Actress Kim Chiu has learned that earning money is only part of the equation. She also believes in knowing how to save, invest and share it with family.
As the official brand ambassador of WorldRemit, a digital global payments and international money transfer service, Chiu said her personal experience as a breadwinner has allowed her to relate closely to overseas Filipino workers.
“I realized that you should know how to save, you should know how to invest, and at the same time, you should know how to budget. You should put your money in the right place because money disappears quickly. Opportunities also disappear quickly,” Chiu said during a WorldRemit press conference.
Chiu is currently promoting “Bahay Mo, Panalo Mo, I-WorldRemit Mo,” WorldRemit’s seasonal raffle promotion in partnership with The Filipino Channel (TFC), which gives eligible WorldRemit users a chance to win monthly cash prizes and a house and lot in the Philippines.
For Chiu, the campaign hits close to home because she has experienced the significance of having a house of her own.
She recalled winning a house and lot when she joined “Pinoy Big Brother” and said owning a home gave her a greater sense of responsibility and motivation to work harder.
Your own home
“It’s different when you have something you can call your own. It’s inspiring to work hard and become a better person because there’s a different sense of responsibility when you have your own house,” she said.
Chiu also has firsthand experience with sending money to a loved one abroad. Her younger brother studied in Canada, and she used WorldRemit to send him financial support.
“He has already graduated, and he’s going to be a commercial pilot. Now, he’s the one treating me. He’s the one sending money to me,” Chiu said.
The experience also shaped Chiu’s understanding of remittances beyond their monetary value.
“More than padala, this is about connection, love, support and security. When you send money, there’s a story behind it — for tuition, groceries, sometimes for emergencies,” she said.
Helping families
Chiu said she became a breadwinner without being asked, sharing what she considers an innate Filipino tendency to help family members whenever one has the means to do so.
“I just became a breadwinner without them asking me to be the mother and father in our family. If your glass is full, you won’t be able to give. It will overflow and it will be wasted. It’s better to share what we have,” she said.
At the same time, Chiu cautioned fellow breadwinners not to neglect themselves while supporting their families.
“Don’t forget about yourself because at the end of the day, you have your own life,” she said.
“My family always told me that this job is not forever, so I should really take care of my money. Share and don’t be greedy with money. As long as you can help, we’ll help,” she added.
WorldRemit Head of Philippine Markets Leo Albea said Chiu’s own story and work ethic were among the reasons the company chose her as its brand ambassador.
Albea recalled that WorldRemit initially saw increased interest in the service after a brand integration in one of Chiu’s shows in 2023. He later witnessed Chiu’s work ethic and her connection with Filipino communities abroad when WorldRemit sponsored her tour, which included stops in the United States and Canada.
“I got to meet her fans. I got to meet her community. And these are folks who are also sending money back home. These are breadwinners of their own who have loved ones back home,” he said.
With digital communication and money-transfer services, Chiu said, Filipinos abroad can remain connected and provide support even when they cannot physically be with their loved ones.
“Being present is not the only way to show your support. You can also provide for their needs. Even when you’re not there,” Chiu said.
WorldRemit also used the occasion to give back to communities affected by disasters, donating P500,000 to ABS-CBN Foundation International for its flood relief projects. The donation was accepted by ABS-CBN Foundation International Director Lisa Cabahug and will support families displaced by flooding with food, shelter and other assistance.
