Pinoy Buzz: OFW

Emirati man thanks all the hardworking OFWs in viral video: “Filipinos changed my country!”

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">An Emirati man couldn’t help but show his deepest gratitude to all the hardworking Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in his country.<br /><br />In a touching video, Khalid Al Ameri paid tribute to all the Filipinos and captioned his Facebook post, “There are approximately 700,000 Filipinos who live in the United Arab Emirates, here is how they have changed my country. Enjoy the video!”<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKT-DhOdUBwK5QQKZf-k8WhVziKGFjEORV6fVGwWuW3xXghykpVVi76fes9JKiAp4bQko2d_jOt-J8qhTtha2DikqognufM3dYJ5cRPPlw6dFAvaY3PGwPakZ4_xPa0px-16equWMO_Pqc/s1600/khalid-al-ameri-filipinos-changed-my-country.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="touching video, Khalid Al Ameri Filipinos" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKT-DhOdUBwK5QQKZf-k8WhVziKGFjEORV6fVGwWuW3xXghykpVVi76fes9JKiAp4bQko2d_jOt-J8qhTtha2DikqognufM3dYJ5cRPPlw6dFAvaY3PGwPakZ4_xPa0px-16equWMO_Pqc/s1600/khalid-al-ameri-filipinos-changed-my-country.jpg" title="touching video, Khalid Al Ameri Filipinos" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Khalid had been making videos all over UAE and couldn’t help but give a “shout out” to the Filipino community. Photo Credit: Facebook/ Khalid Al Ameri</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Ameri didn’t hold back his praises when he explained that, “Filipinos who are contributing to all aspects of society in the UAE and I wanna thank them for one thing in particular.”<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />He went on to explain that the popular Filipino tagline ‘It’s more fun in the Philippines,’ perfectly captures the hearts of all the Filipinos he had met.<br /><br />The social media influencer also admitted that he is in awe of how Filipinos find joy and happiness in everything they do. He said that the biggest contribution of Filipinos to his country are, “their kindness, their joy, their ability to smile no matter what and through that they make this country a better place.”<br /><br />He ended his heartwarming video by thanking all the kababayans, “From my family, and in behalf of my country, I say ‘Maraming salamat po’.”<br /><br />You can watch the viral clip here:<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="360" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fkhalidalameri%2Fvideos%2F520213361691381%2F&show_text=0&width=560" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="100%"></iframe></div></center><br />As of press time, the video already amassed 1.3 million views and more than 50,000 shares online.<br /><br /><b>— The Summit Express</b></div>

Emirati man thanks all the hardworking OFWs in viral video: “Filipinos changed my country!”

An Emirati man couldn’t help but show his deepest gratitude to all the hardworking Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in his country. In a tou...

