The Voice of the Modern Living Heroes

T he Of fici al P u bli ca ti on of Fil i pin o EPS W or kers Ass oc ia ti o n - So u th K o rea (F EW A )

EPS ( ) EPS ( )
August 2011 www.sulyapinoy.org

Volume 2

Issue 18

NOT FOR SALE

People and God-centered Association

OFW-KOREA-2006-001

By Danvir Mark Farnazo, Graduate student Myongji University, Yongin, Gyeonggido The Childrens Museum of the National Folk Museum of Korea launched the Philippine Culture Discovery Box last August 20, 2011. The museum aims to encourage local children into learning and understanding the Philippine culture. The ceremony also featured Philippine cuisine as well as traditional performances. Aptly namedKumusta Philippines, the exhibit is a kind of moving museum containing various cultural and fun educational materials designed to be lent to multicultural institutions, schools, libraries, and other museums all over Korea. Through this box, children will be introduced to Philippine history, nature, food, costume, games, and musical instruments. It also includes a picture book and a flashy animation of the famous Philippine fable Si Pagong at si Matsing. As both the book and animation come in Korean and English versions, children from local and multicultural families can enjoy them. Children can also engage in fun activities such as learning greeting in Filipino and wearing Barot Saya, and Barong Tagalog. Following the Vietnamese Culture Discovery Box Xin Zhao Vietnam and the Mongolian Culture Box Sen Beno Mongolia from 2010, the National Museum of Korea aims to provide local and multicultural children a window into a variety of lifestyles in the world in the world. Some 1.2 million foreigners live in Korea and in this growing multicultural society, it imperative for children to be exposed to cultures of other countries.

Philippine culture discovery box Kumusta Philippines being presented during launching at the Children s Museum of the National Folk Museum of Korea last August 20, 2011.

This years box features Kamusta Philippines as some 46,000 Filipinos live and work in Korea and is the fifth largest number of residents after Chinese, Americans, Vietnamese, and Japanese. The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology reported that as of last year, there are 4, 612 children of Philippine descent in Korea, making them the second highest number after Japanese descent children. To prepare the box, the museum regularly held forums consisting of Filipino consultants who are living in Korea as well as other experts. The consultants included Mylo C. Fausto, cultural officer from the Embassy of the Philippines; Jasmine Lee, married migrant; Maria Regina

Arquiza the only Filipino DJ at multi-cultural radio station; Cathy Rose A. Garcia, former Korea Times reporter and Kim Dong-yup, professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. The committees discussed effective ways to introduce Philippine culture. The museum purchased materials for the box in the Philippines and also filmed the life of elementary school children in Manila with the help of the Embassy of the Philippines in Korea. Ralph Batoon, senior researcher from the National Museum of the Philippines, also took part in the project as an expert on Philippine culture. In keeping up with the digital age, the museum has even opened a Philippine Culture Discovery Box account on Facebook.

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Wikang Pambansa -Isang natatanging kultura na taglay ng isang tunay na malayang bansa. Mula sa alibata hanggang sa abakada at marami pang mga alpabeto at lengwahe na ating napag - aralan, masasabi natin na higit pa ring mahalaga ang pagkakaroon ng isang wikang pambansa. Salamat kay Manuel L. Quezon na naturingang Ama ng ating Wikang Pambansa na nagbigay halaga dito. At sa mga ilan pang mga ninuno natin na nagbigay pansin at importansya gaya ng mga sumusunod; Pangulong Sergio Osmena na kanyang idiniklara na ipagbunyi ang Tagalong bilang wikang pambansa natin kada taon buwan ng Marso ika-27 hanggang buwan ng Abril ika-2 sa pamamagitan ng proklamasyon bilang 35. At noong ika-23 ng Setyembre taong 1955 inuutos ni Pangulong Ramon Magsaysay na ipagdiwang ang wikang pambansa kada ika13 hanggang 19 ng Mayo sa pamamagitan ng proklamasyon 186. Upang maisagawa ang mga programa sa mga paaralan tuwing ipinagdiriwang ito, sa halip Mayo itoy inilipat sa buwan ng Agosto ika-13 hanggang 19 ni Pangulong Corazon Aquino. At sa panahon ni Pangulong Fidel Ramos kanyang inuutos na gawing buwan ng wika ang Agosto para mas lalo pang pagtibayin ang mga naturang proklamasyon at bigyan ng pansin ng mga panuntunan sa edukasyon.

