No matter your status and situation in life, achieving your dreams is always possible as long as you have the right attitude. Today’s OFW success story is one good example of this!
Hailing from the province of Tarlac, Philippines, Venus Alegado is an OFW in Hong Kong. She is also a single mom to two kids, and she is committed to providing them with everything they need, while supporting her family as well. Let’s get to know more about her!
OFW Single Mom of 2 Kids Builds Dream House
Before she became an OFW, Venus took on different kinds of jobs: selling barbecue, balut, and planting rice — to put food on the table. Back then, she never thought she would be able to build her own house. Struggling to provide for her family daily, there were times when she felt like giving up… until the opportunity to go abroad came along, through her sister’s help.
“Sa totoo lang, never ko talaga pinangarap na makapag-abroad dahil takot ako noon (To be honest, I had never dreamt of going abroad because I didn’t have the courage then),” Venus explained. “Dahil nauna ang kapatid ko makapag-abroad, tinulungan niya ako na makapag-abroad din (Because she went abroad first, she helped me to find a job there, too).”
Fortunately, Venus found a kind employer in Hong Kong. She worked hard to support her family, while at the same time saved enough money to build a small house back home.
“Yung natitira sa pinapadala ko sa Pinas, yun yung iniipon ko hanggang makapag-tabi ng kaunting halaga para makapagsimula ng maliit na bahay (Whatever amount was left from the money I sent to the Philippines, I saved until we had enough to start a small house),” she said.
Building her house took about two years, and it was not a consistent process. Venus had to work continuously, while her brothers did most of the construction work to help save on labour costs. All in all, she spent PHP 700,000 for the house construction, including labour costs.
Aside from building their dream home, Venus continues to support her family. Together with her sister, she helps provide for her mother’s maintenance medications. She sends her children to school; in fact, one of them has already achieved a vocational certificate in automotive.
On facing life’s challenges, Venus shares: “Sipag, tiyaga, at dasal lang talaga ang karamay ko sa panahong nalulungkot ako. Iiyak lang pag masama ang loob, puwede kang mapagod pero bawal sumuko (Hard work, perseverance, and prayers helped me through my loneliest times. It’s okay to cry when you’re feeling down; it’s okay to feel tired, but never give up). ”
Watch the full video of Venus’ success story below, as shared via Roxie Diaz’ YouTube channel:
Congratulations, Venus! Indeed, you deserve all the best because of your diligence, commitment, and dedication to your family. May your story inspire our fellow kabayans to keep on working hard and pursuing their dreams… for themselves as well as for their families.
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