WATCH: This true-to-life unfiltered OFW story goes viral

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">“After all the hardships abroad, can a father handle more pain back home?”<br /><br />This is the theme of the latest ad of Camella Homes that has gone viral on social media. The true-to-life- unfiltered story of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) is among the millions of stories of modern day heroes of the Philippines.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8qq-Llpd38QKs_axqin-CzXI17CYJdDzDjJPH71IfbTczmmGdvEKNLy0bKEOE9WLgQ5Sm1fPjpL75ZmoCPPi1clva4Oica8ESaaT6NLwnlhbuwkR3vMbldrwZRwZ-6q4tHgQ5xvsiqkN/s1600/OFW-STORY-VIRAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="true-to-life unfiltered OFW story goes viral" border="0" class="img" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="788" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8qq-Llpd38QKs_axqin-CzXI17CYJdDzDjJPH71IfbTczmmGdvEKNLy0bKEOE9WLgQ5Sm1fPjpL75ZmoCPPi1clva4Oica8ESaaT6NLwnlhbuwkR3vMbldrwZRwZ-6q4tHgQ5xvsiqkN/s1600/OFW-STORY-VIRAL.jpg" title="true-to-life unfiltered OFW story goes viral" /></a></div><br />In the short video clip, the struggles and challenges of an OFW while working abroad were shown. Although he encountered hardships miles away from his loved ones, the father persevered and sacrificed in order to make his family’s dreams come true.<br /><br />When he finally had the chance to return home to his family, the father discovered something that will totally change the course of his life. At his home’s doorstep, the father found out that his wife has been living with another man while he was busy earning money to support their family.<br /><div id="unruly-unit"></div><br />It was indeed a heartbreaking moment for the father but a few seconds later, the video revealed a new chapter in the former OFW’s life.<br /><br />Watch the video.<br /><br /><center><div class="video-wrapper"><iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="360" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FCamellaOfficial%2Fvideos%2F1290597977733545%2F&show_text=0&width=560" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="100%"></iframe></div></center><br />With millions of OFW’s doing a sacrifices in a foreign land to provide a better future for their families, many netizens were moved by the story.<br /><br /><i>“Hina nMn ng pick up ng iba Jan.. Ibig sabihin Magtira ka ng pra s sarili mu.. OFw mahirap Kumita ng Pera.. Isipin Mu ung future,Sna Surprise nya Pra s Pamilya Nya ung pinaghirapan Nya Abroad pero hnd nakapaghintay ung babae.. Atleast Nagtira xa s Sarili nya.. hnd Nya Inuubos ung lahat See niloko lng pala xa.. atleast may Bahay xa n makikita nya Pinaghirapan nya.. hnd Biro mag OFw tpos Lolokohin lng ito tlga Reality naghahanap ang mga Naiiwan.Kaya Be Wise mapababae/Lalaki Magtira kayo wag lng puro bigay,”</i> Precious Rhiez Casano commented.<br /><br />Junielkim Alaud Mat-ao Cuñado said: <i>“matagal na ako sa abroad almost 12 yrs na, sa nakikita ko sa mga babae sa abroad 95% my kabet o kalaguyo, aminin nyoman or hinde yan ang ang ngyayari... Pero madami din mga lalake dito my kabet lalo na pag malaki ang sahod, pero yong mga maliit lang ang sahod wala ng panohun un mag luko walang pang gastos, pero si babae maliit man ang kinkita or malaki talagang nangangaliwa lalot nat makakita ng guapo na ibang lahi nako...or si ibang lahi mapera sosko...pero hinde naman lahat my martino panaman din un ngalaang 5% lang sila.”</i><br /><br /><i>“Finally, so far best video ng Camella. Tagos sa puso. Nangyayari sa totoong buhay. Nakakaawa un mga OFW na niloloko lang ng mga asawa nila. Kawawa din yun mga naiwan sa Pinas na niloloko ng asawa nila na nasa ibang bansa. But this video gives hope for everyone, na kahit anong dapa o gaano ka kadapa, still pwede kang bumangon,”</i> Eigle Anim wrote.<br /><b><br /></b> <b>-- Mini, The Summit Express</b></div>

WATCH: This true-to-life unfiltered OFW story goes viral

“After all the hardships abroad, can a father handle more pain back home?” This is the theme of the latest ad of Camella Homes that has gone...

IN PHOTOS: Mar Roxas gets snubbed in Hong Kong?

