The Global Filipino Magazine | Issue 7 | November 2020

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TABLE OF CONTENT 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21

ENGR. BRIAN GUINGAB TIU SEASONED ENGINEER IN DUBAI PROVING FILIPINOS ARE GLOBALLY COMPETENT LEO RODRIGUEZ ARGOSO JR. ALLROUNDER ENGINEER WHO WAS PAID FOR A TECHNICIAN SALARY NOW A SUCCESSFUL SERVICE ENGINEER IN SAUDI JENNY LYN COMPUESTO MATA FORMER CLEANER IN UAE NOW A STABLE CAREGIVER ANNALYN BATALLONES AGUIRRE FROM EARNING DH1,500 TO DH4,500 MONTHLY, FORMER DOMESTIC HELPER THANKS FILIPINO INSTITUTE ARBY INTAL FORMER DATA ENCODER NOW HEAD OF GRAPHIC DESIGN OF A REAL ESTATE COMPANY IN DUBAI PATRIK JOSEPH PADUA GARCIADUBAI-BASED VIDEOGRAPHER, EDITOR, AND RAP ARTIST CREATING CONTENT TO INSPIRE PEOPLE ENGR. MARLON D. BOLORON PINOY CLINICAL ENGINEER IN SAUDI ARABIA FINDS PASSION IN PHOTOGRAPHY MICHAEL SIAPNO FORMER RECEPTIONIST IN NOW A FRONTLINE MEDICAL HERO IN DUBAI RONALDO BALOT NILO PINOY WHO HAS BEEN WORKING IN MIDDLE EAST FOR 3 DECADES SHARES STRUGGLES, LESSONS ALBERTO FLORES OPENA PROFESSIONAL FLAIR BARTENDER WHO ONCE WORKED AT FAST-FOOD CHAIN NOW A CEO FELMA BACALSO TAYLOR FILIPINA ENTREPRENEUR IN BAHRAIN SETS UP COMPANY, PROMOTES PHILIPPINE PRODUCTS OVERSEAS DARWIN PEREZ ‘HAIR AND MAKE-UP PAVE THE WAY FOR TRAVELING TO OTHER COUNTRIES’

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DANDIN VERGARA DE VERA STARTED FROM SCRATCH, OFW PROJECTING ADVOCACY FOR FELLOW COUNTRYMEN TO #NEVERQUIT SUMMER BELLE ‘WALA AKO NGAYON KUNG NASAAN AKO WITHOUT FILIPINO INSTITUTE’ JACINTO ‘JAY’ ALONZO ENRICHING ANOTHER PERSON’S LIFE THROUGH LENSES ENGR. EDGAR F. GUERRERO II, MBA 33 YEARS IN SAUDI ARABIA: FORMER PA NOW A SUCCESSFUL ACCOUNTING ANALYST AND TECHNICAL CONSULTANT SATURNINO HALILI TIAMSON JR. PROFESSIONAL DRUMMER HELPS PEOPLE CHASE DREAM OF BECOMING SUCCESSFUL MUSICIANS KIETH WALTER AYUSO HUMAN RESOURCE PROFESSIONAL AND A PHILOSOPHER-BLOGGER ON THE SIDE LITO RAYMAN NAVARRO ‘BAGONG BAYANI’ PROVES FILIPINOS ARE NATURALLY HARDWORKING AND TRUSTWORTHY’ SHERYLENE DELA CRUZ 'NEVER LIVE WITH WHAT-IFS' OFW WHO JUGGLED WORK AND SCHOOL NOW A PROFESSIONAL CODER MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION MBA - PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION FILIPINO INSTITUTE UPDATES REFUND AND CERTIFICATE ISSUANCE POLICY FOR STUDENTS OUR DIGITAL CIRCULATION THE GLOBAL FILIPINO MAGAZINE

GABRIEL JOHN RIMANDO Publisher

RYAN NAMIA Editor-in-Chief

ORLI GAYETA

Sales & Marketing Manager

TREBB GOMEZ

Technical Correspondent

ALLAN CARAGAO Senior Graphic Designer

THAN DUMAS

Multimedia Manager

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Engr. Brian Guingab Tiu

Seasoned engineer in Dubai proving Filipinos are globally competent

“After more than a decade of working overseas, I came to accept and appreciate working with different nationalities, cultures, and religions. I learned to embrace all challenges within a competitive work environment,” he said adding that it improves his leadership, management skills, and become more professional.

