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Volume 1 Issue 2 October-December 2014 “Bringing pride to all Filipinos around the world!”

Hello to all of my kababayans here in Romania! I hope you are enjoy-

ing the first few days of 2015. It has been over 3 months since our newsletter

came out on its maiden issue. For its second issue, we will have more inter-

esting features for our readers. Pinoy sa Romania offers great news-worthy

information about our events, places and people. I would like to congratulate

everyone for the success of the Anniversary of our Holy mass in October,

which was hosted by the Pinoy Organization in Romania (POIR) and the Hal-

loween Event in November which was hosted by ENFID. I also commend the

organizers of the TFCR SportsFest in September. It was, indeed, a meaning-

ful and very productive quarter for everyone who participated. I hope that we

could spark and inspire others to bring up more ideas on how to get us en-

gaged, enjoy each other’s company and work together as one united, strong

and happy Filipino community here in Romania. At the end of each of our

community events, I realized that we are brothers and sisters in Christ, and

that cannot be changed. I am very positive that our newsletter will connect us to a much deeper understand-

ing of cooperation, compassion and unity. I would love to for anyone to contribute in our newsletters by

sending me a short message with pictures, and encourage any Filipino that you know to connect with us for

anything. There is no “big or small” when it comes to sharing and in giving, everyone is appreciated! To all

of my kababayans, may the spirit of New Year give us a renewed start to connect, and together as a com-

munity, we build a solid ground of helping one another. Pinoy sa Romania newsletter is for everyone!

Mabuhay po tayong lahat!

Jennetta Alambra Co-Founder & Associate Editor Pinoy Sa Romania Newsletter

My Journey to Romania

Featured City

Sports Fest 2014

3rd Annual Filipino Mass

Forum on Migration

Other News

Introducing

“I received a lesson on what charity really means. When I met Filipino

community of Romania, comprising persons working as nannies or

housekeepers through the houses of the Romanians, I am constantly

amazed by what they are able to do. Even if they themselves are

faced with abuses, does not have financing, but they have many prob-

lems, they joined together and raised donations for two orphanages in

Bucharest. They gave the children collected clothes, rucksacks and

other office/school supplies. Although there are thousands of miles

from their children, whom they send all the money they saved, they still

find time to share with the orphans in Romania. One of the women in

the community, will play Ynia today in a play with free entry, where

they will collect donations for the Filipino community. If you have time,

I'll see you at 19 film, free entry and crowdfunding for the Filipino com-

munity.”

From Laura Ștefănuț, Freelance Journalist in Romania

Photo by Rose Cuevas Reyes

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Editor’s Message

Our first issue was a

great success! Thanks to every-

one who made it happen, most

especially to my co-founder,

Jenetta, for your selflessness

and your dedication to this

newsletter. I am sure for both of

us, this volunteer job to our kab-

abayans in Romania and to the

Filipinos overseas, is a self-

fulfillment.

With the overwhelming

feedback that we received from the community, no

less than the Philippine Embassy Budapest, and the

posting of our newsletter at the website of the Com-

mission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), I am encour-

aged to work more in making our newsletter a great

Filipino resource in Romania. As we usher in the new

year—2015, we –the staff—promise not only to get

better but become more responsive by being an agent

that will bring in more light on the issues that affects

our kababayans, specifically in Romania. We will con-

tinue to provide everyone equal opportunity to raise

their voice and sentiments as overseas Filipinos in Ro-

mania. I look forward to receiving more emails in the

year 2015 onwards! We welcome on board Bernie Jok-

er Duro in addition to our Editorial Board. He will be

our News Editor.

Ryan Tejero Co-Founder & Editor-In-Chief

LETTER FROM THE PHILIPPINE EMBASSY BUDAPEST

NEWSLETTER DEBUT POSTING ON CFO’S WEBSITE

Newsletter’s Managing Editor Jenetta Alambra and News Editor Bernie Duro, with TFCR President Josephine Napicog (L) and Xylarose Fiestada (R).

