Year: 2020

The summer season is a perfect opportunity for us to get closer to our loved ones. Aside from the fact that the school year has ended for the kids, the weather is perfect for out of town trips and family gatherings. For the most part, some of us can afford such vacation plans, due to us being in very close proximity with our loved ones, sharing a home with our spouse, kids, and even our in-laws. However, not everyone has the same opportunity or privilege of achieving that. Many hardworking Pinoys in the urban cities of Luzon aren’t really originally from Manila, instead, many of them were born and raised in the province. Because of that, they might have not seen their loved ones for a long time, enduring homesickness while working hard and trying to make it big in Manila.

You might think that just because its summer, they’ll be able to leave their work and beeline straight home to meet their family again, but that cannot be further from the truth. Many Filipinos, especially under strict contract conditions cannot just up and leave without salary deductions and technical policies, thus, putting their occupation at risk, even after returning from vacation. In such case, the most sensible solution would be for their loved ones to pay them a visit. But such solution requires cash, especially as most of our provinces are a whole day’s length away, so much that in fact the fare expenses would reach up to the thousands or more. And we’re just putting into account the expenses that may involve one travelling family member, so if your spouse were to bring along your kids for a visit here in Manila, you may expect the fare expenses to multiply. They would not be able to shoulder the expenses, as remember, you are the breadwinner, you are the provider, and they’re just waiting out for your financial remittances in order to pay for the bills and tuition fees back in the province.

Cebuana Lhuillier’s Money Remittance Service as a bridge towards reuniting with your family again.

You’d no longer have to worry, as Cebuana Lhuillier’s Money Remittance Service would be your helping hand when it comes to sending your loved ones the well-needed amount to travel in Manila. The Pera Padala service is quick, easy, and safe way to send and receive money within and outside the Philippines. Your family may claim the money as soon as you’ve completed the remittance process in your local branch.

The process of sending money in the province is easy and can be done in just a few minutes:

• Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch and fill out the Pera Padala form.
• You may then submit the filled out form, together with a Valid ID and a 24k card (if you are a 24k cardholder) to the branch personnel.
• Give the total amount to be sent. Count it well before presenting it to the branch personnel.
• Secure the Pera Padala form (and count the change received, if there is any).
• Take note of the 10-digit control number, and then, send it to the receiver/beneficiary of money transfer, in this case, the receiver would be your loved ones.

NOTE: The receiver/beneficiary should provide the control number and present a Valid ID when claiming the remittance.

For your loved ones back in the province, the process of claiming the remitted amount is also simple.

• They may visit any nearby Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshop branch and fill out the Pera Padala form. All of the details should be written down correctly, so it would be consistent with the details provided by the sender as well.
• After presenting the accomplished form they need to present a Valid ID and a 24k card (if they are a 24k card holder). All requirements should only be presented to the authorized personnel.
• As with all transactions that involves money, the receivers should count the amount received before leaving the branch.

If your loved ones in the province would not be able to reach their Cebuana Lhuillier branches due to unforeseen circumstances, they may instead coordinate with the authorized Cebuana Lhuillier Pera Padala Agents (for domestic remittances). The authorized agents are:

• ADB Lending Company, Inc. (Pasamonte)
• Expresspay, Inc.
• Global Pinoy Remittance and Services (GPRS)
• Orient Asia Lending, Inc. (Prime Remit)
• Jewelhouse Pawnshop and Jewelry
• Ayala Alabang Village Association-Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (AAVA-EMPC)
• FILHAI Multi-Purpose Cooperative (FILHAI MPC)
• Republic Pawnshops Corporation (H Lhuillier)
• Quickloan Pawnshop
• Cardbank, Inc.
• Tiaong Rural Bank, Inc.
• China Bank Savings, Inc
• Cantilan Bank, Inc
• Enterprise Bank, Inc
• ABS-CBN E-Money Plus, Inc (myREMIT)
• Opportunity Kauswagan Remit, Inc. (OK Remit)
• Dalton Pawnshop and Jewelry, Inc.
• Inter Asia Development Bank
• Gata Daku Multi-Purpose Cooperative (GDMPC)
• Sun Gate Pawnshop
• Card SME Bank
• Viaexpress Travel & Tours, Inc.
• Philippine Postal Savings Bank
• Bayad Center
• Tanglaw Pawnshop
• Golden Rural Bank
• Pazalonia Pawnshop
• Country Builders
• Rural Bank of Kiamba (Sarangani) Inc.
• Common Wealth Rural Bank
• Via.com

They may visit any of these authorized agents once you’ve given them the control number. You may simply call, text, or chat the important details, but remember to remind your loved ones to bring a Valid ID, and also, to never share the control number with anyone else other than the branch personnel inside the Cebuana Lhuillier branch or the authorized agents.

