This study examines the social dynamics behind the perpetuation of migration in the context of largely temporary, contract-based migration. Using primary data collected on migration history, individual intentions, and inter-household social ties from a migrant-sending village in the Philippines, this study analyzes – the diffusion of migration behavior through time, household-level likelihood to participate in migration, and how networks influence migration intentions. It implements a novel approach into the study of migration networks by bringing out the role of structure and tie strength. It characterizes, via graph theory, the configuration of inter-household social relations in the high-migration village to illustrate the meso-level social context under which migration takes place. Likewise, it pays considerable attention to the role of history through an examination of pioneer migrants’ role. The results show that, indeed, migrant networks are not created equal. In today’s Filipino labor migration, it is the closest kinship ties that matter for migration because these provide not only information but also financial resources to facilitate the movement. This is reflective of the problems of information asymmetry and lack of access to credit and/or capital. It also shows that migrants and their organizations have an important role to play in designing labor migration policies for the country.