Philippine Embassy Budapest Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines

1026 Budapest, Hungary Gabor Aron utca 58

Tel no. : +36-1-391-4300 Fax no.: +36-1-200-5528

Email Addresses: phbuda@philembassy.hu budapest.pe@dfa.gov.ph

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My name is Carlo Santander, and presently

working in Craiova, Romania. In the Philippines, I

came from Sta. Rosa, Laguna. My story about going

to Romania is a little bit sad. When I started looking for

an agency to come here in Romania, I was selected to

come to Dubai in the Middle East. I complied with all

the requirements that were asked by the agency, at-

tending the pre departure orientation seminar and

even paid for the required placement fee. I wasn’t

scared at all because I knew other applicants had al-

ready left for Dubai. But I guess Dubai was not really

meant to be my intended destination abroad. After a

month of waiting for a call to leave for Dubai, I backed

out from the agency’s list. One of my agent’s friends

was looking for a hairstylist in Romania, and in Febru-

ary 19, 2014, I got hired and flew to Romania. I am

currently working as a hairstylist here in Craiova. I am

happy with what happened to me because most of us

at work are Filipinos. The salon is owned by a Romanian couple. They call it Manila Beauty Stylist. The same couple own

the Manila Restaurant. I am so proud of us Filipinos because our customers love our services and Philippine products that

are sold in the stores. At this time, these two establishments have been gaining popularity among the Romanian citizens

here Craiova, Romania.

I have signed a 3-year contract, but if given the chance, I would rather stay here longer than that, maybe 10 years. I

enjoy Romanian food. My favorites are Sarmale, Fructe De Mare and Cozonac. One of the reasons why I wanted to see

other countries is to experience the “real snow.” With all experiences here in Craiova, I would say, I am happy to have

worked here. Craiova is one of the biggest and fast-growing cities in all Romania. It has its own international airport and

equipped with modern transportation system. I always feel safe and comfortable in this city.

Carlo (far right) enjoys the winter season in Romania with Filipino friend Katherine and Romanian friend Hermina.

TFCR members waiting for the New Year’s countdown on December 31 at

Casa Popurolui in Bucharest. In this photo are (left to right) Cristina Enano,

Bing Atienza, Luidel Azuela, Catherine Del Castillo, Leslie Legaspi, Arlyn

Arcilla,Marlyn Barenio, Eliza Dagondon, Maria Tapire.

Pinoy Sa Romania is a quarterly e-newsletter of Filipinos in Romania. It provides a venue to exchange information and bring community members the news that encourage unity, cooperation and community-building. Please feel free to send in your articles, with pictures, stories and questions or com-ments to the Editor-in-Chief at ryantejero@yahoo.com.

ABOUT THE NEWSLETTER

Ryan Tejero Editor-In-Chief ryantejero@yahoo.com

Jenetta Alambra Managing Editor jenetta_alambra@yahoo.com

Bernie Duro News Editor warjaboo@gmail.com

Filipinos at the 2015 New Year’s Countdown

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This year, on its 3rd

Anniversary,

the Filipino community in Romania gath-

ered once again to celebrate the Holy

Mass. This was organized by the Pinoy

Organization in Romania (POIR). It has

been the goal of Filipinos to observe this

tradition to keep and strengthen their

Christian faith, love with one another, and

their desire to foster unity in the communi-

ty. A Filipino Mass every 3rd Sunday of

the month has also been organized by the

Filipino community. A church choir was

formed where Tagalog songs are per-

formed during the mass that is held in the

English language. Filipinos in Romania

are very strong in their spiritual belief.

While being away from their love ones in

the Philippines, they keep their belief high

in the love of God for His children.

It was in October 16, 2011 when

the Filipino community in Romania held its

Holy Mass at the Sacred Heart Church.

This church is located at Strada aviator 3,

Gheorge Demitriade, Sector 1 Bucharest

Romania. It was the then CDA (Charge D’

Affairs) Maria Fe Pangilinan, with the help

of Cultural Officers of the Philippine Em-

bassy Mrs. Marina V. Gonzalbo and her

husband Mr. Emmanuel Gonzalbo, who

helped the community to make arrange-

ments and organize the event. The com-

munity priest and Filipino supporter, Fa-

ther Eduard Giorgi officiated the Holy

Mass.