Kahalagahan: Isang pagbabalik tanaw sa ating mga ninuno na nagpahalaga sa ating wika. Higit tayong mapalad na tayo ay naturuan ng mga wika na nag-uugnay sa bawat isa sa atin. Tuwing sumasapit ang Agosto atin itong ipinagdiriwang, ang Buwan ng Wika, na muling sumasalamin sa kahalagahan nito sa ating buhay. Sagisag ng isang bansang malaya at nagsisilbing daan upang magkaunawaan ang bawat isa. Napakahalaga na tayo ay may sariling wika pagkat ito ang nagpapatunay ng ating pagkatao at pinagmulan. Isang paraan upang magkaisa at mai-

pakita ang tunay na pagmamahal sa ating bansang pinagmulan. Gaya ng nasambit ni Gat. Jose Rizal Ang di marunong mag mahal sa sariling wika ay higit pa sa hayop at malansang isda, kaya ating pagyamaning kusa gaya ng isang inang sa atin ay nagpala. Ipakita sa buong mundo ikay Pinoy na may sariling wika mahal at bitbit san man mapadpad. Kahalintulad ng isang tahanang nagbibigkis sa bawat myembro ng pamilaya, wika natin ang nagbibigkis sa bawat myembro ng sambayanan, nagsisilbing ilaw patungo sa tuwid na landas. Isigaw Akoy Pilipino tagalog ang wika ko!
D I S C L A I M E R Different opinions are encourage to stimulate member input and involvement. SULYAPINOYs role is to provide information that permits FEWA members to develop informed opinions on subjects that will affect their status as migrant workers and, in some instances, their personal lives. FEWA does not hold itself responsible for statements made by any contributor. Statements or opinions expressed in SULYAPINOY reflect the views of the author(s) and not the official policy of FEWA unless so stated. For Comments, Suggestions, Contributions & Advertisements, e-mail: editorialstaff@sulyapinoy.org or sulyap.editorialstaff@gmail.com SULYAPINOY observes the Philippine Press Code of Ethics We reserve the right to refuse any submission we deem does not meet our policies and guidelines.

EDITORIAL STAFF
Bhing Diamzon Editor-in-Chief Corinna Bianca Estarija Feature/Managing Editor Danvir Mark Farnazo Lay-out Editor Rodney Queman Literary Editor
Herwin Padillo, Maribel Agati Photojournalists
Contributors: Noel Joseph Alvarez, Benjie del Mundo, Edwin Padillo, Dennis Cristobal Mangoba, Mar vin Manalili Vinuya, Marjorie Casarino Mildred de Jesus

BOARD OF PUBLICATION
Chairman: Noel Joseph Alvarez Vice Chairman: Mario Jessie Bernales
Secretary: Sofia Jen Bitacura Printing and Distribution: Ehd Villarta

Outreach & Religious Programs: Liezl Manalo Sponsorhip and Promotion: Gennie Kim Training & Workshop: Noel Joseph Alvarez
Consultants: Fr. Alvin B. Parantar, MSP

