Beauty of Slowing Down in 2023

In 2023, we consciously embraced a slower pace, and here's why we recommend adopting it for 2024.

As a goal-oriented couple navigating the realms of career, finance, and business, setting annual targets had become second nature to us. However, this year, amidst the ebb and flow of life, we made a deliberate choice—to savor the moments, find joy, and simply be present.

The first quarter brought anticipation as we awaited news of my husband's career progression. Blessed with the announcement of his well-deserved promotion after two years of dedicated effort, we felt a sense of accomplishment.

Traversing the second to third quarter, we faced the poignant reality of loss—friends' parents, spouses, batchmates, and even siblings departed. These months became a period of collective grieving, prompting us to reevaluate commitments that could strain our health and limit quality time together.

As 2023 concludes, we reflect on the blessing of not having rigid goals. It's as if a premonition guided us to prioritize relationships with family, friends, and each other over career and business demands. The emotional journey through grief and fear has left us profoundly grateful for every moment we've shared.

Choosing to slow down and forego specific goals this year wasn't a flaw; rather, it allowed us to connect with our emotions and those around us. In the tapestry of life, embracing the present is not a sin but a gift to oneself.

Will you slow down on 2024? 

Boring or Amazing? Life of a Stay at Home Wife (Childless)

Huh? Don't you have a job? What do you do all day at home? Aren’t you getting bored? — Those are the questions that flood your mind when you mention that you don't have a job, no kids, and you're a stay-at-home wife. These drowning criticisms will make you question whether resigning from your career was a good move or not.

Defining the Stay at Home Wife:

Ever seen WandaVision? Think of it as that or the classic 'housewife' for the 80s crowd. A childless woman devoted to caring for her husband and managing the household while the husband takes care of finances.

How It Started:

In 2020, with the pandemic looming, my "essential" job demanded office presence. Concerned for our safety, my husband encouraged me to resign. The scary part? Transitioning from a working mom to a 'simple' housewife felt daunting. Questions about finances and my identity flooded my thoughts.

But fear not; we navigated this new chapter together. Monthly savings remained steady, and strategic financial moves eased the transition. 

Benefits of Stay at Home Wife:

Time - A precious commodity in any relationship, being a stay-at-home wife grants me more quality moments with my husband.

Intimacy - With more time on our hands, there's a playful wink-wink to exploring deeper connections.

Minimalism - Decluttering became an art form, and yes, even Abbey's piano had to find a new home!

Organization - The luxury of time allowed me to transform chaos into order, impressing even myself with improved documentations and excel sheets.

Boring or Amazing? Life of a Stay at Home Wife (Childless)

Isn't Boring?
Far from it! Embracing this phase meant seizing opportunities for personal growth. Despite initial skepticism, there's more to life than meets the eye.

Upskilling - From a novice in Excel to diving into data analytics, continuous learning became a fulfilling part of my routine.

Creating NEW Goals - As we achieved our 40x40 rental apartment dream ahead of schedule, we're laser-focused on the 10x50 House of Willmah, building a team for an uncharted market.

Health and Skincare - Fasting routines and skincare rituals became daily practices, prioritizing well-being.

Volunteering - Paying it forward and gaining diverse perspectives through volunteering for various causes.

My Day-to-Day Routine
Weekdays follow a rhythm:
Morning: Tea, email check, and social media updates.
Afternoon: Exercise, content creation, studying, connecting with family, cooking, and self-care.
Night: Dinner, movie marathon, and reading.
Weekends bring grocery runs or budget-friendly dates.

A Proverbs 31 Aspiration:
If your goal aligns with mine—a biblical representation of a good wife while stabilizing finances—start your savings journey with this FREE template (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1UDfCET9z1Xgv9d-Hc2fMmjeVkV0UIDEsa0hFt7ePt4o/edit?usp=sharing). For detailed finance tracking, explore our Personal Finance Dashboard.

The path may be unconventional, but its rewards are extraordinary.