POIR Hosts the 3rd

Annual Filipino Mass in Romania

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This city hosts 9 reported Filipinos as of this writing. Craiova is the chief commercial city which is located on the west

side of Romania’s capital, Bucharest. It known as the most important city of Oltenia. The city has progressed a lot as a regional

trading center in the country. Despite the destruction caused by the earthquake in 1790, a plague in 1795, and a Turkish assault

in 1802, Craiova has stood still as today’s one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Romania. Craiova has a continental climate

with Mediterranean influences. During the summer months, the city has a high average of 30 °C (86 °F) and a low average of

18 °C (65 °F). In the winter months, it has a high average of 4 °C (39 °F) and a low average of -3 °C (26 °F).

Craiova hosts one of the most modern universities in Europe – the Universitatea. This university attracts many foreign

students from other parts of Europe and overseas students from the USA and Asian countries.

Parcul Rumanescu is the biggest natural park all over Romania and probably all over Europe, there's a lot of activities

that you can do here especially during summer, which includes biking, taking long walks, or just relaxing and enjoying the beau-

ty of nature. This park has a mini zoo, with a number of interesting wild animals that are only seen in Romania. A man-made

lake in the park features a water ride just like our Philippine “Bangka” or mini boat. Another special feature is a mini castle, with

a hanging bridge. If you are hungry, this park offers specialty restaurants or fine dining places that are overlooking the beautiful

lake.

Featured City in Romania with Filipinos CRAIOVA:

Filipino Community

Celebrates

Christmas with

Added Fun Feature

POIR’s Visits Orphanage in Romania

Members of the Pinoy Organization in Romania

(POIR) held its monthly visits in November and De-

cember as part of its charitable project. The benefi-

ciaries of POIR’s project are children from the orphan-

ages of Fundatia Padre Simpliciano (November 30,

2014) and Asociatia Muncitoarele Isus (December 7,

2014) in Colentina, Bucharest.

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Just in time to end the summer season, Filipinos in Romania held its Sports Fest. Community members were divided

into 4 playing Teams as represented by the colors: RED, GREEN, WHITE and BLUE. The Sports Fest has a goal of building

unity in the community and strengthening cooperation among Filipinos. The organizers have spent a lot of time planning for

the event, especially on what games to play, schedules and rules of the games, and prizes for winning teams. This kind of

event has brought community members closer to one another, and just another way of becoming productive while taking off

from their respective jobs and coping with their being away from their families and love ones back in the Philippines. On the

day of the event, the weather did not cooperate, thus, there were other games that were not played. The organizers are think-

ing of scheduling next year’s event on the early par to summer. Everyone seems to have a great time, and is looking forward

to Sports Fest 2015.

Volleyball: Green Team vs. Red Team Basketball: Blue Team vs. Green Team

Members of the Filipino community in Romania attended the

open forum on September 22, 2014, with guest speaker Ms. Cristina

Cotrubas Andras. She is the Chief Officer of the Cross-Cultural Affairs of

the United Nations, European Union and United Arab Emirates.Thank

you to all my fellow kababayans who attended the "OPEN FORUM" to-

day. Ms. Andras shared her upcoming projects that may be beneficial to

the Filipino community in Romania, especially those who working or per-

manently residing in the host country. The forum was organized through

TFCR’s initiative, with the following objectives: 1.To uplift the image of

all Filipinos and become role models in the community; 2.To share and

show Filipinos’ unique cultural values through exhibits, participating in

festivals, and using all channels of media advertising to promote Philip-

pine tourism; 3. To establish an agency exclusively for Filipinos so they

can have protection; 4.To create an Asian Academy School for Asian

children and their family members, and 5.To establish a Health and

Wellness Center to benefit unemployed Filipinos or those who are in

distress situation.

