Disclosure: This post contains sponsored links.
I’ve been in Australia for more than a year already and I’ve seen a lot of Filipinos around Sydney. I’m sure there are heaps of Filos (short term for Filipinos) in other suburbs and regions of NSW as well as the other states of Australia but I will just focus in Sydney where I am residing at the moment.
I’ve been asked a couple of times why I left the Philippines and I always tell them that it’s a dream to live in a different country. The media, family and friends may influence this state of mind but whatever it is, I know that it’s always been an adventure for me to see a new world and experience it with them. I always tell them that I’m not certain if I’ll live here for good but for now, I want to try. So far, I’m enjoying it. I can name a number of differences but the respect for one another is always a priority.
I am fortunate to be here as an independent migrant with in-demand skills plus a supportive family and friends. I was not forced to go here, it was my own choice to try my luck in Sydney. Since then, I never felt that my decision to be here was wrong. The universe was good to me and I hope it continues to do so. Please don’t get me wrong, I love my family and I miss them so much especially on birthday celebrations and the like. Since it’s my choice to be here, it’s one of the sacrifices I made. However, as much as I’m enjoying my somewhat “lucky” position, I know a couple that had a hard time moving here. And sometimes, being away in a different country without a family or a friend makes life unbearable.
When I got here, I was able to catch up with a University friend, Marge. We’re both a Campus Ministry volunteer in the University of Sto. Tomas, Manila. I was surprised to see her after all these years as I never seen her since we graduated. Over time, I knew things about her from common friends but it was only here in Sydney that I get to know her full story.
When I heard about the Western Union Reunions, she was the first person that came to my mind. This new campaign will bring Filipinos overseas a chance to reunite with their loved ones back home. The promotion is participated by different countries all over the world and that includes Australia. They will give away 30 return air tickets per country via Philippine Airlines, the flagship carrier of the country. I wanted to get one of those tickets but I know that this is the perfect opportunity for Marge to see her beloved daughter. This would definitely be a REUNION for her and her baby girl.
Marge had a tough time to go abroad and leave her daughter behind. As all moms do, they’d sacrifice anything to give their daughter the best life they can give. And for my friend, going to Australia and working here will make that dream come true. It’s not an easy way for her. She first went here as an international student and went off her track as a registered Chemist in the Philippines to become an IT professional. I am in the field of IT and it was my key to get a PR Visa to Australia. She wanted to do the same path but things get out of hand and she needs to process her papers all over again.
It’s been more than 3 years since she saw her beautiful daughter and the only way of communication is thru the world wide web. Thanks to the advance technology we can see our loved ones thru the tools available in the internet! Also, since she’s transferring money to her daughter, she uses Western Union as a way to send money from Australia to the Philippines. Thus, making it easy to send money any time of the day.
It is really heart warming to know that there are organisations out there that are willing to reach out to our fellow Filipinos who needs their support and help all over the world.
I suddenly missed my family back home and would love to see them soon too!
Thank you Western Union for a chance for Filipinos to have their REUNIONS. It’s a lifetime gratitude for your love and support.
Kudos!
Leave a Reply