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines – Former DILG Secretary Mar Roxas and her running mate Congresswoman Leni Robredo didn’t waste any time and just continued their campaign tour. But this time, they went out of the country and tried to appease our fellow Filipinos in Hong Kong on Sunday morning, April 3, 2016.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLcFK_VOClOpMy1CyD-o0XowE7tJCVvg7O2XE95YTHTpn16tRi1clxn-KNOy512nwDL9xguDnTobBtAKPtORtYQ4ZpqZZavXHwZBqKtZGl1STtsLpMhlCI6Ip7NMsRjFReKnTNqtYGq1m/s1600/mar-ets-snobbed-in-hongkong-leadimage.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mar gets snobbed in Hong Kong?" border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLcFK_VOClOpMy1CyD-o0XowE7tJCVvg7O2XE95YTHTpn16tRi1clxn-KNOy512nwDL9xguDnTobBtAKPtORtYQ4ZpqZZavXHwZBqKtZGl1STtsLpMhlCI6Ip7NMsRjFReKnTNqtYGq1m/s640/mar-ets-snobbed-in-hongkong-leadimage.jpg" title="Mar gets snobbed in Hong Kong?" width="560" /></a></div><br />In line with their international visit, various photos are now circulating in the world wide web showing Roxas camp’s failure to get the nod of our modern heroes due to lack of physical support from the OFW Community in the said country.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Owok34Jbz3RtfN8i1IE0Rzvcy8ng_H3cmaaNnxC2vy2sqhtbPU6gTcwlry48caWGWVqW9kTJTRSuPgo9_aMA5eTw2p1D5vM5l4N3OoPKav5onWJB0pioQCI0vlEFMzI185dUwnFQ0d0u/s1600/mar-gets-snobbed-in-hongkong-photo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Roxas at a park in Central District, Hong Kong" border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Owok34Jbz3RtfN8i1IE0Rzvcy8ng_H3cmaaNnxC2vy2sqhtbPU6gTcwlry48caWGWVqW9kTJTRSuPgo9_aMA5eTw2p1D5vM5l4N3OoPKav5onWJB0pioQCI0vlEFMzI185dUwnFQ0d0u/s640/mar-gets-snobbed-in-hongkong-photo1.jpg" title="Roxas at a park in Central District, Hong Kong" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Roxas at a park in Central District, Hong Kong. Photo Credit: Freedom Wall Facebook Fan Page</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hy9XPTqOwHpQz0dFr9pZdcj9sJNeC7eZHTM1WhjlzmLhakv4R0yDhOyCgv592Ee0ozlw97SQukxzusyrtcZhnISb7aB2UWWWIZXFeyisqAd0IGUhfUaPSMnekyNJttlZCGMZzSNVOLw4/s1600/mar-gets-snobbed-in-hongkong-photo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Roxas at a park in Central District, Hong Kong" border="0" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hy9XPTqOwHpQz0dFr9pZdcj9sJNeC7eZHTM1WhjlzmLhakv4R0yDhOyCgv592Ee0ozlw97SQukxzusyrtcZhnISb7aB2UWWWIZXFeyisqAd0IGUhfUaPSMnekyNJttlZCGMZzSNVOLw4/s640/mar-gets-snobbed-in-hongkong-photo2.jpg" title="Roxas at a park in Central District, Hong Kong" width="450" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Roxas at a park in Central District, Hong Kong. Photo Credit: Freedom Wall Facebook Fan Page</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Roxas believers accused the supporters of Mayor Rody Duterte for disseminating wrong information and misleading the public. In defense, Roxas’ camp explained the real meaning of the photo where the Secretary was just closely listening to an OFW’s story of survival in Hong Kong. The lady in blue named Marites Palma, later came out and supported Secretary Roxas side’ s claims on the infamous and viral photos.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqggnuQPVNZb5X35BCCST850oViNGdAh1526ssGC5epGA36gelXzG8_KO572hwWUDlPCeaCv1OlEaKvrQQ3mWlnR3X403mbfkAQ2CUnBvVztQzabxWa9gz-kAIuYgDwK_eZTjUpPs7GaB/s1600/mar-gets-snobbed-in-hongkong-photo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mar gets snobbed in Hong Kong?" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqggnuQPVNZb5X35BCCST850oViNGdAh1526ssGC5epGA36gelXzG8_KO572hwWUDlPCeaCv1OlEaKvrQQ3mWlnR3X403mbfkAQ2CUnBvVztQzabxWa9gz-kAIuYgDwK_eZTjUpPs7GaB/s640/mar-gets-snobbed-in-hongkong-photo3.jpg" title="Mar gets snobbed in Hong Kong?" width="412" /></a></div><br />To prove that Roxas and Robredo’s out of country trip was a big  success, “RoRo” (Roxas-Robredo) advocates took photos of their event and posted them online to counter the black-propaganda images which were allegedly released by the Duterte Camp.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WFKMyqNhfCHMwGpWQ8iL_uG9sfKtet_OgfUTLdlYc0jI0N6m-pji2cdnNqdtbUs7RXoPQyIR1Z1JyV3wZ1SlnGm-zOCoxIa_z1qpMm-vcfPw7nQMusUMU8dm6RSbZNNahrYRAJLJWxeP/s1600/mar-gets-snobbed-in-hongkong-photo4.