We love to travel, so here are some links I used for us to pretty save some on our international travels, local staycation, and activities. This is where I am affiliated at:

Expedia -- https://expedia.com/affiliate/wUj4hWB

KKDAY -- https://www.kkday.com/en-sg/i/UWHMYD?cid=10106&p=link

kris+ -- https://sqkrisplus.page.link/yS3NF9jkCJiW8CXq7

Zalora -- https://goto.zalora.com/c/5055389/1115734/14118

May ALMIGHTY bless you on your journey to be STAY-at-HOME-Wife! 

Cherishing Memories: Abbey’s 40th Birthday Surprise with Global Letters and Videos

While listening to heartfelt testimonials during my brother's wake, I couldn't help but wish he had heard those kind words when he was still with us. This realization struck me profoundly. So, on Abbey’s 40th birthday, I reached out to his loved ones, urging them to share not only birthday greetings but also their most cherished memories with him.

Cherishing Memories: Abbey’s 40th Birthday Surprise with Global Letters and Videos

Letters poured in from the US, Australia, the Philippines, and locally here in Singapore. Heartfelt videos followed suit. I witnessed Abbey's joy as he received the first letter from Kring, the elation from the initial videos sent by Joemina and Tres, and the overwhelming love conveyed by friends and family. I even captured the moment tears rolled down his cheeks as he read love letters from his siblings. It became clear that this was a gift he would truly cherish.

Thank you, everyone, for sharing messages of love, kindness, and life's greetings with Abbey. We both deeply appreciate the time and effort you invested. May the joy you've sent return to you tenfold. We look forward to seeing you all soon!

You can watch the video here:

Life reflections at 40: GENUINELY GRATEFUL!

On my 39 years of existence I am always grateful for all that happened in my life. Good things that I truly enjoyed and bad experiences that served as hard lessons. 

These are my life reflections. Wink-wink. 

Health: My memories are still vivid na karga ako ni Nanay and tumatakbo papunta kay Dr Almazan. It’s clear in my mind nung ang daming tao lagi sa bahay namin because suddenly I can’t stretch my legs and can’t walk. Asthma attacks? Yes I have those until college days. Very flimsy creature ako ano? Haha! 

But now, you can challenge me to walk 20k steps for days. I can do HIIT for 90mins and jog 5KM. I can say that I am healthier than my younger years. But syempre since I am ageing I am taking extra care sa mga buto-buto ko and extra effort to know ang wants and rejections ng katawan ko. 

Money: Dahil natapos na ang una naming goal for HOA mas nakakaluwag na kami ni Abbey ngayon. Dati cut-to-cut, walang malalaking travels..umaasa sa mga pa-contest and freebies para makanood kami ng sine. Lahat yan ay para makaipon, ngayon may kaunting room to wiggle na para sa susunod naming goal and we alloted funds to enjoy life. 

Now we are looking forward to more opportunities where to invest para sa HOW. 

Career: I am thankful to every boss and everyone na nakatrabaho ko. Madami akong natutunan sa inyo. This is my struggle now. Confusion that I need to clear out para sa sarili ko at ikakatahimik ni Abbey. Haha! 

Friendships: Salamat Elite. I realised na mahal talaga namin ang isa’t-isa. Ang problema ng isa ay problema ng lahat. Ang success ng isa ay success naming lahat. 

I am opening up myself for new friendships. Sa mga introverts na tulad ko, nakaka-relate kayo? Ang hirap diba?! Out of the box. Haha. So please bare with me.

Relationship: Dahil wala nga akong trabaho since 2020, 24/7 magkasama kami ni Abbey nung pandemic era. Di kami nag-aaway at ang matindi di kami nag-kakasawaan. Lalong nagkakilanlan at lalong tumibay. Ang cheesy! Hehe.

Family: We lost Nanay and somehow it gave us an emotional turmoil. Hanggang ngayon there’s a longing na sana andyan pa sya. 

But we do not have time to delve in that past, so here we are making new memories with Tatay. 

Selfcare: I have personal battles that I know I have won. The key thing for this is to know what triggers it.

Knowing yourself is not an easy job. There are lies you are telling to yourself that became your truth. Accepting my flaws, limitations and when to stop the fight is the best thing I have learned before hitting 40.

Spirituality: I am always sticking in my beliefs and glad that Abbey never bypassed those. 

Well that’s my life before 40. It is playful, painful, crazy, daunting, euphoric and hopeful life! 

