According to the latest data from the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, there are nearly 800,000 Filipinos who are working in Malaysia. These OFWs have jobs in industries like retail, technology, manufacturing, and entertainment.
And although Malaysia is near the Philippines, these OFWs still feel homesick, more so if they see these things and places that remind them of home.
1. Kota Raya!
Kota Raya is a shopping complex in Malaysia's Chinatown that's lovingly called Little Philippines. Filipinos hang out here on their day off to meet their kababayans (countrymen), and to visit shops manned by other Pinoys.
2. Shopping for Filipino food, obviously.
3. Shopping for other Filipino products too.
Those looking to fix broken powder makeup + sterilise can get 70% alcohol at a pinoy store in kotaraya @twt_makeupmy
Kota Raya is also home for other Filipino products that we grew up with, like local brands of rubbing alcohol and maxi pads.
4. Eating at Laguna Filipino Bar & Restaurant.
This restaurant in Petaling Jaya offers boodle fights that include Filipino favorites like ginisang munggo, lumpia, and pansit.
5. And having Laguna's spaghetti and chickensaya.
There's no Jollibee in Malaysia, so Filipinos who miss the bee's famous Jolly Spaghetti and Chickenjoy troop over to Laguna to taste their spaghetti and fried chicken. Tastes like the real thing.
6. Or having dinner at The Narra.
The Narra is another Filipino restaurant in Petaling Jaya, and it's popular for its silog and combo meals.
7. Hanging out during The Narra's musical nights.
The Narra also hosts live performances of Filipino music for Pinoys who miss hearing their favorite OPM.
8. Grabbing a bite at CalleVerde.
Then there's CalleVerde in Malaysia's Chinatown, which offers a fusion of Filipino and Western food. Their Filipino desserts also give a taste of home for any Pinoy with a sweet tooth.
9. And a gaggle of other eateries too.
10. Watching lots of Filipino teleseryes.
11. Keeping up with Filipino celebrities.
12. Seeing talented Filipino artists who make it in Malaysia.
{A pinoy singer in Malaysia 🌷} A fortnight ago was Mark Adam's (A pinoy singer) auspicious day when he won the 1st place in Bintang Bersama Bintang (Star with Star ; A reality show). He won RM100k = 1,328,597.81PHP — A thread, just to share the happiness with the other fils💕 https://t.co/CmLb3k4L8F
Cebuano singer Mark Adam won the reality show Bintang Bersama Bintang last March and took home more than a million pesos.