Complaining That Your Job Suck is Healthy

A quote on complaining from Woopidoo quotation reads "Statistics suggest that when customers complain, business owners and managers ought to get excited about it. The complaining customer represents a huge opportunity for more business". This is why it is correct when i said it is healthy to complain, but what the author Zig Ziglar says that the business owner and managers get excited about their customers complain, not an individual complaining on his situation or current job.


HR experts say that complaining employee is not health for the business. When employees complain their productivity and performance is affected expressly or implied. This result to backlog on outputs, accumulating and increasing the tension affecting other employees. Like a whole in a ship sinking it to the depths of the sea.

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An Observation of an OFW's Life Cycle, Truth or Myth

"The son becomes the father. And the father, the son" this is the quote from Superman Returns Movie that i left when i posted a comment on No Benta's OFWdiaries on his post "Hindi Porke't nasa Abroad.....". Many stories are told about an OFW life and experience, good or bad, it is everywhere in the news paper and books plus with the rising popularity of blog many OFW from around the world are now blogging their life as an OFW. I know because this blog is one of them.
Let me get back to the title on OFW's life cycle, Truth or Myth! If you’re an observant it is not the pasalubong nor does the going home story neither the happy and sad story that you will notice but the common reason of OFW striving for a bright future for their families.

Another common denomination of OFW

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Give Pride to Your Simple Job Kabayan

I seldom read tabloid news online about Philippine but since today is the inauguration of our newly elected President Benigno “Noynoy or P-noy” Aquino III and Vice President Jejomar Binay I went online to read Abante, but what caught my attention it is not the news about the President and Vice President but Abante’s Opinion column by Ellen Tordesillas on the titled subject "Galit sa mandurugas na airport taxi".


Yeah I know you already knew what I mean!

Well for me as an OFW who arrive back home after a year or two working away to some foreign land upon our arrival is it always a good feeling to be a Filipino again on our own land plus to see familiar faces, smiles and the Tagalog language to be heard again. This is why we OFW never thought that going outside the airport and on the first service render will we encounter unscrupulous people who think that arriving OFW have sack of gold on their baggage.

The airport management along with the Philippine tourism department promotes to available the airport service since they are regulated. They even put on their advertisements the rates for every kilometer for the airport taxi service. If you will compare the flag down rate with the regular taxi it is much higher but their advice is that the airport taxi service is hustle free and in the long run will cost almost the same as regular taxi. If you’re a new arrived and with no fetch to pick you up adding a little fare is ok.

For me, adding a little fare to ease the hustle is fine; the additional fee for a valued service is priceless. I know you agree with me and I know you will also agree if the scenario is not what you expect like not metering the trip and asking for an over the ceiling fare.

Now here is the part that I will blab about what I experienced.

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A Cut and Paste Letter - Pangaral ng Cool Parents

Timatamad ako mag-isip at magsulat pero nasa mood ako mag-browse ng email, nakita ko etong message na forwarded sa akin last year about a cool parent advise. Sa laguna ata base ang gumawa nito dahil sa entry niyang work sa Sunpower.

May halong biro ang message na eto kaya wag seryosohin.

Salamat sa bestcoolpics para sa image at muli salamat sa sino mang gumawa ng sulat na eto at nakarating sa akin. Read on. Pangaral ng cool parents

"Anak sa maniwala ka o sa hindi, ikaw ang pinakamagandang nangyari sa buhay ko...Kahit hindi kami naging mag-asawa ng nanay mo, sana huwag kangmagtatampo kung ikasal kami sa iba at magkaroon ka ng mga bagong kapatid. Magmahalan kayo bilang magkakapatid, at huwag ninyong gawing telenobela ang buhay ninyo dahil sa walang kakwenta-kwentang bagay.

