OFW families living the dolce vita

MANILA, Philippines—Remittances of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) not only prop up the local economy, they also tend to spoil OFWs’ loved ones back home.

Research shows that Filipino families with OFW relatives engage in more leisure activities and own more gadgets compared to those without a relative working abroad.

Synergy Business Consultancy conducted the market research and pointed out that OFW families are more inclined to eat out, socialize, go to the mall and purchase the latest electronic gadgets.

Synergy managing director Germaine Reyes notes that “since they have higher purchase capacity, more of those OFW families engage in certain leisure activities compared with those without.”

The study shows that 43 percent of respondents with OFW relatives go to mall against 32 percent for those without family members who work abroad.

When families with OFW relatives go to the mall, they usually dine out in fast foods or fine dining restaurants.

After eating, they tend to do some shopping or window shopping (43 percent) while others watch movies (31 percent).

Some also engage in social activities such as social drinking (29 percent), videoke (26 percent), going to parties or social gatherings (17 percent), bar hopping (8 percent) and dancing in discos or clubs (5 percent).

In Metro Manila, two of five households have an OFW immediate family member who sends home money.

In terms of socioeconomic profile, 54 percent or the majority of OFW families belong to the D class. Just 9 percent of families with OFW relatives are in the upper income or ABC class.

The survey involved 1,000 households in Metro Manila and respondents were interviewed between September and October 2010.

The research also shows that 35 percent of OFW families have a computer or laptop while only 11 percent of families without OFW relatives have a computer at home. OFW families also tend to have mobile phones and digital cameras.

Also, OFW families tend to travel more compared with those without relatives abroad.

Research also shows that among the popular recreational activities of OFW families are going to the gym, playing musical instruments, playing board games, going to the salon or spa, playing video games and engaging in sports.