A Migrant Mentor’s Story That Will Inspire You to Start Within
“20 years na pala kami dito…”
With those simple words, Rex Yap, one of our most respected mentors in the Filipino-Kiwi community, opened up a journey that resonates deeply with so many of us.
It didn’t start with grand plans.
It started with a two-week visit to New Zealand.
A beautiful dinner in Queenstown.
A quiet lake.
A golden sunset over the Remarkables.
And a single question that changed everything:
“Paano nagkaroon ng ganitong kagandahan ang isang lugar?”
That moment planted the seed.
And eventually, Rex and his wife Joan decided to take the leap and apply for a residence visa — just in case.
No big expectations. No concrete plans.
But one thing was clear: “Ayokong mabuhay na puro ‘what if’.”
💔 The Reality of Starting Over
Back in the Philippines, life was booming.
They were major distributors of pioneering digital networks. Joan had her own businesses.
They had house help.
Comfort.
Stability.
But in New Zealand?
“Pagbukas ko ng pinto, nakita ko si Joan—hawak ang sandok sa kanan, pinapakain si Gaby sa kaliwa, at ginagalaw ang crib ni Myko gamit ang kaliwang paa.”
It was a picture of sacrifice.
Of strength.
And of the reality so many migrants face: starting over, from zero, away from family and familiarity.
🧠 Part 2: Mental Health and MINDSET
A few weeks after arriving, Joan flew back to the Philippines to bring their four children to NZ.
Rex was left alone for six months.
No wife. No kids. No support system.
Just cold winter days and a deeper cold inside.
He stayed in a boarding house in Parnell with friends from around the world… until they all moved out.
He was alone. In silence. In the middle of winter — emotionally and literally.
That was when he faced his first major mental health battle in NZ.
Thankfully, help came.
“Tinawagan ko ang kaibigan ko. Hindi pa ako tapos magkwento, alam na niya. In an hour, he picked me up and brought me to his family in Hamilton. That move changed everything.”
💡 From Breakdown to Breakthrough
In Hamilton, they found refuge.
They built a new life. A business aligned with their advocacy for financial literacy.
They helped hundreds of Filipinos buy their first home and pay off their mortgage faster.
But more than anything, they discovered a deeper truth:
“The game is always won or lost in the mind.”
From fear to faith.
From doubt to vision.
From confusion to clarity.
That shift — in mindset — was their biggest win.
Because once your mind is clear, every decision becomes intentional.
🎯 Learn from Rex Yap LIVE at the PROSPER FASTER SUMMIT 2025
📍 August 30 – Auckland
📍 (August 31 – Christchurch, tentative)
Join us for this once-a-year live event where Rex will share more of his journey — not just the external strategies, but the internal shifts that created their lasting success.
You’ll learn how to:
✅ Build wealth even on an average income
✅ Unlock equity and invest wisely
✅ Stop topping up loss-making rentals
✅ Move from financial stress to clarity
✅ Strengthen your mindset and mental health as a migrant
🙋♂️ Calling all migrants, dreamers, and future legacy builders:
This summit is for you if you’ve ever asked:
- “Tama ba ‘tong desisyon ko?”
- “Kailan kaya ako uunlad?”
- “Bakit parang ako lang ang naiwan?”
You’re not alone.
And you’re not stuck.
You just need the right mindset, mentor, and map.
📩 Message us now to register and get access to the Prosper Faster Webinar Replay:
👉 https://www.pinzmarketing.com/pfs/
Let’s grow together, kabayan.
Start within. Prosper faster.
Where stories become strategies.