Now, all of these are made possible only by a well-trusted remittance center, and nothing indicates a more trusted name than Cebuana Lhuiller. With Cebuana Lhuillier’s Pera Padala Service, you are ensured an easy, quick, and safe way to send and receive money. With more than 2500 branches nationwide and accredited international and domestic partners, this money transfer service is made available to clients within and outside the Philippines. All transactions are real time, which enables clients to claim the money as soon as the sender completes the sending process in the branch. So feel free to visit any nearby Cebuana Lhuillier branch for your money remittance needs – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

While the summer season may be a great opportunity for you to have a fun and relaxing quality time with your kids, it also presents a certain disadvantage at best, and that is, conditioning your kids to prepare for the next school year or semester. Now, this isn’t apparent at the first few weeks of their summer vacation, as indeed, they deserve a well-needed rest, away from stress brought about by assignments, school projects, and foundation day performances. However, during the last few days of summer vacation, you might come to realize that there should at least be enough time set aside in order to prepare them for the upcoming academic year. Of course, suggesting this to your kids out of nowhere would earn you their ire or resistance, so knowing when and where to reiterate the importance of preparation is the key.

For the most part, at least one week away from the new school year would be a perfect chance for you to set them up for the challenges ahead. Setting their expectation and familiarizing them with the advantage of preparation would not only make them flexible to change, but also, make them realize that every new school year or semester presents a challenge that they may have not encountered before. If you were to deliver this message effectively, not only would they be able to face the new school year with courage and an invigorated interest in learning something new, they might even thank you in the long run.

Now, if like most parents, you have no idea on how to prepare them firsthand, then look no further than our valuable tips:

1. Review their older lessons.

The thing about the new school year or semester is that it may contain a lesson plan that involves a much updated and advanced form of knowledge or principles which were already taught before. This is where reviewing your kid’s older lessons would come in handy. If they were to return to the basics, they would at least be able to piece the puzzle when it comes to a more advanced version of that particular lesson. Take Mathematics, for example. The simplest lessons would involve addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication. Perhaps at your kid’s recent school year, they were taught separately, focusing on one equation first before proceeding to the other. Now, imagine if the next school year would tackle an equation that involves solving a Math problem that has all of the recent equations combined. If your kids were to go to school unprepared, they may experience outright confusion, an offset that is further described by a modern term, “information overload.” Now, imagine if your kids were to review the recent equations from the past year, and then be presented with the newer, much complicated equation, they may be able to comprehend it at first glance, and even have a “Eureka!” moment – “Oh, so I just have to follow the MDAS procedure in order to solve this advanced Math problem.” Take it from us, reviewing helps a lot.

2. Mentally preparing them for the new school year/semester.

You might think that this is similar to the very first pointer, since reviewing older lessons may indeed stimulate your kid’s memory and analytic skills. However, when we say mental preparation, it also has something to do with their studying habits. The way we handle habits with our kids would determine if they’ll be able to successfully set them up to overcome newer lessons in class. Think about it, mental preparedness provides that well-needed edge and focus that your kids may need to concentrate on their studies. If they are motivated to learn in a very timely manner, you can expect that they’ll never struggle when it comes to studying routines and lessons. Think of it as motivating them to think that they can achieve anything, and that they can comprehend anything that the teacher says, as long as they listen, and listen hard. This motivation would not only help with their grades, but with their overall future as well. Some of history’s prominent figures such as Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Albert Einstein, etc. showcased confidence and resiliency, even when under pressure. The confidence to present what they know and the resiliency to show that what they’ve known and learned throughout many years would stand with no argument may prove beneficial for your kids in the long run.