Prof. Emily Dicolen-Abagat Ma. Regina Arquiza Marzy Serdea, III

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August 2011

Speech by: H.E. Amb. Luis T. Cruz

Distinguished guests, Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen, Let me, at the outset, congratulate the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) and the HRD-Korea for seven very fruitful and meaningful years of managing and charting the direction of the Employment Permit System. In my years of service as a diplomat, I have come to learn that we can all benefit from the best practices of different countries. The EPS, I am proud to say, is one of those systems that deserve emulation. The EPS is so efficient and holistic as to include all processes from selection and deployment to feedback and contract termination, and yet it so accessible and open-minded as to be able to adjust to, and improve with, the demands of the times. Such a system, indeed, is a rarity. It therefore comes as no surprise that the EPS was selected as the 1st place winner of the UN Public Service Awards on June 23, 2011, in the category of Preventing and Combating Corruption in the Public Service. I am very honored to be given the opportunity today to humbly share some of my thoughts about the EPS with our distinguished audience. As an EPS sending country, the Philippines has approximately 27,000 EPS workers throughout South Korea. The previous speakers have given ample information about the EPS so I will focus my tenminute intervention on my viewpoint as an ambassador. In drafting my speech, I have consulted with other embassies as well. Allow me now to elaborate on my point about how exemplary a system the EPS is. With the entry of foreign workers come various issues related to immigration. Adjustments are made not just by the worker, but also by the employer and the community that shelters the foreign worker. The adjustment, in fact, is not made just by the workforce alone but by the entire Korean society. The presence of locals and foreigners leads to a dynamic interaction that inevitably shapes the way of life and thinking of the people. Multiculturalism is a societal trend that is made possible not only by foreign spouses and expatriates, but also by the thousands of EPS workers who have found a second home in South Korea no matter how short their stay is. The EPS makes sure that the foreign worker is able to adjust as smoothly as possible. For instance, EPS workers require knowledge of Korean prior to deployment, since developing language skills early on helps minimize communication gaps. The workplace is not a perfect setting, and anywhere in the world, there are problems related to possible worker maltreatment, abuse or discontent. In South Korea, common complaints we receive from EPS workers pertain to delayed salaries, misrepresented contracts, and physically or verbally abusive sajangnim or colleagues. It is important that we become aware of these issues but it is even more important that we address these issues. The EPS is unique in that the system has established

several centers nationwide that are specifically tasked to handle the grievances of workers. I therefore reiterate my thanks to the MOEL and the HRD because they are directly concerned with the welfare of our workers. For example, an EPS worker can get his or her delayed salary and transfer to a better workplace through MOEL Job Centers and HRD branch offices. The MOEL and HRD help make the job of embassies to protect the rights and welfare of foreign workers easier, because your offices are placed strategically nationwide, in areas that are far from where embassies are located. The EPS is not only concerned about the stay of the workers here, but also about the future of the workers once their tenure ends. The HRD offers various training programs to current workers that will help them gain employment in their home countries or start a business. Such reintegration programs are essential, because their focus on capacitybuilding gives workers greater confidence to pursue other exploits. The Philippines understands very well the need for reintegration programs. There are more than eight million Filipinos working abroad, and it is our desire to continually strengthen our economy to generate more local employment. We want our nationals to bring back their experience abroad and share their skills in the Philippines. At the same time, we want to give them every reason and opportunity to return. Here in South Korea, the Philippine Embassy, through the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, regularly conducts regular sessions on skills and knowledge enhancement for Filipino workers. Last year, for example, the embassy conducted one course on PC assembly; six seminars on financial management; two three-weekend classes on entrepreneurship; one seminar each on franchising and the business climate in the Philippines; and one forum about housing options for foreign workers. All in all, around 800 workers have taken part in our reintegration programs In the Philippines, workers and their families can take advantage of various similar reintegration programs. The Philippine Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, for example, has several other skills and knowledge programs that range from SME development to scholarship opportunities for talented but needy children. The Philippine Department of Labor has recently announced the availability of non-collateralized loans for those who wish to start a business. Budgeted at around US$47 million, the loan includes a program for business matching and entrepreneurship training. Perhaps the reason why EPS workers are in a position of greater flexibility and decision-making compared to foreign workers in other countries is because the system itself has inherent processes that do not restrict themselves with sole deployment; the system oversees and pre-

