Advance Merry Christmas!
Newsbits: FEWA Launches Fr. Glenn T-shirt, etc...
Volume 2 Issue 1
by Dondave Jabay
S eoul, South Korea — “Sulyapinoy has been
valuable in helping unite the Filipino Community,
facilitate assistance to fellow workers, promote
information and bring the concerns of Filipinos to the
attention of the Philippine Embassy,” said Philippine
Ambassador Luis Cruz in his speech during SULYAP’
1st Anniversary Celebration last Nov. 2 at Columban
Mission House.
More so, he discussed major issues currently
affecting Filipino migrant workers in South Korea
particularly those workers under the Employment
Permit System (EPS) sector.
Korean Won depreciation
The ambassador pointed out the looming effect of
global economic crises to the currency rate between
Korean Won and US Dollar affecting OFWs salary. “In
life, challenges abound. You no doubt feel, right now
the effects of the financial crisis. The Korean Won has
depreciated. KRW 1,000,000 used to amount to
around Php 50,000 but in the past few weeks, the
Korean Won lost as much as 20% to 30% of its value
as compared to its strength at the beginning of this
year,” Amb. Cruz commented.
by Edward Castro
Gawad Fr. Glenn Awards: Filcom and Philippine Embassy rejoice with the awardees
for outstanding service to OFWs during SULYAP' 1st anniversary celebration.
S eoul, South Korea — Various Filipino communi-
ties from Seoul and nearby provinces have
joined the Filipino EPS Workers Association (FEWA)
and SULYAPINOY in recognition with the awardees
of the first Gawad Fr. Glenn Giovanni Jaron who
exemplified outstanding services among OFWs in
South Korea last Nov. 2 at Columban Mission House.
Philippine Ambassador Luis Cruz led the awarding
ceremonies during the first anniversary celebration of
SULYAPINOY. “In a span of one year, SULYAPINOY
has become a channel in reaching out our kababayan
through its newsletter and website. It has become not
only a voice for EPS workers, but for all Filipinos and
even foreign workers as well. You have come this far
by faith with action. Through achievements and
challenges, you persevered and created a model for
success,” Amb. Cruz said.
SULYAPINOY is accepting cash donation for its monthly printing expenses. You may deposit them @ Account #: 049702 04 058587 / Account Name: Sofonias N. Paragsa / Bank: KB or Kookmin Bank
2
Editorial: Aggravated 3-D Work Benefits 3
Feature: Juan Dayang Jr: Scholar, Leader and... 4
Feature: A New Habit 4
Literary: Poem Writing Contest Entries and Essays 5
OFW-KOREA-2006-001 Fun & Learn: Crossword & Number Puzzle, Comics 6
www.sulyapinoy.org November 2008
Abolishment of free accommodation and food
benefits
Also, Amb. Cruz shared the MOL plan to abolish the
current employers’ provision of free accommodation
and food benefits to the EPS workers. He reported
that during the meeting conducted between
Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and the
Ministry of Labor together with Korea Federation of
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) last Oct. 14,
MOL explained that the move was primarily to
equalize the benefits between a foreign EPS worker
and his Korean co-worker. Some Korean employers
have also demanded to take away the said benefit.
It was also explained that a study or survey will be
conducted to come up with a uniform cost of
accommodation and food which will be shouldered
by the worker. The uniform cost will be circulated
among EPS employers for their reference.
Despite of the move, it was also emphasized that
the provision of accommodation and food benefits is Photo by Felix Ferrer
still be possible and will be a matter to be agreed HE Ambassador Luis T. Cruz delivers his keynote speech
upon between an employer and a worker. MOL also during the SULYAPINOY 1st Anniversary celebration at
clarified that it will not issue a (turn to page 2) Columban Mission House on Nov. 2, 2008.
The first recipients of the
awards are as follows: Most by Elizer Peñaranda
Outstanding Filipino Com-
munities - Ansan Filipino
Community (AFC) of Ansan,
I taewon, Seoul — Amid the ongoing financial
crisis and the reported abolishment of free
accommodation and meal benefits of workers under
Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic the Employment Permit System, Filipino EPS
Community (HFCC) of Seoul, Workers Association (FEWA) supported the finan-
Human Rights Welfare Organi- cial literacy campaign of the Philippine Embassy
zation Filipino Community last Nov. 9.
(HRWOFC) of Cheong-ju,
Changhyun Filipino Catholic Aimed to promote savings consciousness and
Community (CFCC) of improve the current financial management skills of
Maseok, and Kasan Migrant OFWs while working in South Korea, the Financial
Workers Community (KMWC); Literacy Program (FLP) is a tool for information to
Photo by Felix Ferrer and Most Oustanding Filipinos empower OFWs on how to save and the know-how
- Sr. Miguela P. Santiago, to start a small business as part of the reintegration
FMA of HFCC, Pastor Jones
program of the Philippine government for our
Galang of Osan Migrants
modern heroes. (turn to page 7)
Center, Dr. Emely Dicolen-Abagat, Ph.D (HFCC),
Ms. Judith Hernandez, a politician and Mr. Franklin
Caturla (HRWOFC).
Also, KASAMMAKO Chairperson Pol Par with Bicol
Association Vice-President George Angeles,
PMWAK President Aldrin Igana, Norvi Bewang and
company of UNTV 37, Helen Balgos and Michael
Berry of Human Rights Group, PHILWAK, Seil tour
PR manager Mila Monteverde, AFC President
Kathlia de Castro, KMWC President Anthony Carl
Dacones with Sister Luz Olalia, SJBP, HFCC
Rebeck Beltran and Gemma Cantutay, HRWOFC
former president Ana Maria Adante with Rofezel
Felix Ferrer
Photo by Elizer Peñaranda
Esperanza and Pucheon Workers Association
Ramsey Arazanso with Maricar Sinagpulo FLP Seminar: FEWA members with Chris Ariola (center)
represented their respective constituents in support flanked by Counselor Garcia (left) and Consul Dayang
to the celebration. (turn to page 7) (right) raise the Philippine flag in support to the program.
 NEWSBITS
by Rebenson Recaña
H yehwadong, Seoul — "Thank you, we have
learned a lot from you" printed on the souvenir
t-shirt with Fr. Glenn’s photo and OFW logo as Fili-
pino EPS Workers Association (FEWA) launched the
fundraising project last Nov. 9 at St. Benedict
Church.
Proceeds of the said project will be forwarded to
Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic Community (HFCC) in
support to the General Nakar Quezon Scholarship
Program. T-shirts can be bought at KRW10,000 each
with available sizes of small, medium, and large.
More so, in line with recent SULYAP’ 1st anniversary
celebration and in support to Prof. Emely Dicolen-
Abagat's call for the General Nakar Quezon Scholar-
ship Program, FEWA sold a number to show grati-
tude to HFCC and former Chaplain Fr. Glenn
Giovanni Jaron, MSP who is currently based in
California. In his phone message to SULYAPINOY,
he expressed his deep gratitude for the full support to
the project he initiated. "Maraming salamat sa inyong
walang sawang pagtulong sa ating kababayan dito
sa Korea at sa ating bansa, ako'y nagagalak and
keep up the good work," he said.
For orders and reservations, you may contact FEWA
and SULYAP’ staff for the limited supply available.
