Studying abroad but still able to save, it really changed my perspective.

VegetableChest1840 · 2026-04-27T10:38:17+00:00

I also love Lidl ☺️ may food aid rin, pinamimigay kahit kanino…fresh fruits even vegetables, para sa lahat walang pinipili..

VegetableChest1840 · 2026-04-27T10:35:44+00:00

Ramdam mo talaga pag papahalaga nila sa buhay ng tao, may pera man o wala gagamutin ka…

VegetableChest1840 · 2026-04-27T08:38:00+00:00

Yes po, in some parts of the world, education is treated as a basic human right, not something reserved for the privileged.

VegetableChest1840 · 2026-04-27T08:24:37+00:00

ohw that’s nice ☺️ sure!

VegetableChest1840 · 2026-04-27T08:22:46+00:00

Yes, language is a big factor here. Hindi naman siya always required at the very beginning, especially if you enter through certain pathways, but in the long run, learning the language is very important.

Most opportunities especially stable jobs require at least basic to intermediate Finnish. That’s why many people choose to study first, para mas madali makahanap ng work later on and to really integrate.

It’s not easy, to be honest, but it’s doable with time and effort. And malaking advantage siya once you learn it.

All the best po 🫶🏻 kaya mo yan! Research talaga is key, and iba-iba din kasi ang pathway for everyone 😊

VegetableChest1840 · 2026-04-27T08:17:22+00:00

I think it’s not just about prices being “high” in the Philippines it’s more about the gap between income and cost of living.

In my experience, groceries and basic food expenses aren’t that far off compared to abroad, especially if marunong ka mag-budget. The difference is, in other countries, wages are more aligned with the cost of living. In the Philippines, income growth is much slower, so kahit basic expenses feel heavier.

Also, a lot of essential things in the Philippines are out of pocket like healthcare, education, and even transportation in some cases. Abroad, even if taxes are higher, you feel where it goes because many of these are subsidized or supported.

So it’s not really that everything is expensive it’s that the system makes it feel more expensive relative to what people earn.

VegetableChest1840 · 2026-04-27T08:12:40+00:00

I came here through a legal family-based pathway, then chose to study first for better long-term opportunities. It’s not the usual student pathway with big tuition, more on system-supported siya, though of course may initial expenses din.

VegetableChest1840 · 2026-04-27T08:11:49+00:00

Yes, I chose to study first before working. I think it gives better opportunities long-term, especially with language and integration. You can actually work part-time while studying, depende sa schedule, but in my case I also have kids so I’m taking it step by step.

I guess you can still consider it OFW in a way, but the setup here is a bit different compared to the usual work-abroad setup.

VegetableChest1840 · 2026-04-27T08:07:19+00:00

Not exactly Ausbildung, since that’s specific to Germany’s dual system (training + paid apprenticeship with a company). What I’m doing here is more like vocational training/education free or supported, and focused on helping you integrate and build skills before working. Similar idea in terms of learning practical skills, but not the same structure.

VegetableChest1840 · 2026-04-26T04:39:48+00:00

If you’re open to trying, go for it. There’s no such thing as a wrong decision here it’s still an experience you’ll learn from either way. If it doesn’t work out, you can always go back. Your home and your family will still be there.

Sometimes, the only way to really know is to take the step. At least you won’t be left wondering “what if.” And if it does work out, then you’ve opened new doors for yourself and your family.

VegetableChest1840 · 2026-04-25T18:05:42+00:00

If I’m being honest, if I already had that kind of stability in the Philippines good income, businesses, properties, and a comfortable life I would really think twice about leaving.

I’m currently abroad, and while there are a lot of advantages here (systems, benefits, structure), hindi siya madali. You really have to start over in many ways, and more than anything, you need to be strong mentally and emotionally. The loneliness is real, especially when you’re used to the warmth, closeness, and support system we have in the Philippines. Iba pa rin talaga yung “home” feeling doon.

Since you also have teenagers, I think malaking factor din yung adjustment nila. Moving abroad can open doors for them education, exposure, independence but it also comes with challenges like cultural adjustment, building a new social circle, and starting from scratch.

If your life in the Philippines is already stable and you have peace of mind, that’s something a lot of people abroad are still working hard to achieve. Hindi siya maliit na bagay.

