“Bringing pride to all Filipinos around the world!” Volume 1 Issue 2 October-December 2014
Hello to all of my kababayans here in Romania! I hope you are enjoying the first few days of 2015. It has been over 3 months since our newsletter came out on its maiden issue. For its second issue, we will have more interesting features for our readers. Pinoy sa Romania offers great news-worthy information about our events, places and people. I would like to congratulate everyone for the success of the Anniversary of our Holy mass in October, which was hosted by the Pinoy Organization in Romania (POIR) and the Halloween Event in November which was hosted by ENFID. I also commend the organizers of the TFCR SportsFest in September. It was, indeed, a meaningful and very productive quarter for everyone who participated. I hope that we could spark and inspire others to bring up more ideas on how to get us engaged, enjoy each other’s company and work together as one united, strong Jennetta Alambra Co-Founder & Associate Editor and happy Filipino community here in Romania. At the end of each of our Pinoy Sa Romania Newsletter community events, I realized that we are brothers and sisters in Christ, and that cannot be changed. I am very positive that our newsletter will connect us to a much deeper understanding of cooperation, compassion and unity. I would love to for anyone to contribute in our newsletters by sending me a short message with pictures, and encourage any Filipino that you know to connect with us for anything. There is no “big or small” when it comes to sharing and in giving, everyone is appreciated! To all of my kababayans, may the spirit of New Year give us a renewed start to connect, and together as a community, we build a solid ground of helping one another. Pinoy sa Romania newsletter is for everyone! Mabuhay po tayong lahat!
My Journey to Romania Featured City Sports Fest 2014 3rd Annual Filipino Mass Forum on Migration Other News
Introducing
From Laura Ștefănuț, Freelance Journalist in Romania
Photo by Rose Cuevas Reyes
“I received a lesson on what charity really means. When I met Filipino community of Romania, comprising persons working as nannies or housekeepers through the houses of the Romanians, I am constantly amazed by what they are able to do. Even if they themselves are faced with abuses, does not have financing, but they have many problems, they joined together and raised donations for two orphanages in Bucharest. They gave the children collected clothes, rucksacks and other office/school supplies. Although there are thousands of miles from their children, whom they send all the money they saved, they still find time to share with the orphans in Romania. One of the women in the community, will play Ynia today in a play with free entry, where they will collect donations for the Filipino community. If you have time, I'll see you at 19 film, free entry and crowdfunding for the Filipino community.” 1
Editor’s Message
Ryan Tejero Co-Founder & Editor-In-Chief
LETTER FROM THE PHILIPPINE EMBASSY BUDAPEST
Our first issue was a great success! Thanks to everyone who made it happen, most especially to my co-founder, Jenetta, for your selflessness and your dedication to this newsletter. I am sure for both of us, this volunteer job to our kababayans in Romania and to the Filipinos overseas, is a selffulfillment.
With the overwhelming feedback that we received from the community, no less than the Philippine Embassy Budapest, and the posting of our newsletter at the website of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), I am encouraged to work more in making our newsletter a great Filipino resource in Romania. As we usher in the new year—2015, we –the staff—promise not only to get better but become more responsive by being an agent that will bring in more light on the issues that affects our kababayans, specifically in Romania. We will continue to provide everyone equal opportunity to raise their voice and sentiments as overseas Filipinos in Romania. I look forward to receiving more emails in the year 2015 onwards! We welcome on board Bernie Joker Duro in addition to our Editorial Board. He will be our News Editor.
NEWSLETTER DEBUT POSTING ON CFO’S WEBSITE
Newsletter’s Managing Editor Jenetta Alambra and News Editor Bernie Duro, with TFCR President Josephine Napicog (L) and Xylarose Fiestada (R).
Philippine Embassy Budapest 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 Addresses: phbuda@philembassy.hu budapest.pe@dfa.gov.ph
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My name is Carlo Santander, and presently working in Craiova, Romania. In the Philippines, I came from Sta. Rosa, Laguna. My story about going to Romania is a little bit sad. When I started looking for an agency to come here in Romania, I was selected to come to Dubai in the Middle East. I complied with all the requirements that were asked by the agency, attending the pre departure orientation seminar and even paid for the required placement fee. I wasn’t scared at all because I knew other applicants had already left for Dubai. But I guess Dubai was not really meant to be my intended destination abroad. After a month of waiting for a call to leave for Dubai, I backed out from the agency’s list. One of my agent’s friends was looking for a hairstylist in Romania, and in February 19, 2014, I got hired and flew to Romania. I am Carlo (far right) enjoys the winter season in Romania with currently working as a hairstylist here in Craiova. I am Filipino friend Katherine and Romanian friend Hermina. happy with what happened to me because most of us at work are Filipinos. The salon is owned by a Romanian couple. They call it Manila Beauty Stylist. The same couple own the Manila Restaurant. I am so proud of us Filipinos because our customers love our services and Philippine products that are sold in the stores. At this time, these two establishments have been gaining popularity among the Romanian citizens here Craiova, Romania.
