13 December 2005, I made my first blog post “Tax Exemption a Token Gift“.
It all started when I read “Nasipit to Anywhere” a blog authored by my townmate who is a lawyer, writing current events direct from our beloved hometown Nasipit (Agusan, Del Norte). Actually at that time I’ve been reading blogs already, particularly from famous blogger politician Peter Lavina.
OFW Empowerment Logo
Blogging under blog name “OFW Empowerment”, with the abovementioned first entry using widely known template blogger.com followed by “OFW Representation“. Despite busy hours of my job, I have done my homework at home and it became a hobby. And as an active member of the Filipino community in Riyadh, I was determined to write about OFWs issues and concerns mixed up a little bit with politics.
In late April of 2006 it occurred to me that I was doing it anyway, why not continue doing it. Then I shifted to Funchain an easy to use blogger guide created by fellow Filipino an IT expert from Davao Mr. Jason Banico.
“OFWs the Best Political Electorate” that was published online at Inquirer 7 supplement under Network Highlights INQ7 @ 5 was one of my first entries using Funchain. The said entry was based and inspired from my previous posting “OFW Representation”.
I immediately was on the receiving end of encouragement from colleauges in the Industrial Areas in Riyadh, and so with my readers like Davao City Councilor Peter Lavina, Atty. Loloy Compendio and Atty. Fred Pamaos- all fellow bloggers. Then the traffic started climbing and the rest is history.
Exactly two (2) years, December 13, 2007 (OFWEmpowerment blog 2nd Anniversary), A Closer Look at the Filipino Diaspora was published at Global Nation, Inquirer.net. It was posted in this blog December 12, 2007.
Last year (2008) I shifted to WORDPRESS, upon advice of my blogger mentor Mr. Jason Banico.
Please allow me to thank all of the readers and commenters in here.
And of course, to the member organizations of OFW Congress-Riyadh. To former Ambassador and now DFA Undersecretary Rafael Seguis, Labor Attache Jainal Rasul, Jr., Dr. Carlito Astillero - my Kumpare and lastly to Tita Fairy Godmother Anita Sese Schon of Overseas Filipino Council International.
To my wife Minda and daughter Angel, son Manuel Dane.
Also, to my brod Doods (Engr. Dominico A. Amora) and dear friend Ms. Ellene Sana of Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA).
And before I forget to my IT friend Bobby Oca for the OFWempowerment logo.
Thank you so much to ALL of you!
I know I’m not everybody’s cup of tea for the fact that I am neither a journalist nor a writer, but for one thing, it’s self-deserving and this blog is dedicated to all Overseas Filipinos.
MABUHAY ANG OVERSEAS FILIPINOS!!!
Inyong lingkod para sa mga Mangagawang Pilipino sa Buong Mundo,
Manuel “Bong” “Mawe” Amora
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Hi OFW,
I hope you are doing well. I have visited your blog and it is interesting to see someone’s efforts to address the issues faced by foreign workers in Saudi Arabia. I have a request for you.
We would appreciate if you could help us in promoting the website for the Association For Discussion Of National Issues Of Saudi Arabia (ADNISA) in your Saudi group by messeging all your members about it. Your assistance will help ADNISA to take things to the next level and create awareness about issues which are unheard of but important ones to consider.
Thank You,
Regards,
Salman
Hi Salman,
Assalamu Alakum Wa Rahmatulah Wa Barakatuh!
Ramadan Karim Mr. Salman,
Im deeply honored receiving your comments in my blog. Yes! it my pleasure and honor to feature your site by having it listed as one of my favorite links. I visited the site and there are many interesting issues that needs expatriates and foreigners to know more about Saudi Arabia and their way of life.
I will also email to my friends and egoups informing them what ADNISA is all about.
Thank you and wishing you and family the best of health this Holy month of Ramadan and the years to come.
Sincerely,
Manuel
You can reach me at salmanabdulaziz@hotmail.com if you have any concerns.
Thank You,
Regards
Dear Bong Amora,
first of all, congratulations on putting together such a neat and interesting homepage!
I am currently doing some research for university on the Philippine migration policy and I have a couple of questions and I would be truly interested in hearing your opinion. You seem like a very knowledgeable person!
Could you maybe provide me with your contact information so I can email you one or two questions.
It would be very much appreaciated!!
Thank you!
Best,
Sabrina
Dear Sabrina,
Thank you so much! It’s my pleasure to share with you some of my thoughts about Philippine Migration policy. You can also read some related infos about migration in my other blog : http://ofwnewsjournal.wordpress.com/ . Please also check some good links found in my blog that tackles migration.
Thanks again for visiting ofwempowerment blog.
Best regards.
Bong Amora
To Mr Mr Bobong AMora
COngratulation ..Nieghbor kita No 35 lawanit Villages at classmate kita since we are elementary and up to 2nd yr high school I am surprised sa Website mo Super bongga ka na .
For me Im working now here in AFrica .Hope you remember me .Bong di na kita tawagin SIr kasi ALam ko naman na freindly ka ny nature .
Bong saan ba kita mapadalhan ng resume ng borther ko He is excellent in COmputer ENgr he was trained inCalifornia USA Now he wanted to apply in Oil company .I will send you his resume or CV .Help me pls .
i AM SO PROUD OF YOU ..Galing mo Keep up a good work .
Respectfully
MS CImacio
Hi Ming! he he. Ming, unsaon pagkalimot sa mga panahon sa atong kabatan-on. Ilabi na ang Lawanit Village memories. Kumusta na? Bahin sa imong brod na Computer Engr. and trained in USA mas maayo pa sa uban na lang na nasod siya manimpalad Ming. Mas daghan pa na mas nindot ug opportunity sa lain kaysa KSA. Well, Saudi ARAMCO is the best dinhi sa KSA Ming, if we talk about Oil companies.
Just email me in this email addy: bongamora14@yahoo.com para makasitorya ta daghan.
Imong silingan,
Bobong