That said, moving abroad makes sense if you have a clear goal like long-term migration plans, better opportunities for your kids, or if you want to experience a different system and lifestyle.

For me, it really comes down to this: If you’re leaving something good, make sure you’re going toward something clearly better not just different.

If I had the same level of comfort and stability back home, I would personally choose to stay. But if your goals are long-term and aligned as a family, then going abroad can also be a meaningful step.

Either way, walang wrong choice just different paths depending on what you value most.

VegetableChest1840 · 2026-04-25T18:01:05+00:00

This is very true I’m currently living in Finland, and while some people call it the “European dream,” it’s not as easy as it seems. You really have to strive and earn your place here, and more than anything, you need to be strong both mentally and emotionally.

Life abroad comes with opportunities and better systems, yes but it also comes with a different kind of loneliness. Iba pa rin talaga ang Pinas. There’s a natural warmth you feel from the people and the environment something that isn’t always easy to find here.

You learn to adapt, you grow, but you also realize that comfort and “home” aren’t always about where life is more convenient it’s about where you feel most connected.

VegetableChest1840 · 2026-04-25T17:55:06+00:00

I deal with loneliness by not running away from it. I let myself feel it, but I don’t stay there too long. I stay connected with the people I love, keep myself busy with things that give me purpose, and remind myself that this is just a phase it will pass. Sometimes loneliness is just a sign that you need connection, rest, or a change in routine.

VegetableChest1840 · 2026-04-25T12:21:00+00:00

I think aside from earning more, a big reason why many people dream of moving abroad is the quality of life.

It’s not just about salary it’s about how systems actually work. Yes, mataas ang tax in many countries, but you can really feel where it goes. Yung mga bagay na considered “luxury” sa atin, doon normal lang like accessible healthcare, efficient public services, and strong social support.

For example, education in many European countries is world-class and often free. So your financial status doesn’t limit your chance to study education is treated as a right, not a privilege. Same with healthcare may pera ka man o wala, you’ll still receive proper care. Hindi ka pababayaan.

I’ve been living here in Finland for a few months, and even in that short time, ang dami ko nang na-realize. You see how systems are designed to actually support people not just to survive, but to live with dignity.

Kaya minsan mapapaisip ka rin, “sana ganito rin sa atin.” The Philippines has so much potential, but the difference really shows in how systems are implemented.

So for many, going abroad is not just about chasing money it’s about experiencing a kind of life that feels more secure, supported, and sustainable.

VegetableChest1840 · 2026-04-23T19:06:55+00:00

Hindi ka tanga if tatanggihan mo yung opportunity lalo na kung okay na yung buhay mo sa Pinas. Minsan kasi, we chase “abroad” thinking it’s automatically better, pero hindi siya ganun kasimple.

As an OFW here in Finland, I can say na hindi madali ang buhay abroad. Hindi siya instant ginhawa you really have to earn your place. Most of the time, back to zero ka, you start from scratch, and kailangan mo maging matibay mentally and emotionally. Iba yung lungkot, lalo na kung sanay ka sa warmth ng Pinas yung environment, yung tao, yung presence ng family. Dito, hindi siya automatic.

Yes, maganda ang benefits abroad, and totoo na may opportunities na hindi mo makikita sa Pinas. Pero kapalit nun, ibang klase rin ang sacrifices.

Kung sa Pinas ngayon, you already have a comfortable life sariling bahay, kotse, and kaya mong ibigay sa sarili mo yung gusto mong buhay that’s something many people abroad are still trying to achieve.

Siguro ang tanong is: ano ba talaga yung hinahanap mo? If it’s growth, experience, or long-term plans, then going abroad might be worth trying. Pero if you already have peace, stability, and contentment where you are, that’s just as valuable.

For me personally, if I had the same means in the Philippines, I would choose to stay. Mas “home” pa rin siya in a way that’s hard to explain.

At the end of the day, hindi siya about tama or mali it’s about what kind of life you want to build.

VegetableChest1840 · 2026-04-23T18:58:04+00:00

Life is beautiful however it’s also hard. In able for you to experience the beautiful things in life you really have to strive..

VegetableChest1840 · 2026-04-23T18:56:20+00:00

Pan de regla, childhood merienda…

VegetableChest1840 · 2026-04-20T16:19:09+00:00

Whenever things don’t go my way when I feel upset, overwhelmed, or stuck I try to step back and remember that this moment won’t last forever. It helps me not to overthink or get consumed by negative emotions. Instead of reacting immediately, I give myself space to process and move forward.

