OFW Journals (OFW Stories on the News) and Some OFW Employment, Career & Business Tips

Name or Nickname: Monie Victoriano Hopfner

Do you want us to publish your name: Yes

Email: lmhopfner@kooee.com.au

Do you want us to publish your email: Yes

Country of Residence: Australia

Any Website: nil

Profession: Artist; Teacher; Charity worker

Do you want to settle permanently in abroad and Why: Yes, because I am married to an Australian.

Is Working or Living in Foreign Country Beneficial to you and Why: Financially beneficial yes. We are able to support our family and our country's economy as a whole.

Do you think our countrys economy is getting better because of OFWs and Why: Definitely! OFWs are sending billions of dollars back home every year which help strengthen up our economy.

What could be the undesirable effects when working abroad to you and to your family left back home: Homesickness;emotionally crippled because of long separation. Guilt of not doing the fair share of looking after the family like my 92 years old mum.

Are You Worried About the Brain Drain that our country is facing at this time and Why: Very much worried. Firstly,it is a sheer waste of talent for our professionals to leave our country and work as a mere domestic helper, labourer or driver abroad. Secondly, our country is like a lame duck who could not provide jobs and decent living for our citizens. They just turned a blind eye and failed to respond to the crisis we are facing. Our skilled and academics have been shredded as they get out of the country to support the family. What a shame!

Can You give some tips or advise to others who may wish to work abroad too Specially on places that you have worked for: Always do the right thing!Hard work and perseverance with rugged determination is a key to succes. Do something good that your family, your town or our country will be proud of you. We are the captain of our own ship. Life is what we make it.The last but not the least, is SAVE! SAVE! SAVE!

If you will be given a post to serve OFWs what could be your plans to protect or serve the Filipino Workers Worldwide: Make it compulsory to every OFWs to have Social Security Insurance(SSS)for a secured future. Put up a centre where they can rely genuine help and quick action on thier emergency needs. Silence is not an option anymore. Talking is not good enough either. They need quick action to fix thier problems.

What is best about being a Filipino: Nothing is sweeter than being a Filipino citizen.I love Bayanihan and Kabayan system, our flag and National Anthem. Native delicacies,jeepneys & Fiestas. The goegraphical diversity of the Archipelago. The legendary beauty and grace of the Filipina women and lots more!

Any Message for Us: Thanks for giving me an opportunity to share my experiences and tips to fellow OFWs. Well done!