I left the Philippines in 2006 to work in Saudi Arabia. All I’ve ever wanted is seeing my children grow up every day and it was not easy leaving them behind. I am very fortunate that I had been there to witness their first smile, first haircut , first turn over. The choice I made was conflicting with my desire to stay close to them. Yet, I had to grab the opportunity for their future.
Palompon, Leyte Philippines: In spite of being an undergrad, I had never taken it as an obstacle in seeking for a job, either in my hometown or in the city. Perhaps, it was my determination and experiences that pushed me through the years.
I started working in 1997 at a Hardware Store, then resigned right after I found out I was pregnant. During my pregnancy, I worked for my mother at her Tailoring Shop to make ends meet. But then again, I had to get back to work from one company to another.
Photos on the right were taken when my kids were still toddlers in 2001. During this period, I was working for a construction company and earned an extra income working for my mother’s Tailoring Shop (designing and cutting letters for basketball uniforms).
Now that I am in Saudi Arabia, Internet(http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-812800) has become more essential in my life as a mother. I may be so far away from them, but they know that I have always been looking after them despite my physical absence. I am so grateful of my mother for taking care of them while I’m abroad.

Our company entitles us to a 35 day vacation with free airline ticket every year. This year I skip my annual vacation and get an encashment instead. I am due for my next annual vacation in February and I requested for an early vacation which is in December, the best time of the year to spend with my kids and the rest of the family.
I am just one of the millions of Overseas Filipino Workers who represents the “working mothers” around the globe and am proud of my fellow OFW mothers for having the courage to overcome the difficulties in raising their kids no matter how far is the distance between them.

Photo #1 (Photo Jointer iphone apps)
Photo on the right: Taken sometime in 2001.
Photos on the left (up): with my eldest son, Bryle Keanu;July 2011 annual vacation, Palompon, Leyte Phils

Photos on the left (down): with my youngest son, Edward Arnielius; July 2011 annual vacation, Palompon, Leyte Phils.

Photo #2 Screenshot
While on skype with my sons on March 21, 2012.