You may also contact Precy Niebres of HFCC at
016-212-3100 for direct purchase of the t-shirt.
Gas Tax Refund for Korean Nationals and Foreign Residence
by Alden Balgos
S outh Korea — Korean Nationals and Foreign
Residence (workers or self-employed) who have
stayed in Korea for more than at least one year hav-
ing an income of not more than KRW36,000,000 in the
year 2007 will receive a tax refund more known as
Gasoline Tax Refund sponsored by Korea National Tax
Service as a government subsidy in response to the
recent soaring oil prices affecting economic situation.
For foreign resident workers, only their employers can
make an application until October 31, 2008. For Self-
employed foreign residence, they can go to any dis-
trict tax office for their application until November 31,
2008. The amount to be received shall depend on the
Catholic Groups to Support
Campaign against NPS-SSS Accord
by Rebenson Recaña
P hilippines — Episcopal Commission for the
Pastoral Care of Migrants and Iterant People
(ECMI) under the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of
the Philippines (CBCP) Bishop Precioso Cantillas,
SDB, DD of the Diocese of Maasin, Leyte, in a letter
thru Fr.Edwin Corros, supported the petition of the
Filipino workers against the NPS-SSS agreement
and presented recently the issue to Philippine Mi-
grants Rights Watch (PMRW) to do the follow-ups on
the submitted campaigned signatures with Sen.
Miriam Defensor-Santiago.
Bishop Cantillas has learned the crusade against the
bilateral agreement thru Fr. Alvin Parantar, MSP
during his visit to St. Benedict Church last Oct. 26 for
his involvement to some issues confronting Filipinos
in the process of migration.
Currently, PMRW is composed of several groups
including Catholic NGOs which promotes human
rights of the migrant workers with ECMI as one of its
founding members.
2 SULYAPINOY NOVEMBER 2008 www.sulyapinoy.org
Fr. Glen T-shirt: Front and back view design in
fashionable plain colors.
annual income in the year 2007. If the total income is
less than KRW30,000,000, the recipient shall re-
ceived KRW240,000. If the total income ranges from
KRW35,000,000 to KRW36,000,000 the recipient
shall receive KRW60,000.
More so, the Korea National Tax Service encouraged
foreign workers to use its help desk and helpline
services which offer immediate assistance to all
foreign workers with problems or questions related to
tax matters. The help desk can be used thru its web-
site at http://www.nts.go.kr/eng/ while the helpline
service can be reached at 02-397-1440 and is
opened Monday to Friday from 10:00AM to 5:00PM .
Immigration Officers
Conduct Massive Crackdown
by Dondave Jabay
M aseok, South Korea — Over 100 undocu-
mented migrant workers were arrested
during the massive raids inside the Maseok
Industrial Complex in Namyangju City, Gyounggi-Do
and at the Cheong-San Farm in Yeon-Chon,
Gyounggi-Do on Nov. 12.
Reports said, hundreds of police officers cordoning
off the Maseok Industrial Complex, and indiscrimi-
nately arresting migrant workers. The arresting
team, without bothering to identify themselves,
barged inside migrants' dormitories and housing
units. There were also reports of verbal and physical
abuses.
The crackdown happened right after the wide
crackdown campaign launched by MOJ and MOL
from Oct. 13. to Nov. 12 announcing its stepped up
crackdown against illegal immigrants. It also
announced thru MOJ official website that it aimed to
reduce illegal immigrants from 220,000 to 200,000
by later this year and 19.3% to 10% within five years.
Amb. Luis Cruz Keynotes…
policy stating that EPS workers are not entitled to the
said benefits.
Comments of the Phil. Embassy during the meeting
Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) Attaché
Delmer Cruz pointed out that unlike their Korean co-
workers, EPS workers are temporary guest workers;
hence, they should be provided with free accommoda-
tion. This is the industry practice in most labor receiving
countries like the Middle East.
More so, Korean employers in other sectors like profes-
sionals and entertainers (OPAS) provide this benefit too.
“Free accommodation and food has always been given
to workers, since the start of the EPS and even under its
precursor, the Industrial Training System (ITS). Thus,
removal thereof would be tantamount to diminution of
benefits,” Labatt Cruz added during the said meeting.
On the other hand, the Korean side admitted that the
move is not connected with the current global financial
crisis. In fact, MOL said that the demand for EPS workers
will continue and even increases. The Philippine em-
bassy will continue to renegotiate with the Korean side
and inform the EPS workers of further developments.
RP-ROK Social Security Agreement
As regards to social security issue, Amb. Cruz confirmed
that all foreign workers employed through the EPS and
ITS will eventually be excluded from coverage of NPS
but he emphasized that nothing in the agreement pre-
vents employers from making a 50% employer’s share
on the monthly contribution. He also emphasized that
contributions to the NPS are intended to fund a worker’s
retirement, death or disability pension and the savings
should be used for this purpose. “This should be part of
everyone’s personal financial planning,” Amb. Cruz
reiterated.
“There will be no transfer of funds to the SSS. Instead,
contributions paid to the NPS will remain with NPS until
claiming at retirement age. There were ongoing talks that
contributions can be made through Metrobank or
relatives back in the Philippines. The agreement will
make SSS coverage of EPS and ITS workers manda-
tory,” he added.
Financial Planning
In support to the RP-ROK Social Security Agreement,
Amb. Cruz pointed out the importance of financial plan-
ning. “We should always save. There is no reason not to
save. That there are expenses back home is not reason
enough. We can always save. And you should involve
your families as well. This, precisely, is the subject of our
Financial Literacy Seminar, a project that FEWA will
hopefully join and promote in the future,” he explained.
Public engagement of issues
Also, he reminded SULYAPINOY on the importance of
responsible reporting in public engagement to issues.
“There are times when things appear to be bad, but the
media also play a role in sometimes exaggerating things,
making us feel more disadvantaged than we really are.
This then causes a cycle where people continue to look
at things negatively, to feed and be fed upon by more
sensationalists reporting. The end-result: a feeling of
helplessness when hope and help actually abound,” he
commented.
More so, Amb. Cruz challenged SULYAPINOY to consis-
tently uphold responsible reporting, exercise prudence,
avoid sweeping generalizations, and double-check the
facts. He also expressed his strong support to SULYAPI-
NOY. “The Philippine Embassy will be with you through
this all. We need to cooperate and help each other and in
my talks with Ambassadors of other labor-sending coun-
tries, they told me that they look forward to Filipinos in
Korea as model foreign workers. Let us not fail them in
their expectations. You are called upon to lead. You have
come this far by faith. Together, we can go even farther,”
the ambassador added.
 EDITORIAL

