Being an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) is all about sacrifice, but it doesn’t mean you have to lose touch with your roots. One of the biggest challenges OFWs face is keeping family traditions alive while being miles away. This article will give you practical tips and ideas on how to nurture those precious traditions, bridging the distance with love and creativity.
The Importance of Holding on to Traditions
Family traditions are more than just routines; they are the glue that holds families together. They give us a sense of belonging, connect us to our past, and provide comfort and stability, especially during times of change. According to a study published by Penn Scholarly Commons, participating in shared activities can support stronger family relationships, which is especially beneficial for families separated by distance. For OFWs and their families, maintaining traditions can ease the pain of separation and ensure that children grow up with a strong sense of identity and cultural heritage. Think about it: every Noche Buena, every balikbayan box, every mano po – these are more than just customs; they’re threads woven into the fabric of your family’s story.
Why It’s Harder for OFWs
Let’s face it: being an OFW makes keeping traditions alive a lot harder. You’re missing out on birthdays, Christmas celebrations, town fiestas, and everyday family moments. The time difference can make it difficult to even have a simple phone call. Money also plays a big part. You might be working hard to provide for your family, but the cost of travel back home or sending gifts can put a strain on your finances.
Plus, there’s the emotional toll. Feeling homesick, guilty about not being there, and worried about your family back home can make it difficult to focus on anything else. Many OFWs also struggle with loneliness and the feeling of being disconnected from their support system. According to the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Migration Profile: Philippines (2021), OFWs face various challenges, including social integration difficulties in their host countries and the psychological impact of separation from family. It’s a tough balancing act, but it’s not impossible.
Simple Ways to Keep Traditions Alive From Afar
Okay, so it’s challenging, but here’s the good news: there are plenty of ways you can keep those traditions burning bright, even when you’re oceans away!
Leverage Technology
In this digital age, technology is your best friend! Video calls, messaging apps, and social media can help you stay connected with your family in real-time. Schedule regular video calls with your family, not just for special occasions. Make it a weekly or even daily thing. You could read bedtime stories to your kids, help them with their homework, or simply chat about their day. Seeing your face and hearing your voice will make a huge difference. Consider setting up a family group chat where you can all share photos, videos, and updates. This way, you can stay in the loop even when you’re busy at work.
For example, Maria, an OFW working in Dubai, makes it a point to video call her family every Sunday during their lunch. They all sit together, chat, and share a meal, even though they’re thousands of miles apart. It’s their way of preserving their Sunday family lunch tradition.
Plan Virtual Celebrations
Just because you can’t be there in person doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate special occasions with your family. Plan virtual birthday parties, Christmas celebrations, or even simple merienda get-togethers. You can all cook the same meal, play games online, or sing karaoke together. Get creative and make it fun for everyone.
During Christmas, Sarah, an OFW in Singapore, organizes a virtual Noche Buena. Her family in the Philippines prepares the traditional Christmas dishes, and Sarah cooks a similar meal in her apartment. They all dress up in their Christmas outfits, sing carols, and open gifts together via video call. It’s not quite the same as being there in person, but it’s the next best thing.
Send “Balikbayan Boxes” Filled with Love
The balikbayan box is an iconic symbol of Filipino culture. It’s a way for OFWs to send gifts and goodies to their families back home. But it’s more than just a box of stuff; it’s a tangible expression of your love and care. Fill it with things that your family needs or wants, but also include personal touches like handwritten letters, photos, or small items that remind you of them. Don’t just send practical items; include things that will bring joy and laughter, like their favorite snacks or a funny souvenir from your host country.
Jose, who works in Canada, sends a balikbayan box to his family every three months. He always includes his children’s favorite candies and toys, along with letters telling them how much he misses them. He also includes small gifts for his wife and parents, like perfume, clothes, or household items. It’s his way of showing them that he’s thinking of them and that he cares.
Record Yourself Reading Stories or Singing Songs
If you have young children, consider recording yourself reading their favorite stories or singing them lullabies. This way, they can hear your voice even when you’re not there. You can also record video messages for them to watch whenever they miss you. This can be especially helpful during bedtime or when they’re feeling sad.
