Mari Felices

To be an OFW is to live a life of quiet courage. Far from the warmth of home and the embrace of family, they step into unfamiliar lands not just to earn, but to sacrifice. Their only weapon? Prayer—a lifeline to hope, a whisper to God when no one else is around to listen. In the silence of foreign rooms, when loneliness creeps in and tears fall freely, their best friends are often a simple notebook and pen. These are more than tools—they're confidants, witnesses to pain, and keepers of dreams. Every word written is a release, every page turned a step forward. Their journal becomes the shoulder they cry on, the space where they pour out longing, frustration, and love. A Prayer and a Pen Far from home, across the sea,   I work alone, but dream of thee.   No hugs at night, no warm embrace,   Just silent tears upon my face. My only shield is whispered prayer,   A quiet hope that floats in air.   I speak to God when days are long,...

Living and working abroad isn’t always the dream people imagine. For many of us, especially Filipinos in healthcare, it’s a journey of grit, growth, and grace. This poem—written in a blend of Tagalog, English, and Finnish—captures the everyday struggles and quiet triumphs of a caregiver navigating life in Finland. SANA ALL TALAGA ( Tulang TagFinglish ) Sana all, fluent sa suomen kieli, Ako? “Anteeksi, mitä?” pa rin ang daily. Nakakahiya naman kasing magsalita ng kanilang kieli, Baka mali ang pagbikas ko ng perhe, pieni, at veli. Sa työpaikka, tahimik ako na hoitaja, Nagbibigay ng lääkkeet, nagpapalit ng vaippa. Kahit minsan lang makarinig ng “Kiitos at anteeksi,” Pero sa mata nila, ramdam ko ang kiitollinen. Kahit simpleng bati o “Moi Mari” lang, Parang may kilig, parang may saysay ang araw. Kahit malayo sa pamilya’t mahal sa buhay, Dito sa Finland, may purpose pa rin ang bawat araw. En jaksa kaya ’di pwede sa yövuoro, Pero sa päivävuoro, ako bigay todo. Mula “Hyvää huoment...

At the end of the school year, I often find myself regretting my decision to be an overseas Filipino worker (OFW). This feeling intensifies when my children tell me, "Mama, ga-graduate po akong kasama sa with honours."  And it truly warms my heart. I want to be there in person to witness them receive their awards, wrap my arms around them, and tell them how proud I am of their achievements. Unfortunately, I can’t come home due to the long travel and expenses involved. It tears me apart to see their sad faces during video calls, and it's particularly upsetting that all I can do is look at their photographs as the days go by. So, when I say I regret working abroad, it's a complex feeling. Let me explain further my emotions with five reasons.  5 Reasons Why I Regretted Working Abroad   1. In my role as a caregiver or a practical nurse, I dedicate my time attending to the needs of other families, preparing meals, monitoring health conditions and feeding other kids—other s...

I wrote this poem 7 or 8 years ago. But no title came up to my mind and I dont have a courage to post it online yet. It's arduous feelings to reminisce the past,  Its really a walk to remember, And after this... I'm gonna close this book not because I want to close it permanently but because I will try to start writing a new chapter that will help me to go on with my life.    A true story....  Is definitely   A WALK TO REMEMBER I was 20 And you were 26 You're a soldier  And I am graduating student  You fight for the country  While I'm searching extra ordinary. You courted me for a year  And I say yes when you are 27. You asked me out for a dinner,  I never thought it was a civil wedding.  Its a big surprise to bind us together. Only your bestfriend is the witness to our wedding.  At last we are together. And you serve me like a queen. I write poetry and  you're my muse. You're gorgeous with you...

A sole white rose he sent me since we met Pure-hearted, cool with scented dew still wet His messages, all tenderly and sweet, To prove that his love is true and sincere But my frail heart it said, " my heart veneer. " If he really wants to impress me much A blue limousine, for me, is enough Or a house and lot with a pool and trees But I just drew roses and chocolates. Love is not about a material thing It couldn't be strained and could not be bribed It should be felt from the deep of the heart. © Mari Felices Poetry and song https://www.facebook.com/706983676022314/posts/pfbid024L4aZSHRbSZyG1oMY5G4acR2C4Va75MZ5u2kz9AFMcCys4LL4NtSxiRYPkUTFRSMl/

Embrace me with your solace Let me melt with your stares Like the waves kissing at the shores To convey the assurance that you will stay forever. Embrace me with your tenderness Gently caress my broken weakness to forget my unbearable past. To warm my frigid heart Embrace me with your kindness Let me fall in love with your mellifluous voice To sing me my favourite song And be my inspiration to write a poem. Embrace me with your full attention Love me with all your heart including my resilience and my imperfection. In return, I will stay with you no matter what happens. And you will be the only man in my heart. Embrace me with your affection Let me stay in your heart where I belong, a dwelling place of my own. Promise me that I will stay there evermore. ©Mari Felices

I will say ‘thank you’ to you, for all the things you have done. For always being here to cheer me up, for making me smile when I'm sad. I will say ‘thank you’ to you, for being my very dear friend. Who helped me discard my wrong beliefs Who encouraged me to pursue my dreams. I knew you’re not here to stay forever, But I'm so happy that I met you and became my friend. I will never forget you , never I will, never. 'cause your friendship is really a great treasure. Who gave light to my dark path. My dear, I couldn't give you anything, But in my heart, you will be here. I will love you for the rest of my life. Love you more than a lover does. So please accept my simple words As a token of my gratitude. ©Mari Felices Facebook account https://www.facebook.com/mari.felices.7 IG Account https://www.instagram.com/Mari_Felices FB Page https://www.facebook.com/Rocksmari444 / Friends, can you do me a favor, please like and subscribe 👇 Thank you https...