KaBlogs - Blogs ng mga Kabayan sa Abroad

SASALI KA BA O SASALI KA?!!!

2010-08-23T22:18:00.000-07:00

Hehehe :D Di ako galit, natutuwa lang ako at malapit na naman ang awarding ng PEBA...Mabibigyang parangal na naman ang mga astig na blogero't blogera na gaya ko lolz joke lang...

Sandali at maglaway muna kayo sa mga ipapakita ko!!!

Gusto mo bang umakyat sa Stage ng PEBA...

...at tumanggap ng trophy
kasama ang naggagandahang
volunteers ng PEBA...

...gusto mo lahat ng ito, sayo na!

...tapos mag speech ka sa harap
ng napakaraming audience...

...habang hawak at buong pinagmamalake
mo ang trophy na nakapangalan para sayo...

...o kaya nama'y celphone na
brand new...

...eto pa oh!
meron sanang refrigerator kaso
baka di mo maiuwi sobrang bigat...

...baka naman eto ang trip mo,
ang manuod ng mga talentadong Pinoy...

...okey, meet nyo na lang ang
mga gwapo't magandang organizer
ng PEBA...

GMA?!!!
...o sige, magpa-interview ka na rin...

...pagkatapos, pa-picture ka na kagaya nito...

...at ito ang pinakamalupit!!!
makikilala mo na ang ibang bloggers,
makikita mo na sila ng personal,
isang malakeng EYEBALL!!!

...eh ano pa hinihintay mo?,
SALI na ba!!!

Wag kang mag-alala, basta blogger ka,
at mahigit anim na buwan ka na
sa mundo ng blogsphere,
WELCOME ka sa PEBA!!!

Oo, kasama ka!
Hindi lang ito pang OFW/Expat,
pang lahatan to!!!

Eto, basahin mo ang
Guidelines
tapos fill up mo ung
Nomination Form

Tapos gawa ka na ng entry
base sa tema ng PEBA 2010 na

"Strengthening the OFW Families:
Stronger Homes for a Stronger Nation."

Oh!, wag mo kalimutang pumunta
sa Awarding Night...
somewhere in Manila,
sa December 16, 2010

Kita-kits tayo dun!!!

Photos from PEBA Inc.

17 AWARDS/TROPHIES IGAGAWAD SA MGA PINOY BLOGGERS

2010-08-19T04:22:00.000-07:00

Sa makabuluhang panulat ng mga Pinoy bloggers na nakabase sa Pilipinas at may kamag-anak na OFW or tinatawag ng PEBA na “OFW Supporters” na nasa iba't-ibang bahagi ng kapuluan at bilang kabahagi ng lumalagong pamilya ng KABLOGS ay hindi maitatangi ang kanilang malaking kontribusyon sa daigdig ng blog kung saan ang kanilang mga tunay na kwento ng buhay ay nagbigay inspirasyon, nagpatawa, may ilan ding nagpaluha at humaplos sa puso ng mga mambabasa hindi lamang sa Pilipinas kundi sa iba't ibang bahagi ng mundo na sinusubaybayan ng mga OFW.

Sila ang mga OFW supporters na sa kanilang mga panulat ay nakikibahagi sa mga adhikain ng Kablogs upang mapagbuklod ang mga blogistang Pinoy bilang pagkilala sa kadakilaan ng mga OFW at Pinoy Expats at ng kanilang naiwang pamilya sa Pilipinas - sa di matawarang sakripisyo sa pamamagitan ng pangingibang-bayan upang mapagtagumpayan ang kahirapan na pinagdadaanan ng lahing Pilipino sa sariling bayan.

At bilang pagkilala sa likhang sining ng mga blogistang ito ay binuksan ng PEBA sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon ang patimpalak sa kanila bilang “OFW Supporters” at hinihikayat na maging bahagi ng prestihiyosong awarding organization sa tema ng PEBA 2010 na – “Pagtibayin ang Pamilyang OFW : Matibay na Tahanan Para Sa Matibay Na Bansa” or Strengthening the OFW Families: Stronger Homes for a Stronger Nation.”

Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon sa kasaysayan ng PEBA sa Disyembre 16, 2010 ay masasaksihan ng Pilipinas at ng buong mundo ang pagtatanghal sa mga namumukod tanging OFW Supporters at pawang naninirahan sa Pilipinas na gagawaran ng parangal sa mga sumusunod na 17 kategorya:

2010 Top Ten (10) Blog Winners

One (1) Outstanding Blog - Metro Manila Winner

One (1) Outstanding Blog - Luzon Region Winner

One (1) Outstanding Blog - Visayas Region Winner

One (1) Outstanding Blog - Mindanao Region Winner

One (1) Most Voted Online Blog Winner

One (1) Most Commented PEBA Blog Entry Winner

One (1) Best Blog layout and Design Winner

Ilan lang ito sa mga parangal na inihahanda ng PEBA 2010, di pa kabilang ang mga sorpresang parangal na ibabahagi ng mga "Sponsors at PEBA Partners" sa mga Nominees.

Ikaw kabayan, ito na ang pagkakataon upang sa pamamagitan ng iyong malikhaing kaisipan ay maibahagi mo ang iyong angking kakayahang lumikha ng blog upang humaplos sa puso ng pamilyang Pilipino at ng mundo. Huwag mong ipagkait ang iyong talentong Pinoy sa ating mga kababayan na naghahanap ng kalinga, ng pag-asa, ng liwanag sa panahon ng kalungkutan sa kanilang pangingibang-bayan. Ang iyong panulat nawa'y maging susi para mapagtibay ang pagsasama ng mga OFW na kinikilala nating Modern Day Heroes sa kanilang mga naiwanang pamilya sa Pilipinas at nawa'y sa iyong panulat matagpuan namin ang bagong "Blogging Heroes" ng PEBA 2010.

Kaya't halika na, sakay na sa PEBA Jeep at bumiyahe na tayo patungo sa daan ng paglikha sa pamamagitan ng pagfill up sa Nomination Form - ako ang iyong driver, kumapit ka at ihahatid kita sa PEBA 2010.

Note: Jeepney photo used from The Philippine Jeepney by Godofredo Stuart of StuartXchange

PEBA Celebrates First Anniversary

2010-08-17T21:46:00.000-07:00

The biggest reward of advocacy work is knowing that we are creating shoulders for others to stand on. And we at Kablogs are grateful that through PEBA, we have created not only a blogging community, but successfully established a strong Global blogging family. And today, we at KABLOGS wishes PEBA, its founding Chairman, the President and its officers and volunteers on the occasion of its 1st PEBA Anniversary - a joyous event for PEBA 2010 and much success in the years to come.

The following is a message from Mr. Jebee Kenji Solis, PEBA's Founding Chairman on the occassion of PEBA's anniversary.

A MESSAGE FROM ITS FOUNDER

Dear OFW's and Bloggers,

Today, is a special day for the Philippine Expats/OFW Blog Awards.Today, we are celebrating our first year anniversary as a duly recognized and registered non-profit, non-stock organization from the Philippine Securitiesand Exchange Commission. We present to you the slideshow of the photos of the awarding last year that was held at the Philam Life Theater, UN Avenue in Metro Manila.