Recently, the federation of Korean employers of the
small and medium-scale enterprises has
announced its plans for the forthcoming renegotia-
tion of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
of the Employment Permit System. In relation to the
provisions of the benefits of the workers, some
employers suggested the abolishment of the
current inclusion of free accommodation and meal.
Instead, the workers are subject to shoulder all the
expenses for the said basic needs.
The EPS Workers Association (FEWA) together
with various labor groups firmly support the general
welfare of the workers with the inclusion of comfort-
able accommodation and meal to the standard
labor contract as benefits of the workers under the
said labor program.
Currently, EPS workers’ longlist on monthly
deductions includes income tax, inhabitant tax,
health insurance, unemployment insurance, and
national pension contribution plus the high cost of
living which significantly affect the monthly remit-
tance send home to our families.
Moreover, the suggested abolition of such benefits
though no Korean labor law would be violated
remains inhumane treatment for every foreign
worker who has the right for protection on basic
necessities like shelter and food since the Lee
Myung-bak administration campaign slogan is pri-
marily focused on the maturity of the country to-
ward globalization.
Engaged in 3-D (dirty, difficult and dangerous) that
most Koreans avoid, threatened job security and
aggravating economy brought by global financial
meltdown, foreign workers who have provided
valuable contribution to South Korea’s highly re-
garded economy strength need such fringe benefits
particularly on accommodation and meal to compen-
sate the dedication to our work though highly risky to
health which we used to embrace.
Since 2004, reported problems and issues like indus-
trial accidents due to inadequate supply of industrial
protective equipment, physical and verbal abuses,
unpaid benefits, overtime work and salary, uncomfort-
able accommodation particularly during wintertime
and violation of labor contract have confronted both
South Korea and the sending countries including
Philippines with regard to the labor agreement
which is considerably new and on “trial and error”
stage.
We strongly urge our Philippine government to
keep firm in promoting the general welfare of all
OFWs including the EPS workers’ rights to
receiving free accommodation and meal since the
MOU on labor program between ROK and the
Philippines is set to be renegotiated and ratified
anew before the year ends.
Also, the Korean lawmakers should set some
provisions in the Korean labor laws considering the
importance of the accommodation and meal and be
solely provided by the employers for the welfare of
foreign workers during the employment period.
The Ministry of Labor (MOL) should also include
the Standard Labor Contract (SLC) as integral part
of the MOU of the Employment Permit System to
curb a number of the reported complaints in the
violation of contract the agency has continually
receiving.
To our fellow EPS workers, who continuously give
support to the economy of both South Korea and
the Philippines despite 3-D work, exposure to
health risky job, work-related problems, longlist
deductions on salary, Korean language difficulty,
homesickness, global financial crisis and some
other issues. Let us keep proving our worth of
being highly motivated, skillful and hardworking
workers for we are much deserving of what we’ve
been receiving as work partners of Asia’s fourth
largest economy.

