By Nanju Francisco
Manama: Presented by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), in collaboration with the Philippine Embassy Manama, the Migrant Workers’ Office, and various Filipino community organizations, the highly anticipated “Balik Saya 2024” event concluded with resounding success on April 26, 2024. Held at the Oasis Mall, Juffair, the grand cultural and service-oriented event brought together a diverse community to celebrate and showcase the rich heritage and invaluable contributions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
“Balik Saya 2024” served as a platform to honor the dedication and resilience of OFWs, who play an integral role in the development and progress of both the Philippines and Bahrain. The event aimed to foster a sense of pride, unity, and appreciation among OFWs and their families, while highlighting the cultural diversity and exceptional talents within the community.
The Oasis Mall, Juffair, provided an ideal setting for “Balik Saya 2024,” offering a vibrant and accessible venue to accommodate a multitude of entertainment, activities, and captivating performances. In addition to the cultural festivities, the event also emphasized the importance of service, reflecting OWWA’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of OFWs.
The day-long celebration was divided into two main parts: Morning Activities and Afternoon Activities. The morning session, held indoors on the 1st floor of Oasis Mall, featured a “Consular Outreach Mission” led by Ambassador Anne Jalando-on Louis and the Philippine Embassy team. This session provided essential consular services, overseas voting registration, and assistance with SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG (Virtual) for OFWs. The Filipino Club Bahrain, led by its President Ric Advincula, also organized Health and Wellness activities, including free medical check-ups and general health services, ensuring the well-being of the attendees.
The afternoon session, held outdoors in the Oasis Mall parking area, showcased the vibrant Filipino culture and extraordinary talent. OWWA Administrator Hon. Arnell A. Ignacio and his delegation graced the event along with Ambassador Louis and other embassy officials. The afternoon session featured a Filipino food and retail bazaar, as well as the Balik Saya Program, hosted by renowned stand-up comedians Eric Nicolas and other guest artists from the Philippines. A highlight of the event was the “OFW Got Talent” segment, which showcased the diverse talents of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) community and featured finalists from Al Khobar and Bahrain.
“Balik Saya 2024” was made possible by the generous support of various sponsors, including LBC, Philippine Airlines, Paramount Life & General Insurance, BDO Remit, and others, whose contributions greatly enhanced the event’s success.
Welfare Officer Amelito S. Adel and MWO-OIC Celia V. Cabandonga were on hand to welcome the OFWs who flocked to the “Consular Outreach Mission” in the morning.
OWWA extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Philippine Embassy, all the participants, sponsors, and the Filipino community in Bahrain for their overwhelming support and enthusiastic participation in making “Balik Saya 2024” a memorable and triumphant event.