Despite thousands of stories of hardships of overseas Filipino workers (OFW), it is hard to shrug off the notion that life is better overseas.
Here are some expectations of OFWs that are far from the truth:
1. Expectation: Living the life in glamorous Dubai
Dubai is known for its high-rise buildings and magnificent architecture. In fact, the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa, is located here.
Many OFW families expect Filipinos in Dubai to live in one of the rooms inside the high-rise picturesque buildings.
Reality: Living in small, rented spaces to save money
The reality is that many Filipinos opt to rent in small spaces to save extra money for remittance to their families in the Philippines. Many Filipinos share a flat with up to four people sleeping on double-bunk beds just to save some cash.
2. Expectation: Selfie here, selfie everywhere
No doubt about it —Dubai is one of the most Instagrammable places in the world. This is why many OFWs take the opportunity to roam around the city during their rest days: to take selfies share it to their family and relatives on social media.
3. Expectation: Kaya ko ‘to. Konting tiis pa!
OFWs do a very a good job of staying strong for their families. However, many aspiring OFWs fail to realize how hard it really is to be away from home.
Reality: Ilang taon na di pa rin nakakauwi ng Pinas
Instead of spending the money to purchase a two-way ticket, most OFWs opt to just send the money to the Philippines.
Not only that, OFWs also choose to work than have a vacation to earn extra.
4. Expectation: Branded shoes and clothes
Most people often think all OFWs choose to buy branded items, from clothing and gadgets to appliances. No wonder balikbayans are expected to come home with Nike shoes and Louis Vuitton handbags.
Reality: Garage sale lang ‘yan!
Not a lot of Filipinos in UAE are able to afford branded items straight out of stores. If they can, they will often wait for the older models to be released in garage sales so they can grab a pair of branded kicks at a lower price.
If you also think ukay-ukay (hand me down shops) only exist in the Philippines, you are wrong. Many Pinoys flock to thrift stores to shop.
5. Expectation: Five-star dining experience
So you think that because they are working abroad, all OFWs experience fine dining at its best? Wrong!
Reality: Ligo at Pancit Canton lang sapat na
Sometimes, they want to spare a few pennies by eating affordable Filipino food products that are also available in the UAE, whether it’s Ligo or Pancit Canton.
“Dumadating talaga ‘yung ganon, ‘yung mga araw na puro de lata na lang kakainin mo. Sa totoo nga, isa ‘yan sa mga una kong binibili kapag may sweldo na para may stock ako sa flat namin,” Andrei Mapagdalita, who has been working in the Abu Dhabi for 6 years now, said.
