How 2 OFWs Became Successful in Hong Kong
MANILA – Starting a new career in another country can be seen as difficult by many, but here are two stories of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who took advantage of their stay in Hong Kong.
On a recent episode of “My Puhunan,” host Karen Davila flew to Hong Kong to visit two OFWs who were able to find success in the country.
Waiter-turned-production company owner
Manny Portugal started out as a janitor when he first flew to Hong Kong back in 1991.
After jumping from one job to another, he realized that he is not earning enough for the long-term.
He decided to set aside 1,000 HKD per month to save up for his dream venture.
“‘Yon pong sa sahod ko, nakakapag-tabi po ako ng 1 thousand [Hong Kong] dollars a month… May passion po kasi talaga ako sa music,” he shared.
“Nagsimula po ako sa puhunan kong 10,000 Hong Kong dollars… Naisip ko po ‘yon, dahil sa tagal ko sa trabaho, kulang din po ang kinikita ko.”
From cashing out an initial 10,000HKD to buy his first speaker, he continued offering his services until it grew to being a company now called Backstage Productions.
Aside from offering his services to Filipino-organized events along Charter Road, his business has also already covered a number of international events and concerts held in the country.
According to Portugal, having enough dedication was key to his success with his business.
He added that it’s important to properly budget the money earned between personal needs and possible ventures such as business.
“Lagi tayong positive, hardworking, tapos ‘wag po nating kalimutang mag-save para sa atin, at kung meron po tayong passion sa buhay na gusto nating gawin at i-apply sa negosyo, gawin po natin.”
How ‘Tita Kerry’ got his break as DJ in Hong Kong
Known as ‘Tita Kerry’ in Hong Kong, radio personality Jun Paragas said he flew in to the country with nothing but hope.
Paragas first worked in Saudi Arabia for a couple of years as a janitor, where he experienced not being paid by his employer for 7 months’ worth of work.
However, falling in love with his long-time pen pal who was working in Hong Kong as a domestic helper, Paragas thought it’d be best to move in with her.
“And dala ko lang sa Hong Kong noon, lakas ng loob. Nag part-time muna ako sa balikbayan boxes, door-to-door,” he said.
It was during his part-time stint that he was discovered as a potential radio broadcaster in Hong Kong.
He now hosts the radio program “Lovingly Yours, Tita Kerry” on AM 1044 Metro Plus.
Aside from this, Paragas has opened a one-stop shop for Pinoys where he also sells his self-written published books.
When asked what he is most thankful for, he said, “Siyempre una, pasasalamat sa Diyos at pasasalamat sa mga kababayan na nagtitiwala kasi ang puhunan natin pangalan lang eh…habang maaga, magplano na tayo.”