
Smiles Success Stories: Maricel’s Journey from Surigao Del Norte, Philippines to Japan
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Smiles Mobile Remittance, known as Japan’s most popular global mobile money transfer service, is dedicated to supporting hardworking individuals who send money to their families back home. Smiles helps create a better life for people working abroad and promotes peace and sustainability within the international community.
Loved by loyal customers since the beginning, Smiles is now excited to “Share Smiles” by telling inspiring stories from users worldwide. These stories showcase how Smiles Mobile Remittance provides its service to people determined to achieve their dreams and support their loved ones, no matter where they are.
Meet Maricel!
I’m Maricel, originally from Surigao Del Norte, Philippines, a place close to my heart for its beautiful scenery. However, I’m now living and working in Japan. My life has been a journey of growth and resilience. As a single mom to two amazing daughters, my family has always been my motivation to work hard and dream bigger.
I’ve always been passionate about providing a better future for my kids and supporting my loved ones in the Philippines. My dream is to continue building a stable life abroad [and] ensure my daughters have access to education and more opportunities.
Hardships and challenges that made you a stronger person
Life hasn’t always been easy, but those challenges shaped who I am today. Growing up in poverty was difficult, and not having the chance to pursue a college degree made me feel limited at times. However, my biggest challenge has been raising two kids as a single mom. It’s heartbreaking to hear insulting and degrading words from people who don’t understand the struggle, but I never let their judgment define me.
Instead, I used those experiences as fuel to push myself harder. Every difficult moment taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of believing in myself despite what others say.
Proudest moment(s) since starting your journey living abroad
My journey abroad has been filled with proud moments. My first experience living overseas was in Singapore, where I worked from 2012 to 2016. During those years, I built a strong bond with the family I worked for, and even now, we remain in touch and share updates about our lives. That connection is something I treasure deeply.
Moving to Japan was another life-changing step. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine meeting my husband here. We’ve been happily married for almost three years now, and his love and support have been a blessing in my life.
But most importantly, I take pride in being able to provide for my two daughters and my family back in the Philippines. Knowing that I can give them the comfort and opportunities I never had brings me an overwhelming sense of fulfillment. Lastly, becoming part of the Smiles Mobile [Remittance] Family has given me a sense of belonging and purpose in my work.
Life lessons and advice for living overseas
Living abroad is not easy—it’s a journey full of sacrifices and challenges, but it’s also a rewarding experience if you stay focused on your goals. My advice is to never give up on your dreams, no matter how difficult life gets. Hold on to the reasons why you’re here and always remind yourself of your purpose.
Being apart from your family is incredibly painful, but knowing that you’re helping them live a more comfortable life makes it all worthwhile. Surround yourself with a strong support system, and never hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Lastly, embrace the opportunities that come your way, and be proud of how far you’ve come.
Join the Smiles Family
Smiles strives to “Share Smiles” all over the world and aims to connect migrant workers in the international community. To join the Smiles Family in Japan, follow one of the Smiles Facebook Fan Pages: