Heroes in the Arab Kingdom by Ulysses V. Espartero is a tribute to the Overseas Filipino Workers who have made their mark in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As someone who does not have OFW relatives, I found this book fascinating because the 200 biographical profiles in the book all compose a remarkable picture of hard work, dedication, and commitment. It is not easy to make an impact in a foreign land, more so if this country is situated in a desert. It makes me feel honored to be a Filipino just like these 200 OFWs who not only excelled in their jobs, but also brought pride to our country through their achievements.
It touched me that most of the Filipinos featured in this book have made philanthropic endeavors on top of their demanding work schedules. It only shows that Filipinos will really look after each other, especially when they are in a foreign country. Their love for family also continues to be strong as most profiles included the educational attainment of their children, information about their parents and spouses, as well as their influences to pursue careers abroad. It also highlights the importance of education, as this brought the 200 OFWs from their humble beginnings to their storied careers. Indeed, education is transformative.
This book not only inspires, but also informs Filipino readers who are interested to also become OFWs not just in KSA, but in other countries as well.
This book is a gift to Filipinos everywhere and is a timely reminder that our resilience is not just a lifeline, but is also a gift to the world. We are remarkable people. The world needs more Filipinos who are not just excellent workers, but compassionate human beings as well.
Heroes in the Arab Kingdom by Ulysses V. Espartero is now available!