3. Socially preparing them for any possible new friends in the upcoming school year.

Kids often shy away from new acquaintances, especially if they’re quiet and lonesome. This is normal for most kids, but such qualities should not be left unchanged. Many kids grow up to be introverts due to the fact that they struggle to interact with others. This is the result of parents not orienting their kids about the “outside world.” Teach your kids to be sociable, friendly, and kind. Let them know that it is okay to be shy, but not to the extent that they’d shy away from everyone they’d meet. Tell them that no man is an island, and that everyone needs a friend. Of course, you should also teach them to be wary of who they’d hangout with, so as to avoid any bad influences along the way. Teach them to be vigilant about the people in their surroundings, to be cautious of the company that they’re letting themselves into, and the kind of personalities they might want to have around. Remember, it is easier to teach your kids about the dos and don’ts of hanging out and making friends during their early years. Do this effectively and you may never have to experience any hassle once they reach their teenage years.

4. Preparing all of the right tools for the upcoming school year.

This is just one of the most typical ways of preparing for a new school year. Buying a new bag, notebooks, crayons, pencils, erasers, etc. Understandably, every new school year brings forth expenses in the form of school supplies. Of course, as a parent, it is only right for us to provide our kids with the best tools to help with their education. Buy everything in high quality and do not cheapen out on any writing materials that they may need, unless you’d want your kids to come home with a broken pencil, snapping in half just when the notes on the blackboard starts pouring in. Let them enjoy the advantage of high-grade supplies and watch as they do academic wonders with these materials.

Now, for OFWs who value the education of their kids back at home, they’d go through any obstacle just to send every well-needed amount for their education. OFW parents aren’t just focused on sending their spouse the monthly budget after every payday, but they are also motivated on providing for their kids, may it be for the tuition fees or the purchase of school supplies. In such case, a very reliable money remittance service is needed, to ensure that the tuition fees will be paid in full, every time. No need to worry, as that is made possible by a well-trusted remittance center, and nothing indicates a more trusted name than Cebuana Lhuiller. With Cebuana Lhuillier’s Pera Padala Service, you are ensured an easy, quick, and safe way to send and receive money. With more than 2,500branches nationwide and accredited international partners, this money transfer service is made available to clients within and outside the Philippines. All transactions are real time, which enables clients to claim the money as soon as the sender completes the sending process in the branch. So for our beloved OFW patrons, feel free to visit any of our international partners – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

For a complete list of our international partners, you may visit our website at https://www.cebuanalhuillier.com/pera-padala/.

The summer season is what many people may see as a perfect opportunity to seat back, relax, and enjoy the warm, sleepy weather at the comfort of their homes. For others, it is also a perfect opportunity to getaway towards a tropical island, among the cool breeze and the sandy beaches. For the most part, that is true, as most would love to take a few days or weeks off from their current jobs. However, this is only achievable if one has enough budget or finances to actually be able to book a flight or avail a vacation package. The thing about vacations is that, filing for one would already provide two main assumptions; that you have already planned everything out ahead of time and that you already have the appropriate amounts to set that plan in motion. If you’ve already submitted your “leave forms” without any solid plan ahead of you then that may just very well be a wasted opportunity. In such case, not only do you have a lack of plan for the summer, but you also have a lack of budget to go with it.

With that in mind, you may be wondering how you’d best get by this summer while trying to fit your budget, even before the warm season ends. Well, look no further than some of our valuable tips. While some of these may prove more efficient than the others, you have the option to choose which tip would best work for you. Remember, you only have a tight budget to work with, so make the most out of it. You might even make a few extras along the way.

1. Control and be responsible with your expenses.

This is one of the most basic tip that anyone with a tight budget should be focusing on. People need the usual necessities in order to survive, food, water, medicine (if ever they feel sick), cellphone load, etc. However, these necessities (if left unchecked) may still be subject to abuse. Food, for example, may be overbought, resulting to many of your supplies going to waste. It isn’t to say that you shouldn’t have an extra loaf of bread on your shelf, because surely you might need a midnight snack. However, buying too many raw products would leave you with too much spoils thus, wasting a lot from your budget. If you happen to live on your own, purchase groceries which would last you for at least one to two weeks, but estimating that it would never be less or more than what you already need. Preserve water as well. Leave no tap running, unless you’d want to have staggering water bills at the end of the month. You may also want to watch your medicine or first aid kit purchases, as medicines have expiration dates. It’s great to have a handful of pain killers and fever capsules, but buying three bottles of these capsules would be too much. Manage your limited finances in a way that your purchases are just in the right amounts and that you’d never waste any of your available resources.

