Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Amidst the distance, away from home, Western Union did not fail Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the Middle East in sharing their thoughts to the wonderful mothers during the celebration of “Mother’s Day” as they’ve launched the ‘Western Union Mother’s Day Campaign’ last month.


            The digital campaign, ‘I Want To Meet My Mother’ was made possible thru the social networking site, facebook. The campaign ran in the UAE, KSA, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait through the month of May 2012. Purpose of the campaign was to request the OFWs to answer ‘I want to meet my mother because…’ in 25 words to be posted in the campaign homepage in facebook.
 
The first 500 entries received a free telephone load card courtesy of Western Union to call their loved ones in the Philippines on the occasion of the celebration of Mother’s Day. Lucky five winners, representing participating countries were given free round trip tickets to the Philippines to personally meet and celebrate Mother’s Day with their beloved mothers.
 
Ibrahim Pangcoga Lomondaya, an OFW based in Hail, Saudi Arabia was declared winner in KSA. Lomondoya’s winning post, “We haven't seen each other for 25 years! For over two decades, we've already forgot how it feels when mother and son are with each other,” is his touching narrative; a son who is longing for mother’s love and care.   
           
Other winners representing their participating countries said:
 
“Whilst monthly remittances give a smile on her face, the presence of her child would definitely give a smile in her heart,” John Lucero, UAE.
 
“I could not see my father before he passed away and I don't want it to happen again with my Mom. Thanks for giving me HOPE,” Lindaddie Vega Tarantan, Qatar.
 
“She's been waiting for 6 long years. She tried very hard to use a mobile so she can answer my calls directly,” Gemma Catalogo, Kuwait and,
 
“I want to see my mother because I want to be with her on her 80th birthday. I have not seen her for three years,” Sophia Tayco Soldevilla, Oman.
 
Marc Aubry, Vice President Marketing, Middle East and Africa, Western Union Financial Services, in an interview, said, “Western Union provides an important link between family members across many countries. We understand the sacrifices many of our customers make to support their loved ones and improve their quality of life and it was a privilege for us to be able to bring these five families together.  Their stories are truly heart-warming and their courage and perseverance is inspiring.”  (Marlon B. Vicente, E-mail at m.vicente21@yahoo.com)
 

 

 

Munting Nayon News Magazine