Home for good, and making good

MANILA, Philippines - For most OFWs, the ultimate dream is to come back and settle in the Philippines for good. After years toiling in distant shores, no thought is sweeter than coming home – and staying home. But to do so, they know they have to invest their savings well, preferably in businesses that would provide them and their loved ones with enough income for their day-to-day needs.

Danilo Cabahug typifies the OFW who goes abroad to find work, but dreams of coming and staying home for good. He left the Philippines in 1984 in search of better opportunities abroad, and spent 18 years in the Middle East working in various capacities in different financial companies as an administrative assistant, accountant, and head of purchasing. In 2002, homesick and eager to be with his children, he left his job as administrator of the retail banking division of the Commercial Bank of Qatar to head back to the Philippines.

Danilo settled in Zamboanga del Sur, where he opened a bakery. For the first five years, business was good. However, the peace and order situation in the area began to deteriorate, adversely affecting his business.

He longed for more peace and security, and was worried that everything he had worked for in the Middle East would go to waste.

In 2007, Danilo decide to move to Dumaguete. He was planning to sell his bakery in Pagadian City, but deep inside, he was worried about the uncertainty that came with uprooting himself again. Besides, he was technically a single parent – his wife worked overseas as a nurse – with three children to care for. Given his circumstances, what business could he start quickly in Dumaguete? How would he start? Will he succeed in this new place? He had a thousand and one questions, but he did not allow negative thoughts to stop him. Instead, he tried his best to keep a positive frame of mind.

While looking for a place to rent in Dumaguete, Danilo saw an old copy of a magazine for entrepreneurs at a newsstand, and saw an ad of Peanut World. He thought the concept was interesting and sent an email to the franchisor, Josie See.

To Danilo’s delight, See quickly responded to his email. The Peanutworld franchisor patiently answered all his queries and addressed his concerns. He was happy to note that Peanut World did not charge a royalty fee which several others did. The financial reports and requirements were also simple.

Once he was confident of the potentials of the business, he flew to Manila to sign a franchise agreement with Peanut World.

In June 2007, the first franchise of Peanut World in southern Philippines opened its doors at Ever Mall in Dumaguete City. Danilo was pleased to see the Dumaguete folk coming to his store. “I enjoyed very good support from my franchisor,” he said. “The business was easy to manage.” Processes were streamlined and established, allowing Danilo to look after his children’s needs while running the business.

Within 16 months, Danilo was able to fully recover his investment in the business. He was also able to let go of his bakery in Pagadian and relocate his family. Today, with steady income coming from his Peanut World franchise, he is able to relax in the comforts of his home, secure that he would not have to leave his country and his children again.

Danilo is eager to share his story with other OFWs. “I take this opportunity to encourage my fellow OFWs to dream big and take risks. There is no better way to lift this country out of poverty other than by becoming entrepreneurs. Besides, being my own boss gives me enough time for my family,” he says.

The 8th Filipino Franchising Show, to be held from Sept. 4-6 at the World Trade Center in Manila, will feature various franchise packages especially suited for small and medium enterprises. Danilo believes that franchising is the best route that OFWs can take in establishing a successful business back home.

“I am sure that others like me can find a way out of perpetual employment abroad. This show is a good starting point towards that,” he concluded.