Filipinos in Paris

In some ways, it felt like I did not leave Manila. Only because I was welcomed by several Filipinas on my first week-end in Paris. Two, I already know quite well since we were former classmates in Business French. The others I've heard of. In many ways, it was home away from home.

During my entire stay in Paris, I met other Filipinos. A friend from a previous job. The colleague of a former French client. Friends of friends. Riding the metro or walking around, I cannot help but notice faces that seem to be so familiar to me. They have the imprint of the Filipino blood in them.

I learned that there are around 25,000 Filipinos working in Paris alone. Sadly, many do not have the official papers to work there. I listened to their stories. Mostly bitter-sweet ones because they are away from their family.

They work hard. And they earn a lot. Start early and often finish late into the night. They get extra work during weekends or weeknights when there are special events.

They say that they are better off here compared to others who are in the Middle East or even the United States. Here, they get a lot of help from the government. They get medical aid, insurance and they are assured that their rights are respected. They get to send money to their families back home. Buy properties, build houses, send their children to school.

But those pleasing tales are laced with tears, loneliness and estrangement. One, who can't go home, hasn't seen her son for the last five years. Another gets to see her daughter only for one month of each year, the only time she can go home, for the last 17 years. One mother prefers not to go home because her husband just uses her children to get money from her. Many, I believe went there to earn some money and then became trapped with the feeling of security ub earning a lot of money.

They shared life stories of other Filipinos, many I could no longer rememeber. What struck me though is that they were all willing to bear so many sufferings in order to earn enough money.

I ask myself : am I willing to do the same? To be away from my family to earn money? Am I ready to pay the price of not knowing my children or fear the possibility of a husband that will betray me?

In my mind today, I could say that I would rather live a simple life together with my family than be far from them to earn a lot of money. But then, I do not know what they are really going through. Maybe I would do the same. Maybe not. Hard to say.

My prayer though is that I need not do the same in order to provide for my future family. God is gracious. He would provide.

Paris : from my eyes

Let me share my story through the pictures I have taken in Paris...

Walking along the River Seine, I had to take this beautiful picture of the Eiffel Tower.

1. What do I love best in Paris? The sky, the constantly changing sky. It has character. It has beautiful colors. The wind, when it blows, creates different images in the heavens.

Imagine yourself getting married in Paris, at the garden in front of the Eiffel Tower!

This is what the happy couple is doing on a Sunday afternoon. Very romantic!

Atop the Bateau Mouche, I had an hour-long tour along the river Seine. Very important, since I got to see all the magnificent structures. A very good and sunny day it was, unexpected many said, but I know it was expressly given to me by God.

I saw many people dotting the river side... just plain lying down and soaking the heat of the sun. It was supposed to be dark and raining. Instead I got the gift of a glorious day... just right for a tour.

One of the impressive bridges along Seine. The statue, I was told, is meant to indicate the water level in the river. Notice the wooden crates under the bridge? Sorry to dispel the euphoric image of the city of lights but Paris also has its share of problems : the SDFs or sans domicile fixe... the homeless.

In front of the Opera, while waiting for a friend, I couldn't resist. I had to take a picture of the city of lights. Just the right site for lovers to walk, while holding hands.

I followed my former teacher's advice. I went up the Montparnasse Tower and had a wonderful 360 degrees view of the city. At 7:00 in the evening, as the sun began to set, I appreciated the beauty of man's creative handiwork basked with the divine light from God's creation.

Some more on the next blog...

Am back!

And so here I am... back in Manila after two seemingly unreal weeks in Paris! I took so many pictures that they could probably fill four to five albums!

What can I say? Lots and lots! I will probably make a series of entries all about my trip!

Til then... here is an intro picture!

Paris, Paris...

Sharing the cup

I searched the internet for possible options. I made sure that it is somehow related to what i was familiar with. A recent visitor helped me get additional information. The choices were trimmed down to three.

And so on that Sunday morning, I had to make a choice. Which church should I go to? I have always wanted to see French Christians. They seem to be a rare breed. I haven't encountered one in my entire life. So my trip to Paris gave me a great opportunity to see what they do. And so I chose what I thought to be the best one. The name includes "Pentecostal." It must be a good choice. Very near the metro. It wouldn't be so complicated to go there.

