6 best things Filipinos miss when they live or work abroad

Pinoys abroad or Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and immigrants left the Philippines in search of a better life for themselves and their families. You left because of better jobs abroad, or because of your marriage. Either way, you now have a ‘home’ other than the Philippines.

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But you remain in touch with your relatives in one way or another. You have likely visited the Philippines at least once since you went abroad. Or you are planning to take your first vacation here.

There is a saying that there is a Filipino in every corner of the world. With over 10 million overseas Filipino workers spread across the globe, that is probably true.

Despite the fact that going abroad brings the promise of a brighter future, for a lot of OFW families, it is not a walk in the park.

OFWs experience new places and cultures, but it also means giving up a lot of things they are familiar with.

Here are some of the things OFWs miss the most when they live miles away from the Philippines.

Weather

It’s true, days here in the Philippines may get a little too humid at times, but that doesn’t mean one won’t miss it. After all, there’s a reason tourists call the Philippines a ‘tropical paradise’. The country’s sunny weather means warm days, great sunsets, and being able to go to the beach almost any time of the year! The tropical climate is as warm as the people themselves. It’s also a break from having to face the biting cold during winter in other countries.

Family

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) take up hard work in foreign countries for one reason: their families. This being said, it’s natural for OFWs to miss their loved ones when they’re abroad. But while working overseas means missing your family and friends each and every day, our hardworking OFWs are more than willing to sacrifice if that’s the way for a better life for the family. That’s what makes their effort even more beautiful.

It’s hard to imagine being uprooted from your family and culture, in addition to having to work each day. That’s why time and time again we refer to OFWs as our modern day heroes.

Food

Sisig, adobo, and of course, sinigang! Who could say “no” to a delicious home-cooked Filipino meal? Filipino food may not be as exotic or complex as its Asian counterparts, but one thing’s for sure – it’s the perfect comfort food. You might be able to cook these dishes abroad, but there’s nothing like having a taste of your favorite viand or “ulam”, spiced up with ingredients bought straight from the wet market. Combine these tasty meals with family-time and a big dose of lively chatter, and you’ve got the perfect dinner to make your day.

Get-togethers with friends

As our tourism slogan says: ‘It’s more fun in the Philippines!’ From Filipino fiestas to get-togethers with friends, Pinoys just know how to have fun. That’s why so many OFWs love to come home during special occasions, or celebrations. You can eat, make as much noise as you want, catch up with friends, and belt your heart out to your favorite power ballads at Karaoke. Now, what other country has that?

Teleseryes

Pinoys get attached to their favorite TV shows, even when they’re abroad.

There’s just something so engaging about our teleseryes and noontime shows. Despite its sometimes cliché storylines and dramatic twists, the Filipino teleserye has the perfect mix of drama that keeps viewers wanting more. It’s hard not to cheer for your favorite artista when she’s fighting against all odds to win against the series’ ruthless kontrabida.