They hailed PEBA as the blogging revolution for the OFW's. I personally hope that more OFW will blog and share their creative, funny,inspiring and sometimes, sad stories for us. Let us help, create and inform and for this season, let us find ways to strengthen family ties back home orabroad.

We have high regard and respect sa bawat isang OFW, because we too, are one. We honor every OFW blogger, because they inspire us. We, at PEBA,especially this blogger here, have the sincerest and deepest gratitude for themany people who supports us along the way, most especially bloggers and KABLOGS like you.

We want you to know that we are an engaging organization. Weoperate voluntarily, without compensation, without anything in return, exceptour dedication to the cause that we believe will define who we are and what we really are. We don't sit and relax, no matter how tiring our individual work maybe, no matter how challenging and difficult our situations. PEBA is avibrant and ever growing organization that is visible online. It is not easy tobe a PEBA nominee, much more so, if you become a winner. The top winners of last year created a project that is now called "THE KABLOGS JOURNAL" an OFW online magazine. Some of ourprevious winners for the year 2008 and 2009 are either volunteers of PEBA, orjudges of PEBA for this year's contest.

To become a PEBA winner, it requires your time, your effort, your dedication, it requires a tremendous sacrifice. But I promise you, that for being a nominee, for being a PEBA winner, there will be a sense of belonging, a sense of pride, and a sense of happiness and joy. You will feel a sense of success, and a sense of dignity that you have done good. A sense that you are doing something, even in your own little way that might bring good to othersand to the world.

Each nominees, wither an OFW or a relative of an OFW is part ofour family - the PEBA family. We are stronger now than the day me and my wife started it. We are stronger now, we have a voice, and people listen because you and others are continually supporting us. Our voices, though they may not be audible in a loud speaker, are touching hearts and inspiring minds. Our voice individually and collectively, written in every moving piece of our entry and every post we published are weave as one strong voice that will serve as a witness to the leaders of our land, and to the ones that will come after us. Heroes stories written by seemingly simple people but is living an extraordinary lives. This is PEBA. This is Filipino talent.

We believe that strengthening the OFW's and their families,strengthen us, and in a domino-effect will strengthen our nation.

When the chairman, the president and officers of KABLOGS and PEBAdo the virtual conferences, we want you to know that we are talking about you,and what we can do to serve you more. As the founder of the two wonderful organizations, the KABLOGS and PEBA, Inc, and with an honest prayer in my heart, may I bless every OFW who will read this message, wherever you are,whatever you do, that may you'll feel the comfort in all things, that you may achieve your dreams, that you may draw strength and inspiration to carry on,and reap success in the goodness that you do by remembering the love of a spouse, and a child you left behind and the One who watch and guide us all.

Happy 1st PEBA Anniversary!

Jebee Kenji Solis
PEBA, Inc
Founding Chairman

Overseas Filipino blog awards now open for nominations - US Asian Correspondent

2010-08-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

Below is a repost from the US Asian Correspondent July 17, 2010 - 12:24 pm

-------------------------------------------------------------
The Pinoy Expat/OFW Blog Awards (PEBA) is now open for nominations for its third edition this year.
This year's PEBA invites Filipino bloggers based abroad and even in the Philippines to share their thoughts on the theme "Strengthening the OFW Families: Stronger Homes for a Stronger Nation". As such, there will be two major categories: Top 10 OFW Bloggers and the Top 10 OFW Supporter Bloggers.
The theme recognizes the sacrifices and difficulties of Filipino families whose members are compelled to live and work abroad, a concern that is usually overlooked in the cold, calculation of dollars and cents sent home by overseas Filipino workers (OFW). Indeed, the billions of dollars in OFW remittances may save the country's economy from total ruin, but the effects on society's basic unit, the family, are not at all factored in.
According to the organizers:

PEBA calls on the bloggers to write and post about topics on strengthening the OFW families, and their being miles away from each other. Topics may include family communication, family gatherings, parent-child coaching and counseling, assistance and support in children’s homework and projects, conference meetings with family members, online contact with families, pointers on cheap communication, etc. PEBA calls on the bloggers to write about what they are doing to strengthen their families despite the distance and their absence from home. PEBA calls on the bloggers to share insights, ideas, pointers and how to express love for their spouses and children.

To qualify as nominee, the blog should be in existence for at least six months, should be maintained and managed by overseas-based Filipinos (for the Top 10 OFW Bloggers) or by those living in the home front (for the Top 10 OFW Supporter Blogs). Bloggers who wish to join the latter category should have relatives living or working abroad.
Entries are to be judged based on the following criteria: form (20 percent), substance (50 percent), and originality (30 percent).
If you are an OFW with a great story to tell about your overseas work positively (or even negatively) affected your family, or you believe you could articulate the family concerns of OFWs, check out the guidelines and rules and consider joining this worthwhile endeavor.
Finalists will be announced on or before Nov. 1, 2010

Photos are used by PEBA with permission from the owner.

KABLOGS STATION IS MOVING TO A NEW SITE

2010-08-07T11:13:00.000-07:00

Ning Network is terminating it's free service effective August 20, 2010 and we - the Kablogs Station Team, has decided to move our community to a new home - kablogstation[dot]grouply[dot]com.

We have successfully migrated the entire contents of this site to Grouply network which include all member's media contributions such as blogs, forums, photos and movie clips.

E-mail invitations were send to all our existing Kablogs Station Ning Network members and are required to reset their "login" password for security reasons.

Please visit our new home and reconnect to your friends across the world and discover the new and exciting interactive features of Kablogs Station at Grouply Network.

Overseas Delivery Services Survey

2010-08-04T22:02:00.000-07:00

Ms. Carren Jao, a Pinay Expat based in NY, USA and a freelance writer for Smart Parenting is currently working on articles on distance parenting exploring various issues and concerns confronting the OFWs related to overseas delivery services.

In cooperation with Ms. Carren in addressing our concerns in overseas delivery services, Kablogs members are invited to share their experiences, opinions and suggestions on an online survey. Your survey contribution may provide lasting solutions to overseas parenting.

Thank you for your support.

TAKE OUR SURVEY!

(click the image to take our survey)

The Kablogs Journal 5 Supports PEBA 2010

2010-08-01T03:55:00.000-07:00

The August 2010 issue of The Kablogs Journal is all about the family, in support of the Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards 2010. This issue also serves as your primer to the PEBA 2010. We tell you the history of this contest and walk you through the process of joining. Also, PEBA 2009 4th placer Francesca in France is under the Spotlight this month. Don't miss the editorial team's columns, as we welcome another member, ang makulit at masayahing si Drake ng Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Enjoy this issue and we'll appreciate your feedback.

PS. In our September 2010 issue, you'll be visiting us in our new home, thekablogsjournal.com. We'd like to thank Mr. Jose Santiago Tan for this generous gift.

Keeping The Love Alive Among OFWs

2010-07-29T08:35:00.000-07:00

Posted with permission from the author, Nixon Canlapan and originally published in the Journal Online

Keeping the love alive among OFW's.

by Nixon A. Canlapan

Thursday, 22 July 2010 18:11
Originally published in Journal Online

Keeping the love alive for couples living continents apart is one of the trials overseas Filipino workers and their families in the Philippines must have to hurdle.