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="“RoRo” loyalists’ own version of LP Rally photo with decent number of attendees. " border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0WFKMyqNhfCHMwGpWQ8iL_uG9sfKtet_OgfUTLdlYc0jI0N6m-pji2cdnNqdtbUs7RXoPQyIR1Z1JyV3wZ1SlnGm-zOCoxIa_z1qpMm-vcfPw7nQMusUMU8dm6RSbZNNahrYRAJLJWxeP/s640/mar-gets-snobbed-in-hongkong-photo4.jpg" title="“RoRo” loyalists’ own version of LP Rally photo with decent number of attendees. " width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">“RoRo” loyalists’ own version of LP Rally photo with decent number of attendees. <br />Photo Credit: Mark Dandino via Freedom Wall FB Fan Page</td></tr></tbody></table>Unknown to many, Roxas’ political archrival, Davao City Mayor Digong Duterte also held his own rally in Hong Kong with the same objective of winning the votes of the 90,000 OFWs based there and other Pinoys working in different parts of the globe led by all-female group Mocha Girls. Although, the Furious Leader was not physically present in the gathering.<br /><br />Mocha Uson, a publicly-confessed Duterte supporter and leader of Mocha Girls threw jabs at the local TV stations for not covering their own rally. As evidences, the sexy singer had posted pictures of the event on her Official Fan Page.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRbWjcAttS2D2vObPDiUHBK4uApkE4V_SIGOa2erfuJt01DhcYGw4ChYBRhEDsUmjMtfdLYRJquhi9hORsW17MVDQjtXuBlAtnx77bzBE_DZ9_YNjgGjhgh-U26jUEsxHdTYCYaXNiLES/s1600/mar-gets-snobbed-in-hongkong-photo5.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mocha Uson accused major local tv stations for being media biased. " border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRbWjcAttS2D2vObPDiUHBK4uApkE4V_SIGOa2erfuJt01DhcYGw4ChYBRhEDsUmjMtfdLYRJquhi9hORsW17MVDQjtXuBlAtnx77bzBE_DZ9_YNjgGjhgh-U26jUEsxHdTYCYaXNiLES/s640/mar-gets-snobbed-in-hongkong-photo5.jpg" title="Mocha Uson accused major local tv stations for being media biased. " width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Mocha Uson accused major local tv stations for being media biased. <br />Photo Credit: Mocha Uson Blog</td></tr></tbody></table>Aside from the Duterte-favored photos, there are also few videos showing a parade of Filipinos intentionally passing by Roxas’ booths displaying that majority of OFWs in Hong Kong are Pro – Duterte.<br /><br />Among all the photos released by both camps during the Hong Kong leg, one image really stood out with a strong message of courage and gallant stand: A picture of an OFW named “Gie” wearing Duterte apparel beside Mar Roxas.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPFGi46SKuOebWrRyIIJhr4IO8UKv02-BbimAzspdFUFMCpVz-hs8QJVjA79TM_gMehmIEBSNkOqgZWrGet6Q7qVjjWknC8Pwlw_eRoxv9eHV6PxMleXI0y_6OKAAk4l9h7FVNbZEiz-E/s1600/mar-gets-snobbed-in-hongkong-photo6.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A dauntless lone Duterte supporter shows her support for the Mayor right in face of Roxas." border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPFGi46SKuOebWrRyIIJhr4IO8UKv02-BbimAzspdFUFMCpVz-hs8QJVjA79TM_gMehmIEBSNkOqgZWrGet6Q7qVjjWknC8Pwlw_eRoxv9eHV6PxMleXI0y_6OKAAk4l9h7FVNbZEiz-E/s640/mar-gets-snobbed-in-hongkong-photo6.jpg" title="A dauntless lone Duterte supporter shows her support for the Mayor right in face of Roxas." width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">A dauntless lone Duterte supporter shows her support for the Mayor right in face of Roxas.<br />Photo Credit: Freedom Wall Facebook Fan Page</td></tr></tbody></table>The voice of the entire OFW Community globally brings big impact to majority of Filipinos in decision making on whom they should vote for. Everyone treats them as the modern day heroes for helping our economy grow. And this is the main reason why politicians love OFWs.<br /><br />Based on data, there are at least 1.5 Million OFWs who are eligible to vote remotely. That number matters a lot for every presidential down to senatorial candidates. Aside from that number, they are also looking after the influence that our fellow compatriots can give to the entire nation.<br /><br /><b>-Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express</b></div>

