OFWs' coping mechanism-1

KUWAIT — Whether in Jeddah or Abu Dhabi, in Qatar or Alkhobar, in Bahrain, Oman or Kuwait, the Filipino migrant workers are not only able to survive any kind of pressure or crisis. They also shine and excel in all kinds of competitions and socio-cultural activities. In the face of problems, they manifest extraordinary toughness. Subjected to challenges, the OFWs show strength of character. They prevail over all sorts of difficulties, whether financial or broken relationships. They can withstand homesickness or emotional depression.

What makes them survivors? Simple. They have many coping mechanisms. They don’t fret nor allow themselves to be engulfed by loneliness or self-pity. They have a wide portfolio of options with which to cope and prevail. First, they have music, dances, and the arts. Second, they attend prayer meetings and join missions for social works. Third, they bury themselves in community works and club projects. Fourth, they focus on sports. Fifth, they just get part-time jobs and sideline works. And others engage in vices and affairs.

Music, dances and arts

When it comes to singing, dancing and the other arts, no other migrant workers in the Middle East can beat the OFWs. The Filipinos are the envy of the Egyptians, Indians, Sri Lankans and Pakistanis. Even the Kuwaitis, the Bahrainis, Omanis and Qataris hold the OFWs in high esteem in the fields of music and arts. Anywhere in the Middle East, there is always a singing and dancing contest. They’d call them Pinoy Idol or Pinoy Got Talent or simply songfest or dance fest. You will be amazed at the talent of an OFW. They can do a Michael Jackson, Celine Dion or a Mariah Carrey. Even kids can give Charise Pempengco a run for her money.

There are other forms of art also, like painting and photography, poetry and essay-writing. The others are doing drama, theater acting, ballet and there are even those who dabble at piano and guitar lessons, violin and other string instruments. Others who are more practical, busy themselves with all kinds of cooking--Chinese, Japanese, Arab and Filipino and even continental cooking. Some are into dress-making, tailoring and fashion design, interior decorations and practical arts and craft-making. All these not only generate extra income for the OFWs, they also make them immune from homesickness and depression.

Prayer meetings and social workers

The more religious and spiritually-inclined migrant workers join all sorts of church-led activities like the mass and holy sacraments for the Catholics, prayer meetings, bible readings and prayer sessions, for the Charismatic groups and the Born Again communities of worshippers. They sing and dance their prayers and shout Amen and Alleluia to the high heavens, oftentimes oblivious that they are here in the heart of the Islamic nations. It is fortunate that many Gulf countries like UAE and Kuwait have become more tolerant of Christianity and their rituals and ceremonies.

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