KUWAIT CITY, June 27: The ‘Balik Saya sa Kuwait 2023 Handog ng DMW-OWWA’ in celebration of the Filipino Migrant Workers Day and Philippine Independence Day is all set to enthrall Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). The “Balik Saya” or “Joy is Back” funfilled event to be held at the Crowne Plaza Kuwait Al Thuraya City Al Baraka Grand Ballroom, in cooperation with the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait and powered by Infinity Talents Group, PhilSoc-MSK and GeekCon, will showcase the ‘Crystal Voice of Asia’ Ms Sheryn Regis with Marion Aunor and Cool Cat Ash. Gate opens at 9:00 a.m. wherein community outreach program services of the Philippine Embassy (passport, notarials and civil registration), Migrant Workers Office (Balik Manggagawa, contract verification), OWWA (OWWA membership collection), SSS and PAG-Ibig Fund will be available at the lobby for attendees till 12 noon.

The Grand Finals of OFW Got Talent, a smorgasbord of talents, will be at 1:00 p.m. highlighting 20 grand finalists who battle it out on June 30 and vie for a chance to represent the Filipino community in Kuwait in the “battle of champions” wherein the winner will compete with other OFW Got Talent grand winners from countries where OFW Got Talent was also held.

The grand winner of OFW Got Talent in Kuwait will receive KD 300 cash prize, first runner-up will receive KD 200 and the 2nd runner-up KD 100. Winners will also receive trophies and gifts from sponsors. Soon after the talent show, the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will hand out 10 Loyalty Awards to 10 OFWs who have worked for the same employer for more than 10 years. Each awardee will receive a trophy celebrating their milestone.

The audience will be in for a treat after the awards ceremony as the Infinity Talents will be the front act of the “Balik Saya sa Kuwait” concert. Jennifer Uy-Fernandez, Chan-Chan Cervantes, Najwa Lacson, Charvin Molaco, Michael Olfindo, and Mansour Melad Amin will serenade the crowd with hit toppers that would surely entice throngs of fans. The “cherry on top” is the most awaited concert of Ms Sheryn Regis dubbed as the “Crystal Voice of Asia”.

Regis, a singer and songwriter, whose hit songs “Come In Out of the Rain”, “Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw” have dominated the airwaves worldwide, will be headlining the ‘Balik Saya sa Kuwait’ concert. A ‘power belter’, noted for her belting range and technical ability, Regis has a career spanning more than 20 years in Philippine entertainment industry, she has since earned four multi-platinum albums and five gold records to her credit. Marion Louise Aunor a Filipina singer, songwriter, label head of Wild Dream Records, music producer of Aunorable Productions, film scorer, movie actress and Grammy member will also grace the event. Known as the “Queen of Theme Songs”, Aunor is the niece of singer turned actress the “Superstar” Nora Aunor. Cool Cat Ash (also known as Ashley Aunor) will also display her singing prowess on stage. She is a multi-award-winning pop artist, songwriter, music producer, sound engineer, film scorer and DJ. She’s part of “Aunorable Productions” with her sister, Marion Aunor.

“The Balik Saya Sa Kuwait 2023 Handog ng DMW-OWWA is the brainchild of our OWWA Administrator Arnaldo “Arnell” Ignacio. The project finally came into fruition thanks to Admin Arnell’s efforts” Madam Ana del Mundo-Ramos -- Infinity Talents Group Vice-Chairwoman said. “Thank you Sir Arnell for bringing back the JOY to the Filipinos working here in Kuwait,” she added. “Our never ending gratitude goes out to the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait headed by His Excellency Ambassador Jose “Pepe” Cabrera III. To Vice-Consul Josel Mostajo, Vice-Consul Aaron Lozada and Vice-Consul Jordan Morales … thank you isn’t enough for the support you have given since the beginning,” said Madam Dolor Elenany – Infinity Talents Group Chairwoman.

She expressed her deepest appreciation to DMW – MWO and OWWA “To Labor Attaché Attorney Manuel Dimaano and Assistant Labor Attaché Cathy Duladul and the entire MWO staff, this event wouldn’t be possible without your guidance and encouragement and also to the admirable OWWA-Kuwait team - Welfare Officer Genevieve C. Aguilar-Ardiente, Welfare Officer Emmanuel Santiago C. Diaz, Welfare Officer Louella Marie B. Calanza and staff – my snappy salute to you all. You never left our side and please allow me to say that “WE MADE IT!”

The Balik Saya sa Kuwait 2023 wouldn’t be possible without the help of the generous sponsors namely Ooredoo Pinoy Xpress, Gulf Air, City Centre, Dadabhai Tourism and Travel Co, Al Muzaini Exchange, BDO Remit, Al Rashed Travels, LBC, Proteins, Dental 8, Belle Amour, Phil Asia Cargo, Far Easy Cargo, Connor Cargo, Phil Pacific Cargo, Skyfreight Kuwait, iTea, Travel Club, Buffalo’s, Al-Amal, GWIP, Diamak, God’s Will Agency, Yaazeemir, Al Rouya Co Friday Market, Salem Al Otaibi Ahmad Alaibaini, Dreamztree, Gold Lane, Smart School, Golden Legacy Job Movers, Sharkiya Life Group, Everest Travel and Tours Inc, ADM Int’l Manpower Services Co, Tapsi Republik, Cucina sa Cebu, SeAnds Perfume, Beauti Korneri, and Etci Steak House. By Marlon Aquino Malinao Arab Times Staff