What's in your Balikbayan Box?

It's 61 days before Christmas and most OFY's around the world schedule their trips home during this festive season. Of course, who doesn't miss the smell of bibingka and puto bumbong on Simbang Gabi and the carolings of neighboring children in the streets? Families would go parol-hunting as early as September to make sure the houses are decked with lights and tinsels.

But for an OFY, one of the most important annual event in their OFY life is preparing the Balikbayan Box. Some even buy the boxes at the start of the year so they have a whole year to fill it up, while some cram up to the last minute to make sure that their boxes are filled up to the kilogram limit of the airline.

Nowadays, not everyone brings home a balikbayan box, some opt to do their shopping home and let their ralatives pick out what they want, but for most OFY's, nothing beats the joy of seeing excitement in our loved ones' faces when they see the limited edition Nike rubber shoes (that you got on sale) , the (50% off ) complete Clinique make-up set, or the (buy one take one) Hershey's Kisses.

At the end of the day, it's more than material stuff... cliche as it is, it's celebrating the spirit of giving- OFY style.

Top 5 Popular Balikbayan box items

1. Imported Chocolates and Candy

2. Imported Groceries like Coffee, Corned Beef and Peanut Butter

3. Electronics - LCD TV, cellphone, Ipods

4. Signature Clothe, Bags and Perfume

5. Rubber shoes (deserves its own spot)

How about you ? What's in your Balikbayan Box? let us know at ofyuppies@gmail.com

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Interesting Read: OFWs to the world...

Found this nice article from the Inquirer, read on...

With Due Respect

OFWs to the world

By: Artemio V. Panganiban
Philippine Daily Inquirer

11:29 pm | Saturday, July 16th, 2011

17 share200 171

If Filipino taipans flock to China and Filipino professionals bloom in the United States (as I reported last Sunday), overseas Filipino workers serve the rest of the world. According to the Commission on Overseas Filipinos, 8.5 million kababayans are spread out in 194 countries. This means that about 10 percent of our total population and about one in every household live and work abroad.

OFW largesse and benefits. Land-based OFWs are concentrated in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Qatar, Singapore, Kuwait, Taiwan, Italy, Bahrain and Canada (in that order), while seafarers are deployed in vessels bearing the flags of Panama, Bahamas, Liberia, Marshall Island, Malta, Singapore, Italy, United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Bermuda.

The owners of these vessels and the real employers of our seamen are not necessarily nationals of these countries, because merchant ships often carry what are called “flags of convenience” to accord them tax shields and anonymity of ownership. Even Filipino entrepreneurs fly these flags of convenience for their international maritime operations.

According to statistics of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, OFWs, both land- and sea-based, remitted more than $18.7 billion in 2010, thereby keeping the Philippine economy afloat, more than anyone else, even during the worst global financial storms. These remittances generate local spending. OFWs fund their relatives’ appetite for homes, cars, motorcycles, appliances and foodstuff, and send their children to school. They patronize shopping malls, feast in fast-food shops, buy condos and town houses, and operate tricycles and pedicabs.

Small wonder, OFWs have been hailed as “Bagong Bayani” (New Heroes). The big wonder is they have almost always been shabbily treated. Since the overseas employment program began in the ’70s, the Philippines has had four decades of experience in dealing with migrant workers. Yet up to now, its officialdom is still struggling to solve the problems besetting our heroes.

Recurrent ordeals. True, our lawmakers enacted two landmark pieces of legislation, Republic Act 8042 and 10022, to improve the lot of OFWs. But, as in many other instances of good laws with bad results, the OFWs continue to suffer indignities and pain.

The recurrent ordeals and heart-wrenching woes of our OFWs never really leave the headlines. Perhaps, I can understand the difficulty of anticipating wars and conflicts in Egypt, Tunisia, Libya and other places in the Middle East (as well as the earthquake and tsunami that hit Northern Japan) and the dislocation, injury and sometimes death they inflict on OFWs there.

But I cannot fathom government’s inability, nay neglect, to look after the needs and desolation of overseas workers that arise from our very shores. The recent shoddy treatment of Stella O. Gonzales, former staff member of the Inquirer and now an editor of the Financial Times of London, demonstrates the pits of government inefficiency and total lack of care.