IN PHOTOS: Mar Roxas gets snubbed in Hong Kong?

MANILA, Philippines – Former DILG Secretary Mar Roxas and her running mate Congresswoman Leni Robredo didn’t waste any time and just continu...

LOOK: OFW’s balikbayan box contents allegedly replaced with bundles of newspapers, mails

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Overseas Filipino workers (OFW) traditionally send goods like clothes, shoes, and non-perishable food to their loved ones using balikbayan box.  A modern manifestation of the Filipino practice of “pasalubong,” the balikbayan box is often shipped by freight forwarders offering cheaper rates.<br /><br />Ailyne Gumabon, an OFW based in Hong Kong, decided to send a balikbayan box filled with goods to her family in San Miguel, Bulacan through SpeedPost last February 16, 2016. In a lengthy Facebook post, Gumabon revealed how some opportunists allegedly replaced the goods she sent with bundles of newspapers and mails.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEina8OlhrIzlFAsQX6X4neRZ-WDjXGkV6ijEO6aZyCMvz8CZQEOx2JaZUCZ6wZwgXlsYdYFy025rO8m-iDGNJsccwb734nYHpTUnuWfPCDkdyMUyn4n1oVOhDe58IGCMiL9u4NL04j81z9Q/s1600/balikbayan-box-boc.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="OFW’s balikbayan box contents allegedly replaced with bundles of newspapers, mails" border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEina8OlhrIzlFAsQX6X4neRZ-WDjXGkV6ijEO6aZyCMvz8CZQEOx2JaZUCZ6wZwgXlsYdYFy025rO8m-iDGNJsccwb734nYHpTUnuWfPCDkdyMUyn4n1oVOhDe58IGCMiL9u4NL04j81z9Q/s640/balikbayan-box-boc.jpg" title="OFW’s balikbayan box contents allegedly replaced with bundles of newspapers, mails" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Gone were the “pasalubong” sent by OFW Ailyne Gumabon. <br />PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook/Ailyne Gumabon</td></tr></tbody></table>According to Gumabon, the balikabayan box contained 6 pairs of shoes, 6 pieces of shirt, 1 piece of shorts, 1 bag, 1 cup and 32 pieces of chocolates and was sent via the more expensive SpeedPost option. Two weeks after sending the box, Gumabon was disappointed to learn that the package hasn’t arrived even though it was expected to arrive in its destination after three days.<br /><br />Through a tracking facility, Gumabon discovered that the box had already reached the country and was under the custody of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) since February 17.<br /><br />Gumabon then asked her husband to go to BOC Pasay City office to check the balikbayan box. However, he was told that the balikbayan box was not there and could be in another location. Luckily, a family friend working at BOC  informed Gumabon’s husband that the balikabayan box was with the BOC but can’t be delivered to the post office since it arrived with a big group of shipments.<br /><br />A week after the incident, Gumabon’s family was informed via text message that the balikbayan box can already be claimed at the post office in San Miguel, Bulacan. Feeling suspicious about the whole situation, Gumabon asked her husband to open the balikbayan box at the post office.<br /><br />To her family’s surprise, the balikbayan box was apparently filled with bundles of newspaper and mail to make the box appear it weighed the same as indicated in the receipt. Only one box of shoes remained intact as the other shoe boxes were emptied. Except for the bag and chocolates, the contents of the balikbayan box were apparently lost.<br /><br />As of press time, the BOC and the management of the post office in San Miguel, Bulacan have not issued a statement regarding the incident.<br /><br />Read the full story below.<br /><br /><center><div id="fb-root"></div><script>(function(d, s, id) {  var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];  if (d.getElementById(id)) return;  js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;  js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3";  fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1562057804107175&id=100009089129036" data-width="500"><div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1562057804107175&id=100009089129036">Nagsend ako ng box sa speedpost nung february 16/2016 at ang laman ay 6pair shoes 6pcs shirth 1pc short 1bag 1cup at...<br />Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Ailyne-Gumabon/100009089129036" rel="nofollow">Ailyne Gumabon</a> on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1562057804107175&id=100009089129036" rel="nofollow">Thursday, March 17, 2016</a></blockquote></div></div></center><br /><b>-Mini, The Summit Express</b></div>

LOOK: OFW’s balikbayan box contents allegedly replaced with bundles of newspapers, mails

MANILA, Philippines - Overseas Filipino workers (OFW) traditionally send goods like clothes, shoes, and non-perishable food to their loved o...