Mahalin mo ang nanay mo. Wala siyang ibang inisip kundi kapakanan Mo. Kung paluin ka man niya o sigawan, ito ay dahil may nagawa kang hindi sang-ayon sa mga prinsipyo niya. Itanong mo kung bakit ka niya
pinapagalitan. Kung mali naman talaga, huwag mo nang ulitin. Piliin mong mabuti ang mga kaibigan mo. Huwag sumali sa barkada na may iisang stereotype. Huwag sumali sa barkada na puro jologs, puro conio, puro bakla, puro nerd, puro manginginom, puro manyak, puro leadtech, puro equipment tech, puro Process engr, puro equipment engr, puro visor, puro manager, puro HR, puro IE o puro nasa taas lang ang kaya mong batiin! Siguraduhin mong nakikita mo ang lahat ng klase ng tao sa barkada mo. Mas marami kang matututunan sa kanila kesa sa TV o sa bahay mo. Marami silang maituturo sa yo na hindi namin kaya, o hindi appropriate na kami ang magturo.

Maging fluent ka sa written and spoken English. Pag-aralan mong mabuti ang subject-verb agreement. Huwag kang matakot mag-consult sa dictionary o thesaurus kapag may hindi ka naiintindihan. Kasi anak,darating ang araw, makakaapak ka sa ibang bansa

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OFW Story - Buhay sa Saudi

This letter has been passed around to most OFW offices and work places. I received this just recently and i would like to share it with you.

Thank to who ever did this. If you're back home in the Philippines reading this letter, you'll feel the sentiment of most OFWs in Saudi or in the Middle East.

BUHAY SAUDI TALAGA (A friend named "Maeng Ni" posted this.)

Lahat ng sinabi niya nakakatuwa at totoo, tiyak makakarelate ka.

Akala ng mga tao na nasa Pilipinas kapag nasa Saudi ka akala nila madami ka ng pera.

Ang totoo, madami kang utang, dahil credit card lahat ang gamit mo sa pagbili mo ng mga gamit. Kailangan mo gumamit ng credit card Kasi naubus na ang cash kakapadala sa pinas, kase pag hindi ka nagpadala, iisipin nila nakalimutan mo na sila.

Akala nila mayaman ka at marami kang pera kasi buwan-buwan libo-libo padala mo, walang palya at kapag pumalya iisipin nila baka nagbisyo ka na o may sinusustentuhang iba. Hindi nila alam food allowance na lang ang natitira sayo at pag kinulang pa umuutang pa at lista muna sa malapit na bakala.

Pag may okasyon sa pinas birthday, fiesta, anniversary, pasko, new year, at iba pa, padala ka agad panghanda sarap ng kainan nila, di nila alam ikaw tiyaga sa budget meal, kabsa, noodles o de lata at itlog na nakakabutlig na ng balat, hay naku!

Akala ni Tatay, Nanay, Ate, Kuya, anak, mga pamangkin at iba pa

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A World Record Revealed

The tallest building with 160 floors, standing high at 828 meters, Emaar Properties unveils’ Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

Another feat for Dubai's Burj Khalifa tower for holding the new world record for Tallest building, tallest free standing structure, highest number of stories, highest occupied floor, highest outdoor observation deck, elevator with the longest travel distance and tallest service elevator.

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Feels Good to Be Home

Whew! 22 hours of flight schedule including 7 hours of stopover and the 9 hours direct flight, i could still feel the pain of sitting on an economy class flight, but who care what's important is i'm home again after almost 2 years of leaving alone in an unfamiliar place, away from the comfort of what i called mother land, Philippines.

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Peaceful OFW LIfe

After another high profile crime committed by foreign worker or expat worker, Pinoy expat working and living in this part of the middle east can't help but be compare to other nationality.

But how are we OFWs differ? One thing is sure, the feeling of ease of being a Filipino is felt once more by many of our Kabayan. Life as an OFW is peaceful once more.

Personally i've only experience it again just recently after almost two years of my stay. The first was when i arrived at the airport (first timer eh) the immigration attendant ask if my nationality is a chinese (chinito kasi) i said Filipino, he stamped entrance to my passport right away, unlike the other nationality queued behind. The recent is from ordinary locals that i came long with to the elevators or taxi, telling Filipino kuwais or very good with their hand signing very good (thumbs up).

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Exhausting TV Series

Every night after daily news Filipino family are treated with loads of tagalog TV series that entertain Pinoy viewers. An all in one package of tv shows from drama, comedy, suspense, adventure and action from the hottest celebrities and biggest network. This started way back as i can remember and from then on it seem the theme has not changed. Though the production is more lucrative with more technology involved plus the advertisement.