Stories of broken families and failed long distance relationships are no longer new among migrant Filipinos. The pain of the absence of a lovedone has become unbearable to some and has even caused broken hearts and homes to many.

This is the common fear of those who, for the first time, would have to live without the comforting arms of their relatives and friends in a foreign soil where culture and traditions are vastly different from where they come from.
Broken vow

Erlinda (surname withheld upon request), 34, and mother of two, said she and her husband got separated when she found out that her husband had impregnated his housemate in Dubai. Erlinda only learned about her husband’s infidelity when her friend saw him in a province in the Philippines where his supposed “other woman” lives.

Shock overtook her when she discovered that her husband went home in the Philippines because his lover would give birth to their first child. When she confronted him, he confessed that he and her lover got married in Dubai. The two separated with nothing left for Erlinda but the broken promises of a brighter future for her family.
A need for strong relationship

Manny Garcia, famous author of Kapeng Arabo, a book about life in the Middle East, said there could be truth to the saying that “distance makes the heart forget.”

“If the relationship is not that strong, it is doomed to fail,” he said.

He added that in his years of stay in Saudi, he has seen the collapse of many relationships because of extreme loneliness on the side of the migrant worker.

This, he said, is one of the reasons why Filipino workers opt to look for companionship that often ends up in an illicit affair.

“Maraming tukso kapag wala ka sa tabi ng minamahal mo,” he said. He said this is one of the sacrifices an OFW has to face.

“Pero kahit naman ang mga naiiwan sa Pilipinas ganun din. Marami dito ang nagpapakamatay sa kakatrabaho, to the extent of sacrificing their own happiness para sa pamilya, nila pero ’yung mga iniiwan nila naman ang hindi makatiis at nagkakaroon din ng mga affairs,” he said.

“Kapag nasa abroad ka, you have to spend the rest of the day killing time. Let’s say you work only for eight hours; you still have 16 hours to kill. Kapag nag-iisa ka sa apartment o kapag magkakasama kayo sa iisang apartment o compound, kayu-kayo na lang ang nagpapalitan ng sama ng loob na madalas na-dedevelop into something deeper than friendship,” he said.

“But this is not always the case, meron naman tayong mga kababayan na talagang wala nang inisip kundi ang kapakanan ng pamilya nila. Hayun, madalas nasa harap ng internet at kausap ang pamilya,” he said.

He said the advent of the internet has somehow lowered the number of broken Filipino families. He said the internet has huge advantage for both the OFWs and their loved ones.

“Mas madali na ngayon ang communication between two parties,” he said.

He said families of OFWs must invest in computers. “Letting your love ones know you care for them is just one click away,” he said.
Derek & Cynthia: For the love of Cynrick

Frederick Bonifacio, an artist and photographer, said when his wife Cynthia had decided to go to Italy to work, he prepared himself for the prospect of living alone and by playing a mom and a dad in raising their only daughter Cynrick, 8.

He said it was hard at the beginning but now that the internet is available, he finds it easy to make her feel closer to home.

He said he always makes sure that he would send message of love to his wife “to make her feel that she is important in my life.”

“When we talk, I always assure her that everything is alright and that I and our daughter miss her and always pray for her,” he said. He said he always sends her photographs of their daughter and always makes sure that she would get the latest news about the progress of their child in school and that she is always in good health.

“Masakit nang umalis siya, pero I know that she also needs to grow at alam ko rin naman na para sa pamilya namin ang ginagawa naming sakripisyo. Napag-usapan namin na one day, baka sumunod kaming mag-ama sa Italy para magkasama na kami doon,” he said.

He said his wife will come home for a vacation. He expressed his and his daughter ‘s excitement over his wife’s homecoming.
Nestor & Leila: Always the 1st time

Nestor Faustino met her wife, Leila, a nurse at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, when they were both new in the Middle East.

They eventually got married and are now celebrating their 25th anniversary. They were blessed with three beautiful daughters – Lanie, 23; Anna Coritha, 20; and Neslie, 17.

Nestor said it was love at first sight in a land where you find happiness by meeting fellow Filipinos.

“I was madly in love with my beautiful wife and until today, the light in our hearts continues to shine for each other,” he said.

He said, they went back home for good in 1996, but Leila returned to the same company in Saudi Arabia in 1998.

He said Leila comes home every six months “as if there are always special occasions in the house.”

“We make sure that everytime she goes home for a vacation, she is always warmly welcomed. And for the two of us, it is always a honeymoon,” he said.

And how does he keep the music playing?

“We both have trust on each other. We love each other very much,” he said.
Joseph & Marieta: Communication is key

Marieta Prenda, whose husband has been working for seven years as a seaman, said they too had a hard time adjusting to living alone oceans apart. She said she too had a night of longing which always ended up in tears. However, she knows that her husband left to give their two children – Vince and Kyla – the best education they could have.

She said: “Binubuhos ko sa mga anak ko ang pagmamahal ko sa husband ko.” She said before her husband decided to work on a foreign ship, they discussed the situation intensely.

“We agreed to stick to our marriage vows; that everything we would do is for the future of our children. We know that we have a moral obligation to raise our children,” she said.

While she, too, has her own work, she said it is not enough to sustain the family. Her husband’s sacrifices are now bearing fruit as they have already built their own dream house.

After this, she said, “mag-iipon na kami ng pampuhunan kahit sa maliit na business lang muna. Kaya nga bago siya umalis alam na niya where the money should go. Gusto kong malaman niya na ang lahat ng pinaghihirapan niya ay may patutunguhan. Ayokong isipin niya na napupunta sa wala ang perang ipinapadala niya sa aming pamilya niya,” she said.

She regrets that there are many families who suddenly feel they are rich just because they have relatives working abroad.

“They spend unabashedly without thinking of their loved ones na nagpapakahirap sa abroad. this will never happen to me,” she said.

She gives these tips to couples who are worlds apart to keep the good music playing.

1. Always open the line of communication – She said it is important that couples must find ways to communicate to each other.

2. Make her or him feel mportant -- When you talk to your loved one make sure that they are important. “When I talk to my husband, I always give him the best news as possible. Ayoko nang nag-aalala siya. I always make sure na puro magagandang balita ang natatanggap niya.”

3. Make everyday a brand new day – She said everyday must always be a new day. “Always look at the brighter side of life.

4. Pray to God – She said everytime she feels lonely, she talks to God and prays to Him for guidance.

More Nominees Are Coming [3rd Update | June 25, 2010]

2010-07-23T12:22:00.000-07:00

When it rains, it pours! We're not talking about torrential rains of July in the Philippines, it's all about the pouring of Nominees on PEBA 2010 sky.

Since Day 1 of this event, we'd been receiving an average of 2 nominees per day and we are extremely happy for the wave of support from our Global Filipino talents who have believed in the advocacies of PEBA 2010.

We are thrilled to introduce the newest addition to PEBA 2010 Nominees for OFW Blogger Division (3rd Updated | June 25, 2010) .