Tiu owed what he has right now from his former mentors who taught him how to properly manage a project and how to deal with various stakeholders.

‘A goal without a plan is just a wish’ Echoing Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s statement ‘a goal without a plan is just a wish,’ Tiu said that he is an inch closer to reaching his dreams.

“In this competitive world, if you really want to achieve your goal, you need to plan and act on it. If you don’t, you’ll end up real disappointed,” he added.

Aiming high and dreaming big is always Engineer Brian Guingab Tiu’s mantra in life. While pursuing his dreams in the UAE, through his works, he is also proving that Filipinos are globally competitive.

Moving to the UAE at the beginning of 2007, his first overseas job was as a civil engineer at a medium-scale architectural and engineering consultancy company.

Speaking about the career path he has taken, Tiu said it formed his technical career to fully develop his skills and knowledge in architecture and engineering. As time went by, he gradually became technically proficient in his line of work.

Rising through the ranks, his overseas work experiences are associated with various types of building structures, skyscrapers, towers, among others.

At present, Tiu is working as the project control and cost manager in CME Consulting, an international project management consulting company. His work involves contractual, cost, planning, and project control of an iconic building project in Baghdad, Iraq, where he travels from time to time for meetings with their clients, contractors, and stakeholders.

His responsibilities are also associated to project management, coordination, planning, execution, monitoring, and completion of project until proper handing-over to the client. Furthermore, he also coordinates with pertinent authorities to obtain permits for all company project requirements.

Working away from his loved ones for 13 years now, he recalled that the main reason why he urged himself to work overseas is to support his family financially. “In addition is to save money for future investments, design, and building my own dream house, gain international work experience, and to establish my own company in the Philippines,” he said.

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He recalled when he was just a teen, his ultimate dream was to become a successful engineer--designing and building iconic skyscrapers, and working with professionals in architectural and engineering fields.

Tiu, before achieving his current status, has also fought multiple battles in life, specifically when he lived in a boarding house along a railway in Sta. Mesa Manila, near to the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) where he studied in college.

The ‘homsickness’ kicked in and it took him a month to overcome it. “I also struggled in my day-to-day battle to pass all my subjects and finish my degree. I experienced having limited funds and sometimes it is not enough to sustain my personal needs and school-related expenses,” he added.

These hardships in life, according to the seasoned engineer, taught him a lot of lessons and honed him to be a strong and practical person. “It was at that moment that I realized how hard life really is.

I’ve learned how to properly budget my allowances, expenses, prioritized what’s necessary, and buy what’s only needed,” he further added.

Plans after abroad After working overseas, Tiu said he will move back to the Philippines and establish a company to support his family’s daily needs. He is also planning to become a professional engineering and construction trainer.

“Overall, my advocacy is to share my experiences, knowledge, and skills to my fellow engineers, architects, students, and to all construction professionals. To my fellow professionals, I encourage all of you to share the same compassion in order to make our country a better place to live in,” he said.

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Allrounder engineer who was paid for a technician salary now a successful service engineer in Saudi

If there is one thing that Engineer Leo Rodriguez Argoso Jr. learned from life it is to never stop learning and always move forward.

Arriving in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia when he was only four, the 26-year-old is currently working as a sales and service engineer at Abdulrehman Algosaibi GTC handling Terufusion Advance Infusion System and medical equipment.

Growing up with his parents in Saudi Arabia, Argoso has studied in the host country from preparatory up to high school. He went back to the Philippines to study for a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineer for five years.

After graduating from college, he was not supposed to come back to the Middle East as he had multiple job offers in Canada and the Netherlands, however, plans rarely come to fruition without some bumps. In this case, the bumps were actually steep mountains. His mother got gastric cancer and this prompted him to work in the Kingdom to look after her while trying to find a decent job to sponsor her simultaneously.

As he becomes financially stable and able to pay for his mother’s medical bills, she passed away in 2019.

It was his parents’ idea for him to work overseas so he can learn and expand his options while gaining a substantial amount of wealth.

