ATTENTION ALL QLer's...THIS IS IMPORTANT

Cornellian
By Cornellian

Dear QLers,

We've been arguing among ourselves for the past few weeks, but now is the time we unite and put our differences aside for this good cause.

While I was in Dubai, I met a Filipina who worked as a house helper for some people I know. She is a single parent with two sons back in the Philipines. After talking to her, I was to find out that she has a serious problem and has even written a letter about it in the hopes that she could send it to some organisation that could help her out. I told her to give me the letter and told her that I would try my best to get her help from Qatar. The first thing that came to mind was QL. So here I am asking u to hear her out. Here is the letter she gave me:

----
I'm a Filipina servant working here in Dubai. I want to ask help & appeal for those who have kind hearts and have more than enough. I know know where to ask help from, so I just thought a letter might be the best easy way to reach u. Praying so hard that God will touch your heart. My problem is my house in the Philipines is for closure when I stop paying since almost a half year ago. I though working in Dubai could lead me to a better future for my 2 sons because I'm a single parent but it turned out that the salary I got was less than half of what I expect. I ask my employed to let me go home but he said I have to pay back for my visa, ticket and the agency. How can I pay my employer, I don't have any money. Time is running so short for, it's beyond my control. I'm like a broken glass trying to pick up the pieces together but can't do nothing. Please I beg of u to help me...

Yours Truly,
(won't post her name)
-----

The thing that got to me most is that she's been paying for that house for the past 15 years, if she doesn't pay the previous installments (5 months worth) by the end of this year, the gov't will take her house and all the 15 years of hard work will be gone in a blink of an eye. She was so ashamed to ask for help, it really broke my heart. I had promised her to do everything in my power to help her. So what do u say Qler's ? Will we stand as one and help this poor lady?

By Apple• 26 Jun 2007 02:25
Apple

Azzy is right, corne! alot of wolves & pretendous anywhere, we have to be extra careful too!

We cannot easily "TRUST" anyone, never!

But since you personally know this lady then, please keep us update, let's wait for the confirmation from Majh also.

By Angelo• 26 Jun 2007 00:28
Angelo

If you find that this lady's plight is genuine, PM me and I will gladly pool in to help.

Angelo

By Cornellian• 26 Jun 2007 00:13
Cornellian

I think I'm heading to bed too, night Azi :-)

By Cornellian• 26 Jun 2007 00:12
Cornellian

Nope that's it Azi, I know what u meant, come on let's fight! I'm ready! Haven't fought with anyone today, let's go! lol...ok ok enough back to topic...

We're good people who like to have a fun time, and I have faith that we'll be able to help her. I'm just glad I spent the time listening to her, now she might have a chance of a better life :-)

By azilana7037• 26 Jun 2007 00:11
azilana7037

You know my number...just holler ;-)

Goodnight guys!!!

By azilana7037• 26 Jun 2007 00:07
azilana7037

as I said in another thread, I feel guilty that I've goofed off lately ..being one of the "troublemakers"...like wolves (hehehe). But we're really not that "bad"...we're just good in hiding it, right?

i do hope we could help your lady friend...a small gesture do go a long, long way...right?

By e46M3• 26 Jun 2007 00:03
e46M3

I'm sure it's in safe hands, Cornellian.

By Cornellian• 25 Jun 2007 23:59
Cornellian

Accusing us of being sheep? U mean we follow orders and don't think for ourselves? hu ? hu ? come on, u wana take this fight outside??? hehe

e4, we're working on it. Will keep u updated :-)

By azilana7037• 25 Jun 2007 23:50
azilana7037

need to clarify this before someone accuses me of being a "newbie in the internet", a "troll" or "whatever"....

But, seriously, let's go for this...

By e46M3• 25 Jun 2007 23:49
e46M3

I suggest starting with the governments where these workers originate from. They know exactly what's going on.

By azilana7037• 25 Jun 2007 23:45
azilana7037

some of us here are sheeps under wolves' skin...hehehe

By missmoneypenny• 25 Jun 2007 23:36
missmoneypenny

Hi Corne

A friend is shooting a documentary on this issue. Is there a way to be put in touch with the person concerned???

