By Rolo B. Cena
Arabian Diaries
Dumaguete Star Informer
23 August 2009
The morning has almost broken in this desert-Kingdom at half-an-hour past four early dawn. I said almost has broken because by this time, the darkness has been relieved by light that has already touched the beige-colored sand dunes.
Yes, it was too early for a sunrise!
It was my first trip to Riyadh, the Capital City of the Land of Contrast, the title Saudi Arabia is known for. Excitement paddled my interest to travel to Riyadh despite the expected five-to-six-hours ordeal by car.
Hurdling over time constraint for my board presentation, I opened my laptop on the instruction of my general manager and finalized my text. At six in the morning, I was done and was ready to view the areas where my naked eyes can reach.
I thought Saudi Arabia is barren: as barren as the dry minds of our “politicos” whose vested interests vividly display advances of yet-to-see encounters in the polls. In the same token, I also thought that Saudi Arabia is as barren as the knowledge-dehydrated minds of the members of the two houses of the ever beautiful archipelagic Philippines whose platforms speak of no less than the-same-old-story conquests of the “trapos” in town.
But lo, the images I saw revealed the contrast: This Kingdom is truly amazingly beautiful. Imagine a mountain of wilderness stretching from coast to coast lying perpetually in between stretches of valleys, industrial cities and residential areas; imagine large track of badlands with sexually-invigorating and energy-supplying Arabian Dates growing everywhere, water-free camels surfing the field, and cacti standing erect in disorganized yet creative array amidst the hottest sunrays this world could only have.
Truly, this is the land of contrast: the land where thirsts are quenched right in the oasis in the middle of the badlands. As in the written history, hospitality industry sprouted out of the Arabian caravan trips where people stop where water supply is evident, make trade agreements and other activities all happening in tents. Later these tents evolve into hostels, hostels into travelers’ inns, and later travelers’ inns into the modern-day hotels.
Again, my mind flaunted various activities that happened in the desert. It is in the same spot where natives fight against European invaders trying to wrest the oil-filled sand dunes. It is in the same field where natives stood firm and envisioned one-nation kingdom for all the tribes that used to fight against each other for one objective: dominate.
This desert has almost the same story and history as ours: several tribes fighting against European invaders for freedom; tribes fighting against each other to test who will dominate and rule the nation. Yes, they did this before; we did the same before.
The only difference now lies on the freedom from all maligns and malicious intentions. This Kingdom is ruled finally by one man; our nation is ruled by several forces that enslave man who is trying to unseat the highly-coveted Malacanang throne: Jealousy, Greed, Pride, and a lot more.
Across miles of desert reveal the sweats , bloods and energies of thousands of expatriates outwitting against Master Creator just to make a beautiful coherence between technology and nature over time: sea water converted into sweet (drinking) and household water, water wastes converted into gardening sprinkles, dry and arid land irrigated for the world’s best supply of fruits and vegetables; hot-stricken wasteland rigged to produce the most important resource for this technology-dominated society – the petroleum, and a lot more.
This “a lot more” means an array of subject paralleled to the infinite dry sand dunes of the Kingdom: apparently uncertain in count and limitless in scope.
Arguably, crossing these miles of desert is just like crossing over obstacles we OFWs injure and endure daily: unwanted pregnancies, school drop outs, failing scholastic performance, drugs and alcohol addiction, juvenile delinquency, marital break ups, losing properties, gambling, psychological imbalances and insanities, untimely deaths of a family member, stress and pressure, work-related problems, molestations, unfair labor practices, demotions and promotions, drying up barn, unpaid and accumulating bills, tuition fees, house maintenance, hospital bills, unpaid debts, etc., etc., etc.
According to natives, Judas Cave, or simply the cave where Judas hid after the biblical sale of Jesus to the Romans, is found right in the place called Al Hofuf, in the Kingdom. Seeing the travails just before the turn to Riyadh reminds me of the same desert our great Savior Jesus Christ suffered from his tormentors; it is the same desert we all have to cross daily.
Conversely, it is the same cave all of us mustered; the same cave all of us will try to muster at the end of each period. No matter how vast one’s desert is or will be, the thing is: we all can trek and cross over the badland overwhelmingly lying before us fruitfully.
And whether or not I survived the five-to-six-hour ordeal one way to Riyadh, the same feat abound: meeting targets at all cost. Conversely, crossing miles of desert is meeting the objective at all cost. This means, either we do things by human forces or by natural graces the Master Creator accords us.
Happy crossing!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Abroad
By Rolo B. Cena
Arabian Diaries
Dumaguete Star Informer
18 October 2009
In one of our game breaks, Bert, an AutoCAD operator from Bohol (a graduate actually of Architecture and on completion of two-year OJT before taking the Licensure Examinations), broke the sad news that his company is terminating his two-year contract (along with another candidate) due to recession. In the same token, Rich, another friend, an accountant, was recommended by our Pastor Coach for possible employment in our group due to redundancy as a result of merger of two companies.
Along the corridors, lobbies, fastfood chains and malls, one can always hear the same stories of fellow Filipinos preparing to leave the domain earlier than what their contracts dictate.
Arguably though, most people believe that working overseas is heaven made on earth. Locals believe that once the head of the family works abroad, life becomes easier in terms of monetary or financial performance. In the same token, their houses must be better-off than most neighbors whose parents are just working in the country. More so, their lifestyle is different. This is absolutely a misconception.
Sensibly, some families of overseas workers may or can be living only in sugar-coated realities; this realistically lies beneath the belief.
By far, movies like “Napakasakit, kuya Eddie” and “Katas ng Saudi” have almost accurately (sans commercialism) depicted lives of Filipino migrant workers in the Mid-East specifically in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia while “Milan” essayed lives of Filipino workers in Italy.
In a casual talk with a colleague, he aptly quoted: “hindi lahat ng nag-aabroad ay successful. Ito nga ang pinakamalungkot sa lahat pero ito ang katotohanan.” (“Not all those working abroad are successful. This is the saddest part of it but this is the truth.”)
Yes, I agree with the statements. Not all people leaving their homesteads for the fabled “greener pasture” succeed. As I have written in my poem “Memorabilia” which was published in 1986, “not all stones glitter; not even all those who wander succeed.”
