 'pag may naririnig siya tungkol sa iba, 'di na mapakali kung hindi ikuwento sa iba. Doon na nagsisimula ang away at hindi pagkakaintindihan. Kaya kung minsan kahit na mismong malapit na kaibigan o kasambahay mo lang tsini-tsismis mo ang buhay niya. Kung ano ang kinuwento niya sa iyo, ikinuwento mo na rin sa iba. Paano kaya kung ikaw naman ang pagkuwentuhan ano naman kaya mararamdaman mo? 'Di ba masakit o nakakahiya? So, it's better na i-zipper your mouth na lang. Kung ano man ang nakita mo o narinig tumahimik ka nalang at huwag mo ng pakialaman ang buhay ng kapwa mo dahil hindi tayo perpekto at lahat naman tayo ay may kasalanan. Kaya wala tayong karapatang mang-husga sa ating kapwa.

O, mga minamahal kong mga readers, magsama-sama tayo sa nalalapit na kaarawan ng Anak ng Ating Poong Maykapal. At tayo ay dumalanging nawa'y maging maayos ang buhay natin dito. At baguhin na natin ang hindi magandang asal na taglay. Maligayang pasko at manigong bagong taon!

Author: Ed Roquel

*Published in True Friends Newsmag (December 2008 issue)

Multi-Tasking -- OFWs' Tool For A Progressive Future

As the year's end approaches, I look back in retrospect and somehow feel mixed emotions for the year that was. While I found myself busy all year long which is truly a blessing, many of my acquaintances are not fortunate enough to find such good opportunities. The current global financial crisis is undoubtedly the major culprit to this gloomy forecast that lies above our heads. But let us not forget that part of the misfortunes which befell us is a direct result of our inaction to improve our own selves. OFWs' who do not even try to take the extra mile in upgrading their skills or even search their inner selves of their God-given talents are the ones that easily loses heart when "the going gets tough"

Of the many terminologies brought to us by the dawning of the computer age (i.e. Word Processor, Scanning, Surfing, ISPs, etc…), "multi-tasking" is perhaps the most appropriate function that we, as OFWs, must practice. I am a strong believer and practitioner of the old adage that "Chance favors the prepared mind". Many among us never knew that opportunities came simply because they were not up to it. In this critical time, those who have continuously and consistently armed themselves with additional skills are the ones that do not worry of the days ahead. That is why I am proud of True Friends' columnists that in spite of their restricted time and movement, the strong and positive character they display continue to serve as an inspiration to many.

Let me cite to you an example. One of TFs' regular contributor enjoys chatting in the net just like all the rest. But instead of searching for "papas" or "cyber-mates", she found professionals and decent people. One is a journalist based in the Middle East. The friendship is pretty healthy that when the journalist got the chance for a business trip to Hong Kong, the guy asked her to be the guide. The trip was officially sponsored by a Middle East Journalists group and was received accordingly by a local Hong Kong Journalists' group. After the first trip, the guy made a second trip purposely to write a book about Hong Kong and assigned our True Friends' contributor as a researcher. Kumita pa siya at may chance pang magtrabaho sa Middle East as a Skilled Worker. You see, we have the same chances, the same freedom and restrictions, yet some make it good and some don't. For me, I believe that it's the attitude that makes the difference.

I started learning computer works & literacy 10 years ago and like many others I thought I was too old for it. Look where it has taken me now. What I have become today with IT technology is no Cinderella Story. Long hours of back-breaking efforts exploring the intricacies of computer technology has given me another career and a promise of more opportunities that doesn't seem to end. I remember not so long ago that while many of my peers were spending most of their free time enjoying the games the computer has to offer, I was perfecting graphics application programs. While playing basketball was their means of relieving their stress – testing their physical strength to its limits that sometimes end up in bruises and enemies – I was walking around parks for contemplation and relaxation.

With a strong conviction that if I work longer hours than most and continuously upgrade my skills, I will surely have an edge, and so, in only a span of few years, I have proven it right. I do not worry so much of what lies ahead. How about you, do you?

Author: Tony Bartolome

*Published in True Friends Newsmag (December 2008 issue)

