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Moneyfesting with Manong George
Real Talk OFW: From Abroad Hustles to a Mission-Driven Business
In this episode of Moneyfesting with Manong George, kasama natin si Abraham “Coach Abs” Avila Jr., founder ng DataSense Analytics Philippines at pambansang data coach ng bayan. Dito, shinare niya ang journey niya mula sa pagtuturo sa Pinas, pagiging OFW sa Saudi at UK, hanggang sa pagtatayo ng award-winning training company na tumutulong ngayon sa libu-libong kababayan.
Pero higit pa sa negosyo, kwento rin ito ng ikigai, mentorship, at kung paano ang tunay na money-festing ay hindi tungkol sa paghahabol ng pera—kundi sa pagbibigay ng value at pagtulong sa iba. Dahil sabi nga ni Coach Avs, kapag inuuna mo ang malasakit at serbisyo, kusa na lang susunod ang kita at tagumpay.
In this episode:
- Journey ni Coach Abs: from IT instructor → OFW → entrepreneur
- Founding DataSense Analytics to bridge skills gap for Pinoys
- Ikigai principle as guide in starting a business
- Side hustle strategies for OFWs abroad
- Value of mentorship and community in achieving success
- Learning to pivot, delegate, and scale a business
- Moneyfesting mindset — focus on giving value, not chasing money
Connect with Manong George
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manonggeorgeuk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manonggeorgeuk/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@manonggeorge
Connect with Abraham Avila Jr. | DataSense Analytics Philippines
Facebook (DataSense Analytics Philippines): https://www.facebook.com/datasenseph/
Facebook (Coach Abs): https://www.facebook.com/absavilajr/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/absavila
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7. Nurse Even: Pera, Boundaries, at Staying Grounded
47:41||Season 1, Ep. 7Sa episode na ito ng Moneyfesting with Manong George, kasama natin si Nurse Even, ang content creator na nag-viral sa buong UK nursing community. Dito niya ibinahagi kung paano naging "Nurse Even" ang simpleng OFW na walang background sa entertainment—at kung paano niya binalanse ang pagiging professional nurse at influencer. Pinag-usapan namin ang kanyang goal-oriented approach sa content creation at ang art of dedma sa bashers, dahil para kay Even, hindi pwedeng happy-go-lucky lang—dapat may clear aim ka sa impact mo. Tinalakay din namin ang kanyang relationship sa pera: matipid pa rin kahit blessed na, may set budget sa padala, at laging savings muna bago luho. Dahil gaya ng sabi ni Even, 'Ang pera dito is pinaghihirapan. Kailangan mo talagang i-value.' At dahil maraming OFW ang nahihirapan dito, pinag-usapan din namin ang setting ng boundaries sa pamilya—kung bakit kailangan i-save ang sarili mo muna, at kung paano manatiling grounded kahit sikat na. Kung aspiring content creator ka o OFW na nahihirapang mag-set ng boundaries sa pamilya—siguradong marami kang mapupulot dito. Pretty check and rawr!In this episode:Journey ni Nurse Even: simpleng OFW → pandemic content creator → sold-out UK shows Goal-oriented approach: in-aim ang impact, hindi lang na-realize—kailangan may clear focus Nurse muna bago influencer: profession over content dahig mas stable at endgame Relationship sa pera: matipid pa rin, budgeting, at respeto sa pinaghirapang kita Setting boundaries sa pamilya: fixed padala, learning to say "no," at i-save ang sarili muna Staying grounded: "pantay-pantay tayo lahat" at off-cam reality check Moneyfesting: "a voice and a torch of light" para sa taboo money topics ng OFWsConnect with Manong GeorgeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/manonggeorgeuk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manonggeorgeuk/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@manonggeorge Connect with Nurse EvenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lemesayeven/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nurseeven/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lemesayeven YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nurseeven1192 The Bank Shift Show: https://www.nurseeven.com/
6. OFW Story: Michelle’s Journey as a Nurse moving from UK to Australia
58:15||Season 1, Ep. 6Sa episode na ito ng Moneyfesting with Manong George, kasama natin si Michelle Soriano-Mergal—isang OFW nurse na nag-start sa UK noong 22 years old at nag-stay ng 14 years. Dito niya ibinahagi ang journey niya from Tagum City to UK, kung paano niya na-manage ang finances kahit malaki ang kaltas sa unang sweldo, at kung paano niya nag-invest sa property. Pero after 14 years, may curveball: napagod siya, nawalan ng motivation, at naramdaman ang “missing piece.” Kaya nag-decide silang mag-move sa Australia para sa better weather, work-life balance, at beach life.Pinag-usapan namin ang pag-handle ng unang paycheck, pag-set ng boundaries sa padala, at UK vs. Australia comparison—from weather to work culture to financial flexibility. Dahil goal-oriented at go-getter si