Bert resigned from his job in Cebu to leave for the Kingdom. He applied loans from friends and relatives for his documents and other requirements. To date, he said, he is still amortizing the loans. Very sadly though, when he embarks on the 10th of November for the country, the unpaid portion of the account would still be thumping him.
Rich, in the same manner, quitted from his accounting works in Makati and left for the Kingdom. He sought financial assistance from relatives to complete his requirements. Just like Bert, he is still repaying the amounts he borrowed to date.
Seven more with whom I become a friend to them, are leaving the Kingdom soon without bringing even a single “halala” (cent). While their contracts end, they are leaving penniless because their employers did deduct from their salaries a lot of unreasonable charges that leave their bottom figures unbelievably low.
Only a select few who left for overseas works spent less or nothing for the prized works. Majority did spend a lot to work abroad. Apparently by statistics, the first contract is only meant to pay-off the loans acquired for financing the trip. The second contract of course, becomes the gross profit. On the contrary, if during the first contract one fails, then dreams cease.
This is what happened to Bert; this is the sad fate of Rich. And this is the story of all other Filipinos who did not make it overseas.
Bert saves some of his earning for his review and Board Examinations. He sends the other slices of the pie to his parents and to his sister. He spends the remaining for his existence in the Kingdom. This is how he apportions his income.
Rich does the same thing. Others do the same. For the married ones, the earnings are wired immediately to the spouses leaving only a portion for the subsistence.
It is so disheartening when you see or know a fellow Filipino working diligently and religiously complying with the laws of the Kingdom and yet, in a twist of fate, the contract ceases. Once the contract ceases, familial existence is threatened. Life seems to come to an end.
Although working abroad seems to be the last alternative course of action one undertakes, I would like to recommend taking a second look before taking the final plunge.
And although this line has been outgrown by people from all walks of life and from all ages, on the second thought, I still would want to believe that “Life is not always fair.” Take note!
Arabian Diaries
Dumaguete Star Informer
18 October 2009
In one of our game breaks, Bert, an AutoCAD operator from Bohol (a graduate actually of Architecture and on completion of two-year OJT before taking the Licensure Examinations), broke the sad news that his company is terminating his two-year contract (along with another candidate) due to recession. In the same token, Rich, another friend, an accountant, was recommended by our Pastor Coach for possible employment in our group due to redundancy as a result of merger of two companies.
Along the corridors, lobbies, fastfood chains and malls, one can always hear the same stories of fellow Filipinos preparing to leave the domain earlier than what their contracts dictate.
Arguably though, most people believe that working overseas is heaven made on earth. Locals believe that once the head of the family works abroad, life becomes easier in terms of monetary or financial performance. In the same token, their houses must be better-off than most neighbors whose parents are just working in the country. More so, their lifestyle is different. This is absolutely a misconception.
Sensibly, some families of overseas workers may or can be living only in sugar-coated realities; this realistically lies beneath the belief.
By far, movies like “Napakasakit, kuya Eddie” and “Katas ng Saudi” have almost accurately (sans commercialism) depicted lives of Filipino migrant workers in the Mid-East specifically in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia while “Milan” essayed lives of Filipino workers in Italy.
In a casual talk with a colleague, he aptly quoted: “hindi lahat ng nag-aabroad ay successful. Ito nga ang pinakamalungkot sa lahat pero ito ang katotohanan.” (“Not all those working abroad are successful. This is the saddest part of it but this is the truth.”)
Yes, I agree with the statements. Not all people leaving their homesteads for the fabled “greener pasture” succeed. As I have written in my poem “Memorabilia” which was published in 1986, “not all stones glitter; not even all those who wander succeed.”
Bert resigned from his job in Cebu to leave for the Kingdom. He applied loans from friends and relatives for his documents and other requirements. To date, he said, he is still amortizing the loans. Very sadly though, when he embarks on the 10th of November for the country, the unpaid portion of the account would still be thumping him.
Rich, in the same manner, quitted from his accounting works in Makati and left for the Kingdom. He sought financial assistance from relatives to complete his requirements. Just like Bert, he is still repaying the amounts he borrowed to date.
Seven more with whom I become a friend to them, are leaving the Kingdom soon without bringing even a single “halala” (cent). While their contracts end, they are leaving penniless because their employers did deduct from their salaries a lot of unreasonable charges that leave their bottom figures unbelievably low.
Only a select few who left for overseas works spent less or nothing for the prized works. Majority did spend a lot to work abroad. Apparently by statistics, the first contract is only meant to pay-off the loans acquired for financing the trip. The second contract of course, becomes the gross profit. On the contrary, if during the first contract one fails, then dreams cease.
This is what happened to Bert; this is the sad fate of Rich. And this is the story of all other Filipinos who did not make it overseas.
Bert saves some of his earning for his review and Board Examinations. He sends the other slices of the pie to his parents and to his sister. He spends the remaining for his existence in the Kingdom. This is how he apportions his income.
Rich does the same thing. Others do the same. For the married ones, the earnings are wired immediately to the spouses leaving only a portion for the subsistence.
It is so disheartening when you see or know a fellow Filipino working diligently and religiously complying with the laws of the Kingdom and yet, in a twist of fate, the contract ceases. Once the contract ceases, familial existence is threatened. Life seems to come to an end.
Although working abroad seems to be the last alternative course of action one undertakes, I would like to recommend taking a second look before taking the final plunge.
And although this line has been outgrown by people from all walks of life and from all ages, on the second thought, I still would want to believe that “Life is not always fair.” Take note!
A Call For A Break
By Rolo B. Cena
Arabian Diaries
Dumaguete Star Informer
29 November 2009
A recent glance at the political arena of the country revealed that as we draw near to the end of the 2009, the Philippines have still without a stable government. To the Palace’ belief, it may have acquired one “true” government by now. But to the entire Filipino community especially the overseas Filipino workers, it is appears to be a hoax.
The administration claimed we are stable now; it’s the opposition making raffles and waves of instability within and among themselves, thus saying we are not stable.
