Balikbayan Box

Balikbayan boxes has always been regarded as a symbol of an OFW's love for his/her family back home in the Philippines. The box doesn't only contain material things that the family, friends and relatives ask as favor or pasalubong after being away for quite some time but it is also filled with an OFW's hopes, dreams and aspirations to have a better life for his/her loved ones.

Ang bawat balikbayan box ay produkto ng pawis, luha, dugo at pagnanais ng bawat OFW na maibigay sa kani-kanilang pamilya ang isang masaganang pamumuhay. 

Official logo of LBC

Since the box is very important, finding the right, affordable, reputable and trusted cargo service is not an easy task lately especially with all the bad feed backs and news that affects cargo shipments back home. Instead of uplifting news, OFWs are faced with varying issues that deal with custom problems, tampered boxes, lost items, taxes and the so called Balikbayan Box Law which proposes total dutiable value on boxes limiting the amount to Php 150,000 and that which can only be enjoyed three times a year. But despite all of this, OFWs are still firm in making sure that all the goods that they have slowly and meticulously saved during their stint working overseas will be received and enjoyed by their loved ones back home.

Trusted couriers are a hard find especially in the Middle East so when a Philippine-owned brand emerged in Kuwait to compete with the local ones, it's not surprising to find fellow Kababayans booking their services. LBC EXPRESS INC., has been in the courier industry since 1945 and has expanded their services to 1,020 branches in the Philippines alone and 60 international branches. Here in Kuwait, they have released two balikbayan boxes that would surely be a hit to our fellow OFWs. The LBC Balikbayan Trunk and the LBC Balikbayan Drum! These two new containers are made of stainless steel trunk and heavy duty plastic that would definitely ensure that the items inside will not be spoiled by any means and will be delivered safely back home in the Philippines!

Also, both containers can be sent through Air Cargo and Sea Freight. There is a money-back guarantee feature for containers sent via Air Cargo for lost shipments only with the prerequisites of declaring all the items in the packing list and photos of the container before it was sealed to ensure that there are no prohibited items inside.

Personally, we have used LBC's services for years and I grew up knowing them as the Hari ng Padala, just like what their commercial jingle always says back in the day. Even as of today when they have re branded their company with the motto - We like to move it, LBC Express is still the number one and trusted choice for express cargo - both for airfreight and sea freight. With the two new containers available, made of steel trunk and heavy duty plastic drums, LBC Express Kuwait has made sure that all the items in the Balikbayan containers will be safely delivered to the families of OFWs in the Philippines. Because of their reputation in delivering fast and efficient products and services through the country, it is no doubt that LBC Express has gained the respect of its clients for over 70 years all over the world.

For more information about LBC EXPRESS KUWAIT and their products, you can check their official Facebook page HERE. You can also visit their office located at Shop 28 Basement 1,2,3 Block 13 Fahad Al Salem Street in Al Salhiya, Kuwait City or you can call +965 22200428 or +965 99616522.

Ngayon ito ang tanong ko sayo kabayan...

Ano'ng pinaka-safe na cargo company para sayo?

We are God's Masterpiece

I came from a typical OFW family. My father went to Saudi Arabia when I was seven to search for greener pasteur while my mother who was a public school teacher raised me and my two brothers. Growing up, I never really had a physical father figure and I thought my family's structure was normal. My father would go home every two or three years and would only spend a month with us. That's how I remember my childhood with my father. On the other hand, my mother became the de facto head of the family with the responsibilities of raising three children all by herself. Financially, my father would support and provide us with everything that we need by sending us to Catholic schools and giving us a good lifestyle that we were really grateful for. But his lack of physical presence in our lives seemed to give us that feeling of emptiness as we grow older.

My lovely family 

By God's grace, I finished my education with flying colors while all the time acting as a good role model to my two younger brothers. I thought that was enough since I became the obedient daughter and supportive sister that I should be. Unfortunately, my brothers and I doesn't seem to share the same ideals.

