The Flight of the Butterfly {PEBA 2011}

Japan sees the butterfly as a personification of a person's soul. Butterflies flying together is a symbol of love in China. The Philippines sees the butterfly as the symbol of a soul visiting or rebirth or good luck. In Greek mythology, a butterfly is related to fire. You know what the Pink Tarha associate butterflies with? The Overseas Filipino Workers. Us.

And why not? The three main characteristics of the butterfly also apply to the OFWs and Filipino expats all over the world. First... polymorphism, the occurrence of more than one form. From an egg to a larvae to a pupa to an imago, butterflies undergo differences in appearance and state. They change their looks, too, according to their location and the seasons. Filipinos, in a way, are like that. We change ourselves according to where we are to adapt and adjust, but we're still Filipinos. Just like the Filipinas in Riyadh wearing the abaya and the tarha. We wear them outside because we're in Saudi Arabia but inside, we're still Filipinos. Second, mimicry. The butterfly imitate other species to enjoy the protection of an attribute they do not share with others. We global Filipinos do not necessarily imitate other nationalities but we abide and respect their culture, tradition, and laws because we're in their country. And lastly, migration. We, like the butterflies, are capable of long distance flights to thrive and settle in other places. Do we need to elaborate this more?

So, it's not surprising to see the butterfly as the symbol of the Pinoy Expats/OFWs Blog Awards. PEBA has used a butterfly, in the colors of the Philippine flag, logo ever since and the Pink Tarha hasn't really put a thought into why. So we hope we're correct in our interpretation (or maybe close to it?). Choosing the butterfly is a brilliant idea, don't you think? The butterflies are really dainty, fragile creatures but they possess the most amazing attributes. They're stronger than what you think. Like all the Filipinos worldwide.

 The fourth season of PEBA.

The Pink Tarha is in full support of this year's PEBA with the theme, "Ako'y Magbabalik, Hatid Ko'y Pagbabago" (I Will Return, I Will Bring Change). This is not only a motto but a challenge to all global Pinoys to return to the Philippines and bring CHANGE. True, we already help with our remittances but this year, PEBA urges us to go beyond that. We, armed with our skills, talents, and knowledge, and the experiences from the countries we've been to, are being challenged to act and contribute in the different aspects of the Philippine society.

Wear this badge in your blog's sidebar. 

Heroes' Homecoming Towards Change. Despite the varied reasons why Filipinos go abroad, nationalism is still evident on the narratives of the 12 million Filipinos scattered all over the world. PEBA has witnessed how OFWs take pride of our Filipino roots, our culture and our race. Filipinos abroad, after they have followed their dreams, have chosen to return, evident on how we are called... "Balikbayan." They return to share their talents, skills and fortunes in an effort to bring change to the families left behind, communities and country. Thus, PEBA 2011 is dedicated to our "balikbayans", the unsung heroes of our time. Their homecoming brings a spark of change to the lives of their loved ones and their homeland.

We call on our Filipino expatriates around the world to continue their roles as Global Ambassadors of our country in foreign lands by promoting and patronizing our locally-made products, making the Philippines the first stop destination for holidays and investing in the home country. We ask them to teach their children and their foreign spouses on the positive Filipino values and the Filipino language. Let’s be proud of our race, for nationalism knows no time and bounderies. [more]

The Pink Tarha believes that the OFWs are heroes but more than being modern heroes, we can become mavens --- trusted experts in various fields who seek to pass knowledge and skills on to others! Imagine the possibilities! But then first, we need to come home. To return not simply for a pleasurable vacation but to return with a more nationalistic, community-centric purpose and approach. We implore you to become mavens in your own right. Start by joining the PEBA 2011!  

We urge you to follow the flight of the butterfly... start slowly, then spread your wings, and see the world. No matter how small or frail you are, have the courage to go the distance!
 

Butterfly photos from The Gilded Bee.

The Best Pink Tarha Entries of 2009

Today, we end our month-long celebration of the Pink Tarha's first anniversary. (However, we still owe you our entries on a few more winners and the unveiling of Eyecandy. We'll be posting them randomly in the next few days.) We'll conclude this with our list of the best Pink Tarha entries of 2009. 2009 being our first year online. This list is based on our personal preferences.

As we've said, the Pink Tarha blog has changed our lives. From bored girls living and working in the hot city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia... we became happy kikay ladies living, working and enjoying in the haute city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.


This blog has taught us to look at the brighter side of things and relish what we have now. But enough of our realizations, we'll talk about 'em another day. :P

First on our list is the entry closest to our hearts, the entry which each of us wrote and had fun writing.


Eyecandy listed her experience in Duo as her personal favorite. If you remember, she just loves eating in Duo. She was smitten with the resto's version of chocolate fondant (even waxing sexual sensual dreams out of this dessert!). This is the first time we realized how far we've gone in giving our two cents on the places we dine in and how we are affecting other people's cravings and taste buds.

