Paperjam: Please, introduce yourselves.

Megan Hurst: My name is Megan and I’m the secretary of the Philippines-Luxembourg Society. I’m half-British (father), half-Filipina (mother), born and raised here in Luxembourg.

Maricel Pamesa: My name is Maricel, born and raised in the Philippines, and also a PLS committee member. I first moved to Luxembourg in 2014 to work as an au pair.

And could you introduce the PLS?

MH: The Philippines-Luxembourg Society was founded in 1986 with the initial goal of promoting friendship and cultural ties between the peoples of the Philippines and Luxembourg. Over the years, the PLS has begun focusing on managing charity projects in favour of the less privileged in the Philippines. The main activities of the association today focus on scholarships, education projects (construction and renovation of schools and sanitary facilities) and humanitarian aid (on-site help to local populations affected by natural disasters).

Today, over 200 students have benefited from our scholarship program and have been given the opportunity to go to school and finish their high school/college degrees. We are currently supporting 15 scholars who are enrolled in four-year bachelor degrees in the following majors: entrepreneurship, criminology, community development, education marine transportation, IT, tourism, marine engineering and nursing.

The PLS has financed multiple projects over the past years including the construction and renovation of schools, sanitary facilities and day care centres, as well as a hospital. The most considerable project to date was the construction of a six-classroom school in Payatas, a project that was co-financed by the Luxembourg foreign affairs ministry. Another significant project was the construction of a classroom for children with special needs, as well as a “model house” that aims to equip these children with household skills and familiarise them with the ambience of a home, resulting in their empowerment and independence.

The PLS also provides on-site help to local populations that are affected by natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, mudslides and volcanic eruptions and has contributed towards humanitarian aid projects. In 2013, after one of the worst typhoons to ever hit the Philippines, food, clothing and survival essentials were collected by members of the PLS through friends and neighbours. Together with other Luxembourg associations and volunteers, 11 tons of relief goods were transported by air to Manila by Cargolux Airlines.

Wow, that’s fantastic. What about the “cultural ties” aspect--is that still an active part of the PLS?

MH: Yes. The PLS has over 200 active members and we organise multiple events during the year to get the community together. These get-togethers range from cultural festivals (International Bazar, the Fête des Nations in Grevenmacher and in other communes in Luxembourg, annual picnics for the Filipino Independence day in June, a Christmas event (either a party or a bus trip to one of Europe’s Christmas markets), annual general meetings and others.

And there are other events we organise to get the community together and to raise funds in Luxembourg, for example charity dinners and cooking classes.

How big is the Filipino community in Luxembourg?

MH: I think there are about 850-900 Filipinos who live in Luxembourg. This was the last number I heard while at an event organised by the Philippine Consulate. However, there are probably a lot more here. Take my mother for example: she was born in the Philippines but came to Luxembourg in the early ’80s and has both British and Luxembourg nationalities. I am not sure how many more Filipinos live in Luxembourg but who do not have the Filipino nationality. A couple of years ago, a lot of Filipinos came to Luxembourg, working for one of the Big Four. Today, more Filipinos are arriving, but mostly architects and engineers.

What’s one place in Luxembourg that reminds you of home?

MH: I think the only place that reminds Filipinos of home is when they are invited for lunch or dinner to another Filipino’s home. I know of some friends who, when they first arrived from the Philippines and were invited over by my mother, were absolutely ecstatic about having a traditional Filipino home-cooked meal. The Filipino community is all about spending time together surrounded by so much food. A “simple” lunch or dinner, also if only for a few people, is always a feast of five to ten different dishes and everyone gets to go home with a “take away” bag, enough for at least three days.

For people coming from the Philippines, what is the most striking thing about Luxembourg?

MP: As a foreigner living here, the amazing thing for me about Luxembourg is the security of my employment, the social security, pension and the great work/life balance that allows me to manage and profit from both family, free time and my job. The strangest thing for me were certain Luxembourg traditions, like for example the Buergbrennen to celebrate the end of winter.

What do you make of Luxembourgish food?

MP: Luxembourgish food was difficult for me in the beginning to get used to! However, I do like two traditional dishes: Bouneschlupp and Ierzebulli. I like to cook and my family loves Filipino food, so I don’t miss my home dishes too much.

How about the weather?

MP: The winters are cold. It took a couple of years to get used to. However, I love having four seasons. In the Philippines, it is always hot and humid, with only two seasons: dry and rainy.

Back home, have people heard of Luxembourg? If so, what are the stereotypes about it?

MH: Not many people have heard of Luxembourg. Usually, they know where Europe is. Two years ago during a trip to the Philippines, I came across two Filipinos who asked me where I was from. When I said “Luxembourg,” one of them told me that they had seen on Facebook that Luxembourg was the richest country in the world.

What’s something that Luxembourg locals usually don’t know about the Philippines?

MH: They are always surprised when I tell them that the Philippines is made up of over 7,000 islands. Also, that the main public transportation is “Jeepneys,” which are like mini buses made of old US military jeeps that were left behind after the Second World War. Another thing not many people know is the Spanish influence in the Philippines. A lot of Spanish words are used in the national language, Tagalog, and also 80% of Filipinos are Catholic. The social culture is also very similar to the south European countries, similar food, getting together, etc.

And finally… any message for Filipino newcomers to Luxembourg?

MH: Make sure to reach out to the Philippines-Luxembourg Society! We’ll introduce you to other Filipinos in Luxembourg and a home-cooked meal, reminding you of our beautiful islands, will be waiting for you!