Why would an OFW Come Home to The Philippines?

As cliché as it sounds, time goes by fast. It was indeed a series of adventures for the past 6 years. Juggling between being a mother and an employee, I’ve finally agreed to settle back to our home country. Yes, you read it right, Manila, we are coming home!

 

Some people might say I’m lucky because I get to live with my family abroad, so why the need to move back home? Let me share with you my three reasons why “it’s more fun (for us) in the Philippines”:

 

I get to look after my children if not always, at least most of the time.

 

In the corporate jargon, I would consider this as the “key selling point” although I will still hire a house helper since I plan to be a WAHM. Just to share with you, I’m currently taking up online courses at FHMOMS to prepare for this career change. If you aspire to be a WAHM (or dad!), you may check their Facebook page or website to see the available courses and career opportunities. Back to the main topic, I had my fair share of experiences with babysitters. It was during the year 2016 when I had to take my child to the babysitter early in the morning then pick him up in the afternoon, either under the extreme heat or heavy sandstorm or rain. Then I got fed up and hired a babysitter who would come to our place in the morning and leave when I get home. In these two scenarios, I feel bad for leaving them to a “stranger” not knowing if they are really taken care of. I am sure, that when I’m with them at home I’ll be able to keep track of what they are doing, and I could attend to their needs personally. 

 

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash 

 

My kids could freely play and explore outdoors.

 

As we live in a flat and due to the insane weather here in the Middle East, it feels like children are in a controlled environment. Back home, they could have fun around our front yard or go to the playground just a few blocks away from our house This article from Scholastic.com supports how outdoor play will improve a chid’s physical and social skills.

 

Through physical play outdoors, your child develops confidence in herself as she sees her skills grow: “Watch me climb the monkey bars, look how high I can swing. Watch me, watch me!” A child who is initially reluctant to go down the tall slide feels a great deal of personal pride when he finally musters up the courage to do so.

Photo by Hussain Badshah on Unsplash

 

Work and visas are not an issue back home.

 

Of course if one is in his motherland, it’s one less thing to worry about. We’re not permanent residents in this host country, so there’s no assurance as regards to how long we could stay here. I don’t want to delve into political issues but it is a factor why there is no career growth and lesser opportunities for some employees and job-seekers at the moment.

 

Photo by Sebastian Herrmann on Unsplash

 

With all that’s happening around me, I’ve decided to take my chances. I know some people will raise their eyebrows and tell us to rethink this drastic change but we should also respect each other’s opinions and differences. After all, to each his own, right?

Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section. Ta!

NEW Location of Qatar Embassy – Philippines

Update as of March 10, 2014:

The Embassy’s new office location is at Block 4 Lot 6 Santiago St. Paseo de Magallanes, Magallanes Village, Makati City.

For those planning to have their documents attested, bring the original and two (2) sets of photocopied document.

While for those with Family – Personally (Visit) Visa, you just need two (2) pieces 2×2 photo in white background, copy of your visa and original passport.

Please be reminded that the embassy does not accept cash payments, only Debit or Credit card in MasterCard or Visa will be honored.

🙂

 

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this blog is based on the author’s experience.

This blog does not represent the thoughts, plans or strategies of any establishment / organization mentioned.

Updates: DFA ASEANA & Qatar Embassy (Phils.) — Red Ribbon/Authentication and visa stamping

Hello people!

I was busy at home & work thus the looong hiatus.

I’ve read a lot of comments here asking for updates. Since I’m free today, I’ll try to be as informative as I can be.

First: Red Ribbon/Authentication– DFA ASEANA or DFA Libertad?

I got a lot of questions of which DFA branch should they go to have their documents authenticated.

FYI guys, go to DFA ASEANA. The one in Macapagal, “near” SM MOA and it is exactly in front of Shell gas station.

Please go there directly to avoid being scammed by the massive number of fixers around DFA Libertad. Kahit mukha pang disente yan, baka fixer padin yan! If you have questions, I think it’s better that you ask the security guards at the DFA gates.

The time I was scammed, the fixer was the one who approached me. I remember he asked me if I am there to have my documents authenticated and he asked if it’s ok that we go together. Yes, until now I still remember how stupid I am for allowing him to lure me. Please see my other post about my experience with these fixers and the buildings where I had my transactions: https://writersonal.wordpress.com/2012/10/10/need-dfa-red-ribbonauthentication-avoid-the-fixers-and-the-red-orange-building/

Second: I have my document since last year, can I have it authenticated today in DFA ASEANA?

Based on my experience, DFA will authenticate/red ribbon your document if it is at least 6 months old. If you got your document last year, better get a new one to avoid wasting time (and day) & the hassle of being rejected at the DFA.

Lastly: Does Qatar Embassy accept cash payments for my transactions (i.e. Document attestation, visa stamping)?

The last time I was there, I still paid in cash (You can read my old post: https://writersonal.wordpress.com/2013/03/09/qatar-embassy-in-mckinley-hill-philippines/ ). But with the help of our readers, I learned that Qatar Embassy now only accept Debit or credit card payment (in Visa or MasterCard). If you do not have a bank account, maybe it would be possible that you find someone you know and borrow their card, pay them in cash (or even ask them to go with you, for them to be secure that you will not do anything than pay in the Embassy).

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this blog is based on the author’s experience.

This blog does not represent the thoughts, plans or strategies of any establishment / organization mentioned.