They say if you haven’t dared left your comfort zone you will only be reading one page of a great book.

Those of us who have been lucky enough to experience the thrill of stepping into another country will tell you that there is this priceless rush that comes from the moment you first set foot on foreign soil.

Everything seems so exotic – the air, the weather, the street signs, the food, public transportation, people talking in a language you don’t understand. You take this all in as you assess the possibilities before you. It is frightening, yes, but it is also rewarding to have that chance to be a brand new person, open to new adventures ahead.

There was a time when travel was not exactly popular among Pinoys, when the word “abroad” only brings to mind three things – a) you’re family is loaded rich, b) you have relatives abroad who petitioned for you, or c) you are an OFW bound for a tough life in the Middle East, Europe or Canada.

Times have changed, however. Nowadays with cheaper international fares and better opportunities, we see Filipinos from all walks of life, not only making their way but also planting roots across globe.

Masters at the art of adapting and integrating, Pinoy expats are proving that although there might be no place like home, there is also no limit to the places you can call home.

If you’re thinking of spreading your wings and moving to certain parts of the world, we’ve gathered some insights from our fellow Filipinos living in key places around the globe to help you plan your next big move.

USA

Mindy Rule – Los Angeles, California

Mindy Rule, an accountant based in Los Angeles and moved to the US back in 2002 to be with her eldest sister. She says, “Moving to the LA as a fresh grad, I took a job in a small company as a secretary and then I went back to school to get more credentials in my field. I worked full-time and attended night classes. Now, I’m working as an accountant in a multinational corporation.”

Famous for NBA and Hollywood, Mindy enjoys LA’s multi-cultural scene and appreciates how traffic rules and regulations are followed over there. A big Filipino community in LA also made it easier to settle.

“Filipinos are in the top 5 immigrants here. They can become immigrants through employer petition or through family petition, but based on experience, it’s a challenging and long process, so you have to be patient.”

Rowena Olores – Dallas, Texas
Rowena moved to the US in 1991 when she was offered a job as a physical therapist for a hospital system in Lufkin, Texas. “I landed here with a working visa and a temporary license to practice while reviewing to take the State Board/Licensure Exam for a permanent license. I have since practiced and pursued a post graduate clinical fellowship and now specialize in Manual Therapy/Ortheopedics,” she explains.

“I like the efficient healthcare system of the US. As far as I know they do not deny anyone of medical care, especially in emergency situations despite your inability to pay.” She adds, “Culturally, Americans are in general, courteous and generous people. They practice the principle of right of way, they would hold a door out for a stranger, will acknowledge your presence by making eye contact or by nodding or greeting you. They also have excellent highway systems – you can see where your taxes are going. Shipping and mailing services are dependable. Freedom of speech is upheld here and personal and professional advancement is open and accessible to everyone regardless of race, ethnicity or economic status.”

Although living in the suburb has its downside, Rowena shares. “You don’t see much people around the street, so you don’t expect much community interaction unlike in the Philippines. You have to be very intentional to reach out to make friends with your neighbors. People tend to stay in their own homes unless you live in more thickly populated areas like New York or California.

As for migrating to the US, she says, “You can move here via an employer based/sponsored petition or a family based petition. They need to be in a profession that is currently in demand. In the 90’s the country was open for medical professionals. Nowadays, the demand is for Information Technology and telecommunications engineers. They can hold a working visa and then, apply for a green card/immigrant visa after a year or two. They will eventually be eligible to apply for citizenship after five years of being a permanent resident. You can find comprehensive information on immigration rules at www.uscis.gov.”

Rowena also shares a few dos and don’ts – “Beware of the lure of credit cards. American Society is encouraged to ‘build credit score’ and that entails borrowing money or using your credit cards to show your ability to pay for loans. Your mailbox will be filled with application forms whether you like it or not. As for dos –

Connect with Filipinos to ease the feeling of being homesick. Make sure you know how to drive. Public transportation is in place in bigger cities but limited in smaller towns. Be mindful of their culture and how you interact. Learn by observation, reading and interaction. Be open to change some of our old cultural habits like “bahala na”, because that can go against you as Americans are very process and result-oriented.

Listen and discuss, instead of assuming. Also, be comfortable in your own skin. We, Filipinos, are very hard working and are naturally caring individuals and Americans will see and acknowledge that. That way ,you can make the common phrase ‘America, the land of opportunity’ work for you.”

Want to know how to survive when moving to another country?  Check out our tips here –

Joni Cham – New York City

Joni Cham is a book author/research analyst who migrated to New York with her Fil-Am husband towards the end of 2013. “I live in Brooklyn, in one of the boroughs of NYC. I like it because it’s away from the touristy hustle and bustle of Manhattan, and yet it’s also close enough for the occasional show or dinner and drinks. I’m a writer in New York, which is such a cliché. The alternative is a housewife, which I am too plus a few other words. Currently, I’m on the hunt for a full-time job. In a sense, I feel like I don’t think I can really know this city well enough until I get out there and be part of it.”

For Joni, the two major challenges of settling in NYC are the cold and the high cost of living.

“I like the diversity of NYC. I like that I can try so many different cuisines, for instance. Oh, and I love, love, love the library! Free access to knowledge is definitely one thing that the US is doing right. Many Americans take this for granted but I always feel a sense of gratitude every time I go to my local library.

For the more mundane things, I like having fast Internet and a (relatively) good subway system. Traffic is never as bad as it is in Manila. It’s the everyday things after all that make up a life.”

Art Simplina, Tampa Bay Florida

Art Simplina came to the US in 1999, from Saudi Arabia, to be with his wife, Filipino-Japanese nurse Meiko, whom he met in the Philippines.

“While looking for a job, I enrolled at a local community college in Clearwater, Florida which eventually became St. Petersburg College. I got my certifications for Microsoft Network Systems Engineer and Cisco Certified Network Associate. These qualifications later on helped me land a job at GE where I worked for 7 years.”

America is a land of opportunity. It has given us the chance to improve our lives compared to our conditions back in the Philippines. Working hard will reward one’s effort and things that were not previously affordable are within one’s reach.

“Going from one place to another is easy. People observe the road courtesies; traffic flow is organized and smooth. “

CANADA

Joy Duyan – Toronto
Joy Duyan moved to Toronto in 2005 as a caregiver. She was on a working visa for two years. “After I finished the caregiver program, I applied for an open permit (which allows the holder to work for any employer) while waiting for my permanent residency. After I received my open permit in 2008, I started working in a construction company. “

According to Joy, “Canada is a the best country to live in with pretty good job prospects, social programs that help out people when in need, a reasonable cost of living, an average life expectancy of over 80 years for its citizens, and free health benefits for residents.”

For Filipinos who want to migrate to Canada, Joy shares, “If you want to migrate to Canada, there are a few different ways to apply. You will need to decide which immigration program will work best for you and your family. It is also important to know about credential recognition. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) recommends that you review the resources on the Foreign Credentials Referral Office’s website to learn about the steps you need to take to get your credentials and qualifications assessed and recognized in Canada.”

She also advises, “As we set our sights to immigrate to a new country, one of the most important tasks is to get hold of a job. It is advisable to segregate our job search in two phases. The first job is the one that pays the bills, and the second job can be your aspiration. Reason being, many of the fields in which we were working back home are regulated, meaning we need a license to practice. Also there is a need for “Canadian Experience.” Both these aspects can be fulfilled if we get hold of a survival job first for necessities. This also gives us some time to contemplate on the type of job we want to go after. It is also advisable to get a temporary accommodation for a period of 2-3 months as one goes into a new geography. This temporary accommodation can be a basement of a house or a shared one to keep expenses to a minimum. This will also help you understand the city better.

