Svake godine, velika količina novca i općenito vrijednih predmeta seli s jednog kraja svijeta na drugi. Mimo poslovnih transakcija i sličnih pojava, u modi je i veliki priljev novca u siromašnije dijelove svijeta, i to od strane iseljenika koji svojim radom u bogatijim zemljama “hrane” svoju obitelj koju u pravilu moraju ostaviti iza sebe. Tako je diljem svijeta, a taj trend nije zaobišao ni Hrvatsku.
Iako se Lijepa Naša ne može smatrati zemljom trećeg svijeta, Hrvati koji su stekli financijsku dobit u zemljama zapada poput Irske ili SAD-a, redovito za blagdane šalju pakete u svoju domovinu.
Nekoć su to bili predmeti i namirnice, a danas pokloni i novac. Kako Hrvati nisu isključivo i jedino zemlja iz koje se iseljava, zanimljivo je vidjeti kako dišu naše velike skupine useljenih. Filipinci su već godinama brojna zajednica u Hrvatskoj, a kako je riječ o većinski katoličkom narodu, Božić za njih, baš kao i ovdje u Hrvatskoj igra veliku ulogu.
GTS streets®️
Where are we today? 😊
#gts #gtscargo #zagreb #croatia #europe #kabayan #balikbayan #balikbayancargo #memories
Objavljuje GTS – Cargo Services u Četvrtak, 23. studenoga 2023.
Uigrana ruta, kutije prenosi češka tvrtka
Za razliku od Hrvata koji kampanjski obavljaju kupovinu i općenito pripremu za Božić, Filipinci kreću u akciji nekoliko mjeseci ranije. Njihova duga iseljenička povijest stvorila je legendu oko takozvanih balikbayan kutija. Balikbayan na jeziku tagalog znači – povratnik. Tradicija je stara desetljećima a kako bi sve ostalo kao i prije, tamošnja vlada je ukinula porez na takve kutije čime su one ostale najpopularniji oblik darivanja iseljenih za svoje obitelji.
Istražili smo kako sve to funkcionira, i nismo ostali razočarani. Ne samo da su balikbayan kutije popularne u Hrvatskoj. postoji cijeli uigrani lanac sa središtem u Češkoj koji brine da te goleme kutije stignu na svoje konačne destinacije. Provrtjeli smo profil tvrtke GTS Cargo sa sjedištem u Pragu. Kako im piše u opisu profila, pričaju tečni Tagalog i specijalizirani su baš za takvu vrstu transporta.
Što se tiče Hrvatske, GTS je sredinom mjeseca posjetio Kraljevicu i Zagreb kako bi pokupio kutije i krenuo put sjevera, odnosno Češke. Svi oni koji nisu uspjeli poslati svoje pakete, GTS će proći nekim dijelovima Hrvatske i u siječnu. Darivanje očito nekada ne prestaje, čal niti kada prođu blagdani.
𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐒: 𝐎𝐅𝐖𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐚 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚 𝐉𝐨𝐲𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐬- 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐚,𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞
( Boong video 📹 . Live during the Mass.)
On December 25, 2024, a sense of joy and celebration enveloped us as we gathered for our 2nd Tagalog Catholic Mass at the Church of Mother Freedom in Jarun. This was no ordinary occasion; it was a heartfelt celebration of Christmas, the sacred day that marks the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The atmosphere in the church was alive with reverence and festivity, as parishioners came together to honor this momentous event.
Officiating the Mass was the esteemed Reverend Father Jorge Casaberde, a charismatic priest hailing from Pitogo, Ubay Bohol. With a brilliant spirit and a twinkle in his eye, Father Jorge shared engaging stories and relatable messages that captured the essence of the Christmas spirit. Currently on assignment in Rome and preparing for a future mission in Colombia, he exuded an infectious enthusiasm that set the tone for the celebration.
As Father Jorge led the Mass, his warm and inviting personality allowed for a beautiful interaction with the congregation. Laughter danced through the aisles as he cleverly wove in light-hearted jokes and anecdotes, reminding us that joy is a vital part of our faith. His words resonated deeply, making the sacred service not only alive but also profoundly meaningful to each person present. The hearts of the parishioners were lifted, drawing us closer to the divine and to one another.
The church was awash with the vibrant, happy faces of our Filipino community. For many, this Mass felt like a return to our beloved homeland; celebrated in our native dialect, Tagalog, it fostered a sense of belonging and unity. The familiar prayers and hymns enveloped us like a warm embrace, bringing forth fond memories of Christmas celebrations back home.
Evidence of our strong community spirit was clear as we looked around at the full church, with some attendees standing in the back due to a shortage of seating. It was a reassuring sight, a testament to our collective desire to celebrate this holy day together.
After the Mass, Father Jorge’s kindness continued to shine. He lifted our spirits further by singing a beloved Christmas carol, adding a melodic touch to the festive atmosphere. His loving gesture extended beyond mere words; he blessed the vehicles of several parishioners, sprinkling holy water on our cherished possessions, and offered blessings to various religious articles we brought to the church. The blessings felt profoundly personal, as Father Jorge also took the time to sprinkle holy water on all who were present, infusing us with a spirit of grace.
Before concluding the Mass, Father Jorge ensured that special moments were acknowledged by blessing the birthday celebrants in the congregation. This thoughtful gesture emphasized the essence of community, rhythmically weaving personal milestones into the tapestry of our shared faith.
This Christmas was notably significant as it was the very first time Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Croatia were able to celebrate Christmas with a Tagalog Mass. For many of us, it represented not just a religious observance, but a moment of connection to our roots and a cherished memory in what may sometimes feel like a distant land.
