Kapamilya actress Kim Chiu turned emotional as she shared an important reminder for fellow breadwinners who often put their families’ needs ahead of their own.
During a media conference for WorldRemit, where she serves as a brand ambassador, Chiu opened up about becoming the breadwinner of her family and how helping loved ones often comes naturally to Filipinos.
“Tayo kasing mga Pilipino, innate na kapag meron tayo, gusto natin i-share. Hindi tayo makasarili,” Chiu said.
For the actress, family members who are fortunate enough to have more often take it upon themselves to provide—even without being asked.
“Kung sino ‘yung meron sa pamilya, siya ‘yung magbibigay. Kahit hindi naman nila hinihingi, kinukusa mo na lang. Parang sa aming pamilya, ako ‘yung blessed, so ako muna ‘yung tutulong,” she explained.
“’Yung instant attitude ng Filipino na tutulong talaga. Ganon ‘yung situation ko. Naging breadwinner na lang ako without them asking me,” she added.
Chiu has been in show business for two decades, and much of what she earned throughout her career has helped support her family, including the education of her siblings.
Her younger brother John Paul, for instance, was able to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot. He completed his pilot program in Canada, where he is currently based.
However, Chiu acknowledged that constantly providing for others can come at a personal cost.
The actress became emotional as she reminded breadwinners that generosity should not mean completely neglecting their own needs and future.
“Huwag natin kakalimutan na magtira pa rin para sa sarili natin,” Chiu said as she fought back tears.
“Kasi marami rin sa mga Filipino na ikaw mismo ‘yung kumikita, pero ikaw mismo ubos na. So do not forget about yourself. Because at the end of the day, may sarili kang buhay. May sarili silang buhay,” she continued.
After 20 years in the entertainment industry, Chiu has also learned that financial responsibility goes beyond simply saving money.
At the WorldRemit event, the actress reflected on how her approach to finances has changed since she was just starting her career.
During her younger years, Chiu said her priority was to save as much as possible. As she grew older, however, she realized that money also needs to be managed carefully and placed in opportunities where it can grow.
Her experience as a longtime breadwinner has made financial awareness particularly significant, as she has had to balance her personal needs with the responsibility she assumed toward her family.
Chiu currently serves as the official brand ambassador of WorldRemit, a digital international money transfer and payments service. She attended the media conference for the brand’s “Bahay Mo, Panalo Mo, I-WorldRemit Mo” seasonal promotional raffle.
Meanwhile, Chiu has also faced a difficult family-related financial dispute involving her older sister, Lakambini ‘Lakam’ Chiu.
In December 2025, the actress filed a qualified theft complaint against her sister over alleged financial discrepancies involving the operations of her business.
Chiu previously described the decision to pursue legal action as one of the most difficult and painful steps she had taken, saying she needed to protect her company and its employees.
In July 2026, her management, Star Magic, clarified that Chiu remained determined to pursue the case.