pares for the stay and eventual return of the worker. I hope that I am able to speak on behalf of my diplomatic counterparts when I say that, in spirit and implementation, the HRD and the embassies have a common goal, the welfare and the rights of the workers. Having said that, let me take this opportunity to voice out some suggestions to further improve the EPS. It is not everyday that I am able to discourse with individuals such as you, so I hope you understand my audacity at raising ideas that can perhaps lead to policies that are even more meaningful and relevant in our common quest. For instance: For workers who have completed their sojourn, it may be best if they no longer have to retake the Korean Language Test and other exams. These are people who already passed the tests once and who have lived in South Korea as EPS workers. Requiring them to take the same test to be included anew in the roster is a redundant process that only consumes time and resources. This requirement can be waived without damaging the reason behind the exams, which is to ensure that the workers are able to adjust to Korean society and perform their jobs. Returning workers have already proven that. The waiting period of six months for EPS workers who have completed their sojourn translates to a period when productivity risks a dip. Employers who wish to retain the same people have to deal with the costs of retraining and adjustment while waiting for the period to lapse, while EPS workers who are still qualified to apply have to contend with half a year of untapped potential. Attention can perhaps be given to further improvements in the agricultural and construction sectors, which appear to have less defined parameters of operation than the manufacturing sector. It is our understanding that the EPS is developed in such a way that it prioritizes the infusion of new blood meaning that workers can only stay up to a certain period and up to a certain age. The idea is that they will go back to their home countries and they will be replaced by other individuals, thereby giving others a chance to become part of the system. Now may be a good time to re-examine this arrangement. The bond between an employer and an employee who have developed mutual trust and confidence is sacred. Such a relationship needs time and nurture. It is a relationship that can be viewed as a long-term investment because it leads to greater productivity and can expand operations. The current system only allows up to a maximum of four years and ten months of sojourn for the EPS worker. The worker then has to wait out six months in the home country. Upon return, he or she can only work up to around 38 years old. An EPS worker who joins now at the age of 22, for instance, can only work three times or a total of approximately 14 years with sixmonth breaks in between. Assuming that the worker goes to the same employer each time, the bond betContinued in Page 4

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 from page 3 (Amba. Cruzs speech) ween them will have to be broken once the workers age ceiling is reached. In a typical workplace, the benefits of 14 years of experience are immeasurable. I respectfully wish to propose a system where, for as long as the employer is willing to take in the worker, the worker can be allowed to stay legally. The employer is in the best position to judge the skills and resourcefulness of the worker. Once either employer or worker wishes out of the contract, the worker can find employment elsewhere assuming that another SME is willing to receive the transfer. W e are not even talking about permanent residence. W e are talking about giving the employer and the employee who have formed a bond the opportunity to let the working relationship flourish such bonds cannot be aptly captured or maximized by designations of age ceilings. Short-term employment visas that have to be periodically renewed can be used. The worker will still be under the EPS and will still be counted in the quota. In the long term, this arrangement may be more feasible than a regular turnover of workers. It will also be cost-effective for the MOEL/ HRD when handling its operations. W e can expect more workers to violate the provisions of their visa for every turnover that takes place. Over time, the number of undocumented workers may increase. The age ceiling may thus be counterproductive in the long run if one overriding purpose is to encourage workers to stay legally. By abolishing the age ceiling, workers can have the opportunity to stay legally. Certain conditions should of course be put in place, first and foremost of which is the willingness of the registered employer. I wish to highlight the importance of the employer in this set up. Oftentimes, when we talk about the EPS, we think about the foreign worker. In reality, several other stakeholders exist, such as the government and, of course, the employer. And many employers themselves like to retain their workers. Employers, in fact, are among those who signed a petition last year requesting improvements in the EPS. I believe that their voices should also be heard in forums like this, because they are the ones who directly deal with the foreign workers. I hope that, at an opportune time, the Korean Government can also study the possibility of providing amnesty to overstaying workers and find a way for them to become eligible to apply to the EPS. The EPS is such an excellent system to deny, and I sincerely hope that the system will cover as many workers as possible. It is a system that I sincerely believe should be emulated by other countries and in other sectors. In summary, the EPS is an excellent system that deserves the praise it has received. Thanks to your hard work, the goal of the MOEL/HRD and the embassies in South Korea in protecting the rights and welfare of workers is ably shared. Lastly, there are many ways to further enhance the current system, and I hope that you will find merit in some of my points. Thank you very much.