2. Plan out your own summer business.

The thing about having limited finances is that it would at least inspire you to think of some way to double it. The summer season is a perfect opportunity for you to be able to come up with your own small time business. Think of all the possibilities! For the average Filipino, a “Halo-Halo” store would be the most obvious answer. Either that or you’d prefer to sell popsicles or blocks of ice wrapped in plastic. The thing is, you are presented with the opportunity to make a living out of the small budget and summer heat that lies before you. Some locales would usually require a business permit in order for you to start your own small time venture, but even that is as simple as filling up forms, paying the appropriate fee, and presenting other documents which may show that your location is safe for the business.

3. Stay at home.

Limited budget would always result to limited activities. If you do not have the cash to go on a luxury cruise, then better just stay at home. You wouldn’t have any other choice, either way, as travel would cost money, and we aren’t even touching on the accommodation fees per scheduled vacation. Now, it may seem like a drag at first but sometimes fun comes from the most unexpected places. Staying at home also has its perks, for one, you can sit the whole day, relax, only to stand every meal time, turn on the TV after washing the dishes, then proceed to watch reruns of your favorite shows. If you aren’t fond of TV shows, then perhaps you can make the most out of your internet connection, watch countless livestreams of foreign shows or movies. The thing is, you are your only worst enemy, not boredom, and you are the only thing limiting you from having some fun, so do not let limitation of funds get you down.

4. Sell off some pre-loved items.

This is like hitting two birds with one stone. Have the energy to clean out any unnecessary or pre-loved items from your home and sell them off in a garage sale. You’d not only be decluttering your own space, but you would also be able to make a few amounts out of the sale. This is somewhat similar to the second pointer, with the slight difference of not having to get a permit for your garage sale, and having your pre-loved items to sell off instead of popsicles. Now, if you don’t feel like having a garage sale but would still prefer to offer your items in exchange for cash, then you might want to visit a pawnshop. Jewelries are your best friends when it comes to situations such as this, and the higher the appraisal of your pre-loved jewelry, the higher the amount that you’d get in return. Cash in exchange for your old accessories would always be a better deal than doing nothing at all for the summer.

With all of that being said, you may be looking for a pawn shop that would provide you with the most secure, reliable, and honest service and highest appraisal rates possible. No worries, as Cebuana Lhuillier has got your back. With their Pawning Service you can never go short in any amount (especially with a tight budget), as they accept an array of items, from jewelry to gadgets, as collaterals. They also lead the pawning industry by offering safety and the highest appraisal rate in the industry in its more than 2,500 branches nationwide. Visit your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch now – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

Mobile applications are the future of financial transactions. Instead of spending your time in line, waiting for your name or number to be called, mobile apps would enable you to do it all in just one click. You aren’t even limited to just one transaction, as you’ll be able to transfer funds, validate received amounts, and pay your bills via your app. Cebuana Lhuillier, a pawnshop that knows the importance of time, proclaim its openness to innovation with its eCebuana App.

What is Cebuana Lhuillier’s eCebuana App?

Cebuana Lhuillier’s eCebuana App is one of a kind, in the sense that it further extends the functionality of one of their main services, namely, Micro Savings. All of the transactions that you can do in your nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch, with regards to your Micro Savings account can now be done using this new app. Cebuana Lhuillier is aware of the average Pinoy’s need to accomplish tasks in a timely and direct manner, hence, why they came up with this amazing solution to connect everyone to one of their vital services in order to help cut time in processing their transactions and to enable them to avoid the hassles of long lines as well. No longer would you need to spend fare money for commute, and neither would you ever need to waste time in lining up for your Micro Savings transactions.

What are the functionalities of the eCebuana App?

Basically, every transaction which involves their Micro Savings services, but are not limited to other minor functionalities such as:

1. Send Money
2. Micro Savings
3. E-Loads
4. Electronic Bill Payments

Minor functionalities as they may, they are also vital transactions which people undergo on a regular basis. While e-loads and bill payments are a different story altogether. Everyone uses their cellphones, which is why loads are consumed and bought regularly, the same thing goes for electronic bill payments, with people paying their monthly charges via app in order to avoid long lines within the local “Bayad Centers.” Some may even argue that the minor functionalities of the app are more utilized than its main functionalities, but that is still up for debate.

Now for the main functionalities, those of which are integrated into their Micro Savings system, the following may be accomplished:

1. Checking of their Micro Savings Account Balance.

For people who already have a Micro Savings account with Cebuana Lhuillier, they may check their balance via the app. Oftentimes, people line up in front of ATM machines just to check the amount in their account, the same thing happens within the Cebuana Lhuillier branches, with people lining up just to inquire their Micro Savings balance. Cebuana Lhuillier, being the catalyst of convenience for their customers, came up with the eCebuana app in order to prevent this hassle in the long run.