Filipino construction worker Joselito Zapanta executed in Saudi Arabia

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines- A 35-year-old Filipino construction worker identified  as Joselito Lidasan Zapanta was executed on Tuesday, December 29 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after being convicted of murder with robbery.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0EwvzvgVryA_XZoLJD3J6rs5vXTJxXVXPFXs1EZogsX0N8DqmQaAh7fj_lEdbf8LrXAAvOvBqFkmmehpB-ZNVdFkcRiuSan0ky7Hzi0MQo-xersAwoDMEQ4H6L63i50hAR6s9walV1-Yk/s1600/joselito-zapanta.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Joselito Zapanta was sentenced to death after being convicted of murder with robbery. " border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0EwvzvgVryA_XZoLJD3J6rs5vXTJxXVXPFXs1EZogsX0N8DqmQaAh7fj_lEdbf8LrXAAvOvBqFkmmehpB-ZNVdFkcRiuSan0ky7Hzi0MQo-xersAwoDMEQ4H6L63i50hAR6s9walV1-Yk/s640/joselito-zapanta.jpg" title="Joselito Zapanta was sentenced to death after being convicted of murder with robbery. " width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joselito Zapanta was sentenced to death after being convicted of murder with robbery. <br />PHOTO CREDIT: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cltv36official/photos/a.158848587667.116702.105619022667/10153998463672668/?type=3&theater" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook/CLTV 36</a></td></tr></tbody></table>According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Zapanta was sentenced to death after the family of the Sudanese victim, Imam Ibrahim, refused to give an “Affidavit of Forgiveness or Tanazul in exchange of blood money”. It was reported that the crime committed in April 2010 originated from a rental dispute.<br /><br />DFA spokesperson Charles Jose told Rappler in a text message: “The Philippine government has undertaken and exhausted all diplomatic and legal efforts, and extended consular and legal assistance to preserve the life of Mr Zapanta. The Philippine government provided the late Mr Zapanta all necessary assistance and ensured that his legal rights were observed throughout the whole judicial process.”<br /><br />From November 28 to December 2, in March 2013 and in November 2012, the government “arranged and funded the jail visits” of Zapanta’s mother and sister to the Malaz Central Prison.<br /><br />Zapanta’s family including his father, mother, sister and two children will continue to  receive assistance from the government.<br /><br /><b>Zapanta’s remains will not be repatriated </b><br /><br />In an interview with radio dzBB, Jose revealed that Zapanta’s body was immediately buried following the execution as it is a common practice of the Saudi government. Zapanta had converted to Islam years ago and such practice is also in accordance with the Islam burial tradition.<br /><br />Although the DFA informed Zapanta’s family that he could be executed anytime, the Philippine government was not informed about the exact date and time of the convicted Filipino’s execution. <br /><br />A report by dzBB divulged that the government failed to raise the P48 million blood money demanded by the Riyadh court in order to save Zapanta’s life. Last December 16, Mona, Zapanta’s mother, made an appeal for help from the public as they have raised P23 million for the blood money. <b><i>- Mini/TheSummitExpress</i></b></div>

Filipino construction worker Joselito Zapanta executed in Saudi Arabia

MANILA, Philippines- A 35-year-old Filipino construction worker identified as Joselito Lidasan Zapanta was executed on Tuesday, December 29...