Anak Ng Tokwa,

Nueva Ecija, Philippines

OFW Supporter - Nominee Number 3

From Nueva Ecija, Philipines, Nominee #3 for OFW Supporters is "Anak Ng Tokwa" with her blog entry entitled "Uuwi Ako" is an emotional memoir of Karen (the author) on the appalling death in her family and the painful homecoming of her OFW brother that brings out true human emotions of love, longing and despair within the family.

The story explores the OFWs human emotions at its strongest point, that amidst the pain and griefs that they experience in life, in their hearts you'll find their unconditional love for their families. >>> Click to here to follow her entry

A + A = i + BC,

California, U.S.A.

OFW Blogger - Nominee Number 7

"A + A = i + BC" is PEBA's Nominee # for OFW Blogger Division with her blog entry entitled "Jeremy, I Truly Miss" written by Arlini presents a short but emotional conversation between the author and her 3-year old nephew that leaves twinge in the heart of its reader.

In the midst of prevailing racial discriminations that an OFW faces in the foreign land, she gathers her strength and determination to face all the odds in life through the love and care of her family back home. >>> Click here to follow her entry.

Jettros Hangout,

South Korea

OFW Blogger - Nominee Number 6

From South Korea, Jettro's Hangout is Nominee #6 for OFW Blogger Division; with his entry "Kaligayahan Ko ang Kanilang Kaligayahan", it is a story of pain, sacrifices and glory of an OFw in its determination to provide a happy and healthy life to the family he left behind.

Jettro finds the greatest challenge of the OFWs not only in uplifting the financial status of the family and of our country's economy but on the challege of maintainining our Filipino reputation as world's finest migrant workers in shaping the world. >>>Click here to follow his entry

Mga Kathang Isip Ni Kiko,

Doha City, Qatar

OFW Blogger - Nominee Number 5

Mga Kathang Isip Ni Kiko's entry "Kada-buwan ay Pasko sa Pamilya ng OFW" is PEBA 2010's Nominee #5 for OFW Blogger Division from the Doha City, State of Qatar. Kiko's emotional journey as an OFW begins on the fateful afternoon of December 25 leaving his family behind while all the Filipinos are gathered in their homes with their families celebrating Christmas.

Defying homesickeness, Kiko discovers the joy of blogging as it brings inspirations to our Global Filipinos around the world as his writings are published worldwide in various media platforms. He narrates the importance of modern digital communication as an effective tool in bridging the distance between the OFWs and families left in the Philippines. >>> Click here to follow his entry.

BatangGala,

Vancouver, Canada

OFW Blogger - Nominee Number 4

From Vancouver, Canada, Nominee #4 for OFW Blogger Division, BatangGala's blog entry (authored by BatangGala) entitled "Kaya Natin 'To!" (We can do it), is riveting emotional drama of a migrant daughter where both of her parents are working overseas while she was left with an enormous tasks of caring for her younger sister.

BatangGala is a testament of strength and steadfast determination of the OFW Children in their struggle on the emotional impact of migration and the triump of reunification of family. >>> Click here to follow her entry

Gumamela Ng Paraiso,

Taipei City, Taiwan

OFW Blogger - Nominee Number 3

Nominee #3 for OFW Blogger Division is from Taiwan, Gumamela ng Paraiso's entry entitled Pagsasalamin sa Pamilya penned by Bhing is a story of success over sacrifices, with her umarried life, she became a beacon of light for her family in the Philippines where she prioritizes the education of her siblings down to her "pamangkin".

Her unselfish love and dedication towards work as Caregiver has earned her the affection of her employer, and where she found her second family in the foreign land, enough to dispel the loneliness of a solitary life. >>> Click here to follow her entry

Kayni's Corner Cafe,

Washington DC, U.S.A.

OFW Blogger - Nominee Number 2

Kayni is from Washington DC, U.S.A., who courageously shared the heartbreaking story of her sister as a Domestic Helper in Hongkong on how she bravely faced her legal battle against her employer and victoriously win the case, but it's just one of the many battles she needs to win, like most other OFWs, a battle to save her marriage awaits her on her way Home.

Kayni's Corner Cafe's entry entitled "Outside Looking In" is PEBA's Nominee #2 for OFW Blogger Division, an entry that calls on the OFW community to unite and become a powerful voice towards change. >>> Click here to follow her entry.

Different tales, different lives, but all centered towards one goal -

Strengthening the OFW Family.

Let us read their stories and be inspired -

if it touches you, it has touched your family too.

Related articles : PEBA 2010 Welcomes First 3 Nominees

Support PEBA 2010

PEBA Welcome First 3 Nominees

2010-07-20T06:40:00.000-07:00

It has been over a week after PEBA made its historic launching of PEBA 2010 Season as it open its doors to the Global Filipino bloggers across the world and for the first time, it opened its invitation to OFW Supporters" - as we recognize the growing blogging talents of the OFW Supporters in the Philippines.

And now, we are thrilled to announce PEBA 2010's very first Official Nominees:

B'LOG ang Mundo,

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

OFW Blogger - Nominee Number 1

Despite the sweltering temperature of Saudi Arabia, B'LOG Ang Mundo's entry penned by NoBenta entitled "Tahanan ng mga OFWs" breezes his way into PEBA - making his mark as Nominee No. 1.

Torn between the financial gain and social cost of migration on the OFW families, the story provides a transition of events on the author's life experiences, from his adolescent ideas dispelling the thought of migration to his rational decision of accepting the challenge of crossing borders proving to its reader that if we put God in the center of our family life, with faith and love, the OFW families can withstand the test of time. >>>Click here to follow his entry.

A Dreamer's Avenue

Manila, Philippines

OFW Supporter - Nominee Number 1

From the City of Manila, A Dreamer's Avenue's blog made its historic entry as Nominee No. 1from the ranks of "OFW Supporters" as she presents her official entry entitled "My Piece and Salutation". Written by "Pamela" , she narrates the problems of migration on family structurewhere the physical separation of the OFWs has caused psychological difficulties among members of the families that were left behind especially the children of migrants workers.

And with respect and admiration, she pays tribute to the heroic achievements of the Global Filipino people reflecting on her words… "I salute you for your courage. I salute you for dreaming big not just for yourselves but most importantly, for your families".... and "I salute you for being brave enough in facing the challenges of being away from home." >>>Click here to follow her entry.

Pinaywriter's Oral Diarrhea

Makati, Philippines

OFW Supporter - Nominee Number 2

OFW Supporter - Nominee No. 2 is a Makati girl who grew up in Batangas and have witnessed the brunt of migration "for the sake of the family" is seen a double-edge sword to improve the life of the family members, where either the mother or father or sometimes both parents needs to leave the children in the care of next kin where an enormous responsibility lies on the shoulder of a surrogate mother.

Pinaywriter's Oral Diarrhea's blog entry entitled "My Mom's Quasi-orphanage by Niña Simon" written by Simone narrates the unparalled love and devotion of her mother in fostering the children of her family relatives as they follow the road that leads to be foreign lands where they are called Modern Day Heroes. She leaves a 5-point "aide-mémoire" to OFW parents in maintaning a healthy relationship with their children. >>>Click here to follow her entry.