EDITORIAL STAFF BOARD OF PUBLICATION

Editor-in-Chief: Elizer M. Peñaranda Managing Editor: Dondave Jabay
Opinion Editor: Rebenson B. Recaña News Editor: Edward A. Castro Chairman: Rebenson B. Recaña Vice Chairman: Dondave Jabay
Feature Editor: Elizer M. Peñaranda Literary Editor: Amie Sison
Cartoonist: Alden C. Balgos Photojournalist: Felix S. Ferrer Board of Publication in:
Layout Artist: Dondave Jabay
Outreach, Recreation and Religious Program: Alden C. Balgos
Circulation Managers: Teofilo C. Camo; Alwyin A. Casiño; Marcelino M. Serdeña III Budget and Finance: Marcelino M. Serdeña III
Contributors: Sofonias “Chabok” Paragsa; Billy Vela; Joven M. Araquel; Cherryl Diza SULYAPINOY Website Development and Maintenance: Dondave Jabay
Adviser: Ma. Regina P. Arquiza Newsletter Sponsorship Program: Edward A. Castro
Consultant: Fr. Alvin B. Parantar, MSP; Prof. Emely Dicolen-Abagat, Ph.D. Training & Workshop: Richard C. Corpuz

SULYAPINOY Office Address: 115-9 Songbuk-gu, Songbuk-dong, Seoul Korea

FEWA Office Address & SULYAPINOY Distribution Center: Inside WOORI BANK, Hyehwa-dong Branch, Jongno-gu, Seoul

D I S C L A I M E R For Comments, Suggestions, Contributions & Advertisements

Different opinions are encourage to stimulate
m e m b er i np u t a n d i nv o l v em en t .
SULYAPINOY’s role is to provide information
that permits FEWA members to develop
informed opinions on subjects that will affect
their status as migrant workers and, in some
instances, their personal lives. FEWA does
not hold itself responsible for statements
made by any contributor. Statements or
opinions expressed in SULYAPINOY reflect
the views of the author(s) and not the
official policy of FEWA unless so stated.
Please submit them to our website and the following emails below:
Website: www.sulyapinoy.org
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All Staff: editorialstaff@sulyapinoy.org or sulyap.editorialstaff@gmail.com
Editor-in-Chief: sulyap.eic@gmail.com Managing / Sports: sulyap.managing@gmail.com
• We reserve the right to refuse any submission we deem does not meet our policies and guidelines.
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• For literary entries, please limit your essay composition to a max. of 600 words only due to space limitation.
Thank you for your time and interest!

