For many OFWs in the UAE, navigating the workplace environment isn’t just about acclimating to a new country—it’s also about deciphering personal preferences when working with fellow Filipinos versus expats. The Global Filipino Magazine sought to explore these sentiments with a question posed on its Facebook segment, ‘#TGFMAsks.’
More than 222,000 followers were asked: ‘Ano ang karanasan mo sa pakikipagtrabaho sa mga Pinoy at sa ibang lahi?’ or ‘What is your experience working with Filipinos and other nationalities?’ Within 24 hours, the post received over 170 comments, painting a diverse tapestry of feelings and experiences.
Emalyn Reyes Smith expressed comfort in working alongside her white colleagues, admiring their laid-back demeanor. “Honestly I am comfortable with [them]. Chillax lang sila kasama,” she wrote. However, Emalyn didn’t forget her roots and cherished her lunch breaks with Filipino colleagues, viewing it as a moment of solace, reminiscent of home.
John Winston A. Viloria had a more balanced view, pointing out that there are both pleasant and difficult coworkers regardless of nationality. He humorously concluded his comment with an appreciation for Mutton Biryani.
Unfortunately, not all the comments were positive. Don M. Anach expressed a harsh view, opining that Filipinos often sabotage their fellow countrymen. Mau Mai echoed a similar sentiment, pointing out the prevalence of the “crab mentality” among Filipinos, implying that some would rather pull each other down than help one another succeed.
Wayne Bangayan took a different route, noting some expats to be self-centered, especially when it comes to sharing food. Meanwhile, Afril Tumlos offered a lighthearted perspective, comparing coworker relations to the unpredictability of weather: “Sometimes it’s summer, sometimes it’s winter.”
While this snapshot from The Global Filipino Magazine’s social media segment doesn’t represent the views of all OFWs in the UAE, it does highlight the varied feelings and experiences of Filipinos working abroad. Like any workplace, navigating coworker relationships—whether with fellow kabayans or expats—comes with its challenges and rewards.