There are probably millions (documented and otherwise) Filipinos working overseas. In fact, its bound to happen that someone knows somebody who has a family member, whether one or both parents, siblings, cousins and other relatives working abroad.
One can find them almost anywhere, from the crew of vacation cruises going to the Bahamas to those who work in the hotel kitchens and restaurants in the different countries. They take care of the children of families they work for or take care of the aging people needing assisted care. There are those who work for las vegas hotel reservations while others work as nurses, doctors and therapists in hospitals all over the world.They sail big commercial ships while other teach the children in other countries.
These hardworking people send home billion dollars worth of remittances that help keep the economy afloat. Yes, the families back here whose members are working overseas have purchasing powers.
But…
Due to the economic woes all over the world, there is of course, a significant dip in the money being sent home. Purchasing powers are cut, and (drastic) measures of saving for the rainy days are being practiced.
Not bad to cut on the purchases since one can never know how long the jobs can be kept knowing the vulnerability of the world economy is.