News: Phil.

Embassy to Conduct Essay Contest 2

News: Live Chat with 2010 Election Candidates 2
Editorial: Globalization
GGlobalization and Love 3
Feature: Philippines and the Korean War 4
OFW-KOREA-2006-001 News: IMCC' s 4th Annual Leadership 6
Feature: Challenges for Workers in Korea 6
Volume 3 Issue 2 2010 www.sulyapinoy.org NOT FOR SALE

by Maria Lea Wenceslao

H yewhadong, Seoul – Filipino and Korean vendors in

Hyewadong are facing major crisis these days. The Jongno
District Office in Seoul recently announced the closure of the “Little
Manila Market” to the Filipino Community in Hyewhadong due to
several complaints received by the district office.

Concerned Korean citizens and nearby residents complained about

uncontrollable trash and traffic, and they’re pointing out that the mar-
ket is causing these problems along the Hyewhadong rotary area.

Father Alvin Parantar, MSP, chaplain of the Hyewhadong Filipino

Catholic Community (HFCC) confirmed the said report, adding that
he even made a written request addressed to Seoul City Mayor Oh
Se-hoon urging him to retain the market and work for possible reso-
lutions for improvement.

Meanwhile, the Filipino community leaders spearheaded by the

HFCC, joined by the Filipino EPS Workers Association (FEWA), SU-
LYAPINOY, SAMBAYANAN and others, launched a signature cam-
paign last February 14 to save the "Little Manila Market”, which has
been represented as a "home away from home" to some 46,000 Fili-
pinos living in Korea.

In the said petition, the leaders of the HFCC stated that there are
several alternative ways that the district office and Filipino commu-
nity can do to resolve the problem without removing or relocatingthe
market. Another reason they pointed out is that the Filipino market is
a miniature of the Philippines, and that the problems regarding
proper disposal of the garbage can be resolved by the community
with the cooperation of the vendors and buyers.

“We all know that going to the pinoy market or eating pinoy food
after attending the holy mass is one of the cultural traditions of Filipi-
nos. It also serves as a venue for us to meet with friends. If the Ko-
rean government will try to remove or relocate the market away from
the church, it’s just like trying to separate us from our own cultural
tradition,” an avid pinoy buyer said.

The marketplace first emerged in 1997, and takes place every Sun-
day for Filipinos after attending a mass at the Hyehwadong Catholic
Church. About 1,200 to 2,000 Filipinos gather at the marketplace,
which some consider as a fine example of Korea's racial harmony
and multi-culturalism.
No More Ampalayang Matamis ? : “Little Manila Market”
in Hyewhadong is on the verge of closure. To some, they say it’s an “eye-
sore”, some say “It’s a home away from home”. This again calls for Filipino
Unity sprinkled with a dash of discipline and cooperation.