Once you identify the location you prefer, you can then tackle the decision of whether to buy or rent for the long term. When you get to be financially stable, you might want to consider getting a Life Insurance and a Educational Savings Plan (RESP) for your children’s education. In this way you are securing yourself and your family.”

Want to know more about migrating to Canada? Read first hand migration experience here –

Brisbane, Australia

AUSTRALIA

Cristy Guadiz – Sydney

Cristy Guadiz, a Financial Controller based in Sydney, relocated to Australia just last year, after in a multinational for 6 years in Dubai.

“I live in west of Sydney. I had previously applied for and then managed to get a transfer in the same company where I was working in Dubai before I moved. ”

Cristy mentions that she appreciates the laid back vibe and beautiful landscape of the so-called ‘Land Down Under,’ famous for its great outdoors. But the downside for her, especially as a traveler who got used to being conveniently located in the Middle East, is being very far from the rest of the world now.

“Plan carefully, especially if you are relocating with your family. Learn as much as you can about Australia or whatever that country you’re planning to relocate to. Research – there’s a lot of information out there on the internet – i.e. the , the average rent prices, the cost of furniture or appliances, food, etc. If you are making your exit from the Philippines for your initial entry to Australia, the CFO ( on Filipino Overseas) has a mandatory orientation that you need to attend.”

As for getting settled, she acknowledges the very helpful local Filipino community there. “I was very fortunate to find Pinoy AU Sydney group on Facebook. There’s lots of information there from the forums and discussions and lots of nice and friendly people, too. You’ll be surprised even more that there are Filipinos who are very willing to help out fellow Pinoys. “

Here’s another account from another Pinoy expat who lives in Australia –

Jun Tacio – Melbourne 
Jun moved to Australia in July of 2008., by the invitation of his company, Novartis OTC to join their IT department as an Infrastructure Systems . He moved to Australia via a company sponsored work and has been based in Melbourne, voted the most livable city in the world for four consecutive years.

Jun , “Life in Melbourne is actually laid back compared to Manila, Riyadh or Cairo (cities where I previously worked and lived for years). And yet, the city is very sophisticated. Melbourne is known as the arts and culture as well as the Sports capital of Australia, so there are events and festivals going on whole-year through. Then, there is always that option to drive to the scenic mountains and valleys that rural Victoria has to offer. Orchards and vineyards are also open to the public for day drives. Melbourne is also a culinary hotspot, with everything from burger joints to posh eateries, and there’s also a thriving bar scene and café culture.”

“It’s a bit more to live in Australia compared to the US and Canada and most of Europe. But it is cheaper compared to the UK and Singapore. Singaporeans actually prefer to study down here. Also, it is cheaper to live in Melbourne compared to Sydney. But there is always a trade-off. and Aussies enjoy very good medicare which is not available in the US.”

“Filipinos can move to Australia via skilled migration, family connections, and sponsored work transfer. Filipinos can independently apply to migrate to Australia provided their skills are listed in the Skilled Occupations List (SOL) at www.immi.gov.au/Work/Pages/skilled-occupations-lists/sol.aspx. Migrants can eventually secure citizenship once they met the required number of years of residency in Australia. The Australian website can offer more details about this – www.citizenship.gov.au.

Jun some of the dos and don’ts to consider when applying for migration to Australia. “Australian migration requirements can be daunting. The lengthy process and equally lengthy forms required to be filled up will put you off at first but this is the norm. So have patience.

Do not be tempted by some offering you short cuts in the process. There is no short cut to the Australian process.

NEW ZEALAND

Ella Sison, Auckland
Ella Sison moved to New Zealand four years ago to be with her family. Her mom and sister have been based there for the past five years prior to her arrival. “I came to New Zealand on tourist visa at first, coming from Dubai, then my mom helped me to enroll in university and get a student visa. I can eventually apply for citizenship after gaining full time . The only thing is, it will take five years, so we need to be patient. She ,

“The Lifestyle in New Zealand is good compared to Dubai, its simple, laid back and close to nature. It’s ideal for families but maybe quite a challenge for singletons, as there’s not much of nightlife or party scene. Social services and education are good so it’s really an ideal place to raise your kids.”

“My advice to Pinoys who want to migrate to NZ, is that they should prepare for the involved. Check the government website for the skills required as that would make their application process faster.”

GERMANY

Jenny Altai, Herten

Jenny Altai, whose husband is an EU citizen, moved to Germany from Dubai in January 2007 were they bought rental properties. Self-employed, she shares, “We live in a small quiet town. Living here is less stressful as we are our own bosses. We have German acquaintances but unfortunately, we did not manage to find close friends.”

“It is a good place to raise a family with a high standard ‘free of charge’ education and a health care system that gives you access to doctors and treatments without waiting. Safety is also a plus factor especially in the smaller cities or villages where crime rate is very low.”

She points out some drawbacks – “English is still not widely spoken though. A lot of the locals tend to assume that if you are a foreigner, then you are either a refugee or receiving social benefits. They also prefer to pay cash or with electronic card, so paying with credit card is not widely accepted.”

Jenny notes, “There is always a demand for highly skilled workers but Germany is not attracting a lot of them due to the language issue. Few companies do offer jobs that don’t require German knowledge but the majority, requires basic or even advanced German. If someone is really interested to migrate here, the best way is to find work in bigger cities that doesn’t require German. If not, learn the language and then secure a job before coming here.”

She cautions, “The situation here is not like in other countries wherein you apply for a visit visa, and then try your luck. One advantage of working here is the possibility of applying for permanent residence after five years, then citizenship after 8 years (7 years if you’ve done an integration course).”

Planning to travel to Germany?  Get information from Illustrado’s travel writer on Berlin –

Cecile Smago, Germany

Dentist Cecille Smago recounts, “My husband Carsten who is German, works for a Telecom company so on his international assignment I was always along. We lived in Vienna, then Brazil, Costa Rica and then back to Germany. We are now here for a total of 10 years. I have two sons, one is born in Brazil and one in Germany and it is because of them that I decided to be a full time mother here.”

Cecille shares, “There are a lot of good reasons to live in this country. Generally, Germany is clean and organized and education is free in public schools and universities. Best of all, the economy is in good shape compared to neighboring European countries. Another good thing is that every registered individual is required to have health insurance. If you cannot afford it you can go to social welfare and they will help you.”

She adds, “The segregation of trash here was completely new for me when we arrived here but after awhile it became a routine. When it comes to food, the groceries here are reasonably priced so if you cook every meal, it’s quite cheap to live here. The only downside would be that as a Filipino, we are used to the friendliness and openness of our people and we love to chit chat even for few minutes – whether we are in a bus, in a parlor or market, it doesn’t really matter. But the Germans will take years to warm up.”

Some dos and don’ts in Germany – “Carry your residence card or passport at all times. Be punctual and apologize if you are not. Always remember to use the formal pronoun “Sie” when talking to people unless they tell you otherwise. Shake hands all the time – it’s part of their culture. Learn how to properly recycle. Don’t do drugs. Don’t drink and drive as they treat driving under the influence very seriously. Don’t do the Nazi salute as it is considered a criminal offense. Don’t walk in the bicycle lane.”

“If you don’t have family or friends already living here, then you will have a hard time adjusting, especially if you don’t speak basic German and you chose to live in a small town where nobody can understand you. Plan, research and study everything about the company you want to work for and the town or place you will end up living before deciding to move.”

