“Bringing pride to all Filipinos around the world!” Volume 1 Issue 3 January-March 2015
Highlights
LETTERS TO THE EDITORS To all of my kababayans here in Romania,
Jennetta Alambra Co-Founder & Associate Editor Pinoy Sa Romania Newsletter
We have been blessed this past quarter with so many activities or events that keep us Filipinos here in Romania closer to one another. First of all, our year started with a Thanksgiving Mass. We cannot just ignore the fact that God is truly our Savior, and He lives in our hearts wherever we are. He comforts and gives us strength. He is just a good God!
Our Valentine’s Day party was a blast! I have so much fun cohosting that event. We saw a lot of talented singers and dancers at the party. Congratulations to our Mr. and Ms. Valentine’s and Cupids. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped in making it a huge success! Thank you to the members of ENFID and POIR, and also to TFCR for showing your support! This past March, we were so thankful to the visit of the Hon. Eleanor Jaucian, Philippine Ambassador to Budapest. Many of us were able to avail of their consular services. I took a lot of courage to continue to work on this newsletter not only for one person, but for the community as a whole, to keep everyone informed about what we do and who we are. May we continue to give importance on little and big accomplishments that we achieve day by day as OFWs here in Romania. I encourage everyone to take pride in what you do, and share the goodness of your heart, not only to your fellow kababayan, but also to everyone, so that they, too, will feel appreciated. This newsletter is for everyone, therefore, you are free to contribute your articles or anything. Please feel free to write us. Maraming salamat po at mabuhay po ang lahat ng mga Filipinos!
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IOM’s Info Campaign Manila Stylish Beauty 3rd Global Summit 2015 Valentine’s Day Thanksgiving Mass 2015 Ambassador’s Visit Language Class for OFWs What we love in Romania
Dear Editor: I am so proud to have this opportunity to write you. First of all, congratulations for producing this very informative newsletter. I enjoy reading all the articles, and get excited to read more on the next issue. I just want to let you know that there are Filipino leaders here in Romania, who they themselves are exploiting other Filipinos. They put down other Filipinos and they always think about how to destroy someone. I am very disappointed about this, and I am hoping that other OFWs will continue to be careful in dealing with these people. Anonymous Thank you for sharing this information to the Editors of Pinoy Sa Romania. We are sure our readers are being warned by this your letter! Pinoy Sa Romania Dear Editor: Thank you so much for featuring my story in coming to Romania. This is a big achievement for me! Carlo Santander Craiova, Romania Dear Carlo: Your story was inspiring to other OFWs. Please keep your faith, work harder and keep in mind of helping other OFWs in your area. Maraming salamat! Pinoy Sa Romania Dear Editor: I have been a victim of an abusive employer here in Romania. I tried to end my contract with my employer due to inadequate food supplied to me, no working clothes, being grounded for using water to wash my clothes and even taking showers, and not giving my salary directly to me, instead, my agency needs to be contacted for release of my salary. When I ran away from my employer, they held up my personal belongings, which include my school credentials, clothes, religious items, etc. I want to thank the officers of TFCR, Josephine Napicog and Jeneth Alambra for helping me with my problems. I also thank IOM staff for extending financial support. Thank you Mr. Editor for writing this letter to your newsletter! Thank you for your letter, and good luck to you! Pinoy Sa Romania
Editor’s Message
Ryan Tejero
When the Philippine Ambassador to Budapest asked the co-founder of this newsletter about me during her last visit in Bucharest to meet with the Filipinocommunity, I really felt bad that I was not physically there to tell her about my advocacy to Filipinos wherever they are. If I was there, I would have told the Hon. Eleanor Jaucian that I am helping the Filipino community in Romania by generating a newsletter quarterly to get the members encouraged and inspired as they can read and take pride in all of their community-building efforts.
Co-Founder & Editor-In-Chief Pinoy Sa Romania Newsletter
I congratulate the three organizations in Romania: ENFID, POIR and TFCR for combining their energies in holding the 2015 Valentine’s Party. The spirit of unity is a strong and moving force for the Filipino community in Romania to strengthen their individual ties with each other. I also commend the officers of TFCR for initiating the language classes for OFWs. There can be no greater accomplishment that empowering your fellow Filipinos with the opportunity of learning to mastering a language in a foreign country. As we see the increasing number of Filipinos in Romania, we look forward for their organizations to continue to educate them about their rights, and seek for opportunities to equip them with skills, so that everyone feels confident and empowered as they work in their host countries and away from families back home. Mabuhay po ang mga Pilipino sa Romania!