2. Transferring of Amounts between Micro Savings Accounts.

Understandably, we find ourselves in the brink of financial need sometimes. If it isn’t us, it may either be a family, a friend, or even a workmate. In such case, Cebuana Lhuillier thought of an innovation which would ease up on the process of helping each other out with a simple click. Transferring amounts between two Micro Savings account is now made easier with the eCebuana app. Especially during trying times, where money transfer should be immediate or real-time, the eCebuana app enables you to have complete control of your Micro Savings account, having the functionality to send or receive an amount from another Micro Savings account within the system.

3. Transferring of Amounts between a Micro Savings Account and a Bank.

This is identical to the previous functionality, except that instead of sending money to another Micro Savings account, you’d be sending money to a bank instead. The receiver would still have to line up in their local bank in order to receive the amount (either that, or they’d have to access their bank account within their own app, if their bank has one). The main catch from this is that you’d still be able to do it all from the comfort of your home, using nothing but the eCebuana app.

4. Transferring of Amounts between a Micro Savings Account and a Cebuana Lhuillier Branch.

Now, if the one receiving the amount has neither a bank account nor an eCebuana app installed in their phone, you may still transfer money towards a Cebuana Lhuillier branch. They will have to receive it the way it was usually done, by lining up in their nearest branch and filling out a form for their transaction. This may be time-consuming, depending on how long the line is, but that would be on the receiver’s end. If you were the one to send the amount, again, you’d be able to accomplish all of that in one click. No need to leave the comfort of your home.

Key Summary:

To simplify, the eCebuana App has two (2) minor functionalities and four (4) major functionalities. The minor ones involve e-loads and bill payments, while the major functionalities include:

• Checking of Micro Savings account balance.
• Money transfers between two Micro Savings account.
• Money transfers between a Micro Savings account and another bank.
• Money transfers between a Micro Savings account and a Cebuana Lhuillier branch.

Of course, you’d have to apply for a 24k card first in order to accomplish such transactions though the app, but even that is a simple process that would not take much of your time. You may prefer to the official Cebuana Lhuillier website for more information about their 24k card .

With all of that being said, you can probably say that such an app is a lifesaver. Indeed, Cebuana Lhuillier does most of the heavy lifting, proving that unbeatable service is best seen with an innovation. Here in Cebuana Lhuillier, service is our top virtue, may it be online or in-branch. So, what are you waiting for? Download the eCebuana App now! Available at the Google Playstore.

Mobile applications, they make everything faster and more convenient to accomplish. There used to be a time when paying your utility bills meant that you’d have to wait in line between thirty minutes to over an hour. Nowadays, that very same transaction can be accomplished faster with the push of a button. Of course, that’s not the only tasks that would require a huge chunk of time to process, activities such as submitting government paperwork, reserving tickets to an event or movie, and job applications are also known for this type of wait length. And we haven’t even touched on the time of your commute yet, as the time spent in line doesn’t even account for the time that you’d invest on your travel to and from the process venue. In such case, the rise of mobile applications which offers to ease up every tasks has everyone hooked, to the extent that they’d never have to experience waiting for thirty minutes or more amongst hundreds (or sometimes, even thousands) of onlookers.

Indeed, mobile applications (or apps, as they are now called) have become the “partners” of the average Filipino in their everyday lives. For the most part, apps are used for communication purposes, enabling their users to message or call their family, friends, or loved ones without having to spend too much on call and text rates. There are also instances in which they may send videos and pictures over apps, letting their “audiences” and followers know of their current or most recent activities. Definitely, this would only be limited to the people who has access to their personal pages, nonetheless, they would be updated in real time. If that isn’t enough, apps are also used as references for on-the-fly information. When we say on-the-fly, we are talking about information in need of sudden validation by the users. If an app user wants to find out the correct spelling of the word, a dictionary app would be most appropriate for the task. If that very same user wants to confirm the soup of the day from a specific restaurant, there is also an app which would indicate that. So overall, apps are like your daily human companions. They help you out in times of need, without breaking a sweat or wasting precious time in determining validated information.