Pinay maid now weighs 29kg after employers allegedly starved her for 15 months

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">A 40-year Filipina domestic worker lost 20kg whilst working for a Singaporean couple who allegedly gave her instant noodles twice a day for more than a year.<br /><br />Thelma Oyasan Gawidan weighed just 29kg when she managed to runaway from her employers living in Orchard Road condominium in April 2014. After enduring 15 months of hardship under the hands of Lim Choo Hong and wife Chong Sui Foon, Gawidan was finally able to escape and seek the help of HOME, a non-profit organization assisting migrant workers. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-iH4F-lgOoxVx8Y9BDaBhx2CbGMQo1_KbfuXVKI8Lv5pkK-ryxPYoEwE__h50n_14hAOK2Kk6ZeXaK9O4LV7w6RxxjE4gvwkvZqKGu2KS4rbd676WXxW3Vh_LZ_M_4sKF-j891mtRNJx/s1600/ofw+starved+by+singaporean+employers.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gawidan after surviving the ordeal" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-iH4F-lgOoxVx8Y9BDaBhx2CbGMQo1_KbfuXVKI8Lv5pkK-ryxPYoEwE__h50n_14hAOK2Kk6ZeXaK9O4LV7w6RxxjE4gvwkvZqKGu2KS4rbd676WXxW3Vh_LZ_M_4sKF-j891mtRNJx/s640/ofw+starved+by+singaporean+employers.jpg" title="Gawidan after surviving the ordeal" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gawidan after surviving the ordeal. PHOTO CREDIT: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/168467579914010/photos/pcb.992683620825731/992682524159174/?type=3&theater" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook/OFW Online Diary</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Lim Choo Hong, 47, is accused of violating Condition 1 in Part 1 of the Fourth Schedule to the Employment of Foreign Manpower (Work Passes) Regulations 2012. On the other hand, Chong Sui Foon faces a count of condoning Lim to commit the crime.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmXx6tJ1qa-MGHFttx5q_ruChMO-lrxQD5druy9AdJabTPXYdS6AQY-W0NhnK5ivHSakx1kETfs-1RroT7FtTDZXzZMdyJ5x67ueYml3H6GXk3MbZjgXytEyRS3adngH9tZSWkZqhMpXR/s1600/ofw+starved+by+singaporean+employers1.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The monster employers accused of starving the Pinay maid" border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmXx6tJ1qa-MGHFttx5q_ruChMO-lrxQD5druy9AdJabTPXYdS6AQY-W0NhnK5ivHSakx1kETfs-1RroT7FtTDZXzZMdyJ5x67ueYml3H6GXk3MbZjgXytEyRS3adngH9tZSWkZqhMpXR/s640/ofw+starved+by+singaporean+employers1.jpg" title="The monster employers accused of starving the Pinay maid" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The monster employers accused of starving the Pinay maid. PHOTO CREDIT: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/The%20monster%20employers%20accused%20of%20starving%20the%20Pinay%20maid.%20PHOTO%20CREDIT:%20Facebook/OFW%20Online%20Diary" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook/OFW Online Diary</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />According to Gawidan, she was only given instant noodles to consume twice a day for more than a year. She was given bread on some occasions. Even when she was out with the family,Gawidan would still eat instant noodles and bread packed by the couple.<br /><br />An investigator in charge of the case told the court that Gawidan was only allowed to take showers once or twice a week in the condominium’s public toilet. <br /><br />"When I am still hungry, I will ask for more ... sometimes she will give me more, but the next meal I will get less,” Gawidan told the court.<br /><br />It was also revealed the couple forced Gawidan to work for more than 24 hours. Gawidan recalled how her former employers made her work from Monday 7pm until Wednesday without rest.<br /><br />A month after starting to work for the couple, Gawidan stopped getting her period. In addition, the Pinay OFW experienced hair loss and felt weak in general as a result of the maltreatment.<br /><br />Lim and Chong will serve up to 12 months in jail and/or pay a fine of up to $10,000 if proven guilty. <b><i>- Mini/TheSummitExpress</i></b></div>

Pinay maid now weighs 29kg after employers allegedly starved her for 15 months

A 40-year Filipina domestic worker lost 20kg whilst working for a Singaporean couple who allegedly gave her instant noodles twice a day for ...