Yesterday, because it is a weekend in the middle east, i had a chance to see the shows along other Pinoy enthusiast (exclude me, just can't change the channels) from both of the main networks available. Don't get me wrong but we were not entertained by the show but with many Kabayans commenting and making jokes of the shows lousiness. Who would not notice the same story line of love triangle between the "bida" and "contra bida". The main characters are both naive of what the antagonist is doing and thinking. The supporting characters support the protagonist stupid decisions. The antagonist being so clever and wise. (this is why my son always wanted to play the bad guys when playing with his friends) How the characters are all placed in a straight line facing the camera. How the characters deliver a script "walang kabuhay-buhay" not realistic. How the action hero is bitten so many times yet survived and make a come back in the end. The super hero is sluggish as a turtle in it's action scenes. Or the same actors/actress but with different character name and title show "di naman bagay iyng role, pinilit lang kasi popular. These are the reasons why i don't watch back home this tv series.

It was really a good and bonding experience when Filipinos meet sharing views and thoughts about a specific topic especially for Filipino entertainments, politics and issues. It ease the pressure of homesick. It show how Pinoy think even in bad situation. Cool di ba!

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Tomorrow was Yesterday - High School LIfe

Reminiscing the first time we did anything on our own is a memory to cherish. For those like me high school life cuff unforgettably. Who would forget his/her first time independency. Free from our parents protective gasp. The first step of molding the youth's, good or bad, personality and attitude to equips us for life ahead.

Still fresh from my mind the first commute i took with a jeepney, my mother had to accompany to the main road and tell the driver where exactly to drop me. The first ride to the yellow Marikina bus (i don't know if they are still around). Funny that i had to balance myself (the bus was in motion) to get to the driver and give my fare only to be told that i had to pay the fare to the conductor. Amusing to recall this first simple experience but meaningful to recap as we mature.

This is the time we unknowingly experiment our feelings with our first "barkada" (dabarkads), first crush, first kiss, first "ligaw", first heartbreak (di pa applicable sa akin totoy pa ako nun eh) or to take the first "bawal" like first beer drink, first cigarette or first rumble. Good or bad this is the first to most of youngsters.

What's more unforgettable was the good life back then, no pressure from life's hardship (though many like me have financial difficulties). Life was as simple as kids growing up. "Nakakamiss'!

After almost two decades what happened? Where are the classmates we first trust and confide. I don't know about you but for me after bumping to a page in friendster (Roosevelt College Lamuan). I located some and are still back home in Marikina while other are OFW's or immigrants like me. Nice to see you again guys!

For those coming from the same alma mater batch of 92 please leave a comment and i'll be happy to link you to the friendster page specially for 4Mboni students.

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Winter Wonderland

It's a cold winter in the middle east..some parts even rain snow. But not here where i stay, the lowest recorded is zero degree, that is the freezing point but with no snow, yet. Never the less the winter season for new comers like me is a new experience...unlike in the Philippines. It's a beautiful breeze in the morning of cold winter air. Sarap! But what's more wonderful is Kabayan Junction's feed jumping from 20 subscriber to 4,321 for only two days. Wow! Really wow! What have i done to deserve this! (reality check, please!)

Ok, back to reality, i know this won't happen in just a span of two days (plus the fact that i'm a lousy blogger :0 oo naman cya oh!) Anyway, after buzzing lestat of ofwlayf my suspicion came to a halt, it's true there is a hoax. Well not really but a glitch with feedblitz transition of reports to feedburners.

Sayang naman! But i'll reach that feed someday with your help and subscription as a reader.

Find Work Abroad the Conventional Way

Have you read the previous post "how to start a new" and "don't be left behind" to find work abroad! Here is another way to find work abroad the conventional way.

While i prefer the comfort of internet searching still the most effective and successful way is to walk in to recruitment agencies for employment abroad.