One of my brothers, a former YFC like me, who we thought was doing okay with his Nursing degree had been having a hard time all along coping up with peer pressure and instead resorted to smoking and drinking. His growing addiction to computer games led him to fail his grades which inevitably got him kicked out of the program. His problem escalated more when he got his then-girlfriend pregnant at 18. This news came as a big shock to both my parents who have been great providers and supporters in their own way, especially to my mother who has been actively serving in the Church and is a CFC HOLD leader. My father, who thought everything is going well with us because we are all Catholic-schooled and had been guided spiritually by our Parish and CFC family felt devastated with what happened to his eldest son. He was even brought to the ICU and was hospitalized for a couple of days due to a heart attack after learning of all this because he never thought that his quiet, smart, altar-server-son would do such a thing.

Then, unexpectedly my youngest brother who at that time just started going to College as well suffered depression when he learned that his girlfriend from high school cheated on him when she went to the US. Instead of telling us about his problems, he simply kept silent and diverted his attention to smoking. Because of this, he got himself kicked out of his Accountancy program because of inconsistencies in school requirements.

During those times, I would remember that whenever I would pray so hard, I would always ask God why this is happening to us. I felt like we did something wrong. All of these trials came unexpectedly and has shaken our quiet family. What's worst is that I really feel bad seeing my parents going through the pain of disappointment and always questioning themselves about where could have they done wrong? Aalso, it pains me to see my two brothers going through all of these problems that we would only hear from stories of friends and relatives. It even came to a point where I felt helpless and as their Ate, I blamed myself that I wasn't able to guide them properly and that I just couldn't protect them.

I thought that what we have before was enough. Even though we have a dysfunctional family structure we have always been happy. But truth is, the problems arise because God intended for it to happen. Crazy as it may seem, God's plans are way better and complex than ours.

If God didn't separate my parents physically for the last 20 years, they wouldn't probably be celebrating their 31st wedding anniversary next month while still acting like lovestruck teenagers.

If God didn't allow us to be raised alone by our mother, we probably wouldn't be as strong as who we are now even with all the trials that had come our way.

If God didn't made my brother feel the addiction to vices and hadn't gotten him in a situation to become a young father, he wouldn't be the mature, hardworking and devoted husband to his wife that I know now who is also a father of three beautiful children.

If God didn't made my youngest brother suffer heart break, depression and confusion as to what he really wants with his life, he would've not found his girlfriend of 3 years now and won't be able to know that he wanted to become a Doctor.

God has his own plans for us because he created us, whether we may question his ways or try our best to understand everything. His plans are way bigger, better and more beautiful than what we can imagine and hope for.  It's simply trusting him to unfold his promises and to realize why they all happened. Everything will take its course according to his plans at the right time and all we need is to have faith. All of this is possible because We are God's masterpiece.

Essence of Christmas

For the past two weeks, I have been utterly busy preparing for the presentation to represent our unit - Salmiya. Although we only had 3 days to do everything from brainstorming for a good concept, creating dance steps and getting people to participate with us -- everything facilely fit into place as the event draws near.
The event was jam packed with creative juices, showcasing different talents from acting, singing and dancing. Our performance turned out a success with a spice of comedic act when we did our version of the Grinch's story but what amazed me most was seeing the release of SFC Kuwait's station ID were I, luckily, became part of. (NOTE: Since Blogger can't seem to upload the video, I'm putting the link here: Christmas Is About Love Video)

Then, after only a few days when I thought it's high time for a vacation from the community, came another colorful event that I thought I definitely wouldn't miss for the world, even though I'm currently attacked by the flu monster -- the Pasko sa Embassy 2011 organized by SFC Kuwait's Social Ministry aims to share the spirit of giving to the hundreds (250+ to say the least) of female distressed OFWs staying in the Philippine Embassy to feel that they're not forgotten. The basement of POLO office were filled with different faces of Pinays who have different stories to tell. But for a short while, when the affair began, all you could see were happy faces filled with glee and laughter that would remind you that Christmas is really here.

Although it's unfortunately sad to think that this would be the very first Christmas that I'm away from my family and friends back home, I somehow came to realize that what's more important is not the presence nor the material things but how we understand the true meaning of Christmas through the celebration of the spirit of love, joy and sharing.