The Philippine economy, according to PGMA registered impressive growth rates since she assumed power; banking industry begun to lend in controlled penal rates; business process outsourcing (BPO) companies flourished; political and social conflicts resolved.
On the other hand, the opposition believes we are not a “government” for the installation of the present president is illegal since she sworn under oath at EDSA after the popular ouster of Erap; she stole a million votes to edge over actor Poe in the 2004 presidential bid.
The Philippines lagged behind its Asian neighbors; unemployment rates soared sky-high; terrorism marred the countryside; extra-judicial killings grew worse; criminalities increased uncontrollably.
If I may put my two cents in, we as a nation is chugging to reach our aim to be number one again in Asia; crawling snake-like towards improving the economy and solving the unemployment malady. There are “crabs” among us – matter which causes us to move ashore once the tide turns high and sail back when the tide turns low.
Who causes what? What drives who?
True, these are questions one could ordinarily ask his fellow Filipino. The problems we have now are problems not created by other countries nor by other government but by our country and our own government.
Under the democratic principle we moved flawlessly after EDSA 1; under democratic principles we are being divided by our own demonized activities.
Now, tell me who cares? Of course, every Filipino does!
PGMA is a Filipino, a daughter in fact of one of the best Philippine presidents; former President Estrada is in the same manner as the former dictator Pres. Marcos was and is still. Lawmakers of the two houses, our leaders – they are all Filipinos in the same way as we – the ordinary people are.
So what’s wrong?
No wonder we lagged behind Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam who once studied our agricultural expertise and engineering concepts in the 60’s to the 80’s. We could not deny the fact.
No wonder we lagged behind India in terms of IT infrastructure and business outsourcing; no wonder we lagged behind the Marikina-sized Singapore in terms of technology and business centers.
Now, can we tell what’s really wrong?
It’s our being Filipinos that’s staining our image to the world; our very peculiar Filipino way that’s hurting everybody; it’s our unique Filipino attitude that shies us away from the rest of the world.
Can we take a break for once and ask ourselves why are all these happening to the once beautiful and gifted Philippines?
How happy we could be when one day, we fly back home after a tiring work overseas seeing entire Filipino community progressing and feeling the tranquility every one dreams to feel in us.
rolobcena.blogpsot.com; rbcena@gmail.com
Arabian Diaries
Dumaguete Star Informer
29 November 2009
A recent glance at the political arena of the country revealed that as we draw near to the end of the 2009, the Philippines have still without a stable government. To the Palace’ belief, it may have acquired one “true” government by now. But to the entire Filipino community especially the overseas Filipino workers, it is appears to be a hoax.
The administration claimed we are stable now; it’s the opposition making raffles and waves of instability within and among themselves, thus saying we are not stable.
The Philippine economy, according to PGMA registered impressive growth rates since she assumed power; banking industry begun to lend in controlled penal rates; business process outsourcing (BPO) companies flourished; political and social conflicts resolved.
On the other hand, the opposition believes we are not a “government” for the installation of the present president is illegal since she sworn under oath at EDSA after the popular ouster of Erap; she stole a million votes to edge over actor Poe in the 2004 presidential bid.
The Philippines lagged behind its Asian neighbors; unemployment rates soared sky-high; terrorism marred the countryside; extra-judicial killings grew worse; criminalities increased uncontrollably.
If I may put my two cents in, we as a nation is chugging to reach our aim to be number one again in Asia; crawling snake-like towards improving the economy and solving the unemployment malady. There are “crabs” among us – matter which causes us to move ashore once the tide turns high and sail back when the tide turns low.
Who causes what? What drives who?
True, these are questions one could ordinarily ask his fellow Filipino. The problems we have now are problems not created by other countries nor by other government but by our country and our own government.
Under the democratic principle we moved flawlessly after EDSA 1; under democratic principles we are being divided by our own demonized activities.
Now, tell me who cares? Of course, every Filipino does!
PGMA is a Filipino, a daughter in fact of one of the best Philippine presidents; former President Estrada is in the same manner as the former dictator Pres. Marcos was and is still. Lawmakers of the two houses, our leaders – they are all Filipinos in the same way as we – the ordinary people are.
So what’s wrong?
No wonder we lagged behind Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam who once studied our agricultural expertise and engineering concepts in the 60’s to the 80’s. We could not deny the fact.
No wonder we lagged behind India in terms of IT infrastructure and business outsourcing; no wonder we lagged behind the Marikina-sized Singapore in terms of technology and business centers.
Now, can we tell what’s really wrong?
It’s our being Filipinos that’s staining our image to the world; our very peculiar Filipino way that’s hurting everybody; it’s our unique Filipino attitude that shies us away from the rest of the world.
Can we take a break for once and ask ourselves why are all these happening to the once beautiful and gifted Philippines?
How happy we could be when one day, we fly back home after a tiring work overseas seeing entire Filipino community progressing and feeling the tranquility every one dreams to feel in us.
rolobcena.blogpsot.com; rbcena@gmail.com
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Heading for change
By Rolo B. Cena
Arabian Diaries
According to the New Testament, it was winter when Jesus was delivered from the bosom of Virgin Mary. I used the word winter to mean “cold” which aptly describes the night when the couple was ushered to the manger in Bethlehem.
The greatest book of all times claimed that the three wise men came from the East. In geography, the East refers to the land where the Arabs are, and this includes of course, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Other Gulf Countries are also Kingdoms, before and after Christ.
Considered as one of the most sought-after tourist spots in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Judas Cave where Islams believed Judas hid after he betrayed and bartered the physical body of the human Christ for pieces of silvers is found in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Looking at Arab people, their apparels are closely similar to the ones the twelve apostles and other disciples, including Christ, were using.
Amazingly awesome! I mean the links are. Do we have the same wave length? Are you thinking what I am thinking? Can the Wise Men be the Kings of the neighboring Kingdoms of Saudi Arabia and its boarders?
I suspect!
Ladies and gentlemen, I am not rewriting history or the biblical narrations for that matter, for if I do, this will require a total change process from A to Z. This is just one of my wildest imaginations linking these things I have come to know and realize. After all, I love change!
Anyway, the Wise Men were believed to be members of the Zoroastrian sect. This is a group of religious and wise people in the East who worshipped the stars and made the stars as their guide. Hence, the Star of the East came about.