Well-meaning solutions like pay-outs to help individuals are all well and good, but perhaps something needs to be done to expose the wider problem, & the lack of govt-aided protection for people in these situations.

miss moneypenny

By Cornellian• 25 Jun 2007 23:23
Cornellian

But I think I heard her say that she came here directly, that there was no agency or contract done in the Philipines. Only one in Dubai, which has the lower amount ofcourse. Inshallah we'll get things sorted out, like u said there are alot of good people here. I'm glad to know that good people like QLer's still are around :-)

By e46M3• 25 Jun 2007 23:18
e46M3

Ok, Cornellian. But they get a copy of the same contract in Manila. I know, I've had several maids and the last one brought it with her and the agency here told me to tear it up and not pay her the amount stated. Yeah, right.

I hope things get sorted out for this lady if she's really in need. You have lots of goodwill here.

By Cornellian• 25 Jun 2007 23:09
Cornellian

I did e4. The thing is they were told in the Philipines that they'd get paid a certain amount, the people they work didn't know of this. When they got here the contract stated an amount which was much less. She told the employer that she won't work for that much because she was told she'd get more and that she wouldn't have come if she would've known the salary was that much. The employer told her to sign and that he would raise her salary later on...he said it was a man's word...yeah right. Anyways till today he didn't. I talked to him and he said he would raise it..doubt it.

And if he finds out I'm doing this he would probably get pissed, but oh well I gotta do what I gotta do.

Anyways I'm sending majh now her details and we'll see what happens. Fingers crossed.

By e46M3• 25 Jun 2007 23:00
e46M3

Hi Cornellian. You say you know the people she's working for and she says they're not paying her what was in the contract. Couldn't you have a word with them?

By Cornellian• 25 Jun 2007 22:55
Cornellian

Hello everyone, I just got back home, read the thread, and yes I'll PM u majh with her details so u can see what u can do. Thank u all. And for those who think it's an email scam, I know the lady personally and I'm sure she's not making it up.

By anonymous• 25 Jun 2007 22:31
anonymous

but I prefer majh's way. Lets try to contact the lady in dubai and take the info that majh needs so we can help/donations in Phillipines

By e46M3• 25 Jun 2007 22:30
e46M3

I think the words of caution expressed by various members are appropriate. If majh can track this down let's follow it up. If it's a genuine plea then we can help. Let's just make sure it is.

By copper• 25 Jun 2007 22:10
copper

Leme confess this is my first day in QL.I dont know how things work here,but wat i read now,definitely make sense.I wana help.

U mentioned that the employer stopped her from going back.DOnt u think the philippino embassy can do something about it??

Pls leme know wer we can meet.

By Imz• 25 Jun 2007 21:42
Imz

Please let me know where. and when I'll be there too!

By Oryx• 25 Jun 2007 21:41
Oryx

count me in - this is the same system in mexico - so if people default they lose everything.

i knew people who lost houses like this-couldn't help then but can now.

if we all chip in a little should be ok

By Majh• 25 Jun 2007 20:49
Majh

i'll do that still waiting for corne for the details....corne are you there????

By azilana7037• 25 Jun 2007 20:46
azilana7037

I'm in...

By Apple• 25 Jun 2007 20:10
Apple

God bless you for doing that! :))

By CYman• 25 Jun 2007 20:09
CYman

count me in. I will follow the threat. Let us know how things will be organised.

May the roof above us never fall in, and may the friends below never fall out!

By Majh• 25 Jun 2007 20:01
Majh

yes apple i told corne not to send any money because my husband works in SSS Real Estate Dept. and he was assigned before in Housing Foreclosure and as far as I now they have the same procedures as in PAG-IBIG so i just need to know the details so we can work it out without money involve just to do loan restructuring so I'm just waiting for corne to give me the details so i can send the details tomorrow and have the answer on the next days...

By Apple• 25 Jun 2007 19:51
Apple

I'm in here!

But we have to know the details from her, the Housing developer of her house. We may ask assistant from OWWA, if its taken thru Pagibig housing or SSS.

Majh, follow up this one.

By han19• 25 Jun 2007 19:39
han19

am in too corne honey

just confirm this is for real.

i have been seeing all sorts of money rackets appearing in the mails lately and they all have extremely touching stories.these are not the usual ones that used to come earlier from african countries, now they are from all over the world.

help us help you.

happy heart

DRIVE SAFE,someone is waiting for you at home

By gypsy gal• 25 Jun 2007 19:31
gypsy gal

Let me also know what we can do....I will also contribute.