Time waits for no one

By Bhing Diamzon, English teacher at CMIS Incheon, Korea
My mom was a very warm and kind person. She used to read to me with a soft voice, and I like it so much. I was brought up like a princess till I was five years old when my little sister was born. She looked like a boy because she had only a few hairs. Since my Grand Parents eagerly waiting for the birth of their grandson, they were disappointed when my sister was born. After my sisters first birthday, my moms stomach started to bulge again. When my mom came to an event at my kindergarten, with her belly bulging out and her face swollen, I felt a bit ashamed of her. Other moms dress themselves beautifully.. The reason why my moms belly was so big is because she is pregnant again with my twin sister. It was the beginning of my moms suffering and hardship. My twin sister always cried the whole day and my second sister who was once became a good sister start to pee and poop everywhere in the house. She always followed mom wherever my moms goes. On all such occasions, I just quietly entered my room and read books. When sometimes I woke up early in the morning for washroom, I saw my mom washing the clothes at that early hour. Mom, why are you doing the laundry now?, I asked. I dont have time to wash unless I do this now, she replied. My mom must have washed so many cloth diapers used by her three children. I was eight years old that time when I took it for granted that my mom lived that kind of life. Some time after the twins were born, my mom gave birth for another baby girl and when she was 18 months old my mom gave birth for another baby boy, my youngest brother, whom my Grand Parents had been waiting for so long. They celebrated the birth of my younger brother all over town. My mom continued to wash cloth diapers at an early hour when all the people are asleep. However, I did not care of my moms suffering. She spent her whole youth raising 6 children, without having time for herself. She just keep us look clean and healthy. As her children even ate the whole box of chicken in a moment, she herself did not eat any of it.-not even once, saying that she did not like fatty foods. Only after a quite a while did I know that my mom liked meat and also loved to adorn herself. I wanted to let her live in comfort and abundance by serving her delicious food and buying her nice clothes as well, but I just kept putting it off until later with the excuse that I was busy, and I eventually missed the chance forever. I did not express my true feelings for her by saying I am sorry, thank you and I love you. After my mom pass away, I realized how indiscreet and immature I was. As the oldest of six children, I took my mothers suffering for granted and did not even think about helping her. I feel resentful towards myself for that. Thinking of my mothers life, I am reminded of my wife now. She take cares of my children while I am here abroad trying to earn money for them at the same time enjoying my off with such like a prince. Spending half of my earnings for my pleasure and sending them half thinking that it is enough not realizing it is not just what they need but my presence as their father and as my wifes husband. Time waits for no one. There is not a lot of time left for me to practice a filial towards my family. From now on I want to take good care of my children and help my wife sincerely while fathoming her heart, as a loving husband and teach my children to be good to their parents, so that I will never have any regret again.

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Each Day
by Bhing Diamzon, English teacher at CMIS Incheon, Korea

Sa Airport
katha ni Edwin Padillo

Up until now, Youve only thought that 60 seconds make a minute, 60 minutes make an hour, and 24 hours make a day. Days turn into years, time flows endlessly just like that. Like grains of sand, they slip away you can never hold it back For you my friend however neither the 24-hour cycle nor the length of the day and night has any meaning As what one proverb says, There is no rest for a man like you with many responsibilities.

Youre up early in the morning, and start your day with a smile You work until late in the evening, And lie on your bed with a sigh You work hard for your love ones, never taking a moment to rest Thinking of the good times, you know back for you awaits While everybody is sleeping, one can hear you whispering In the darkness carries on a prayer, pleading to the Heavenly Father God, please let days go by quickly, so I return and never leave home ever again

Nakatanghod sa malamig na harang na naghihiwalay sa mga dumarating at nag-aabang, ang batang may siyam na taong nawalan ng malalambingan. Habang sa di kalayuan, mabagal na lumalapit ang inang nakahimlay sa sisidlang naghihiwalay sa mga humihinga at walang malay. Ngayong araw na ito, may lilipad na ibang ina patungo sa mga nagsilid sa kanyang ina sa sisidlang iyon upang ang kanilang anak ay may malambingang muli.