Shoegarfreeruby will always remember her H&M experience and the unbelievable euphoria that came with it. She knew she's such a shopaholic but when it comes to H&M, wala talagang patawad! Even us were amazed on how thrilled she was when the first H&M branch opened in Sahara Mall (she dragged us to cut working hours for this! Hehehe!) and how she went to the branches in Riyadh Gallery, and later on Granada Centre, like a pilgrim on a very ardent mission. R hopes to repeat the adrenaline rush over and over again! You know what this means... more shopping sprees! :P

Sundrenched finds her walkthrough of the Riyadh National Museum a very memorable one because it was the beginning of more lakwatsas in and out the city of Riyadh. Her travels with E proved that somehow, ladies can actually travel in Riyadh without so much ado. Of course there are restrictions but if you set your heart on it, nothing can prevent a woman to pursue her passion and craft even in the middle of a sweltering hot desert.

Maryhadalittlehump chose an entry she wrote for her dad last Father's Day. Her poem Haligi is featured on her entry Para Sa Aking Ama. Her heartful message to her father echoes our sentiments too. Truly moving.

Next on our list is our favorite entry written by a co-PT lady.


E and R both picked S' Queer Eye for the Wrong Guy (How Not to Fall for the Wrong Guy) as their favorite because this is probably the most controversial entry in the blog for 2009. S was hesitant in publishing it for the fear of her life (echos!) but good thing she did because we are all having a good laugh out of this. This entry gathered many comments too. We're so proud! Lol. R says that this post "aside from being an entertaining entry, speaks truth of the relationships here in the Kingdom. But at the end of the day, it still boils down to what the heart wants which is not always right."

M and S picked out E's The Abaya Special as their favorite entry because it talks about the simple abaya. Who knew it could be so fashionable?! The photographs (shot mostly by E) are fantabulous! Most Filipinas coming to KSA dread wearing the black gown because it will hide their fashion and style but that's not always the case. The abaya, aside from being practical to use in this hot and dusty place, can also be stylish (and couture if you can afford it). After all, fashion is 'nasa nagdadala lang yan.'

And as for our BEST PT ENTRY OF 2009... Nothing beats ANG TUNAY NA KATAS NG SAUDI. And you probably know why.


This entry is very personal for the Pink Tarha. You had a glimpse of our childhood even before you saw our faces through this entry we wrote for the Philippine Expats Blog Awards 2009. We received our first blogging award because of this entry. And most importantly, we shared a part of our lives that we hope others might learn a lesson or two from. We're still very much elated and grateful.

So there you go, that's our best Pink Tarha entries of 2009. Do you agree with our picks? If not, then tell us what your favorite Pink Tarha entries are! ♥♥♥

Pinoy World Domination, the 2009 PEBA Way

6,770,000,000 katao sa mundo.

95,000,000 Pilipino.

Ang konti pala natin... pa'no natin sasakupin ang mundo?! Well...

83,000,000 Pilipinong nasa Pilipinas.

12,000,000 Pilipinong nasa iba't ibang panig ng mundo.

Kung lahat ng Pilipinong ito ay may blog, atin na ang mundo!

Alam naming alam nyo na ang pinakamainam na sandata sa panahon ngayon upang masakop ang mundo ay ang world wide web. Kaya naman, ipamalita na ang 2009 Pinoy Expats Blog Awards para lalo pang makilala ang mga Pinoy.

Filipinos Abroad - Hope of the Nation, Gift to the World

Cognizant and directly affected by the brunt of global financial crisis, Filipinos continue to anchor their hope and trust to their family members abroad as herald of better news and good tidings. Thus, reinforcing the OFWs and Filipino expats role and image as new heroes and saviors. PEBA also recognizes that Filipinos wherever they are, be it land-based, sea-based or air-based as the case maybe, are shining examples of dedication, diligence, and excellence in almost anything they do. It is not uncommon for them to be praised as assets to companies and organizations contributing to the social and economic well being of their host country. PEBA considers the more than 12m overseas Filipinos scattered abroad as gifts to make this world a better place to live.

(click logo to know more)

Sumusuporta ang PINK TARHA GIRLS sa 2009 PEBA! Kami ay nagpupugay sa bumubuo ng 2009 PEBA. Nais naming hikayatin ang kapwa Pinoy expat bloggers (at kahit yung mga hindi expats) na makibahagi sa proyektong ito. (Wag nyo lang sabihin na world domination ang talagang pakay natin dahil baka gumaya sila sa ating brilliant idea. Malalagot tayo kung ang mga Chinese at Indians ang makaisip nito, hehehe.) Maaari din kayong sumali sa PEBA Banner/Badge Making Contest. Good luck!

*Ang mga stats na mababasa sa itaas ay niround-off para magbigay ng impression na mas marami tayo. Yan ang tinatawag na intimidation factor.
** Ang entry na ito ay naka-Tagalog talaga para hindi maintindihan ng mga ibang lahi ang ating planong pagsakop sa mundo. For sure, nose bleed sila sa post na ito. Medyo lang pala dahil kami naman ay nag-nosebleed din sa kakaisip kung ano ang salin ng ibang Ingles na salita sa Tagalog. Bago pa kami mawalan ng dugo ay hindi na namin isinalin pa ang mga hindi namin kayang isalin. Ipagpaumanhin n'yo po.
*** Ackkk! Dapat pala Tagalog din ang title ng entry na ito!