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August 29, 2019
Since when have you been staying there? Can you recount why and how you moved there?
I moved here to Norway in 2013 together with my four friends. We came as nurses from Aklan Cooperative Mission Hospital. I recall that an agency was looking for workers in Norway, and I always wanted to go abroad and work for a better salary, so I jumped at the opportunity right away.
Tell us about where you live. What is the place famous for? Are there any notable landmarks, sites, etc. What do you like and not like about living there?
I currently live in Kjeller, a village located near Lillestrøm in the municipality of Skedsmo. It’s located 25 kilometers north-east of Oslo (Oslo is the capital of Norway). Kjeller is famous for its airport as the world oldest airport with an air battalion, international flight academy and aircraft production. It’s home to the biggest annual airshow in the country too! I love it here because it’s so peaceful. There’s no pollution, no crime, and you can enjoy all four seasons of the year. The only catch is that everything here is expensive.
Tell us about your life there. What do you do for a living? What do you do for relaxation? Describe a typical week. What’s the typical lifestyle over there?
My life here is quite active. Besides working weekly, I have a Filipino show band, D’Goodvibes, and we play for different events during different occasions. I’m also a photographer specializing in portraits, events and landscapes. Each year, I go on a hiking trip with my colleague. We even reached the country’s higest peak, Galdhøpiggen. I’m a music enthusiast, so I also jump at the opportunity to see my favorite bands perform at concerts. When I’m free, I play table tennis, go fishing, listen to music or work in a nursing home. A typical lifestyle here involves working throughout the week, and by Friday or Saturday, go out for a drink and have fun with family and friends.
What are the main cultural differences between there and the Philippines?
Filipino culture has a tighter focus on family relationships compared to the people here. They send money to their family in the Philippines and loved ones. Norwegians are also more independent at an early age, and when they land a job, they perform differently than us Filipinos. Norwegian laws are strict, and I admire the people for being law abiding citizens and well-mannered people. For example, cars slow down when the drivers see someone crossing the street (which is quite the opposite than what we’re used to in the Philippines).
How were you able to adjust to the culture? Did you pick up anything new (practices, life lessons, etc). Do you still observe Filipino customs and traditions?
We Filipinos are famous for being one of the most widespread nationalities around the world. I just did what everyone else did and put my mind towards adjustment. The culture here wasn’t extremely different from what I’m used to, but I eventually had to abide by the laws of this country and practice being independent more often (especially since I lived alone). I’ve always been a fan of Viking culture and history, and my appreciation for it helped me adjust here faster.
I love doing things on my own but being in a foreign country is a different story. People here like to have their space and privacy (while also being approachable). One thing I learned here is that you have to speak out of you want to address something. People here will speak directly if you have done good or bad here. They don’t tolerate if things go the other way. I also learned that, when going to gatherings on occasion, we as guests have to bring alcoholic drinks as a form of contribution. Along the way, I’ve taught myself photography. My friends used to say “ano na naman yan, picture picture na naman?” When we were walking as I was always behind taking photos of something.
I still observe and practice Filipino customs and traditions here. I love cooking native Pinoy dishes as nothing beats “kanin at ulam’. Norwegians eat a lot of bread and potatoes. I do the same but not often. Each year, we still celebreate Christmas and new year like it was in the Philippines. If you’re the ninong or ninang, then you are bound to give gifts and pamasko to your inaanak.
What advice would you give to Filipinos who want to move there? Give at least 3 tips.
To my fellow kababayans who want to move here, my first tip is to be mentally, emotionally and physically prepared for the country. Being away from our loved ones is one of the worst feelings to experience. A lot of people have depression here, especially during the winter. I had winter depression every year up until now as I still live alone. The environment is also difficult to deal with here, so being physically fit is a must. This country has four seasons, and people tend to get sick in the winter.
My second tip is to learn the language thoroughly as a language certification is required for you to get a job. I was a licensed nurse in the Philippines, but it’s not credited here in Norway. The country has high standards with education and work, so almost everyone here is a professional. Because of tax, education is free.
Norway has four seasons (summer, spring, autumn and winter). Each season differs also in temperature and clothing requirements, so be prepared! There is a famous saying here “Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær!” which translates to “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes!”
How about Filipinos who want to travel there? Also give 3 tips.
To my fellow kababayans who want to travel her, I’m sure you’ll enjoy Norway! Here ae some tips to help you out:
What’s your message to Filipinos across the world?
As an OFW, I know we have to sacrifice, but we only live once, so enjoy life! Do what you love and lova what you do. Success comes through the things we love and pursue. Don’t let people tell you how to live your life and let go of the things that drag you down, cheers!