“Germany is a beautiful country. The only hindrance is that it hasn’t yet recognized the importance of adapting English as a second language. They still have this notion that you have to speak German if you want to live here. All I can say is that if you are young, highly skilled and willing to learn, then Germany will welcome you with open arms.”

UNITED KINGDOM

Precious Baque, London England
Precious came to London almost four years ago. At present, she works as a full time Accountant, while doing fashion styling in her free time.

“Living in England is like driving in the fastest lane, there are so many things to do in so little time,” she remarks. “I like the openness especially in art/fashion. Inspiration is everywhere – from the landscape, to language, to architecture and to people. I love their politeness and open-mindedness here. They are not bothered about your uniqueness at all. Government policies are good, and every citizen is protected.”

“The only thing I don’t like here is the weather. Believe it or not, it has massive impact on your mood and emotion. Out here where it’s always rainy or gloomy you tend to get homesick a lot.”

“If you are interested in moving to the UK, you have to check the government website and see which skills are in demand annually. Keep in mind that England is part of the European Union. A lot of the members of the Union and other neighboring countries also have skilled workers are interested to work here, so the job market is very competitive. But having good qualifications can help you settle.”

Precious advises, “Be confident emotionally and financially. Your salary may look higher than what you get in Philippines but you have to factor in the cost of living here. You must have enough savings to keep you going and to sustain your needs. You also have to adapt quickly, learn the culture, practice the good and analyze the bad. Eventually you’ll learn and practice both cultures, keep your values intact. Make friends and they will be there for you for life – that will help you feel at home.”

She adds, “Be careful of scammers – you have to be alert. It’s a must to know what’s going on around you, from daily news to financial updates. Keep improving your qualifications, education and career. Keep learning, do your homework, research and study before making any drastic decision.“

IRELAND

Ronald Belzena, Donegal, Ireland
Ronald Belzena moved to Ireland in 2005 in a town northwest of the island called Letterkenny, County Donegal. He says “I am mostly living a simple and quiet life away from the stresses of the big city.”

“Irish people are generally friendly. They have the same extended family culture as Filipinos. There are a few things I do not like here, the cost of living is not as cheap, but at least not the most expensive in Europe. The healthcare system is not reliable and it’s hard to get specialists or it would take months before you can consult one. Since Ireland is not a part of the Schengen area, work visa holders are also not allowed to travel around Europe without a Schengen tourist visa.”
“The only way to move here is to get a work permit/work visa. Spouse and children can also secure visas tied to the work visa. However, a spouse is not allowed to work unless a separate work visa is granted. After five years of employment, one may apply for citizenship. For now, applications only require filling up a form with personal and work employment details. There are no examinations in place yet. Processing could take a year to complete and once done, the spouse and children can also apply for it.”  Ronald advises,

“Be friendly with the locals as they would be well-suited to give you advice about your community. Meet up with the Filipinos. It’s the best way to cure homesickness and they would most likely give a helping hand if needed. Also, make an effort to understand Irish history (Catholics and Protestants troubles), so you understand what could be deemed offensive. Do not be sensitive with remarks from locals, especially when out socially. Irish people love the banter and it only means they are comfortable around you when they say funny remarks about you.”

“Even though it’s not cheap to live here, try and enjoy as much of the surroundings. Go to scenic places and enjoy hikes, especially since there are no big shopping malls in the countryside. There’s so much to appreciate in this place and you do not have to spend much, even though you may have to get your own car and learn to drive to get around. Ireland is a wonderful place to settle with the family, so it’s worth taking the risk.”

SINGAPORE

Ahmed Shawbaki, Singapore
Ahmed moved to Singapore almost four years ago by invitation of his company. “My role takes care of building, developing, maintaining regional/global customer relationship for APAC. If I were to describe my life here in one word, it’ll be – convenient. Getting around is easy. Singapore is quite small, transportation infrastructure is fantastic, traffic jams – in the Filipino sense – is almost non-existent. There are as much food centers (hawkers/coffee shops as they call it here) as we have sari-sari stores at home, and everything can be done online – even paying your taxes. Everything here is efficient and organized; in 15 minutes you can register your business online and start operations.”

Ahmed also enjoys the safe environment offered by the Lion City, “A friend told me before that you can run alone in a dark street at 3AM in the morning holding/flaunting gold bars in both hands and nothing will happen to you. I would say that that is an accurate, albeit slightly exaggerated, statement about Singapore’s public safety.”

“Filipinos who work here, depending on their Visa type and with some exclusions, can eventually apply for permanent residency and then citizenship here,” he reveals. He cautions, however,

“Do your research and be wary of the rules and regulations they have (they have a lot) from traffic to immigration and try not to break any of them. Be mindful of what you say about your host country, especially when it is something negative. That is not to say that one cannot voice out opinions, however, it is rarely what we say, but how we say it. So keep in mind that you are guests, and act accordingly.

I go by a rule that I read somewhere and this applies to anything that you say or write. Before speaking or hitting the send button, ask yourself if whatever you’re about to say or write might end up as tomorrow’s headline news.”

Traveling to Singapore? Get info from a Pinoy Singapore resident here –

THAILAND

Gibran Tocao, Bangkok Thailand
Gibran has been in and out of Bangkok since his early teenage years, now he’s helping his family run a perishable goods export business. Gibran shares, “Thailand is known for the food, good vibes, and its full moon parties and red light districts that gather tourists from all over the world. But what I like about Thailand is that it’s relatively safe and cheap to live here. Generally people are very lighthearted, though most of the locals do not understand English.”

“For Filipinos, no visa is required. They give you a month for tourism purposes. If you’re a woman and marry a local, citizenship is possible. If you’re a guy, probably wait till you are 60. You can be an English teacher, a nurse or be a staff at a hotel. It will be ASEAN next year so no visa stay restrictions.”  Gibran advises,

“Do save up money. You can have a pretty decent lifestyle here with cheap food, clothing and accommodations. I’ve seen a lot of Pinoys get stuck here because they didn’t manage their money well and eventually they try pawning their passports. Always save.” He adds, “If you have a degree with some units related to education, English teachers have the highest paying jobs here.”

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

April Perez – Dubai
April Perez works for Sony Music Middle East, she came to Dubai in March of 2008 on Tourist visa. “I got hired by Sony Electronics as a Vaio Specialist a few weeks right after I came to Dubai.

There are plenty of opportunities in the emirates in general, and although it’s a Muslim country, I like how it is very open and tolerant of other cultures. We have every kind of nationality and religion here, living side by side peacefully. As long as you don’t bother anyone, you keep a decent job and stick to the rules, you won’t have a problem. There are also so many Filipinos here so you won’t have a hard time adjusting.”

She adds, “The heat during the summer is something that takes adjustment though, but you will eventually get used to it. Working with people from different backgrounds i.e Arabs, Indians, Europeans can be a challenge so you need to patient. Otherwise, we all enjoy the tax-free salary!”

April advises, “Be careful about your finances. In Dubai it’s very tempting because everywhere you go, there’s always a sale. If you get carried away with your credit card and your finances get out of hand, you will eventually end up with nothing. Be mindful and respectful of the rules, Dubai is a very modern open city, but you got to learn to respect the culture of your host country and remember at the end of the day you are still their guest. Also, be open to opportunities, don’t put limitations on yourself and be open to working your way up. Enjoy the many benefits that your host country has to offer.”

PERU

Kach Medina – Arequipa, Peru
Kach Medina used to live and work in Kuwait (4 years), Kurdistan, Iraq (5 months) and Hanoi, Vietnam (7 months), and has now been living in Arequipa, Peruf for the last 7 months. “We arrived as a tourist looking for a great place to live as expats and luckily someone helped us with the relocation and visa issues. We teach English and recently just started our Yoga and Ayurveda Massage business.”