Housing, Scholarship, And Retirement Scheme For Low-Earning OFWs

Sa atin sa Pilipinas tatlong social classes na pamumuhay ang pinoy, upper class, middle, at lower class. Karamihan sa atin na domestic helpers come from middle class at lower class. Sa status ng OFWs in Hong Kong, tatlong klase din sa tingin ko ang pamumuhay: Upper class are those pinoys who enjoy their earnings, run and own their business. Middle class pinoys are the employed professionals who enjoy all the benefits of their employment including the Right-Of-Abode. Lower class are the domestic helpers –- no matter kung ano man ang kurso mong tinapos, domestic helper ka pa rin. This “category” does not enjoy benefits such as right of abode at iba pa. The salary kung ano lang ang approved ng host country; working more than the minimum hours at usually discriminated kahit sa kapwa pinoy. If you don’t like your employer, you cannot change or look for another at anytime or else you will have to go home and start all over again. Ang domestic helpers are what I consider as low-earning OFWs. There are 3 major reasons why we went to work abroad. First, we want to have a decent house, secondly, mapag-aral ang mga anak at lastly, makapagtatag ng sariling negosyo. Kaya nang dumating dito sa Hong Kong ang Pangulo nuong Marso, realistic housing scheme for OFW ang pangunahing “request” ang hiningi namin. Sa $3,580 na sahod ng isang domestic helper, mahirap pa rin maglaan ng budget para sa isang decente na bahay. Ang 10 % down payment makes us hard to budget unless we have to make another extra loan from financing. Kahit ang pangulo nakita n’ya ang pang down-payment sa housing loan ang malaking balakid para ma-avail natin ang housing benefits. I am looking forward that real estate company will offer soon zero down-payment for housing program at gawing priority for low-income OFWs. Ang pamahalaan ay maraming scholarship program, but ilang porsyento ba sa mga low-income OFWs ang nakaka-avail nito? Parental absence is one major reason naman kung bakit karamihan sa mga anak ng OFWs cannot maintain the average grade required sa scholarship program. While our domestics helpers care for other families, napabayaan nila ang sariling pamilya. Ang programa ng pamahalaan sa scholarship program ay ‘di hamak na maliit para sa percentage number ng mga OFWs. Kaya mahirap hanapin ang success stories sa mga anak ng low-income OFWs na nasa nabanggit na program. Dapat maglaan ang pamahalaan spcecifically para lang sa mga anak ng low-income OFWs o di kaya isang programang vocational – being the least privileged among the OFWs that I mentioned above.

Sa Pilipinas, ano man ang sahod mo may nakalaan para sa iyong pagtanda. Sa ngayon wala pang programa ang gobyerno natin sa retirement scheme for OFWs. Sana isa rin ito sa pangunahing bagay na dapat nating tingnan sa ating pagtanda kung wala na tayong kakayahan sa pagtrabaho sa abroad. Mga Bagong Bayani ng Bayan, ano ang mangyayari sa ating 10 to 15 years from now? Kung ang SSS ay ang kasagutan, dapat gawin nating kaugalian magpamyembro at magset aside for the future. Sa mga pagpupulong karapatan natin makibahagi at magbigay ng opinion particularly ang pagdesign ng retirement scheme para sa atin na mga OFWs. Ang OWWA o Overseas Welfare Workers Administration ay ahensiya ng pamahalaan na dapat mag-isip para sa kapakanan nating mga OFWs. Nararapat lang nating tanungin sila kung anong klaseng mga welfare scheme ang mga nakadisenyo sa atin lalo na sa sampung taon o mahigit pang pagmimyembro. Naiplano na ba nila ito?

On my next article, I will be sharing my opinion on the following topics: Every month many new associations are born. Are these Associations or just simply social clubs? What are the purpose, objectives, missions and visions of these Associations? Ito ba ay makakatulong sa ating mga OFWs o dagdag gastos? Abangan sa next issue.

Author: Jojo Sapio

*Published in True Friends Newsmag (October 2008 issue)

Laws, Rules, And Codes

Zyrel's "10 Batas Para Sa Bayaning OFW" spelled out the OFW soul's code. There are those among us who live as if they are the only inhabitants on earth, without care and respect on their fellow human beings. "Masagasaan na ang masagasaan, wala akong pakialam" seems to be their own selfish rule. This world's a lot better place if we could just subscribe to Zyrel's "10 Batas" and not hold on to the I-me-mine-myself attitude (an egoist's I-sight) we could be carrying around. We race ourselves to the top, raise ourselves up, but trample on some fellows in the process.

Sometimes, we're best heard when we stay "low" and not act as if we're high and mighty; stay gentle and not tyrannical; speak softly and not loud and screaming. Throwing our weight around, looking down our noses on anyone is the sort of attitude that will alienate us from everyone. When we're sensitive to other people's needs, we gain more respect. We get pushy and bossy and we sure will drive away the people around us.

The third law -- Iwasan ang pagiging makasarili -- brings us back to Ed Roquel's article "Panloloko" in October 2008. People tend to put material things above relationships. For the love of money, they use people. Should we not love people and use money, not the other way around? Many relationships have been ruined by money issues. Wala ng kai-kaibigan o kama-kamag-anak pagdating na sa pera. Friendships take the back seat. Materialism has taken precedence to what's much more essential -- human relationship.