As it was foretold, the Three Wise Men shall confirm the greatness of The One through the Star from the East. But this is not just it; the three wise men did a drastic and significant change in the history of mankind.
We all knew that before they arrived at the destined place as pointed by the Star, they were met by Herod and the latter instructed them to see him right after they found the Messiah. But wise as they were, they thwarted the plan of Herod and took the other route back home.
This was the change: re-routing for safety, for the benefit of the Savior given up for the mankind.
Yes, just like the three Zoroastrian figures, we too can. We can always re-engineer ourselves for functional efficiency and effectiveness. We can always re-define our purposes in life in order to achieve the true meaning of “it” in our lives. We can always re-write unsound decisions except for those which have already been executed to achieve better results.
Change is just a click away. Heraclitus philosophized that “the only constant is change.” Which is why, change has been playing a greater role in our lives, and even in the life of the Messiah.
Change connotes defects. Defects connote reforms. Therefore, change is reform. We need to reform our old beliefs to attune to the present ones, especially if these are obviously not working and defective. We should stop singing the old song and sing the new one, especially when its melody no longer attracts, soothes, or comforts the majority.
We need to reform our values to conform to the commands of the Word, not of the World. The modern-day society has eroded our values that it significantly decayed our moral foundation. This then renders us incredible to lead for change.
The mass-supported actor-turned politician was dethroned from the highest elective post shortly after assuming the power due to his questionable credibility to lead; the petite lady in the Imperial Manila is now bombarded by streamers within or without the picket fences due to the same issue. Former Senate President and House Speaker were ejected from their respective “influential” seats due to their discreditable moral leadership.
Zig Ziglar advocated that “it is attitude not the aptitude that will determine your altitude.”
Truly, I believe in the lines quoted by one of the world’s contemporary social scientists and Management experts. He, along with other experts advocated and introduced Change Process especially in the work place that catapulted the shift of the old ways to a new paradigm.
The heights that we soar today depend solely on our attitude and not on what we know – the Aptitude. I maybe good in mathematics or natural sciences that can make me a scientist but without the required amount of right attitude, I can never be one.
Albert Einstein made several failures before he successfully completed his theories. Nicolaus Copernicus made several damages before finally perfected his invention that boldly changed the entire humanity. Manny Pacquaio made several downfalls before he finally regained his composure and continuously maintain his fame today.
Change is what we need. As significant as it is, the New Year has always obliged us to proclaim our New Year’s resolution. This simply connotes change.
Change has always been for the better. However, change can only take effect unless the concerned individual acknowledges defects by heart. This admission then would lead to an honest assessment that could generate honest and implementable alternative courses of action. After this process, execution ensues. This process assures genuine change.
It is already 2009: the old year has gone and the new one is dawning for all. While we may have endured the pains and savored sweetness of the old year, let us remember that the New Year would still be the same unless we firmly command ourselves to change.
For a freer and better world, let us all head for a change!
Published, Dumaguete Star Informer, 04 January 2009.
By Rolo B. Cena
Arabian Diaries
According to the New Testament, it was winter when Jesus was delivered from the bosom of Virgin Mary. I used the word winter to mean “cold” which aptly describes the night when the couple was ushered to the manger in Bethlehem.
The greatest book of all times claimed that the three wise men came from the East. In geography, the East refers to the land where the Arabs are, and this includes of course, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Other Gulf Countries are also Kingdoms, before and after Christ.
Considered as one of the most sought-after tourist spots in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Judas Cave where Islams believed Judas hid after he betrayed and bartered the physical body of the human Christ for pieces of silvers is found in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Looking at Arab people, their apparels are closely similar to the ones the twelve apostles and other disciples, including Christ, were using.
Amazingly awesome! I mean the links are. Do we have the same wave length? Are you thinking what I am thinking? Can the Wise Men be the Kings of the neighboring Kingdoms of Saudi Arabia and its boarders?
I suspect!
Ladies and gentlemen, I am not rewriting history or the biblical narrations for that matter, for if I do, this will require a total change process from A to Z. This is just one of my wildest imaginations linking these things I have come to know and realize. After all, I love change!
Anyway, the Wise Men were believed to be members of the Zoroastrian sect. This is a group of religious and wise people in the East who worshipped the stars and made the stars as their guide. Hence, the Star of the East came about.
As it was foretold, the Three Wise Men shall confirm the greatness of The One through the Star from the East. But this is not just it; the three wise men did a drastic and significant change in the history of mankind.
We all knew that before they arrived at the destined place as pointed by the Star, they were met by Herod and the latter instructed them to see him right after they found the Messiah. But wise as they were, they thwarted the plan of Herod and took the other route back home.
This was the change: re-routing for safety, for the benefit of the Savior given up for the mankind.
Yes, just like the three Zoroastrian figures, we too can. We can always re-engineer ourselves for functional efficiency and effectiveness. We can always re-define our purposes in life in order to achieve the true meaning of “it” in our lives. We can always re-write unsound decisions except for those which have already been executed to achieve better results.
Change is just a click away. Heraclitus philosophized that “the only constant is change.” Which is why, change has been playing a greater role in our lives, and even in the life of the Messiah.
Change connotes defects. Defects connote reforms. Therefore, change is reform. We need to reform our old beliefs to attune to the present ones, especially if these are obviously not working and defective. We should stop singing the old song and sing the new one, especially when its melody no longer attracts, soothes, or comforts the majority.
We need to reform our values to conform to the commands of the Word, not of the World. The modern-day society has eroded our values that it significantly decayed our moral foundation. This then renders us incredible to lead for change.
The mass-supported actor-turned politician was dethroned from the highest elective post shortly after assuming the power due to his questionable credibility to lead; the petite lady in the Imperial Manila is now bombarded by streamers within or without the picket fences due to the same issue. Former Senate President and House Speaker were ejected from their respective “influential” seats due to their discreditable moral leadership.
Zig Ziglar advocated that “it is attitude not the aptitude that will determine your altitude.”
Truly, I believe in the lines quoted by one of the world’s contemporary social scientists and Management experts. He, along with other experts advocated and introduced Change Process especially in the work place that catapulted the shift of the old ways to a new paradigm.