Answering with valid information, is that all an app does?
No, as a matter of fact, most apps out there does more than simply telling you the correct spelling and definition of a word. There are apps that schedule your vacation itinerary, there are apps which calculates your electricity usage, and there are even apps which determines which delicacy has the highest calorie count, enabling you to avoid said food. This is the reason why some people consider mobile apps as daily companions, due to the fact that it does most of the tedious task for them, saving them a lot of time in doing more important things like their regular work and routines. Considering that even the simplest task may require a huge amount of time in analyzing the outcome, you may think that they are vital for an average person’s daily activities, and you may actually be right.

Cebuana Lhuillier’s eCebuana App
With all of that in mind, there is a particular cellphone app which has recently been making the waves due to their easy functionality and accessibility. The amount of things which this app can do definitely amazed a lot of people, going as far as revolutionizing the way that they’ve undergone the usual processes when it came to their financials and payment obligations. We are talking about Cebuana Lhuillier’s newly introduced eCebuana App. Now, you may ask, “What exactly is the eCebuana App? What are the things that I’d be able to accomplish using this app?” Well, look no further than the following info.

What kind of app is it exactly?
Cebuana Lhuillier’s eCebuana App allows Filipinos to access the different features of Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings wherever they are and whenever they want to. Cebuana Lhuillier is aware of the average Pinoy’s need to accomplish tasks in a timely and direct manner, hence, why they came up with this amazing solution to connect everyone to one of their vital services in order to help cut time in processing their transactions and to enable them to avoid the hassles of long lines as well. So you’d never have to invest fare money for commute, and neither would you ever need to line up as well just to have your preferred transaction processed.

Okay, it sounds good, but what are its main functionalities?
The Micro Savings service from Cebuana Lhuillier is definitely recognized as one of the establishment’s main services, so much that they came up with the app to avoid the build-up of people within their branches. People who are hoping to pawn off their pre-loved items would still need to bring their said items personally in order to have them appraised, but Micro Savings patrons may just simply handle their transactions using the app, as such transactions can be accomplished, even with no physical appearance. The following are the things you may accomplish in-app:

1. It allows the app user to check their balance.For those who are hoping to check the total amount of their current savings, they may do so within the app. No longer would you have to go outdoors just to do that.
2. It allows the app user to perform money transfers.Have a relative in the province who is currently in need of financial assistance? You may transfer whatever amount you’d want to provide from your own account towards their own Micro Savings account. You can also transfer money towards their bank accounts, given that you’ve been given their bank details.
3. It allows the app user to send money.This is similar to the previous functionality, with the exception that the ones receiving the cash amount doesn’t have their own Micro Savings account. In such case, they may have to visit a Cebuana Lhuillier branch to receive the money. You, on the other hand, do not need to go outside your house in order to accomplish this, as this process can still be done through the app, given that your account has the appropriate amount.
4. It allows the app user to load prepaid credits to their phones.It does what exactly the description says. You no longer have to stroll towards your local sari-sari stores just to have your cellphone number loaded. You can just reload directly from your Micro Savings account.
5. It allows the app user to pay their bills by integrating it to their micro savings account.One of the most time-saving things you can do through the app is paying your utility bills. No longer would you need to commute and stand in line for minutes or so. You can do that at the comfort of your home, with the help of the app.

Download the eCebuana App now! Available at the Google Playstore.

Love has many forms, the same way that love may be expressed in various ways. The Valentine’s season is the perfect opportunity for us to express that love, whichever way we may choose. For the most part, everyone has already planned and sorted out their own ways in showing their love towards the people that matter to them. That certain thing is easy to do, especially if they happen to be in the same house as their loved ones. But how about the OFWs who live abroad? How would they be able to show that they care? How can they reciprocate the love that their family has been showing them throughout the routine overseas calls and Social Media chats? The answer is very simple, and has been a staple activity of OFWs for many decades. Simply put, through the noble act of sending money from abroad.

Money remittance has stood the test of time, ever since the very first influx of Filipino workers abroad. People tend to forget that OFWs have a definite reason as to why they would endure long periods of time being away from their families, and that isn’t even for their own personal gain. No, it is all because of their loved ones, the very family that they hold dear in their heart. They’re the reason, they’re the priority, and they’re the catalyst.

