Maybe it’s the smell of fishballs in your area. Or the noise of your neighbors or of your loved ones. Maybe it’s the sight of jeeps, tricycles and pedicabs. It can also be the taste of pinakbet or bagoong sold at a carinderia. Or probably you’re just homesick.  

Thousands of Filipinos leave the country everyday in search for a better pasture. Armed with their passports, visas, luggage, etc, an OFW must bring a heavier arsenal in combating homesickness. There’s nothing like waking up and realizing that its not your room, and you’re miles away from ‘Pinas. Somehow, being the ever optimistic and brave and ingenious Filipinos are, some OFWs have succeeded in overcoming those pangs of loneliness.

Here are some of them:

• Find your Kababayans.  In case you were sent out alone, try to find out where most of the Filipinos in that country hang out. Try surfing the Internet or asking around. Try the malls, or Filipino restaurants and even find some Filipinos in Catholic churches. Of course, in making friends, be careful and choose wisely . Don’t go out with co-workers you don’t know very well.

• Party . Once you have succeeded in finding Filipino friends and chums, go to the parties. Like any other party, don’t get yourself too wasted and don’t drink and drive. Don’t waste your hard earned money and spend just enough.

• Stock up on your favorite Pinoy songs and buy CDs. Of course, pirated CDs are out of the question in case you might get in a tangle with the customs. Don’t forget to bring videoke cds as well. You might as well drown your homesickness in belting out your favorite songs.

• Kiss the cook. Learn to cook your favorite meal and cook for friends.

• Participate in any Pinoy sports fest. Sports not only builds camaraderie and character but also produces endorphins or the happy hormones.

• The Photo Album. Yes, as cliché as it may sound, bring pictures of your loved ones. Bring a lot so that you may always remember the very reason that you’re there and working like crazy.

• If anything else fails, you have so many options of keeping in touch. You can chat online with your loved ones or call them at home. You can e-mail them. If you happen to have a cellphone abroad, you can text them or call them on their cellphones. There are more ways that you can beat homesickness.

As an OFW, braving homesickness is a mark of your perseverance. Remember to whom all these efforts are for and think of them as your inspirations. Mabuhay ang Bagong Bayani!