The heights that we soar today depend solely on our attitude and not on what we know – the Aptitude. I maybe good in mathematics or natural sciences that can make me a scientist but without the required amount of right attitude, I can never be one.
Albert Einstein made several failures before he successfully completed his theories. Nicolaus Copernicus made several damages before finally perfected his invention that boldly changed the entire humanity. Manny Pacquaio made several downfalls before he finally regained his composure and continuously maintain his fame today.
Change is what we need. As significant as it is, the New Year has always obliged us to proclaim our New Year’s resolution. This simply connotes change.
Change has always been for the better. However, change can only take effect unless the concerned individual acknowledges defects by heart. This admission then would lead to an honest assessment that could generate honest and implementable alternative courses of action. After this process, execution ensues. This process assures genuine change.
It is already 2009: the old year has gone and the new one is dawning for all. While we may have endured the pains and savored sweetness of the old year, let us remember that the New Year would still be the same unless we firmly command ourselves to change.
For a freer and better world, let us all head for a change!
Published, Dumaguete Star Informer, 04 January 2009.
Welcome home, December!
By Rolo B. Cena
Arabian Diaries
Just about an hour before writing this article, I accompanied our Filipino company driver and aide in transporting one Sri-Lankan guy to the airport. He is leaving the Kingdom for his annual vacation to his tribal home in Colombo.
Five months ago, I was also heading for the departure area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport 1 for my sojourn to this Kingdom. I was leaving my family then in search of the “good luck” we OFWs used to call. Paul, the Sri-Lankan employee we ushered to Dammam International Airport was donning the other way – he is leaving the Kingdom to join his family.
Prior to this, I chanced a casual conversation with him and asked him what would be the first meaningful activity he would do upon reaching home. Exuding a very sniveling yet consoling smile he replied, “I will say a service as a thanksgiving for everything.” Paul is Christian-convert from Islam in Colombo.
About eighteen hours earlier, the same team escorted another colleague to the Bus Station for Bahrain International Airport. He is leaving for Manila for his annual vacation, too. After a casual chat that preceded a tearful exchange of “goodbyes” from Kababayans, Gerome tendered his firm yet temporal goodbye to all of us. After nine hours of taxing air stride, he would finally enfold in his arms his loved ones.
Early morning tomorrow, the same group will bring an Indian National to the Airport. Mubin, who has been in the company for about ten years, would soon join his own family again for his annual vacation in the native town of Mumbai in India. As per our earlier pre-departure interview with him, Mubin said “the mere thought of meeting loved ones whom you have left behind year after year is as refreshing as taking a bath every morning.”
All the three of them are heading for a very exciting vacation spree with their respective families. Whether one is a Christian (Paul), a Roman Catholic (Gerome), or a Buddhist (Mubin), the feeling of leaving the hardships in the Kingdom is as relieving as meeting respective families at their respective arrival areas.
Finally, I quickly grasped the meaning of leaving Saudi Arabia or the Mid-East for that matter- your work, either for vacation or final exit: relief.
Yes, relief! Relief from loneliness brought about by being separated from loved ones; from boredom being ushered in a place where almost everything is prohibited; from temporary insanity caused by severe frustration to do activities mature men do but just can’t do them; and from stress brought about the piling pressures in the workplace.
Yes, relief! The gratitude is immeasurable; no words can equate or super-impose the meaning. Nothing can compare, in fact.
To us Christians, the month of December, or the Season of Advent, is very meaningful and important. Which is why, booking for these three vacationing employees as early as three months ago was as hard as getting approvals for their entitlement. According to our Travel Agent, also a Filipino, it is in month of December where we experienced the heaviest of traffic in the e-ticketing system. There’s no doubt about it.
Which is why, one-hundred per cent of OFWs are dying to send home packages and monies on or before Christmas for the momentous affair. Which is why, most are dying to apply for Christmas vacation just so to be with the family.
Gerome sensitively confirmed that, apart from of course vacationing, his trip was meant to attend the baptism of his second angel. Paul revealed that his is supposed to be a thanksgiving for the good health of the whole family and a better income-source; while Mubin sweetly informed us that his eldest son is marrying another Buddhist.
December is just as ordinary as January in the Islam-dominated and controlled Kingdoms. But to us Christians, this is the most festive of all months, the month of celebrating life and the fullness of life.
Obviously, we cannot just fly home as fast as clicking the mouse; we need to push the buttons of requirements and processes. Conversely, Christmas would be far from reality. Christmas to us here in the Mid-East becomes a dream, a fantasy only those with magical carpets and wands can celebrate.
Christmas is absent to those who are left to experience another mile of longing in this land where the Magis were believed to have come to abort the plan of Herod to the Messiah.
But to Paul, Gerome, and Mubin, Christmas is being home. For Believers or not, December which encases the celebration of Christmas, has come; they have come home.
Welcome home, December!
Published, Dumaguete Star Informer, 28 December 2008.
By Rolo B. Cena
Arabian Diaries
Just about an hour before writing this article, I accompanied our Filipino company driver and aide in transporting one Sri-Lankan guy to the airport. He is leaving the Kingdom for his annual vacation to his tribal home in Colombo.
Five months ago, I was also heading for the departure area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport 1 for my sojourn to this Kingdom. I was leaving my family then in search of the “good luck” we OFWs used to call. Paul, the Sri-Lankan employee we ushered to Dammam International Airport was donning the other way – he is leaving the Kingdom to join his family.
Prior to this, I chanced a casual conversation with him and asked him what would be the first meaningful activity he would do upon reaching home. Exuding a very sniveling yet consoling smile he replied, “I will say a service as a thanksgiving for everything.” Paul is Christian-convert from Islam in Colombo.
About eighteen hours earlier, the same team escorted another colleague to the Bus Station for Bahrain International Airport. He is leaving for Manila for his annual vacation, too. After a casual chat that preceded a tearful exchange of “goodbyes” from Kababayans, Gerome tendered his firm yet temporal goodbye to all of us. After nine hours of taxing air stride, he would finally enfold in his arms his loved ones.