“Peru is known for a lot of tourist destinations but not a place to live as an expat. Here, we have great options for food, the house rent is relatively cheap and there’s a lot of income generating opportunities. Who wouldn’t love living in Peru?”

Kach shares, “It’s on the immigration website that we Filipinos can get 183 days tourist visa on arrival. If you want to volunteer or study Spanish, you can use the same visa but if you decide to work, then you have to process your work visa – your employer should process it for you and while processing it you can remain on a tourist visa for as long as you won’t do illegal stuff like overstaying!”

She continues, “Never overstay. Adapt and be flexible. Learn how to speak Spanish then everything will be alright. This place is beautiful and if you’re looking for a real change in scenery and a different kind of lifestyle or adventure, Peru and Latin America is something to think about. If you need more information on our stay in Peru, check us out at – www.twomonkeystravelgroup.com

Visit other exotic travel destinations through the eyes of other Filipino travelers

The post Filipinos Abroad: A Filipino Expat Guide to Settling Abroad appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

The post This Week in Illustrado – Corona Virus in Hong Kong, Bangkok & Singapore, Cold Weather Alert, and Art in the UAE appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

I moved here to Norway in 2013 together with my four friends. We came as nurses from Aklan Cooperative Mission Hospital. I recall that an agency was looking for workers in Norway, and I always wanted to go abroad and work for a better salary, so I jumped at the opportunity right away.

Tell us about where you live. What is the place famous for? Are there any notable landmarks, sites, etc. What do you like and not like about living there?

I currently live in Kjeller, a village located near Lillestrøm in the municipality of Skedsmo. It’s located 25 kilometers north-east of Oslo (Oslo is the capital of Norway). Kjeller is famous for its airport as the world oldest airport with an air battalion, international flight academy and aircraft production. It’s home to the biggest annual airshow in the country too! I love it here because it’s so peaceful. There’s no pollution, no crime, and you can enjoy all four seasons of the year. The only catch is that everything here is expensive.

Tell us about your life there.  What do you do for a living?  What do you do for relaxation?  Describe a typical week. What’s the typical lifestyle over there?

My life here is quite active. Besides working weekly, I have a Filipino show band, D’Goodvibes, and we play for different events during different occasions. I’m also a photographer specializing in portraits, events and landscapes. Each year, I go on a hiking trip with my colleague. We even reached the country’s higest peak, Galdhøpiggen. I’m a music enthusiast, so I also jump at the opportunity to see my favorite bands perform at concerts. When I’m free, I play table tennis, go fishing, listen to music or work in a nursing home. A typical lifestyle here involves working throughout the week, and by Friday or Saturday, go out for a drink and have fun with family and friends.

What are the main cultural differences between there and the Philippines?

Filipino culture has a tighter focus on family relationships compared to the people here. They send money to their family in the Philippines and loved ones. Norwegians are also more independent at an early age, and when they land a job, they perform differently than us Filipinos. Norwegian laws are strict, and I admire the people for being law abiding citizens and well-mannered people. For example, cars slow down when the drivers see someone crossing the street (which is quite the opposite than what we’re used to in the Philippines).

How were you able to adjust to the culture? Did you pick up anything new (practices, life lessons, etc). Do you still observe Filipino customs and traditions?

We Filipinos are famous for being one of the most widespread nationalities around the world. I just did what everyone else did and put my mind towards adjustment. The culture here wasn’t extremely different from what I’m used to, but I eventually had to abide by the laws of this country and practice being independent more often (especially since I lived alone). I’ve always been a fan of Viking culture and history, and my appreciation for it helped me adjust here faster.

I love doing things on my own but being in a foreign country is a different story. People here like to have their space and privacy (while also being approachable). One thing I learned here is that you have to speak out of you want to address something. People here will speak directly if you have done good or bad here. They don’t tolerate if things go the other way. I also learned that, when going to gatherings on occasion, we as guests have to bring alcoholic drinks as a form of contribution. Along the way, I’ve taught myself photography. My friends used to say “ano na naman yan, picture picture na naman?” When we were walking as I was always behind taking photos of something.

I still observe and practice Filipino customs and traditions here. I love cooking native Pinoy dishes as nothing beats “kanin at ulam’. Norwegians eat a lot of bread and potatoes. I do the same but not often. Each year, we still celebreate Christmas and new year like it was in the Philippines. If you’re the ninong or ninang, then you are bound to give gifts and pamasko to your inaanak.

What advice would you give to Filipinos who want to move there? Give at least 3 tips.

To my fellow kababayans who want to move here, my first tip is to be mentally, emotionally and physically prepared for the country. Being away from our loved ones is one of the worst feelings to experience. A lot of people have depression here, especially during the winter. I had winter depression every year up until now as I still live alone. The environment is also difficult to deal with here, so being physically fit is a must. This country has four seasons, and people tend to get sick in the winter.

My second tip is to learn the language thoroughly as a language certification is required for you to get a job. I was a licensed nurse in the Philippines, but it’s not credited here in Norway. The country has high standards with education and work, so almost everyone here is a professional. Because of tax, education is free.

Norway has four seasons (summer, spring, autumn and winter). Each season differs also in temperature and clothing requirements, so be prepared! There is a famous saying here “Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær!” which translates to “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes!”

 How about Filipinos who want to travel there? Also give 3 tips. 

To my fellow kababayans who want to travel her, I’m sure you’ll enjoy Norway! Here ae some tips to help you out:

1. Do as much research as you can. It’s always good to be prepared before going to a country. One essential thing to know is which season you are going in, in order to prepare the right clothing for yourself. Spring is from March to May, summer is from June to August, autumn is from September to November and winter is from December to February.
2. Know which part of the country you’re going to and which sights to see. Norway has lots of mountains, valleys, waterfalls and lakes that attract tourists from all around the world. Travelling in Oslo will show you famous landmarks like the palace, where the king and queen reside, Vigelands park (the nude sculpture park) and the Viking Ship Museum. Along the coasts of the Norwegian peninsula, lighthouses are go to spots for tourists. One of them is the Lindesnes Fyr (Lindesnes lighthouse), which stands at the southernmost part of the country. Famous hiking spots and landscapes dot the west and northern areas of the country, like Preikestolen, Besseggen, Romsdalsseggen, Trollstigen, Trolltunga, Kjeragbolten, Galdøpiggen, Rondane and the famous Lofoten Islands. Don’t forget the Aurora Borealis (northern lights), which are visible during winter season up north.
3. Norway is one of the most expensive countries to travel to and live in. Coming from the Philippines, you might be shocked to know how expensive ordinary food is. Instead of staying at an expensive hotel, try booking an Airbnb. It’s also good to buy food and drink from grocery stores and prepare your own meals (like sandwiches) for tours.

What’s your message to Filipinos across the world?

As an OFW, I know we have to sacrifice, but we only live once, so enjoy life! Do what you love and lova what you do. Success comes through the things we love and pursue. Don’t let people tell you how to live your life and let go of the things that drag you down, cheers!

ADDITIONAL: can you share any links to useful online resources that can help future travelers with your host country? Example: tourism office, tourist destinations and more. Please include the link to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General

Here are some important links you can visit when traveling to Norway. It features almost all the information needed upon visiting this country.

https://www.visitoslo.com

https://www.visitnorway.no

https://en.visitbergen.com

https://visittrondheim.no

https://lofoten.info/lofoten

https://www.norway-lights.com/#

https://www.philembassy.no

https://english.dnt.no

Lit Nacabuan has been living in Norway since 2013, working as a professional nurse. When not working, he plays as part of a Filipino band (D’Goodvibes)

Filipino Norway: My Pinoy Life in Mosjoen

SALVACION VALERA VALDERAMA

City:  Mosjøen, Norway

Since when have you been staying there?  Can you recount briefly why you moved there?