www.sulyapinoy.org SULYAPINOY NOVEMBER 2008 3

 FEATURES
“I always wanted to share whatever I’ve learned and
initiate changes for our community,” shared Consul
Juan “Jed” Dayang Jr. during his Financial Literacy
Campaign Seminar, the flagship project of the gov-
ernment, among Filipino communities in South Ko-
rea.
At 36, he spent valuable public service and experi-
enced challenging lives in the peninsula since 1993
up to 2008 -as scholar and the Second Secretary and
Consul of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul.
Empowering Oneself thru Education
In 1996, he earned his scholarship on MBA Major in
Industrial Business and Economics with highest Consul Jed talks on ‘Paying yourself first and
honors at Graduate Institute of Peace Studies in
Kyung Hee University (Seoul) and became the first
foreigner elected as president of the student council.
“I held the position for I wanted to speak out as Fili-
pino and support our OFWs who suffered from work-
related abuses based from news articles I’ve read
which prompted me to write proving that Filipinos are
no ordinary students and workers in South Korea.
Having the Best Thesis entitled “Philippines in APEC
and ASEAN: Congruency”, he headed back to the
Philippines, focused on Youth Forum on APEC and
spearheaded the Youth Forum on APEC and
Philippine Culture with former President Fidel Ramos
as guest of honor. “I wanted to talk about on how
Philippine culture could sustain itself in globalization,”
he continued.
Involving Youth on Politics and Foreign Affairs
His involvement on youth forums has paved the way
to organize the Alliance for Youth Solidarity (AYOS)
in 1997 to ensure the voice and the rights of the
youth for the first partylist election and for having
received 67,000 votes nationwide enough for AYOS
proclaimed in the partylist group with one seat in
Congress.
“As I get older, I realized that aside from individual
capacity, one needs the support of others for I could-
n’t do it all alone. Aside for having a social worker
mother and a journalist dad, I had my early exposure
and knowledge to international issues and began to
espouse public service with the global mindset,” our
young leader shared as he assumed his position in
Checking the currency rate is now considered as
one of the habits that most Filipinos do everyday.
For those Filipinos in Korea earning dollar, they
can’t hide the feeling of excitement and anticipation.
On the other hand, for those people earning won,
this situation is indeed gloomy making them feel that
their money doesn’t have value anymore.
The original price of a small box of milk is 500 won
and now it costs 700 won. Or if we assume that a
worker’s salary is one million won, it means that it’s
only about 700 dollars. This is painful to a lot of
Filipinos especially at this time because Christmas
is coming.
It is lamentable that the ongoing economic downturn understand the details of the existing global economic
worldwide makes every Juan dela Cruz suffer more. crisis, but feeling the effects of it makes everything
As reported, South Korea’s won slumped 30 percent clearer. And also, a lot of Filipinos feel threatened of
4 SULYAPINOY NOVEMBER 2008 www.sulyapinoy.org
by Elizer Peñaranda
Taking Actions, Views and Possibilities
For six years, the Philippine embassy has been
proactive to issues confronting our OFWs and helped
negotiate with the Korean government in solving and
making improvements. “I’ve worked with four
ambassadors and dealt with issues. It was during the
time of Amb. Villacorte, the embassy put much effort
to curb human trafficking by disseminating relevant
information and rights of the OFWs like our
entertainers,” he added.
Thru Employment Permit system, the world recog-
nized how Korea becomes more democratic with
programs on labor and for multicultural families. Also,
he has been assertive with the possibility for Filipinos
making your money work for you’ under the FLP. to teach English language to Koreans which only
native speakers are currently allowed. “We have the
initiative and if given the opportunity, we can provide
them with the best and brightest teachers for I
believed they have high regard with our quality edu-
cation and for our teachers to improve the skills while
teaching and after work contract share the acquired
skills back to our public schools,” he suggested.
Fostering Ties and Support with Filipino Communities
The Filipino community in South Korea has been the
staunchest alley of the Philippine government in
providing services to our expats for years. He firmly
believed in building public trust, we must listen, guide
and be honest to our people for they naturally under-
Filcom and friends congratulate Consul Dayang for stand our strength and weaknesses. “I get inspired
valuable service to OFWs awarded by Amb. Luis Cruz. with our OFWs in South Korea who continuously
bring hope and pride to our country and to God for
the Philippine Embassy of Seoul in 2002. giving me the strength and wisdom to share this
Financial Literacy Program (FLP) with full trust and
As the Administrative Officer, he supervised the daily support from Ambassador Luis Cruz and friends,” he
activities of the embassy like personnel, finance, shared.
records, communications and properties since 2003.
Currently, his Masters of Public Administration
Also, some of the positions he held are as follows:
(candidate for graduation) under the University of
Head, Diplomacy Unit (since 2003); Coordinator, Assis-
Oklahoma with research on “Effects of Financial
tance to National Unit (2002-2005); Phil. Delegation
Education among Filipino Overseas Workers in
Liaison Officer and Head of Support Group to APEC Seoul, Korea shows that FLP is effective in increasing
(2005); Chair, first Absentee Voting (2003); Arranged the knowledge as it focused on the subject of chang-
Conferment of honorary PhD of Laws to President Glo- ing behaviors and by sharing the knowledge with the
ria Macapagal-Arroyo by Kyungsung University-Busan families and this campaign on Savings or Save first
during the APEC Summit (2006); Chair, Working Group before Spending is paramount amid global financial
of ASEAN Sub-Com of the ASEAN 40th Anniversary crisis to OFWs and our families back home. “Through
Seminar in Seoul (2007); and Coordinator, Financial Financial Education, we take a step closer to
Literacy Program for OFWs (March 2008). eradicating poverty,” he added.
by Ma. Regina P. Arquiza
losing their jobs making them feel worried about
their families back home.
Predicting what’s going to happen in the economy is
something that can’t be measured exactly. There
might be a possibility of being able to ease the tur-
moil, but time and patience are badly needed. This is
not a single fight of Juan dela Cruz, it’s a global
struggle that requires faith from everybody in the
global context. Government leaders who attended
the previous forum of the Asia-Pacific Economic
Cooperation (APEC) held in Peru promised that they
will take all necessary economic and financial meas-
since the end of June and now considered the worst
performing currency in Asia. It may not be easy to ures to resolve the crisis. Let us all have faith that
this issue will be solved soon. And then, having a
habit of offering a short prayer to resolve this crisis
will be of great help too.
 LITERARY

SULYAP ng PINOY HANGARING TUNAY

ni Billy Vela
(Ansan Filipino Community Volunteer)
Dito sa Korea ay may isang pahayagan
Buwan-buwan ay tunay itong inaabangan
Pagkat hatid nito’y balita sa mga kababayan
Pati impormasyon na dapat nilang malaman.
Itong pahayagan na SULYAPINOY ang ngalan
Ito’y nagsimula isang taon na ang nagdaan
Naging sandata ay mata, tenga at panulat lamang
Nagsilbing boses ng mga Pilipinong kanyang kababayan.
ni Joven M. Araquel
(FEWA Member)
Sa simula pa ikaw ay naging kanlungan
Naging mata at tainga ng ating kababayan
Mga sakripisyo at hinaing ay iyong pinakinggan
Iba’t ibang mga bagay ang naisip upang kabaya’y matulungan.
Kayraming panahon at ginugol na oras
Ang pagtulong sa kapwa ay di pinalipas
Sa oras ng paglilingkod ikaw ay di umiiwas
Bagkus hinaharap anumang hirap at pagod ang dinaranas.