EPS Q & A
Where to get career certificates designated in HRD-Korea offices for the 6 years end of sojourn?
SEOUL AREA 0232719473 142 0234091919 463-73 028769019 1134 033-650-5722 649-25 033-248-8508 101-24 BUSAN AREA 051-330-1830 18772 051-620-1919 546-23 052- 265-9297 572-44 055-266-1919 169 DEAGU AREA 053-585-1919 971-52 054-854-1919 406-13 054-278-7704 120-2 GYEONGGIDO AREA 032-820-8652 1292 031-249-1243 9063 031-853-4285 801-14 031-750-6234 4554 GWANGJU CITY AREA 062-970-1748 2 542 063-254-1919 1 653 061-743-1919 4804 061-284-1953 514-45 064-729-0704 113 DAEJON AREA 043-279-9017 244-32 041-620-7619 434-2 sa mga pabrika ng damit. Ang ipis, at dumi nito ay isa pang pangkaraniwan na dahilan nito. Iba-iba ang sanhi pero ang epekto ay pare-pareho. Ano naman ang pwedeng gawin para maiwasan ito? Una sa mga nagtratrabaho sa pabrika mas maganda kung gagamit sila ng maskara habang nasa pabrika upang di malanghap ang mga lumulutang na mga hibla ng tela. Iwasan din maglaro o maglagi sa damuhan o sa labas kung tag-init o spring. Sa bahay naman ay tanggalin ang mga stuffed toy, carpet at palitan o labhan ang mga kobre-kama at kurtina linggo-linggo. Panatilihing malinis ang kapaligiran maging sa bahay o sa lugar ng trabaho. Ang gamot ay kailangan manggaling sa doktor. Mahalagang makita kayo ng doktor para matiyak na mayroon nga kayong allergic rhinitis at hindi ito dahil sa ibang uri ng sakit. May spray sa ilong na irereseta at mayron din tableta na ipapainom. Ang importante ay dapat niyong sundin ang payo ng doktor at huwag basta-basta iinom ng gamot o ihihinto ang pag-inom nito .

Payo ni Doc

Allergies na ba ito?
By Dennis Cristobal S. Mangoba, M.D. Rhinology and Facial Plastic International Clinical Fellow, Department of Otorhinolaryngology Seoul National University College of Medicine

Marami sa ating mga kababayan dito sa Korea ang nagtratrabaho sa mga pabrika. Marami ang dumadaing na lagi sila bahing ng bahing o may sipon lalo na kung maalikabok o pabrika ng tela ang kanilang pinagtratrabahuhan. Alam naman natin sa mga industriya ay hindi prioridad ang kalinisan ng kapaligiran sa pabrika maliban lamang kung sensitibo ang produkto na ginagawa. Ano nga ba ang maaring dahilan nito? Una, ang allergy ay isang uri ng kundisyon na kung saan ay may overreaction and isang tao sa mga allergens na tinatawag. Ang pinakamadalas na uri ay ang mga house dust mites. Hindi ito ang alikabok mismo kundi isang uri ng kulisap na nakatira sa alikabok at nangangailangan ng microscope upang

makita ng mata kung hindi gagamit ng microscope. Kapag ating nalanghap ang mga dumi nito na sa sobrang liit ay lumulutang sa hangin kapag nagwalis or nagpagpag ay magdududulot ito ng reaksyon sa katawan na tinatawag nating allergic reaction. Makakaramdam ang isang tao ng ibatibang simtomas katulad ng pangangati ng ilong at ng mata o maari ng balat, sunod-sunod na pagbabahing, malatubig na sipon, pangangati ng lalamunan, pagbabara ng ilong o kahirapan sa paghinga. Maari din ito mauwi sa hika. Sa totoo, may relasyon ang hika at allergy, maaring isipin na sila ay magpinsan. Pareho ng sanhi at mekanismo ang dalawa. Yun nga lang nasa magkabilang panig sila ng spectrum. Ang damo o pollen naman ay karaniwang nagdudulot din ng allergic reaction lalo na sa panahon ng tag-init or sa spring. Ang tawag dito ay seasonal allergic rhinitis. Magkapareho din ang nararamdaman ng apektado nito. Gayundin ang epekto ng mga hibla ng tela na lumulutang sa hangin