I migrated to Norway in July 1986 after receiving an offer to work as a nurse here. It was a very difficult decision since I had to leave my relatives, friends and family, especially husband and my son who was only two years and four months at that time.

I moved to Norway first. And then after five months my husband and my son came to join me. I originally got a contract for a year and had the option of renewing it, if I wanted to. We thought of staying here in Norway for only three years but as years went by, we came to like and love the country. We are enjoying life here.

Luckily, I have two older sisters, and my older brother also working as nurses, who all live in Oslo. They are married to Filipinos, as well. My husband is working in ALCOA, an American company producing aluminum. We have three children – all boys (27, 22 and 15 years old).

Tell us about your adoptive home

Norway, one of the four Scandinavian countries where Denmark, Sweden and Finland are included, is known as “The Land of the Vikings” and the “Land of the Midnight Sun.”

Norway is a country located in Northern Europe on the western and northern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula, bordering the North Sea in southwest and the Skagerrak inlet to the south, the North Atlantic Ocean (Norwegian Sea) in the west and the Barents Sea to the northeast. Norway, which has four seasons, has a long land border with Sweden to the east, a shorter one with Finland in the northeast and a still shorter border with Russia in the far northeast. Norway has a very elongated shape, one of the longest and most rugged coastlines in the world, and some 50,000 islands off the much indented coastline.

Norway is one of the world’s most northerly countries, and one of Europe’s most mountainous countries with large areas dominated by the Scandinavian Mountains; average elevation is 460 m and 32% of the mainland is located above the tree line.

 It is a very rich country ruled by a monarchy and has a very high standard of living. The country is strong in the field of oil production and is considered as one of the biggest oil producers in the world. Norway is also known for salmon exportation to countries all over the globe.

Norway, whose capital is Oslo, is divided into 19 different provinces which have their distinct physical features, cultures and dialects.

We live in the northern part of Norway, in Mosjøen, a part of Helgeland community and Nordland County. Mosjøen is known for the historic street of Sjøgata which constitutes Northern Norway’s largest collection of preserved 19th century wooden buildings.  Around 100 historic buildings are taken cared of as part of the pulsating city life.

The residents of Mosjøen are proud of their old town and will gladly show it to visitors. Walking through the area, you will find architectural gems and building preservation of class, including Wenches Keramikkverksted (ceramic studio), Atelier Marit K. Skog, Kulturverkstedet (the cultural workshop), Vikgården landhandel og kaffebu (general store and café), Ferdinand Restaurant, Espira Coffeebar, Fru Haugans Hotel, a guest marina and much more. Helgeland Museum’s own warehouse building in Sjøgata featuring exhibitions, which is spread over three floors, is also worth a visit.

Generally, Norwegian people are friendly and I love to see the different national costumes they wear during special occasions, especially on National Day.

Is there a Filipino community there?      

We have a Filipino association here at our place, but it is not so big because we are not that many here. I live in a small community where the total population is almost 15,000. Here, there are only 16 Filipinos, including myself.

There are an estimated 9,000 Filipinos living in Norway and most of them are living in the Oslo urban area. Most of them are females – about 76 percent of the total community’s population.

The first time I came, it was quite boring for me. But I think that’s quite natural when you are new to a certain place, especially during the period of adjustment. The lifestyle here is totally different, as compared to life in the Philippines.

What cultural practices/behaviors have you acquired from your host country?

There are a lot of good Norwegian practices that I have actually acquired. Here, we greet each other even if we are not friends. We take our shoes off we enter a home, leaving them at the entrance/door.  We also only eat a heavy meal once a day when we come home from work.

People consider each other as equals here, and I really love it. Skiing is a very common activity here since Norway is a land of snow. Unluckily, however, I don’t get to ski very often. My family has become accustomed to the Norwegian language, especially my children, but my husband and I talk in Tagalog and my native dialect – Ilocano, when at home. My children are also familiar with Tagalog and conversational Ilocano.

Your greeting to Filipino across the globe

I am very proud to be a Filipino working in Norway. Even if i have lived here in Norway for so many years, my heart and my thoughts are still in the Philippines.

I love the Philippines!  Mabuhay!  Long live the Philippines!

Hello kababayans around the globe!

The post Filipino Norway: My Pinoy Life in Kjeller with Lit Nacabuan appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Dubai –DuBlog Power Card has officially been launched last August 8, 2019, at 8 PM, hence the iconic 08.08.08 theme at Burjuman Arjaan Rotana Hotel. The event was attended by various social media personalities, community leaders, press representatives, and his excellency, Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes and spouse Dra. Yasmin Balajadia-Cortes.

Founded and headed by DuBlog CEO, Lance Japor, DuBlog Power Card was formulated for its advocacy to reach out to the Filipino community with the means of letting them experience more, by paying less. DuBlog Power Card, by the name suggests, is a discount card that entitles the cardholder a POWER to enjoy a huge range of hot deals on food, special services, beauty and lifestyle, training centres, cargo, travel, and a lot more! The card’s one-year validity from the launching month provides discounts ranging from 10 to 25% off on the total purchase, offers such as buy 1 get 1 free scheme, installments on different products, and free items and services. The card demonstrates a win-win result as the card is fully packed with favourable deals for the price of 50 AED only. It will also showcase and introduce different kinds of businesses in the market while making it accessible to everyone to experience.

The cardholder will have the power to explore the city’s bests and indulge in your guilty pleasures without breaking their pockets. With over 750,000 Filipinos all over UAE, the power card targets to empower all OFWs of any status, while making sure that they get the most out of their needs and interests with the power brought by the DuBlog Power Card.

As DuBlog is known for its advocacies in every event that they do for the community, the idea of coming up with this unique discount card was created in dedication to those whose monthly incomes are between below the minimum to average. By means of these special savings, Filipinos of different social status can avail and enjoy what everyone else is experiencing.

DuBlog Power Card can be availed in 4 ways: online orders, direct purchase from partner merchants, dedicated sales team, and through resellers. More details are provided on their official Facebook page and website for the list of partner merchants and their respective discounts and offers.

With this unique project launched and made for the Filipino community, the team aspires to continue touching lives and bring more valuable experiences to everyone in the community by using smarter ways of spending their money.

The post DUBLOG POWER CARD: A DISCOUNT CARD MADE FOR FILIPINOS appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Largest Filipino-owned technical school in the UAE  

Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Hjayceelyn Quintana and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General and Secretary Isidro Lapena inaugurated the POWER Technical Training Center in Dubai on March 8th.  Also present were Deputy Consul General Renato Dueñas, Labor Attache Felicitas Bay, and Executive Director of WorldSkills Asia Fahar Al Suwaidi.

The centre is the largest Filipino-owned technical school in the UAE and is ISO Certified 9001:2015, as well as accredited by the Knowledge & Human Development Authority or KHDA. The centre has its own equipment and facilities related to the Construction, Engineering, Hospitality and Healthcare sectors.

“I am optimistic that POWER Technical Center will empower our ‘kababayans’ here in Dubai and will serve as a bridge in making our OFWS more globally competitive because this is the very purpose of technical vocational education and training,” commended Secretary Lapena.

