Finally, after so many years, you’re finally going back to the Philippines, whether for good or just for a few months.
Because of this, we compiled some of the usual things OFWs hear from relatives when they arrive home. Trust us, you’re bound to hear at least a few of them.
“Ate, Kuya, asan yung pasalubong?”
Admit it. As much as it is true your family is excited to finally see you after years of working overseas, they are also excited to see what is inside your balikbayan box. After the hi’s and hello’s and after the “how was the experience?”, expect that many of your relatives will be asking for their pasalubong.
As you slowly open your balikbayan box, you are nervously counting the number of chocolates and bottles of lotion you were able to purchase. At the same time, you try to count the number of people lined up for their pasalubong. Are these enough?
Our advice: good luck.
“Hiyang sa ibang bansa ah!”
After years of not seeing you, people will notice even the slightest change in your physique. People will start noticing how you got bigger or smaller, how your skin has gone lighter or darker. You know the drill.
It’s normal to feel irritated, but remember to keep your cool. Just think of it this way: they are saying them to you because they’ve missed you.
“May boyfriend ka nang foreigner?/Kailan ka mag-aasawa?”
Where did this come from? People forget you flew abroad to work and earn some money, not to look for love. Aside from your balikbayan box, people expect you bring home your new lover.
This is immediately followed by questions about your plans for marriage. You are so busy with work that you have barely enough time to rest and go out. Your priority right now is to provide for the family first. Your personal goals come in second.
“Tanda mo pa ba ako? Ako yung tita ng asawa ng pinsan ng ninong mo!”
The entire barangay is already waiting for you from the moment you step foot in the airport to the moment you finally arrive home. During your welcome home party, expect to see your childhood friend, your neighbor who you used to watch noontime television dramas with, and the tita ng asawa ng pinsan ng ninong mo whose name you do not actually know.
Get ready for a surge of names and handshakes coming your way. To be safe, smile at everyone. Act like you really remember them, even if deep inside, you’re left wondering about the name of the eprson you’re talking to.
“Andyan na si mayor!”
One of the saddest parts about being a balikbayan is that people think you’re rich after years of working overseas. This, however, is not always true. People call you “bigtime”, not knowing that each day away from the family is a big struggle.
“Na-miss ka namin!”
The hardships of being away from the family is all worth it once you receive that hug from your parents or from your children. You will realize that indeed, you missed being with your family and that you are finally home. After all, nothing compares when it comes to love of family.