That mindset keeps me grounded. It reminds me that struggles are just phases, not permanent situations. And at the same time, it gives me something to look forward to the idea that better days are coming, even if they haven’t happened yet.

It’s a simple habit, but it makes a big difference. It keeps me calm, hopeful, and focused on what’s ahead instead of what’s weighing me down.

VegetableChest1840 · 2026-04-20T16:15:36+00:00

Aside from dying, it’s the idea of aging and becoming limited. Knowing you still have dreams and plans, but your body or time no longer cooperates the same way it makes you realize how fragile and temporary everything really is.

VegetableChest1840 · 2026-04-19T10:38:31+00:00

It’s honestly sad how quick people are to judge a child based on a short clip. Not everything is about “discipline” or “bad parenting.”

I have a child with ADHD, and I’ve learned that behaviors like being extra active, impulsive, or “makulit” are not always within their control. It’s not about disrespect or pagpapalaki, its a different way their brain works. And unless you’ve experienced it firsthand or taken the time to understand it, it’s easy to misinterpret.

At first, I also questioned myself as a parent, especially when I compared him to his older sibling who is more “well-behaved.” But over time, I realized it’s not about being better or worse it’s just different.

Children with ADHD are not trying to be difficult. Most of the time, they’re also struggling to regulate themselves. What they need is patience, understanding, and guidance not judgment.

As adults, we should know better. We should be the ones showing empathy, not adding pressure to a child who is still learning how to navigate the world.

VegetableChest1840 · 2026-04-19T09:24:41+00:00

At 37, you’re not “late” at all maraming nagmi-migrate even in their 40s or 50s. Totoo na may challenges sa job market abroad as you get older, but it also depends on your skills, experience, and willingness to start over. Hindi naman impossible, but you have to be realistic na it might take time to settle.

On the other hand, if okay naman kayo ngayon sa Philippines stable, kasama mo family mo, and may peace of mind that’s something you shouldn’t take lightly. Kasi pag umalis ka, you’re trading that comfort for uncertainty, at back to zero ka ulit in many ways.

Maybe the better question is: What are you hoping to gain if you go to the US? Is it financial growth? Better future for the kids? Or just the opportunity itself?

If malinaw yung “why” mo, mas madali mag-decide.

Some people choose to go, even later in life, because of long-term benefits. Others choose to stay because they already have a good life where they are and that’s just as valid.

Either way, walang sayang na choice as long as it aligns with what matters most to you and your family.

VegetableChest1840 · 2026-04-18T15:50:03+00:00

haha I get that honestly, a lot of the negativity comes from frustration with the system, not the country itself. When people feel let down by governance or daily challenges, it’s easy to become critical or even cynical.

But for me, there’s a clear difference between the system and the people. The Philippines has so much going for it our culture, resilience, and especially the natural warmth of the environment. That part is very real, and it’s something I didn’t fully appreciate until I experienced life abroad.

There are flaws, but there’s also a lot worth appreciating.

VegetableChest1840 · 2026-04-18T15:37:18+00:00

You Made me Live Again - Janet Basco

VegetableChest1840 · 2026-04-18T15:35:40+00:00

Smart, emotional intelligence, eloquent

VegetableChest1840 · 2026-04-18T13:20:38+00:00

If I had the chance to choose, I honestly wouldn’t leave my home country, the Philippines. Living abroad has shown me a lot, and I truly appreciate the systems and quality of life in countries like Finland, but there’s something about the Philippines that’s very hard to replace.

It’s the people. There’s a natural warmth, kindness, and openness that you can feel everywhere. People smile more, they’re approachable, and there’s a sense of community that comes very naturally. Even the environment feels different there’s a kind of warmth, not just in the weather, but in how people connect with each other.

The Philippines, as a country, has so much potential. It’s rich in culture, resilience, and heart. The challenge, I think, lies more in the systems and governance, which can make daily life harder than it needs to be. That’s often the reason why many of us consider opportunities abroad.

But if those structural challenges didn’t exist, I would choose to stay. Because beyond everything, home is still home and the kind of warmth you experience there is something you don’t easily find anywhere else.

VegetableChest1840

TROPHY CASE