Guro for a Day

Hindi ko lubos maisip na hahantong ako sa panahon kung saan maghahanap ako ng ibang mapaglilibangan. Buti na lamang at hindi pa nglalaro sa aking isipan na umuwi na ng Pilipinas. Siguro dahil na rin sa mapalad ako na makasama ang aking mga magulang, mga kamag-anak sa lugar na ito at isang napakagandang komunidad ng mga kapwa ko Pinoy na ang hangarin ay makpaglingkod sa Diyos. Dahil likas sa akin ang pagiging mausisa, pinatulan ko ang isang imbitasyon na nakapag mulat sa aking isipan sa sitwasyon ng kalidad ng edukasyon sa bansang ito at sa mga Pilipinang walang ibang magawa kundi ang mag sakripisyo alang-alang sa ikagiginhawa ng kalagayan ng kanilang mga naiwan.

Sa Pilipinas, may ekspiryensya na ako bilang isang guro noong mga panahon na ako ay naghahanda para sa serbisyong sibil na pagsusulit. Doon ko unang naranansan makipaghalubilo sa mga banyaga na akala mo kung umasta ay sila ang may-ari ng mundo. Oo at ipinanganak sila na maykaya sa buhay kung ihambing sa mayorya ng ating populasyon ngunit pasalamat lang sila dahil hindi nila nararanasan maghirap. Ngunit sa kabila ng aking pakikipagtalo at pagtataas ng dangal bilang isang Pilipino sa pagpapakita ng ating kagalingan, wari ko'y mas napapansin pa din ng mga dayuhang ito ang mga di kanai-nais na ginagawa ng iba. Nakakalungkot isipin ngunit paano mo nga naman ipapaunawa sa iba na mataas ang dangal ng mga Pilipino kung ang karamihan na naturingan tapos ng Kolehiyo ay walang reklamo sa pagtanggap ng kakarampot na sahod (30 pesos bawat oras) para sa serbisyong mag-turo ng salitang Ingles sa mga dayuhang pilipit ang dila at mas nakakalungkot isipin na ang ibang mga kababaihan ay kusang-loob na binibigay ang kanilang mga sarili sa maling akala na sila ay pananagutan at maaahon sa kahirapan. Mayroon din namang sinuswerte ngunit mas marami pa din ang talo sa bandang huli. Ngunit kung ano ang nakita ko sa Pilipinas ay mas masaklap pala sa bansang ito.

Noong nakalipas na Miyerkules nag-umpisa ang aking munting eksperimento. Inakala ko noong una na kakayanin ko ang munting pagsubok na ito, ngunit hindi pala. Likas ang kalakasan ng aking kalooban sa kahit na anong makabagong pangyayari ngunit hindi ko minithi na ganun ang aking sasapitin.

Aminado ako tinanggap ko ang trabaho na maliit lamang ang aking kikitain dahil para sa akin part-time ito. Ngunit kung iisipin, halos lahat ng nakilala ko na ng tatrabaho doon ay iyon lamang ang kanilang pinagkakakitaan. Kung sa pamantayan ng kabuhayan dito, kulang na kulang iyon sa pangtustos sa araw-araw. Maluwag ang iskedyul ko sa araw na iyon kaya bago mag alas-siyete ng umaga ay naihatid na ako sa munting Nursery. Doon ko nakita kung gaano kabusisi ang mga empleyado sa pagtanggap ng mga bata. Ang Nursery na pinasukan ko sa araw na iyon ay para lamang sa mga anak ng mga lokal na Arabo. Isa-isa nila sinisigurado na walang galos o sakit ang mga ito bago tanggapin sa pamamagitan ng isang hand-held thermometer scanner. Kung sa Pilipinas ihahambing, walang-wala ang pamamaraan na ito.

Habang ako ay nagmamasid, napansin ko na sa bawat batang inihahatid, puro Tatay nila ang kanilang mga kasama. Bibihira akong makakita na kanilang Nanay ang nghahatid. Sa isip siguro dahil madaming gawaing-bahay ang mga Nanay ng bata ngunit sa aking munting obserbasyon, mas magiliw at natural na malambing ang mga Tatay sa kanilang mga anak mapa-lalaki man o babae kung ihahambing sa mga Nanay. May pito o walong Nanay akong napansin na walang ka-amor iwan ang kanilang mga anak na wari ko'y parang mas masaya sila na hindi na nila kasama ang kanilang mga anak. Napagtanto ko din na tama ang aking hinuha ng makakwentuhan ko ang mga kababayan na ngtatrabaho doon.

