Hundreds of netizens headed to the comment section of The Filipino Times article posted on Facebook about an overseas Filipino worker’s  (OFW) open letter, which talks about disappointment of family members and friends over OFWs’ pasalubong.

Raymond Lopez, an OFW based in the Middle East, explains that OFWs are not obliged to give gifts on their return home.

He also underscored that OFW life entails a lot of sacrifices. Hence, relatives and friends of OFWs should be appreciative of what they are able to give.

READ: OPEN LETTER: Balikbayan to disappointed family, friends of OFWs over ‘pasalubong’

Common among Filipinos

Dan Den Icalina said that this attitude is common among Filipinos. He shared that people from other countries do not demand anything from their friends or relatives who have visited or worked in another country.

Another OFW, Rodel Sibayan, echoed Icalina’s comment, adding that OFWs do not need to feel pressured to buy pasalubong..

Distorted perception towards OFWs

Rey Lumabat said Filipinos often have a certain perception that OFWs earn big overseas. He said that families and relatives are not aware of the struggles OFWs go through just to be able to earn and remit money.

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Meanwhile, Jackie Misty also shared her two cents regarding the matter. She said OFWs often feel pressured to give gifts to avoid being tagged as “mayabang”.

Giving is a choice

Meanwhile, OFW Cora Virola Tarcena said Filipino workers still have a choice on whether or not they want to give pasalubong to friends. She also shared that pasalubong do not have to come at a hefty cost.

Another OFW, Lyrehc Palahang Vallespin, said OFWs cannot do anything if they have nothing to give. She added that OFWs should also not expect anything in return, as giving gifts should come from the heart.

The reality for OFWs

The sad reality is, Raymond Lopez is not the only one who experiences this. As seen in the reactions of other OFWs, they have also encountered the same incident.

Arnie Jalover said that she sometimes feels sad when she exerts effort to give in to her family and friends’ demands, all the while seeing that they do not even seem concerned about her life as an OFW.

For his part, JC Matilla said non-OFWs will not understand how difficult it is to fill up one balikbayan box.

Yam Irene considers herself lucky. She said her family and friends appreciate what she can give.