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 espite
the smell of diesel fumes, the piercing rattle of two-stroke tricycle
engines,  or the incessant honking of automobile horns; in spite of the
typhoons and their accompanying floods; even in spite of all the corruption
scandals, and kidnappings and bombings--Christmas is in the air. Streets and plazas, and
many neighborhood homes have been painstakingly decorated to shine like
jewels in the night, as the sounds of Christmas carols and the aroma puto
bumbong waft through the night air.
Most Filipinos living overseas will agree
that Christmas seem so much happier in the Philippines. And while Filipino
communities the world over do what they can to try and capture some of that
happy spirit, nothing can compare to the joy of Christmas in the
Philippines.
For overseas workers, spending the Holidays
far away from family and friends is yet another sacrifice that is offered up
for the sake of providing for the family. It is the overseas workers
laboring in the streets of the Middle East, or North America, or Australia,
or Japan; the domestic helpers toiling in Hong Kong or Jeddah who are
keeping the Philippine economy afloat--their remittances totaling in the
billions of dollars annually. It is through their sacrifice, that Philippine
politicians and businessmen can afford their lavish holiday parties, and
exchange expensive Christmas gifts.
So if you happen to be a Philippine government
official or Philippine business executive reading this, before you indulge your
palate with the very best of food and wine this season, pause for a moment, lift
up your glass and offer a toast to the OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers) for they are
the true modern-day heroes of your country.
Happy Holidays!
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