Early days During his high school years, his mother was an entrepreneur, managing a canteen inside an international school, and his father was a financial manager. While his siblings were studying college in the Philippines, Argoso was the only child who grew up with his parents. He learned how a business operates when he was still young. He learned how to catch business at a glance and to value good honest hard work from his mother. Meanwhile, Argoso learned logistics and supply chain management first-hand from his father.

“Truly, the lessons I learned from back then are the skills I use today in my current company,” he said.

An educator In 2018, he started to teach as a Special Professional Licensure Examination (SPLE) instructor at the Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines (IECEP) Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)-Central Region Chapter.

In the same year, the SPLE examination achieved the most

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“One of the best things about living in the Kingdom is I am able to actually use my skills for the betterment of mankind, or at least my countrymen,” he added.

“I am able to assist our fellow countrymen as well, and to an extent the whole world. I am also able to converse with our government in order to work for the betterment of our fellow Filipinos. I am able to learn, design, and apply better systems that will change how the world works even if the change is small,” he further added.

Multiple stages of hardships Argoso said that like many OFWs, he had also gone through multiple stages of hardships. He said that right after graduating from college, almost everyone was expecting him to secure the electronics technician license. Unfortunately, he failed the examination and only passed two years after. “At that time, various events happened, including where I broke up with my college romance. It was truly an emotional rollercoaster ride, but I had to do it as I knew and felt that our relationship was going nowhere and we had continued, then we would have gone further into a spiral of toxicity that we could never recover from,” he said.

As he passed the examination in 2017, his mother’s condition got worse and the economical situation in the Kingdom was also at its worst. “Saudization was in full force. It was difficult for me to get a decent job due to my lack of experience. It’s not that I couldn’t find a job, it was just extremely difficult to land on a good company that will help me support my mother while also enabling me to grow during a time when companies are being forced to hire their citizens,” he further added.

Fulfilling a mother’s dreams Argoso pledged that he is going to finish what his mother planned when he was still studying in college by establishing the Jasminda Enterprise in Daet Camarines Norte. He is also going to implement his design for his father’s piggery. For his personal enhancement, he is planning to advance his career and move on to international levels through ASEAN and ACPE and beyond.

“Always study. Be vigilant but also be open to new opportunities. If you are having a hard time trusting other people, especially the government, remember that the government acts for the good of the public and not for the goof of one. Do not be afraid to learn how every single process works,” he said when asked about his advice to his fellow Filipinos abroad.

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Harnessing these acquired skills, in 2014, Argoso got his first license as an electronics technician. In 2017, having offered a full-time job from where he had an internship, he achieved his license as an electronics engineer. He had to refuse the offered job as he wanted to become an expert in the engineering industry.

electronics technician passers. In 2019, Argoso also became the youngest board of directors of IECEP where he handled SPLE programs.

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Leo Rodriguez Argoso Jr.

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Jenny Lyn Compuesto Mata Former cleaner in UAE now a stable caregiver

For five years now, the Filipino Institute has been transforming many lives of overseas Filipinos abroad by offering affordable and quality education. True to its mantra, another Filipina in the UAE has expressed gratitude for the UAE-based educational institution for helping her to achieve a major breakthrough in her life.

Jenny Lyn Compuesto Mata, 34, said she used to work as a cleaner before she enrolled in the Filipino Institute, however, she’d never expected a 360-degree turn in her life when she started to learn Caregiver and secure an international diploma that took her to greater heights.

“Napakalaking tulong po sa akin ng pag-aaral ko po sa Filipino Institute dahil kung hindi po dahil sa kanila, hindi po naiba ang trabaho ko po ngayon at 100% po siguro hanggang ngayon cleaner pa rin ako,” Mata, who hails from Nueva Ecija, said.

Presently living in Al Ain, Mata added that the Filipino Institute has become her inspiration and an ‘instrument of God’ to improve her knowledge in the caregiving course. She added that the international certificate that came from the Filipino Institute and was attested by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) helped her to secure a more stable job.

“Naranasan ko po kasi sa dati kong trabaho ang no-work-no-pay at dahil po doon, nag decide po ako na maghanap ng ibang trabaho.