www.sulyapinoy.org
 EMBASSY NEWS
I n commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the
Korean War this year, the Philippine Embassy in
South Korea , in partnership with the Philippine
Daily Inquirer, the Seoul Global Center and the
Philippine Resource Persons Group, will conduct an
essay writing contest beginning February 26, 2010.
The contest will have two categories: Category A for
South Korean students who will be asked to write
about the theme “The Philippines in the Korean
War” and Category B for Filipinos currently residing
in South Korea who will discuss “Finding Jose Rizal
in South Korea : A Migrant’s Perspective.” The
length of the essays should be 1,000 to 1,500
words.
The contest will run for four weeks. The deadline for
the submission of entries is 5pm on March 26. Win-
ners will be announced on March 29
BACKGROUND
The contest aims to promote awareness on the
significant role that the Philippines played in defend-
ing democracy during the Korean War and to further
enhance nationalism among Filipinos residing in
South Korea . In particular, 2010 will coincide with
the 114th anniversary of the martyrdom of Filipino
national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. Dr. Rizal himself was a
staunch defender of democracy, a lifelong trait he
enhanced while studying in Europe and Asia as a
migrant.
CONTEST MECHANICS
1. Themes
The contest will have two categories: Category A
will be for South Korean students who will be asked
to write about the theme “The Philippines in the
Korean War” while Category B will be for Filipinos
currently residing in South Korea who will discuss
“Finding Jose Rizal in South Korea: A Migrant’s
Perspective.” The length of the essays should be
1,000 to 1,500 words.
2. Language and Eligibility
Category A
The contestant should be a Korean national, born in
1994 or earlier, and currently enrolled. The essay
should be original, unpublished and written in Eng-
lish. Proper documentation of facts, as footnotes or
endnotes, is required.
Relatives of past and present personnel of the Phil-
ippine Embassy and its attached agencies, up to the
fourth degree of consanguinity, are not eligible to
take part in the contest.
Category B
The contest is open to all Filipinos currently residing
in South Korea . The essay should be original,
unpublished and written in either English or Filipino.
Proper documentation of facts, as footnotes or
endnotes, is required. There is no age restriction for
Filipino contestants.
2 www.sulyapinoy.org
Relatives of past and present personnel of the
Philippine Embassy and its attached agencies, up
to the fourth degree of consanguinity, are not
eligible to take part in the contest.
3. Duration of the contest
The contest will have a four-week run from Febru-
ary 26 to March 26, 2010 . Deadline is 5pm of
March 26. Winners will be announced on March
29. The awarding is tentatively scheduled at the
Philippine Embassy on March 31.
4. Contest Procedures and Requirements
Category A
a. Apart from the essay, Korean students must
submit the following: Proof of enrolment and Proof
of birthday
b. Only one entry per person is allowed.
c.Essays must be emailed to
seoulpe@philembassy-seoul.com before the dead-
line. Entries must be in “Read Only Word file.”
d. The full name, email address and telephone/
mobile number of the applicant must be written in
the email. The “Read Only Word file” should
contain no reference that would identify the appli-
cant.
e. The Philippine Embassy will assign random
numbers to the essays, which will be submitted to
the contest judges for grading.
Category B
a. Apart from the essay, Filipino contestants must
prove that they are currently residing in South
Korea .
b. Only one entry per person is allowed.
c.Essays must be emailed to
seoulpe@philembassy-seoul.com before the dead-
line. Entries must be in “Read Only Word file.”
d. The full name, email address and telephone/
mobile number of the applicant must be written in
the email. The “Read Only Word file” should
contain no reference that would identify the appli-
cant.
e. The Philippine Embassy will assign random
numbers to the essays, which will be submitted to
the contest judges for grading.
5. Judging / Criteria
Judges will be composed of Filipino professors in
South Korea , journalists and embassy officials.
Entries will be graded according to content
(relevance and accuracy, 40%; creative
thinking, 30%), structure and grammar
(20%), and overall impact (10%).
The decision of the judges will be final.
6. Minimum Awards
a. The top entry from each category will receive
the Medal of Academic Excellence from the Office
of the Philippine President. The winners will also
receive a plaque from the Philippine Embassy
and some cash award.
b. Runners-up will receive respective plaques.
c. The winning entries will be published in both
Philippine and Korean publications.
For further details, please email us at
seoulpe@philembassy-seoul.com.
T he Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the
Bureau of Internal Revenue ( BIR ) signed a
Memorandum of Agreement on 25 November 2009
requiring applicants of a driver’s license in the Phil-
ippines to also present a Tax Identification Number
( TIN ).
Applications from the following are covered by the
agreement:
 Student permit (if employed);
 Student Permit to non-professional (if em-
ployed);
 Student permit to professional;
 Non-professional to professional;
 New conductor’s license;
 Conversion of foreign license to non-
professional (if employed); and
 Conversion of foreign license to professional.
The following are exempted:
- Accredited foreign personnel of diplomatic mis-
sions and international organizations, such as
WHO, ADB, UNESCO, World Bank, etc.,
subject to presentation and submission of
photocopies of diplomatic IDs;
- Individuals not engaged in business, such as
minors, students, house helpers, housewives,
balikbayan and the like, provided that they are
securing a non-professional driver’s license;
- Foreign applicants, such as tourists, foreign stu-
dents, foreign missionaries, subject to presen-
tation and submission of photocopy of valid
passport/visa; and
- Professional members of religious organizations,
such as priests, pastors, nuns, lay minister,
missionaries and the like subject to presenta-
tion and submission of photocopies of mission-
P oliticalarena.com (www.politicalarena.com.ph),
a socio-political networking site that promotes
voters education and interactivity in the local politi-
cal scene, launched its Live Chat on 09 February
2010.
The Live Chat allows voters to ask questions di-
rectly to the 2010 national candidates on issues
regarding their platforms and others. The site will be
hosting live chats every Tuesday and Thursday at
the following timeslots (Manila time): 4:00pm,
4:45pm, 7:45pm, 8:30pm and will run until the last
week of April. Each episode will run forty-five min-
utes. To participate, registered members can simply
log in and type in their questions addressed to the
candidates who are online on the time. The site is
one of the official information websites of COME-
LEC that provides candidates and voters a venue to
communicate with each other using social network-
ing tools such as blog, chat, forum and multimedia.
 EDITORIAL

