Like many Filipinos, Remie Magkalas from Sta. Rosa, Laguna has a family member who left the Philippines to be an overseas Filipino worker.
Her dad’s sister, Irma, left the country to work in Canada in order to support her brother and his children.
Magkalas describes her aunt as big-hearted. She shares how Irma has always been there to offer a helping hand. “Whenever my father doesn’t have a job, my aunt sends us financial support,” she shares.
“I’m very grateful for what she has done to help us.”
That’s why when Magkalas received one of the 12 grand prizes at the second edition of MoneyGram Idol Awards, she decided to bring her Aunt Irma, who has been living in Canada for over 20 years, to a well-deserved holiday in Manila.
The MoneyGram Idol Awards is an initiative that pays tribute to overseas Filipino workers and their immediate families. It is open for all Filipino citizens who have received money via the remittance firm.
Long distance no more
Unlike most winners of the MoneyGram Idol Awards who will be reuniting with OFW family members, Emilia Moncada from Trece Martires, Cavite is going to have a long-awaited reunion with her fiancé, James Howard from the United Kingdom.
“We haven’t seen each other for six years as the last time he was in the Philippines was in 2012,” shares Moncada.
But distance and long periods of not seeing each other did not ruin their romance, breaking the stereotype that long distance relationships do not work. Through these years, they have managed to keep the spark alive in their relationship through constant communication via video call, email, and social media.
Howard, Moncada says, has also offered her emotional and material support during difficult times. “He has helped me a lot. Thanks to his support, my children [from my first marriage] were able to finish their schooling.”
Reliable partner
MoneyGram has served as a reliable money transfer provider enabling Aunt Irma and Howard to send funds to their loved ones in the Philippines.
The remittance firm has offered “high-quality, efficient, and reliable service,” according to Magkalas.
“You can pick up [money from abroad] at any remittance center. MoneyGram is important to OFWs as it makes sending funds to family members easier. It is really convenient,” she enthuses.
Moncada is likewise thankful to MoneyGram, which has allowed her to receive money easily.
“One can receive money through MoneyGram and in just a few minutes you can already pick up your money,” says Moncada.
Homecoming
Magkalas’ aunt and Moncada’s fiancé will be flown in for an all-expenses-paid trip to Manila.
Furthermore, they will both receive a three-day/two-night stay at Solaire Resort and Casino. Lastly, they will also get a tax-free P30,000 cash prize.