Dahil po sa tulong ng Filipino Institute at sa awa ng Diyos, natanggap po ako agad sa trabaho. Nag level up po ako dahil dati po akong cleaner at ngayon po ay naging caregiver na,” she added.

The Filipina caregiver further added that while learning in the institution, she met people she considers as her close friends and trained by trainers everything about the course, including getting vital signs, among others.

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“Kaya yung mga kapwa kong Filipino, kung inaakala niyo pong wala na kayong pag-asa na mabago pa ikot ng buhay niyo, nagkakamali po kayo. Ganyan din po ako dati, inaakala ko din po pero nagkamali po pala ako doon dahil may malaking pag-asa pa po pala na naghihintay para sa kin na mabago po yun at yun ay dahil sa Filipino Institute binago po ang ikot ng buhay ko,” Mata said.

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Annalyn Batallones Aguirre From earning Dh1,500 to Dh4,500 monthly, former domestic helper thanks Filipino Institute

A few months ago, UAE-based Annalyn Batallones Aguirre was working as a domestic helper, serving a family with a salary of AED1,500 or around P19,000 only. Today, for four months, Aguirre is now earning AED4,500 or P60,000 per month as a caregiver and a private nurse.

The 40-year-old said she is grateful for the Filipino Institute for giving her a chance to change her career and earn more.

“Malaking tulong po ang Filipino Institute sa paghahanap ko ng bagong work,” she said noting that during the interview with her new employer, she had presented the international diploma from the Filipino Institute which was also attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

Before leaving the Philippines, she was already an NC2 holder with more than eight years of experience in caregiving.

“Ang offer lang sakin dati is AED4,000, nagulat ako noong video call interview, AED4,500 in-offer, sobrang happy ako. Malaking tulong po ito para maka-ipon ako,” she added.

She is also grateful for one of her mentors, Ma’am Efraime Keycelyn Dizon, for assisting her from day one until she was hired as a private nurse.

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“Marami po akong natutunan, magagaling mga trainers po sa Filipino Institute. Sulit ang pag-aaral talaga every time na may klase, may exam, oral, written, demo, as in matututo ka talaga,” Aguirre said.

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She advised those individuals who have the intention to embark in the same field not to waste time.

“Huwag po sayangin ang oras. Mag-aral po kayo ng Caregiver or Certified Nursing Assistant kasi napakadali po makahanap ng work sa panahon ngayon at mas malaki offer, buti na lang nakayanan ko nakapagtapos kahit sobrang hirap tiniis ko kasi gusto ko talaga mag level up ang work ko,” she further added.

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Arby Intal Former data encoder now head of graphic design of a real estate company in Dubai

Arby Intal was a fresh graduate when he arrived in Dubai in 2007.

Inexperienced, apart from his luggage from the Philippines, has nothing else but his degree of Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. He said that he had a hard time securing a job in his field which would preferably be an IT specialist or a computer or a computer programmer.

However, Intal always believed that the best way to get past doubt and inexperience is through action. While looking for a job, like many Filipinos in the UAE, he had to go out of the host country for a visa run every after two months.

While looking for a better job situation, his first overseas job was as a data encoder. Pursuing to obtain a better job, he noticed that there was a high demand for graphic designers in the UAE. Intal urged himself to take a short course to develop his skills in graphic design. Soon after obtaining a certificate, he applied for various jobs related to graphic design and luckily secured a job for a computer accessories distributor in Jebel Ali Free Zone.

“I truly believe that work should not feel like work. After doing this for more than a decade, it’s beginning to feel as if designing is the same as breathing for me. It just comes naturally without overthinking it,” he said.

Currently, the Filipino graphic designer is a part of several organizations in the UAE, one of which is a sneaker and basketball group called NikeTalkUAE since 2013 and acting as one of its admins.

Now, he is also working as the head of graphic design at Peninsula Real Estate Management Ltd. “The safety and security here is far more than superior in the Philippines and we became used to the way of living here that it might be hard to adjust somewhere else,” he added.

Facing a struggle overseas

“That was a difficult time, we all have to scramble and look for new jobs as soon as possible. After a couple of months, I was recruited by another real estate company which was familiar with my capabilities and I gladly accepted it,” Intal said.