Why do OFWs prefer to work abroad?
Everyone has their own reason as to why they would prefer to work abroad. The thing is, it isn’t even a matter of having a deeply-rooted plan with regard to working in a faraway place.. If given the choice, our beloved OFWs would have chosen to work here in the Philippines, just so they may see their loved ones every day. However, major factors such as job shortages, the dwindling economy, the low pay, and even the hefty travel commute would usually get in the way of a good lifestyle and livelihood, hence, they would have to make one of the hardest decisions of all, in one way or the other, and that is to leave their family here in the country in order to provide for them sufficiently.

How many OFWs are there as of late?
Data gathered from the 2018 Survey on Overseas Filipino showed that there were at least 2.3 million Filipinos abroad. The Overseas Contract Workers, those of which who has an existing work contract comprised 96.2% of the total number of OFWs during the period of April 2018 to September 2018. To be more specific, Saudi Arabia was the leading country where our OFWs flock to, with 24.3%. Other popular destinations were United Arab Emirates (15.7 %), Hong Kong (6.3 %), Kuwait (5.7 %), Taiwan (5.5 %), and Qatar (5.2 %). Take note that these were data gathered from 2018. The numbers may have changed up until the time of writing of this article (year 2020), but the government is working non-stop, in order to gather and compute for that updated data. It’s either the numbers going up, or some of the percentages going down, only for other countries to come into equation as the new destination for modern OFWs. In such case, even small percentages in comparison are still worth thousands, if not, hundreds of Filipinos who are giving it their all in order to provide for their families.

With OFWs being far away from their families, how do they express their care even without their presence?
This is best done by the very purpose that motivated them to go abroad, and that is to provide for their loved ones back at home. We Filipinos regard our OFWs highly, and that is for a very good reason. The sacrifice that they do on a daily basis is an epitome of their unwavering motivation to give their families a good life. In the modern era, countless Filipinos are stationed abroad, giving it their all, with no regard for their own safety and well-being, most of the time. Even in countries which are on the verge of war, you may have seen news reports of Filipinos not wanting to come home, as it may lower their chances of ever going back once everything settles and reforms are made. They’d prefer to be in the heat of the action, going as far as sacrificing their own well-being, just to ensure that their kids would are provided for back at home to pursue their education.

It may seem impractical and senseless at first glance, but remember, these sacrifices are done for their loved ones to have a good life. No amount of money or sense of self-preservation may compare to the happiness that they’d incur once they see their families enjoying a full and bountiful future.

If being an OFW is the perfect job to convey that care, through the wonderful world of money remittance. What is it like being an OFW?
Unfortunately, being an OFW doesn’t protect you from the possibility of employment abuse. It was once said that employment conditions abroad are relevant to the individual worker and their families, as well as for the sending country and its economic growth and well-being. Poor working conditions for Filipinos hired abroad include long hours, low wages, and just a few chances to visit their family. With that being said, it’s not all fun and games for our beloved Overseas Filipino Workers. We’ve mentioned on multiple occasions how being an OFW has its risks as well, that they put their bodies on the line just for a fair wage. There may even be injustices to their regular pay grade, so even if they wanted to, their remittances are limited according to the pay that they’ve received. Of course, we’ve got lots and lots of regulations put in place in order to protect the OFWs from abuse, however, not all of them are being implemented, let alone being checked or updated to fit the context of the modern OFWs.

Giving credit where credit is due
We Filipinos always value our families. If that’s the case, then even the Overseas Filipino Workers themselves know that the surefire way of showing their appreciation would be sending back money to those who’ve shown unwavering support for them during their woes and triumphs. It just so happens that Valentine’s Day is a day that amplifies that deed, as everyone is more than aware of the kindness and concern they’ve received from others, and that they are more than willing to show them back. A round of applause and a standing ovation for the OFWs who are consistent in doing this, with no months skipped, thus, continuing to help their loved ones out with the expenses while also providing more cash within the economy’s circulation.

However, that is made possible only by a trustworthy remittance center that has stood by OFWs for more than 30 years, and nothing indicates a more trusted name than Cebuana Lhuiller. With Cebuana Lhuillier’s Pera Padala Service, you are ensured an easy, quick, and safe way to send and receive money. With 2,500 branches nationwide, 6,500 established domestic partners, and 1.5 million physical and virtual touchpoints their money transfer service is made available to clients within and outside the Philippines. All transactions are done in real time, which enables clients to claim the money as soon as the sender completes the sending process in the branch. So for our beloved OFW patrons, feel free to visit any of our international partners – we assure a fast, easy and secure transaction.

For a complete list of our international partners, you may visit our website at https://www.cebuanalhuillier.com/pera-padala/