Doon nalaman ko na dalawa pala kaming baguhan sa araw na iyon. Ako at isang Araba na kung manamit ay tila gigimik sa taas ng kanyang takong at napakakapal na make-up. Pagkatapos ako kausapin ng isang arabang superbisor at itagubilin sakin ang aking magiging klase gaya ng kung sino ang aking makakasama, ikinagalak ko na isang Pinay ang makakatulong ko sa araw na iyon na nangangalang Marlyn. Sa aming pagpapakilala nalaman ko na dati siyang nangamuhan kagaya ng karamihan sa lugar na iyon. Mabait lang daw talaga ang may-aring Arabo na siya ay tanggapin kahit ang bisa na hawak nya ay walang karapatan na magtrabaho sa ganoon na lugar. Ang responsibilidad na sa tingin ko ay madali ay aking ikinabigla ng iharap sa akin ang mga bata na aking tuturuan sa araw na iyon. Kung sa Pilipinas, sa tutorial o nursery man hindi aabot sa sampung bata ang hahawakan mo ngunit sa araw na iyon dalawamput-tatlo ang mga batang aking pangangalagaan.

Bago pa man mag-umpisa ang klase, binanggit na sa akin kung ano-ano ang mga alituntunin na dapat kong tandaan: kung ilan ang kanilang aralin sa araw na iyon, oras ng kanilang pagkain at kung papaano mo sila pakitutunguhan. Noong una mukha lamang madali ang mga binanggit ng aking kasamahan ngunit ng lumipas na ang ilang oras, para bang unti-unti akong nauupos sa aking kinatatayuan. Kabilin-bilinan na dapat ang pamamaraan ng pakikipag-usap ko sa mga bata ay sa salitang Ingles ngunit nakatatawang isipin na kahit anong bigkas ko ng lenguwaheng ito ni hindi ako maintindihan ng mga bata. Buti na lamang at kahit papaano ay may natatandaan na akong mga salitang Arabo at dahil doon ngkaroon kami ng mga bata ng pagkakaintindihan. Likas na bibo at makukulit ang mga batang hinawakan ko at tila nasanay na sila ay sindakin o sigawan, basta huwag lamang pisikal na masasaktan ang bata para lamang mapasunod. Hindi umepekto ang pamamaraan ko na paamuuiin sila dahil ang naging kataga ni Marlyn, iba ang kulturang kinagisnan ng mga batang ito. Nasambit nya din na dapat ako ay maging mas maingat dahil sa oras na magalusan ni katiting sa kahit na anong pamamaraan ang mga batang ito, direktang mababawasan ng mahigit dalawang-libong piso kada galos ang guro na ngbabantay sa araw na iyon at dali-daling kakasuhan ng eskuwelahan. Doon ako nakaramdam ng habag tungo sa mga bata at sa madayang patakaran sa lugar na iyon ngunit ano nga ba ang aking magagawa kundi ang ipagpagpatuloy ang araw na iyon.

Lumipas ang mga oras na wari ko'y ang pinakamabagal na pagtakbo ng oras sa aking buhay. Sa halos anim na oras kong pamamalagi doon, ni hindi kami nabigyan ng kaunting panahon upang makapag-tanghalian. Ni makainom nga ng tubig ay ipinagbabawal sa loob o kahit sa labas ng silid aralan ngunit ikinagulat ko ng makita ko iyong Araba na kasabay ko matanggap ay walang pakundangan ang pagkain sa loob ng kanyang silid-aralan at ng siya'y makita ng superbisor ay nginitian lamang ito ngunit pinagalitan at sinigawan iyong isang kababayan na umiinom lamang ng tubig na dali-daling ng tatakbo habang umiiyak. Ng aking ipahayag ang di makatarungang pangyayari na aking nakita, umiling lamang ang aking kasamahan at tila ba natuwa sa aking walang kabatiran sabay sabing "Araba kasi yan, ganun talaga." Sa kanyang naisambit para bagang siya na mismo ang nagsasabi na iba talaga ang pamamalakad dito ngunit dahil sa matinding pangangailangan walang magagawa ang mga kababayan sa lugar na iyon.