Engr. Jim Mahan, POWER Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Dexter De Castro, POWER Chief Healthcare Officer, and Paolo Arao, President of the Association of Filipino TESDA Trainers and Assessors or AFTTA, toured the government officials around the 12,000 square feet compound.

“Our engineering and construction sector training programs are aligned with the training regulations of TESDA and internationally-related standards,” said Engr. Mahan. He added that the centre will offer the following programs, among others: Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II, Industrial Motor Control NC III, Solar Panel Installation Business, Fire Alarm System, CCTV Installation, Building Management System, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC), Plumbing NC II, Diploma in Electronics, and Industrial Engineering.

“Our Caregiving program is an internationally recognized training and certification program developed to equip students with the knowledge and skills of caregiving.   The program includes care and support to infants, toddlers, children, people with special needs, and the elderly.  It also teaches students on the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills on preparing hot and cold meals, cleaning, laundering, ironing, health and safety, and responding to an emergency.  In addition, our caregiving program involves on-the-job training in a hospital and hotel, as well as basic life support training. It is aligned with the TESDA and American Caregiver Association curricula,” added Dr. De Castro.

On his part Arao said that the POWER Technical Training Center addresses the demand for skilled workers in countries such as Canada, New Zealand, Poland and Japan.

“With demands for technical skilled workers, expatriates particularly Filipinos must equip themselves with up-to-date technical skills in order to remain globally competitive and possibly open doors of opportunities overseas,” he explained.

Read more on www.illustradolife.com

The post POWER Technical Training Center, the Largest Filipino-owned technical school in the UAE appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Filipinos in Denmark: My Pinoy Life in Copenhagen

CHRISTINA APARENTE

 Your City: Copenhagen, Denmark

Since when have you been living there? Can you recount briefly why you moved there?

Before moving to Denmark in July 2007, I lived as a nurse in London for eight years. At that time, I was in a relationship with my Danish boyfriend – now husband, Michael – who I met while on a holiday in Boracay. We maintained a long distance relationship for a time, as he was still living in Copenhagen. We finally tied the knot in 2005. As soon as that had sunk in, we both knew it was only a matter of time until one of us had to move, and off to Denmark I went!

Tell us something about your host city/country.

Denmark is home to Hans Christian Andersen, who authored the classic, “The Little Mermaid.” The statue of Denmark’s “Beloved Daughter” stands in the harbor of Copenhagen and is not only the most famous attraction in the country’s capital but also now the national landmark.

Historically, the Danes came from a line of some of the most fearsome Viking sailors of the pre-medieval ages. With its rich history, Copenhagen has retained the grandeur of its fine olden day architectural structures dating back to the reign of the monarchs.

Today, Denmark has a population of approximately 5 million. Bicycles are favored over buses, trains and subway systems as a means of public transportation. Denmark experiences cool summers and mild-to-moderate winters. Recently though, heavy winters have been common, with temperatures as low as -20 degrees in some parts of the country.

Coupled with a beautiful harbor, Copenhagen’s places of interest include the long, cobble-stoned pedestrian shopping street called Strøget, which is a huge treat for shoppers during Christmas season. Copenhagen is also famous for its amusement park, Tivoli, which is located at the heart of the city. One of the oldest of its kind, Tivoli inspired Walt Disney, shaping his vision for what was later to become Disneyland. While in town, must-try delicacies include Danish pastries, bacon, Lurpak butter and yes, the famous, Carlsberg beer.

What do you do for a living?

Since moving, I have been working as a full time surgical nurse at Rigs Hospital, one of the largest medical facilities in the country. There are not many Filipinos working here – you could probably count them with your fingers – and there are not much foreigners either. Elsewhere, however, is another matter entirely.

Is there a Filipino community there?

There are about 8,000 Filipinos in Denmark, along with a few organizations that cater to them. One of the biggest, the FAD (Filipino Association in DK), spearheads annual events like the Barrio Fiesta, which provides wholesome entertainment, food stalls featuring Filipino delicacies, and fun activities for all ages. They also organize Philippine Independence day celebration parties every year. I join the activities once in a while, when my schedule permits.

Tell us about your life there.

I could best describe my life in Denmark as a bittersweet chocolate bar; it has its moments, as well as its drawbacks. Starting out and getting over the language barrier, for one, was a struggle. It’s no surprise that landing a job was problem for me, too. Imagine attempting to immerse yourself with people who speak a language totally different from yours. One should be mentally prepared for the battle before entering the country. It is probably one of the most difficult languages in the world to learn! Most of my classmates in the language school said so (they come from all over the world). Them of course, there’s the problem of landing a job due to the language barrier. Mind you, it will take years for one to become fluent. Four years maybe is acceptable for the gifted ones. It’s really tough!

I started working after my first year of learning the language. I had a probationary job at one of the hospitals in the city. I took the plunge, thinking that it would give me the advantage of assimilating into the society faster. It did help, but it also meant being put under an enormous amount of stress. I was totally out of my comfort zone, away from good old English-speaking London. Now that’s definitely something I never thought I could do – all in the name of love.

Living in London before moving to DK gave me an edge when it came to adjusting to the Danish system and culture. Keeping an open mind and being patient and understanding helped me cope. It may have taken me three and a half years to accomplish, but I have finally settled.

Life here is a bit more laid-back than it is in London. It’s cozier, cleaner and the crime rate is much lower too. What I like most about this place is being able to cycle or walk back home after a night out with friends – I don’t have to worry about someone mugging me on the streets.

During spring and summertime, I love going out on fishing trips and cycling around the city and the outskirts with my friends. We visit a lot of beautiful beaches too, but the frigid water temperatures keep me from swimming. I also enjoy going to bars with my friends in the evenings, and spending some “me-time” at fitness clubs. Sometimes I go and visit my Filipino friends to cook Filipino food and sing karaoke.

I am also interested in traveling. I love touring around Europe and America, and I’d love to visit countries I haven’t gone to yet. We have six weeks of vacation here in Denmark, too. What’s there not to love?

I have also discovered my latest passion, diving – though I’m not too keen on diving in the icy waters of Scandinavia. I’m already looking forward to my next planned vacation in Florida this August. I’m also looking forward to my Philippine dive this Christmas. I’ll be able to see my family and embrace the Philippine seas once more. There is definitely no place like home!

What cultural practices/behaviors have you acquired from your host country?

I became a staunch abider of traffic regulations. I found myself steering clear of the occasional slip-up – hitting the accelerator on a red light, especially when there are no cars at all. I have also taken to drinking beer with my meals. It’s the Coke to our Filipino dishes. I quite like it. I have also learned to pay back every single penny owed – even if it’s just one Peso. Nothing, no matter how small, should be ignored.

Despite being surrounded by the Danish community, we still preserve important Filipino customs here like the proper observation of Lent and Easter, and Sunday Mass attendance. In keeping with the close-knit relationships Filipinos share with their families, I stay in touch with my relatives in Manila and General Santos City through phone and email.

Your message/greeting to Filipinos across the globe –

I would like to congratulate those Filipinos who survived the initial difficulties of settling in a new country. You all deserve a pat on the back for not considering quitting an option.On the other hand, for those of you starting out, don’t scare yourselves too much. If anything, I believe that people of different nations, regardless of color, creed and language can live together peacefully through shared compassion and understanding.

Related Articles

My Pinoy Life in Japan

See how Filipinos are living in other countries across the globe.

