Overseas Filipino Workers have been dubbed as the new heroes. Back in 2020, their remittances have amounted to 9.66 percent of the country's GDP which is worth over 33.2 billion dollars. It's a huge chunk and they deserve good news, so here's the ABIZO OFW app which is backed by the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency.
As you know, employment abroad doesn't always mean greener pastures, rainbows and butterflies. Your family at home and your government worries for OFW's safety, this app solves a lot of that and give you peace of mind. The ABIZO OFW app provides real time updates of your activities in other countries. Through this app, they look after your welfare, and give you the option to tell them where you are when you arrive in the host country. This mobile app platform is convenient, takes a few steps to register and would ease the mind of your families back home. The app also has a button for emergencies, so in case you encounter any difficulties with your employment, they can go and give you needed help.
This would prove useful especially in the Middle East, the US, Europe, or elsewhere in the world. If you need help from the government, this would be your first line of defense and prevent physical, emotional abuse if it occurs at your place of work.
To make things even better, they have published a few videos in the app that will make you remember Christmas in the Philippines, and how the app would work in real life! They actually have a few of these episodes out including Episode 2: Kamusta Ka Na Ate? It will certainly pull heartstrings, because these are short stories everyone can relate from, especially if you have loved ones abroad who work tirelessly for their family back home.
If you want to see the videos, like the link above and their Facebook page, or subscribe to their YouTube channel at ABIZO OFW. Aside from that, you can download the ABIZO OFW app on Google Play or the App Store. Make sure you do before you leave the country, it's better to be prepared especially if you're going out there to improve the lives of your family.
Oktoberfest has been part of the Philippine scene since we are after all the third largest drinker in the world. Bavaria would have been proud to see beer always chugging off bars, establishments and places in Manila and what better way to make that experience authentic by having REAL Oktoberfest at Sofitel Manila. The German Club Manila established in 1906, the German Embassy and Sofitel Manila will head the merry making and even bring the actual authentic Bavarian band to make it even more festive this 76th Oktoberfest!
So we did the next best thing by suiting up with real deal Bavarian hats and held our one liter German Beer Mugs, then after that... we just had to warm up with an Oktoberfest requirement... a dance!
Now I'm not gonna lie to you and tell you that I wasn't a little shy doing this, but I was.... but if you see the actual Germans that average 6ft tall doing all the moves with gusto, you'll really have to do it yourself, then once you get the hang of it... you'll LOVE it! :)
The German Club and Sofitel Manila did even more to have us get a taste of the festivities. They told us how much food and booze is going to be served on October 17 and 18. Almost 2000+ people attend each day and they have broken each of those records every year. There's nothing that can match Oktoberfest in Sofitel Manila because you just can't find anything as authentic as this anywhere else in the country!
Then we got on to the feast fit for a King!
So if you're not convinced that the ton of sausages, meat, potatoes, sauerkraut, mustard and beer could not get you interested in celebrating at Sofitel Manila this October 17 and 18, you must be crazy. Go give them a call and reserve at 5515555. Go with your friends and make this celebration a memorable one by doing it the right way, like the Germans do!
As you can probably tell by my name, I have Spanish lineage. I've attempted to trace our family tree and the last bit I got is that we hail from Valencia. It's a long story. Valencia is the third largest city after Madrid and Barcelona. A few days ago, we were invited to a dinner party over at Manila Peninsula and see product updates about Spain. I didn't know countries could come like a product but when I listened to their people a couple of nights ago, it all made sense. I've got to go to España!
Arturo Ortiz, Director of Spain Tourism Board side by side with Ms. Vien Cortes, Market Analyst from the Spain Tourism Board.
The National Tourism Office of Spain and Embassy representatives provided information that would highlight the best from their country. It all boils down to our affinity to culture and our historical ties. We could not just throw away what's common between the Philippines and Spain so they are really banking on that.
Spain's aggressive stance in the tourism industry didn't just come overnight, because as of now their yearly tourist arrivals amount to around 58 million. It definitely provides a chunk of their economic and business activities and since there are untapped Asian cities like Manila plus our other neighbors, we would be something that they have found interest especially in the religious - pilgrimage tour sector since our countries ties involve Catholicism. Their churches and real deal saintly locations doesn't only provide sustenance to the spirit, but even awe struck you with architecture spanning ages you weren't born or thought about yet, that long. Aside from that, they've also got one of the most modern art, architecture and engineering centers in the world! I was pretty close to booking a ticket when they showed Madrid. Then when we were also told about other regions in the country, I envied the lady who spoke about the Andalusian region where she showed some parts of Córdoba, Granada, Jaén, Málaga and Seville. She hasn't even started yet because as she was telling us about the places, she went in and dosed us with Spanish Gastronomy!
This is my kind of Paella! =)
There must be a hundred of these concoctions that are similarly called in Filipino and Spanish cooking but yes, Spain does have their own gustatory pleasures in and around Madrid. Their Paella no matter what way or form it goes just looks so good. Each region much like ours have their own version. Meaning that goes the same with Ensaymada, Adobo, etc. I also envy their wine and olive oil sources especially when they treat EVOO with such regalness since they never would want to put it elsewhere (not even on a pan) but on a plate!
Ms. Lisa Dinh, Business Development Manager for International Marketing & Tourism,
El Corte Ingles
Then this gorgeous lady right here also told us something husbands would never appreciate. Spain is actually lethal for shopaholics! They've got hundreds of shopping malls and arcades in Spain that would be the perfect venue to swipe your cards. They've got one of the biggest tax exempted shopping venues in the world. They've got a system to get refunds for most retail shops and all you have to do is fill up the appropriate forms for it. If you're looking for original labeled bags, they bet you can even get it cheaper in Spain than in other European countries since it is duty free! Now that's a shopping haven you wouldn't want to miss!
The Spanish Ambassador Jorge Domecq
Ambassador Jorge Domecq proudly says that there are around 54,000 Filipinos who visited Spain last year and they are gunning to increase that this 2014. Spain has it all and all you have to do is take a look at this bright spot in Europe once more. I've always wanted to go and see if there's a Bueno clan in that part of the world, who know's I might just get the chance to do that this year!
Since we needed to immerse ourselves further with what Spain has to offer, we got our dancing shoes ready for a spirited Flamenco dance!
I did actually get to experience Flamenco when I was a kid (I kid you not!) and it's one of the most exhilarating dances I've ever done. If you wish to see more of Spain, watch this!
Viva España!
P.S. Oh if you're looking for flights, go with Qatar Airways. I've seen their lounges and it's like a five star hotel. You've got to stay there a bit if I were you! LOL
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