FOR MISSIONS OF Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), the journey abroad is defined by a bittersweet longing—enduring years of separation from family in exchange for economic survival.
Yet, the ultimate dream remains universal: to return home permanently, secure, and self-sufficient.
For Kristel Joy De Guzman Lictao, a former OFW who spent years working in the bustling landscape of Macau, that dream transitioned from a distant prayer into a half-million-peso reality.
Regional Finalist
Hailing from the quiet town of Babayoan in Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur, Kristel’s life shifted dramatically at the 2026 LIKHAng Kababaihan Business Plan Competition.
Organized by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) through its National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), the prestigious annual platform elevates returning female migrant workers into competitive business leaders.
Culinary Innovation
Standing amidst sixteen brilliant regional finalists at the National Business Bootcamp in Makati City, Kristel captivated the national panel with her highly unique, culturally grounded startup idea: Tartobongbong.
Tartobongbong is an ingenious culinary innovation that bridges local heritage with contemporary western baking. Kristel took puto-bumbong—the beloved, purple-hued Filipino Christmas delicacy traditionally steamed in bamboo tubes—and seamlessly infused it into the crisp, buttery casing of a sweet dessert tart.
The result was an immediate viral sensation, masterfully combining a comforting sense of local nostalgia with modern commercial marketability.
2026 Grand Champ
The national awarding panel recognized the vast economic sustainability of her concept. On March 26, 2026, Kristel was officially declared the National Grand Champion, taking home the coveted P500,000.00 grand prize in seed capital.
The win proved that the skills, discipline, and adaptability acquired by Filipinos overseas can be effectively repurposed to build thriving local enterprises.
However, the sweetest part of Kristel’s homecoming journey did not stop at the trophy ceremony. True reintegration requires a supportive ecosystem, and the subsequent weeks witnessed an inspiring convergence of government assistance to anchor her success.
Securing Biz Permit
On May 11, 2026, the DMW Regional Office 1, headed by Regional Director Christian Rey Sison, celebrated Kristel in a regional ceremony.
Her transition into a formal business owner was fully realized when the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sta. Cruz formally awarded her official business permit.
To ensure the long-term scale of Tartobongbong, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) facilitated her formal business registration, while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) stepped in to coordinate her advanced Bread and Pastry Production NC II Training.
This structural web of support guarantees that Kristel is equipped not just with passion, but with the institutional foundation required of a world-class CEO.
Creativity, Resiliency
Kristel’s viral evolution from a displaced worker in Macau to the proud founder of a fast-growing native pastry brand serves as a powerful beacon of hope.
It underscores a vital message for the global Filipino diaspora: working abroad is a chapter, but it does not have to be the final destination.
Armed with creativity, resilience, and proper government reintegration pathways, our modern-day heroes can successfully build their own kingdoms right here on Philippine soil.
Today, as Tartobongbong transitions from a competitive business blueprint into a fully operational bakery, Kristel Joy De Guzman Lictao is no longer just sending remittances home—she is actively creating local jobs, preserving Filipino culinary culture, and proving that there truly is no sweeter joy than succeeding in the embrace of home.