"Maging magandang ehemplo sa iba," according to Zyrel. If you are a leader, what sort of example are you setting for your members? Do you lift their spirits up or do you crush their self-esteem just to make a point? Can you hold the group together or you simply let the group break apart? If you see yourself above everyone, there's no way that anyone can genuinely connect with you. It would be like treading on an egg shell communicating with a leader with a big ego. We make simple and innocent statements and we could be stepping on sensitive toes and feelings. How free could my thoughts be when talking to you if you are my leader? You build barriers, I keep my distance... that's the kind of attitude a leader gets from the members when something is utterly wrong with the leadership. Trust and respect is missing there.

There are unwritten rules in any relationship. An open heart and an open mind know just how to figure it all out.

Time to reflect on your soul's code...

Author: Joy Marqueses

*Published in True Friends Newsmag (January 2009 issue)

10 Batas Para Sa Mga Bayaning OFW

1. MAGKAROON NG MALAWAK NA PANG UNAWA. Igalang ang paniniwala ng ating kapwa anuman ang relihiyon na ating kinaaniban.

2. MAGING MAGANDANG EHEMPLO SA IBA. Ipakita sa ibang tao na ang mga natututunan sa loob ng anumang kongregasyon ay nabubuhay sa araw-araw.

3. IWASAN ANG PAGIGING MAKASARILI. Huwag gamitin ang ating kapwa para sa pansariling kapakinabangan. Ang paghiram ng pera gamit ang pangalan ng ibang tao ay hindi makatwiran.

4. MAGLAAN NG SAPAT NA PANAHON SA SARILI. Gaano man karami ang ating trabaho sa araw araw, nararapat lamang na hindi napapabayaan ang ating kalusugan dahil ito ang ating puhunan sa ating mga paggawa.

5. MAGING TAPAT SA KABIYAK. Huwag pabayaang masira ang pamilya habang nasa malayong dako, mahalaga ang kumunikasyon at tiwala sa isa't isa.

6. MAGING POSITIBO. Harapin ang anumang problemang dumarating sa ating buhay. Sa halip na sumuko, gawin itong inspirasyon upang mas maging matatag.

7. IWASANG GUMASTOS NG HIGIT SA KINIKITA. Matutong magtabi ng sapat na halaga buhat sa ating pinagpaguran. Iwasang magwaladas ng pera sa mga walang kwentang bagay lalo na sa luho

8. MAGING TAPAT SA AMO. Iwasang matulog sa oras ng trabaho o gumawa ng ibang bagay na hindi dapat sa panahon ng paggawa, dahil ito ay isang uri ng pagnanakaw ng oras sa ating pinagsisilbihan.

9. MAGING MAPAGMALASAKIT. Iwasang gumawa ng mga bagay na maaring maging dahilan ng pagbagsak ng ating kapwa, mahalaga ang ating trabaho dahil sa ating pamilya na umaasa sa sa ating bansa.

10. HUWAG MAGING MAPAGMATAAS. Panatilihin ang magandang samahan, maging mapagkumbaba anuman ang ating narating. Huwag kalimutang magpasalamat sa Panginoong Diyos sa mga biyayang natatanggap natin sa araw araw.

Author: Zyrel

Simply Vergissmeinnicht

I don't understand
I really don't
How you can be so ruthless
How you can be so heartless
Too many times
You hurt me
Yes, I am hurt
Very hurt
And it's so unbearable
I shed so many tears
Nobody could see
I hope it would stop
But the pain wouldn't go

Shame on you
For making me feel this way
How dare you play
Havoc on my emotions
How dare you make me feel
So helpless, so sad
And so frustrated

I treated you
As my friend
A real, true friend
Neither fault, nor foe
Could stop me
I trusted you
Shared my secrets with you
My ups and downs
And even my simple happiness
In all honesty
I never treated you otherwise
Nor I made you superior
Much less inferior from me
You are my equal

You wouldn't believe it
But my heart went with it
I was hoping
You would be one
Of my lifetime friends
Who would never let go
But all along
I was wrong
Maybe, just maybe
It wouldn't work

The fate lies
In your hands
In your choices
Not mine
Every painful word
Every cutting look
Brings me on the edge
Trying me too far
Pushing me too hard
Somehow, I am hoping
You don't mean
Everything you're doing

I am praying
You are just showing me
Your true identity
But I am me
No amount of pain
Could change me
The way I am
Because I am unique

Sometimes, just sometimes
I am thinking
That it is absurd
To expect too much
From you
Who are you anyway?
I don't even know
What's going on
You would just give me
Your deadly looks
And I die deep inside
You don't know
Because you don't care
You don't give a damn
About me

I see you with others
You are very careful
And your friendship
Is rather sustainable
But why is it
That your treatment
Of me is not fair?
What have I done
Against you?

One moment, one time
You are happy and gay
Too many countless times
You would rather
Kill me in silence
I cannot take it
I cannot stand it
I don't deserve it
But I bid you the best

Simply forget-me-not.

Author: Miam Medrano