Ngayon ika’y nagdiriwang ng unang kaarawan Iba’t ibang balita ang hatid mo sa tuwina
Ating lingunin isang sulyap ng iyong nakaraan Dito sa korea naging boses ka ng masa
Mga araw na tila pagsubok ay di malalampasan Kahit na malayo kami sa aming mga pamilya
Ngunit heto ka ngayon naglilingkod pa rin sa bayan. Iyong hatid mga pangyayaring mula sa ating bansa.

SULYAPINOY ika’y tunay na maaasahan Mula sa mga kababayan ikaw ay dakila

Sa sandaling uhaw kaming lahat sa kaalaman Dahil sa tulong mong ganap at mabuting gawa
Pagdating sa balita na patas mong ipinapaalam Maraming salamat sa taos pusong pagpapahalaga
Nagsilbing kaibigan sa lahat ng nangangailangan. Sa kababaya’y nagbigay kaluwagan at nagdulot ng ginhawa.

Bilang regalo sa SULYAPINOY na aming kaibigan Simula pa man abot kamay ang iyong pagdamay
Marami pang taon hiling sa Maykapal ng karamihan Sa oras ng kagipitan ikaw ang kaagapay
Pagkat hindi lubos maisip kung ikaw ay lilisan Sa iyong mga kababayan ika’y parte ng buhay
Paano na ang taong bayan na SULYAPINOY ay inaasahan. SULYAPINOY isa kang kaibigang may hangaring tunay.

When things turn out on Pasko para sa OFW

different way…
by Cherryl Diza (FIMIWAP Member - Busan)
Often than not, people go crazy when their
plans are not materialized the way they
planned them to be. Simple logic says that
there are a lot of things beyond our control.
There is Someone who is more powerful than
us, He is Almighty and He can make things
turn out according to His will. And this is a
FACT that we must accept, comprehend, and
must not question. Read Jeremiah 29:11~23
about God`s plan for you and me, for all of us.
I am used to planning things that i want to
happen in my life. I despise the "bahala
na" (whatever will be, will be) system because
i don`t want to face the worst when things go
wrong. Yet, sometimes, things turn out the
way i don`t expect them to be. I used to feel
frustrated, thinking i didn`t do well enough to
materialize those plans; that i wasn`t able to
foresee the hindrances. But then, i realized
that whatever i do, whatever preparations and
tactics i make or think of, to make every plan
(or even a dream) come true, many things are
really beyond my control. The only thing that
uplifts me in every failure is my belief that God
didn`t allow it to happen because He has
something better for me. I only need to open
up my mind and wait what God has in store
for me in the future. God has the final word,
He`s got the final decision in my life, in our
lives. And if all of us will believe in this FACT,
every failure will give us a new hope.
Psalms 16:9 - A man`s heart plans his way,
but the Lord directs his steps.
ni Amie Sison (SULYAPINOY Literary Editor)
“Mommy padalhan mo ako ng scrabble board at mp3, christmas gift mo sa akin ha!” Mula sa isang anak na
nangungulila sa kanyang Ina. Anak na alam niyang matutugunan ang kanyang pangungulila sa kanyang
Ina sa pamamagitan ng mga materyal na bagay.
“Okay anak padadalhan kita bago mag Christmas. I love you!” Ito naman ang isinagot ni Monette isang Ina
na hinahanap ang mga yakap ng kanyang anak. Ngunit hindi niya basta magagawa dahil nagtatrabaho
siya sa ibang bansa.
Pagkatapos maibaba ang telepono. “Ang daming gastos, at hindi ko na rin alam kung paano pagkakasya-
hin ang sweldo ko. Ang hirap pa nito napakababa ng palitan ng dolyar. Ang dami ko na rin utang. Hay naku!
Kahit mag part time job pa ako hindi rin sapat… Mag papasko pa. Ang daming hihingi ng pamasko. Sakit sa
ulo.” Kunot noo sa pagsasabi ng katotohan sa pagharap ng pasko niya.
Sakit sa ulo? Minsan sakit nga ng ulo ang pinansyal na problema. Ngunit mas mabuti pa rin ang sitwasyon
natin sa iba. Sa sitwasyong parang nakakasira ng ating pag-iisip at mga bagay na may kaugnayan sa ating
kalusugan. Siguro ay mas mainam kung matuto tayong magpasalamat sa ating mga biyaya at iwasan
tanungin ang Diyos sa mga bagay na hindi natin gustong nangyayari sa ating buhay.
Tuwing pasko kailangan nga ba natin gumastos ng maraming pera upang tayo ay maging masaya o upang
mapasaya ang ibang tao. Sa ibang tao, mayroon silang mga paraan upang madama ang tunay na diwa ng
pasko. Ang simpleng pagdiriwang na mapapakita ang pagmamahal sa Panginoon ay wala ng mas hihigit
pa. Napakadaling gawin ang mga ito sa Pilipinas. Ngunit, paano naman sa mga OFW sa buong mundo?
Malapit na ang kapaskuhan. Tayo ay mga migranteng manggagawa. Ang ilan sa atin ay matagal nang hindi
nararanasan ang diwa ng pasko sa ating bansa. Sa panahong ito hinahanap natin ay pagmamahal ng ating
pamilya. Karaniwan na sa mga Pilipino na ipagdiwang ang pasko kasama ang pamilya.Ito ay napakahirap
sa isang migranteng mangagawa na hindi man lang makasama ang kanyang pamilya. Ang iba ay na-
kakayanan na ito. Kinakaya dahil sa pangangailangan ng kanilang pamilya at para sa kanilang pangarap.
Napakaraming magulang ang nangingibang bansa para sa kinabukasan ng kanilang mga anak. Minsan
hindi naman alam ng mga mahal natin sa Pilipinas kung ano nga ba ang tunay na hinaharap natin sa
paghahanapbuhay sa ibang bansa. Nagkakaroon ng hindi pagkakaunawanan sa tuwing mapag uusapan
ang pinansyal. At para naman sa isang anak, ginagawa ng bawat magulang ang lahat upang matugunan
ang kanilang mga pangangailangan ng hindi nila mararamdaman ang hirap ng pangungulila.
Paano kaya dito sa Korea? Magkakaroon ng iba’t-ibang Christmas party ang mga organisasyon. Siguro
kahit paano ay mabawasan ang lungkot na dala ng pangungulila sa kanilang mga mahal na pamilya sa
Pilipinas sa pamamagitan ng pakikisama. At sa kaugnayan ng krisis sa pananalapi ay malaking tulong ang
pagtitipid.Sana sa darating na pasko ay magkaroon ang bawat isa ng kapayapaan at maramdaman nila
ang kahulugan ng pasko kahit na tayo ay nasa ibang bansa.