I will no longer recount her ordeals of being made to fill up useless forms, and her being shuttled from one desk to another to obtain an “exit permit” that immigration officers at the airport did not even look at. And rightly so, for such exit permits are of doubtful constitutionality. My point is that there is no systematic and coordinated mechanism that is able to respond with dispatch before an issue becomes a crisis.

Permanent solutions needed. Worse it is with our foreign service, especially with our labor attachés. There appears to be no resource base – human and financial –with which government officials are able to network more effectively with their foreign government counterparts to ensure solutions on the basis of shared responsibilities.

Labor attachés have been deployed in various OFW-rich countries. But are these labor attachés selected on the basis of qualification? Do they have adequate orientation and training to prepare them for the rigors of OFW welfare assistance and repatriation that as a rule is a 24/7 engagement on top of their other tasks in negotiations and bilateral liaison with foreign governments?

It seems to me that the private sector, particularly Migrante International, is even more prepared in promptly bringing out issues ahead of government. It is the first to know and/or experience the problems besetting OFWs in their places of employment. To my knowledge, it was the first to bring out publicly the so-called “Saudization” or “Nitaqat” of work opportunities in Saudi Arabia, which restricts the employment of foreign workers.

To keep tab of our OFWs, Migrante maintains a website with an “online complaint form” where OFWs can air their grievances to a sympathetic audience. It is able to respond immediately to plaints without the rigors of diplomatic mishmash and red tape that beset officialdom. That said, certainly our government officials can take more proactive and creative solutions to tend immediately to OFW needs.

Three years ago, in early 2008, I wrote extensively on the laments of our OFWs and the solutions proposed by the OFWs themselves, which I outlined in my columns on Jan. 6, 13, 20 and Feb. 10, 2008. But to this day, their problems remain and their woes continue. Certainly, they deserve better treatment than just skin-deep acclamations of “Bagong Bayani” all over again. The Department of Labor and Employment must reinvent itself and implement permanent solutions to these recurrent problems.

* * *

Comments are welcome at chiefjusticepanganiban@hotmail.com

Our Very First Featured OFY is Earvs Cabalquinto!

I first met Earvin back in my university days as the fun-loving, energetic extrovert who turns every conversation into a full-blown production number. Back then, he was taking up BA Philippine Studies in UP majoring in Broadcast Communication and Creative Writing. Not surprisingly, Earvs was always on top of his class.

A few years back, I found out from Facebook (where else?) that Earvs is already based in Brunei where he is working as a copywriter in an advertising agency. I was surprised when I learned because he is actually one of the last persons I would least expect to go and work abroad. For this feature, I had a chat with Earvs to get to know a little bit more about his OFY experience and here’s how it went…

Name: Earvin Charles B. Cabalquinto

Age: 28

Country of residence: Brunei Darussalam

What was your work before going abroad?

Before going abroad, I was working in a television network. First, I was in ABS-CBN as a segment producer and writer. Then I moved to ABC5, now TV5, as a writer and segment producer of Philippine Idol. After leaving the network frontyard, I did freelance jobs on writing and productions.

What pushed you / inspired you to work overseas?

I’ve never imagined that I will get a chance to work overseas. I just submitted my resume thru online and got a job. Basically, it’s the interest to experience an independent life is what pushed me to work overseas. Plus, I was hungry then for a new environment. I was just devastated when my Mom died in 2006.

Where are you working now?

I work in a small advertising and events company in Brunei Darussalam. The name is IM Graphics Design Studio. I work as an Advertising Copywriter. I also produce and host events. And I also do strategic marketing for a few clients.

Describe a typical day and how is it different from a day in the Philippines?

Working in Brunei is definitely stress-free. I don’t get squeezed in the MRT during mornings because I am provided with a company car here in Brunei. While everything is accessible, such as dining and shopping places, there is no traffic jam which may eat a lot of time. And believe it or not, I can reach the office in 15 minutes despite the travel time I had to take from our staff house.

