Modern-day heroes are not only those who protect the country and devote their lives to serve for the common good. Among every day heroes are also millions of the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who decided to separate from their loved ones, and live abroad to provide for a better future of their families back home.
In the first semester of 2018 alone, OFW remittances amounted to $14.179 billion, an increase from the $13.813 billion recorded in the first six months of 2017. Currently, around 10 million Filipinos are working abroad to provide for their families in the Philippines, transferring the cash that fuels the household spending, which in turn drives more than 60% of overall economic growth.

 
To recognize the tireless efforts and the sacrifices made by these everyday heroes, money transfer services provider MoneyGram held its second annual Idol Awards at the Solaire Resort and Casino in Parañaque City on June 19.
Twelve OFW families were honored with the coveted award and received P30,000 in cash, plus an all-expense-paid trip back home to Manila where they will spend three days with their loved ones at a luxury resort. In addition, thirty lucky winners won P5,000 in cash.
The awards were handed ver during a special evening of celebration attended by MoneyGram’s key regional leaders, and Filipino star and MoneyGram’s brand ambassador, Robin Padilla.
“We are here for the OFWs not only to enable them to send money to their families back home in a convenient and fast manner but we also want to bring them closer to their relatives. We established the MoneyGram Idol Awards to recognize the everyday struggles of families of 12 million Filipinos living and working abroad,” said Yogesh Sangle, MoneyGram head of Asia Pacific, Middle East and South Asia, who handed over awards at the gala ceremony.
The winners of the 2018 MoneyGram Idol Awards are:

  • Michelle Gomez (Cavite)
  • Emilia Moncada (Cavite)
  • Remie Magkalas (Laguna)
  • Rose Cabilen (Laguna)
  • Jade Colaljo (Iligan City)
  • Aldrich Pablo (Cabanatuan City)
  • Cecille Acantalicio (Camarines Sur)
  • Ryan Deyto (Caloocan City)
  • Jophil Cabahug (Cebu)
  • Marilyn Ayson (Quezon City)
  • Merline Faigmanio (Quezon City)
  • Mary Jane Toling (Quezon City)

The MoneyGram Idol Awards is an initiative aimed to pay tribute to overseas Filipino workers and their immediate families. Running from January 17 to April 15, 2018, the promotion was open for all Filipino citizens over 18 years old who received money transfer with MoneyGram from an overseas Filipino worker family member.
The twelve major winners and the thirty consolation prize winners were selected in an electronic raffle.. Representatives of MoneyGram, Wavemaker agency, and the Department of Trade and Industry were present to witness the drawing.
MoneyGram is a global provider of innovative money transfer and payment services and is recognized worldwide as a financial connection to friends and family. Whether online, or through a mobile device, at a kiosk or in a local store, MoneyGram provides consumers the means to connect with one another conveniently and efficiently.
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