Their grand entries as first 3 nominees in PEBA 2010 brings a challenging moment to our upcoming Nominees.

While anticipating on the influx of Nominees worldwide in the next coming days, we invite you to read, digest and leave comments to our nominees and participate in our Polling Vote in support for your favorite writers.

And to our blogging friends – experience the joy of writing beyond blogging...

BECOME A PEBA NOMINEE.

INSPIRE AN OFW FAMILY!

INSPIRE THE WORLD!

A Family Makes A Home

2010-07-19T03:32:00.000-07:00

This is a repost with permission from the author, Nebz Bandiez from his blog entry dated 17 July 2010 entitled "A Family Makes a Home". Isla de Nebz, was the 2009 Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards winner of Best Blog Entry, Best 2009 Blog in Middle East and Africa Region, and Over-All Top 1.

PEBA would like to extend gratitude to the kind man behind this blog, an OFW advocate whose writings and blog posts serves as an inspiration to the many bloggers, and many OFW's in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East and around the world. After winning PEBA, Nebz as known in the blogosphere, devoted his time and talent to the creation of the Kablogs Journal, a monthly online magazine of KABLOGS. Currently running on its 4th issue, the Kablogs Journal are stories and writings and photos of OFW bloggers, poets and photographers around the globe. It is a collaboration of OFW talents, compiled and painstakingly edited by Nebz as Editor-in-Chief, and assisted by the likewise pretty, bright, talented, and ever Kikay Pink Tarha blogger, J. Pink Tarhawas 2009 PEBA winner next to Isla de Nebz, and one of these days, they will all be feature here.

________________________________

A Family Makes a Home

A personal view: We, Filipinos, are admired by our work standard. We are preferred employees to many companies in many countries because we regard the quality of our work highly. The sad part is that when we're abroad, we let our guards down and we lose our morals. “Man," Albert Schweitzer once said, "must cease attributing his problems to his environment, and learn again to exercise his will - his personal responsibility in the realm of faith and morals."

If this is how your family structure is constructed, I believe sooner or later, it is bound to crumble to pieces.

Isn't it time we review how we lead our OFW lives? Let's remember what originally brought us to where we are now. Didn't we promise our family that we will give them our best? sacrifice on their behalf? endure so that their lives can be better?

This is my personal call for you to join PEBA 2010 with the theme “Strengthening the OFW Families: Stronger Homes for a Stronger Nation”. Let us hear what you have to say.

Read the rest of the entry HERE.

The Curtain Is Rising On PEBA

2010-07-09T05:14:00.000-07:00

PEBA 2010 Support Banner Up For Grab

Formal opening will start next week.

Simultaneous announcements will be made

here and at PEBA

W A T C H F O R I T

For the meantime, please show your support for the Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards by displaying this support banner in your sidebar. Copy the html code below. We will link you here at the PEBA Sidebar as "Supporters".

ABOUT US

2009-05-16T04:34:00.000-07:00

KABLOGS

(accronym for "Kabayan" Blogs)

Every organization has a defining challenge, and we at KABLOGS is committed to unite the Global Filipinos around the world in their phenomenal presence in blogsphere into a single fellowship community of Filipino bloggers.

The challenge of creating a unique aggregator and directory site that possess the main features of a social networking facility with an air of Pinoy culture such as friend's request, discussion boards and links to job placements, assistance and reliefs in the event of emergencies or commonplace abusive situations has reached an unparalleled success as a leader in social blogging network that continuously upholds and promotes the rights and welfare of the Filipino Migrant Workers.

At the core of KABLOGS is PEBA - the Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Award which honors the best and inspiring Global Filipino bloggers around the world.

In our affirmation of being part of the mystical spirit animating our authentic "Bayanihan" culture that we feel each other's pain and we rejoice in each other's triumphs, we invite you to join KABLOGS.

Filipino blogs managed by Pinoy Expats, OFWs around the world; and OFW supporters residing in the Philippines that support our "New Generation Heroes" are welcomed to submit their sites by grabbing our support banners and we will be grateful to add them as member in our roster.

Make your blogsite shine, display the KABLOGS banner in your site sidebar as we share your blog to the world - with one voice, one race and one nation - together, let us announce to the world...

WE ARE PROUD FILIPINOS, WE SUPPORT THE OFWs.

KABLOGS EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Mr. Kenji D. Solis (Mr. Thoughtskoto), Saudi Arabia

Founding Chairman

General Administrator

KABLOGS and Kablogs' Social Networking Sites

Mr. Charlie Montemayor (Lord CM), Palau

Secretariat, KABLOGS' OFW & Filipino Expats

Asst. Administrator - Kablogs Forum (Pro Boards)

Ms. Azel Venerable (Azel), Dubai, UAE

Asst. Secretariat, KABLOGS' OFW & Filipino Expats

Mr. George V. Babiano (The Pope), State of Qatar

Secretariat, KABLOGS' OFW Supporters

Asst. Administrator - KABLOGS (Blogs ng Kababayan OFW & Expats)

Mr. Nebz Badinez (Nebz), Kuwait

Chairman, KABLOGS' External Affairs

Asst. Administrator - Kablogs Station (Ning)

Editor-In-Chief - Kablogs Journal

Ms. Janelle Vales (Sundreched), Saudi Arabia

Chairwoman, KABLOGS' Layout, Concept Presentation and Designs

Asst. Administrator - Kablogs Face Book Fan Page

Asst. Editor-In-Chief - Kablogs Journal

contact us at:

kablogs123@gmail.com

Global Bloggers Support PEBA's 3rd Season's Opening

2010-07-15T09:15:00.000-07:00

This post will be updated for the next two days as we are collectively linking the sites of those bloggers, at home or abroad who generously blog about PEBA, it's opening, and this year's theme.

Someone somewhere in France and Europe,

If you want to support the team, grab also their logo and put in your blog.
This is the only advert I allow in my blog, because this is for the cause of the Filipino bloggers.
Kaya, sali na! Ako, kasali.
Visit the site here!PEBA Announcements .
Mabuhay ang PEBA Team, Three years na and growing!" - Francesca in France

in Saudi Arabia,

"I received an invitation...to blog about this year’s PEBA theme. I don’t normally write about themed topics because I am not comfortable being constrained and restricted to the topic. The theme ‘Strengthening the OFW Families: Stronger Homes for a Stronger Nation’ however, is very ironic that I think it merit my two cents of ‘binag-binag’" -Ilonggo sa Disyerto

in Kuwait, here,

"And so PEBA encourages you to take part in this PEBA 3 nomination stage. Please feel free to visit PEBA's site for more details on how you can join the contest.

