OBRA (Outstanding OFW/Balikbayan Reputation Award) Outstanding Filipino Blogger 2012

Hi everyone! I know, this article is long overdue and was suppose to be written after the ExlinkEvents OBRA awarding last December 7, 2012 held at SM Mega trade hall. Unfortunately, I was really tied up with all the article writing and blogging, newsletter and holiday flyers for clients. Nevertheless, it’s better late than never.

We sleep real late here and my insomnia attack was very bad lately too. Early morning today, I decided to write (ehm) about the OBRA award (as I feel I am in the mood though very sleepy). As I was gathering my thoughts on how to start the blog and while trying to compose the first line, I browsed the internet and just checked on my name if something will come out. I tried few tweaks with my name on and well, I found links to my blogs and Facebook until I finally wrote my full name. I was surprised to find my name tagged with Exlink Events and with blogger Nessie, author of  Say it, Nessie. I opened the site and saw a picture of me on the big   screen during the OBRA (Overseas OFW/ Balikbayan Reputation Award) with my name and few lines about me.

 I again browsed the internet hoping to see if that something else might come up and viola, another one popped out from Mai Flores, author of budget biyahera. I was really overwhelmed and I am humbled as I did not expect to be mentioned and recognized in someone else’s blog.

As I have mentioned on my earlier blog about the OBRA award, the recognition as the 1st OBRA Outstanding Filipino Blogger for 2012 comes as a big surprise and I may say “the highlight” for the year 2012 and my being a blogger. The story I wrote -  Adobong Mani: Emmanuel Rabulan – OFW  story of success and survival caught the attention of one of the organizers of ExlinkEvents which paved its way to my nomination and finally receiving this award.

In as much as I wanted to be present during this momentous event to receive the award and hold the plaque personally, but work has prevented me to go home. My daughter Krystal Eulaflor Jayme received the award on my behalf with my brother Oliver, sister-in-law Aireen. Thank you Tito Elson Ogario and Venus Tagala for the warm accommodation while my family stayed in Manila.

All the awardees were given 15 minutes to deliver their speech. The other awardees were  Outstanding Entrepreneur – Milagros Remugat Leviste, Domingo Carmona De Leon ; Outstanding Community Builder – Jeffrey Ximo Ramos, Rosalie Ellasus ; Outstanding Positive Character/Deed ; Emmanuel Rabulan, Juanita Limbago ; Outstanding Family Builder – Solito Cruz, Analiza Lupisan; Outstanding Blogger Advocate - Gracia Amor. Since I am not able to make it to the event, I was asked to record a video instead of having it live on skype to avoid untoward episodes like lag, robotic sound or worse, being cut off while delivering the speech.

Working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where strict rules for women are imposed is somewhat difficult to get stories of Kabayans as we are not  free to talk to men specially if not a relative and roam around the kingdom without the official drivers of the house.  But this award made me realized that even if you are confined in the four walls of room and your working place, you can still make a big difference in your own little way. And that, by the mighty power of the world wide web, internet and social media, one can reach out to the world and I can say and share what’s in my heart and mind.

Thank you Exlink Events for recognizing an Overseas Filipino Worker's simple thoughts, my simple thoughts, through blogging.

Indeed, big surprises come in small packages. To God be the glory.

Awardee for an OBRA award of Exlink Events: Outstanding Filipino Blogger

Aug 29, 2012 – I woke up at around noon time, opened my laptop to check any emails and my Facebook before heading to the shower, my usual daily routine. There was a notification in my email for a comment on a blog in my Cebuanawithlove.worpdress.com website. And this is what it was:

another enqiury posted on my Who am I page.

Initial reaction as anybody would think is, “Hmmm is this true or some sort of spam?” I searched for the event company’s information and FB account to check on the authenticity of the enquiry and I may say possible “good news.” Exchange of emails then followed.


I phoned Emmanuel Rabulan, the man behind the story Adobong Mani: a story of survival and success (Emmanuel Rabulan) which caught the attention of the organizing committee of Exlinkevents and told him the good news. He was so excited that he himself can’t believe the opportunity to be recognized as an OFW.

I was sent the nomination form for my nomination as Outstanding Filipino Blogger.

After few exchange of emails, I was asked for my CV and 2×2 picture for marketing purposes as I am not now a nominee, I am already one of the OBRA awardee, Outstanding Filipino Blogger category.

 

Now on its 4th year, the annual event held in conjunction with the Megabalikbayan and OFW Expo (MBOX), OBRA aims to recognize OFWs and Balikbayans who are worth emulating by our countrymen because of their exemplary actions. This year Exlinkevents added a new category, the Outstanding Filipino Blogger, which, fortunately, I am one of the two first awardees.

 

http://www.exlinkeventsblog.com/2012/02/obra-2011-winners-shows-right-way-for.html#.UEji0LJlSZk

 

http://www.exlinkeventsblog.com/2011/12/obra-2011-awardees-known.html#.UEji4rJlSZk

 

“ We are doing this award to give OFWs and Balikbayans models to emulate in their quest to better their lives, their family and the country”, said Michelle Ballesteros, CEO of Exlinkevents.

 

Since I cannot be in Manila on December 7, 2012 at SM Mega Trade Hall to receive the award as I am working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, my daughter Krystal will be the one to accept the recognition on my behalf together with my brother Oliver, sister-in-law Aireen and my Tito Elson Ogario.

 

Indeed, big surprises come in small packages. Never in my wildest dream that my simple thoughts, my past time of writing is recognize even if I am not a pro-writer. I am so humbled of the opportunity even if I am thousands of miles away from home and expressing my thoughts at the comfort of my room.

 

This award is heartily dedicated to my daughter Krystal, late parents Mama Lily, Daddy Boy and my family.

 

Truly, God is good. To the Almighty Father be the glory.