ADDITIONAL: can you share any links to useful online resources that can help future travelers with your host country? Example: tourism office, tourist destinations and more. Please include the link to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General
Here are some important links you can visit when traveling to Norway. It features almost all the information needed upon visiting this country.
https://www.norway-lights.com/#
Lit Nacabuan has been living in Norway since 2013, working as a professional nurse. When not working, he plays as part of a Filipino band (D’Goodvibes)
Filipino Norway: My Pinoy Life in Mosjoen
SALVACION VALERA VALDERAMA
City: Mosjøen, Norway
Since when have you been staying there? Can you recount briefly why you moved there?
I migrated to Norway in July 1986 after receiving an offer to work as a nurse here. It was a very difficult decision since I had to leave my relatives, friends and family, especially husband and my son who was only two years and four months at that time.
I moved to Norway first. And then after five months my husband and my son came to join me. I originally got a contract for a year and had the option of renewing it, if I wanted to. We thought of staying here in Norway for only three years but as years went by, we came to like and love the country. We are enjoying life here.
Luckily, I have two older sisters, and my older brother also working as nurses, who all live in Oslo. They are married to Filipinos, as well. My husband is working in ALCOA, an American company producing aluminum. We have three children – all boys (27, 22 and 15 years old).
Tell us about your adoptive home
Norway, one of the four Scandinavian countries where Denmark, Sweden and Finland are included, is known as “The Land of the Vikings” and the “Land of the Midnight Sun.”
Norway is a country located in Northern Europe on the western and northern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula, bordering the North Sea in southwest and the Skagerrak inlet to the south, the North Atlantic Ocean (Norwegian Sea) in the west and the Barents Sea to the northeast. Norway, which has four seasons, has a long land border with Sweden to the east, a shorter one with Finland in the northeast and a still shorter border with Russia in the far northeast. Norway has a very elongated shape, one of the longest and most rugged coastlines in the world, and some 50,000 islands off the much indented coastline.
Norway is one of the world’s most northerly countries, and one of Europe’s most mountainous countries with large areas dominated by the Scandinavian Mountains; average elevation is 460 m and 32% of the mainland is located above the tree line.
It is a very rich country ruled by a monarchy and has a very high standard of living. The country is strong in the field of oil production and is considered as one of the biggest oil producers in the world. Norway is also known for salmon exportation to countries all over the globe.
Norway, whose capital is Oslo, is divided into 19 different provinces which have their distinct physical features, cultures and dialects.
We live in the northern part of Norway, in Mosjøen, a part of Helgeland community and Nordland County. Mosjøen is known for the historic street of Sjøgata which constitutes Northern Norway’s largest collection of preserved 19th century wooden buildings. Around 100 historic buildings are taken cared of as part of the pulsating city life.
The residents of Mosjøen are proud of their old town and will gladly show it to visitors. Walking through the area, you will find architectural gems and building preservation of class, including Wenches Keramikkverksted (ceramic studio), Atelier Marit K. Skog, Kulturverkstedet (the cultural workshop), Vikgården landhandel og kaffebu (general store and café), Ferdinand Restaurant, Espira Coffeebar, Fru Haugans Hotel, a guest marina and much more. Helgeland Museum’s own warehouse building in Sjøgata featuring exhibitions, which is spread over three floors, is also worth a visit.
Generally, Norwegian people are friendly and I love to see the different national costumes they wear during special occasions, especially on National Day.
Is there a Filipino community there?
We have a Filipino association here at our place, but it is not so big because we are not that many here. I live in a small community where the total population is almost 15,000. Here, there are only 16 Filipinos, including myself.
There are an estimated 9,000 Filipinos living in Norway and most of them are living in the Oslo urban area. Most of them are females – about 76 percent of the total community’s population.
The first time I came, it was quite boring for me. But I think that’s quite natural when you are new to a certain place, especially during the period of adjustment. The lifestyle here is totally different, as compared to life in the Philippines.
What cultural practices/behaviors have you acquired from your host country?
There are a lot of good Norwegian practices that I have actually acquired. Here, we greet each other even if we are not friends. We take our shoes off we enter a home, leaving them at the entrance/door. We also only eat a heavy meal once a day when we come home from work.
People consider each other as equals here, and I really love it. Skiing is a very common activity here since Norway is a land of snow. Unluckily, however, I don’t get to ski very often. My family has become accustomed to the Norwegian language, especially my children, but my husband and I talk in Tagalog and my native dialect – Ilocano, when at home. My children are also familiar with Tagalog and conversational Ilocano.
Your greeting to Filipino across the globe
I am very proud to be a Filipino working in Norway. Even if i have lived here in Norway for so many years, my heart and my thoughts are still in the Philippines.
I love the Philippines! Mabuhay! Long live the Philippines!
Hello kababayans around the globe!
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I’ve always admired the Norwegian people. Ever since I was a little girl when my sea faring father sailed most of Europe, he told me about Norway, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Begium and all the snow covered paces in Europe and the friendly people. I travel a great deal and would like to connect with you. I am in the health field. Please contact me soon as I want to be the 17th Filipina to be part of your community. Warmth and good blessings from Houston, Texas.