Spending Christmas at Work

By: James Sebastian Bendijo

Nothing beats the Christmas in the Philippines as proclaimed by Filipinos. But thousands or even millions of 'Overseas Filipino Workers' spent their Christmas working abroad, some on countries not celebrating the yuletide season, away from their family.

These writer was able to interview two Filipinos working on Muslim Countries, Malaysia and Brunei. Usually, only Filipinos who work there celebrate Christmas. As much as they want to spend the Christmas with their loved ones, they choose to work extra time in abroad to give their family a better Christmas.

Gail Navarrete, who works as a Health Safety Environmental and Security Specialist on a corporation at Malaysia said he miss celebrating Christmas in the Philippines. "Every time I'm out of the country, I always miss the celebration in the Philippines," stated Navarrete.

When asked about the Christmas in Malaysia, Navarrete answered that it was sad. "Malungkot, actually there are some people here celebrating Christmas but not like grand as dun sa Philippines," said Navarrete.

"Iniingit nila ako dun sa kinakain nila, sa mga regalong natanggap nila, inggitan lang," he jokingly said. Navarrete connects to his family through Skype especially during Christmas season.

Navarrete who already worked 15 years abroad said he needs to sacrifice in order to give his family on Novalichez their needs even if it means not being with them during Christmas.

Marilou Abeja, who works as a vendor at a Souvenir Shop in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei said it was sad because Brunei people don't celebrate Christmas at all. "Parang hindi Pasko, malungkot, normal day lang," said Abeja.

"Iba yung Pasko sa atin, masaya, maingay, dito napakatahimik, wala lang, kasi nga Muslim country dito," added Abeja.

She connected to her family on Sampaloc, Quezon through Skype during Christmas but said it is still better to spend Christmas beside her family.

They both agreed that spending Christmas at work is not as bad as it may seem, they just sacrifice for their families.