Nang dumating ang oras ng pagtatapos ng klase, lahat ng mga bata na ngaantay sa kani-kanilang mga sundo ay inilagak sa isang malaking silid kasama lahat ng kani-kanilang guro. Doon ko napagtanto kung gaano kadami ang mga bata at kababayan na manggagawa doon. Ngunit ng makita ko iyong kasabayan ko na Arabang guro pumasok sa katabing silid na wari'y may nagaganap na pagpupulong, at ipinahayag sa akin na iyon ay para pag-usapan ang mga susunod na alituntunin, itinanong ko kung bakit hindi kasama ang kalahatan ng mga guro, nasambit lamang sa akin na ang mga Arabo lamang ang may karapatan na makisali sa pagpupulong na iyon dahil ang tingin pa rin pa pala ng mga Arabong ito sa mga gurong Pilipino o Indyan sa luga na iyon ay para lamang katulong na taga-alaga ng mga bata. Doon ako parang nabuhusan ng malamig na tubig sa aking kinatatayuan. Pakiramdam ko lalo akong nahabag sa mga kasamahan ko sa trabaho. Ngunit imbes na negatibong reaksyon ang inaasahan ko na marinig kay Marlyn dahil sa aking naitanong, umiling lamang siya at wari pilit na ako'y ngitian.

Habang nakisabay naman ako sa ibang mga Pilipinang guro sa pag-aantay ng masasakyang bus pabalik sa aking tirahan, anim na beses kaming hinintuhan ng iba't-ibang pribadong sasakyan sabay alok ng libreng sakay. Kung tutuusin dapat susunduin ako ng aking mga magulang sa araw na iyon ngunit ng may makausap ako na Pilipinang sumasakay ng bus pauwi, pilit kong kinumbinsi ang aking Ama na ako ay payagan dahil para sa akin parte ito ng aking eksperimento sa araw na iyon. Ngunit hindi ko inaasahan ng bumaba ang isang Arabo sa kanyang sasakyan habang pinapaalis siya ng isa kong nakasama na bihasa sa salitang arabo ngunit hindi ko lubos maisip ang sumunod na nangyari. Ako ay medyo nagulat dahil habang pilit siyang ng sasalita ng ingles at unti-unting lumapit sa aming kinauupuan, dali-daling itinutok ng isa kong kasamahan ang dala nyang mahabang payong sa Arabo bilang pananggala hanggang sa ito ay lumisan. Sa aking kagalakan, biglang tumawag ang aking Ama upang alamin kung ako ay nakasakay na ngunit imbes na ipagpilitan ko na ako ay sasakay ng bus, sinabi ko na sunduin na lamang nila ako. Nakatutuwang isipin na ni hindi pa ulit humagip sa isipan ko na mgtagal sa ganoong lugar o ipilit ang kagustuhan ko na maranasan sumakay ng bus sa bansang ito.

Awitawanan sa Kuwait 2011

It was amazing how for the past four months, two wonderful shows was brought to Kuwait showcasing great Filipino talents! This may have been due to the enormous support the Filipinos here showed during the FIFA Qualifying games last July or that somehow the entertainment producers back home thought Kuwait is a new ground for International shows. Whatever the reason maybe, the fact that local Filipino artists consider this country now as a good place to put on a show, amidst certain restrictions, is such an awesome breath of fresh air.

Awitawanan sa Kuwait 2011 was made possible by Western Union and Zain in cooperation with Vio Drinking Water, Red Bull and Dunkin Donut. The event was organized for Western Union's loyal customers wherein a single admission ticket is worth 2 remittance transaction receipts which was held at the Arraya Ballroom of the Marriott Courtyard at Sharq. It lasted for almost 3 hours - with awesome performances by lady comedienne Giselle Sanchez, new prince of R&B Kris Lawrence and the main event performer, comedian Allan K.

Tickets! Thanks again Tita Julie

Inside the Arraya Ballroom

Sponsors. No I'm not advertising them but I couldn't be more happy to see when I saw Jollibee's banner! Yes it's true.....Jollibee will be opening its very first store here (again) by the 1st week of December of this year! YAY!

