PAL celebrates Christmas togetherness with ‘Regalo’
Filipinos see working abroad as the norm, and more often than not, questions like “Wala ka bang balak mag-abroad?” (Don’t you have plans to work abroad?) are casually dropped during reunions.
Most believe that better opportunities are found overseas. In fact, in a 2017 report published by the Philippine Statistics Authority, there are 2.3 million Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) spread out across the world — 11 million if we count immigrants.
The selfless sacrifices of our OFWs have made them our “bagong bayani” (modernday heroes), also because they contribute significantly to the country’s economy. Yet, their choice has its consequences: parents who decide to pursue jobs outside the country must endure being miles and miles away from their loved ones. On top of that, they have to adapt to culture and language barriers, the instability of jobs for some, incessant worrying and sleepless nights, and scrimping to save most of their salaries for their families back home.
During the season of love, laughter, carols and giving gifts, the difficulty of OFW families spending Christmas together has always been a situation both cinematic and familiar. The kids of OFW parents may have the coolest branded shoes, the latest gadgets and imported treats, but these material things never equate to the warm hugs from their moms and dads, the setting up of the Christmas tree together on a chilly morning, and the busy but jolly preparations for the Christmas Eve feast. For OFW families, loneliness is a given, and all parties need to sacrifice when the ones they love most are absent.
It is impossible to articulate the immensity of missed occasions, birthdays, graduations, the yearning and nights spent alone. To generalize the struggle of every overseas worker would be unfair, but one thing we all know and have surely felt is the moment of finally being able to hug the person who has been away for a very long time. With the newest video of Philippine Airlines, Regalo, this priceless moment is perfectly captured.
“We wanted to honor the sacrifices of our OFWs and their families longing to spend the holidays with them in the Philippines,” says Ria Domingo, PAL vice president for marketing. “We hope that through this simple video, we are able to give back and celebrate the true essence of Christmas — the spirit of togetherness.”
Adds Domingo, “Through the eyes of a child, we wanted to express that the best present is one’s presence, and our modern-day heroes can count on PAL to bring them home safely, especially during this season,” added Domingo. “For indeed, we know that at the very heart of every Filipino Christmas is our loved ones coming home.”
Watch the Regalo video at www.facebook.com/flyPAL or www. youtube.com/flyPALTV.
For more information on PAL’s stories, products, and services, visit www.philippineairlines.com, like the Facebook page (Facebook.com/flyPAL), and follow PAL on Twitter (@flyPAL) and Instagram (@flyPAL).