OFW Resources TFCR Connect
Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines 1026 Budapest, Hungary Gabor Aron utca 58 Tel no. : +36-1-391-4300 Fax no. : +36-1-200-5528 Email :phbuda@philembassy.hu budapest.pe@dfa.gov.ph
International Organization for Migration (IOM Romania) Strada Viitorului, nr.11 Bucuresti Romania 021 - 210.30.50 021 - 211.44.54
Josephine Napicog
IOM’s New Info Campaign Features OFW Leader in Romania IOM’s “We are here to help” video features community leader Josephine Napicog. Josephine is the current president of The Filipino Community in Romania (TFCR). With plenty of migrants who are working in Romania, IOM strengthens its visibility, and opens its doors for migrant support and assistance. Many Filipinos have availed of IOM’s repatriation services. One migrant worker, Zesty (not his real name) emailed the editor of this newsletter, saying that IOM had provided him with financial support to obtain his plane tickets to the Philippines, because he was in distressed situation. IOM owns a great reputation in advocating for migrants and migrant workers all over the world. The video appears in local tv channels all over Romania.
Taken at the location shooting of the Info-campaign, IOM photo.
Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) promotion TV spot, "We are here to help," is a new IOM information campaign addressed to irregular migrants. 2
Manila Stylish Beauty: Craiova’s Pride Romanian-owned business that seeks only to employ Filipinos
Adelita Caracuda-Paunescu, Owner “Manila Stylish Beauty” is a state of the art beauty salon in Craiova, Romania. The owner came up with the name as a perfect way to introduce the origins of the employees and the unique and artistic creation only the salon could offer. Manila Stylish Beauty (MSB) provides a variety of services dedicated to create beauty. There is haircut, hair color, highlights in different ways, and clients can obtain very sophisticated, special occasion coiffures. The salon also do permanents curls or permanent hair straightening. The services of the hair department are dedicated to women and men in the same time. The manicure and pedicure department is a very unique one, because employees use their Filipino special technique on working on nails. Clients love the state of the art eyebrow threading method and putting color on lashes and eyebrows. In the cosmetic department, the salon offers a lot of facial treatments for any skin problems. The salon owns high generation cosmetic machines and high quality creams for professional use. Adelita, the owner recalls, “I started this business three years ago, but I have 15 years of experience in managing a beauty salon. It was a moment in my life when I felt that I wanted to create something unique for the clients in my city, Craiova. And this moment was exactly 3 years ago!” Presently, MSB has 6 employees, which include 4 Filipino hairdressers and facialists and Romanians in the reception. Adelita says, “the communication between the hairdresser and the client is very important, staff needs to be very clear and transparent. The hairdresser has to know exactly what the client wants and for this aspect we have a translator or interpreter.” Adelita enjoys working with Filipinos. In fact, she is currently waiting for another Filipino beautician from the Philippines who is coming to join her staff. While her beauty business is becoming more popular in the city, she is always on the look for new Filipino staff. Shew actually approached the editor of the newsletter to help her find for a new all-around beautician for the middle of this year. She said that her beauty salon family is bigger and bigger. When asked about her insights on Filipino workers, she said “The first aspect that I like most is the talent that the Filipino workers have. I think that they were born with it. Secondly, is their attention to details in their work. I think that in all domains this aspect is very important. The way that I communicate and work with them is a good one. I like to think that we don’t make only beauty services, we also create beauty for the clients! Although, Adelita loves working with Filipinos, and appreciates Filipino culture, she said, “No, I haven’t visited the Philippines yet. I know that you have one of the most beautiful landscape in the world. Maybe one day I will visit your beautiful country.” She added “I talk to my employees very often in the salon about the Philippines. Our clients also ask a lot of questions about your country. I am like to learn more about your traditions and way of living. I discovered some ingredients in your food that I like very much, and now I use them to cook in my house, by myself! I know for sure that we have one aspect in common: We both believe in God! God bless you all!” 3
OFW from Romania
Participates in the 3rd Global Summit
In Manila, Philippines Pinoy Sa Romania News Editor, Bernie Duro participated in the 3rd Global Summit of Filipinos in Diaspora. This year, the Summit’s theme is “Vision and Action for the Filipino Diaspora 2015 and Beyond.” Its goal is “providing a venue for continued networking and convergence of the Filipino diaspora councils” in order to “craft a common vision and development action plan for the Filipino Diaspora communities for 2015 and beyond.” There were more than 600 expatriates from all over Bernie Duro (R) with ENFID’s Gene Alcantara at the Summit the world who participated during the summit. Bernie is a contract worker in Romania. His attendance and involvement in the Global Summit surely brought awareness on issues and concerns of Filipinos working in Romania. The Summit was held at the historic Manila Hotel on February 25-27, 2015.