Sissy Sisters? They did the intro act, lucky for them. I forgot their name but they're okay.

Giselle Sanchez with a couple of local Pinoy back up dancers.

Donning one of her outrageous comedy acts with a Pinoy expat participant.

"A Star in a Million Season 2" contender Kris Lawrence swooning the audience with Bruno Mar's hit "Billionaire". Never thought he was that good on stage!

Singing his famous OPM hit - "Kung Malaya Lang Ako". Does the telerserye "Sa Piling Mo" ring a bell? It's a Juday-Piolo tandem. Unfortunately I haven't seen that show but the song was rather familiar, must the FM radios playing it.

Eat Bulaga's one and only - Allan K!

Rendering a soulful ballad for the audience

Obviously donning his famous act -- COMEDY!

The show was awesomely done, having a great combination of two cool comedians and one soulful singer. I hope Allan K would do more shows here in the future. Will definitely be watching out for that! :)

Sa Embahada ng Pilipinas

Walang kamatayan ang kwento ng mga Pilipinong hirap sa bansang ito ngunit iba pala kapag ikaw na mismo ang nakakakita at nakakarinig. Una ko itong napagtanto noong umapak ako sa loob ng Embahada ng Pilipinas. Doon habang ako ay pumipila para sa papeles na aking pinaayos, may babaeng lumapit sa akin at humingi ng pansulat. Walang kagatol kong iniabot ang bolpen sa kanya. Akala ko dun na nagtatapos ang aming enkwentro dahil mas nahabag ako nung tinawag niya uli ang aking pansin. May halong pagmamakaawa na siya ay aking tulungan sa isang bagay na wari ko ay siya'y may kaalaman. Doon ko napagtanto na hindi siya marunong magbasa at magsulat! Nagulat ako dahil paano nga naman siya nakarating sa bansang ito kung hindi niya alam isulat ang kanyang pangalan. Sa aming kwentuhan, nalaman ko na siya ay mas bata sa akin ng apat na taon (ako ay bente singko na), panganay sa walong magkakapatid, isa siyang Muslim at galing sa isang liblib na lugar ng South Cotabato. Marunong siyang mag-ingles at may kaunting pamilyaridad sa salitang Arabo, ngunit napagtanto ko na hanggang salita lamang ang kanyang nalalaman. Masaklap din malaman na hindi pala siya nakapagtapos ng Elementarya. Mas lalo akong nahabag noong siya ay tinawag na ng kanyang among lalaki, wari'y minamadali ang kanyang kilos, nagtaas ng boses sa salitang hindi pa masyado pamilyar sa akin at takot uli ang nakita ko sa kanyang mga mata. Noong tinanong ko siya kung alam nya ang tirahan at telepono ng kanyang amo dahil kailangan ito sa mga detalye ng papel na aming nilalagdaan, iling lang ang kanyang itinugon. Nang kami ay matapos, abot-langit ang pasasalamat na pinahayag nya sa akin at iyon na ang huli naming pag-uusapan. Ilang kababaihan din ang humingi ng tulong sa akin sa araw na iyon ngunit hindi ko inakala na halos pare-pareho sila ng sitwasyon noong babae na taga South Cotabato. Halos lahat sila ay hindi nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral at pare-parehong nangangamuhan sa bansang ito.

Lumipas ang ilang araw habang ako ay nanonood ng isang lokal na edisyon ng balitang Pilipino sa aming tahanan, ikinagulat ko na marinig na lumagpas na sa isang libo ang bilang ng mga kabayayan nating tumakas mula sa kanilang malulupit na amo. Naisip ko tuloy yung mga natulungan ko noong ako ay nasa Embahada. Kabilang kaya ang mga iyon sa napabalita sa telebisyon? Hindi naman sana.

More of Marina Beach

Since it was getting a bit more cooler at night here after the "Ber" month came, we thought it's the best time to hit the beach again though instead of going for a swim we opted to go and try to catch some fish.

Dad and Mom ready for some fishin'

Marina Beach

Dad with a couple of stray cats following him on the dock

But even after more than 2 hours of waiting, we only caught 2 pieces of small catfish so we just decided to throw them back to the sea. -_-