Anna, an OFW in Hong Kong, recorded herself reading her daughter’s favorite bedtime stories. Her daughter would listen to the recordings every night before going to sleep. It made her feel closer to her mom and helped her cope with the separation.
Teach Your Children About Filipino Culture
Even if you’re not physically present, you can still teach your children about Filipino culture and traditions. Share stories about your childhood, cook Filipino dishes together (virtually, if necessary), and teach them Tagalog or your local dialect. You can also introduce them to Filipino music, movies, and books. According to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) of the Philippines, preserving and promoting Filipino culture is essential for national identity. By sharing your culture with your children, you’re helping them develop a strong sense of identity and pride in their heritage.
For example, Ben, an expat in the USA, makes it a point to cook Filipino dishes with his children every weekend. He teaches them about the ingredients, the cooking methods, and the cultural significance of each dish. He also shares stories about his childhood in the Philippines and teaches them Tagalog words and phrases.
Empower Family Members to Be Tradition Keepers
You can’t do it all by yourself! Enlist the help of other family members, like your spouse, parents, siblings, or cousins, to keep the traditions going. Ask them to take photos and videos of family gatherings and celebrations and share them with you. They can also help teach your children about Filipino culture and traditions. Remind them of their own cherished memories and how important it is to create new ones.
Create New Traditions
While it’s important to preserve existing traditions, it’s also okay to create new ones that fit your current situation. Maybe you can start a tradition of sending a postcard from every city you visit, or having a weekly family movie night via video call. The important thing is to create memories together, even if you’re not physically together. You can start a tradition of celebrating Filipino holidays in your host country with other Filipino OFWs. This can help you feel less homesick and connect with your culture.
Plan a Meaningful “Balikbayan”
When you do get the chance to go home for a visit, make it count! Plan activities that will help you reconnect with your family and immerse yourselves in your culture. Attend family gatherings, visit your hometown, and participate in local festivals. Make sure to spend quality time with each family member and create lasting memories. Before you arrive home, plan the specific activities you want to do with each relative. This shows that you are intentional in making the most of your trip, and gives each person some one-on-one time that they can remember.
Overcoming Common Challenges
Keeping traditions alive as an OFW isn’t always easy. Here are some common challenges and how to overcome them:
Time Zone Differences
Time zone differences can make it difficult to find convenient times for video calls or online activities. Try to find a time that works for everyone, even if it means waking up early or staying up late. Be flexible and willing to adjust your schedule to accommodate your family’s needs. Use scheduling tools to visualise time zone differences and find availability for everyone.
Financial Constraints
The cost of travel, gifts, and sending balikbayan boxes can be a burden on your finances. Set a budget for these expenses and stick to it. Look for affordable ways to send gifts, like online shopping or using shipping services that offer discounted rates. You can also get creative with your gifts and make homemade items or send digital gifts. Remember, it’s the thought that counts!
Homesickness and Loneliness
Homesickness and loneliness are common feelings for OFWs. It’s important to find ways to cope with these emotions. Stay connected with your family and friends back home, participate in Filipino community events in your host country, and find hobbies or activities that you enjoy. You can also seek support from other OFWs or mental health professionals. Remember to take care of your mental health and prioritize your well-being.
Real-Life Stories of OFWs Keeping Traditions Alive
Let’s hear from some OFWs who are successfully keeping their family traditions alive:
Story 1: Josie, a nurse in the UK: Josie makes sure to celebrate every family member’s birthday, even if she can’t be there in person. She sends them personalized video messages, orders cakes and flowers to be delivered to their homes, and organizes virtual birthday parties with their loved ones. Even a simple act of sending a personalized e-card for special occasions from websites like American Greetings or a similar local service is enough to show the special people in your life that you remember them.
Story 2: Miguel, a construction worker in Saudi Arabia: Miguel sends money to his family every month so they can celebrate traditional Filipino holidays and fiestas. He also makes sure to call them on these occasions to share his well wishes and participate in the festivities over the phone. He uses apps like WorldRemit, to make sure his family receives remittances safely. He makes sure that the money is there for the family to keep celebrations alive.