Michelle, maraming practical tips dito tungkol sa pag-ipon, property investment, at kung paano mag-decide nang hindi based sa validation ng iba. Kung OFW ka na nag-ba-balance ng pera, family, at personal happiness, marami kang mapupulot dito.In this episode:Journey ni Michelle: From Tagum City → Ateneo Nursing → UK → Australia after 14 yearsFirst impressions sa UK: culture shock, gloomy weather, snow, at yung iconic “lovely” misunderstandingMoney struggles nung baguhan with laking kaltas sa unang sweldo, cup noodles survival, pero nag-save agad ng 50-70%Setting boundaries sa padala kasi siya rin ang backup plan ng pamilyaUK vs. Australia comparison: weather, food, work culture, salary, work-life balanceWhy Australia: beach, outdoor lifestyle, sun, better vitamin D, at yung “missing piece”Lesson sa pera: spend below your means, kung hindi mo kaya i-cash huwag muna, delay gratificationMoney mistakes: bumili ng pangyabang, keeping up with the Joneses, seeking validation from othersMoneyfesting to Michelle: “I can buy things without thinking twice because I know that I deserve it and I can”Connect with Manong GeorgeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/manonggeorgeuk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manonggeorgeuk/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@manonggeorge Connect with Michelle Soriano-MergalFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.soriano.96
4. OFW Real Talk: Bakit Kailangan ng Financial Preparedness
51:57||Season 1, Ep. 4Pano kung biglang dumating ang hindi inaasahan sa buhay ng isang OFW? Sa episode na ito ng Moneyfesting with Manong George, kasama natin si Rochelle, isang NICU nurse sa UK na 15 years nang nagtatrabaho abroad. Ibinahagi niya ang kwento mula sa pagiging nurse-volunteer sa Pinas, siyam na taon sa Saudi, hanggang sa paglipat niya sa UK—kasama ang mga struggles at breakthroughs na humubog sa kanya bilang OFW.Pero higit pa sa career, ikinuwento rin ni Rochelle ang laban niya sa cancer at kung paano nito binago ang plano niya sa buhay, pati na rin ang relasyon niya sa pera at pamilya. Dito natin maririnig kung gaano kalaking tulong ang insurance at financial preparedness, lalo na sa mga oras na hindi mo inaasahan. Dahil gaya ng sabi ni Rochelle, ang tunay na money-festing ay hindi lang padala at trabaho, kundi paghahanda para sa kalusugan, pamilya, at mas matatag na kinabukasan.In this episode:Journey ni Rochelle: mula sa nurse-volunteer sa Pinas, 9 years sa Saudi, hanggang sa paglipat niya sa UKAdjustments at sacrifices bilang OFW — mula sa padala, bills, at pagiging provider ng pamilyaAng biglang laban sa cancer at paano nito naapektuhan ang career, finances, at mga plano sa buhayPaano nakatulong ang insurance at financial preparedness sa gitna ng krisisMga lessons learned: pagiging debt-free, pag-prioritize ng health at family, at future-proofing financesMoneyfesting: Hindi lang trabaho at padala, kundi tamang mindset at paghahanda sa hindi inaasahanConnect with Manong GeorgeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/manonggeorgeuk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manonggeorgeuk/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@manonggeorge
3. OFW Life: Magkano nga ba at Paano Iuuwi ang Labi ng Isang Tao and how OWWA can help?
54:14||Season 1, Ep. 3In this episode of Moneyfesting with Manong George, kasama natin si Ms. Sheila Mae Aguilar, Welfare Officer ng Migrant Workers Office at Overseas Workers Welfare Administration London. Dito, ikinuwento niya kung paano talaga tumutulong ang OWWA sa ating mga kababayan abroad—mula sa pag-check ng kontrata at pagprotekta ng karapatan, hanggang sa medical assistance, scholarships, training, at kahit repatriation kung kinakailangan.Pero higit pa sa listahan ng benefits, kwento ito ng peace of mind, bayanihan, at tunay na money-festing. Dahil sa halagang $25 lang for two years, may proteksyon ka na para sa sarili at pamilya mo. Hindi lang ito tungkol sa pagtatrabaho sa abroad para makaraos, kundi para umasenso, magplano ng kinabukasan, at maipagpatuloy ang diwa ng pagiging Pinoy saan mang sulok ng mundo.Disclaimer: This episode was recorded on the 9th of July, 2025.In this episode:Role of MWO OWWA sa pagprotekta at pagsuporta sa OFWsOWWA membership — $25 lang for 2 years, sulit na protectionSocial benefits: medical, disability, death at burial assistanceScholarship at training programs para sa OFWs at dependentsRepatriation support — regular at medical emergencies, kahit air ambulanceVoluntary at irregular worker assistance — tuloy pa rin ang tulongMoneyfesting mindset — earning abroad with purpose and bayanihan spiritConnect with Manong GeorgeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/manonggeorgeuk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manonggeorgeuk/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@manonggeorge Connect with MWO OWWA LondonEmail: owwamembershipuk@gmail.comWebsite: https://migrantworkersoffice.com/mwo-london-uk/