Though there were a lot of ups and downs throughout his career, he didn’t regret the paths he has taken as those circumstances are the ones that led him to where he is right now.

Intal, who has been living and working in the UAE for 13 years now,

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has a piece of advice to his fellow kabayans abroad: “Just be patient. If something is not going like what you’ve planned, don’t dwell on it and just keep pushing through. Also, there’s no such thing as having too many friends. Besides your family, friends are the ones who will also help you with whatever you are going through.”

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Intal recalled the struggle he faced in 2015 when his company had suddenly closed down without prior notice, finding himself out of work, no salary, and end of contract settlements.

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Patrik Joseph Padua Garcia Dubai-based videographer, editor, and rap artist creating content to inspire people

then-fiance, now his wife, sold merchandise and other goods to make ends meet.

“During those times, I remember the life story of the legendary black American rapper JayZ which gave me a great impact and became my motivation,” he added.

Starting anew The artist came to UAE back in 2012 when he was directly hired from Manila by a recruitment agency as a sales associate for a newly-opened theme park in the capital. Garcia worked in the theme park for four years until he was employed by another theme part in Dubai as an audio-visual technician.

After working as an audio-visual technician and gained enough experience, he worked as a freelance multi-media editor for more than a year until he got an opportunity as a videographer and editor for an advertising company where he is currently working now.

When asked about the most unforgettable and the highlight of his overseas career, Garcia said it was when he got the project to create a video for the F1 Grand Prix launch in Abu Dhabi last 2019 and when he was hired and became a part of his current company.

He always believes that there is always a reason for everything.

Videographer and editor Patrick Joseph Padua Garcia whose artist name is ‘PhatG’ proves that one can tackle two passions at once do things equally well.

Garcia has been working in the UAE for nearly a decade now.

Presently, he is working as a videographer and editor at BC MENA, allowing him to explore his artistry, share his ideas during brainstorming for content, and engage with clients from different companies. “The best part is seeing my work being published online,” he added.

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Despite having a busy full-time work, the Filipino is also a rap artist, taking over the local music industry.

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The early life of the artist Before coming to Dubai, it was difficult for him to start a life because his mother had just passed away. “I have to live independently and earn a living for myself. During that time, I was not prepared. I did not know what I can do to earn enough for my everyday life,” he said.

Since the situation was already there, he had to deal with it, move forward, and get employed in the same office where his mother had worked.

Garcia then became an official photographer of their provincial governor in the province of Batangas. On the sidelines, he and his

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A rapper with a message While working as a freelancer, Garcia studied and practiced his videography and editing skills, and while having ample time, he also got the chance to focus more on his music career as a rap artist.

“Through my music journey, first, I believe I have inspired the people I know because, during the process, they can see my work ethics in terms of making my craft--how I tried to balance my work and passion, write songs during our free time,” he said.

His circle of friends saw his desire with the newly-acquired passion and respected him for that.

“I think those people that have been reached my music online, somehow my lyrics have been an inspiration to them to pursue their dream just like how I have pursued mine in whatever situation in life there is, we can still do what we love to do and be our best at it,” he added.

He advised his fellow Filipinos abroad to keep on doing what is lawful and right.

“Do not give up on your problems, may it be money, work, family, or whatever it is. There will always be a way to handle it. Approach and ask the right people. Remember your purpose why you are here in the first place. Always look back to that and, of course, keep the faith. Prayers are always powerful,” he further added.

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Engr. Marlon D. Boloron Pinoy clinical engineer in Saudi Arabia finds passion in photography

As a full-time clinical engineer in a hospital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Engr. Marlon D. Boloron is tasked to provide technical support for clinical equipment throughout the healthcare system.

Boloron does not only excel in the medical field, but he is also achieving one goal after another in the media industry.

The Filipina has been staying in the host country for six years now and is also working as an electronics and safety engineer. In the hospital, he also looks after the video and stills presentations of the company.

Out of his work, Boloron also does photo and video productions. His works have been published in various international magazines in the USA, Canada, the UK, Germany, Russia, and Japan, among others.

On the sidelines, he also shares his knowledge in photography and videography to Filipinos and non-Filipinos in the Kingdom.

Boloron recalled setting foot in the country in 2014 with two main goals: to seek better opportunities and international exposure.