Early morning tomorrow, the same group will bring an Indian National to the Airport. Mubin, who has been in the company for about ten years, would soon join his own family again for his annual vacation in the native town of Mumbai in India. As per our earlier pre-departure interview with him, Mubin said “the mere thought of meeting loved ones whom you have left behind year after year is as refreshing as taking a bath every morning.”
All the three of them are heading for a very exciting vacation spree with their respective families. Whether one is a Christian (Paul), a Roman Catholic (Gerome), or a Buddhist (Mubin), the feeling of leaving the hardships in the Kingdom is as relieving as meeting respective families at their respective arrival areas.
Finally, I quickly grasped the meaning of leaving Saudi Arabia or the Mid-East for that matter- your work, either for vacation or final exit: relief.
Yes, relief! Relief from loneliness brought about by being separated from loved ones; from boredom being ushered in a place where almost everything is prohibited; from temporary insanity caused by severe frustration to do activities mature men do but just can’t do them; and from stress brought about the piling pressures in the workplace.
Yes, relief! The gratitude is immeasurable; no words can equate or super-impose the meaning. Nothing can compare, in fact.
To us Christians, the month of December, or the Season of Advent, is very meaningful and important. Which is why, booking for these three vacationing employees as early as three months ago was as hard as getting approvals for their entitlement. According to our Travel Agent, also a Filipino, it is in month of December where we experienced the heaviest of traffic in the e-ticketing system. There’s no doubt about it.
Which is why, one-hundred per cent of OFWs are dying to send home packages and monies on or before Christmas for the momentous affair. Which is why, most are dying to apply for Christmas vacation just so to be with the family.
Gerome sensitively confirmed that, apart from of course vacationing, his trip was meant to attend the baptism of his second angel. Paul revealed that his is supposed to be a thanksgiving for the good health of the whole family and a better income-source; while Mubin sweetly informed us that his eldest son is marrying another Buddhist.
December is just as ordinary as January in the Islam-dominated and controlled Kingdoms. But to us Christians, this is the most festive of all months, the month of celebrating life and the fullness of life.
Obviously, we cannot just fly home as fast as clicking the mouse; we need to push the buttons of requirements and processes. Conversely, Christmas would be far from reality. Christmas to us here in the Mid-East becomes a dream, a fantasy only those with magical carpets and wands can celebrate.
Christmas is absent to those who are left to experience another mile of longing in this land where the Magis were believed to have come to abort the plan of Herod to the Messiah.
But to Paul, Gerome, and Mubin, Christmas is being home. For Believers or not, December which encases the celebration of Christmas, has come; they have come home.
Welcome home, December!
Published, Dumaguete Star Informer, 28 December 2008.
Hunting for Christmas
By Rolo B. Cena
Arabian Diaries
Juxtaposed with the emotions experienced by most overseas workers, mine is by no means different form the rest. If they feel happy, I do; if they feel lonely, I do, too. No one is above this because emotion is being human and as usual as drinking a cup of tea every morning.
Unplanned and without employing the analysis I do most of the time in my work, I hurried down the street and started walking to the favorite bookstore just three blocks away from the company accommodation. I visited once again the stationer I would frequent and browsed almost all the books. Although the shelf was full of books by most of my favorite writers, none was there, and I thought, my indeterminate trip became useless and the undefined search empty.
The bookstore is just across the famous Corniche Boulevard where almost all of the richest men of the Kingdom live in the nearby Village, and of course, the famous Corniche Park where most, not to mention the Arab nationals, overseas workers including Filipinos thrive during weekends, holidays, and at night.
Usual to my routine since I discovered the area, I paced a brisk walk along the beautifully decorated kilometer pavement five times to eliminate excess fats and unwanted toxic wastes, and then rested for a moment.
I was facing the legendary and historic Arabian Sea with the full moon (I happened to appreciate its fullness only this time) beaming at my face when a familiar greeting from an equally familiar language chimed my ears.
“Merry Christmas, kabayan!”
The line pierced my heart for two reasons: Since I arrived here, I already lost track of time, holidays, and occasions; and I almost am missing the Season of Advent. Second, seeing the couple and their four kids reminds me of my family back home.
They introduced themselves; we conversed. We discussed work, reasons for leaving home, other common denominators and familial matters. The family invited me to join them in the coming Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Still, I was only hearing the lines but not truly listening and worse, not truthfully really reading between them.
I realized that soonest thereafter.
The sounds of the firecrackers and fireworks started to light up the moon-lit sky and these disturbed our casual yet evocative talk. It was an amazing and magical display of pyrotechnically created bliss that has taken me to a carpet-ride back home. I quipped: this is just the same as celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve in the Philippines sans family and traditional preparation of favorite foods and gift giving.
During this time, the Arabs are celebrating the end of the Eid Al-Adha (others have it Al-Udha). To us Christians, this is similar to the Christmas Season that ends in the New Year’s Eve. It is a week- long celebration and holiday with the first day as Christmas and the last day as New Year’s Eve. In contrast, Eid Al-Fitr that commences the Holy Month of Ramadan resembles Catholic’s celebration of the Holy Week which was in September to the first week of October.
Having regained my composure, I suddenly sensed a renewed feeling; it was then I knew I was hunting for Christmas. Seeing the fireworks displayed in variant of styles, forms, and colors awakened my senses and in fact, allowed me to associate meanings to them. I then graciously accepted the invitation.
Personally, Christmas is being with family. The delivery and reception of Jesus to the accord of Joseph and Mary justifies this. Which is why, the feast of the Holy Family falls in the month of December.
For the first time after four decades, the habit of celebrating Christmas with my family becomes impossible. Not even James Bond can control the happening of this or give superb resolve. But being separated by miles of beautifully crafted lands, deserts and seas from my humble abode simply defines the detachment of the physical presence; the moral foundation, the values, and the wisdom are always left unscathed.
While all of us overseas workers hunt for real-life Christmas, the celebration from both sides of the world will always continue with or without members of the family. Along with the spirit and the wisdom from The One, no matter how painful celebrating Christmas would be by ourselves, by myself, the Season of Advent will always witness the true accord between husbands and wives and family. Much more, this Season will always remain true to its meaning in the lives of the Filipino families regardless of status in life.