August 2011

Sulyap Pinoy

Si Japoy noon si Japoy pa rin siya ngayon

Katha ni Marvin Manalili Vinuya, EPS worker sa Gwangju galing sa Suclayin, Arayat, Pampanga
Marami sa ating mga pinoy ang nangangarap na mangibang bansa. Lahat tayo ay gustong umasenso ang buhay di lamang para sa ating mga sarili kung di para sa ating mga mahal sa buhay. Merong mga pinalad na maganda at mabait ang mga among napuntahan pero may ilan din na di sinuwerte, meron dyan na mabigat ang trabaho, meron naman na malupit ang amo at di nag papasahod ng tama at wala sa oras. Isa na rito si Japoy, si Japoy isang ordinaryung tao na nangarap umasenso at mabago ang buhay. Dasal dito dasal doon, simba dito simba doon. Lahat na yata ng poon na dumadalaw sa kanilang simbahan ay dinadasalan nya. Di rin naglaon dininig ang dalangin ni Japoy. naka-alis at naka pag trabaho dito sa South Korea,tuloy-tuloy ang swerte ni Japoy mabait ang sajang,magaan ang trabaho at ayus ang kita. Naka pag-ipon at nakatulong sa mga magulang at mga kapatid. Pero sa paglipas ng mga taon, may nag bago kay Japoy. Ang dating Japoy na madasalin at mapagkumbaba parang unti-unti ay nagbago. Lumaki ang ulo, yumabang at astong boss na sa kanila, marahil dahil sa isip ni Japoy ay nakakatulong siya sa kanila. Di na rin sya nakikinig sa payo ng mga magulang nya. Kung gumastos sya sa barkada at happenings ng ito ay parang di mauubusan ng pera. Para bang di sya nahirapan sa pag tatarabaho para lang maipon yung kanyang ginagastos. Maaga pa lang nakaabang na sa may labasan ang mga tropa ni Japoy, pag nakita na siya agad na siyang lalapitan. Konting kantyaw lang ay bibigay agad si Japoy. Di nag laon at di rin napansin ni Japoy na unti- unti nang nauubos ang ipon nya pra sa kanyang planong pag papamilya. Ginawa ni Japoy ay bumalik na sa skorea kahit di pa tapos ang bakasyun nya. Pero lubhang naubos na yta ang swerte ni Japoy. Nagsara ang kumpanyang pinapasukan nya at di na rin sya naka hanap ng magandang trabaho. Naubos ang panahon ni Japoy at kailangan na niyang bumalik sa sariling bansa. Dahil sa hirap na maka hanap ng trabaho sa atin walang mapasukan ng maayus si Japoy. Di rin makapasok dahil over age na sya.naubos ang ipon ni Japoy at nabenta lahat ng naipundar niya sa pangingibang bansa. Di na rin na tuloy ang kanyang planong mag pamilya. Ngayon si Japoy mag isa walang tropa,wala na yung mga nakapaligid sa kanya nung mapera pa siya. Isa lamang si Japoy sa mga katulad nating ofw na nagsisi sa huli. Pangkaraniwang asal at gawi nating mga pinoy pero madalas na nangyayari sa ating mga OFW. Sana isipin natin na sa bawat sentimo na kinikita natin hirap,pawis, dugo at ang oras (panahon) na malayo tayu sa mga mahal natin sa buhay ang kapalit. Kaya matutu tayung mag-impok at mag pahalaga sa biyayang bigay ng may kapal. Wag tayong makakalimot sa ating pinagmulan. Pwedng ihalintulad si Japoy sa isang taong umakyat sa punong hitik sa bunga na habang nasa taas ay puro kain ang ginawa at di nag tira para sa kanyang pagbaba.