Happy 40 sa aking mga ka-1983! Let’s all welcome our 40 with a grateful and blessed heart and mind! Kaya natin ito!

It’s NOT okay that I am NOT okay! - - Sense of UNDERSTANDING(Part 2)

In years of pursuit for our self-improvement or personal development, I should know the reason of my episode of depression right? WRONG

From 2017, Abbey and I keep thinking and digging from time to time but we always faced the same roadblock. Aspects that were presented do not make sense what could be the main cause of that deep and pitless darkness.

In 2021, I volunteered to be the data analyst of Peak Resonance, a coaching company for personal, career, relationship or I just say life development as a whole. In return for my researches they offered free sessions with the coaches. But I pride myself that I know I do not need a coach because I know myself more than anyone else and I have Abbey to check on me too. RIGHT? Hmmm, well AGAIN IT IS WRONG!

One casual day, while Jovan (one of Peak Resonance founder) is talking about our research material, the subject of my 2017 loneliness was brought up. He asked only three questions and from that time the burden on looking for its cause was lifted off from my shoulder and Abbey’s.

Now I know why executives, why ranking officials, why people are turning to licensed coaches for answers..for guidance..for deeper self connections. Indeed they were trained to ask questions for you to befriend and master your trigger points, they have tools that explain your characters and emotions, they will mold you in a person that you want to be.

I am truly forever grateful with Jovan and I know ALMIGHTY moved because it is time for me to know the reason of my depression and for me to avoid those trigger points specially in this UNCERTAIN COVID times.

Now I am absolutely rooting for this kind of interference. Coaching will save you time in figuring things out and will definitely help you to ease up everything in your subconscious mind.

***

Peak Resonance

(W) https://peak-resonance.com

(E) contact@peak-resonance.com

(T) +65 9694 7320

It’s NOT okay that I am NOT okay! -- Succumbed in a Great Sadness (Part 1)

I am sad. Bakit? Hindi ko alam! 

I do not have time to talk to others. Why? Because there’s a voice inside na walang tigil akong sinasabihan na dapat akong maging malungkot, na wala akong karapatan maging masaya. 

It is a battle inside. And hanggang ngayon naalala ko ang pain. No! Actually it is not only pain. It is a sorrowful feeling of very deep loneliness na hindi ko alam saan nanggagaling. If you have felt heartbreak, that week of misery is worse than that. It felt like my ownself is tearing me apart. Pinupunit ang puso ko. 

I tried to reach out for help from my sister and sister-in-law and they gave me words of wisdom that made me realize better things pero the enemy inside of me is stronger. (D@mn! I am now in a bus writing this and I am crying silently). 

Kailan nangyari ito? That was 2017. The feelings still seems fresh everytime I am looking back. 

One week I never talked to my husband. I wake up, go to office, go home, eat dinner and sleep. I am cold as damn Antartica. I pity him. Kasi alam ko wala naman sya kasalanan pero nadadamay sya sa nangyayari sa akin. I know I make Abbey sad too pero that time wala akong pakialam sa nararamdaman nya. But he continues to cook for me, arrange my baon and waiting for me to come back.

I am grumpy too sa office kasi ayaw ko nga na may kakausap sa akin. Nakakatitig lang ako lagi sa monitor that time. My friends do not know about it. Ayaw ko nga kasi ng kausap. Talagang si Ate Sol and Ate Precy lang ang sinabihan ko nun. Isang tawag lang. Pero that call seems my enemy became more agitated and pushed me harder to the point na yung mga positive words and insights galing sa mga ate is now turning against me.

I do not have time to pray. The voice insisted I am not worthy to pray. Not worthy of anything good in this Earth and in Heaven.

All I know, one afternoon I decided to stop believing sa mga naririnig ko. That I need to go out of the cocoon of misery. That same day, I send SMS to Abbey for the first time after a week to pick me up from the office.

The best thing my husband did that time was to support me. He kept his silence, never asked questions. Nag-sorry and I thank him for all the understanding. 

Is that depression? I do not know. Basta isang araw nagising lang ako and I was succumbed in a great sadness..in darkness.. It is not okay that I am not okay. Kasi hindi lang sarili ko nasasaktan pati mga taong nakapaligid sa akin. 