2. OFW Mindset: Does Money Define Who You Are?
56:53||Season 1, Ep. 2Sa episode na ito ng Moneyfesting with Manong George, kasama natin si Coach Clarissa Doonan, isang mental fitness coach at kapwa OFW. Dito niya ibinahagi kung paano kahit na-achieve niya na ang mga dream house, dream car, at material success, dumaan pa rin siya sa depression at anxiety—hanggang sa natuklasan niya ang konsepto ng mental fitness. Pinagusapan namin kung bakit hindi sapat ang “resilience” lang, paano nakakaapekto ang ating default negative thinking, at bakit mahalaga na matutong i-catch ang ating thoughts bago pa tayo lamunin ng stress. Bukod sa usapang pera at financial goals, tinalakay din namin ang holistic approach sa success—na hindi lang tungkol sa income at remittances, kundi pati sa kalusugan, relationships, at happiness. Dahil gaya ng sabi ni Coach Clarissa, “Money is a tool, pero hindi nito dine-define ang value mo bilang tao.” Kung isa kang OFW na naghahanap ng balance sa pera, trabaho, at personal well-being, siguradong marami kang mapupulot dito—lalo na sa CCP method (Catch, Celebrate, Physical relaxation) na puwede mong i-apply araw-araw.In this episode:Journey ni Coach Clarissa: entrepreneur → material success → depression → mental fitness coach Ano ang mental fitness at bakit mas malalim pa kaysa sa simpleng resilience Default negative thinking ng utak at paano ito nakakaapekto sa pera, health, at relationships Pagkilala sa saboteur patterns na humahadlang sa success ng mga OFWs CCP Method: Catch, Celebrate, Physical relaxation bilang daily habit Paano mag-set ng financial goals bilang OFW nang hindi nao-overwhelm “Money is a tool, hindi ito ang sukatan ng value mo bilang tao” Role ng mentors at coaches sa pagiging best version ng sarili Moneyfesting: believing you’re worthy + letting go of self-sabotage + taking aligned actionConnect with Manong GeorgeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/manonggeorgeuk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manonggeorgeuk/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@manonggeorge Connect with Coach Clarissa DoonanWebsite: https://www.clardooncoaching.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarissadoonan
1. Mayaman ba talaga ang OFW: Money Mindset and Pitfalls ng mga OFWs
01:26:00||Season 1, Ep. 1In this episode of Moneyfesting with Manong George, kasama natin si Kuya Jay, host ng Pera & Purpose Podcast at financial coach sa Dubai. Dito, ibinahagi niya ang journey niya bilang OFW—mula sa pagsiksik sa maliit na kwarto na naka partition lang, sa utang dahil sa medical bills, hanggang sa pagkakadapa sa investment scam. Pero sa mga challenges na ‘yon, natutunan niya kung paano maging intentional sa pera at paano gawing mas malinaw ang purpose sa buhay.Hindi lang ito usapan tungkol sa sweldo o gastos, kundi kwento ng disiplina, mindset, at kung paano mag-invest sa tamang paraan. Pinag-usapan din namin ang mga money myths ng mga OFW, lifestyle inflation abroad, at ang balance ng pagtulong sa pamilya habang inaalagaan ang sarili. Kwento ito ng clarity, pagbabago, at pagpili ng mas intentional na financial journey—para sa sarili, pamilya, at future nating mga Pinoy saan mang sulok ng mundo.In this episode:OFW journey ni Kuya Jay — mula partition life hanggang sa pagiging financial coachMga pinakamatinding challenges: medical bills, utang, at investment scamCommon money struggles ng kababayan abroad — lifestyle inflation, easy credit, at overgivingBreaking money myths — hindi kailangan malaking sweldo para makapagsave at makapag-investKuripot vs. disciplined — fear-driven spending vs. intentional spendingPractical strategies — journaling, vision-setting, pag-track ng net worth at gastosStarting small in investing — fractional shares, low-cost platforms, at tamang risk managementDebt management first — gamit ang snowball at avalanche method bago tumalon sa investmentsMoneyfesting mindset — aligning pera with values, purpose, at mas intentional na buhay-OFWConnect with Manong GeorgeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/manonggeorgeuk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manonggeorgeuk/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@manonggeorge Connect with Kuya JayYouTube: https://youtube.com/@jayadriantolentino Website: https://www.jayadriantolentino.com
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