OFW Stories: What Inspires You To Work Hard | Presented by Philippine National Bank Singapore
Did you know that there are about 180,000 Filipinos living now in Singapore? About 25% of them work as house managers. Each one possibly dreams of building a better future for their families.
To learn more about their stories, we talked to five women and asked what inspires them the most to work hard and stay in a foreign land.
LIZA MARIE MASABIO
32-year-old Liza hails from Antique and has been working in Singapore for three years now. Since she left home, she hasn’t had the chance yet to visit her family. In Singapore, homesickness has been her daily struggle and she misses her two kids a lot. To help financially and provide for her family’s daily needs (food, milk, vitamins, etc.), she regularly sends money.
JENEFER RASONABE
For 30-year-old Jenefer, her family is the primary reason why she had to leave Bukidnon, her hometown. “When I moved here, my family cried a lot because they miss me so much, but eventually, that turned into joy because now, with my salary, I can help them in our finances,” says Jenefer. In the last three years, she has only visited her family once. “Departures at the airports are always most challenging,” she said.
NORA ALCARDE
The last 10 years of working in Singapore for 36-year-old Nora passed by very quickly as she has also been blessed with kind employers. There was a time her employer shouldered the medication expenses of her brother-in-law who had to undergo kidney treatments. Aside from being able to provide for her family’s needs, she has also bought a house of her own. If things continue to go well for her, she plans to return to the Philippines and settle there for good by 2019.
AILEEN MINIMO
32-year-old Aileen describes herself as an independent woman. Aside from taking care of her mom, she is also working very hard to pursue her personal dreams. In six years in Singapore, Aileen has built a sari-sari (convenience) store and bought a small bangka (boat) which her brothers use to catch & sell fish. She is now building her own house in Zambales. Aileen plans to return home by early next year.
AZHEN BATAN
Azhen, at 28, believes that good education is very important for her kids who are currently residing in Batanes. She may not have finished her studies, but she wants to ensure a bright future for her children. “I’m a single parent and I work hard for my kids and the four others in my family who depend on me,” says Azhen.
These five hardworking women remit their hard-earned money through the Philippine National Bank (PNB) in Singapore. They trust PNB because they feel secure using its services. Aside from being fast and efficient, PNB also takes pride in having a reliable staff.
For those who are looking at remitting their money while they are in Singapore, visit PNB at 304 Orchard Road #03-02/07, Lucky Plaza Shopping Centre Singapore 238863. Telephone number: +65 6737 4646.
Video/photos/interview by: Paolo Avis of Random Republika
Location of video shoot: DMI Studio (35B Hong Kong Street, Singapore). For studio rentals, contact Ralph Pacayra (+65 9237 6475).