Where to find the recruitment agency? It's better to first make a list of job prospect, browse the sunday issues of Inquirer and Manila Bulletin (they have a huge list every sunday) Once you have the list of your prospective jobs. Locate the recruitment office, the ads of this recruitment agency have their address, but first make sure the recruitment agency is accredited by POEA. Yes! its time to visit the office POEA to make sure that the agency is authorized and have not pending suspension cases with POEA. Just fill-up the form for details of the recruitment agency and get the result in just a few minutes. To get the complete details of your agency check out this directory from OFW Guide. This is just a list the official accreditation will come from the result of your inquiry at POEA.

The main purpose while scouting for employment abroad is to not fall victim to illegal recruitment, don't believe word of month or brochures circulating offering high salary, bear in mind that these company importing expat worker want to reduce their work force salary, thus will give less pay for expats. How to avoid this illegal recruiters...read POEA's tip.

One example are our nurses, the principal countries citizens receives four times the salary of our most experience nurses. Can you believe that! (This is not a general statement as others received salary as the countries national born citizen, but the catch is this, that the country giving equally pay empose high taxes). Where will you go! The best is to work....save....become an entrepreneur to our own country. Return the favor to our mother land!...(period :-)

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A less 1 (A-1) Pinoy

Been an OFW for almost two years now and i have meet many of our kabayan, that i will never meet back home, why? Because they're working abroad half their lives.

While many still possess the traits of Pinoys to be proud like our cheerfulness, kindness, hospitability and humbleness. Yet there are also many Pinoy contradicting this good character. Worst is they amplified this bad trait. Like crab mentality, gossipy, arrogant and territorial approach to new comers. The "pakikisama" is overrated, it's hard to penetrate in to the barkada if you won't agree to all, disagree to one and the rest will close out on you. Most horrible is that they keep track of what you do and tell every one they knew about it! Shame!

The best thing to do is to influence those who still possess the true trait of a proud Pinoy and inspire others Pinoys to remember why we're special and above from the rest of the world.

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Lesson in Marriage for OFW in the Middle East

With lack of opportunity to know more about the opposite sex many OFW in the middle east rush in to marry the immediate person they like. Some end up well but most of the time the both party just bear the anguish result. Worst if you commit to this guys mistake.

Take a look!



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Show The Power Of United Filipino

Yesterday i received a message at mybloglog community from Pedestrian Observer circulating to the Filipino bloggers to help a certain Melissa, an OFW in Saudi Arabia, that is being kept as a sex slave by her employer's pervert son. Her faith in the hands of her rapist only came into information when a concern kabayan, Leila Cabinon also an OFW , show authorities a copy of a video taken from a cellphone about Melissa's suffering in the hand of this arab sex maniac employer. I saw this news yesterday at ABS-CBN Bandila program. The scene was unbearable to watch as Melissa's hand was tied while his employer was doing his crime.

Our Vice President Noli de Castro ordered OWWA officials to find and rescue Melissa. The problem is how long can our authorities find her knowing coordinating with Saudi law enforcement takes time. Plus the fact that our embassy have limited muscle and resources when it comes to this matter. The time is of the essence knowing she is enduring this situation for so long.

As a concerned kabayan like Leila Cabinon let's do our share by helping our embassy to locate her. Lets ask ABS-CBN to publish the face of her abductor since the video show the arab man molesting her.

If you knew any person in the middle east specially in Saudi Arabia forward this post to them. And to other who have knowledge of any of our kabayan suffering Melissa's same faith. Report it! Lets work hand in hand and show the world the power of united Filipino.


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Middle A Peaceful Place - An Ironic Truth

Since my childhood years i've heard stories of OFW's life in the Middle East. Stories about the luxury of life and the riches of this region, with it's high quality yet cheap gold jewelry and affordable banded appliances, including the vast reserves of oil resources. But amidst this luxury story they told, what catch my attention is the country's policy for crime offender. A tooth for a tooth policy. As a child i think that the Middle East is a peaceful country because of this severe penalty for criminals. But as i aged and the stories of Filipinos being maltreated and raped keep on and on almost every week in local news. I am asking how can this be happening to a country that promote praying 5 to 6 times a day (salah) and from people that believe/practice a month long penance (ramadan). Ironic isn't it!

