Saluting the Modern Day FILIPINO HEROES (in Singapore)

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The photo above was taken outside Lucky Plaza in Singapore between 9AM to 10AM. I am confident to say that about 99% of the people included in the photos are Filipinos because Lucky Plaza also dubbed as the Filipino Mall is a favorite hang-out of the Filipino workers in Singapore during their day-off which is mostly on Sunday. Starting as early as 8AM the parade towards Lucky Plaza begins. It's not an actual parade per se, but the bus loads and MRT loads of Filipinos walking in flocks towards one direction is a sight to behold.

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Filipinos working overseas are often called OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers). Currently there are about 8 to 10 million Filipinos, including yours truly, out of a population of 80 million who have left the Philippines in order to seek work abroad. Most Filipinos opt to work outside the country because of the highter compensation rate. Money sent by the OFWs to their loved-ones back to the Philipines is a major factor in the country's economy. The average yearly $ remittances sent by the OFWs amounts to more than $15 Billion, 14-15% of the country's GDP. Hence, the title of this post.
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While standing near the entrance of Lucky Plaza, surrounded by the Filipino massive, I felt at home. I have mixed feelings about what I witnessed in Lucky Plaza and I am gonna try to share them with you in the later part of this post. In the meanwhile, let us discuss a bit more statistics and get it over with. Currently, there are about 150,000 Filipinos who live and work in the nation-state of Singapore and there are about 200,000 Filipino tourists who visit the country annually.
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Most OFWs in Singapore are domestic helpers, a job which I think is very decent. Notice the ratio between men and women in the pictures. Guys it is time to go fishing! It's time to cast the net! I know that there are a lot of nice (smart, caring, affectionate, loving, nurturing, funny, but maybe, shy) guys out there who are looking for someone special, someone extraordinary and where better to find them special ladies than in Lucky Plaza itself! Settle down guys. I want to tell you more so shhhhh for a second. You know, these ladies we're talking about are hardworking, diligent, patient, responsible, great cooks, does house work, sweet, beautiful and soft. Go to Lucky Plaza and catch yourself a girlfriend or a bride NOW! Notice the big grin on the fisherman's face on top. Maybe, he got lucky.
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Inside the shiznet, the famed Lucky Plaza, I heared the familiar Tagalog Buzzz (just like what I hear when I enter any mall back home). I saw lots of friendly and lively Filipino Faces. I heard the usual Filipino conversations and dialogues, the occasional shrilly laughter when a joke is shared or when a shared joke doesn't raise the roof and more importantly, I felt the positive vibe that seemed to envelope the place. I looked around and stared at people's eyes and I saw a fire of hope and determination in each and every one of them. Hope...to change the future and determination to work hard in order to help their loved ones.

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Everyone was happy. Some were animatedly chatting with their friends, some were calling (long-distance to) their loved-ones in the Philippines, many were queing in the remittance centers so they could send money home, while others were packing parcels to send to their families. What warmth! What Love! My heart was overwhelmed. I was smiling from ear to ear while I scanned the mall in every direction and savored the special moment.
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I was overwhelmed! There were too many people, too much love, too many sounds, long lines in the remittance centers, massive massive Filipino Flocks! It was all so bubbly and lively, but later when I sat down, thought of things and processed what I've witness, I broke down and cried. I was crying because the thought of mothers or sisters away from their families pained me. The sad reality that families are divided by hundreds or thousands of miles pained me. I cried some more as I imagined how lonesome an OFW's nights can be. I cried when I think of how badly they miss their husbands, brothers, sisters, mothers or fathers and how much they long deep in their hearts to see them again very soon. I felt sad when I thought about the work 'domestic helpers' or maids (as what most of you call them) do - serving others, being at the constant beck and call of others just so they could make good money to send home to their families. What sweet agony! What unselfish love.
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If only I could sacrifice my flesh, blood and bones, so that all the OFWs can go back to the Philippines with enough money to start new lives, I would gladly offer myself.