The post Filipinos in Denmark: My Pinoy Life in Copenhagen appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Simula pa sa pagkabata, laging sinasabi ni Nanay na magpakabait lang daw ako siguradong madami akong pwedeng hilingin sa yo. Pwes, since I believe and I insist na mabait ako, here is my wishlist for this coming holidays:

A fairier, clearer and flawless skin. Masyado talagang harsh ang weather at water dito sa Dubai. Miski anung gawin kong pagmo-moisturize araw-araw at gabi-gabi ay hindi pa rin ako tinatantanan ng mga blackheads at pimples. Sus naman, dalawang dekada na ang nakakaraan since my puberty days pero mala-teenager pa rin ang mga skin problems ko. Afraid ako na baka dumami ang mga wrinkles at magmistulang hand-carry luggage na ang mga eyebags ko. Kalabisan ba kung hilingin ko ang entire skin care line ng Kiehl’s ngayong Pasko? Balita ko effective daw yung brand na yun since ang mahal mahal nya sa Harvey Nichols. Can’t afford ang beauty ko – alam mo naman na pang-Karama at Outlet Mall lang ang totoong naaabot ng powers ng wallet ko. Over ba? O sige na nga, I’ll settle for Belo’s Skin Care na lang. Basta ba magiging mala-Regine Velasquez ang puti at kinis ng balat ko eh, carry na rin.

A new designer bag. Okay, alam kong guilty ako for patronizing fake branded bags noon – kesehodang Grade A o Exact Replica pa man din – aaminin kong peke pa rin sila. Pero iba pala ang feeling kapag orig at authentic ang bag ko – salamat sa aking jowang si Adam at nakatikim rin ako ng Louis Vuitton Speedy Handbag na tunay at binili sa Dubai Mall at hindi sa Dragonmart. Ngayon ay mas kampante na ako na hindi na ako ide-detain at ii-interogate sa tuwing may security check sa airport at confident na kasing mahal ng presyo nito ang pagmamahal ni Adam sa akin. Kaya lang medyo nakakasawa na rin kapag iyun lang kagi ang ginagamit ko. Sa office kasi andami ko pa rin kapareho – mga kapwa orig na gamit ng mga bossing ko at mga japeyk na walang pakundangan na pinangangatawanan ng mga kaopisina kong rank and file employees. Patigasan talaga ng mukha di ba? Sasamantalahin ko na ang pagkakataon: pwede bang humiling ng Hermes Birkin? Yung kulay pula tulad ng kay Gretchen Barreto? Sana din hindi na ako kailangang magpa-reserve pa at pumila upang maghintay sa wait-list nila. Maigsi kasi ang patient ko eh. Okay, kung suntok sa buwan yun, pwedeng Fendi Peek-a-boo na lang? Kulay Green? O kaya yung Chanel Classic Handbag na lang – yung parang kay Jinkee Pacquiao? Tagal ko na kasing pangarap din yun eh. Bahala ka na, Santa – basta huwag lang peke ha? Miski Secosana pa yan, tatanggapin ko ng buong puso – atleast pwede akong mag-feeling Claudine di ba?

ANNIE B CHRONICLES: My Christmas Wishlist

A new bestfriend. Nag-expire na kasi yung dati kong BFF. Akala ko, nakahanap na ako ng tunay at tapat na kaibigan na magiging supportive, loyal at understanding sa akin. Minahal ko sya at inalagaan ng lubusan, pero in the end eh dinaya, winalanghiya at tinarantado lang nya ako. Kamakailan lang, I discovered that she created a fake Fezbook account na puno ng ilusyon at kawalanghiyaan. Nagpanggap siyang girlfriend ng boyfriend kong kano, Santa. Ginaya nya lahat ng mga information sa buhay ko at nag-post sya ng mga pictures na kasama ang jowa ko. Initsa-pwera nya at gamit ang Photoshop ay nakuha nyang i-crop ang mga pictures ko with my boyfriend at palabasin na sila ang magkayakap sa mga litrato. Nakaka-Single, White, Female talaga! Que Horor!

Sana Santa, biyayaan mo ako ng bagong kaibigan na hindi gagawin sa akin ang mga ito. Yung hindi rin ako ipapahiya at aagawan ng jowa. Imagine, miski mas maganda ako sa ex-BFF ko eh ang lakas ng loob nyang kumpitensyahin ako? The nerves!

So there, Santa. Sana mapagbigyan mo ang mga mumunting hiling ko ngayong Pasko. Pramis, titigilan ko na ang pag-stalk sa mga crush ko noong high skul sa Fezbook at sa Tweeter. Babawasan ko na din ang pasu-surf sa Pep.ph at kay Perez Hilton habang nasa opisina para mas maging productive ako sa work. Iiwasan ko na ring mamintas at maging mapanghusga sa mga tarsier kong kabayan, afterall isa na rin naman akong tarsier, Level D nga lamang. Basta, I promise to be a good girl.

Merry Christmas powh. Yazzzz!

Take care.

Xoxo. Hohoho! =)

Save

Save

The post ANNIE B CHRONICLES: My Christmas Wishlist appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

JOEL FORONDA

Electrical Engineer-ADNEC

Dubai, UAE

MY JOB

To an optimist, the glass is half full. To a pessimist, the glass is half empty. But to an Engineer, the glass is always twice as big as it needs to be.

As an Electrical Engineer in a consulting firm, I review, analyze, and recognize technical problems in all electrical design and material submittals pertaining to construction. My role is multi-layered, and is at the core of an integrated building services design. Our skills include power system planning, power distribution, lighting design, life safety system, vertical transportation and construction coordination.

MY WORK DAY

My typical day consists of managing the timely review of drawing and material submittals, plus handling the daily work inspection requests on the projects. Effective communication is crucial in my role. Most days, I have at least an hour of meetings plus an hour or two of answering emails. The rest of my time is spent investigating design problems. This requires collaboration with other engineers and architects.

 CAREER ADVICE

Believe in yourself. Every trial comes with its own reward. Be happy with what you have in life and make it a habit to share your blessings. Be an active contributor to the betterment of the world.

JOYCE ALCANTARA

Senior Officer-Customer Relation- ETA Star Property Developers

Dubai, UAE

MY JOB

 I am currently working as a Senior Customer Relations Officer in one of the private Real Estate Developers in Dubai for almost two years. Part of my job is to interact with our investors, basically after sales, liaising with investors on project updates, handover of their properties etc. I am a people person and it has been my forte to be in the field of customer service, my job is indeed very interesting as you will get to know different kinds of people and being able to respond to various complains and yet know how to maintain the composure and professionalism.

MY CAREER JOURNEY

This is not my first job in Dubai. I have been working here for almost 12 years. I started my career in the hotel industry in one of the five star hotels, from reservations agent to Sales Executive for five years. Then I realized, its time to move out of my comfort zone and try a different field for a change, hence I shifted to the property industry and joined as a Customer Relations Executive in one of the private developers in Dubai and eventually I got another opportunity to excel and joined in another private developer as a Senior Customer Relations Officer till date. The journey of my career has not been easy, it takes a lot of patience and determination to be able to stay in this very competitive city.

CAREER ADVICE

The most important lesson I had learned is, to be humble and to believe in yourself that anything is possible and to keep on taking risks in life so that you can tell yourself that it’s better to try than never.

Save

Save

The post It’s What I Do: Joel Foronda and Joyce Alcantara from Dubai appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Gee, Your Kabayan Smells Terrific!

Why Filipinos Smell Good

By Nicholo Jallores

It is an accepted dictum in modern medicine that the strongest mnemonic device out of all the 5 senses is the sense of smell. A whiff of the known and familiar could bring back a greater flood of memories than any sight, sound, taste, or tactile experience ever could. Warm pineapple and sugar reminds us of holidays back home. Grilled fish takes us back to barbecues by the sea with the family. The nose knows, it is said. Human beings in general are tenderly susceptible to the visceral and often jarring impacts of nose-stalgia.