How can this be? Let's get the answer from them. From the website of MiddleEastYouth this is posted on that forum. Posted by Sigmund, Carl and Alfred

The reason for my hatred of all things Muslim and Arab extends beyond the obvious. Anyone, anywhere, can decipher Arab behavior for what it is- a reflection and an example of a culture gone bad and a culture that has become morally incestuous. The impotence, ignorance and the indifference the entire Arab world is on display when it comes to dealing with their realities. The behavior is nothing short of a breathtaking view of what happens when even the most basic moralities are co opted by evil. With the help of self serving political and religious leaders, Islamic leaders have conveyed the notion that the situation Arabs find themselves in is because of, a) a 'weakness' in their faith and, b) because they are so superior by virtue of their faith, they have every right to impose at will whatever indignities they see fit at any time. They are victims and they can extract revenge as they see fit.

Now i experienced first hand the life of OFW in the middle east. As i observed when night time comes; in the Philippines parent tell their children to stay at home because their are ghost (multo) and "aswang" outside, Here long time OFWs tell newbies to stay at home (specially when it's school vacation) because there are many Arab bullies lurking. This is true, one time i accompany my officemate to Jarir (like a national book store here) we passed a street with arab kids on a SUV vehicle they were about to leave then they notice us coming they turned their vehicle then whistled at us saying "bakla" i want your A@&. This how they treat Pinoy "Suntukan na lang!".

On crossing the street; in the Philippine your should look to your left before crossing then to the right when you reached to the other side. Here you should look on both side 'cuz there are driver driving on reverse or on a counter flow at high speed on the same lane. Plus don't make the mistake of crossing the street when the vehicle is less than 20 meters 'cuz when they see pedestrians crossing they don't slow down but they hit the gas. Baligtad talaga ang utak nila!

When buying on the same store "suki" always make a price list of the same things you buy. For Asians when your a returning buyer (suki) the owner usually give a discount or a lower price (friendly price) here it's the opposite when your a returning buyer they might increase your price if your unaware. Ang kagandahan lang pag luko ka din, kasi bobo sila magsukli wag mo na ibalik. :-)

For newbies coming in. The good thing i observed about arabs is they don't discriminate how you look or how you dress. Even managers or business owners shake hands with employees even the low positions. The problem is if your a newbie this low position personel acts as manager (they call it modir). Feeling manager! Wag ka pasindak especially if you have the position. Know other personnel from other Pinoy officemate.

They speak with rage when explaining and conveying their thoughts. They tend to shout when explaining or even talking. Pinoys are calm person that we are used to talk smoothly and with lambing. But to them shouting is the way of conversation. Be used to this and still be calm. Just think they are castrated and the effect is them shouting. Kawawa di ba?

Yet this things happen and many arabs specially the youth don't respect their religion and lacks proper hospitality and goodness, there are now few civilized arabs that share a good personality and mentality specially those that are raised by Pinay babysitter (yaya). The best thing is to stay focus of the reason why your here in the middle east to earn a living back home. Set yourself to be more aware and as much as possible enjoy the comfort of your home and stay away from illegal vices.

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How Not To Please Your Boss? (Tagalog Jokes)

A fellow pinoy blogger wrote about the F-Word, my comment is that most Pinoy can't take a wild reply. Here i post from my inbox how to say the F-word to your boss the Tagalog way!

1. Ano!? Yan lang di niyo pa kayang gawin at iuutos niyo pa sa akin?

2. Hellooo! Gawin niyo na iyan no para naman huwag niyong makalimutan kung paano mag-isip.

3. Sir, makinig kaya kayo sa akin!? Pwede?

4. Puwede ba, busy ako? Mamaya na po yan.

5. Gumawa kayo ng sarili niyong presentation!

6. If challenges are more important than financial rewards, then why don't you just trade in your salary for my challenges?