Let your voices be heard, kabayan! Somewhere, someone may have the soundest solution to our problems. All together, let's join hands in strengthening the smallest unit of our society: the family. In it, I personally believe, lies the solution to all our woes."

in the island of Palau from the Dungeon of LordCM

and

in Qatar,

"PEBA 2010 opens its doors to Global Filipino Bloggers with this season's theme“Strengthening the OFW Families: Stronger Homes for a Stronger Nation” in its far-reaching efforts in tackling the issues that has been haunting our Filipino people on the myriad challenges and sacrifices that each OFW faces abroad - the monetary gains that it brings to the family and to the country, and the social cost on the family that they left behind. Through this event, as untold stories of the participating Global Filipino bloggers unfolds through our eyes, may the messages it conveys reaches the heart of our new Government that they may act swiftly and with compassion in bringing real change in the lives of our OFWs towards a stronger families for a stronger nation." -The Pope of Palipasan

bloggers around the world are discussing and echoing the message of PEBA and its theme for this year's contest.

It is a contest for both OFW and Philippine based bloggers.

Back home, Damuhan announce first in his blog his support for PEBA. Damuhan, for 3 years is almost of partner of PEBA. Thank you Arvin Bautista!

And second in a row, is another Baustista, a blogger friend and long time volunteer of PEBA, Yanah of Life's aTwitch.

PEBA 2010 Season | Focus on Strengthening OFW Families!

2010-07-13T05:06:00.000-07:00

OFW Phenomenon

It is very common for parents of a typical Filipino family to give better future to their loved ones especially their children. As opportunities for employment are not that much in our country, many leave their homes and loved ones for greener pastures overseas. Working abroad is perceived by most Filipinos, as one best alternative of fulfilling and achieving those dreams. The prospect of having someone from the family working abroad (be it a father, a mother or the child) brings thoughts and visions of a family having a house fully equipped with home theatre entertainment showcase, HD Flat TV, new refrigerator, big washing machine, aircondition units in every room, having a brand new car, children having the latest cellphones, laptops, PSP, signature clothes, bags, and shoes, etc. mostly gizmos, doohickeys and thingamabobs.

“If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, you can bet the water bill is higher”

The price for working abroad is very costly!

Going abroad and becoming an OFW doesn’t always turn the family’s dreams into realities... It does not always give the full proceeds and yields for the OFW. There are those who are very lucky to have good fortune and there are those who are less fortunate. Some are lucky to have kind and generous employers while some have cruel and abusive ‘masters’. Some get high salaries, some are overworked yet underpaid...others even don’t get paid. Some get good bonuses and incentives, some are not paid their salaries on time. Some have lavish villas, luxurious flats and apartelles, some live in impoverished tents and bunkers. Some have flashy cars, some have to hitch ride in trailers. Some go home twice or thrice a year, some have to wait for 2 years or more… sometimes foregoing his vacation and converting his ticket cost into cash to have something to send home. Some are lucky to have very good health insurance coverage, others struggle in fighting health problems and illness alone in a foreign land. Some are privileged to have their families with them, some are not even recognized by their own children.

Behind the scene of the financial benefits of being an OFW are tales and woes and sad stories of the OFW and the family he/she left behind. Numerous OFWs who suffer loneliness and homesickness in dire circumstances become vulnerable to temptations. And to cope with it, engage in illicit and forbidden affairs with, either fellow OFWs, or with other expatriates and the adopted country nationals. On the other hand, the spouses left behind at the home front succumb to the weaknesses of the flesh and give in to philandering. The crumbling of the OFW’s marriage as an inviolable institution does not only affect the relationship of the spouses but has relentlessly caused the erosion of the basic unit of the society – the OFW Home. It has caused the break-up of hundreds of thousands marriages and families. Children grow up undisciplined and unguided, living literally like orphans. Many OFW children are not guided properly. Long separation of the OFWs and their families also creates gaps in the relationship between the parents and children. The closeness of the family with each other is sometimes lost.

The intangibles are irreversible for the OFW family. Missing the milestones in the family’s social calendar may not seem that important but these are ways to improve relationships at home and prevent break up of families. Oh, how many of the OFWs missed their baby’s first step, birthdays, anniversaries, school activities, graduation, recognition programs, PTCA meetings, weekends, homecomings, etc? At least, for those who are lucky and can afford to be online are in a better position than others but this cannot compensate than being together as a family.

OFW Family in Crisis – The dream for the family’s bright future is turned into a nightmare

The Offices of the POEA and OWWA and other Advocacy Groups for OFWs’ concerns are alarmed with the analytically growing number of cases of abandonment of families and broken marriages. An OWWA survey conducted 3 years ago revealed that 3 out of 10 OFWs have broken families. Assuming an OFW family with 2 children, that would translate to 6M Filipino youth whose growing up years could be influenced by the pain and sorrow of a broken family. This crisis that the OFW family is in continues to disintegrate daily and there is no sign of its turning down. The migration pattern of Filipino diaspora is in a way proportional with the rise of broken families.

It is so ironic that the OFW who works abroad to give a better future for his/her family ends up with broken marriages.

PEBA’s 2010 Theme: An Out of the Ordinary Call

PEBA has witnessed in real life the suffering and loneliness of the OFWs and their families and believes that strengthening the OFW families, strengthens the homes and the nation! Thus, this season’s theme of “Strengthening the OFW Families: Stronger Homes for a Stronger Nation” does not just momentarily fit the hour but is a timeless subject that cannot be bound by shackles so long as there are OFWs out there.

Scores of blogs and articles have been written about the subject in the past but it seems that the government authorities remain clueless of solutions and action plans to abate the increasing number of broken families. We cannot wait and just rely on our government to come to rescue of the OFWs families in crisis. As Pinoy Expats and OFW bloggers, we have the moral obligation to help and encourage one another in our own little ways. What we blog and write about may encourage a fellow OFW or a fellow blogger to save his marriage from falling apart… it may help one to keep the family intact.

What can we do as bloggers? The PEBA 2010 Season opens with not just the OFWs and Pinoy expatriates writing about the OFW families but will be joining forces with local bloggers who, in one way or the other, have been influenced by an OFW in their lifetime. The support of the local bloggers who are sympathetic to the OFW cause will have that exponential effect of reaching even to the grassroots level.

PEBA calls on the bloggers to write and post about topics on strengthening the OFW families despite their being miles away from each other. Topics about communication, family gatherings, parent-child coaching and counseling, assistance and support in children’s homework and projects, conference meetings with family members, online contact with families, pointers on cheap communication, etc. PEBA calls on the bloggers to write about what they are doing to strengthen their families despite the distance and their absence from home. PEBA calls on the bloggers to share insights, ideas, pointers and how to express love for their spouses and children.

PEBA will not just be an organization that will give annual awards for exemplary blogs but it will proactively act on issues that will make difference in people's lives, especially the young children, and the OFW's and their families.

PEBA’s Call to our New Government Leaders and Private Sectors

OFWs are happy on the government’s appreciation of the billions of dollars that are injected into the Philippine economy. Such acknowledgment must be placed in more concrete terms by giving more benefits and perks for the OFWs. Furthermore, PEBA calls on the new leaders to take a reality check on the OFWs and their families. PEBA calls on the government to take care and support the OFWs and their families by putting leaders – secretaries, labor attaches, consuls, and embassy officials who understand and are sympathetic to the plight of the migrant workers. Appoint new leaders who are mindful of the struggles and harsh realities in the life of OFWs and their families - leaders who have vision for the OFWs and their families.