ABBEY & WILMA | 10 YEAR VOW RENEWAL | OUR DIY PRIVATE EXCHANGING OF VOWS AT A HOTEL ROOM 2021

In my previous post, you have read how we want our wedding to be simple, intimate and on the budget. Now, on our 10th year we celebrated it privately, just me and Abbey. 

How private? We didn’t even tell this to our family and closest to the close friends. Haha. We planned to explore other part of the world but due to the travel restrictions we were pushed to booked a room hotel, bought a ring, shop for clothes and ordered a in-room dining. 

We facilitated what are some lacking on our wedding gala (Except for releasing doves) Abbey and I toast a wine and cut a cake. Well in style. Wotttwotttt We have saved funds for the whole 2020 for this event and we have the guilt-free splurging for our 10th year. 

Remember, it is not how people think about you and your married life. It is about how you and your spouse communicate and learn to understand and provide each other’s needs and wants. 

Yiheeee. Love you my forever Abbey!!

Is your wedding PERFECT? Well, ours is not!

We will be celebrating our 10th year anniversary soon and while watching our video it suddenly hit my mind that our wedding is not perfect. 

I hate big gatherings and I am quite thrifty in spending money which is a good combination in arranging an intimate event. Haha! But do you know that we crossed our budget even if we all planned it to be simple as possible? Our budget is only Php100k but I am surprised the expenditure went up to 300k. Whew! Take note that the extra 200k is not from debt. 

It seems that it is easy to arrange a wedding but is really not. Many people are involved and for sure many unsolicited ideas will pop up and if you do not want stress you need to let go of some and just focus on the wedding ceremony details. 

 

Watch our wedding video here

Okay so let’s go back to the subject of this blog, why my wedding is not perfect? Well the ceremony which I really focused on what I want to have and not is absolutely superb. Some ceremonies like cake cutting, wine tossing and even releasing of doves were not executed. And the reason? Well, all of the materials are there but it seems the day is too lengthy for me and Abbey and we just want to finish the event for us to start our life as a married couple. 

Well, our wedding might not be perfect to the eyes of people but I am proudly to say that our marriage is.

1500 CALORIE BURN CHALLENGE IN 3 DAYS | Exercise, Workouts, HIIT, and Food | Lose Weight in 3 Days

Actually I am aiming to challenge Shane, Abbey and Chat to lose 10,000 calories in a day but when I told that idea to Abbey, he frantically rejected the idea. He suggested to a thousand. But to make it challenging I raised the bar to 1,500 calories. 

My usual calories for an hour of exercise is 200. On that, I need to exercise almost 8 hours to achieve it. OMG! (Ano ba itong pinasok ko?) haha. On the first and second day, I am sad to say that I didin’t achieve it. My mind is literally cursing me for that decision haha. But on the third day and las hurrah of the Burn 1,500 calorie challenge! I fnally did it! Haha. 

From morning, Abbey and I ran/walk for about 10km just to achieve around 400. Direct from that first activity we went to the gym and burned around 600 there. Third activity is burpees and 10min walk exercise at the balcony that made reached the 1,500. 

That is F*** hard! But I really do lose weight on that burn 1500 calories challenge. Will I do it again? Yes! I will. Maybe one weekend in 2021. This is a good challenge for you and your friends this coming new year. JUST DO IT!

Singapore on Foot : Rediscovering Little Red Dot

This is my 10th year here in Singapore and I will confess that I didn’t YET visited all places of interest here in Little Red Dot! Like the famous murals... just visited it last month. (You can watch our less than 2minute clip at this link.) 

But I am proud to say that my husband and I completed the 36KM route of NParks Coast-to-Coast trails. That was last 2019. 

This year most of the leisurely activities were closed for months (COVID era) and for us to seize the moment we have tried to visit the parks, Sembawang, Waterway, Punggol Park, Sungei Buloh, Fort Canning to Marina Bay and longest walk/run for this year that we have done is from Upper Serangoon to Merlion Park which is 13.18km. 

 

Truly, you can explore Singapore by foot with an ease. They have a dedicated pathways for pedestrians and some of it are well covered either by the trees, buildings or by roofed walkways. You can download apps like Singapore Maps for you to pre-plan your trails. What is more rewarding? Strava and Health 365 which gives badges and vouchers respectively. 

