Filipino migrant workers in northern Taiwan portray a series of contradictions in the way they live their socio-economic lives and how they cope with the recession that started in 2007 and steadily recovering in 2010. Based upon in-depth interviews with eleven Filipino migrant workers who came to Taiwan in 2007 or earlier and who recently work in Taipei Country, this study explores the life stories of these migrant workers during the recession and how they fit in into the economic situation prior to the recovery. Drawing on the arguments of population, globalization and immigration, the study shows the reality of economic crisis and the decrease of Filipino migrant workers during the recession. Through their work stories of success, failures, frustrations, and fears, the study also shows their patterns of coping with similar hardships in the working area and community, and their identity as migrant workers who not only benefited financially from the Taiwan experience, but also see Taiwan as a stepping-stone to future global economic opportunities, as well as greater remittances to their homeland. Perspectives from these migrant workers are only a part of the understanding of the economic crisis and the social responsibility that everybody aims to contribute. Based on this study, Taiwanese and Philippine government institutions and service-oriented organizations can fit into the needs of Filipino migrant workers in Taiwan.