Over time, the temporary estrangement would bring about wisdom to all parties involved and would always fine-tune familial activities. Members of the family would always re-align relational conflicts and emotional differences to the same plane of thought to achieve the highest level of understanding, especially in looking at the scenario that the head of the family is separated for a moment.
Christmas is for all of us; no one is discriminated. And while we are bounded in all directions, the celebration would always be meaningful if love, trust, and wisdom are used as ingredients in cooking a fabulous menu called life.
Merry Christmas!
Published, Dumaguete Star Informer, 21 December 2008
By Rolo B. Cena
Arabian Diaries
Juxtaposed with the emotions experienced by most overseas workers, mine is by no means different form the rest. If they feel happy, I do; if they feel lonely, I do, too. No one is above this because emotion is being human and as usual as drinking a cup of tea every morning.
Unplanned and without employing the analysis I do most of the time in my work, I hurried down the street and started walking to the favorite bookstore just three blocks away from the company accommodation. I visited once again the stationer I would frequent and browsed almost all the books. Although the shelf was full of books by most of my favorite writers, none was there, and I thought, my indeterminate trip became useless and the undefined search empty.
The bookstore is just across the famous Corniche Boulevard where almost all of the richest men of the Kingdom live in the nearby Village, and of course, the famous Corniche Park where most, not to mention the Arab nationals, overseas workers including Filipinos thrive during weekends, holidays, and at night.
Usual to my routine since I discovered the area, I paced a brisk walk along the beautifully decorated kilometer pavement five times to eliminate excess fats and unwanted toxic wastes, and then rested for a moment.
I was facing the legendary and historic Arabian Sea with the full moon (I happened to appreciate its fullness only this time) beaming at my face when a familiar greeting from an equally familiar language chimed my ears.
“Merry Christmas, kabayan!”
The line pierced my heart for two reasons: Since I arrived here, I already lost track of time, holidays, and occasions; and I almost am missing the Season of Advent. Second, seeing the couple and their four kids reminds me of my family back home.
They introduced themselves; we conversed. We discussed work, reasons for leaving home, other common denominators and familial matters. The family invited me to join them in the coming Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Still, I was only hearing the lines but not truly listening and worse, not truthfully really reading between them.
I realized that soonest thereafter.
The sounds of the firecrackers and fireworks started to light up the moon-lit sky and these disturbed our casual yet evocative talk. It was an amazing and magical display of pyrotechnically created bliss that has taken me to a carpet-ride back home. I quipped: this is just the same as celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve in the Philippines sans family and traditional preparation of favorite foods and gift giving.
During this time, the Arabs are celebrating the end of the Eid Al-Adha (others have it Al-Udha). To us Christians, this is similar to the Christmas Season that ends in the New Year’s Eve. It is a week- long celebration and holiday with the first day as Christmas and the last day as New Year’s Eve. In contrast, Eid Al-Fitr that commences the Holy Month of Ramadan resembles Catholic’s celebration of the Holy Week which was in September to the first week of October.
Having regained my composure, I suddenly sensed a renewed feeling; it was then I knew I was hunting for Christmas. Seeing the fireworks displayed in variant of styles, forms, and colors awakened my senses and in fact, allowed me to associate meanings to them. I then graciously accepted the invitation.
Personally, Christmas is being with family. The delivery and reception of Jesus to the accord of Joseph and Mary justifies this. Which is why, the feast of the Holy Family falls in the month of December.
For the first time after four decades, the habit of celebrating Christmas with my family becomes impossible. Not even James Bond can control the happening of this or give superb resolve. But being separated by miles of beautifully crafted lands, deserts and seas from my humble abode simply defines the detachment of the physical presence; the moral foundation, the values, and the wisdom are always left unscathed.
While all of us overseas workers hunt for real-life Christmas, the celebration from both sides of the world will always continue with or without members of the family. Along with the spirit and the wisdom from The One, no matter how painful celebrating Christmas would be by ourselves, by myself, the Season of Advent will always witness the true accord between husbands and wives and family. Much more, this Season will always remain true to its meaning in the lives of the Filipino families regardless of status in life.
Over time, the temporary estrangement would bring about wisdom to all parties involved and would always fine-tune familial activities. Members of the family would always re-align relational conflicts and emotional differences to the same plane of thought to achieve the highest level of understanding, especially in looking at the scenario that the head of the family is separated for a moment.
Christmas is for all of us; no one is discriminated. And while we are bounded in all directions, the celebration would always be meaningful if love, trust, and wisdom are used as ingredients in cooking a fabulous menu called life.
Merry Christmas!
Published, Dumaguete Star Informer, 21 December 2008
Surviving the OFWs
By Rolo B. Cena
Arabian Diaries
Pragmatically, there is no dogma by which people, organization, or even the government can measure the distance they have traveled. For us OFWs, the only creed we know of is the contract we inked for a period and the remittances we send every month.
As we take each day at a time, this we know, we travel as much as we could according to the time and tide of the status quo. The travails we had trudged yesterday become irrelevant and illogical to dwell on.
The homecoming of the recently reported 1,000 Filipino contract workers form Taiwan alters the status of the modern-day Filipino heroes. Last month, hundreds of OFWs from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who went home because of business closures adds fuel to the fire. The reported several thousands of contract workers in the United Arab Emirates of which majority are Filipinos are as hurting as piercing a dagger into the heart of an innocent captive.
These are real life dramas of modern-day heroes who struggled to compose amidst disheartening situations overseas. Don’t blame them for leaving, tell it to the marines!
On the 8th of December 2008, it was reported in the Arab News, the leading broadsheet in the Kingdom, that the government of the petite lady president is allocating P250M for various assistance, programs, and projects for the displaced OFWs. At the spur of the moment, one can definitely praise her for such a gallant move. On the other hand, I could not think of any political reason for doing this – “unless she has plans otherwise.”
If I may opine, the action of the government of spending multi-million peso fund for the OFWs especially on training, livelihood programs is an after-thought. The government could have initiated this move long before.
Putting my two cents in, once again, I believe the undefined leader of the Imperial Manila failed to synthesize the main problem of this paper which is why, her consultants was never able to create the real statement of the problem.
