Former OFW Couple Shares Inspiring Rags-to-Riches Story

A former OFW couple shares their inspiring rags-to-riches story – and we can’t help but admire the way they helped each other improve their family and provide for their kids without getting in trouble because they lived far away from each for years.

OFW Couple Shares Inspiring Story

We’ve encountered so many complaints aired on Raffy Tulfo in Action and through various social media channels about OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) ending up with broken families because of infidelity.

Due to the long distance between them, and often the different time zones, many couples break up because of misunderstandings or because one (sometimes even both) of them found another love interest to fill in the void.

inspiring ofw couple

Photo credit: Mary Jane Juan / KAMI

So, we’re quite impressed by Mary Jane Juan and her husband, both former OFWs, who managed to stay together despite the long time they spent apart.

They shared the story of how they went from rags to riches, not to brag but to inspire others.

Photo credit: Mary Jane Juan / KAMI

Dati, truck driver sa umaga ang hubby ko at tricycle driver pa sa gabi. Nakikipasada lng siya noon, hindi namin sarili ang motor. Hinihintay ko pa asawa ko dumating galing sa pamamasada para may maisaing,” Mary Jane explained.

Nagtitiis kami sa 20 pesos na lutong ulam. Nagsimula talaga kami sa wala as in wala. Sipag tiyaga at panalangin sa Taas lng ang naging puhunan namin.”

From 2000 to 2005, they both went abroad: she became a domestic helper at the palace in Riyadh while her husband worked as a waiter and cleaner.

Photo credit: Mary Jane Juan / KAMI

inspiring OFW couple

Photo credit: Mary Jane Juan / KAMI

We worked hard na mag asawa. Wala kami parehas na bisyo, family lang talaga. Malaking tulong ang pag abroad namin kasi doon galing ang puhunan namin. Nangingibang bansa pa din kami sa Asia pero vacation na lang kasama buong family,” she shared.

They managed to build their own house with a pool in Tagaytay. They also have a hardware business and three vehicles. Two of their kids already completed college, while the two others are still in school.

Photo credit: Mary Jane Juan / KAMI

Photo credit: Mary Jane Juan / KAMI

Mahirap maging ofw. Dapat tayo matutong mag ipon, huwag maging waldas. Pahalagahan ang bawat dolyar na kikitain, huwag mamili ng mga bagay na hindi kailangan. Maging priority ang pag unlad para sa mga anak at huwag maging mapag mataas kasi napakahirap ng buhay sa ibang bansa,” she advised.

How Can You Find Work in Saudi?

Often, you can only land a job in Saudi and many other countries through an employment agency. But make sure to check if the agency has a POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) license.