www.sulyapinoy.org SULYAPINOY NOVEMBER 2008 5

 FUN & LEARN / ANNOUNCEMENTS

By: Sofonias ‘Chabok’ Paragsa By: Dondave Jabay

1 대 원
1 Instructions:

열 명 사
1) Fill the white squares with numbers 1 to 9 so that they
2 2 3
3 add up to the sums shown in highlighted squares (gray

4 5 4
사 무 실
5 color).
2) A gray color square will show one or two numbers

6
6
이 서 separated by a diagonal line.
3) A number that is above the diagonal line is the sum of

7 8 아7
름 다 운
8 the row of white squares to its right.
4) A number that is below the diagonal line is the sum of
버 리 the column of white squares beneath it.

9 10
9
마 지 10
막 Two important rules:

을 대 학
11
1) There are no zeroes.
2) Do not put the same number in each sum of the row
11
12
12
모 기 of white squares to its right or column beneath it.
The most exciting part!!!
Answer to October Issue The first person to answer the puzzle correctly will be
given a public recognition through SULYAPINOY
ACROSS DOWN newsletter and website. How to report your answer?
Please call 010-9294-4365 or email @
1) royal palace 1) university student
sulyap.managing@gmail.com
2) malarial fever 3) bridge
4) non sense, unreasonable talk 5) pine tree
7) working in shift 6) topic 10) round robin, league series Answer Here
9) traditional Korean narrative 7) prison, jail
11) of course, right 8) hard study
12) dictionary 9) climax, the summit

by Alden C. Balgos

Answer to October Issue

01 - Sofonias N. Paragsa
Jose Richard T. Gabatan
04 - Ronald S. Saet
07 - Ronaldo M. Garcia
08 - Calixto C. Evangelista Jr.
Jhon Flores
11 - Christian D. Robles
12 - Loreto H. Agustin
Wilson D. Valenzuela
13 - Reynaldo O. Centeno Jr.
Lucia M. Castillo
15 - Rogelio D. Osorio
Mateo B. Longos Jr.
16 - Olympio D. Brucal
Marlon L. Libunao
18 - Sonny R. Luzon
CONGRATULATIONS TO…
(All winners who got the perfect answers)
1st - Billy Vela , Ansan Filipino Community, Ansan City
2nd - Mr. Arlene Malonzo, Kangyeoksi Seo Gu Bullo
dong 490 Beonji 1 ho, Incheon, South Korea
18 - Franklin U. Caturla
20 - Michael B. Balba
Joel M. Anover
23 - Jocelyn M. Villareal
24 - Ma. Victoria B. Cardona
25 - JESUS CHRIST
26 - Joel Y. Petallana
Rainerio R. Rafaya
27 - Maynard M. Manlosa
Joel P. Santiago
Arnolfo A. ALojado
Noel B. Ang
Marlon R. Daquiz
28 - Lorena G. Javier
29 - Cerly Barroga
31 - Raymund M. Macado