T here were two important occasions celebrated this February and they
both fell on the same day the Korean Seollal and Valentines day.
Seollal, or the lunar new year, is celebrated by Koreans to honour their ances-
tors. On this occasion, Korean families get together in the Kunjip, or the eldest
son’s house where they make an offering for their family ancestors. The
women prepare food, while the men sit down and talk.
Personally, I like the way Koreans honour their ancient grandfathers and grand-
mothers. I like the way they respect the elderly, including the dead ones. This
means they always remember where they came from. They always take their
heritage with them.
I think it’s sad that we don’t have something like Seollal. For instance, I don’t
even know my ancestors beyond my father’s grandparents. This means that
when our time comes our grandchildren will remember us, but our names will
be lost after two or three generations. I think getting to know our ancestors is
an interesting thing. It could tell us so much more about ourselves. It would
have been nice to have some kind of family tree with all their profiles. Who
knows, maybe somewhere along the line, is someone like us, who holds the
key to something about ourselves that we don’t yet understand.
I think this is something good that we have in Asian culture the way we value
the importance of families. In Asian culture, putting our grandparents in elderly
homes is unthinkable. I hope this is something that will not be lost in genera-
tions to come in this modern merging of east and west.
The other important occasion is Valentine’s day also about love it is for
parents, children, and all our loved ones, but most especially for lovers.
Some people hate Valentine’s day because they are single. Though it is natural
for a person to be lonely, I think we should not put pressure on other people to
be in a relationship. Often this kind of pressure does more harm than good. In
our culture, we have certain traditional ways of thinking that we expect other
people to follow. And it may not always be a good thing. After all, what’s wrong
with being single and happy? It is much better than being in a relationship that
is unhealthy or wrong for you.
It is quite a challenge for pinoys in Korea. ..especially those away from their loved
ones. There are times when the loneliness creep in and people succumb to sweet
temptations that lead to wrong decisions. And later the thing that once was sweet,
becomes like poison leading us to a serious problem.
There is no easy answer to this only that we must strive to somehow unite the
family to beat these economic challenges. It is something that will test the Filipino
strength. In these confusing times we must learn to distinguish the good road
from the bad road.
On a lighter note, I’ve talked to some western friends and we’ve come to a conclu-
sion that Filipinos are more romantic than western guys. We have the concept of
courtship, which in now totally alien in the west. In courtship, the guy tries to win the
girl’s affections therefore the girl is on a higher footing. She doesn’t have to show
that she likes the guy. The guy can wait. She can even be ‘ mataray’, and this
behaviour can even be endearing as Filipino men like a challenge. In western cul-
ture, what they have is just dating, which is very different from courtship. In dating,
the man and woman are equal. It is presumed that they are both interested in each
other, and they are going out to test each other’s compatibility.
I think both sides have their good and bad points. On one hand, it is good to be
treated like a princess the good old fashioned way. It is not female disempower-
ment it builds confidence it’s nice to be properly treated like a woman.
On the other hand, I don’t believe in the concept of ‘ playing hard to get’. This kind
of mind game is unfair to the guy. I don’t like mind games. I believe in honesty and
sincerity if you don’t like the guy, let him know, and set the poor lad free.
As the world becomes more and more globalized, some cultures, traditions and
notions will be lost or modified. And we will adopt some of these from other culture.
Whatever the result, let’s hope that it will be one of perfect balance, where we
neither go too fast nor too slow, too dependent nor too detached, too emotional nor
too practical.
Let’s hope that this openness will enrich us, and that in watching others, we may
learn to go back and appreciate the true depth and meaning of the Filipino heart.

