Given the Filipinos’ family-oriented nature, it is no wonder why overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are the common focus of commercials.
Here are 8 commercials that will surely tug at your heartstrings. Prepare your tissues, you have been warned.
1. Google PH
Google Philippines released this commercial dedicated to OFWs in the Christmas of 2014. The commercial was part of the company’s “Balikbayan” campaign which aims to allow OFWs to connect to their families through various online services.
In the commercial, a child’s rendition of Basil Valdez’s “You” was used as a background to conversations of OFWs with their families in the Philippines.
2. Coca-Cola
A part of the company’s “Where Will Happiness Strike Next” campaign, the video follows the story of three OFWs, Joe Marie Ballon, Leonie Villanueva and Joey Doble, who have not come home to the Philippines in years.
The OFWs returned to the Philippines without the knowledge of their families and relatives.
3. Kay Inay
The short film shows the story of an OFW who returned to the Philippines after spending the last 11 years abroad. His biggest struggle was about his mother who was no longer able to recognize him due to Alzheimer’s disease.
The video reflects the difficulties an OFW faces including missing precious moments with their loved ones.
4. Pampanga’s Best
Being away during special occasions like Christmas and birthdays is one of the hardest struggles OFWs deal with. This commercial shows an OFW celebrating his birthday as his children and wife sings birthday song to him. When asked what his wish is, his response was short – ‘sana andiyan ako’.
The commercial proceeds to show hardships of OFWs face in order to give their families a comfortable life in the Philippines.
5. SSS
This two-minute commercial shows an OFW receiving a number of messages from his daughter and sibling, asking for financial support for different reasons.
The commercial highlights a line common for many OFWs, “Pasensya ka na ha, ikaw lang ang inaasahan namin.”
6. Chowking
Many OFWs can surely relate to this commercial by Chowking.
This commercial follows the story of an OFW named Noel. The said OFW has never seen his son who shares the same name. The OFW is shown to be excited to see his son for the first time. The boy, seemingly shy at first, asked his father, “Noel din po pangalan niyo?”
7. Jollibee
The video was shot in Dubai and showed some of its iconic landmarks including the Burj Al Arab.
Inspired by true events, it features the story of a couple working overseas who wanted to come home to celebrate Christmas with their only son.
8. Jollibee
The short film follows the story of taxi driver Mon David, who has spent the last two Christmas days away from his daughter, an OFW in Dubai.
While inside a Jollibee branch, Mang Mon was surprised when a video message from his daughter The taxi driver breaks down as his daughter shares how much she loves him.
