I was watching the new ad campaign of Coca Cola
Philippines giving a surprise gift to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to be
home on Christmas. Coca Cola just made me cry. I am on mission in a very far country
with a totally different culture, time zone and climate and I can somehow
relate with the situation.
I am home in my mission, no doubt about it. Mission is
home to me. But watching this commercial allows me to be in touch with reality,
the reality that I am away from the family, away from the comfort of home and
away from the security of being with people I used to be with. Family is such an immeasurable support for an
individual. For Filipinos like me, it is the family that keeps me sane enough
in facing the harsh reality of life. It is an unshakable support system that an
individual could ever have. The common faith that each family has, provides an
amazing stamina for an individual to dream on and dream big. It is the same
reason that sometimes baffles foreign media, how someone in the midst of
calamity can still smile.
I also feel for those whose kids have to be separated
from their parents because of the work overseas. More than 11 million Filipinos
seeking greener pasture abroad leaving behind their families. There is somehow
a break down in family values with children growing up without parents around
them.
It is true that the Filipino diaspora has become a
blessing to other countries. The deep faith that we bring along with us
invigorates the faith of our host countries. Filipinos indeed can turn the
mourning into dancing. Like a bamboo, very resilient! But, we still have to
find a way to reunite families. It does not excuse at all, our government and
society to find every means to change this situation. We have to build our
families by providing opportunities for parents to raise their children in
there own home with their own presence. The situation is simply not
sustainable. The country has to be a nurturing homeland in order for our good
Filipino values to survive.
Thank you Coca Cola, at least in this commercial, for
reminding us that at the core of our character as a nation is the family.
by aats
will be praying for you parts & your family! Someday you will be re-united with them. God Bless you more... You are missed here!
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