Overseas Filipino workers are considered the “new heroes” of this country. They are the people who endure separation from their loved ones to earn a living in a foreign country, and the remittances they send have been a major reason why the economy has sailed through difficult times and continues to be afloat despite global financial shocks.
Sisters Ana Marie Pader and Angelita Buenaseda have been very close all their lives, But a few months ago, Buenaseda had to work in an Information technology company in Singapore – which is why the sudden separation was especially hard for the siblings.
For Pader and millions of Filipinos like her, Christmas is not the same when their loved ones are away – which is why SM Supermalls, through its SM Global Pinoy Program, initiated “Pamaskong Handog Para sa Global Pinoy” featuring the hottest stars in show business in the various SM malls all over the country for the benefit of OFWs and their relatives.
Live performances, games and raffles were held at 43 SM malls all over the country. In SM Fairview where Pader was in attendance, young stars James Reid and Nadine Lustre sang before hundreds of Global Pinoy members.
“This is truly memorable for us because this is a different way to spend the holidays. We appreciate this gesture of SM to give importance to our OFWs and their families. We feel so special and blessed,” Pader said.
Other stars who graced the Pamaskong Handog in other malls were Piolo Pascual in SM Taytay and SM Masinag, Xian Lim in SM Cabanatuan and SM Marilao, Sam Milby in SM Muntinlupa and SM Sta. Rosa, Jay R in SM Dasmariñas and SM Bacoor and Pinoy Pig Brother artists Loisa Andalio, Marlo Mortel and Joshua Garcia in SM Bicutan.
According to Glenn Ang, senior vice president of SM and program director of SM Global Pinoy, “Pamaskong Handog Para sa Global Pinoy” is a yearly celebration to make Christmas memorable and entertaining for OFWs and their families.
Games plus giveaways from SM partners including BDO, SM Development Corporation (SMDC), Jollibee, Surplus, ePlus, SM Markets, Smart Communications and Sun Cellular, Filipino food bazaar and discounts and freebies exclusive to OFWs and their families were also given.
The SM Global Pinoy also put up the SM Global Pinoy Center in SM Supermalls, a specialized one-stop-shop offering various exclusive services, perks, and privileges to welcome and uplift the Global Pinoys. Membership is offered to past, present, and future OFWs, immigrants, balikbayans, and their immediate beneficiaries such as parents, spouses, siblings, children and guests. To know more about SM Global Pinoy and its programs, visit www.smglobalpinoy.com or www.facebook.com/smgpc.