To the private sectors that have benefitted from the sweat and blood of the OFWs remittances, PEBA calls on you to create and promote advocacy programs and projects and to fund social activities and values education workshops that will help strengthen the OFWs families.

The OFW is certainly a “hero” but behind the medals, gallantry and valor is a human with flesh and blood and is in want of a family life. The sacrifices and hardships of the OFWs will always be there in order to fulfill their families’ dreams for a bright future. Those suffering should be worth it!

PEBA 2010

NOMINATION STARTS NOW!

Show your support for PEBA 2010.

Copy the html code below and paste it in your sidebar, we will link you here as well.

Note: In the event that your blog is not automatically added in our roster within 24 hours, please do not hesitate to leave a message in our comment box or inform us through e-mail at kablogs123@gmail.comIt's a wonderful blessing as we count your support in this prestigious PEBA 2010 experience.

It's Coming

2010-07-08T06:04:00.000-07:00

SIT BACK, RELAX and ENJOY Now and more sooner!

Ladies and gentlemen, flight to PEBALANDIA will soon be ready for boarding...

Something exciting is coming. Something better, bigger and yes, with a lot of surprises!!!

PEBA 2010 nomination will soon begin!

Palau...Palau...Part 2

2010-07-05T05:49:00.000-07:00

Kung gusto mo pumunta ng Palau, check mo muna tong Part 1, at itong mga sumusunod na bayarin na nakapagpapasakit ng ulo ng karamihang OFW dito.

Pagpalagay na nating susuweldo ka ng $600 sa isang buwan bilang isang regular na empleyado...

ROB Tax o ang tinatawag ng mga kababayan nating ROBBERY Tax - 6%, o 10% para sa mas mataas pang sahod
ROB SS o SSS kung tawagin sa Pinas - 6%
Health Insurance Tax o PhilHealth sa Pinas - 2.5% (effective October 1, 2010)
Yearly Registration para sa mga alien (exempted dapat aq dito at hindi ako alien) - $25 (Effective August 1, 2010)
Travel Tax kung ika'y palabas ng Palau - $20

Sa isang taon susuweldo ka ng $7200, bawasan ng ROB Tax na $432 ganun din ang ROB SS. Ibawas mo pa ang Health Insurance na $180, tapos $25 para sa Yearly Registration. Dahil sa sakit ng ulo sa bayarin, uuwi ka na after 1 year, bayad ka sa Airport ng $20 para sa Travel Tax.

Ito ang matitira sayo, $6111 para sa isang taong pagtatrabaho sa Palau.

Isama mo pa ang buwanan mong bayarin dahil naengganyo ka sa "Fly now, Pay Later" na pakulo ng ahensya sa Pilipinas.

Oh! Di ko pa pala naisama ang mga personal na gastusin gaya ng pagkain, ilaw, tubig, at kung minamalas ka pa sagot mo pa bahay mo, yung airtime na pang tawag o pang text sa Pinas, isama mo na rin. Ung pang internet mo, para naman makita mo sa webcam ung mga mahal mo dba. O ayan, Ikaw na bahalang mag compute!

Wag mo palang kalimutang magpadala sa mga naiwan mo sa Pinas! at iba pang gastusin na nakalimutan kong banggitin.

Kaya sa mga nagbabalak pumunta dito, mag isip kayong mabuti. Isaalang alang ang buwanang sweldo na daratnan dito dahil hindi porke't dolyar ay malake na...Pero kung susuweldo ka ng alam mong sapat o sobra para mabuhay ka at ang mga naiwan mo sa Pinas, siguro'y di mo na kailangang mag isip...Lipad na!

A Celebration of Life At The Kablogs Journal

2010-07-02T07:09:00.000-07:00

KABLOGS JOURNAL - ISSUE 4 - JULY 2010

We are proud to announce our Kablogs Journal's fourth issue this July in its theme "Rain, Water, Storm" - a symbolism of hope, healing transformation of consiousness and a fresh new beginning of life.

With this month's edition, we are inviting you to join us in our "celebration of life" as we share with you a unique experience that will excite and inspire you on the blog contributions of our gifted Global Filipino bloggers.

Like the pristine water that flows freely from the spring that sustains life to every living things, we hope that Kablogs Journal will serve as an oasis of reading that fills your thirst for creative blogs.

Join us as we move in a flowing motion through space and time at

thekablogsjournal [dot] blogspot [dot] com

OFW Dads - Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-19T14:58:00.000-07:00

To all the Filipino fathers in the world who have taken the road to Diaspora and braved the biting wind of loneliness, our Government has exulted you as "Modern Day Heroes", while your children have looked upon you as "Men of Steel" and traditionally you are commonly referred to as "haligi ng tahanan (house foundation)".

However, behind those machismo beliefs - the large chest, bulky muscles strong and calloused hands; these "manly" body structure cannot contain the tears running down from the men's eyes cascading to their cheeks and the muffled cry that they tried to contain during the still of the night where the faceless "homesickness" strikes unexpectedly. When everybody sleeps, or alone in the cold room, the men in shining armour shed tears too as they realized how many special events and occasions they have missed, their kids baptism, first walks, annual birthdays, first communion and graduations... enough to bring the "Man of Steel" sobbing in tears as the emotional anguish of men is unmeasurable as they hide those tears of sadness from their family and with cracking voice - they talk to them on the telephone, or thru internet or snail mail, they always tell their wife and children - with firm voice and with assurance that "I AM OKAY", even though you they're not.

Driven by their determination to fight poverty by trading loneliness for econimc gain in the hope of bringing brighter future to their family, their sacrifices as OFW Dads are priceless, they are not just heroes, but super heroes - you are Super Dads who plays bigger role in nation building and have been an inspiration to your proud family back home. And most of you have made our country known in evey part of this world, you are an ambassador in your own right and an evangelist too as you bring your religious faith in the foreign lands.

TO ALL THE OFW FATHERS, DADS, AMA, ITAY and TATAY and LOLO... HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, I look forward in the coming days when you reunite with your children and wife.

MALIGAYANG ARAW SA LAHAT NG MGA AMANG OFW, BAYANI KA!

KaBlogs-PEBA Forum

2010-06-14T19:06:00.000-07:00

Para sa nalalapit na Pinoy Expat/OFW Blog Awards at sa patuloy na pagdami ng sumusuporta sa KaBlogs, muling naghahandog ang inyong lingkod ng isang tambayan kung saan ang lahat ay may kalayaan sa kani-kanilang opinyon...

Isang tambayan kung saan ang lahat ng bagay ay maaaring pag-usapan, pagkwentuhan, pagtsismisan, o pagdebatehan...

Isang tambayan kung saan magkakasama-sama ang lahat, magkakakilanlan at muli magkakaisa sa hangaring kabutihan para sa kababayan.

Muli, inihahandog namin sa lahat ng OFW/Expat, saang sulok ka man ng mundo ang isang tambayan.

click the image to register in the forum

The Kablogs Journal Invites You

2010-06-01T22:05:00.000-07:00

... to become our reader, our critic, our contributor, our partner!

