AIRPORTS are witnesses to countless heartwarming embraces between Filipino families.

These hugs could be seen as a farewell to their loved ones or a welcome after being away from them for months or even years. 

The past months saw several overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to reunite with their families this Christmas season.

Among those fortunate to return home for the most festive time of the year are the fathers of Gen Z student Sharmaine Kristine Vidola and republicasia’s reporter Bryan Gadingan.

Reconnecting with family

They say Christmas is about spending time with family and friends to create lasting memories and strengthen relationships. 

For OFWs like Dionisio Gadingan, 69, and Eric Vidola, 58, the holiday season holds great significance as it is the only time of the year when they usually take more time off from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives abroad.

Dionisio works as a manager in a logistics company in Taiwan, while Eric works as a chief mate on a cargo ship that travels around the globe.

Both have the opportunity to celebrate Christmas back home this year, with Eric arriving in the Philippines in October and Dionisio in December.

Sharmaine, a 20-year-old journalism student, said her dad always missed Christmas before since his employment contract abroad was from August to the end of March or April. 

But Eric adjusted his work schedule from February to October, giving him time to stay in the Philippines until Christmas.

Bryan, on the other hand, said his dad would always come home during the Christmas season until the COVID-19 pandemic happened. Travel restrictions were implemented globally at the time to prevent further spread of the virus, prompting Dionisio to stay in Taiwan for over two years.

It was only last year when Dionisio managed to fly back to the Philippines to attend Bryan’s graduation ceremony and have a quick Christmas break.

“There is a lot of excitement [for our Christmas celebration] this year,” the 23-year-old reporter said.

A ‘special’ Christmas celebration

Christmas has always been sentimental and special for most Filipinos. But this year’s celebration will be one for the books for Bryan and Sharmaine as their dads wrap them in their presence and warmth.

“It always feels special because we are together. Celebrating Christmas without them feels like something is missing, so it’s not as joyous as when we are with them,” said Sharmaine.

“Whenever we can’t spend Christmas together, I always thought how lonely it might be to be away from your family. That makes me yearn for their presence during Christmas [season],” she added.

For Bryan, being with his dad this year brought him “overwhelming” emotions. Their reunion is not just about celebrating Christmas together but also making up for the significant celebrations they missed apart.

“I grew up without him by my side and he missed a lot of my celebrations; I can’t remember a single birthday celebration I had with him growing up because he was away for the entire year. Most importantly, he missed out on much of my growth over time,” he shared.

He said spending this year’s Christmas with his dad brought back the memories of their past holiday celebrations together.

“It’s also great to have that time when I can tell him everything. You know, catch up on what he missed and make him feel like he hasn’t missed anything and that I take a piece of him with me wherever I go,” Bryan continued. 

Plans for Christmas

The weeks-long holiday break of the OFWs gives them more time to bond with their families before they leave for work. So, how are they going to make their Christmas memorable this year?

As an old soul, Bryan plans to spend Christmas at home with exciting conversations and iconic meals shared with his family. This way, he would have an intimate celebration with his loved ones, away from crowded places this holiday season.

“When I was younger, I thought it was boring to celebrate occasions [at home] as I always see my friends traveling with their families,” he shared. 

“Now it makes more sense to me that having nice meals and the presence of my family is exactly what I want on Christmas day,” he added.

Sharmaine’s family, on the other hand, visited her dad’s family in Pangasinan on December 23, followed by another celebration with her mother’s side of the family on Christmas Eve. 

Christmas messages to OFW dads

OFWs must endure being away from home to provide for their families in the Philippines, and their loved ones cannot thank them enough for this huge sacrifice.

“I am thankful to have a father who’s always been supportive of everything we want and loves us so much. I can’t wait to spend this Christmas season with him and for more years to come,” Sharmaine said.

For this Christmas, the Gen Z student said she wishes her dad to stay healthy, especially when he is away from them.

Bryan hopes the same for his dad, wishing him to stay safe whenever he is in Taiwan.

“I hope alam niyang naiintindihan namin why he continues to choose working abroad [rather] than settling back here with us,” he said.

He went on, “Bilang anak ng isang OFW, I know they have these instances where they blame themselves for missing a lot of moments with us. But, in the end, all of the sacrifices and efforts he gave just to provide for us will always outweigh anything else.”

Distance may separate these OFWs from their families, but their strong bond and the spirit of Christmas rooted in love and hope will always find a way to bring them back into each other’s arms.

Like Sharmaine and Bryan, the republicasia team wishes everyone a warm and joyful holiday season spent with their loved ones. Merry Christmas!