7. Pwede pong paki-decide kung alin sa 10 inutos niyo sakin ngayon ang talagang urgent?

8. Absent po ako today. Wala lang, ayaw ko po kayong makita eh...

9. Pwede bang mag-all expense paid na vacation? Sige na naman, pagod na pagod na po ako eh.

10. Sir, bili niyo naman akong yosi. Sige na! Sa inyo na lang po yung sukli.

11. Uwi na po ako ha. Bahala na kayo dito sa opis..

12. Sir, pwede po bang taasan ang sweldo ko? Ang hirap kasi ng trabaho ko eh, ang pakisamahan
kayo!

13. Mag-reduce naman po kayo! Mukha na kayong balyena eh.

14. Bakit po pag kami walang ginagawa pinapagalitan niyo kami? Pero bakit pag kayo ok lang?

15. Akala niyo ba magaling kayo? Wala lang silang mapiling iba kaya kayo nilagay diyan sa
pwestong yan!

16. Ma'am, ang bait niyo po talaga. Sana kunin na kayo ni Lord.

17. And it is with utmost sincerity that I wish you the best of luck spending the rest of your afterlife rotting in hell at Satan's side where you belong.

18. Kung totoong nag-client call kayo patingin ng service report niyo!

19. Sagutin niyo naman yung telepono. A little exercise won't hurt.

20. Sige, gagawin ko po ito. Pero pagtimpla niyo ko ng kape.

21. Shut up when I'm talking to you!

22. Kayo itong may pa-kotse tapos ako uutusan niyo pumunta sa meeting? Ano kayo, hilo!??

23. Ano?!! Di niyo alam mag-print? Sayang ang laptop niyo ma'am.

24. Sir aminin niyo na po, nagpapa-cute lang kayo sa client. Kunyari pa kayo na binebentahan niyo siya.

25. Ang ganda ng resulta ng pagkaka-plastic surgery niyo, banat na banat! Lalo tuloy kayo pinagtatawanan eh.

26. If you really think it's that important, di kayo gumawa.

27. Sir, palit tayong sweldo!

28. Ang sarap po siguro ng trabaho niyo no? Biro niyo utos lang kayo ng utos samin. Ang laki pa ng sweldo!

29. Gusto niyo mag-trabaho naman for a change?

30. Do my work over the weekend?!?! At baket!? Sino kayo para utusan ako?

31. Ngayon na due ito? Eh di kayo gumawa!

32. Can't you see I'm goddamn busy?

33. If you need me, bukas na lang. May date po ako ngayon eh.

34. Asus!! Mage-edit lang hindi pa kaya! Kayo na lang ang mag-edit para hindi sayang sa oras.

35. Sir, tinatamad po akong pumasok ngayon e. Sa bahay na lang po ako mag-iinternet at mage-games, ala pang gastos.

36. Huli kayo! Nanonood din pala kayo ng VCD ha!

37. Sir, lahat po ng kelangan niyo nandyan na. Kelangan niyo lang po tingnan mabuti!

38. Tsk tsk tsk, yan na nga ba sinasabi ko e. Ayaw niyo kasi makinig sakin.

39. Pwede bang sakin na lang position niyo?

I don't want to be an OFW forever (1st anniversary of an OFW)

How long have you've been an OFW? Less than 5 year or more than 10 years. If you ask me, it's only my first year as an OFW, but it's feels like a century already. I'm not an extrovert person this is why i felt like losing a year of life with my family. Thinking of it makes me want, not to be an OFW much longer.

When i first arrive here in Saudi, most of the Kabayan (co-workers) already stayed a significant time of their life. Some of them have been here for more than 20 years. The average stay is 10 years. At first i feel the guilt of asking myself why did i not decided to work here earlier, knowing they are more financially stable now than i am. I feel annoy thinking i should have a better saving if i pursue becoming an OFW much earlier in my life.

After a year of staying here all my frustrations not working as an OFW earlier came to a halt. Being an OFW is clearer to me today than when i first arrive here. Now I know why other stayed here for more than half their life even though they are earning more than they would tkae home as manager in the Philippines. Why amidst the different culture and weather many OFW still bring their families to live with together. Why some family separation become permanent. How OFWs are maltreated, not paid on time, overworked but still holding to their employers. Why many OFW amidst prohibited by the law here still makes those thing for a living or an extra earning. And i came to a conclusion why their are many men OFW here than other foreign country. I could only say one thing "aching!" :-)