Every time an overseas Filipino worker departs from the homeland, part of the OFW wishes he or she did not have to, especially if there are children to be left behind.
A former OFW who spent nearly a decade away from home finally got that wish—with a big bonus to boot.
A native of Pangasinan, the OFW went into Smart’s electronic load selling business, and within only a year found it to be an economically viable alternative to working abroad.
After 11 years in the business, the load seller got an even bigger profit: P1 million in cash, as the grand prize winner during a recent convention of Smart’s annual retailers.
More than 2,000 load retailers from all over Northern and Central Luzon attended the convention, held under Smart’s “Ka-Partner Rewards” program.
It is the company’s way of giving back to its load retailers, whose sales account for a significant share of its prepaid revenues.
The convention is also a venue for Smart to give the retailers incentives to help them grow their business and keep them informed about network developments.
Through its fast and superior Long-Term Evolution network, Smart load retailers are assured of even better business as customers enjoy improved service.
The lucky former OFW, whose identity is kept confidential, became a load retailer on the suggestion of his wife, who knew of someone who was doing well in the business.
True enough, after a year, the couple realized that the earnings from their mobile store and load selling ventures were enough to cover the family’s expenses. The OFW winner decided then he would finally be able to stay home for good, a dream come true for this father of four.
“We’ll put the money in the bank, we’ll also use it for our children’s studies, and to boost our Smart business too,” said the newly minted millionaire, who now runs a small business offering various products and services near the Hundred Islands.
He also encouraged his fellow Smart load retailers to sell more to improve their chances of winning the P1 million grand prize at the 2018 edition of the Smart Ka-Partner Rewards program.
Smart Ka-Partner retailers are usually found at neighborhood sari-sari or grocery stores. They can also be individuals who sell load. To be eligible to join the Ka-Partner draw, retailers need only to redeem their electronic load points, which are converted to raffle entries.
The latest convention was held at LausGroup Event Centre in San Fernando City, Pampanga. The theme was “Bilis Asenso sa LTE.”
The gathering also featured entertainment, games, and various raffle prizes such as cash, mobile phones and gadgets, a brand-new motorcycle, and other exciting prizes.
Three other retailer conventions will be held in various locations — each with its own set of raffle winners, including another recipient of P1 million.