EDITORIAL STAFF
BOARD OF PUBLICATION
Editor-in-Chief: Bevi Tamargo Managing Editor: Zack Robles
Opinion Editor: Rebenson B. Recaña News Editor: Noel Joseph Alvarez Chairman: Aquilino Juanites Jr.
Literary Editor: Amie Sison Cartoonist: Reynaldo Ranara V-Chairman: Teofilo Camo
Photojournalist: Norman Matudan Layout Artist: Edward Castro Secretary: Eva Del Monte
Circulation Managers: Rodel Arias, Rudrigo dela Cruz, Alwyin Casino, Ismael Calandria Board of Publication in:
Community Correspondents: Billy Vela (Ansan); Anthony Carl Dacones (Kasan) Printing and Distribution: Bong Del Mundo
Noel Joseph Alvarez (Cheonan) Outreach, Recreation and Religious Programs: Ma. Lea Wenceslao
Contributors in this Issue: the Philippine Embassy, Vice Consul Arnel Talisayon, Rose Ilo Website Development and Maintenance: Zack Robles
Sponsorship & Promotions Program: Annabelle Lopez
Adviser: Cathy Rose Garcia (Staff Writer of the Korea Times) Trainings & Workshop: Noel Joseph Alvarez
Labor Policy Consultant: Prof. Maragtas S.V. Amante Ph.D. (College of Economics and Budget & Finance: Yeng M. Malonzo
Business Administration, Hanyang University, Ansan City)

SULYAPINOY Office Address: 115-9 Songbuk-gu, Songbuk 1 dong, Songbuk Villa, Seoul, Korea 136-020
FEWA Office Address & SULYAPINOY Distribution Center: Inside WOORI BANK, Hyehwa-dong Branch, Jongno-gu, Seoul

D I S C L A I M E R For Comments, Suggestions, Contributions & Advertisements

Different opinions are encourage to stimulate
member input and involvement. SULYAPINOY’s
role is to provide information that permits FEWA
members to develop informed opinions on
subjects that will affect their status as migrant
workers and, in some instances, their personal
lives. FEWA does not hold itself responsible for
statements made by any contributor. Statements
or opinions expressed in SULYAPINOY reflect the
views of the author(s) and not the official policy of
FEWA unless so stated.
Please submit them to our website or to the following emails below:
All Staff: editorialstaff@sulyapinoy.org
or sulyap.editorialstaff@gmail.com
* SULYAPINOY observes the Philippine Press Code of Ethics .
* We reserve the right to refuse any submission we deem does not meet our policies and guidelines.
* SULYAPINOY is still in need of writers and community correspondents. Aspirants may email the
Editorial Staff for more details.
Thank you for your time and interest!

www.sulyapinoy.org 3
 FEATURE

INFORMATION ON THE MINIMUM WAGES FOR THE YEAR 2010 (2009 년도 최저임금 안내)
by Vice Consul Arnel Talisayon
□ Period of application: Jan. 1 2010 ~Dec. 31 2010
적용기간 : 2010.1.1~2010.12.31 The year 2010 coincides with the 60th Anniversary of the
최저임금액
□ Minimum wage ( )
Korean War. The Korean Government will be implementing several
activities that not only serve to remind us of the individuals whose
○ Hourly wage rate : 4,110 won, daily wage rate( on a 8-hour basis): 32,880 won sacrifices gave us the freedom we now enjoy, but also to ensure the
시급 원 급 시간 기준
4,110 , 일 (8 원
) 32,880 continued progress of our peoples.

○ In the case of 40 hours per week(209 hours per month) the monthly wage will amount 858,990 Filipinos played an important role in securing freedom in South
won. Korea . When North Korea launched its attack in June 1950, the
주40 시간 월 시간 의 경우 월급
제( 209 ) 858,990원 Philippines was among the first countries to respond with assistance.

○ In the case of 44 hours per week(226 hours per month) the monthly wage will amount 928,990
On September 19, 1950 , the first of five Battalion Combat Teams
from the Philippine Army landed in Busan. The Philippine Expedition-
won. ary Force to Korea , or PEFTOK, became the third UNC ground com-
시간 월 시간 의 경우 월급
주44 제( 원226 ) 928,990 bat unit to enter the Korean War after the United States and the

□ Target of application : every business or workplace employing workers

United Kingdom . Among those who took part in the war was former
Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos, as well as two former Philippine
적용대상 근로자를 용하는 모든 업 또는 업장
: 사 사 사
ambassadors to South Korea .

