To all beloved foreign workers like me I just want to give my salute to all of you for being tough and strong! Some people think we are very lucky to have this kind of job…yes we are! However, they have no idea what we are going through abroad and how we deal with our sadness, stress, depression, pain mentally and emotionally as well as our sorrows. But we are still here fighting and believing that no matter how life abroad can be hard and difficult at times, we can still make it and continue to be successful in whatever aspect of our lives. We are worth of being respected as a foreign worker.
Let us continue to be brave, hardworking and patient. And always put God in the centre of our lives!
— Budz Balaguer
Domestic workers’ life are filled with adversity. I put in a lot of time and effort in my employer’s home. Aside from the routine jobs a domestic helper needs to do, I also take care of the elderly. I start my day normally at 8.00am and finishes at 8.00pm. I am happy with my work. However the feeling of loneliness sinks in me every time I think of my family but I need to make a sacrifice for my children’s future. Happy Labour Day for all!
— Enalyn Camanzo
I am happy to work in Hong Kong for six years now. I was not very lucky with my past employers. I was unhappy with the work situation and their attitude towards workers. I was however challenged to work harder.
Situations changed when I found my current employer. The family is very kind and considerate and the baby I take care of is so gentle and loving. I have a better feeling of belongingness. They bring me around Hong Kong with them and we visit their relatives and friends. During my off days my employer allows me to meet and make good friends with other overseas workers from different countries.
To all overseas workers around the globe, I wish you all safety and good health. May we all enjoy the blessings of work and make good use of the opportunity for learning life and culture of people in different countries.
— Gita Chakma
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
Life as a foreign domestic helper is not easy because we may encounter indifferences. My employer believes she is always right all the time. I cannot contradict her or she will get angry. However, sometimes, she is very nice, depending on her mood. I need to remind myself to do my job as for the Lord and not for human beings, giving her my respect and obedience.
I remind myself I work hard for my children and whole family. I thank God for sustaining me with all the strength that I need. My wish for the International Worker’s Day is that all of us can be given equal rights and benefits, and that the locals and employers treat us with respect as humans deserve. God bless us all!
— Ma. Joyce Defensor
As foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong, our lives are full of hardships. We do a lot of work in our employers’ house. Being a domestic worker, I also dedicate my efforts to enhance the well being of my employer’s children and to ensure that the homes I manage are in good conditions. My wishes on Labour Day are that employers could show kindness to us their domestic workers; in a way that they wish to be treated. Allow us to enjoy our holidays to relax, unwind and to be with our friends; put an end to terrible working conditions and not to enforce maximum working hours. God bless all workers and happy Labour Day!
— Lorelee Javelona
I do a lot of household work. I sweep and clean, wash clothes and dishes, cook different variety of foods, look after young children or the elderly. My working hours can be considered long because I usually start at five in the morning and finish at twelve midnight. My wish on this International Labour Day is that all the sacrifices that I have experienced will someday result in happiness and success in life. I wish and pray that my family can enjoy the fruits of my hard work.
— May Magallanes
Life as an overseas worker for me is happy but sad at times. Happy because I can help my family with their needs. Sad because I am far from them. It was difficult for me to stay here while my baby underwent a goiter operation during my first year here in Hong Kong. Then the following year my father died. It was so heartbreaking that I could not be by their side during those times. Through prayers and constant communication with my family, I gradually overcame the pain. Being on my own here has helped me to be mature and strong.
— Joan Elmido Perez
Every year, on Labour Day, migrants and local organisations used to organise rallies to to promote the rights of foreign domestic workers here. One of the working conditions is the long working hours. While our day off once a week and public holidays are protected by law, but the working hours are up to our employers to decide. I pray and wish that the working hours of foreign domestic workers can be regulated by law and our voices can be heard.
— Ruby Silva
