My First International Trip – One of the deciding factors to leave Philippines

     Before 14 September 2007, I’m very excited since this is my first international trip. The destination is Hong Kong. There is a saying that “In Hong Kong, once you live it, you are sure to love it.” I visited the Avenue of the Stars / A Symphony of Lights, Aberdeen which is home to hundreds of fisher folks who are living on the fishing junks. I took the Sampan ride to experience their unique lifestyle. I also visited Disneyland, Victoria Peak, Night Market, etc.

     I noticed that there are many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Hat’s off to our OFWs since they are sacrificing to bring the bacon to their respective families and the homesickness. I realized that, contrary to popular belief it is not easy living in another country. Communication barrier might be one of the hardest things. We had an experience in a restaurant where we have asked for our take-away food, waiters gave official receipts and other items instead, after that, they pointed to the kitchen where we could see the chef, to cut the story short we were not able to get our take-away food, lol. A funny thing though, the other customers looked at us, as if a commotion happened.

    What I learned, OFWs have a lot of patience. Notice that there are so many Filipinos not only in Hong Kong but in different countries. Some say that life in the Philippines is not that easy as compared to other countries since there are challenges like political instability, lack of basic necessities and inefficient public systems, etc. In a way, the life in Philippines can easily adjust living in other countries. I’m not surprise why most of the Filipinos living abroad are successful in their fields.

    If we dream and think big we can accomplish and conquer our ambitions.