Oh! We are all waiting for the LumiHealth app. LumiHealth is a partnership between Apple and Singapore’s Health Promotion Board to encourage the Singapore residents to be active and achieve a good night sleep. The benefit? eVouchers worth up to S$380.

Singapore is all known to be a city-state which only has 725.7 km2 and kuddos to NParks for their initiative to their Park Connectors Projects and Health Promotion Board for the health initiative apps.

Who loves diet?... More accurately, Who LOVES One Meal a Day (OMAD Diet)?

I am a full time housewife for the second time since Abbey and I get married. And because of that and the COVID-19 safety restrictions here Singapore, we didn’t reached our step, movement and exercise goals. So we totally ditched out the idea of exercising even at our balcony for a month. 

Last week of May, I noticed that I am getting fatter and fatter. I felt that walking is already a chore! So I decided to have a one-hour exercise EVERY DAY. But 2 weeks past, no improvement! SH*T! As they say 20% exercise 80% kitchen. I targeted the kitchen then. 

Since I failed on a 7-day waster fasting, I told Abbey that it will be easier for me if we do the One Meal a Day Diet. He approved and to make it more fun, I asked my friends too! Haha! Damay-damay na to! 

Nakakapayat ba ang OMAD with exercise? One Meal A Day in 1 week | Lose Weight and Waistline

Our One Meal A Day (OMAD DIET) have a twist. Instead of 23:1 we will need to be fasted for 24hours and 1 hour eating window. 

*No Rice 

*No Softdrinks 

*No Chips 

For seven (7) days! 

All the days of the week, I felt fine except 3rd day. Maybe that is the time when my body is looking where to get sugars. I felt what I have felt on my 30th hour of water fasting. Chills all over the body, headache and want to vomit. I was about to give-up but I know I will be the GREATEST LOSER if I’ll accept my own defeat. So I still proceed. 4th day, nah! My body coped up and my brain surrendered in persuading me to stop. Ha! 

After the OMAD 7 Day Challenge, I lost 1.5 inch of waistline. My thighs become smaller and I feel lighter now. Feel cleaner inside. 

Oh! While in that 7-Day OMAD, we only got a chance to exercise for 5 days. Jog and some HIIT thingy. 

My hubby and friends are happy for this kind of experience. Actually they are up now for more challenges like this! Yeahbah! A good bonding for all of us. 

As you have heard on the video. Abbey told me that he wants OMAD as our lifestyle now. So I hope, I will achieve the body we are eyeing to! 

Good luck on your OMAD. Watch the video to see our joy, struggles and tips for you. 

Qualities of a Good Husband (Do I deserve love?)

In this COVID-19 situation, it gives me more time to think, be more grateful and conscious on everything I have now. While reminiscing Abbey's second wedding proposal, a sudden spark of idea flashes. 

Abbey's SECOND Wedding Proposal | All plans were scrapped due to Singapore's Circuit Breaker

I want to blog the things that my husband continues to do that makes me fall in love over and over. 
1. He greets me good morning with a hug. 
2. He prepares my packed lunch. 
3. He always kiss me goodbye and always remind me to take care and double check my job. 
4. On my lunchtime, he will send me texts asking how’s my food. 
5. He sends me flowers. 
6. He sends snacks whenever I feel unwell. 
7. He calls just to sigh off his anxieties. 
8. Rings my phone just to say he misses me. 
9. He asks how’s my day. 
10. He is always there to help in household chores. 
11. He cooks yummy food! 
12. He is so “malambing”. 
13. So silly! 
14. Loves to snuggle. 
15. He watches my favourite series with me. 
16. Always aim for a good health.
17. Adds and upgrades skills. 
18. Loves his job. 
19. He loves my family too. 
20. He respects my opinions. 
21. He compromises.
22. Supportive on my passions and decisions. 
23. Trustworthy. 
24. A good provider. 
25. Always loves me. 

For 9 years of marriage, I am still in euphoria. I am still questioning myself, how a monstrous and broken lady deserves a man like Abbey. Almost everyday I will stare at him and can’t believe that I have him and I have this blessed life. The fortress I built for my own suddenly became a paradise for both for me and Abbey. 