His first work in the Philippines was as a stills graphic designer in Bohol Provincial Government.

“Having to work with a multi-national company is one of the reasons why I like working in the Kingdom,” he said.

Diverting homesickness Homesickness was the very reason why he got himself into photography and videography.

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“I tried diverting that problem by keeping myself busy on the weekends and went to places like the fish markets where I can find interesting scenarios and people, old places, and the desert,” he added.

Later on, Boloron got interested in doing fashion and beauty photography wherein he had the chance to do a commissioned project with the Kingdom’s well-known and key players in fashion design, make-up artists, and companies. Ï advice my fellow kababayans to try to be frugal, consider reintegration programs which can help them whenever they plan to get settled in the Philippines,” Boloron said.

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Michael Siapno

Former receptionist in now a frontline medical hero in Dubai

further added.

Saving lives The former events manager is now working as a nurse. When the country called on the medical workers to step in to fight the spread of Covid-19 and save the lives of thousands of patients, Siapno is one of the residents who responded.

“Despite the fact that the situation is quite devastating, I took it as a personal challenge. This challenge made me a better person because it helped me grow mentally and I learned new skills. And what I love about this job is it makes me mentally matured, especially in making a tough decision,” he further added.

He added that being an overseas Filipino worker is not an easy task as it’s tailor-fit with obstacles and hard work.

“Having to deal with these mixed physical and mental challenges can be very exhausting. However, you need to have a strong will, perseverance, and hard work and you will surely soar high by God’s help,” he said.

Ten years ago, Michael Sipano has set foot in the UAE with a reason to expand his personal and professional network. A graduate of Bachelor of Science in Nursing, he started to work as a nurse in a hospital in the Philippines immediately after his graduation.

For the past several years in the UAE, he mainly worked in the corporate and events industries. His first work was as a receptionist for a flower and garden company, then became an assistant manager in a flower shop, until he became an office manager and events manager for an events company.

While working in the events sector, he was given a chance to collaborate with local people and experts of different countries.

“Working abroad is also a great opportunity to travel while getting paid.

Moreover, moving to a new country to start a new job taught me to become independent because it pushed me out of my comfort zone,” he said.

He added that working as an events manager, he was able to aim for a consistent level of professionalism with himself and other people.

Siapno, through working in the industry, has immersed himself and volunteered in various community events.

“Volunteering helped me to connect to my community and make it a better place. Even helping out with the smallest task can make a real difference to the lives of people and organizations in need,” he

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Ronaldo Balot Nilo Pinoy who has been working in Middle East for 3 decades shares struggles, lessons

“The most satisfying thing about my work is having the opportunity to build something that will leave a legacy to people and generations to come and knowing that whatever structures I build, they will safely serve their purpose and will last their intended design life. In this way, the protection of life, health, and property are ensured, “ he added.

Serving Filipinos abroad “Success is not complete without service to others,” Nilo said.

While working abroad, he works as a board of director of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers-Qatar chapter since 2010. He initiated a series of outreach programs for distressed Filipinos housed at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) by distributing food, gifts, plane tickets, and counseling on a monthly basis.

He also revived the organization’s newsletter and spearheaded the campaign for Filipino engineers by being a registered ASEAN Engineer, ASEAN Chartered Professional Engineer and APEC Engineer. Nilo is one of the few Filipino engineers who holds the three titles.

As a sixth-degree black belter, he has been teaching Aikido since 1997 and leads the organization Shuseikan Aikido Federation with members in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Uruguay, Spain, Ecuador, Philippines, and Qatar.

For the past 27 years, Ronaldo Balot Nilo has been working in the Middle East, playing major roles in the engineering sector. The 52-year-old Filipino is currently working as a civil and structural engineering lead in Qatar wherein he is working for 12 years now.

When asked about the best thing about working in Qatar, he said being able to bring his whole family abroad and live with him. “Qatar has a family-friendly environment and ladies, even children, can have their own freedom,” he said.

Struggles of an OFW

Prior to working in Qatar, Nilo worked in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for 15 years. He arrived in a foreign country in 1992 and worked as a structural engineer. For over a decade, he imparted his knowledge to various companies that designed and built hundreds of structures for residential and commercial buildings, refineries, substations, factories, steel towers, bridges, marinas, diaphragm walls, pontoons, jetties, gazebos, and yacht platforms.