However, my life could sometimes be routinary here. I work for 8 hours and go home. So, to add spice in my so called “OFY” adventure, I go out with my friends and meet a lot of people. I sing in the choir. I take active participations in my organizations here.

What are the perks of being abroad?

Apart from the salary and convenience, you get to expose yourself to a lot of life experiences. You get to appreciate your identity as a Filipino especially when you’re mixed with other races; you’ll realize how talented and versatile Filipinos are. You are able to live independently and be responsible with your decisions and actions. Nevertheless, personal travails and triumphs make you grow to be a stronger person.

What are the things you miss most in the Philippines?

I miss a lot of things in the Philippines. Apart from my family and friends, I miss the culture, the food, the fiesta, the beaches, and the events.

What do you like best about fellow Pinoys abroad?

Pinoys overseas are friendly and accommodating. They help you to overcome homesickness because they treat you like a member of a family. From simple chit chat to big time handaan, they are always present to brighten up your day. Plus, it’s so fun to hang around with Pinoys abroad; they feed you with Filipino cuisine and entertain you with funny and animated stories ranging from the gossips in the neighborhood up to as big as a national issue which is mostly focused on Philippine show business!

What do you like the least about fellow Pinoys abroad?

I’ve never had any bad experiences with Filipinos. However, what I don’t like about some Filipinos is the lazy work attitude and being reklamador.

In your opinion, what is the top misconception about OFYs today?

I guess the top misconception about Overseas Filipino Yuppies today is the lack of care to the Philippines. Meaning to say, some people think that once an OFW gets out of the Philippines, they set aside their identity as Filipinos and aim to never return. This does not always hold true.

How do you think OFYs are different from other OFWs?

OFYs are young, fun-loving and goal-oriented individuals. While some are married at a young age, most of OFYs are single. They may be carefree at times, their passion for discovery and exploration of new experiences outside the Philippines push them to stand out in their overseas sojourn. More than pampering their work experiences with caliber skills, they balance their lives with travels, acquaintances, shopping, and partying.

However, same as OFWs, OFYs also work hard to save up for a bright future and help their families who are left in the Philippines.

What's next for you? Do you plan to stay working abroad or do you plan to go home in the near future?

I am now on my last semester at UP Open University where I am taking up Master of Development Communication. Hopefully, after graduation in September, I will be able to move into another company; it’s either I work in a new company in the Sultanate or explore another country. For now, I’m taking things slowly. I want to save up more. Plus, I am banking on various investments to equip myself on the day that I’ll stay for good in the Philippines.

As a UP graduate, I’ve never really turned my back to the Philippines. As my way of reaching out to my community, apart from the remittances that boost Philippine economy, I actively produce and participate in projects that benefit the Filipinos here in Brunei and in the Philippines. As a member of UP Circle Brunei, we provide projects to address the welfare of our kababayans. In our own little ways, our collective efforts help those are in need.

Any other things you would like to share?

OFYs have changed the image of the Overseas Filipino Workers. OFYs are not only identified as young, ambitious and driven individuals. They are also a representation of the Philippines’ future. Their contributions to Philippine society creates an impact ranging from the economic arena up to the socio-cultural banquets of what is like for a Filipino to survive in a globalized era. Interestingly, OFYs are markers of hope and an epitome of a multifaceted personality. They are just a stand out in any field they choose.

However, despite the enjoyment overseas and the sometimes blinding truth of earning big-time, an OFY must not forget to save up for the future. And so, investing wisely is very important. Whether it’s about banking on a skill or putting up a saving on a range of properties, it is best to be prepared. Bear in mind, working and living overseas is temporary. Despite the many years of hard work in a foreign land, we will still all come back to where we come from, the Philippines


“Laugh. Love. Live.”

- Earvs

Do you want to be our featured OFY? Or do you know someone with an interesting story to share? Email us at ofyuppies@gmail.com!

You know You're At A Filipino Birthday Party When: :

I read this joke online and thought of sharing it with all of you!

