A Home Away From Home: Filipino Parents Navigating Life Abroad
Being away from home is never easy. But sometimes, change—no matter how uncomfortable—is exactly what helps families grow
For many Filipino parents, relocating abroad comes with a mix of excitement and anxiety. It means stepping into the unknown, building new routines, and redefining what “home” looks like. But for these families, the move has opened doors—not just to new opportunities for their children, but also to personal growth as parents.
Here are some Filipino celebrity families who chose to raise their kids away from the Philippines for the time being, embracing both the challenges and possibilities that come with starting over.
Doug and Cheska Kramer in Melbourne, Australia
Doug and Cheska Kramer, along with their children Kendra, Scarlett, and Gavin, are currently based in Melbourne, Australia. Known as a tight-knit, sports-loving family, the Kramers relocated so their kids could train and enroll in sports camps in what’s widely known as the “Sporting Capital of the World.”
Doug shared that one of the biggest adjustments—and perks—has been the accessibility of world-class sports facilities.
“We were truly amazed that everything was just within a few kilometers of each other. In Manila, we’re used to an hour of traffic each way. Here, everything is just a 10–20 minute drive,” he shared.
For the Kramers, the move aligns deeply with their values. “As a family, we’ve always believed in the power of sports and the discipline it takes to get better,” Doug added—something they hope to instill in their kids early on.
Nico Ramos and Bea Fabregas in Oregon, USA
Host Bea Fabregas and her husband, Nico Ramos, moved to Oregon last year after Nico accepted a job with Nike. While Bea continues to return to the Philippines for hosting work, she has embraced life in the U.S. with their son, Tyler.
In an Instagram post shared on January 1, Bea reflected on the year that changed everything.
“Our little family through the seasons. And boy has it been a crazy one. We’ll always look back at 2025 as the year that moved us (literally) in ways we never expected.”
Bea has been open about documenting their slower-paced life in Oregon—taking Tyler out, settling into motherhood abroad, and adjusting to a reality she never imagined for herself. In interviews, she’s admitted that moving away from the Philippines was never part of her original plan—but one she has since learned to embrace.
Denise Aquino Posadas in Spain
Designer and Tokyo Posh founder Denise Aquino Posadas now calls Spain home, where she lives with her husband and three children. While her work requires her to travel back and forth to the Philippines, Spain has become their family’s home base.
On social media, Denise offers glimpses of everyday life in Madrid—from strolling through the city with her kids to sharing honest updates after welcoming her third child. Her content reflects a season of motherhood that balances creativity, business, and family life across borders.
Dr. Mara Evangelista-Huber in California, USA
Dermatologist Dr. Mara Evangelista-Huber has also relocated to the U.S. with her family. She has shared moments from their first Fourth of July celebration, Halloween traditions, and daily life as they settle into a new environment.
Alongside parenting content, Mara continues to educate her audience by sharing skincare tips—showing that motherhood and professional passion don’t have to exist separately, even in a new country.
A Home Away From Home
Moving away from home is never just about geography. It’s about redefining comfort, learning resilience, and choosing growth—even when it’s scary.
For these parents, relocating abroad meant leaving behind familiarity, support systems, and a version of life they once knew. But in doing so, they created space to become more present parents, braver individuals, and more intentional families.
Sometimes, moving away from home isn’t about leaving—it’s about becoming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each family had different reasons, ranging from career opportunities and better work-life balance to access to world-class education and sports training for their children.
Common challenges include adjusting to a new culture, being away from extended family, redefining routines, and coping with homesickness—all while raising children in an unfamiliar environment.
Many parents shared that living abroad made them more present, intentional, and flexible. Slower-paced lifestyles, better access to resources, and fewer daily stressors helped them focus more on family life.
Yes. Several parents continue to return to the Philippines for work or stay connected through social media, business ventures, and cultural traditions passed on to their children.
Not necessarily. For many, the relocation is a season of life rather than a permanent decision, allowing them to explore opportunities while staying open to returning home in the future.
More stories of life abroad
OFW Families: Why They Migrate And What Happens After?
Transnational Parenting: A Reality of Many OFW Parents
How Emilio Baja Gives Chances For OFW Families To Have A Happier Narrative
