Among OFWs, Christmastime brings up memories of home

Filipinos in the CNMI are yearning to experience once more what it’s like to celebrate Christmas in the Philippines, by far the longest and arguably the best observance of this holiday throughout the globe.

As early as September, Filipinos start getting into the holiday spirit, with the singing of Christmas carols, the display of bright and colorful decorations, the mouthwatering delicacies, and just the festive atmosphere that lightens anyone’s mood.

Maintenance worker Jessie Eque, who has been on island for 22 years, said that Christmas in the Philippines is always spent with families and friends, doing things like simbang gabi, eating puto bumbong and bibingka, as well as holiday shopping.

“I’m lucky that I’m here on Saipan with my parents, my wife and two kids. But usually, people here on island spend it at the beach drinking. I long for that celebration just like in the Philippines,” said Eque, 43.

The immigration issue, Eque noted, has made Christmas celebration on the islands this year a little bit more lonesome.

“I hope Filipinos in the CNMI keep their faith, that blessings will still come our way no matter what. After all, Christmas is for everyone. It’s a time to share and a time to love,” he said.

Remy Oca of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office said what she misses about Christmas back home are the children singing carols to the accompaniment of handmade instruments, expecting spare coins in return for their mangled song numbers. Colorful lanterns that line up major thoroughfares and deafening firecrackers are also a thing of beauty, she said.

“But what I miss most is the time I spend with my family. That’s priceless,” said Oca, who finds herself reading books as a way to spend Christmas for two years now.

Abdul T. De Jesus, a new client at the Aging Center, recounted how he would bring food home from the restaurant where he used to work, just to make his eight children happy at Christmas time. They would hear Mass as a family to commemorate the true reason for the season, he said.

“The Philippines is such a happy place to be during Christmas,” said De Jesus, 81. “Nothing beats that heartwarming feeling. But I do find myself lucky to be spending holidays here on Saipan with some of my children and grandchildren.”

Consul General Medardo Macaraig said that having a Filipino community in the Commonwealth helps ease the melancholy that almost always comes with the holidays, with may so far from their families.

“With the difficulties we’re facing, it is time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, which is contained in the teachings of the Christian religion. Let’s hope and pray that next year will bring us more blessings,” said Macaraig.

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario acknowledged the “extraordinary challenges” that came but reminded Filipinos that Christ’s birth allows them to remember the message of love and hope and the lessons in faith and courage that it brings.

Del Rosario, who wished for peace and prosperity for Filipinos around the world, added, “May the spirit of Christmas further unite our nation and may our collective faith as a people usher in a brighter future.”

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia Jr. urged Filipinos in the U.S. to remain committed to helping their home country in the coming years.

“The strength of our country depends on all of us, Filipinos in every corner of the world,” said Cuisia. “We have made great strides but many challenges remain. I ask you to stay the course and let us continue working together for the future of our nation.”