Kim Chiu offers advice to fellow breadwinners

MANILA, Philippines — As a breadwinner herself, Kim Chiu reminded fellow Filipinos to share their blessings without forgetting to save something for themselves, too.

“It seems to be innate in us that whenever we have something, we naturally want to share it with others because we don’t want to be selfish. Parang kung sino yung meron sa pamilya, siya yung magbibigay, even when nobody asks them to. You just willingly offer help. I am the one who has been blessed in our family, so I should be the one to help this time. Parang meron nang instant na pag-uugali ang mga Pilipino na tutulong talaga tayo sa pamilya natin,” the Kapamilya star recently said.

Kim said she became her family’s breadwinner without even being asked to take on the responsibility.

“Aanuhin ko naman yung nabibigay sa akin ng trabaho kung hindi ko i-shi-share? It would be selfish of us to keep everything to ourselves when our glass is already full and we still refuse to share. It will just overflow and go to waste,” she said, reminding everyone that “it’s always better to share what we have, as long as we don’t forget to save something for ourselves, too.”

“Kasi marami ring mga Pilipino na ikaw mismo ang kumikita, pero ikaw, ubos na. Always remember not to forget yourself because, at the end of the day, they have their own lives, and you have yours, too. Sometimes, this is something that many breadwinners forget, especially those who are working abroad. Padala lang sila nang padala ng pera, pero minsan, hindi na nila naiisip ang sarili nila.”

Kim also recalled that when she was younger and just starting out in showbiz, her mindset was always to save, save and save.

“But as I grow older, naisip ko, ipon ka nang ipon, pero dapat maging responsible ka rin sa ipon mo. You should know how to save and invest. And at the same time, you should know how to budget.

“And ilagay mo sa tama yung pera mo kasi yung pera, mabilis lang siyang mawala. And also, the opportunities, mabilis silang mawala. So, dapat pangalagaan mo talaga yung kinita mo at yung pera mo.”

Kim spoke about Filipinos’ family-oriented nature during a WorldRemit presscon, which she attended as the brand’s ambassador for four years now.  The event saw the relaunch of the company’s “Bahay Mo, Panalo Mo” promotion, in partnership with The Filipino Channel, giving eligible overseas Filipino customers the chance to win monthly cash prizes and a brand-new house and lot in the Philippines.

The campaign holds special meaning for Kim, who knows firsthand the joy of owning a home after winning a house and lot when she emerged as the winner of the first teen edition of “Pinoy Big Brother” in 2006.

“So parang it brings back so many memories for me. Nakakatuwa na parang dreamer ka lang, tapos iba pa rin talaga yung pakiramdam na magkaroon ng sarili mong bahay. And lalo na kapag bigay,” she said with a laugh. “Ang sarap tirhan kasi iba talaga yung meron kang matatawag mo na, ‘Akin ‘to.’” She also expressed her appreciation for the digital money transfer service’s initiatives benefiting Filipinos, particularly overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Kim also shared how she supported her brother’s education while he was studying in Canada. She used the money transfer service to send him financial assistance until he completed his studies and became a commercial pilot.

“Tapos nililibre niya na ako ngayon. Siya naman ang nagpapadala sa akin. Hindi na ako masyadong nagpapadala kasi OK na raw siya.”

For WorldRemit Head of Philippine Market Leo Albea, investing in the Filipino community is important because the company recognizes the difference it can make by making it easier for Filipinos to send money home. According to a media release, WorldRemit also donated P500,000 to the ABS-CBN Foundation to help provide flood relief assistance.

In addition to the donation, new users of the service can support ABS-CBN Foundation International by using the promo code GIVEBACK on their first transfer. WorldRemit will donate $10 to ABS-CBN Foundation International for every eligible first transfer made using the code.

The “Bahay Mo, Panalo Mo” promotion is open to eligible customers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and select areas in Australia.

Meanwhile, Kim’s interview took place before the actress’ recent absence from the public eye, including her regular hosting duties on “It’s Showtime.” She’s expected to return in time for the promotional activities of “A Perfect Marriage,” her Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2026 entry with Paulo Avelino, which opens in cinemas on Dec. 25.

Last week, Kim addressed speculation surrounding her apparent break, warning that she may pursue legal action against individuals and online platforms responsible for peddling fake news and invasion of her privacy.

In a statement posted on her social media accounts, the actress said her “legal team is already looking into the individuals and platforms responsible for spreading false information, malicious rumors and invading my privacy, including possible violations of Article 26 of the Civil Code of the Philippines.”

She also reminded the public to use social media responsibly.

“Social media can be a powerful tool for both good and bad. Sana gamitin natin ito sa mabuting paraan, hindi para manira, manghusga, o makialam sa pribadong buhay ng ibang tao. Not everything I go through needs to be shared, explained or justified to the public. You never know what someone is going through until you’re in their shoes. Freedom of expression comes with responsibility.”

She further stressed the importance of kindness and respect. “A little kindness and respect can go a long way,” she ended.