In graduate studies, the moment the analyst fails to define the main problem, consequently, the statement of the problem becomes irrelevant. And what else can we say about the alternative courses of actions?
Irrelevant! Illogical!
The government could have bravely analyzed deeper the root causes of the exodus of Filipino workers abroad, then start from there. Prophylactic measures could have been imposed had accurate diagnosis of the situation been accorded. The government, for this instance, just gave us the topical medicine for a deep-rooted or terminal illness.
I have always believed that prevention is better than cure. GMA’s P250M OFW fund is actually an ointment for the external pain sensed by the OFWs. The greatest pain, which is internal, has never been addressed to. Stated differently, this is just the tip of the iceberg.
OFWs have been tagged as the modern-day heroes. These people are as heroic as Jose Rizal, Andres Bonficio, and Ninoy Aquino. If laying the wreaths on the grave of these figures are planned according to customs, policies, laws, and maybe traditions of the country, why then can surviving these Overseas Filipino Contract Workers be done timely?
This is absolutely not passing the buck; this is expressing what’s in the box so that these people who are supposed to be on top of the situation can think of out-of-the-box alternatives to better the situation.
While the puzzled Arroyo may have instituted a resolute move towards surviving the Overseas Filipino Workers, I still would like to impress that this does not put out the fire.
Long before, the country’s Talent Market has been drained due to the exodus of Filipinos to not just one “Red Sea” of the moment, but to more than a dozen promise lands in search for several dozens of the Biblical Moses for refuge.
But ladies and gentlemen, no other kings and queens from far and away can ever solve the problem of the Republic such as this.
Statistically today, our government commissioned twenty-four senators and more than two hundred congressmen. They were chosen by the people through popular election because, to safely state, they are the best out of the list. Initially, people believe that they can propel the economy to a better state.
But lo! This has never happened. Thanks to EDSA though but it never hit the mark. No one has ever produced brilliant moves to save the ailing economy. If I would have a choice, I would have opted Mr. Marcos to remain sans the corrupt lady. His brilliance is enough to outwit the brains of these mentally dehydrated men of the two chambers.
Had the OFWs been survived? The answer is a resounding no!
Our government has been very effective in saving faces, but was and is a failure in salving our dying economy.
Take it from the numbers!
Published, Dumaguete Strar Informer, 14 December 2008
By Rolo B. Cena
Arabian Diaries
Pragmatically, there is no dogma by which people, organization, or even the government can measure the distance they have traveled. For us OFWs, the only creed we know of is the contract we inked for a period and the remittances we send every month.
As we take each day at a time, this we know, we travel as much as we could according to the time and tide of the status quo. The travails we had trudged yesterday become irrelevant and illogical to dwell on.
The homecoming of the recently reported 1,000 Filipino contract workers form Taiwan alters the status of the modern-day Filipino heroes. Last month, hundreds of OFWs from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who went home because of business closures adds fuel to the fire. The reported several thousands of contract workers in the United Arab Emirates of which majority are Filipinos are as hurting as piercing a dagger into the heart of an innocent captive.
These are real life dramas of modern-day heroes who struggled to compose amidst disheartening situations overseas. Don’t blame them for leaving, tell it to the marines!
On the 8th of December 2008, it was reported in the Arab News, the leading broadsheet in the Kingdom, that the government of the petite lady president is allocating P250M for various assistance, programs, and projects for the displaced OFWs. At the spur of the moment, one can definitely praise her for such a gallant move. On the other hand, I could not think of any political reason for doing this – “unless she has plans otherwise.”
If I may opine, the action of the government of spending multi-million peso fund for the OFWs especially on training, livelihood programs is an after-thought. The government could have initiated this move long before.
Putting my two cents in, once again, I believe the undefined leader of the Imperial Manila failed to synthesize the main problem of this paper which is why, her consultants was never able to create the real statement of the problem.
In graduate studies, the moment the analyst fails to define the main problem, consequently, the statement of the problem becomes irrelevant. And what else can we say about the alternative courses of actions?
Irrelevant! Illogical!
The government could have bravely analyzed deeper the root causes of the exodus of Filipino workers abroad, then start from there. Prophylactic measures could have been imposed had accurate diagnosis of the situation been accorded. The government, for this instance, just gave us the topical medicine for a deep-rooted or terminal illness.
I have always believed that prevention is better than cure. GMA’s P250M OFW fund is actually an ointment for the external pain sensed by the OFWs. The greatest pain, which is internal, has never been addressed to. Stated differently, this is just the tip of the iceberg.
OFWs have been tagged as the modern-day heroes. These people are as heroic as Jose Rizal, Andres Bonficio, and Ninoy Aquino. If laying the wreaths on the grave of these figures are planned according to customs, policies, laws, and maybe traditions of the country, why then can surviving these Overseas Filipino Contract Workers be done timely?
This is absolutely not passing the buck; this is expressing what’s in the box so that these people who are supposed to be on top of the situation can think of out-of-the-box alternatives to better the situation.
While the puzzled Arroyo may have instituted a resolute move towards surviving the Overseas Filipino Workers, I still would like to impress that this does not put out the fire.
Long before, the country’s Talent Market has been drained due to the exodus of Filipinos to not just one “Red Sea” of the moment, but to more than a dozen promise lands in search for several dozens of the Biblical Moses for refuge.
But ladies and gentlemen, no other kings and queens from far and away can ever solve the problem of the Republic such as this.
Statistically today, our government commissioned twenty-four senators and more than two hundred congressmen. They were chosen by the people through popular election because, to safely state, they are the best out of the list. Initially, people believe that they can propel the economy to a better state.
But lo! This has never happened. Thanks to EDSA though but it never hit the mark. No one has ever produced brilliant moves to save the ailing economy. If I would have a choice, I would have opted Mr. Marcos to remain sans the corrupt lady. His brilliance is enough to outwit the brains of these mentally dehydrated men of the two chambers.
Had the OFWs been survived? The answer is a resounding no!
Our government has been very effective in saving faces, but was and is a failure in salving our dying economy.
Take it from the numbers!
Published, Dumaguete Strar Informer, 14 December 2008
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