A reason why Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are considered the country’s modern heroes is because of their huge sacrifice—being away from their families back home in order to provide a better life for them.
However, it’s no secret that no person can endure life abroad alone. In whatever aspects of life, especially for OFWs, friends are beyond valuable for survival. They provide us a sense of connection and belongingness; they give us a sense home thousands of miles away from our families.
These Filipinos in the UAE have shown that despite the sacrifice and distance, there is still a room for genuine happiness as long as you’re surrounded by your second family—your friends and inner circle people.
‘They are practically my family’
James Gempis, 29, has been in the UAE for several years now, but it’s during this crisis that he realized the real importance of having friends by your side.
“Sobrang importante kasi to be surrounded with likeminded individuals during these uncertain times. ‘Yung mga taong positibo sa buhay, masayahin at higit sa lahat ung uunawain ka. Nakatulong sila to maintain a positive outlook in life and of course in your day-to-day living,” he said.
He said that his friends in the UAE have been with him during the highest and lowest points of his life, noting that their relationship has surpassed mere friendship—and that they are practically now a family.
“Matuturing mong tunay na kaibigan kapag dumating ka sa lowest point ng buhay mo at nag-stick sila. More than being friends with them for over 6 years now, I consider them as my family na talaga. Thanks to Ate Yna, Jocelyn, Arvie, Eloisa, Kambal, and many others sticking with me through thick and thin,” Gempis added.
He added that the support system and genuine care he gets from them really lifts his spirits up, noting that he has proven that in every aspect of his life, they will be a constant presence.
“I rarely say this kasi hindi talaga ako cheesy na tao pero super thankful ako sa kanila. I will always be thankful and grateful sa lahat ng nagawa nila for me,” said Gempis.
The strength amid the crisis
As for Ma. Eloisa Fernandez, 28, it is truly a big help to have friends who are always ready to help her understand life and the world, as well as listen to every one of her problems and stories.
She said that she sometimes gets blinded with so many aspects in life, and that her friends help her get back on track and understand things better.
“Malaking factor ‘yong alam mong may handang makinig, umunawa at sumuporta sa’yo kahit sa anong sitwasyon. I have anxiety and most of the time, I’m sensitive,” she said.
Fernandez added that it’s nice to have people who constantly remind her that she’s capable of happiness, especially since she’s far from her family.
She added that her friends have become her strength in surviving the crisis, noting that despite struggling together, they remain happy because they still each other.
“Si Neng, Elma, Ella, Joevie at kapatid kong si Elisa, nagtutulungan kaming lahat sa mga gastos, share ng food at mga nangyayari sa loob ng bahay lalo na sa paghahanap ng work since,” said Fernandez.
The Filipina added that despite the tough challenges they face, she’s still thankful that the Lord has used her friends to extend His love “I am beyond blessed to have them on my side because I feel loved and understood.”
Genuine connections
Meanwhile, Elaine Ann Sumacot, 30, said that her friends in the UAE made her realize that true friendship is not tested through time, but through genuine connections amid the toughest periods.
She said that she had so many friends she’s known for years, yet she cannot depend on them whenever she’s in need.
“ Natutunan ko ngayong may pandemic na ang tunay na mabuting kaibigan ay ‘yong kilala ka at nakakausap mo sa kahit anong panahon: panahon ng kasiyahan, panahon ng kalungkulatan, panahon ng kalokohan, panahon ng kagipitan, at panahon ng katangahan,” she said.
She said that her friends here inspired her to unleash her genuine self, and that she’s never afraid of being scared around them. Even if they don’t always talk, she said she still feels their presence with just a single message.
Sumacot also noted how her inner circle people helped her not feel so alone, especially during this time.
“Kung hindi man makapunta, handang makinig sa sasabihin mo, handang tumulong sa abot ng makakaya nila, handa magbigay ng payo, handang sabihin sayo ang pagkakamali mo, higit sa lahat handang iparamdam sayo na hindi ka nag iisa,” she said.
“Sana ay maalala nila na nandito ako sa kahit anong panahon ng buhay nila. Na lagi silang kasama sa dasal ko. Sana ay maging matagumpay sila sa kani-kanilang buhay, maging kuntento sa kung ano man ang ipinagkaloob sa kanilq ng Diyos,” added Sumacot.