By Gypsy• 25 Jun 2007 19:22
Gypsy

I'm willing to help whenever you figure out what we can do Corne. :)

"I fight with love and I laugh with rage, you have to live light enough to see the humor and long enough to see some change." Ani Difranco

By King Edshel• 25 Jun 2007 19:19
King Edshel

Guess that we need to meet somewhere, should not be all of us ... at least Corne & Majh to discuss more about the issue as Majh's husband is working in the field and can give us an idea about what is going on. We really want to help and in the same time make Bonjovi and anyone else who would like to participate and afraid of the whole matter to be fake and a matter of getting money, to calm down and know that this is real and someone is really in need for help.

What do you say Corne?

By Majh• 25 Jun 2007 18:37
Majh

it is better we can talk over a cup of coffee so we can discuss how to reach her and we can take action as soon as possible don't send the money yet we will consult my husband for this matter and he will be the one to go to the proper agency.. i'm working till 9pm everyday can we meet

By Bonjovi• 25 Jun 2007 18:25
Bonjovi

Hey word of caution here . . . . how do we know this isn't a money making racket????????? Just like those junk emails from some dictator of an African country, asking poor sods to transfer money to some bank account . . . . . .. skeptical me . ....

By e46M3• 25 Jun 2007 18:17
e46M3

Cornellian, everyone here has expressed a willingness to help. However even if the 5 delinquent payments are made what about future payments or is that it and the house will be paid off?

By Cornellian• 25 Jun 2007 18:11
Cornellian

Oh majh that's very kind of u, but she doesn't have access to a computer and I remember she said that this is the third and last warning she got so she has no other way. I don't know. I did get the address of her family there, so I can send the money.

Thank u all, as for donations I can't ask people to donate specific amounts cause everyone has different capabilities. And for the place, I don't have anywhere in mind yet. Any suggestions on where we can all meet up?

By Majh• 25 Jun 2007 18:04
Majh

my husband is working in Phils. a gov't agency for housing loan if she could give me the full details of her housing loan let me know my email ad [email protected] ... as far as I know still there is a loan restructuring for housing loan and my husband can communicate with her family in Phils.

By DaRuDe• 25 Jun 2007 18:03
DaRuDe

May I Help If You Dont Mind :D

I Mean Donation.

[img_assist|nid=21285|title=.|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=180|height=180]

By charmed• 25 Jun 2007 17:58
charmed

i will help out! let me know how or where.

[img_assist|nid=13270|title=Love Life|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=180|height=113]

love life!

By King Edshel• 25 Jun 2007 17:47
King Edshel

anything to help this sister, let me know when you got the full details such as the amount that we should collect and how to give you the money and so on ... please keep me updated ..

By Greeker• 25 Jun 2007 17:37
Greeker

Count me in, Corn babe!

By Cornellian• 25 Jun 2007 17:23
Cornellian

I'll set everything up, I just need to know if people are ready to help otherwise I'd have to try to find another way to help her. I'll PM u with the details once I get everything sorted out. Thank u all.

By hamlet• 25 Jun 2007 17:22
hamlet

yeah I am willing to help also...how can we do it?

By shavonne clements• 25 Jun 2007 17:22
shavonne clements

Cornelian> let me know how i can send some donations. Even from my colleagues here in the office.

_________________________________________

"Don't judge my brother, he's not a book"---melanism

Log in or register to post comments

More from Qatar Living

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Let's dive into the best beaches in Qatar, where you can have a blast with water activities, sports and all around fun times.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

This guide brings you the top apps that will simplify the use of government services in Qatar.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

this guide presents the top must-have Qatar-based apps to help you navigate, dine, explore, access government services, and more in the country.
Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Qatar's winter months are brimming with unmissable experiences, from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 to the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 and a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural delights.
7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

Stuck with a week-long holiday and bored kids? We've got a one week activity plan for fun, learning, and lasting memories.
Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a sweet escape into the world of budget-friendly Mango Sticky Rice that's sure to satisfy both your cravings and your budget!
Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in  high-end elegance

Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in high-end elegance

Delve into a world of culinary luxury as we explore the upmarket hotels and fine dining restaurants serving exquisite Mango Sticky Rice.
Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Celebrate World Vegan Day with our list of vegan food outlets offering an array of delectable options, spanning from colorful salads to savory shawarma and indulgent desserts.