You know You're At A Filipino Birthday Party When: :

1. Some of the guests didn't bring a gift, but brought extra-uninvited kids.
2. When the cake says Happy Birthday Totoy instead of the child's real name.
3. The party is at Chuck E. Cheese but they brought their own food and cake.
4. It's a child's party but there are more grown-ups than children.
5. It's Totoy's 1st Birthday and the party food is pansit, lumpia,puto, and 10 cases of beer.
6. For entertainment, instead of playing pin the tail on the donkey, there is usually a televised baseball, football game, or a live fight.
7. They don't sing Happy Birthday; instead everyone is playing mahjong.
8. The party was over at 5:00, it’s 10:00 and the party is just starting.
9. You find out from Tito Boy that Uncle Nonong is taking viagra.
10. The host calls someone who’s on their way and tells them to stop and get some ice.
11. The guests start arriving and the hostess disappears to get ready.
12. You hear someone go up to the birthday child and say "Totoy, ang laki mo! I'm going to have to get you something next week when I get paid."
13. The party is Saturday, and you get a call from the hostess Friday night saying, I’m giving Totoy a birthday party tomorrow at 3:00.
14. Some guests bring gifts that are still in the store bag unwrapped.
15. There always seems to be more family than friends at the party.
16. You have the party over at your brothers because he just bought a new house and he has a pool.
17. The cake didn't come from the store; it came from the mother of the comadre of your friend’s sister who makes really good cakes.
18. You are told you have to save your plate and fork you ate your food with, so you can eat your cake.
19. Someone calls and says they can't make it, but asks that you save them some cake.
20. Guests are wrapping up cake to take to Tatay, Chading, Girlie, Tita, and Neneng.
21. The party music is coming from a small boom box.
22. The birthday child is dressed from head to toe in Tommy/Polo.
23. It’s Totoy's party but since his cousin Jinky is there and her birthday is in a few days, it becomes Totoy's and Jinky's Party.

Semana Santa

Here are 5 things OFYs miss out on when spending the Holy Week out of RP... Do you have your own to add?

1. Visita Iglesia

For an OFY who happens to live in Europe or South America, this will not be a hard thing to accomplish but for OFYs posted at the rest of the world (especially in the Middle East), visiting 7 Christian churches in one day is an impossible feat.

2. Pasyon

Waking up to wailing old women's voices was kinda annoying as a kid, but memories of going up to the chapel with cousins to light candles and also sample the halo halo & ihaw-ihaw in the streets are priceless.


3. Prusisyon

The prusisyon, which involves walking 2 hours straight across the city, trying hard not to burn yourself with the lighted candle and concentrate on the rosary praying the whole time is not for the lighthearted. Attending and completing the prusisyon without any shortcuts never fails to bring a sense of peace to me.







4. One week holiday


The Holy Week in the Philippines is one week of non-working holiday and gives the chance for families and friends to spend time together. This becomes the perfect opportunity for reunions and travel which is always good to bring families closer in these hectic times.



5. Salubong

The midnight mass on Black Saturday to welcome Easter is one of the most awaited event in Holy Week. Who can forget the little girls dressed up as angels , complete with white feather wings pretending to fly?

Hotel Living

One of the perks of being an OFY is the opportunity to travel more and see the world. Having been in and out of hotels in the past few years, it's hilarious (and horrifying) when a hotel does not live up to its photo and you just have to live with it.

The upsides of hotel living = no cleaning up after yourself, 24 hr room service, wake up calls, etc. The downside is getting used to these all and getting lazy to do the chores again back home. Thought it might be good to share some of the most interesting places i've checked in to.

Palm Beach Larnaca, Cyprus - This resort was amazing! Really calm , quiet and relaxing. Good for lounging around and just staying in. Not for the young crowd as there's a lot of senior citizens!

Oakwood Marina Del Rey, California - I stayed here for 4 weeks in 2009 and it was practically home. The studio type hotel room has its own mini kitchen with electric stove and a big fridge which allows you to store food and cook. The downside is there's no daily housekeeping (only weekly) and no wakeup calls. Also close to Venice Beach but really far away from other tourist attractions in LA.