Filipinos Attend UN Open Forum

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Close to 80 members of the Filipino community in Romania at-

tended the general assembly forum that discussed the new features of

Romanian labor laws, in particular those that affect migrant workers in

Romania. This forum was held on November 23, 2014 in MyPlace Cen-

ter, Bucharest. Expert speakers from the Office of General Inspectorate

for Immigration, Bucharest Directorate served as panelists that shed

light on questions regarding modifications on Romanian labor laws. The

following were highlights of the discussion:

Termination/Cancellation of Contract. Effective January 2015, mi-

grant workers are given 60 days grace period that would take effect im-

mediately the day after their contracts are terminated by their employ-

ers. Previously, all migrant workers are only given 30 days grace period

to decide whether to leave the country or find another employer after the

termination of their old contracts. After the 60 days grace period, any

permit to work in Romania is considered invalid.

Residence Application. Anyone who have legitimately stayed in

Romania for 5 years is eligible to apply for residency. An interview to

assess one’s proficiency in Romanian language is a strict requirement.

Application to residency is open to those who are qualified. There is no

need to ask employers or to get approval from employers to apply. Gov-

ernment also send notices to those whose records indicate their eligibil-

ity for residency.

Taxes. A total of 35% from monthly salaries are automatically de-

ducted as income tax. Unfortunately, migrant workers can not avail of a

Tax Refund under the existing Romanian law.

Medical Insurance. In order to avail of medical benefits, migrant

workers must get a referral from their employer’s family doctor or health

providers to obtain a medical card. When in need of medical services,

the migrant worker can bring the medical card to the accredited hospital

for consults or obtain medications.

TFCR will continue to hold forum in the future to promote edu-cation of the community on new policies affecting migrant workers.

Pinoy Sa Romania’s Managing Editor Jenetta Alambra helping out in registering attendees to the General Assembly.

Filipinos Attend Forum on Romania’s New Labor Laws

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“Treat them as your equals and they will not forgive you for it… This is a nation of servants.”— extract from an interview with

the director of a HR agency for recruiting and placement of Filipino domestic personnel.

In a country that still exports domestic la-

bour, hiring an exotic in-house helpers is becoming

a status symbol. Like many other Filipinos, Joy

comes to work in Romania in order to support her

family. The intermediating agency places her as a

nanny for the two children of an affluent family. Alt-

hough she misses her daughter, she enjoys her

work admires her employers. Grateful to have

found such a good spot she even goes beyond her

duties and occasionally cooks and cleans. All goes

well, until one day, the father of the family makes a

move on her. When Joy complains to the wife, in-

stead of confronting her husband, she comes up

with an intriguing proposal. Soon, Joy finds herself

trapped in a domestic cage. What started out as a

favor is from now on demanded of her. Apart from

her job as a nanny, Joy becomes their cook and

cleaner.

This story is inspired by a real story. The real Joy lives in Bucharest, Romania. She is played by Ynia Lovelina, who

herself went through numerous similar experiences. Like her, hundreds of Filipinos in Romanians struggle with a system

which fails to acknowledge domestic work. And although they pay taxes, they do not benefit from the protection of the Roma-

nian state. But how about domestic work in regular families? Families which cannot afford hiring a migrant worker?

Domestic Products builds on the experience of women migrant workers in order to reveal the further implications of

paid and unpaid domestic work. Domestic Products speaks up about the price of domestic and reproductive labour. Domestic

Products instigates against the sexualization of domestic work.

Review of “Produce Domestice” A Stage Play Produced by the AFCN in Romania in partnership with other organizations, including the Filipino community in Romania, it has its run 3 days in October 2014. The show was open, with free entrance, to the community.

Filipinos Promote Traditional Clothing at

International Migrant’s Day in Romania

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Ro-

mania sponsored an intercultural event to celebrate Internation-

al Migrant’s Day on December 18, 2014. The Philippines was

represented by Pinoy Sa Romania’s News Editor Bernie Duro.

He gave the group a cultural background presentation on Filipi-

no traditional clothing. Photos from IOM.

IOM works with migrants who live and work in

the worst conditions with the least access to basic ser-

vices and fundamental rights, making them dispropor-

tionately vulnerable to extortion, violence, discrimination

and marginalization. A statement from IOM’s Sec. Gen.

Ban-ki Moon.