We're almost halfway 2010 having June in our midst. What have you done so far this year?
The Kablogs Journal has been busy churning out articles for you, our dear expat bloggers.

This month's theme is LEARNING. We're pretty sure we all went to school, the institution we love to hate. (But now that we're in the real working world, we actually miss going to school so much, right?) Many Overseas Filipino Workers are working to send their children and some relatives to school and we salute all of you!

Our third issue is jam-packed with articles on education. We suggest you go to the journal's site and read (pretty please?). Our teaser has been posted here by the Pope. PEBA 2009's third place winner Phil Saraspe takes the center stage in Spotlight and most of our articles and photos are from our OFW bloggers in Asia. The usual roundup of our international editors are also present (although we're still looking for more editors so if you want to join the editorial staff, please do email us!). We are also inviting you to contribute to the Journal! (Details below.)

We hope you enjoy this issue. After all, even if we already graduated from our colleges and universities, we are all still students of life.

- Janelle

PS. We'd like to hear from you! Please email The Kablogs Journal at thekablogsjournal@gmail.com for all comments, suggestions, and contibutions. Also, the KaBlogs would like to expand our network so please tell all your OFW/expats blogger friends to email us their links so we can add them here in the KaBlogs website. Thank you!

Kablogs Journal - June Issue3

2010-06-01T18:53:00.000-07:00

Learning. This is our theme for Kablog Literary Journal's Issue 3.

This June 12, we celebrate our 112th Independence Day, but many still ask if we indeed are truly independent.

This month, Noynoy Aquino will be proclaimed the new Philippine president sans his running mate Mar Roxas. There's so much to learn from last month's elections, i.e. how Manny Villar with his money only managed to place third with a paltry 4-million votes whereas Joseph Estrada, whom the surveys set aside as the third placer, garnered almost double of Villar's votes. There's also a lot to learn of Binay's victory over Roxas (we're basing it on Comelec and PPCRV figures).

Itong Hunyo, pasukan na naman sa Pilipinas with 23 million students trooping to schools on June 15. Every year too, this period brings to light various issues concerning the sorry state of our education system, i.e. dearth of qualified teachers, lack of classrooms, low quality textbooks, high increases in tuition fees, etc. But every year too from what other rants as bottomless pit of education problems, we produce quality students and quality heroes.Hindi kaya nasosobrahan lang tayo sa negativity at bias about our country?

On a lighter note, June is believed to have come from the Roman goddess of marriage Juno (that explains why a large number of weddings this month!). But did you know that many also believed it came from the Latin word iuniores, meaning "younger ones"? And so for this Kablogs Journal issue, we present to you our cover photo courtesy of Jose Santiago Tan.

Shown in this photo are Jose's children: Tyra, Naedyn and Tyrone who are playing with bubbles. We chose this photo because it reflects the children's varied emotions in discovering the wonders of bubbles from a simple source such as soap suds. Keen interest, curios wonderment, and blissful joy from learning something new.

And yes, lest we forget, we also celebrate Father's Day this month, on the third Sunday. So to all our kablogger fathers, Happy Father's Day!

This month's contributors: the husband and wife tandem of Jose and Hedda Tan of Thailand, Noel Ablon of Saudi Arabia, Jettro of South Koreaand Lovely Fernandez of Singapore.

Follow us at The Kablogs Journal, be our guest writer, or perhaps you can be our regular contributor, share your talents and be part of our growing collaborative blog where the Global Filipino bloggers SHINE.

PEBA Believe in EDUCATION!

2010-05-31T05:33:00.000-07:00

Dear PEBA, Sponsors and Donors,

This email confirms that BELIEVE International has received your generous donation deposited May 26, 2010 to sponsor Ernesto and Caren in the Philippines. Attached is a photo and personal profile of each student sponsored.

Because BELIEVE is a 100% volunteer organization, essentially all[*] of your donation is used to directly benefit the students. And because our local volunteers in the Philippines also mentor and teach values to the students, your donation not only benefits the students but also their families, community, and nation as they graduate and become leaders with a positive influence on those around them.

We are working to extend the hope of a brighter future, through education, to those with little or no opportunity. With your generous support we are able to do this, one child at a time. We join with all of the BELIEVE scholars in the Philippines in expressing gratitude to you for helping to provide this wonderful opportunity.

Thanks for your support,

L. Carvel Whiting

President, BELIEVE International

_________________________

NOTE: This document is your official receipt for tax purposes.

BELIEVE International is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity recognized by the IRS. Your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

[*] Over 95% of the money we receive from donors is actually sent to the Philippines to support the education of needy students.

********************************************************************************

"I was reading the profile of the students that PEBA is sponsoring and reading some of the letters that this kids wrote for their sponsors. I can't help but cry. I was so touched! I am sharing some of them to you, and will forward the rest of the copy to the donors." (Mr. Thoughtskoto)

Follow Us On Facebook

2010-02-18T05:47:00.000-08:00

Click on the image and become our fan

As part of our expanding social network, we’ve formed a fan page on Facebook. Because we wanted to ensure that all our members, supporters, followers and readers could keep a close eye on our increased stream in our world class blogging talents because at Kablogs, we believe that each Global Filipino bloggers has a distinct and unique talent where their dreams and desire are pursued with passion -

to stand proud and stand out.

So please, become a fan and help us reach out to all our kababayan, the OFWs and Pinoy Expats, our families and friends who are busy surfing the Facebook world.

Here is the link to our brand new fan page on Facebook:

KABLOGS on FACEBOOK

We aspire to help every Kablogs' Members and Supporters shine.

YOUR BLOG, YOUR SITE, YOUR SHINE!

A NEW BEGINNING THIS EASTER, THE KABLOGS JOURNAL

2010-04-04T12:10:00.000-07:00

As we join the rest of the Christian world in the celebration of Easter, on Jesus Christ's triumph over sin, and we take joy in spending this special time with family and friends and reflecting on the many blessings that fill our lives. During this season of renewal, let us come together and give thanks to the Almighty who made us in His image and redeemed us in His love

In our journey towards Easter, we have gathered some of our Kablogs' best blogging authors, men and women of talents and skills - Nebz Bandiez (Isla de Nebz), Janelle Vales (The Pink Tarha), Azel Venerable (Panunumbalik ng Ulirat), Doc RJ Pagoto (The Chook-Minder's Quill) and Nalen Aguilar (Manilenya) who have collectively agreed to voluntarily share their time, talents and skills in one collaborative blog in bringing hopes and inspirations to our Kablogs members and the general Global Filipinos worldwide.

Today, as we discover Easter's wonderful and humbling invitation for new hope and new life, we at Kablogs is proud to announce the launching of our maiden issue of our first online magazine - THE KABLOGS JOURNAL, a celebration of a new beginning and a new hope dedicated to the OFW bloggers.

As we strive to bring you a better and worth reading articles which resonates our Global Filipinos values and aspirations, we invite you to join us at The Kablogs Journal's maiden journey, follow us and be part of our "Fellowship of Bloggers" - share your talents, your ideas and comments & suggestions to further improve the contents and the quality of our new site, this is your site - The Kablogs Journal.

Visit us at: THE KABLOGS JOURNAL