Yes! Good men still exist because I married one of them. 

9 years is just a breeze! This easy, fun and blessed married life is not because of me and Abbey alone. It is because of the prayers of people supporting this union. 

Indeed! Happy Ever After do exists! ;) 

Ten (10) Years

Looking back of what I am 10-years ago, early 2008, I am the Wilma that breathes fire. I do not believe in love and I do not trust any man. A decade ago, you crushed that belief and found a little girl crying inside me. Fragile but dauntless. You carefully freed me on my own jail. 

As they say, everybody come to your life for a reason. You came to mine and you brought hope, the love, joy and eternal friendship. You always take an extra mile to meet me. Your deep understanding is impeccable. You’re sensitive on my needs. You make it so easy to be happy. We laugh at our problems and learned from it. 

Thank you my forever boyfriend for everything.  I am so blessed to have you darling! On our 10th year of togetherness! 

The Truth about CANCER

Cancer is quite active on Abbey's family genes and aside getting hospitalisation and critical illness insurance, Abbey and I seek ways to avoid and prevent it. We liked a facebook page The Truth About Cancer and bit by bit we are learning. 

from The TRUTH about CANCER facebook page

Below are few things:

1. Cancer cells do not love oxygen. No wonder the stressed people are getting more likely to have a chance of getting a cancer. Why? When you are stressed, your body only gives you a short-breath! So inhale-exhale and kill those killer cells. Meditate! 

There are some oxygen therapy available that patients can consider other than chemo. 

2. Cancer cells are deeply inlove with sugar. Yeah this is not a new thing but more and more studies proves that sugar fuels cancer cells. So take away those high in glucose, specially the processed fruit juices. 

3. We need to heighten up our immune system. Take that vitamin C rich food! Drink a hot lemon juice, sprinkle some cayenne pepper and drop of honey. Lemon will give you a vitamin C plus it balances the pH level of our body. 

4. 80% of our immune system lies on our large intestine. If we love our immune system, we should worry if we feel bloated and we need to keep an eye on our bowels. Keep that good bacteria healthy living in our gut! 

5. Fast! Let your own body eat those bad cells to re-generate new one! It not only benefit you physically, mentally but also spiritually! Do you know that fasting have a religious affiliation too? Pray while you fast and ask what your heart desires. 

6. Move.. A Lot! I mean exercise! You perspire, it means toxins will be rushing out from your body. Not only that, when your heart starts pumping, it will increase your oxygen intake! Two birds in one stone! 

7. Sun! Get some sunlight! Do not prevent yourself from getting enough Vitamin D! 

8. Do not deprive yourself with sleep. Do not think that sleeping is a waste of time. It is the time when your body heals and brain take out toxins. 

9. Know your products. Do you know that lotions, hair coloring, facial masks and almost all of what we use are made of toxic products! Give yourself a break! Do not use it everyday! Talking about toxins! Do not smoke! 

10. Hydration. Water! 

11. Massages and reflexology will unclog the lymphatic system. 

Those are the few things we've learned and implementing on our daily lives! For better and healthier us. 

5 Years Down --- FOREVER To Go!

Since the day I said "I do.", I could not help but to imagine that I was carrying a life in me. A life of the future. OUR LIFE that can be dearly in love or may hold a deep grudge and hate to each other. 

I am grateful that everyday in our lives we chose to be a two-man team to track the road to happiness, wisdom, respect and love. I am so blessed that I am together with a man that eyes the same horizon with me..the same goals. I am thankful that we knew where the lines are and to know our limits and potentials. I appreciate that I know I could trust him in guarding his own eyes and heart to any girls. My heart is joyful because he is patient, slow-angered and no vice man. 

For 5 years, my heart is jumping with joy each morning that I wake up. For 5 years, I still can't sleep without his arms around me. For 5 years I have no doubt in intensity of his love and passion to me. For 5 years, there is no jealousy, there is no hatred or encountered big fights. 

I will for sure re-marry this man again and again without second thought. 

To infinity and beyond baby! Cheers on our 5th! 

Hanggang Kelan Ako Magiging OFW?

Muntik ko na malimutan 5 years na pala akong ofw last Sunday, 1st November. I posted it on my facebook wall and I am shocked sa mga comments na natanggap ko. 

