A tale of two OFWs: Leaving, reuniting with family this Christmas

Alvin Guinhawa, who had just finished his facility-based quarantine, still needs to complete his home quarantine before he can finally spend time with his family this Christmas season.

According to Jun Veneracion's "24 Oras" report, Guinhawa, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) from Brunei, is expected to finish his home quarantine next week.

Currently, he can only view his daughters from the window of his room where he is staying for his mandatory quarantine.

"Malapit na... konting intay na lang. Nakapagtiis nga ng ilang buwan e. (I'm almost there. Just a few more days. I was able to endure this for a few months.)," said Guinhawa.

Unlike Guinhawa, Ara Villaflor will be leaving her only child to work in Saudi Arabia for two years.

Villaflor also admitted that it will be heartbreaking for her not to see her daughter during the holidays.

"Masaya po na malungkot kasi po malungkot kasi dalawang taon ko po siya 'di makikita pero masaya kasi mabibigay ko ang pangangailangan niya," she said while being interviewed at the airport.

(I am a bit happy but I'm also sad because I will not see her for two years but I am happy because I can provide for her needs.)

"Wasak kasi magpapasko. (It's heartbreaking because it's Christmas.)," Villaflor added.

Despite strict travel restrictions, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration said it is expecting around 100,000 OFWs to return to the country this December.—Consuelo Marquez/LDF, GMA News