○ 감액 적용 근로자
Workers whose minimum wage can be reduced A total of 7,420 Filipino soldiers set foot in the peninsula from
- Apprentices: his/her minimum wage may be reduced as much as 10% up to 3 months(hourly 1950 to 1955. One hundred sixteen of them died. Today, we com-
memorate their sacrifices every September at the Philippine Monu-
wage rate : 3,699 won)
수급근로자 최장 개월간 감액 적용 능 시급
: 3 10% 가 ( 원
3,699 )
ment in Goyang City , which pays tribute to their heroism and bravery.

- Surveillance or intermittent workers( when approved by Minister of Labor): Minimum wage can
be reduced as much
as 20%(hourly pay: 3,288 won). 감시단속적 근로자 노동부장관 승인시 ( ): 20%감액적용
가 ( 능 시급 원
3,288 )

○ Workers who are not applied the minimum wage 적용 외대상

제

- A person who has remarkably low abilities to work due to a mental or physical handicap (when
approved by the Minister of Labor).
정신 신체 장애로 근로능력이 현저히 낮은 자 노동부 장관 인 시
, ( 가 )
The Philippine Monument in Goyang City
- An employee who works for the workplace which employ only relatives living together or domes-
tic workers.
동거의 친족만을 용하는 업의 종 자 또는 용자
Our involvement did not end with the signing of the armi-
사 사 사 가사사 stice in July 1953; we were also actively involved in the reconstruction
and rehabilitation efforts. Some prominent buildings in Seoul , includ-
A sailor who is subject to the seamen law or an owner of ship employing sailor.
-

선원법 적용 받는 선원 및 선원을 용하는 선박의 소유자

ing the Jangchung Gymnasium, the US Embassy and the Ministry of
사 Culture and Tourism, were constructed with the help of Filipino engi-
□ Liability of the employer 용자의 의무
사
neers. The Philippines also trained Korean agriculturists and public

○ Liable to pay above the minimum wage to the employee. 최저임금액 이상 지급무
administrators in Philippine universities.

The Korean War is actually

- An employer shall pay the workers at least the minimum wage rate or more. And no employer
enshrined in the Philippine
may lower the previous currency. In the P500 bill, one
wage level on the ground of the minimum wage.
로 종전 임금수준을 저하하 서는 안됨
will see at the back of the bill a
- 여 picture of Benigno Aquino, Jr.,
who was a war correspondent
- If a labor contract provides for a wage that is less than the minimum wage rate, it shall be
during the Korean War. Behind
considered to stipulate that his picture is a copy of an
the same wage as the minimum wage rate shall be paid. article he wrote about Korea
- 최저임금액에 미달하는 임금을 지급하기로 근로계약한 경우 최저임금액과 동 , entitled “First Cavalry Knifes

일 한 임금을 지급하기로 한 것으로 간 주

Through 38th Parallel.”

○ Obligation of notice of the minimum wage to the worker근로자에 대한 최저임금무 There are two other
memorials erected in
- An employer shall inform the workers of minimum wage rate, wages not included in the mini-
mum wage, effective date, and workers being excluded from the minimum wage Act. 용자는 최
Yeoncheon County
사 to mark the area in
저임금액, 최저임금 미산입 임금, 효력발생 , 적용야 함 일
Yultong where a
d ramat i c ba tt l e
involving Filipino
□ In the cases of the following, a contractor shall take responsibility for violating Minimum Wage soldiers took place.

Act jointly with the subcontractor. 도급인이 최저임금법 위반의 연대책임을 지는 경우

The Philippine Em-
bassy is coordinating
closely with the local
- As for determining the unit labor cost lower than the minimum wage at the time of the signing
government in Yul-
of the contract;
도급계약 체결시 인건비단 를 최저임금액 미만으로 결정한 경우
tong to improve and beautify the markers. Through a sister-city ar-
가 rangement with Imus ( Cavite ), Yeoncheon is helping make sure that
younger generations both in South Korea and the Philippines are
- As for lowering the unit labor cost to below the minimum wage in the middle of the contract aware of our involvement in the Korean War. Incidentally, there are
period.
도급계약 기간중 인건비단 를 최저임금액 미만으로 인하한 경우
also two monuments about the Korean War in the Philippines : the
가 PEFTOK Memorial in Manila and the Marikorea Monument in Marikina
City .