I have signed a 3-year contract, but if given the chance, I would rather stay here longer than that, maybe 10 years. I enjoy Romanian food. My favorites are Sarmale, Fructe De Mare and Cozonac. One of the reasons why I wanted to see other countries is to experience the “real snow.” With all experiences here in Craiova, I would say, I am happy to have worked here. Craiova is one of the biggest and fast-growing cities in all Romania. It has its own international airport and equipped with modern transportation system. I always feel safe and comfortable in this city.
ABOUT THE NEWSLETTER
Ryan Tejero Editor-In-Chief
ryantejero@yahoo.com
Jenetta Alambra Managing Editor
jenetta_alambra@yahoo.com
Filipinos at the 2015 New Year’s Countdown
Bernie Duro News Editor
warjaboo@gmail.com
Pinoy Sa Romania is a quarterly e-newsletter of Filipinos in Romania. It provides a venue to exchange information and bring community members the news that encourage unity, cooperation and community-building. Please feel free to send in your articles, with pictures, stories and questions or comments to the Editor-in-Chief at ryantejero@yahoo.com.
TFCR members waiting for the New Year’s countdown on December 31 at Casa Popurolui in Bucharest. In this photo are (left to right) Cristina Enano, Bing Atienza, Luidel Azuela, Catherine Del Castillo, Leslie Legaspi, Arlyn Arcilla,Marlyn Barenio, Eliza Dagondon, Maria Tapire.
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POIR Hosts the 3rd Annual Filipino Mass in Romania This year, on its 3rd Anniversary, the Filipino community in Romania gathered once again to celebrate the Holy Mass. This was organized by the Pinoy Organization in Romania (POIR). It has been the goal of Filipinos to observe this tradition to keep and strengthen their Christian faith, love with one another, and their desire to foster unity in the community. A Filipino Mass every 3rd Sunday of the month has also been organized by the Filipino community. A church choir was formed where Tagalog songs are performed during the mass that is held in the English language. Filipinos in Romania are very strong in their spiritual belief. While being away from their love ones in the Philippines, they keep their belief high in the love of God for His children. It was in October 16, 2011 when the Filipino community in Romania held its Holy Mass at the Sacred Heart Church. This church is located at Strada aviator 3, Gheorge Demitriade, Sector 1 Bucharest Romania. It was the then CDA (Charge D’ Affairs) Maria Fe Pangilinan, with the help of Cultural Officers of the Philippine Embassy Mrs. Marina V. Gonzalbo and her husband Mr. Emmanuel Gonzalbo, who helped the community to make arrangements and organize the event. The community priest and Filipino supporter, Father Eduard Giorgi officiated the Holy Mass.
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CRAIOVA:
Featured City in Romania with Filipinos
This city hosts 9 reported Filipinos as of this writing. Craiova is the chief commercial city which is located on the west side of Romania’s capital, Bucharest. It known as the most important city of Oltenia. The city has progressed a lot as a regional trading center in the country. Despite the destruction caused by the earthquake in 1790, a plague in 1795, and a Turkish assault in 1802, Craiova has stood still as today’s one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Romania. Craiova has a continental climate with Mediterranean influences. During the summer months, the city has a high average of 30 °C (86 °F) and a low average of 18 °C (65 °F). In the winter months, it has a high average of 4 °C (39 °F) and a low average of -3 °C (26 °F). Craiova hosts one of the most modern universities in Europe – the Universitatea. This university attracts many foreign students from other parts of Europe and overseas students from the USA and Asian countries. Parcul Rumanescu is the biggest natural park all over Romania and probably all over Europe, there's a lot of activities that you can do here especially during summer, which includes biking, taking long walks, or just relaxing and enjoying the beauty of nature. This park has a mini zoo, with a number of interesting wild animals that are only seen in Romania. A man-made lake in the park features a water ride just like our Philippine “Bangka” or mini boat. Another special feature is a mini castle, with a hanging bridge. If you are hungry, this park offers specialty restaurants or fine dining places that are overlooking the beautiful lake.
POIR’s Visits Orphanage in Romania Members of the Pinoy Organization in Romania (POIR) held its monthly visits in November and December as part of its charitable project. The beneficiaries of POIR’s project are children from the orphanages of Fundatia Padre Simpliciano (November 30, 2014) and Asociatia Muncitoarele Isus (December 7, 2014) in Colentina, Bucharest.
Filipino Community Celebrates Christmas with Added Fun Feature
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Volleyball: Green Team vs. Red Team
Basketball: Blue Team vs. Green Team
Just in time to end the summer season, Filipinos in Romania held its Sports Fest. Community members were divided into 4 playing Teams as represented by the colors: RED, GREEN, WHITE and BLUE. The Sports Fest has a goal of building unity in the community and strengthening cooperation among Filipinos. The organizers have spent a lot of time planning for the event, especially on what games to play, schedules and rules of the games, and prizes for winning teams. This kind of event has brought community members closer to one another, and just another way of becoming productive while taking off from their respective jobs and coping with their being away from their families and love ones back in the Philippines. On the day of the event, the weather did not cooperate, thus, there were other games that were not played. The organizers are thinking of scheduling next year’s event on the early par to summer. Everyone seems to have a great time, and is looking forward to Sports Fest 2015.