Three Filipino Organizations in Romania Celebrate Valentine’s Day “Love conquers all” when fun and excitement filled up the air with three community organizations in Romania joined forces in celebrating the season of love – Valentine’s Day! The three organizations are The Filipino Community in Romania (TFCR), European Network of Filipino Diaspora (ENFID) and Pinoy Organization in Romania (POIR). More than 100 Filipinos and Romanian guests attended this year’s Valentine’s Day Party. This year’s event was held on Feb. 8, 2015 at Strand Dambovita (Magic Place) in Bucharest. Entrance fee was at 35 lei per person, which includes food and drinks. Ann Lee Tomasa and Jeneth Alambra hosted the party, with a Prayer led by Lorena Espiritu, National Anthem by Josephine Napicog, dance numbers from UMD Joyce Group, Gorjin Group, POIR Group, Ruby and Liz, ENFID Group, and Shaira Group, song numbers by Yonalyn Penamante, Luz Rivera, Bella Parilla, Rachelle Datuin, Jacquelyn Monghit. The event was highlighted by announcing the winners for Mr. and Ms. Valentine’s, Mr. and Ms. Cupid, along with raffle and games. From L: Jeneth Alambra Joy Galangga, Jaspher Doloiras, Josephine Napicog, Amy Almojuela, Gloria Oria
For Filipinos in Romania, this the event of the year that they surely cannot miss! The event organizers express their gratitude to the following generous donors: Joy Galanga for the two free movie tickets for Cupid Search; TFCR Officers for the two free movie tickets for Mr. and Ms. Valentine’s Winners; Ms. Ros Tins Scott for the gift pack prize given to Mr. and Ms. Valentine’s Winners; Ms. Catherine Laudet for helping TFCR Officers decorating the hall; and for all the games sponsors: Alizabeth Espanol, Bernadine Dumayan, Amy Almojuela and TFCR Officers.
Year 2015 Starts with Thanksgiving Mass for Filipinos in Romania TFCR Secretary and Pinoy Sa Romania Associate Editor Jeneth Alambra and TFCR President Josephine Napicog awarded a certificate of appreciation to Father Eduard Giurgi and Sister Juliet Ory for their continued support and assistance to the Filipino community in Romania.
A Holy Mass was organized by members of the Filipino community in Romania on January 18, 2015. The mass that started at 2:00 pm was held at "BISERICA SACRE COEUR"- Strada Aviator,3 Gheorghie Demitriade,Sector 1 Bucharest Romania. Many Filipinos who attended the thanksgiving mass had the opportunity to bring their offerings, prayers and special intentions. Right after the mass, a pot-luck gathering and fellowship immediately followed at the Parish Hall. 4
Consular Mobile Services for Filipinos in Romania Representatives of the Philippine Embassy Budapest held a successful mobile consular services on February 28 and March 1, 2015 in Bucharest. Many Filipinos have availed of the consular services mainly on renewing their passports and NBI clearance, document authentication and AOV registration. The services were hosted at the IMy Place. The Philippine Embassy in Budapest announced that the consular mobile services is held annually. Members of the Filipino community in Romania had a privilege to meet with the Philippine Ambassador to Budapest, the Hon. Eleanor L. Jaucian, and Consul General Patricia Barrera. The meeting which was held in IMy Place on March 1, 2015 was attended by Stefan Leonescu and Josephine Napicog, president of The Filipino Community in Romania (TFCR).
TFCR Initiates Romanesque Basic Language Course Faithful to its goal of helping other Filipino migrant workers in Romania, The Filipino Community in Romania (TFCR) has launched, through its Enhancement Program, a basic language course to benefit temporary workers, including those who have gained residency in Romania but are still interested to gain more skills in speaking and understanding the Romanesque language. This free course will benefit those who are unable to enroll in a regular school to learn the foreign language, which is very costly. There will be competent and volunteer teachers who will handle the course. Those who completes the course will gain a lifelong skill that would benefit them while working in Romania. Registration will start in March, with a plan to conduct 2 sessions every Sunday, and will take place at IMyPlace. Those interested must bring their work permits and passports to register. Watch for more updates in the next issue of Pinoy sa Romania newsletter. 5
What we love to do most in Romania…...
Working hard everyday with our employer-families, enjoying our time while doing chores around the house, making each family member happy, especially the children that we take care of. We find joy in caring them, we find love when we get appreciated for what we do, and we find respect for ourselves by doing what we do for our families back home. We feel grateful for people that we become friends with. We make use of our time together by bringing good memories as OFWs. We rekindle the happy stories of our parents, siblings and children back home. We work together in making our community work for all of us. At the end of the day, in our solitude and the silence of being alone, we pray that God continues to bless us and every Filipino in Romania, that they too, will have peace and joy in their hearts. This is what we do, and we love everything that we do here in Romania.
Messages from: Jenneta Alambra, Josephine Napicog, Joyce Napicog, Catherine Laudet and Shiela Marie Valbuena.
Editorial Staff Ryan Tejero Editor-in-Chief Email: ryantejero@yahoo.com Jenetta Alambra Managing Editor Email: jenetta_alambra@yahoo.com Contributing Editors Bernie Duro Josephine Napicog Amy Almojuela
ABOUT THE NEWSLETTER Pinoy Sa Romania is a quarterly e-newsletter for Filipinos in Romania. It provides a venue to The idea of a newsletter was envisioned by a strong leader and advocate for Filipinos in Romania, Jenetta Alambra. She was able to network with a US-based international columnist-writer Ryan Tejero from Illinois, USA, who started to guide her on how to go about the creation of a Pinoy Sa Romania newsletter. Jennetta was featured in Ryan Tejero’s international column, Filipino Spotted on the Map, which is published in a Filipino newspaper – Pasa Pinoy - in Melbourne, Australia. 6