An OFW’s own ‘Paskong Pinoy’ in Abu Dhabi
As an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Abu Dhabi, for 17 years, Tess Salgado gets homesick, especially during the Christmas season. The United Arab Emirates is a Muslim country, so Christmas is not a public holiday but observed mainly by expats.
“Maintaining some of the traditions we used to celebrate in the Philippines can, in a way, help us stay connected to home and preserve the Christmas spirit,” she tells us via online messaging.
The Ilocana from Candon City, Ilocos Sur, says she puts up some holiday decorations, such as a small Christmas tree and fairy lights, in her living quarters to get her into the festive mood. She also keeps Yuletide-themed objects in her workspace at an information company, where she functions as contacts administrator.
“I would love to continue the Simbang Gabi, the nine-day series of masses leading up to Christmas Eve,” she said, adding that she’s able to do this by going to a Filipino community church in Abu Dhabi.
“Just like in the Philippines, we have the usual noche buena. Even though we may not have our family around, I can celebrate with Filipino friends and colleagues by preparing a festive meal of traditional Filipino dishes.”
Virtual reunion
While partaking of the midnight feast, Salgado, a solo parent, gets on a video call with her grown son, who stays with her mother in Ilocos Sur during school breaks. She points out, “I can survive the loneliness with the help of modern technology, which enables me to be part of family traditions even from afar.”
The longtime OFW turns nostalgic sharing her thoughts on Christmas in the Philippines: “It is often the time for family reunions, with many people heading home to be with loved ones because it’s a holiday. Iba ang saya ‘pag kasama ang pamilya (The happiness is different if you’re with family), whether it’s a large family gathering or a small celebration.
“The bond of family is a major part of Filipino Christmas,” she explains. “This is one of my favorites. I miss most the laughter, the togetherness, ‘yung walang katapusang kwentuhan (never-ending exchange of stories), and the feeling of being surrounded by loved ones.”
Salgado can only reminisce about the few times she was able to go home for Christmas, but she hopes her presence can still be felt at family gatherings this year through the balikbayan boxes that she has sent for shipping.
“It has become an annual tradition around Christmas time for many of us OFWs,” she says. “We send a box filled with gifts, clothes, and treats for our family back home. The excitement of receiving the box can be a big part of how OFWs celebrate Christmas, even from afar. ‘Yung di mo matatawaran ang sobrang saya nila ‘pag natanggap nila ang mga regalo.” (You can’t describe their overflowing joy when receiving their gifts.)
As Salgado ends her usual workday on Christmas Day, she intends to reflect on the year that’s drawing to a close. “I believe it’s the perfect time to be grateful for the opportunities that being an OFW provides, and to appreciate family, health, and the sacrifices we’ve made.”