Our friend John says uwi na daw ako and even Sir Noli Alleje. To think about it di pa namin kayang umuwi mag-asawa. 

Bakit nga ba ako nangibang bayan? 
- Kasi gusto namin na magkasama kaming mag-asawa. Primary, hindi para sa trabaho, mahirap kasi ang magkahiwalay. 

Ikaw? Bakit ka nga po ba nagOFW? Ano ang primary mission mo? 

Ano ang pinakamahirap na naranasan ko dito bilang OFW? 
- Habang nanonood ako ng PinoyInvestor Episode 2, gusto ko maiyak. Di lang pala talaga ako ang nakaranas ng discrimination dito. Nung bago pa ako, syempre di ko pa sila gaanong naiintindihan kasi iba ang pronunciation and diction nila dito, may nagtanong sakin "Do you understand simple english or not?"  Nanliit ako nun. Gusto ko manakit ng tao. Haha. Meron pa, "I tripled your salary in here, so I want you to work three times too!". Gusto ko sunigaw nun at sabihin na "Ang monthly sahod ko LANG ang tinriple ninyo. Kaya kong kitain yang sahod na binibigay nyo sa pagpirma sa import entry sa customs!". 

Nakakapangliit diba? Kayo? Ano pinakamasakit na salita ang tinanggap ninyo? 

Saan napunta ang pera ko? -
Alam nyo ba na tinanong ako ng kapwa OFW ko nyan. Saan daw napunta ang pera nya? Di ko naman hawak pero ako ang tinanong nya. Hahaha! Kasi marami talaga sa atin na di talaga alam saan napunta ang pera nila.

Most of the OFWs talagang walang ipon. Bakit? Kasi marami silang napangako bago sila umalis. Magpatayo ng sariling bahay, mapag-aral ang mga kapatid, anak, pinsan, makabayad ng utang. Maraming dahilan bakit wala talagang ipon at minsan baon pa sa utang. Pero naisip ba ng OFW na tulad ko paano masusulusyunan yun? 

Magkaron ng check and balance. Bawat pinapadala dapat nakalista at alam mo na sa tamang pagpupuntahan ang mga ipapadala na funds. Kasi madaming kwento na naputulan sila ng ilaw/tubig dahil yung supposedly na pambayad eh pinambili ng bagong sapatos or pinang-inom. Hayy! Kay saklap! 

Isip-isip hanggat di pa huli ang lahat. 

May exit plan ba ako?
- Tanong yan ni Ms Salve Duplito ng ANC on the Money. Oo nga, ano ba ang exit plan naming mag-asawa lalo na at nagbabawas na ng empleyado ang mga company dito. Handa ba kami umuwi ng Pinas anytime? May ipon ba kami na maglalast ng 6-8 buwan kung sakaling mahirapan kami ng trabaho? 

Masasabi ko na we are on our halfway in building our exit plan. Malapit na. Sa awa't tulong ng nasa taas. 

Kayo? Hindi baka kayo hahagulgol pag biglang mare-trench kayo? 

Hanggang kelan ka magiging OFW?
- Ito ang gusto ko marinig na masagot. Hanggang kelan? Well, unless may balak ka na maging citizen ng bansa na kinabibilangan mo ngayon. Kasi madaming OFW iniwan ang anak after ng panganganak sa pinas para mamasukan  hanggang ngayon na may apo na sya hindi parin umuuwi kasi walang trabaho ang mga tao sa pinas. 

Ang ibang OFW eh tintapalan ng mga mamamahaling gamit ang pagkawala nila sa piling ng mga mahal sa buhay. Kaya imbes na turuan na magsikap ang nasa Pinas eh nagiging tamad at ayaw magsipagtrabaho. 

Kami hanggang kelan? Matapos lang nmin ang project namin sa Pinas at sana ay matapos na agad para makauwi na kami. Iba kasi na kasama mo ang mga mahal mo sa buhay diba? 

Yan po. Yaan ang mga tanong na gusto ko din sagutin ninyo. 

Limang taon na akong OFW at Anim na taon naman ang asawa ko at nagsisikap para mapagtagumpayan namin  ang pagbalik namin mag-asawa sa Pinas balang araw.