4 www.sulyapinoy.org

Filipinos in South Korea may recall that the Battle of
Yultong was the subject of the feature film launched by the
Philippine Embassy on April 14, 2009 at the National
Theater of Korea. “The Forgotten War” highlighted the
individual stories of the Filipino soldiers who fought along-
side South Korea when it was under siege from the North.
What can the Filipino Community in South Korea expect
from, and contribute to, the commemoration activities for
the 60th anniversary of the Korean War? South Korea , for
one, is preparing major activities that include, among
others, the visit to South Korea of the veterans, the send-
ing of thank-you letters to individuals and governments
that extended assistance during the Korean War and the
establishment of scholarship programs for descendants of
the veterans.
For our part, we must ensure that the sacrifices of our
soldiers do not get lost in the pages of history: it is our
duty, as beneficiaries of their courageous and selfless
acts, to remember—to keep their memories and stories
alive in the current and succeeding generations. Let us
involve our organizations in creating awareness through
our newsletters, websites, group discussions and other
avenues for information dissemination.
Equally important is our responsibility to make sure that
their sacrifices do not go to waste. By keeping vigilant, by
participating in activities that determine the future of our
nation—such as the upcoming national elections from April
10 to May 10— by managing our finances during our tempo-
rary stay in South Korea, by facing the challenges of
migration with a positive and constructive attitude, we are
laying the bricks for a future that is more secure, progres-
sive and stable.
That future is what played on in the minds our predeces-
sors, our brave soldiers, when they answered the call of
duty 60 years ago in 1950, set sail to a distant land and
took arms in defense of freedom.
River of Love by Ehd Villarta
Love fails, heart falls
whatever it is, whatever you call it
It hurts, it causes a lot of pain
but the road is clear, so this is not the end.
Sadness seen in your eyes
the tears fall from the skies
call his name, kneel down and cry
your heart is dead; no beat,no life.
You smile, purposely you tried
to make all things worthwhile
you said, it's done but it's all a lie
the pain gets deeper, as time goes by
And the time you're all alone
and you need someone just to hold on
but things went terribly wrong
just like a very sad love song
In a day or night you see or seem
you’re not wrong, to deem
the love has flown on a water of dream
the flowers fade, the flower lost its scent
Against your heart, with all your will
a day will tell, a hope for a fairytale
a prince will come, from a far away castle
kiss and wake you, from your worst nightmare
In a dream, a new dream begins
erase the past, keep on moving
for the river of love, we must keep sailing
and just like a river, love never ends.
LITERARY
Tunay na Pag-ibig
Alwyin A. Casiño
Ang pag-ibig na nagmula kay Hesu-Kristo
Na binigay Niya sa lahat ng tao
Nagpasalin-salin sa iba' t-ibang tao
Kaya ngayon tayo ay naririto.
Ano pa ba ang hahanapin mo ?
Kung ito ay natagpuan at napapasaiyo
Hirap at pagod at tatanggalin nito
Dumalangin lamang sa Poong Hesu-Kristo.
Ganoon din ang mabibigay mo
Sa taong may tunay na pag-ibig para sa iyo
Na hindi kailanman magbabago
Kahit sa kabilang buhay madadala ito.
Ganyan ang tunay na pag-ibig mula sa Kanya
Sa Panginoon walang madadaig pa
Kahit ang ating isip kanyang nababasa
Hindi tayo pababayaan hangga' t suma-
samba.
Patuluyin natin lagi Siya sa ating puso
Maging mapagkumbaba sa kapwa mo
Maani lahat ng kabutihang loob
At makakasama mo Siya sa makulay na
mundo.

Th e gift of lov e, an Essay by Annabelle Lopez

Have you ever wondered what's the greatest gift you can give to someone this valentines day?
Usually, we give presents, such as chocolates, candies and roses.People get together at a party
and celebrate.There are different traditions in celebrating valentines day around the world.

In South korea, only women may give chocolates to men on February 14, and men give non-chocolate
candies to women on March 14, They call it "white day".We filipinos call it, "Araw ng mga puso" or
"Hearts day".Giving gifts and presents among lovers are common.It's good to give material things, But
for me, the best gift I can give is my “heart” because love permeates and lies in the heart.

Since it’s the season of love,these words I want to share, not for any particular reason.
I think that life is beautiful despite or in spite of what situation we are in right now.
There is only one thing that keeps me alive every day. LOVE.