Worldwide Festival for Persons with Disabilities

8th International Abilympics, Seoul, 25 - 30 September 2011
By the Philippine Embassy The Embassy of the Philippines in Seoul is inviting Filipinos in Korea to support the Philippine participation to the 8th International Abilympics (IA), which is scheduled to be held on 25-30 September 2011, at the AT Center, Seoul. The 8th International Abilympics is an international skills competition which aims to increase vocational competency and skills improvement of persons with disabilities. Philippine Abilympics delegates will start competing in various skills competitions on 27-29 September. All events will be held at the aTCenter, Gangnam, Seoul. (go to www.ia2011.org for more details). In line with the Seoul hosting of the 8th IA, the Organizing Com mittee is inviting volunteers who can keep the lines of communication open between organizers and delegates by supporting interpretation for the delegates. Filipinos who speak Korean and English are encourage to support this endeavor.
Interested volunteers can contact the Contest Support Department at: Tel. No.: (031) 728 - 7136 Email: kisme1@kead.or.kr

STANDARD LABOR CONTRACT (Basic Korean Info)

By Marjorie B. Casarino, Gimjie President of Damayan Filipino Community
English Standard labor contract Written contract Business/enterprise Employer Job Description Task, duty Work, labor Recess, break time Legal holiday Payment holiday Daily rate Monthly salary Korean / Romanized Pyojun Geunlo Kyeyak Kyeyakseo Saeop/Oepche Chui eop ja Eommu naeyong Eommu Keunlo Hyuge shigan Konghyu il Jigeup il Ilgeup Wolgeup English Pay slip Benefits Working hours Overtime Deduction Cash advance Work, labor Job allowance Day/night shift Every month Every other week Shifting (work) Korean /() Romanized Keupyeo myungseso Sudang Keunmu shigan Janeup Kongje Kabul Keunlo Chikchaek sudang Jugan/yakan (kuenmo) Mae wol Gyeokju Kyodaeje

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August 2011

Ado-gogi

Diversity of Culture - Part I

by Mildred De Jesus of Incheon City (English Academy teacher)
Now one thing Ive noticed is, many times, Filipinos are oblivious to the traditions that are different from their own. The country is a group of islands, known as archipelago. Until now Philippine is still a developing country due to the mindset of its residence. They have loyalty to their region rather than to their country as a whole. Compare to South Korea being the third largest economy in Asia and ranks 11th in the world. It is a place where culture and modern technology blends together in harmony. Come and join me as I enumerate some of our countries similarities and differences. And lets hope that we will agree on something. First - the climate. CLIMATE We only have two seasons in the Philippines: The Dry (humid and hot) and the Wet Season (heavy amount of rainfall). But in Korea there are four: Spring (mild temperature with rain), Summer (hot with lots of rain), Autumn (little rain and mild temperatures) and Winter (cold and dry winds from Siberia). Some says the climate greatly influence the peoples behavior. I believe its true. Koreans have four seasons are always on a hurry. They dont have enough time for doing their farming and some other things because of the weather change in every three months. Thats why in every season they have their respective work to do for a living and that they need to do it fast as they can. Thats how Korean people used to live, with their attitude of pali-pali. In anything they do they always do it fast because they believe that every second is important. Korean peoples expression is pali pali. In the Philippines, we like to take it slowly but surely. Filipinos dont used to do task as fast as it should be. Thats why most of Filipinos working here in South Korea are struggling. Because they always hear from their sajang the word pali-pali which is sometimes makes Filipinos feel bad and out of the mood. Filipinos never had experience of snowing in the Philippine and never ever tried to work with so low temperature. And when they came to Korea in winters time they really had difficult adjustment in working and going out. Because of that Filipinos sometimes cant do their work fast like the way the Korean do. And through that, Korean people think that Filipinos are lazy. Not knowing the fact that Filipino are not like Korean who used to live in a country with four seasons. Not only the sajang but every Korean people theyre working with, they always ask the foreign workers to work fast like them. And this cause of misunderstanding and many releases. We should understand the reason why Korea got their position being one of the top developed country in the world is because of their attitude of pali-pali. They are much aware of the quality and quantity and time. They dont want damage or what they call in Korean pulyang.

August 2011

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