Thanks for the input.

* Need a more stable job - Most (if not all) Filipinos I met here at Singapore have the same motivation why they accepted the job opportunities here - better compensation. I think most of the employment of Filipinos here are on a contractual basis which is also the same scenario in the Philippines. I don’t think Filipinos will also find job security in the Philippines and worse a compensation that is not commensurate. A permanent job status doesn’t necessarily means a secured job.

* Jobs as Automatons - Yes I have to agree with on this but most Filipinos don’t mind it as long as the job will provide them a better paycheck to support their families. For us our topmost priority is livelihood, second is work preference. I finally accepted this fact after my wife gave birth to twin babies. Reality bites.

* Home sick - This is only a temporary setback but true it’s the most difficult situation to deal with for most OFWs. There are many ways to fight off home sickness like picking up a new skill or hobby, meet new friends, etc. I always spend time on weekends chatting with my family via Skype and every month I make it a point to go home even on weekends.

* Cost of Living Discrepancy - Cost of living may be cheap in the Philippines but majority of Filipinos can’t afford a “comfortable” lifestyle. I had a discussion about this topic with my fellow Filipino colleagues here and we observed that even though commodities here in Singapore are very expensive compared to the Philippines, Filipinos workers can still afford to buy these because they have the purchasing power.

* Second Class Citizens - I don’t mind being a second class citizen as long as I can earn a decent living for my family. I think most OFWs share the same belief. Racial discrimination may not be that common in the Philippines but majority of Filipinos are discriminated by their social/financial status. The gap between the rich and poor in the Philippines is something even worse than racial discrimination. Hence, a typical working class Filipino is still treated as a second class citizen at his/her own country.

* I can’t survive without househelp - D.I.Y. is adventurous and fun! I think the elite Pinoys are the ones who will have a hard time dealing with realities once they leave the luxurious life from their families. But for majority of Filipinos who are used to a D.I.Y. and pragmatic lifestyle this is not a major concern. It’s a good way to learn on how to be genuinely independent and practical in life.

* I love the Philippines! - We OFWs also do that’s why we sacrifice ourselves to help our families and even the economy of the country for a better future!

well in your PAL case, they might just be jealous because you are pretty safe already and have a secure job. they are just venting their frustrations on you. this is true with any form of discrimination. i believe they only discriminate because they are insecure (afraid of loosing their jobs to low cost laborers, afraid of their status as citizens, afraid of getting out shone). i am sure deep inside they are nice people too. just nice people with problems and insecurities.

about reverse exodus, my mom and her husband will go home to the philippines to retire. main reason: to be with her siblings. family is a big part of filipino society. it has pros and cons, but we’re really lucky to have a huge family.