My adventure begins.

I couldn't find the place (the number was not indicated outside). I just followed the crowd.

The service already started. I chose a seat and sat down. A big column covered my view. I couldn't see the pastor. Moving was not possible. Other people came in and I would create some fuss if I move. And so I hear what I couldn't see. Still good. I am a good listener.

The singing began. I didn't know the songs. My seatmate gingerly shared her booklet. It was then that I discovered... it is not the pentecostal service I had in mind. But it is okay. The important thing is that I was able to attend a service.

I loved though the part where everyone was free to verbalize their praises to God. Filipinos should be more like that. Even during the big services.

The pastor gave a short sermon. I don't remember it. Too early mornings for the last week. Not enough sleep. Thus, I was so so sleepy!

And then verbal praises again. Then singing. And then suddenly, I heard the pastor asking something to the people and saw them stand. I did not quite understand his words so I decided to remain seated.

Good decision.

It was the communion.

Why?

In shock I saw the usher giving a silver cup and a tissue to the first person on the row. I asked myself, "Will they do what I think they will do?"

And they did!

One drinks. Then cleanses the edge with the tissue paper. The next one does the same thing. Until the last one.

I would have wanted to take the communion. But I just couldn't. I hope it is okay.

Christ probably shared His cup with the disciples.

Still...

Paris : pros and cons

Paris is beautiful!

Especially at night!

The roads are well planned. The buildings have the same designs. The city is full of cafes and you can take long leisurely walks everywhere.

But the prices are high. The transportation system can be complicated especially to those who have just arrived.
I like what I see but I miss my rice. I miss the comfortable feeling I have when I go home late at night. I miss my comfort zone.

I love Paris but I think that it is better to visit it if you are with somebody. To appreciate it's beauty with the company of another person, your family, a friend or your husband.

Paris, my dream city. Yet, not really. I will explain. Later on.

Salut Paris! Je suis ici!

Hello Paris ! I am here !

These words I will say tomorrow morning as I arrive in the Charles de Gaulle airport in France. For many weeks I have prepared all the necessary requirements for my one week training. And here it is. Just a few more hours and a dream come true!

I will walk along Champs-Elysées. View the whole of Paris atop the Eiffel Tower. Wonder over the grandeur of the King and Queen’s Apartments in Versailles. Take a Bateau Mouche cruise along Seine river. Feed on the works of art in Louvre and Musée d’Orsay.

I will write again. From Paris.

A different kind of boss

A previous blog mentioned that my boss just left. This means, of course, that a new one replaced him. With trepidation, I prayed to God that I will be able to get along with her. Three weeks have passed and I can say for sure that God did answer my prayer. Everyone said that I was lucky to have her as a boss. Let me enumerate some of the reasons:

- She gave several things for my trip to France ( a scarf, a sweater, and a shawl)
- She lent me a coat (wool, great for a 5 degree weather!)
- She started a Friday morning merienda ( the recent one... chocolates, dried mango, chocolate spread and strawberry jam on baguette..mmm....)
- She stimulated the admin. officer to clean up the stockroom and pantry (expired food, dusty and old supplies, outdated announcements... get the picture)
- She explains what she wants to happen in our sector, shares what she is doing and asks what she can do to help in what you are doing
- She prefers giving jobs to those who are really in need (tagalog tutorials from a sister-in-law of an employee, week-end job for the wife of the messenger, etc.)

What made me realized last week just how different she is? She knows how to encourage her team. She gives praises to whom they are due. She acknowledges contributions and tells it to others.

I have to admit it made me afraid. I became anxious since I know that I don't want to disappoint her expectations. Oh, they are not unreachable goals. She is realistic. Yet she is a perfectionist.

But I think this is the right kind of boss. The kind that pushes you to do your best yet does not step over your rights. The kind that makes you go a bit further so that your report will be the best ever. The kind that may push you to your limits yet will make you feel great about it. The kind that will make you learn more beyond what you thought possible.

I had many bosses. I am glad that God finally gave me a great one.