Text: Kateřina Czempková | Photo: Lukáš Duspiva
Our colleagues from the Philippines have been an integral part of the Finidr team for several years. Some of them have been working and living with us for more than five years, so they can compare life at home with life here in the Czech Republic. We asked them three identical questions – about cultural differences, their experiences at work, and what they miss most about home. Their answers will give you an insight into how they see life and work here through the eyes of someone who has come from the other side of the world.
Veneranda Tanamor & Arjy Tanamor
1. What was the biggest cultural difference you noticed when you started working and living here?
Life in the Czech Republic is different from life in the Philippines, especially the weather, which has four seasons here, which is unusual for us. I prefer spring and winter, when we can see snow. When I experienced it for the first time, I threw myself into it and swam in it. I felt like a child. I really enjoyed it.
Food is cheaper than in the Philippines, which is amazing, but at first, the food was quite different for us—but now we’re used to it. The pastries are so good. Fantastic! Yum!
2. What do you like most about working at FINIDR?
Working at FINIDR is great! My supervisor has always guided me and appreciated my work. My colleagues are very kind. They teach and guide me, both at work and in my free time. I don’t feel like a stranger, and everyone treats me well.
3. What do you miss most from home – and what do you like about the Czech Republic?
My husband and I love the peaceful life in the Czech Republic, so we decided to move our children here too. After four years of separation, we now live together. They have been here in Český Těšín for four months and love the parks and playgrounds where they can play, as well as the apartment, which is very different from our house in the Philippines. They love it here.
Jennerose Alegre & Mark Sicuan
1. What was the biggest cultural difference you noticed when you started working and living here?
When my husband and I moved from the Philippines to the Czech Republic, the two biggest cultural differences I noticed, were the approach to work-life balance and the local food.
In the Philippines, people usually work longer hours and often meet up after work, so the pace is quite fast and lively. Here, there is a clear respect for sticking to working hours and dedicating evenings and weekends to family or personal life. It was a little unusual at first, but we quickly realized how valuable this balance is. It helped us feel less stressed and more connected as a family, which is very important to us.
Another big change was the food. Czech cuisine is very different from what we were used to. At first, it was difficult to get used to, especially as we missed the distinctive and tropical flavours of Filipino food, but over time we grew to love the richness and tastiness of Czech dishes.
2. What do you like most about working at FINIDR?
What we like most about working at FINIDR is the supportive and collaborative environment. From the very beginning, my colleagues have been welcoming and willing to help me learn and develop. We appreciate the company’s commitment to quality. It is motivating to work in a place where people are enthusiastic about their work and genuinely interested in the success of others. Thanks to this positive culture, going to work every day is enjoyable.
3. What do you miss most about home – and what do you like about the Czech Republic?
Of course, we miss my extended family and close friends in the Philippines very much. We miss the warmth of our community gatherings, lively festivals, and of course the delicious Filipino food that reminds me of home. But life in the Czech Republic has brought us many wonderful things. We love the beautiful nature—forests, parks, rivers, and lakes—which are so close and easily accessible. It is peaceful here, and the environment is very safe for our children. Bringing our eldest son here to live with us was a big step for our family, and with our youngest son being born here last year, we feel even more at home in this country. Thanks to these important family moments, we are excited and hopeful that we will build a long-term life here that combines the best of both cultures.
Teresita Mahalin & John Kevin Mahalin
1. What was the biggest cultural difference you noticed when you started working and living here?
When we arrived and started working in the Czech Republic, especially here at FINIDR, the first thing we noticed was that every time we go to work, people greet us with “good morning,” “hello,” “hi,” and “good,” even if we don’t know each other, and with a smile on their faces, which makes our work easier and more enjoyable.
The second thing are bosses. They don’t like to be called “madam” or “sir”; they prefer to be addressed by their first names, which gives us a greater sense of security that we don’t have to be afraid to ask if we have a problem.
The third thing is the work-life balance. At previous companies in the Philippines, we worked 5-6 days a week. The work schedule at FINIDR is great. Two days of work, then two days off, which is great for us. It’s also not difficult to ask for time off if you give advance notice. And here in the Czech Republic, they really value a healthy work-life balance, where time is evenly divided between personal life and work.
And finally, food. Rice is not often on the menu when we eat out. For us Filipinos, rice is life. We eat rice in the morning, afternoon, and evening. When we eat out, we look for rice in every meal we eat, along with tasty meat and vegetables. For us, the day is complete when we eat rice throughout the day.
2. What do you like most about working at FINIDR?
Firstly, the work schedule is perfect. We only work two days and then we have two days off. Hurray! If we request two days of vacation, we get six days off. It’s a really great schedule that gives us plenty of time to relax or explore and travel.
Secondly, it’s the distance between our accommodation and the company. It’s close, only a 5-10 minute walk to FINIDR B and a 25-30 minute walk to FINIDR A.
Thirdly, it is the people and the company itself. Despite the language barrier, everyone tries to teach us what to do at work. Some of them also give us confidence and give us the chance to improve and develop. We are very grateful to those people who have tried to teach us patiently despite the language barrier, and we thank them for that.
Finally, we are very grateful for the accommodation. FINIDR provides us not only with accommodation, but also a pleasant atmosphere and a feeling of home. We really appreciate it. Thank you.
3. What do you miss most about home—and what do you like about the Czech Republic?
We miss our family the most. We are very close to them (parents, brothers, sisters, son, daughter, and even extended family such as nieces and nephews). They are one of the reasons why we work abroad, so that we can have a good life and help them if necessary. And also, the food. We miss that a lot.
There are many things we like, but what we like most about the Czech Republic is the weather. It’s cold here, while in the Philippines, where we live, it’s very hot. We really like the weather. Summer doesn’t last 12 months a year. The Czech Republic is also a member of the Schengen area, which gives us the opportunity to travel around Europe.
Mariz Catalo Mahalin & John Leary Mahalin
1. What was the biggest cultural difference you noticed when you started working and living here?
One of the cultural differences here in the Czech Republic is that you don’t have to address your superiors at work as “madam” or “sir.” In our country, addressing someone as “madam” or “sir” is a sign of respect. We have also noticed that the Czech Republic is very quiet, unlike the Philippines, where many food stalls are still open at midnight, there are lots of cars on the road, and the streets are full of people who look busy because they are rushing to work and trying to earn a living. In our country, we also start celebrating Christmas in September. Christmas songs are already playing everywhere, especially in shopping malls, people are decorating Christmas trees, and the streets are full of Christmas lights. And of course, “Filipino rice is life,” but here in the Czech Republic, people prefer potatoes to rice. Finally, karaoke is a must at every Filipino gathering.
2. What do you like most about working at FINIDR?
We are surrounded by kind colleagues who motivate and respect us, and we never feel under pressure because they always help us with our work and, above all, they treat us not as strangers but as friends, as a real family. That is why we are so grateful and happy to have a healthy work environment where everyone’s presence is appreciated and where we are surrounded by sincere people whom we value most. Thanks to them, the workplace becomes more than just a job; it becomes a second home. We would like to thank all our friends at FINIDR B for making our work more enjoyable, a little more fun, and much better! You are all amazing.
3. What do you miss most about home – and what do you like about the Czech Republic?
Of course, we miss the presence and warmth of our whole family, with whom we could celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve in particular. We also miss meeting friends and dining together. Trips to the beach and night markets. And Filipino cuisine, especially street food. In the Czech Republic, we like the honest and friendly people. The four seasons, especially winter, because in our country there is only summer and the rainy season. Also, there is no traffic here, so you can get to your destination at the desired time. The best thing is that we can easily travel to other countries that border the Czech Republic.