BSP's 3 new limited edition commemorative coins now available

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) announced that three new limited edition commemorative coins are available starting today, Monday, December 22, 2014.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzQ1uAvd40khA0wYihC9R62ikOOja0XKpForv5Tj-YmohoZVUc_tOkSbuQq3WAiGKIL4OA5j4-EuJUXDy_MAR-EDdRBCga5iws7P2Lt99uxPqyybVy3TipdHns85X2zsI6-nT3vTr2msY/s1600/bsp-new-commemorative-coins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="BSP's 3 new limited edition commemorative coins " border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzQ1uAvd40khA0wYihC9R62ikOOja0XKpForv5Tj-YmohoZVUc_tOkSbuQq3WAiGKIL4OA5j4-EuJUXDy_MAR-EDdRBCga5iws7P2Lt99uxPqyybVy3TipdHns85X2zsI6-nT3vTr2msY/s1600/bsp-new-commemorative-coins.jpg" title="BSP's 3 new limited edition commemorative coins " width="560" /></a></div><br /><br />The new coins commemorate the following:<br /><br />1. The Bagong Bayani Commemorative Coin in honor of Overseas Filipinos on the 5-piso circulating coin;<br />2. The 150th year of Philippine Hero Apolinario Mabini on the 10-piso circulating coin; and<br />3. The Leyte Landing which was a turning point for the liberation of the Philippines during World War II on the 5-piso circulating coin<br /><br />The public can avail of these coins at the cash departments of BSP offices in Manila and Quezon City, managing director of currency management sub-sector Iluminada Sicat said in the press briefing on Friday.<br /><br />"There will be 10 million pieces available for sale and there will be 20,000 in brilliant, uncirculated pack," she said, noting the coins will be sold at face value.<br /><br />We'll try to make them available also to banks so that the banks could help us in distributing the coins," she added.<br /><div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div>"As a matter of policy, the BSP commemorates significant events and heroic Filipinos in our country’s history through the minting of coins, medals or overprints on our banknotes," BSP said in a statement.<br /><br />The most recent commemorative circulation coins issued by the BSP were for the 150th year of National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal in 2011 and the 150th year of Philippine Hero Andres Bonifacio in 2013.<br /><br />The BSP also announced the minting by the BSP of 50-piso and 500-piso commemorative coins in time for the Papal visit in January 2015.</div>

BSP's 3 new limited edition commemorative coins now available

MANILA, Philippines - The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) announced that three new limited edition commemorative coins are available start...

Google Philippines heartwarming video ad on OFWs is now viral

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Google Philippines latest campaign about 'Balikbayan' went viral due to its heartwarming video ad about overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who will not be able to visit the Philippines this Christmas.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uRjHRFcxo6xIunKPEIw-zOF7QYeTFNmXGT0rQvXnm5UF6UJk7vxIqwpFKk35aJkKptQ85FrBB1ydgGu0bTFeXpZ62bhyT6NyCJqF_0oGFNYWBjvdT5wq0vCy92Den399pssWj3Knbi2W/s1600/Google+Balikbayan+ad+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Google Philippines heartwarming video ad on OFWs now viral" border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uRjHRFcxo6xIunKPEIw-zOF7QYeTFNmXGT0rQvXnm5UF6UJk7vxIqwpFKk35aJkKptQ85FrBB1ydgGu0bTFeXpZ62bhyT6NyCJqF_0oGFNYWBjvdT5wq0vCy92Den399pssWj3Knbi2W/s1600/Google+Balikbayan+ad+2014.jpg" title="Google Philippines heartwarming video ad on OFWs now viral" width="560" /></a></div><br /><br />Majority of netizens who have commented after watching the video on various social media sites said they have been moved to tears by the campaign.<br /><br />In a nearly 2-minute video entitled 'Miss Nothing', a child can be heard singing Basil Valdez’s “You” as snippets of muted conversation between OFWs and their loved ones in the Philippines.<br /><br />Google encourage Filipino families and communities to “share the everyday” through the website’s various services.<br /><br />On its Youtube post, Googl PH said: "Pasko na naman, at mag daratingan ulit and mga mahal natin sa buhay galing ibang bansa! At para sa mga hindi makakauwi, isang paalala ng pagmamahal ang handog ng Google Philippines para sa kanila, sa inyo, at inyong mga pamilya. Bisitahin ang: g.co/balikbayan At panoorin ito: #OFW #balikbayan #MissNothing."<br /><br />The video was already viewed in more than 800,000 times as of press time.<br /><br /><b>WATCH: Google Philippines - Miss Nothing (full video)</b><br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Gx3YmAGU3l4" width="600"></iframe></center></div>

Google Philippines heartwarming video ad on OFWs is now viral

MANILA, Philippines - Google Philippines latest campaign about 'Balikbayan' went viral due to its heartwarming video ad about overse...