Love is a decision. When you decide to love, it should be coupled with a commitment to stick to the relationship whatever the weather.
Sometimes the sun will not shine in the morning. At times torrential rains, wild winds, dark clouds come by.
There will surely be loads of crisis that needs to be overcome. There surely will be a great deal of adjustment that needs to be done.
There surely will be a lot of pain that needs to be abandoned. The list goes on.

Love is an action. It is not just an emotion but an attitude that needs to be acted upon.
No relationship can succeed when only one person is doing the "doings". It has to be mutual.
You need to mop the floors when its dirty. Wash the dishes, put it away.
Do something for the person you love.

I think its a common knowledge. You and me are not exempted to get hurt.
Pain is universal. Remember when we walk, sometimes we fall.
And like a new born baby, let us not be afraid to cry.
Crying doesn’t make us less of a person that we think we are
. In most cases, it does help. Just don't hang on to it for long.
Moving on is part of the game. Be brave. Be positive. Be a new YOU!

www.sulyapinoy.org 5
 OTHER/ STORIES
The Filipino family is generally perceived as a
closely-knitted one and since there is no divorce in
the Philippines, a broken family is generally consid-
ered as a disaster. As a matter of fact, there is a
widely accepted saying; “No amount of success can
compensate for failure in the family”.
C hungcheongnamdo,Korea. The International Migrants Community in Cheonan (IMCC) Cheonan City,
Korea held its 4th Annual Leadership Training and Seminar Workshop.The training was held at the
Yuriangdong Priest House of Daejeon Diocese, Education Building from February 06-07, 2010 Saturday Here in Korea, the situation is no different than
night 8:30pm until 12:00 noon of Sunday. The participants came from Five different (5) nations; the USA, elsewhere in the world. The challenges that the
the Philippines, East Timor, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and the new members for the multi-cultural group of worker has to face everyday are almost similar with
women married to Koreans. With the theme "Undertsanding Each Other with LOVE, Charity, Unity and that of his counterpart in other countries of the
Brotherhood". The said seminar was Organized by the Newly Elected Officers of IMCC -- Jeng Galang globe. While the working conditions here may be a
(President of the IMCC), Rico Celestra (Vice President), Lenny Libalib (Secretary) Joahanna Morales lot better in some countries, still it is far from perfect.
(Treasurer),Gigi Gurango ( Project Consultant), Harry de Leon and Alfear Gurango ( Sports Coordinator for The workers have to bear all the stress and tempta-
Indoor and Outdoor) tion that are constantly hanging over their heads.
In the face of this rather peculiar and trying situa-
IMCC Committees; Grace Lucido and Maricel You (Women's Coordinator), Melchor Basquinas and tion, it is very important that the migrant worker is
Freddie Mijares (Media), Danile Chua and Mar Galang (Altar Services), Frederick Gapac and Maureen mentally and emotionally equipped to overcome the
Torres (Choir), Ruel Rubino and Meldy Dahan(Lector/Commentator), Edy Adanza and Anthony Magal- challenge. He must remain focused on the reason
lones (Entertaiment), Service Coordinators--Napoleon Aquino and Leo Rodriguez, Dina Meano and Myla why he is working abroad. He must not stray away
Sanchez ( Health), Edward Gapatan - Student Groups, from his original objective of working abroad, which
is the welfare of his family. In the face of temptation
Country Representatives; Mary Locard and Jolly Regacho (USA/Education), Jakir Islam (Bangladesh), and other forms of stress, he must find strength and
Jaimito Nievez (East Timor), Nishanth Gunasekal and Ruwan (Sri Lanka), Oh Kyeu Seung inspiration from the love he has for his family and
'OhBay' (SKorea), and the Moyse Catholic Migrant center headed by Rev Fr. 'Marcellino' Maeng SangHak the love and respect they have for him or her. It is
(Chaplain),Francesca 'Shanti' Yo GyeongSoon (MOYSE Center President)'Teresa' Lee JiYoung (MOYSE not easy to be away from one’s family. And in situa-
Center Social Worker/Office Manager),Jet Fajardo (Moyse) and Sister Rosa Angelica "Angel" Libron Ssps tions like that, there are times that the physiological
(Sisters of the Holy Spirit) 2010 IMCC Leadership Training Facilitator. The workshop was all about project need of a person becomes more vibrant that it
application and time management through team building and personality management. seems like a magnetic force that pushes the person
to seek comfort or satisfaction to fill up this vacuum.
On the first day of the workshop, the partcipants had group activities like puzzle making and creating a It is important that the worker must understand that
building with the use of pasta noodles and marshmallows. After the activity, the group had the chance to this is not an acceptable justification.
present their insights and observations about the workshop. The first day was concluded with the fellowship
of all the participants and organizers. In the face of such situation, the worker should seek
strength to overcome the temptation from the family
The Presentation ,Evaluation and Planning of the Community Activities for 2010 was discussed on the which he intends to uplift and which is the very
second day of the training. A group discussion about personal priorities of each member according to fam- reason why he is working here in Korea. They can
ily relations, social life, entertainment, communication and the arts. Personality management was also also get spiritual strength from church-based organi-
discussed in order to help people know how to value themselves as well as the determination of how zations and advocacy groups.
an individual can be more productive, more responsible, as well as to know and respect the cultural differ-
ences of every nation in order to have a harmonious life in the community. While working abroad, the worker must focus on his
goal, work for it, save and plan for his happy return
The day ended with a mass celebrated by Rev Fr. 'Marcellino' Maeng SangHak (Chaplain). to his family. Like, what Father Alvin mentioned in
his homily last February 7, “May isang worker na
babalik na sa Pilipinas, masaya siya dahil nakapag-
trabaho siya dito sa Korea, may naipon para sa pag
sisimula ng negosyo at higit sa lahat buo ang kan-
by R ose Ilo - OWWA yang pamilya.”

