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

Name or Nickname: vanie b.

Country of Residence: Brunei Darussalam

Profession: Web & Graphic Designer

Do you want to settle permanently in abroad and Why: I think NO, I love Philippines so much and I'm proud being a Filipino. I love the beautiful places in Philippines, makita ko lang ang North Luzon Expressway each time I go back home, there's always a happy and peaceful feeling within me...especially if I'm looking at the ricefields in Central Luzon, from Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Tarlac and Pangasinan. How I wish I could have a chance to visit all of the country's beautiful places to promote them to our foreign visitors...

Is Working or Living in Foreign Country Beneficial to you and Why:
Yes, it's beneficial, not really so much on financial cos the pay here in Brunei is not really high as in other countries but i like the way of life here , life is simple, quiet, not much pollution & crimes and i'm happy that our luck is here cos my family are here, my hubby & children....

Do you think our countrys economy is getting better because of OFWs and Why: Yes, I was surprised that US-Php Rate at this time is about P48.00 na lang... it is because a lot of OFWs are coming back to Philippines to invest and buying properties that helps our local business men and SME's... Shopping in Philippines during vacation is also a big help to our economy...but I hope Govt should put more effort to support OFWs...

What could be the undesirable effects when working abroad to you and to your family left back home: Super loneliness, when my hubby left when our child is only 2 years old and we're just about three years together, i'm so very very lonely, that's the loneliest part of my life, so far...

Are You Worried About the Brain Drain that our country is facing at this time and Why: Yes, a bit worried but I always believe in Nature's Balance...God is always with us to cope with this...someday these Pinoy professionals will go back home to help and improve our country, the migration is just temporary...like me, i don't have plans to stay overseas, i'd like to invest someday in Phils so that i can help to create jobs for our kababayan...

Can You give some tips or advise to others who may wish to work abroad too Specially on places that you have worked for: Mag-ingat palagi s mga illegal recruiters, mga fixers na nagkalat sa labas ng DFA, NSO etc....huwag basta-basta mawawalan ng pag-asa kapag may mga problema kayo sa paglalakad ng mga papeles tulad ng birth cert sa NSO Passport etc...palaging mag-tanong, palaging magbasa ng mga impormasyon, mga balita, mga benepisyo at programa para sa mga OFWs o gustong mag abroad...knowledge is the most powerful tools/treasure that you should have cos it will not be taken away from you...that's why, you should always visit this site www.ofw-connect.com ...about going to Brunei, Brunei is a very nice and ideal place but only few were lucky, the opportunity here is not much but if your skilled is needed, it is so nice to work in Brunei...visit our Brunei Info site at http://brunei.ofw-connect.com (hindi nga lang updated as of today...Jan 2007)

If you will be given a post to serve OFWs what could be your plans to protect or serve the Filipino Workers Worldwide: I have already started serving our fellow OFWs through this site, OFW Connect...I started to build this site, fund it, update it and maintain it with my own effort and expenses (and of course with the help of some advertisers / contributors and as well as our members - thanks so much to them) cos I want to bring and share all the OFW related information that I know.

What is best about being a Filipino: Maraming magagandang kaugalian, ang pinakamaganda, mapag-mahal sa kamag-anak, nanay, mga kapatid at kaibigan...mapag-mahal as in kahit konti lang kita sa abroad, mag-uuwi at mag uuwi pa rin ng konting pasalubong, kahit magkanda hirap sa kakatrabaho sa abroad, mag-papadala at mapapadala pa rin kahit konti kapag merong manghinge, kahit sa totoo lang mahirap ang buhay sa abroad, hindi pa rin uuwi hanggat hindi nakakamit ang mga pangarap para sa kanilang pamilya...