Story 3: Elena, a teacher in Canada: Elena teaches her children about Filipino culture by cooking Filipino dishes with them, reading them Filipino folktales, and teaching them Tagalog. She also takes them to Filipino cultural events and festivals in their city. She organizes virtual “Tagalog Tuesdays” where they all dedicate an hour to learning the basics of the language, together.
Practical Tips You Can Start Today
Schedule regular virtual calls: Set aside specific times each week for video calls with your family.
Create a family group chat: Stay connected through messaging and sharing photos and videos.
Send personalized gifts: Show your love and care with thoughtful gifts that reflect your family’s interests.
Cook Filipino food: Share your culture with your family through delicious meals.
Teach your children Tagalog or your local dialect: Help them develop a strong sense of identity and pride in their heritage.
Enlist the help of other family members: Work together to keep the traditions alive.
Plan a meaningful “balikbayan”: Make the most of your visits home by spending quality time with your family.
Set a budget: Send love, not debt. Avoid overspending on large, extravagant gifts to ensure the family finances don’t suffer.
Embrace Technology for Sharing: Use social media platforms to share significant family events with your OFW family members. Post photos and videos and live video chats to capture the emotion of each celebration.
The Beauty of Adaptation
Keeping traditions alive when you’re an OFW isn’t about rigidly sticking to the past. It’s about adapting those traditions to fit your current circumstances and creating new ones that reflect your shared experiences. It’s about finding creative ways to connect with your family and keep your culture alive, even when you’re miles away. It’s a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of Filipinos around the world.
FAQ Section
How can I involve my children in keeping traditions alive when I’m not physically present?
Encourage children to participate in virtual calls by asking them to share stories about the day, help prepare a dish, or demonstrate a talent they’ve developed. This gives them an opportunity to have input in family dialogues and makes the distance feel less substantial.
How do I cope with feeling guilty about missing important family events and milestones?
Recognize and validate feelings of guilt, but also celebrate your contributions as an OFW. Highlight the benefits your work provides for your family’s future and wellbeing. In preparation for special occasions when you can’t be present, pre-plan and send heartfelt audio or video messages that can be played during special moments. This makes you feel that you invested in these events in a meaningful way.
Are there any specific Filipino cultural values or traditions especially important to uphold while working abroad?
The bayanihan atmosphere, or unity, and strong family links, often top the list. Keep to these values by consistently interacting with family in collective activities, even from afar. Promoting respect for elders and showing support to one another goes far to keeping family ties strong and the culture living even across distances. A great example is to consistently use phrases like “po and opo” when talking and chatting with elders, or to be aware of your language when talking with siblings.
What are some budget-friendly ways to send gifts to my family without breaking the bank?
Think digital! Online subscriptions and prepaid e-gift cards provide practical or entertainment-related solutions. During celebrations, you can help your family through food delivery services straight to their home. Also, consider ordering directly from online suppliers in the Philippines if you’re sending physical goods, to help cut down on international shipping fees.
How can I ensure my parents, who may not be tech-savvy, can still participate in virtual gatherings and communication?
Before you start calling or having online gatherings, do a thorough assessment of your parents’ comfort level and abilities to use gadgets. Offer simple tutorials that use steps that are easy to digest, or choose easier to navigate platforms. If your parents live with other family members, engage the other members to assist them during virtual calls or gatherings. If you can afford it, consider upgrading their current gadgets into user-friendly models.
References List
International Organization for Migration. (2021). Migration Profile: Philippines.
National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
Penn Scholarly Commons.
Being an OFW is a tough journey, but keeping your family traditions alive is possible. Hopefully, this article gives you the inspiration and tips you need to nurture those traditions, bridging the distance with love and creativity.
Ready to start creating new memories and keeping your family traditions alive? Don’t wait! Begin planning your next virtual get-together, send a heartfelt message to your loved ones, or research how you can celebrate your culture with fellow Filipinos in your area. The time to connect is now!
