10 truths behind every OFW’s sacrifices, as seen in 'Hello, Love, Goodbye'

[Editor’s note: This story, first published on August 20, 2019 and updated today, is brought to you from our Star Cinema Archives.]

With a realistic and emotionally authentic depiction of an Overseas Filipino Worker’s (OFW) daily life in Hong Kong, as portrayed by Kathyrn Bernardo playing the role of Joy in 2019’s “Hello, Love, Goodbye”, we have been given a clearer view of how working abroad is indeed never glamorous as some may think. In fact, it is a huge sacrifice for Filipinos who must make the choice of being away from their loved ones, in the hopes of giving them a better life.

Here, we listed down some of the hard truths OFWs face, as depicted in "Hello, Love, Goodbye":

1. They will prioritize their family's needs instead of their own.

The scene where Joy purchases a pair of shoes for her sister, despite her need to save money for herself, just shows how selfless OFWs can be when it comes to providing for their loved ones.

2. They will tend to choose hustling over resting.

Every drop of sweat counts for OFWs, so they make sure that they do not miss out on every possible job — even when this means that they need to sacrifice their own rest times.

And can we just say how sweet this scene between Joy and Ethan is? Kilig!

3. They cope with being distant from their loved ones in their own little ways.

Video chat platforms are every OFW’s best friend. And a message or a call from their loved ones are enough to keep them going.

4. They'll take every side job available.

Extra income equals more savings for OFWs! And they'll take whatever part-time job they can get just to maximize their time and stay in the country of their work.

5. Count joining pageants among those side hustles!

Anything and everything for the family!

6. They save, save, save! 

They save non-stop, even at the expense of their own needs and pleasures!

7. They’ve mastered the art of going with the flow of life. 

OFWs go where life takes them and are always open to new experiences.

8. They find comfort in their second families, their support groups, their kababayans. 

Finding a second family as an OFW is a blessing. Not only do they help make each day bearable, they can become the very reasons why OFWs eventually learn to embrace their lives abroad.

9. Friends are lifelines! 

And if you're lucky enough to find the most trustworthy ones, just like how Ethan found his in Jhim (Joross) and Carlo (Jeffrey), they'll really stick with you through thick and thin. They'll even give you advice to make sure you're on the right path.

10. Sooner or later, the homesickness just disappears. 

The yearning for home may last for the first few years, or longer for some, but it will eventually end. And by that time, you realize that the journey is all worth it.

RELATED VIDEOS: 

RELATED STORIES: 

THROWBACK: That time Kathryn Bernardo was a beauty queen!

7 reasons to watch ‘Hello, Love, Goodbye’ before ‘Hello, Love, Again’