5/10: Tanaw ang Bukas (Malayo na pero Malayo pa Photo Competition)

By: Jane Ashley Villa

This photo shows a person standing on the edge of a high cliff, facing the sunrise. Below, there is a wide, low area of land covered in fog, and a long road stretching far into the distance. For me, this picture is a perfect symbol of my journey as an OFW.

Standing on the cliff reminds me of the moment I decided to leave home. It was a big decision, and it felt scary, just like looking down from a high place. But in the picture, the person is facing the sun, and that sun represents hope. I became an OFW because I wanted a better future for myself and my family. Even if I had to go far away, I knew I needed to take that step.

The sunrise behind the person shows the courage and strength that many OFWs must have. Life abroad is not easy. We face homesickness, stress, long working hours, and moments when we feel truly alone. But we keep going because of love—love for our families, love for the people depending on us, and love for our dreams. Every little success feels like sunlight finally touching our face after many dark days.

The foggy land below shows the challenges and uncertainty we experience. Sometimes the way forward is not clear. Sometimes we feel lost. But just like in the photo, the road is still there. No matter how hard life gets, we continue moving.

The long road represents our OFW journey. It is a reminder that even if we have come far, we still have many goals ahead. That’s why the title “Malayo Na Pero Malayo Pa” fits so well. I have already achieved so much, but my journey is still continuing.

This photo shows the heart of every OFW—brave, hopeful, and always moving forward.

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