Becoming and Serving OFWs in Hong Kong

Many Filipinos dreamed of going abroad and work professionally. Many have tried but not all people are successful in achieving what they thought of conceiving. But for Charisma Villanueva, her 2- year and 7-month stint in Hong Kong proved to be a journey towards rediscovery and wanting change.

Back home, Charisma works for the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as a certified public accountant (CPA). Her usual work routine gets carried out in a pressure-filled environment. She persistently obliges to fulfill whatever task assigned to her.

At that time, DOLE initiated a program where employees will be given an opportunity to be based abroad - provided they passed all the requirements. She applied.

After several screenings and interviews, Charisma assumed one of the slots. Working abroad was a decision she made for herself. "Being single and all, I did not think twice and just grabbed the opportunity. It will be my first time to work far from home."

Her family was very open and supportive with the idea. "They know that chances like this do not come often."

Out of the many applicants for said program, Charisma felt luck and prayers served as her aces in getting the job. "I feel that this would have never happened if not for prayers."

On April 2005, Charisma packed her bags and assumed her Hong Kong-based job.

Working in Hong Kong
Charisma worked as an administrative staff for the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, situated within the consulate. She learned to cope up with changes and got exposed to people and situations that she has not done before. When asked what her major adjustments were, Charisma briefly said, "Nothing major really since I still spend time with Filipinos. It feels like working back home except for a few concerns I think."

Being part of the administrative staff, she needs to assume several roles at work. It usually involves the financial, sometimes secretarial, and as a front liner when the need arises.

There were also changes with her clients, "In the Philippines, I worked mostly with employees and officials. In Hong Kong, I was dealing with overseas Filipino workers themselves. As a result, giving advice and counseling became part of my daily, help out in anyway I can. At times, I cannot help but be affected personally and emotionally, hearing their problems is far from simple,” Charisma said.

Staying in Hong Kong for almost three years, she made a lot of adjustments to live in a foreign land. "Being in the company of Filipinos surely helps, I had moments of homesickness and overcome it by communicating with the family through constant phone calls."

Though if there is one thing Charisma finds appealing, it would be Hong Kong as a tourist-friendly place to visit. "They have a very good peace and order situation. I also never experienced cultural animosity and discrimination."

Aside from missing her family, she had a tough time adjusting with the food. "I usually spend my dine outs in a famous fast food during days off. Would you believe, that I am practically living on French fries and burgers every time I have my days off?"

One memorable aspect for Charisma is when she met a Chinese gentleman who thought well of Filipinos. "This person thinks Filipinos are naturally warm and hospitable, and even prefers being in our country more than in Hong Kong."

Now, Charisma is back in the country and currently working as a CPA in DOLE. Her Hong Kong work contract was finished yet the memories stayed with her. "I will keep the doors open for any chance of working abroad again and hoping it will be a different place next time."

People leave for different reasons but for this 30-year old woman, leaving is her way of taking risks. That in departing from what she usually does, she ventured into something new that made her realize other things. All in all, she has these words to utter regarding her being in a once unfamiliar place, “Honestly, it was a very fulfilling experience.” Come to think of it…it’s all that matters.

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