We extend heartfelt gratitude to the kind administrators of the Church of Mother Freedom for their warm hospitality. Special thanks are due to Father Damir, a Croatian-Canadian priest whose unwavering support for the Croatian-Filipino community has made our gatherings possible. His partnership with Mr. Filip Pesa, President of the Croatian-Filipino Community, has created a bridge of understanding and friendship.
To the entire Salisians of Don Bosco, thank you for your incredible support during the 1st and 2nd Tagalog Mass, and as we prepare for the upcoming 3rd Mass. Your outstanding commitment has inspired and uplifted the Filipino community in Croatia.
To Mr. Filip Pesa and his gracious wife, who stands beside him with constant support—their presence at the Mass brought added warmth to our gathering. We deeply appreciate their commitment to promoting our culture and community. Acknowledgment and appreciation also go to Mr. Ivan Milasincic, our diligent vice president, whose organizational prowess ensured everything ran smoothly, and Mr. Erwin HR, the HR Manager, who facilitated outreach to the OFWs, ensuring a remarkable turnout of attendees.
To Sister Marivic Badilla, whose dedicated efforts were instrumental in the success of our Tagalog Mass, we express our profound gratitude. Through her unwavering commitment and outreach to the esteemed priests in Rome, she played a pivotal role in making our 2nd Tagalog Mass in Croatia a reality. Her love for our community and deep faith have been an inspiration to us all.
To the gracious team at the head office in Rome, Italy, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your kind approval of our request to have a Filipino priest officiate at our 2nd Tagalog Catholic Mass in Croatia. Your willingness to support our spiritual needs has made it possible for us to come together in worship and celebration. We appreciate your understanding of the importance of this Mass to our community, and we hold you in our prayers with gratitude for your generosity and guidance.
We owe much to Miss Arcely, the dedicated choir organizer and Coordinator of International Catholic Community Zagreb. Despite her busy schedule, her tireless dedication made this 2nd Tagalog Mass possible. Our gratitude extends to Mr. Dan, our steadfast guitarist, whose melodic strums never falter, consistently enhancing our experience of worship.
Thanks are also due to Mr. Mel, who kindly allowed us to rehearse at his home, as well as crafting the PowerPoint presentation for our church services. Let us not forget Mr. Nathaniel, who prepared the delightful refreshments for our priest and choir members—a testament to the care we share within our community.
To the talented choir members—Mr. Jefferson, Miss Maricel, Mr. Rolly, his wife, and all those who lent their voices—we owe you our deepest gratitude for your commitment and the beautiful music that filled our hearts with joy during the Mass.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Mr. Richard, Miss Marites, and our dedicated usherettes, along with everyone who eagerly served during the 2nd Tagalog Mass. Maraming Salamat!
To all OFWs in Croatia, thank you for attending and for your unwavering dedication to supporting the Croatian-Filipino Community in our activities. For anyone looking to connect further, our community office is located at Kruge 48, Zagreb 10,000, near the local police station, its white building standing as a beacon of hope and unity for all.
We also witnessed the presence of Croatians who attended yesterday. It’s heartwarming to see their attendance, enriching our celebration even more.
We also want to express our gratitude to the non-Catholics who honored us with their presence at the Mass—your participation enriches our community and promotes harmony.
Lastly,
The church was alive yesterday, brimming with love, laughter, and the rich spirit of Christmas, creating new memories that will stay etched in our hearts for years to come. Let us carry this spirit of togetherness and faith as we continue to celebrate our heritage and community in Croatia, nurturing a sense of belonging and love that transcends borders. Croatian-Filipino Community Erwin HR Father: Jor Ge Ate-Maam Arcely Bhing Sir Dan Aries Dandem Sirs: Mel Van Jefferson Adriano Rolly Bermeo ate Maricel dela Cruz kayo napo mag tag sa iba diko alam FB nila..#Croatia #europe
#CroantianFilipinoCommunity #2ndTagalogMass
#BridgingHearts #Cultures #OFWsInCroatia #TagalogMass #ChristmasCelebration #CommunityUnity #FilipinoCommunity #ChristmasInCroatia #FaithAndJoy #CulturalConnection #PinoyPride #MotherFreedomChurch #FilipinoDiaspora #FamilyAndFaith #CrucialConnections #SupportLocal #TogetherInSpirit #HeartfeltMass #JoyfulChristmas #HarmonyInDiversity #paskongpinoy2024 #PaskongPinoy #CroatianFilipinoFriends #CelebratingHeritageObjavljuje Erwin HR u Srijeda, 25. prosinca 2024.
Cijena? Prava sitnica!
Provjerili smo i cijene. Iako one variraju zavisno od lokacije unutar Filipina gdje će te poslati kutiju, niti jedna opcija, čak ni ona za najveće kutije nije skuplja od 200 eura. Da je ta cijena prava sitnica, potvrdio nam je i Filipinac Erwin koji već godinama živi u Hrvatskoj. Kako nam je ispričao, “u kutiji će te naći igračke, čokolade, potrepštine, i razne spravice koje nije moguće kupiti na Filipinima”, rekao nam je.
Kaže i da nije uopće bitno što se nalazi u kutijama premda se zna što se uglavnom šalje. “Ta sreća koju osjećaš kada dobiješ takvu kutiju je neprocjenjiva” zaključio je. Isto tako, kaže kako je važno znati da su te kutije gotovo uvijek osobne, a zajednica je ta koja brine kako bi sve stigle na svoju konačnu destinaciju na vrijeme.
U trenucima dok čitate ovaj tekst, omiljene čokolade, slastice, potrepštine i općenito europske novotarije kojih možda nema na Filipinima, dio su veselja tamošnje djece i mladih. Braća, sestre a nekima i roditelji stanuju tisućama kilometara daleko, a pokloni su najbolji način za pokazati kako su ih se sjetili i u tuđini.
