Giant Christmas parols in Pampanga. Photo: DOT Despite the smell of diesel fumes, the piercing rattle of two-stroke tricycle engines, or the incessant honking of automobile horns; in spite of the typhoons and their accompanying floods; even in spite of all the corruption scandals, and kidnappings and bombings--Christmas is in the air. Streets and plazas, and many neighborhood homes have been painstakingly decorated to shine like jewels in the night, as the sounds of Christmas carols and the aroma puto bumbong waft through the night air. Most Filipinos living overseas will agree that Christmas seem so much happier in the Philippines. And while Filipino communities the world over do what they can to try and capture some of that happy spirit, nothing can compare to the joy of Christmas in the Philippines. For overseas workers, spending the Holidays far away from family and friends is yet another sacrifice that is offered up for the sake of providing for the family. It is the overseas workers laboring in the streets of the Middle East, or North America, or Australia, or Japan; the domestic helpers toiling in Hong Kong or Jeddah who are keeping the Philippine economy afloat--their remittances totaling in the billions of dollars annually. It is through their sacrifice, that Philippine politicians and businessmen can afford their lavish holiday parties, and exchange expensive Christmas gifts. So if you happen to be a Philippine government official or Philippine business executive reading this, before you indulge your palate with the very best of food and wine this season, pause for a moment, lift up your glass and offer a toast to the OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers) for they are the true modern-day heroes of your country. Happy Holidays! Published 2004