I was at the local Filipino store again yesterday for my bi-weekly trip for some Pinoy grub (pinakbet, pork adobo and siopao). As I waited at the checkout counter, I noticed a couple of Filipinas waiting at another counter which is the branch office of the PNBRCI (Philippine National Bank Remittance Centers, Inc). After paying for my purchases, I strode over to inquire on their current fees. I used to be a regular client of their service for years but I haven't used them lately ever since I found a different way to send money speedily to my family without filling out a form, obtaining a money order (or bank check) and mailing it to the nearest branch ASAP so the money will be received in 2-3 days. Nevertheless, I do recognize the necessity of a service such as PNBRCI to facilitate remittances to our families back in the Philippines. At the risk of sounding like I'm shilling for them, this money transfer company assures that our families will not be left wondering if the financial support they're counting on will get to them safely.

Upon stepping on any foreign soil, most Filipinos will find themselves looking for services that will cater to the need to maintain contact with the families and friends they've left behind. They'll be on the lookout for reasonably priced phone carrier services or for calling cards in anticipation of their frequent international calls, fervently hoping that the usage rates will not eat up a huge chunk of their budget (goodluck on that one   . Been there, done that. During the first five years of my stay in the US, I cringed everytime I wrote out a check to pay for the dreaded phone bill. It pains me now to realize that I could have gone home twice a year for the amount I spent at that time.

I'm sure there's a lot of people out there who've been through the same experience. Despite the costs, I doubt if they ever regret the minutes spent on the phone with their lovedones. Those moments are what's keeping us motivated and inspired to make a better life on a strange land. Hearing about our family's predicament and financial dilemmas is what's keeing us appreciative of the opportunities we are blessed with despite our own quandaries and tribulations. We work harder and save whatever money we can to dispatch it back to those who need it more. That's when remittance services come in handy.

 For those unschooled in the ways of the Filipino expats, a remittance is a transfer of funds or money through a variety of methods available. I'm sure most of you have tried and tested these amenities and are using whatever works well for your purpose. Some may send money regularly or intermittently or on a dire need basis. For instance, those with elderly parents might send a monthly fixed allowance enough to cover for their upkeep and medicines. Those who are sponsoring relatives or siblings to school might have to send an extra amount from time to time aside from the usual allowance for tuition, board and lodging. Some might have to wire money only in emergency situations such as a sudden illness, hospitalization or death of a family member.  The list can go on and on. There are numerous reasons why we Filipinos find ourselves conveying financial aid. Kenny found it peculiar at first when I enlightened him of this practice. He wasn't opposed to it but he has become more understanding and supportive especially after his first visit to the Philippines and saw for himself the huge difference in our lifestyles.  He is probably more of a giver than I am, if truth be told. 

Lest I'm misunderstood, not all Filipino expats have to provide financial aid to their families. Some may only choose to do it during special occasions such as birthdays, graduations and fiestas (for an extra lechon   . Some people might never want or need to do it at all. But for those who do for whatever reasons and frequency, there are a lot more reliable means and options now to expedite the transaction compared to 10 years ago. With the increasing use and availability of the internet in the Philippines, these remittances are indeed getting there even more rapidly than anyone can say "Show me the money!". All the better to make our lovedones breath a of relief once they receive it.  So, just out of curiousity, how do you remit and why? Feel free to share in the comment section if you want.  I'm sure people would appreciate some fresh ideas or suggestions.