WATCH: Short film series tugs at heartstrings of Filipino families

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos are known for having the longest Christmas celebration in the world.

People look forward to attending and completing their Simbang Gabi, and eating bibingka or puto bumbong. Nativity scenes are put on display in homes and churches, parol and Christmas lights are hung on windows, and Christmas trees are up and glowing in red, green and gold.

Christmas is a time for families to come together and celebrate the birth of Jesus. However, not everyone gets to celebrate the holidays as a complete family, especially those working abroad.

Plight of an OFW parent

The life of an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) is not easy; it entails a lot of sacrifice. Sadly, it is a sacrifice that has become necessary in order to support their families. It is especially hard for mothers who work as either domestic workers or nannies, because instead of raising their own children, they are raising others’.

Domestic helpers and nannies are among the biggest labor exports of the country. Due to low wages and lack of opportunities in the country but high demand and better compensation overseas, many Filipinos are willing to take these kinds of job.

For many women, migrating to find work has become a cycle of leaving and coming back, only to leave again when situations at home becomes dire. For some of these women and their families, they can smile and bear the separation. But for others—especially the children, unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.

Children left behind

Most parents assume that their children will understand why they have to leave. However, some children grow up with resentment towards their parents who are OFWs. Out of guilt, the parents resort to giving their children material items such as gadgets, toys, etc.

Though the children enjoy these gifts, they also yearn for moments when the family is complete, most especially during special occasions, with a father to carry them on their shoulders or a mother they can run to when they’ve scratched their knees from playing. Children just want to be around their parents, and feel they are the most important persons in their life.

Tribute to unconditional love

In staying true to the heart of meaningful conversations, Joy Philippines launched the #ShareAMomentOfJoy short film series. The two films in the series are a departure from Joy’s usual comedic and lighthearted stories. They are more earnest portrayals of family struggles and heartwarming realizations set during the Christmas season.

Joy’s “OFW” video recognizes and salutes the sacrifices of OFWs and their families. It conveys the importance of bonding to make children feel that they are loved. Eating together as a family is important in strengthening family bonds. It provides a sense of security and belongingness.

Doing household chores is another way to bond. Dishwashing allows children to learn about teamwork and other functional skills, while allowing them some time alone with a parent. This is one of the moments when they can talk intimately and share problems that they would otherwise be too shy to share at the dinner table. This is when the real conversation begins.

In the second video entitled “Daughter,” Joy find a celebration of the love of a father for his daughter, regardless of her life choices that challenge conventions.

Watch Joy Philippines’ short film series here http://bit.ly/JoyDaughterfilm, and in the following video:

Join in on the conversation by share your moment of joy stories online with the hashtag, #ShareAMomentOfJoy.