Members of the Filipino community in Romania attended the open forum on September 22, 2014, with guest speaker Ms. Cristina Cotrubas Andras. She is the Chief Officer of the Cross-Cultural Affairs of the United Nations, European Union and United Arab Emirates.Thank you to all my fellow kababayans who attended the "OPEN FORUM" today. Ms. Andras shared her upcoming projects that may be beneficial to the Filipino community in Romania, especially those who working or permanently residing in the host country. The forum was organized through TFCR’s initiative, with the following objectives: 1.To uplift the image of all Filipinos and become role models in the community; 2.To share and show Filipinos’ unique cultural values through exhibits, participating in festivals, and using all channels of media advertising to promote Philippine tourism; 3. To establish an agency exclusively for Filipinos so they can have protection; 4.To create an Asian Academy School for Asian children and their family members, and 5.To establish a Health and Wellness Center to benefit unemployed Filipinos or those who are in distress situation. 6
Filipinos Attend UN Open Forum
Filipinos Attend Forum on Romania’s New Labor Laws Close to 80 members of the Filipino community in Romania attended the general assembly forum that discussed the new features of Romanian labor laws, in particular those that affect migrant workers in Romania. This forum was held on November 23, 2014 in MyPlace Center, Bucharest. Expert speakers from the Office of General Inspectorate for Immigration, Bucharest Directorate served as panelists that shed light on questions regarding modifications on Romanian labor laws. The following were highlights of the discussion: Termination/Cancellation of Contract. Effective January 2015, migrant workers are given 60 days grace period that would take effect immediately the day after their contracts are terminated by their employers. Previously, all migrant workers are only given 30 days grace period to decide whether to leave the country or find another employer after the termination of their old contracts. After the 60 days grace period, any permit to work in Romania is considered invalid. Residence Application. Anyone who have legitimately stayed in Romania for 5 years is eligible to apply for residency. An interview to assess one’s proficiency in Romanian language is a strict requirement. Application to residency is open to those who are qualified. There is no need to ask employers or to get approval from employers to apply. Government also send notices to those whose records indicate their eligibility for residency. Taxes. A total of 35% from monthly salaries are automatically deducted as income tax. Unfortunately, migrant workers can not avail of a Tax Refund under the existing Romanian law. Medical Insurance. In order to avail of medical benefits, migrant workers must get a referral from their employer’s family doctor or health providers to obtain a medical card. When in need of medical services, the migrant worker can bring the medical card to the accredited hospital for consults or obtain medications.
TFCR will continue to hold forum in the future to promote education of the community on new policies affecting migrant workers.
Pinoy Sa Romania’s Managing Editor Jenetta Alambra helping out in registering attendees to the General Assembly.
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Review of “Produce Domestice” A Stage Play Produced by the AFCN in Romania in partnership with other organizations, including the Filipino community in Romania, it has its run 3 days in October 2014. The show was open, with free entrance, to the community. “Treat them as your equals and they will not forgive you for it… This is a nation of servants.”— extract from an interview with the director of a HR agency for recruiting and placement of Filipino domestic personnel. In a country that still exports domestic labour, hiring an exotic in-house helpers is becoming a status symbol. Like many other Filipinos, Joy comes to work in Romania in order to support her family. The intermediating agency places her as a nanny for the two children of an affluent family. Although she misses her daughter, she enjoys her work admires her employers. Grateful to have found such a good spot she even goes beyond her duties and occasionally cooks and cleans. All goes well, until one day, the father of the family makes a move on her. When Joy complains to the wife, instead of confronting her husband, she comes up with an intriguing proposal. Soon, Joy finds herself trapped in a domestic cage. What started out as a favor is from now on demanded of her. Apart from her job as a nanny, Joy becomes their cook and cleaner. This story is inspired by a real story. The real Joy lives in Bucharest, Romania. She is played by Ynia Lovelina, who herself went through numerous similar experiences. Like her, hundreds of Filipinos in Romanians struggle with a system which fails to acknowledge domestic work. And although they pay taxes, they do not benefit from the protection of the Romanian state. But how about domestic work in regular families? Families which cannot afford hiring a migrant worker? Domestic Products builds on the experience of women migrant workers in order to reveal the further implications of paid and unpaid domestic work. Domestic Products speaks up about the price of domestic and reproductive labour. Domestic Products instigates against the sexualization of domestic work.
Filipinos Promote Traditional Clothing at International Migrant’s Day in Romania The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Romania sponsored an intercultural event to celebrate International Migrant’s Day on December 18, 2014. The Philippines was represented by Pinoy Sa Romania’s News Editor Bernie Duro. He gave the group a cultural background presentation on Filipino traditional clothing. Photos from IOM.
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IOM works with migrants who live and work in the worst conditions with the least access to basic services and fundamental rights, making them disproportionately vulnerable to extortion, violence, discrimination and marginalization. A statement from IOM’s Sec. Gen. Ban-ki Moon.