Building Dream Homes Back Home: A Costly Mistake?
For many Filipinos living abroad, particularly in North America, there’s a shared aspiration: to build a big, beautiful house back in the Philippines. It’s seen as a symbol of success, proof that all the sacrifices, loneliness, and long hours abroad have paid off. But behind this dream lies a harsh reality—one where others enjoy the rewards, and the dreamer is left with little more than exhaustion and regret.
Victoria’s Story: A House She Never Lived In
Take Victoria, a caregiver in Toronto, who left the Philippines in her 30s with a dream. Over two decades, she sent most of her earnings to build a two-story, six-bedroom house in Ilocos Sur. It had a balcony, spacious rooms, and fresh paint—her dream retirement home.
But Victoria never got to enjoy it.
Her siblings moved in, enjoying the comforts, while Victoria lived in a cramped apartment, working overtime. She visited only for short vacations, and by the time she was ready to retire, her health had failed. Diagnosed with colon cancer, she died in Canada—never returning home.
Juan’s Story: Hard Work, No Reward
Juan, another Ilocano in Vancouver, built a nine-bedroom house in the same province. He dreamed of retiring there, but his cousins moved in, held parties, and even rented out rooms. Juan kept working, ignoring medical check-ups, until he was diagnosed with lung cancer—too late to recover. He died at 55, never seeing the house he spent 12 years building.
His family, with no intention of moving back, sold the property.
The Root of the Dream: Pride and Expectations
Why does this happen again and again?
For many, building dream homes back home is about pride, social pressure, and the need to show relatives and neighbors that “I made it.” But at what cost?
- You live modestly abroad
- You work tirelessly to maintain a home you don’t use
- And in the end, you may never benefit from it
The Reality of Retirement
When you’re 65 or 70, will you really want to maintain a mansion in the province?
- Cleaning multiple rooms?
- Paying rising electricity bills?
- Fixing leaking roofs and cracked walls?
Contrast this with retirees in Canada or the U.S.—many downsize to smaller homes or join retirement communities where life is simpler and support is available.
Yet many OFWs live frugally overseas, only to invest heavily in houses that become burdens, not blessings.
Live Today, Not Just for Tomorrow
The lesson here is simple:
Life is unpredictable.
It’s wise to plan, but don’t postpone happiness. Before building a massive house:
- Ask yourself: Will I live there?
- Would my money be better spent on healthcare, experiences, or financial stability?
As the saying goes:
“A good home isn’t about being big; it’s about being happy with the people living in it.”
Final Thoughts: Your Dream Should Be Yours
If you dream of returning to the Philippines, that’s beautiful. But make sure your dream benefits you, not just the people you leave behind.
- Invest wisely
- Prioritize your health
- Live meaningfully where you are now
Let your hard work bless you—not just others.
