The Philippine Daily Inquirer recently ran a story saying that employers in Singapore now have to pay domestic helpers at least SGD 550. This is SGD 50 more than the former minimum amount of SGD 500. This developed after the Indonesian embassy in Singapore made an announcement that domestic helpers from that country had toContinue reading "Dagdag Sahod Pang OFW: Wag ipagsapalaran"
Working overseas and missing your mom
Your first and truest ally Face it: When things get really difficult at work or when the people you live with prove more challenging than usual, you will normally grab your phone to have even a short talk with your mother. It's normally just an issue of how much money you have set aside forContinue reading "Working overseas and missing your mom"
Barya na lang ba ang natira?
How not to keep losing your hard-earned money Part I Christmas is over and we’re on the first few weeks of the New Year. Many of us now find ourselves with a lot less money than we once had. Admit it: You kinda spent a bit too much and now you’re worried about the paymentsContinue reading "Barya na lang ba ang natira?"
Reaching out across the seas: A family’s celebration
Cookai is a 26-year old Print Producer who hails from Bulacan, a province north of Manila in the Philippines. Coming from a tight-knit family with only one sister as a sibling, she's used to having a complete family around her most of the time. But like many Filipinos, her sister Kei chose to pursue better workContinue reading "Reaching out across the seas: A family’s celebration"
Startups team up to provide OFWs modern, safe remittance service
Hong Kong - Two fast-growing social startups dedicated to improving the breadth of services available to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Asia, have teamed up in a bid to maximize opportunities for mutual growth. BeamAndGo, the Singapore-based alternative remittance service provider, and HelperChoice, the leading online platform for connecting domestic helpers with employers, are committedContinue reading "Startups team up to provide OFWs modern, safe remittance service"
Staying with an OFW family in Iloilo City
The heritage rich city of Iloilo is located in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. Known for its “oohhh sooo yummy” Biscocho Haus Butterscotch and Chinese inspired Molo Soup, the city is also littered with traditional catholic churches dating back from the Spanish colonial era. While much of its rich tradition has been keptContinue reading "Staying with an OFW family in Iloilo City"
Building a Start Up? Go Against The Herd
Last October, Victoria T. Vizcarra of Entrepreneur Magazine, invited me for a little chit chat to share some business insights about BeamAndGo and how we, as a startup, are attempting to “break the mold” in our industry. Below is a rundown of what had transpired: Victoria T. Vizcarra (VV): How well is BeamAndGo doing? HasContinue reading "Building a Start Up? Go Against The Herd"
Experiencing Filipino Warmth in Cold Canada
I was in chilly Toronto last October when I had the absolute pleasure of interacting with our counterparts at I-Remit Canada, namely: Belinda Lim-Herrera, Canada Country Manager and Simeon Sarte, Toronto Branch Head. Almost immediately, I was blown away (not by the cold weather) by the hospitality and warmth of the I-Remit team. I was treatedContinue reading "Experiencing Filipino Warmth in Cold Canada"
Good news for OFWs who want to be financially literate
As of late, the news coverage related to the OFW community has been negative. “OFW who won $2.3 Million in Singapore lottery accused of stealing ticket” “Bong Bong Marcos decries alleged “bullet-planting” of OFW” “OFW Remittances faces Downward risk” You might be asking, “Hasn’t there been any encouraging news or inspiring stories among OFWs?” AfterContinue reading "Good news for OFWs who want to be financially literate"
The Right to Suffrage or Suffer
Now in 9 months, the Philippine presidential election will take place. If you are happy with what’s happening in the country, vote. If you are unhappy, vote. If you are unsure, vote. Even if you are OFW and not living the Philippines, vote.