Children of overseas Filipino workers shared their gratitude to their parents in the latest video campaign launched by Free Bee, the go-to app of OFWs powered by PLDT Global Corporation.
The short video entitled, “Liwanag ng Tagumpay” features snippets of OFW families celebrating graduation, an important milestone in the lives of Filipino families and the most tangible proof of the years of migrant families' sacrifices bearing fruit.One of them is Josephine.
A mother of three, Josephine has been working as a domestic helper in Hong Kong for seven years. Her eldest son will graduate with a degree in BS Marine Technology this year. “Mixed emotions, excitement, and the feeling that so many years went by, and all the sacrifices I made are really worth it seeing my child wearing a toga, going up on the stage, and [receiving his] diploma,” she said, when asked how she felt about it. After all, Josephine's primary motivation to seek work abroad was to ensure that her children could finish school, she added.
Meanwhile, for Qatar-based Evangeline, it is fulfilling for her to see her children finish their studies. “Bilang magulang na malayo sa mga anak, napakasarap na makita mo nagbunga ng maganda ang sakripisyo niyo ng pamilya, yung mga araw na di kami magkakasama, kapalit ng katuparan ng mga pangarap nila at mga pangarap namin para sa kanila,” she said. [As a parent who is far from my children, it is moving to see that all of your family’s sacrifice – the times that you spent apart – are rewarded with the realization of their dreams, and our dreams for them.]
The two modern-day heroes Josephine and Evangeline have been able to stay in touch with their children in the Philippines via the Free Bee mobile app.
“[It’s] beneficial and convenient. It helps keep distant family members together and helps me stay in touch with my family,” Josephine said.
Evangeline also said that Free Bee allows them to connect easily with their loved ones. “Nagiging madali ang mahihirap na mga araw dahil mas madaling makipagusap, makita, o mag-message sa mga mahal sa buhay na malayo sa akin. Napakaimportante ng technology at social media applications sa mga OFW na gaya ko.” [The hard days become better because it’s easier to talk to or send a message to loved ones who are far from me. Technology and social media applications are very important to OFWs like me.]
Their stories are part of the reason why PGC-backed Free Bee continues to find ways to serve the Filipino community around the world. PGC is the international arm of the country’s largest integrated telco, PLDT.
“Free Bee understands the lifestyle, the struggles, and the stories of our kababayans abroad, and we want to let them know that we are here to celebrate with them as their children finish school and prepare for the next step in their life,” said Albert V. Villa-Real, SVP and Chief Commercial Officer at PGC. “Through this video campaign, we hope that we can inspire OFWs and their families, especially during the graduation season, to continue to reach for their goals, knowing that we will continue to support them through reliable and affordable ways to stay connected with the people that motivate them the most,” Villa-Real added.
Available in 180 countries, Free Bee helps OFWs call their loved ones through its award-winning mobile app, with or without the internet. It also allows them to conveniently top-up or send load to Smart, TNT, and Free Bee customers. The app also allows them to pay Philippine utility bills, and access other content, products, services, and offerings by partners. In 2020, Free Bee was recognized as the Most Innovative Customer Facing Solution by the Pacific Telecom Council.
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