Kaya mga kabayan, I challenge all of you to be like

The Filipino Migrant Workers in Korea are the fifth
largest foreign group in this economically progres-
sive country. While some of them might not be so
lucky in terms of the nature of their work and com-
pensation, still their situation is a lot better com-
pared to workers in other countries.
Indeed, working abroad is a great blessing, not only
to the worker but to his or her family as well. It is a
fact that millions of families in the Philippines have
greatly improved their lives due to the economic
gains brought to them by the overseas employment
of one or more members of their family. To most,
even their lifestyle has significantly changed and
surely this is a great blessing for them.
But all of these are not without any pains or stress
on the family. There are sacrifices that the worker
and his or her family have to undergo as a price for
whatever benefits they are bound to enjoy. The
worker has to live with the fact that he or she has to
be away from the family and considering the char-
acter of the Filipino family, this is a great sacrifice.
On the other end, the family members who
that OFW that Fr. Alvin was talking about. Keep
would be left behind also suffer the same stress,
focused to your goal and to your family. Surely you
as a member of the family will surely be missed.
will be happy.
This situation has been a subject of so many
studies and most of them pointed out that there
is indeed a lot of problems that is inevitably
encountered as a consequence of working
abroad. Among the more frequent problem
encountered according to statistics is the break-
down in the family.
Previous studies have indicated that the biggest
problem brought about by labor migration is
family breakdown due to infidelity, either by the
worker or the spouse that was left at home.
Ranking second among the problems is the
breakdown of discipline among the children of
the workers. In the Name of Public Serv ice
- Publication writers and staff of Sambayanan, Advocates,
and SULYAPINOY recently joined to hold workshops on
While the statistics showed that the economic
writing and lay outing to better serve their Filipino
success stories far outnumber the sad ones, it is readership in South Korea and the international Filipino
something that is worth giving attention to. community.

6 www.sulyapinoy.org
 OUR SPONSORS

Aries De Guzman is a 23 year old Filipina Lightworker. She lives in Pasig City, Philippines and has been
doing readings since she was 6 years of age. She also haS a small yahoogroup called Needing Angelic
Guidance, a small online family or support group of card readers and people who ask for readings alike. If
you wish to ask for an online reading, please email your name, date of birth, and full background of the 세일 여행사 ( 주 )
problem to dg.raisa@yahoo.com.

Name: "Charisse Anne" Seowon Bldg., 10th Floor 91-1, Kyeongwon-dong Chongro-gu Seoul
Birthdate: (Kept as personal request)
FULL BACKGROUN ON THE PROBLEM:
Fax #: 723-5781 or 724-0636
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 OUR SPONSOR

8 SULYAPINOY www.sulyapinoy.org