6 SULYAPINOY NOVEMBER 2008 www.sulyapinoy.org


FEWA Supports Financial…
Spearheaded by consul Juan Dayang Jr. since March
30, 2008 at Kasan Migrant Workers Community
(KMWC), FLP fosters on knowing how to keep what
workers earned and do more on what they keep -
Plan, Save and Invest - as emphasized to achieving
financial freedom.
The concept of Save first before spending highlighted
the first part of the program to apply the easy formula
(Income-Savings=Consumption) on saving.” This is
very ideal and I would like you to make use of this
and help the low savings rate of the Philippines which
is at 19-23% of the GDP and considerably among the
lowest compared with Malaysia, Singapore and Viet-
nam,” Dayang added.
However, Vice-Consul Arnel Talisayon shared the
recent study survey results conducted by the Interna-
tional Monetary Fund on having the family of an OFW
who eventually become dependent and doesn’t want
to work anymore. “With regard to FLP, its initial suc-
cess will rely, also, on sharing the learned knowledge
to our families in the Philippines,” Talisayon com-
mented.
On the other hand, Commercial Counselor Edgardo
Garcia discussed on some business possibilities for
all OFWs. From franchising like on food, water supply,
budget hotels, laundry facilities, health services, cof-
fee shop and bakeshop to business opportunities in
the countryside promoting the One-Town, One-
Product program thru municipalities and provincial
government like on bamboo, vegetable and coffee
industries, house wares and home decors, meat and
fruit processing. “We encourage you to inform us of
세일 여행사 ( 주 )
Seowon Bldg., 10th Floor 91-1, Kyeongwon-dong Chongro-gu Seoul
Fax #: 723-5781 or 724-0636
Seil Tour System offers very reasonable prices which
are amazingly cheaper than other agencies you can
find for these routes:
INCHEON - MANILA - INCHEON ROUTE
INCHEON - CEBU - INCHEON ROUTE
PUSAN - MANILA - PUSAN ROUTE
We may deliver your ticket thru mail. Please send
your payment through our bank account…
#032-01-163167 Nonghyup Bank - Seil Tour
We’re
We ’re always ready to assist you for your good trip.
For more details please contact…
MILA MONTERDE at 02-724-0677 or
SHIN HWA-YOUNG at 02-724-0664
Other Services Offered: We can book you worldwide
www.seiltour.co.kr / www.itms.co.kr
NEWS / SPONSORS
your plans then we’ll have the planning and let’s
find out all the means and possibilities,” Garcia
shared.
Also, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration
Officer Esperanza Cobarrubias promoted the
OWWA Re-integration Program and current
services including the US$25 yearly membership
contribution of OFWs regardless of visa status.
OWWA has been fostering the welfare of OFWs
and their families back home.
Chris Ariola, a visiting participant, mentioned of the
importance and the benefits of migrant workers
from FLP. “I’d like to learn more on savings and
business possibilities to get kung ano ang maitutu-
long namin sa mga kasamahan lalo na pagbalik ko
sa Middle East,” he added.
Filipino Groups Attend Gawad…
Prior to the ceremony, Fr. Alvin Parantar, MSP,
FEWA spiritual adviser and SULYAP' editorial
consultant, celebrated a thanksgiving mass relevant
to the events theme: We've come this far by faith.
“With faith in God and with Filipinos' ingenuity-
creativity paired with resourcefulness-will produce
good results and the community is hoping that
SULYAPINOY will become the instrument of
change”, the priest shared.
Former FEWA President Loreto Agustin led the
induction of the newly elected officers in behalf of
the elected President Sofonias Paragsa who was
taking a vacation in the Philippines. Amb. Cruz
together with OWWA Welfare Officer Esperanza
Cobarrubias, Consul Juan Dayang Jr. and
Philippine-Korean Cultural House Manager Eunha
www.sulyapinoy.org
Park congratulated the officers for the commitment of
rendering services to fellow EPS workers.
Also, on center stage, KMWC performers led by Joy
Lor with Orly Tungala enthralled the audience with
live rendition of Bulag, Pipi at Bingi. Also, AFC per-
forming arts group led by their former president Billy
Vela showcased Filipino folkdances like Tinikling and
Aray.
”Huwag ka nang malungkot… Sulyap, Sulyap,
Sulyapinoy!” sang by Annabelle Lopez also known as
“GoodHeart”. With SULYAP’ jingle launching, every-
one couldn’t resist but dance as she belted out in
grooves with the reigning Bb. Kalinangang Pilipino
May Heducos and former SULYAP’ web administrator
Christian “DJ Zack” Robles.
The event highlighted the announcement of the poem
writing contest winners. Out of 12 participating poets,
Michael Balba with poem entry SULYAP grabbed the
first place while Joel Tavarro with Lipad Sulyapinoy,
Joan Romero with Nagsimula sa Wala, Ngayo’y Na-
kalayo Na, Rebeck Beltran with Sa Iyong Pagsilang
and Edgar Balista with Sulyapinoy pulled the second,
third, fourth and fifth places respectively.
SULYAPINOY Board Chairman Rebenson Recana
shared the continuous support from different Filipino
groups in the peninsula. "We’ve been challenged yet
enjoyed the experience during our first year, for many
have come to know and started trusting us with ex-
ceptional dedication offered by the editorial staff. With
the nearing of our volume 2 series, we are pleased to
provide our valued readers with accuracy, accuracy,
and accuracy as we also look forward to continued
growth in 2009 and beyond," he added.
SULYAPINOY NOVEMBER 2008 7
 Advance Merry Christmas!
OUR SPONSOR

8 SULYAPINOY NOVEMBER 2008 www.sulyapinoy.org Printed by