Filipinos in particular are an olfactory sort. We spend a lot of time and money on ensuring that we smell good, or at the very least, that we don’t smell bad. According to Eden Strategy Institute’s Emerging Middle Class 2014 Survey, 4 out of 10 Filipinos cannot live without soap and shampoo. Personal hygiene figures highly in the Filipinos’ list of priorities, along with mobile phones and internet access. According to the report, most of us would rather forego health insurance and job security than lose our toiletries – in other words, it’s perfectly fine to be in the dirt, as long as our dirt doesn’t stink.

Our innate obsession with smelling good is hugely evident in Filipinos living in Middle Eastern countries. The sweltering heat of the Arabian peninsula offers the perfect environment for cultivating all sorts of maleficent odors, but amidst the stink clouds of hot acid and sulfur that urbanites have to contend with on a daily basis, the Filipinos manage to smell as fresh and dainty as young roses.

But what exactly is behind our propensity and dedication towards smelling good? What are the factors that define our relentlessly systemic approach to personal hygiene?

We have a few working theories.

1.) Filipinos generally don’t eat a lot of red meat.
Back home, beef is considered a premium item. Most of us grew up subsisting mostly on vegetables and white meats, with calderata and bulaloappearing only on the weekends or special occasions. Red meat is notoriously difficult to digest. Too much of it is likely to cause excessive perspiration and overproduction of surplus proteins and lipids, which can ultimately lead to body odor.

2.) Our food is not really all that spicy.
Compared to other cuisines, Filipino food is relatively rudimentary in terms of flavor compositions. We are comfort eaters, more than anything – we appreciate simplicity, heartiness, and sheer abundance in our food, with very little to almost no regard for flavor sets and textural diversity. Overloading on spices leads to excess sulfur in the body, which will eventually be eliminated through sweat and the breath.

3.) We’re all just water babies, really
The Filipinos come from a land that offers plenty of access to bodies of water. We have 7,107 islands – it would be safe to surmise that we also have around the same number of beaches, in addition to a stunning multitude lakes, rivers, brooks, and waterfalls. A typical Filipino family weekend getaway would be an afternoon outing at the beach. Filipinos just love water – a natural extension of which is that we love bathing. Other nationalities are even known to scoff at our insistence on taking daily baths. Imagine their consternation when they find out that some of us bathe twice a day – with plenty of “hilamos” and touch-ups in between.

4.) We tend to be overly conscious of other people’s opinions
Filipinos are very considerate and thoughtful – flip side of which is that we sometimes take self-consciousness to a ridiculous extreme. As a rule, we do not air our dirty laundry in public. We keep them locked up inside, and smother it with fragrances so the neighbors don’t notice. Our self-esteem tends to be heavily reliant on the opinion of others, so we go the extra length to make sure that we are pleasing in all respects, including the way we smell.

5.) We are sensitive of other people’s needs and comfort levels
It is often mentioned that we Filipinos are the preferred employees because of the level of loyalty and compassion that we are able to display through our diligence and hard work. The same can be said about our commitment towards maintaining a high degree of personal hygiene. It would be a matter of great tragedy for us to ruin another person’s day by walking into the room reeking of warm garbage. We take care of the way we smell mostly because it pleases us to please others.

Save

Save

Save

The post Gee, Your Kabayan Smells Terrific! Why Filipinos Smell Good appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Haven Hamilton A. Villapando
Art Teacher-Future Center for Special Needs
Abu Dhabi, UAE

My Job
Working as a teacher is always a challenging experience, no matter how young or old your learners are. Being an art teacher at the Future Centre for Special Needs for 3 years now (FCSN-Abu Dhabi) is very pleasant and rewarding career as it lets you help your learners express their feeling through art. I am also the in-house artist of the school during special events like Gala dinner, exhibits and others. I work with students between 3 and 20 years of age from various nationalities, cultures and socio-economic backgrounds. Fifty percent of the students come from UAE and the other half comes from about twenty nationalities.

My Work Day
I usually arrive anytime between 7:20 and 7:30 am at the school campus. After having a cup of coffee, I always go straight to my workshop to prepare the room for the art activities of the day. After an hour of preparing the materials, it’s time for me to facilitate our morning assembly with the students at the gym. That includes roll call, singing of UAE National hymn, warm-up exercise and dancing with action songs and nursery rhymes.

There are days in a week where I go to different classrooms to conduct the art class especially for the learners with walking disabilities, but for those who are more able, they usually come to my workshop with their teachers. I also cater individual painting session for the selected students at the centre for more advance lessons. I am an advocate of recycling/up cycling since high school back in the Philippines – that is why if there is an opportunity, I incorporate recycling in most of my art lessons. I also promote environmental awareness thru my Facebook Page, “Hearty Art Project” and Art exhibits.

With my 8 years of professional experience in both mainstream school and special needs centre in the UAE, I can say that I am truly grateful. I have been faced with a lot of unique frustrations but at the end of it, the rewards of teaching make it all worthwhile. It is my goal in life to have a tangible difference in the lives of others. As a teacher, I can see the fruits of my efforts everyday.

Career Advice
To my beloved and equally-talented kababayans, our Creator above has blessed us with a lot of gifts and skills. It is our duty to share these blessing to others. Filipinos are naturally talented. Let us always be a channel of love, hope and inspiration of our fellow kababayans and the world as a whole. Tayo ay mga Pilipino, angat at naiiba kahit kahit kanino!

Jeffrey S. Valero
Manager, Facilities Management – Al Mazaya Real Estate FZC
Asst. Secretary – Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers, UAE Chapter
Club President – PSME UAE & Associates Toastmasters Club

My Job
Being active not only in my workplace as well as in our community gives me an opportunity to take various responsible roles. I work as a Facilities Manager at Al Mazaya Real Estate which is one of the most promising companies in the real estate industry in the MENA Region. Being a Facilities Manager, I am the overall in charge of the maintenance of the facilities and assets of the Mazaya Portfolio in UAE. I am also responsible for creating and improving policies and procedures within the FM Department for the smooth flow of all operations. Being the Manager also requires the patience and leadership skills to lead a team of FM Executive, Coordinator, Technicians, and various FM Contractors.

Apart from my regular day job, I have also been given a responsibility as an Officer (Asst. Secretary) of the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers – UAE Chapter. Our main objective is to uplift the profession of our fellow Mechanical Engineers in Dubai and Northern Emirates by conducting professional enhancement activities and organizing general membership meetings. We also aim to uplift the communication skills of our mechanical engineers, which pushed the birth of PSME UAE and Associates Toastmasters Club. As President of this club, I collaborate with the Executive Committee in ensuring that all of our organization’s objectives are met in a solid and satisfying way.

My Work Day
I start my work day by checking emails and taking action where needed. Then proper communication with staff follows to secure that all operations are running smoothly. I consider myself as a hands-on manager. I try not to be complacent, as I believe that a leader should guide and develop his people into becoming leaders themselves. Communication is very important in my job and being a Toastmaster helps me immensely in establishing connections with all the people I work with.

I usually end my day spending productive and fruitful time with my wife and two kids. I consider a gift and a stress reliever after a long day at work.

Career Advice
There is a big reason behind why we ended up working here in the UAE. You may call it fate, or you can call it destiny. But good fortune is not enough. We need to harness our skills and work harder. But most importantly, we have to be thankful for all blessings that God give us. I believe that when we share our blessings, we will receive more blessings in return.

The post It’s What I Do: Haven Hamilton A. Villapando and Jeffrey S. Valero appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.