But I am suddenly shook up to the present by the and foreboding thought that a lot more than those happy ones are sad OFWs who can not come home this Christmas. For they are precariously holding on to jobs that in any instance may be taken away from them. Worse still they might be deprted because of their illegal status.

     Their anguish came to be because of the enactment and implementation of Act 6967 by the Korean government. The law has brought various reactions for and against it. In fact a Filipino embassy staff contributed a lengthly rejoinder to a KASAMMA article we printed in the last issue. But as the Romans say, "Dura lex sed lex"-the law is hard but it is the law and to avoid anarchy it must be followed.

      Meanwhile, as I always said, "The sun shines behind the darkest clouds." Look positively at the situation and find opportunities in this crisis then equip or reengineer yourselves to be more competitive than those who are poised to replace you in your jobs. Briefly, add value to your present skills and potentials.

     This can be done if you know what the majority of Korean employers look for in their workers? Among others. they are:

1. Positive attitude - give the choice between two employees, I will choose any day an employee who may have lesser skills but with positive attitude than a better skilled worker with a negative attitude. How does the two differ? A positive-minded person looks at a 50% filled glass as "half full" while a negative-minded person looks at the glass as "half empty".
2. Responsible - when given a task or a function, a worker must feel responsible for its accomplishment. He has the tendency to blame no one but himself for anything that prevents the completion of the task.
3. Team worker - while concentrating on his job, he must show awareness that he is vital component of a larger whole and like a humble cymbalist in an orchestra he must cooperate, be in harmony with the others, and play under the direction of the conductor so that they can play superb and beautiful music together.
4. Loyalty to the company which means many things. You must remember that your company is competing against a number of business rivals who are out to bury your company in every way they can. So any intentional action or omission that weighs down the company is a form of disloyalty. Disloyalty can then come in many forms such as high wastage due to carelessness, work slow down because of personal problem, etc.

     If you have the above qualities, then there is no need to worry because your employer will do his best to retain you. Moreover, even if you came to work in Korea as an illegal and you were forcefully deported, your present employer will wait for your fast return to your job. Perhaps by that time you will come back to work legally, be more secure in your job and have more benifits while employed in Korea.

     Meanwhile, let this crisis teach you and your dependents a very important lesson that, "NOTHING IS PERMANENT" in this world (except death and taxes). That is why you must prepare for any eventuality by:

1. Saving for the rainy days - every time you get your paycheck, set aside an amount for your future needs.
2. Be frugal. Spend your money wisely. Don't splurge on things that are not essential.
3. Learn to be an entrepreneur. Look forward to the time when you can run your own business-a master of your own destiny.

     That's why in this issue, we have included the Business column and the Entrepreneur's Corner so that you will be aware od the posibilities and opportunities open to entrepreneurs in your country.

     Meanwhile, wherever you are this Christmas, remember our thoughts are with you and that we wish that your Christmas is "merry and bright". If your'e alone and lonely during Christmas day, feel free to call UPAK office. Who knows Santa Claus may be coming to town. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!