The Samahang Overseas Filipino Workers sa Bahrain (SOS BAH) celebrated its traditional festive Christmas party on December 13, 2024, at the Swiss International Hotel. It’s an annual event which brings together overseas workers from different parts of Bahrain with their families to celebrate the true spirit of Christmas and fellowship among overseas Filipinos.
It was a night full of entertainment, scrumptious food, and real conversations.
Everyone was treated to a variety of entertainment that ranged from spirited singing and dancing that captured everyone in the mood of celebration. The dance floor was teeming with people of all ages whose faces were aglow with smiles and a sense of togetherness. Interactive games encouraged friendly atmosphere that allowed participants to connect and create an inclusive and joyful atmosphere.
“We are incredibly proud to host this celebration each year,” said Bhong Dacullo, President of SOS BAH. “It’s a wonderful chance for us to come together, share the joy of the season, and express our gratitude for the support of one another. Christmas is a time for family, and for us, that family extends to our fellow OFWs here in Bahrain” he added.
The open buffet was the centerpiece of the celebration, offering a sumptuous array of Filipino and international dishes that tantalized the senses and lured guests to the table, sharing stories and laughter over communal dishes.
One of the guests, entrepreneur, Whendy Crisostomo noted that the Christmas gathering has reflected the meaning of community and unity, especially for the many Filipino workers who have been living away from their motherland. “I wish you all a Merry Christmas, even if we are far from home, this celebration reminds us that no matter the distance, we can still come together, share joy, and support one another. Let us cherish these moments and the bonds we create, as they give us strength and hope.”
To Architect Neil Bron Jalac, it is a bitter-sweet season of the year. Neil works at the Bahrain’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning. Despite the vibrant decorations and the cheerful spirit that envelops the kingdom during Christmas, a deep sense of longing lingers in his heart.
This separation from the family especially with his two children, numbs the cheer. Every Christmas carol, every spark of light in the street painfully reminds him that he misses joy and cheerful laughter at home, He draws strength from the hope that his efforts will eventually create a brighter future for his children, Christian Jerome, a Civil Engineering student at the University of the Philippines Diliman and Cassandra Janela, 19 years old Pharmacy student. Joining the annual Christmas gathering somewhat ease the pain of meeting friends from the Filipino community.
One of the attendees, 50-year-old senior document controller, Jennifer Carlos looks upon the many blessings that life has given her as she reflects upon 19 fruitful years spent in Bahrain. As this holiday season draws near, she feels thankful for all the opportunities availed to her and experiences which have groomed her into what she is today. Jennifer takes the moment to give thanks with a grateful heart to the Lord for the strength and guidance throughout her career path and personal journey.
Louie Capistrano, the vice president of SOS BAH brought smiles and laughter to everyone. Wearing his traditional red with a quite-fluffy white beard, truly embodied the spirit of Christmas, spreading joy and cheer throughout the celebration as Santa Claus.
The highlight of the night was the exchange gift of the attendees. This event gave an avenue for Overseas Filipino Workers to be reunited with their friends and colleagues, strengthening the unity among the Filipinos in Bahrain.
The dynamic duo of Victoria Dumrique and Mercy Gumaya transformed the gathering into an unforgettable celebration as the event’s master of ceremony. They took to the stage with a contagious energy that set the tone for the entire event.
Indeed, it brought back the thoughts of community and solidarity, especially for the many Filipino workers living far from home. And at the end of the night, after dancing and teary goodbyes, everyone left with warm memories and a fresh sense of togetherness.
The Samahang OFWs sa Bahrain continued to extend much-needed support and an opportunity for self-belonging to the Filipino expatriate community in Bahrain, and this occasion was fully in consonance with the organization’s commitment toward the celebration of Filipino culture and unity across distances.
SOS BAH is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Filipino expatriates in Bahrain. The association organizes social, cultural, and welfare activities to promote unity and provide assistance to its members, helping to ease the challenges of living and working abroad.