Park Hotel Clark Quay, Singapore - The moment I walked inside, I was shocked at the smallness of the space considering the price tag for a night. Very efficient, clean , accessible and comfortable though. Good for a business trip but not so much if you're looking to spend a holiday lounging around.

Palihouse,West Hollywood California - The hotel room interiors are worth raving about. From the decor, the ambiance, the location, the bathroom, -everything looks perfect. And in terms of convenience, there's a big fridge, a microwave, a stove an oven, pots and pans...name it! There's even a food weighing scale and a washing mashine inside the room! a bit on the pricey side but worth staying in here at least once if you're in this area.

Dusit Thani Bangkok - Nothing better but a soft bed in a luxury 5 star hotel after 5 hours of nonstop bargain shopping. Book through asiatravel.com crazyrate promos to get a good price. This is in the Silom area, right in the middle of the city. It's beside a Skytrain station and it's near some night markets and cheap food places

City Inn (now Mint Hotel), Manchester UK -On the downside the room and the bathroom are very small, but on the upside- very clean, very near to everywhere and has an Imac for free internet connection.

Park Lane Mews, Mayfair London - So what if it is in the exclusive Mayfair area? It is still the worst hotel experience I had. Surprisingly though,it has one of the best hotel beds ever, or maybe I was just suer tired that day?

Palms Las Vegas, USA- Hands down, the best, most luxurious hotel room I've stayed in with 600 square feet of honest to goodness wow. Too bad this room is in Vegas and I never really stayed inside the room long enough to enjoy it.

Any interesting hotel photos and stories? Share it here!

Email ofyuppies@gmail.com or post the pics on the OFYuppies facebook wall!

Just Always Pray at Night

The recent events in the first quarter of 2011 left overseas Filipinos across the globe stunned and panicked. To date, OFWs living in Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Bahrain, New Zealand and Japan are facing difficult times. Thousands have been repatriated while a lot are still in these countries trying to cope.

The Philippine government is trying to do its best to offer assistance to OFWs by providing flights , free calls and money. All these to make sure the OFWs safety is secured. But there are still those who chose to stay in these countries amidst the danger... thinking that the worst is over and the risk is better than going home and facing unemployment.

At this point, the best thing to do is to pray for our fellow Filipinos' safety and for them to have a better life back home. I guess, this is also a wakeup call for all of us OFYuppies. Life abroad is not permanent... we must always be prepared emotionally and financially just in case we need to pack our bags and say hello to home.

Billionaire

Admit it. One of the top perks of working abroad is earning much more than any company in the Philippines can probably afford to pay you. This is a reality any OFY should never brag about but at the same time should never be ashamed of. In exchange for being miles away from our families, I say, we deserve it.

I recently attended an event held by a Real Estate company who sells condos to OFWs and I found one statement in their presentation really funny. It goes something like "Invest now.. Don't come home with just a photo album..."

I don't blame this statement because many families of OFWs sort of expect anyone who worked abroad to go home a millionaire, bringing with him gifts like the delayed Christmas Maggi. Coming home with almost nothing is frowned upon and gives the impression that you havent worked enough.Well, this does not automatically ring true because aside from the money most OFYs send home, there's also the higher more expensive standard of living that an OFY needs to be able to survive in. Okay, enough with the excuses.... this "photo album" statement made me wonder and ask around... what are the top things an OFY commonly spends on (aside from the monthly padala and basic necessities)? Here's your top ten

1. Electronics (Laptop, TV, mobile phones)
2. Shopping for clothes and shoes
3. House repairs and renovations of parent's house
4. Pasalubong and balikbayan boxes
5. School tuition for younger siblings
6. Holiday trip or Vacation (Boracay and Bangkok anyone?)
7. a Louis Vuitton
8. Real Estate in the Philippines (lot for parents or a condo unit)
9. Start-Up business
10. Family Car

Pinoy Cravings

"you'll never really know how much you love something until it's taken away from you..." This saying is so spot on for us OFYs the first few months we leave the Philippines and no, I'm not only talking about family, friends or boyfriends/girlfriends here.

Growing up, there are a lot of things we got used to that are readily available to us in the Philippines. We can eat green mangoes with bagoong whenever we want to, buy kakanin (or better, make mom cook kakanin) when we feel like it, or even get a cheap haircut or pedicure whenever we want with an F salon or Reyes Haircutters in every block. This list of things we are used to taking for granted just goes on and we don't really care because most of the time, it didn't really cross our minds that we will lose them.And admit it, back in the Philippines we'd probably choose anything MADE IN USA or MADE IN ITALY or MADE IN BANGKOK than buying something out of Divisoria or the local palengke. Why go to Reyes Haircutters when you can save up for those Korean owned and staffed hair salons?

But as with every alamat, there comes a twist to the story. We find ourselves miles way from home and craving for that fatty tocino or disease-prone kwek kwek sold at the street corner. So it is not surprising then that in countries/cities outside the Philippines with a high population density of Pinoys , a lot of Filipino speciality stores are continuously attracting a massive following. Obviously applying the basic economic law of supply and demand, these stores sell these imported Filipino commodities 300-500% more expensive than the products' original selling price in RP.

And who are we to complain, paying a couple of extra dollar for that Choc-Nut is way cheaper than shelling out at least thousand bucks for a two way ticket to Manila and back.

I myself was so surprised at my own uncontrollable delight the first time I discovered that I can buy Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdogs and Eng Bee Tin Hopia without having to bargain favours from friends going back home. Who cares if the TJ hotdogs cost twice than the American brand hotdogs, I'll take my Alvin Patrimonio-endorsed hotdogs anytime, thank you very much. The funny thing is that back home, people think Pinoys who go abroad generally become snobs with all the branded stuff around but in reality, it is us OFYs who become more appreciative of Pinoy products.

But do we yearn for Pinoy products because they are really better in quality, taste better or lasts longer? Well maybe in some cases yes, but I think it has more to do with the feeling we get when we buy these products. Having these things around us makes being away from our families and everything familiar to us less difficult. Maybe having Lily's peanut butter and Lucky Me for breakfast somehow substitute for the fact that mom is not the one cooking it for us...maybe the reason we're dabbing on Baby Bench or Lewis & Pearl cologne is because it brings us right back to our highschool barkada memories,which somehow lessens the sadness of missing all the barkada get togethers and reunions we missed while being abroad.

Drama aside, I'm sure having these Pinoy products available abroad will not stop the never ending "pakipadala" mentality we are all so used to :)

OFYuppies came up with a list of top 15 Pinoy products that are most likely available in Pinoy stores around the world.

1. Mama Sita / Knorr Sinigang sa Sampalok Mix (and other Mixes)
2. Lucky Me Pancit Canton
3. Datu Puti Suka and Toyo
4. Safeguard Soap
5. Barrio Fiesta Bagoong
6. Century Tuna
7. Boy Bawang / Ding Dong
8. Sky Flakes
9. Purefoods TJ hotdogs
10. Moddess Sanitary Napkin
11. ChocNut
12. Likas Papaya Soap
13. Magic Sing karaoke system
14. Marca Pina/ Rufina patis
15. Pampanga's Best Tocino and Longganisa

How about you OFY's, What Pinoy product would you love to have available abroad?

Who is an OFY?

OFY stands for Overseas Filipino Young Professionals. "Yuppies" is a colloquial term to refer to young upwardly mobile professionals belonging to an age group which is roughly 21– 35 years old with independent spending power.

So what exactly is an OFY? Is it not the same as an OFW?

The answer is yes and no. Overseas Filipino Yuppies are indeed Overseas Filipino Workers but it is a more specific group of younger professionals who go abroad to seek for better career opportunities.

Gone are the days when only middle aged parents travel abroad to work for their families.Now, more and more younger, recent graduates fly outside the country to find jobs and start a life abroad.

Of course, stories of moms and dads working miles away, sacrificing for their families and then coming back home to settle are still happening but there is also another side to this OFW story– the much younger and dynamic world of young Filipino professionals who chose to have a better career abroad to help out their parents and younger siblings– these are the flight attendants, graphic artists, doctors and nurses, marketing and advertising executives and even young entrepreneurs to name a few.

Are you an OFY? Welcome and read on...