Life in the Kingdom, according to him, was lonesome as he only worked from morning until evening. Although he was able to save for his house, car, and some properties, he can’t just shrug off the fact that he missed 15 years of family life.

Nilo embarked on an overseas life when he was still young. A colleague invited him to apply abroad and landed in Jeddah.

“There, I realized that I need to strive harder to be able to raise my family and help my parents and young brothers and sisters,” he said.

He also recalled getting his wife and relatives scammed by an illegal recruiter that almost broke his family apart. “That was the beginning of a brighter future for my family right after the storm,” he added.

Presently, he is part of Turner International Middle East wherein he works as a civil and structural engineering lead for two stadiums of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The event will be the first world cup to be held in the region and will be the most compact world cup in history, allowing fans to watch multiple live matches per day.

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“I did not see my kids grew up. Two months every two years were not enough to cover for the time I was away,” he added.

“Invest in properties, not on gadgets. Start with the very basic: house.

Trials and difficulties are a part of life. Every difficulty has an equivalent benefit in it. It makes you resilient and eventually stronger to overcome the trials. Don’t ever lose hope,” he further added when asked about his advice to his fellow Filipinos.

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Professional flair bartender who once worked at fast-food chain now a CEO “If you keep chasing on your dreams, one day you’ll catch them.” This has been said many times by successful people and this has been the mantra of UAE-based professional flair bartender turned to founder and CEO Alberto Flores Opena.

Opena, with 21 years of combined work experience abroad, owns OUNCE, a leading event management solutions, facilities management, and consultancy specializing in food and beverage in the UAE. Established in 2013, the company continues to work closely with well-known companies in the host country, including MMI, Spinney’s Abu Dhabi, Dubai World Trade Centre, Coca-Cola, among others.

Prior to establishing his business, while working for other companies, he received numerous notable recognitions in his field of expertise in the region.

Opena, who is also a mixologist and beverage consultant, has initially worked in Kuwait and was employed by a famous American casual-dining restaurant.

“At that time, I was inclined to bartend and was just dreaming of becoming a professional bartender. As God’s plans coincide with mine, I was given a chance to represent Kuwait branch in the GCC bartending competition in Dubai in which I gained my first champion award” he said.

Not later achieving the award, his fate took him back to Dubai. “The first impression I had about Dubai being is that it is more open to different cultures and it serves as a gate to more opportunities in line with my dream to become a professional bartender and mixologist, as compared to Kuwait with zero tolerance to alcoholic beverages.

Indeed, first impressions last, and Dubai did not fail me,” he added.

One of the latest achievements and innovations in his businesses the creation of Tagai Cocktails. The Filipino-owned bar gained its familiarity because of the name ‘tagay’ which means to pour an alcoholic drink. The cocktails made by them are currently circulating in various bars in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Becoming independent at an early age Since Opena was a little kid, he already found means to have extra income. He sold cold water and ice candy on a basketball court and cleaned jeepneys during summer vacations.

The life situation back home has urged him to become independent at an early age. While he was finishing his college degree, he already started working, and while being a working student, life for him was very challenging as he had to juggle academics and work.

“Having a huge amount of discipline and hard work as well as moral support from my parents and grandmother whom I really look up to has enabled me to come out as a strong, and knowledgeable individual from this experience,” he further added.

Opena said that there is great satisfaction in his line of business because, through his hard work and creative ideas, he is able to generate a sustainable income which does not only enable him to provide for his family but also elevates his personal and family status.

Opena had his first formal job at a famous fast-food chain in the Philippines. This was where he was given an opportunity to work abroad as the restaurant opened its branches in the Middle East. He was one of the brave ones who came prepared to face the real world outside his home country. “I did not allow this opportunity to slip from my hands because I have greater dreams for my family and the bright future that I wanted to build for myself and for the family of my own,” he added.

“Furthermore, being able to open opportunities for employment is an extra fulfillment,” he said.

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“The most enjoyable thing about my business is that I am able to creatively express my passion and craft to my clients and the more does it get exciting and rewarding when their response is positive,” he said.

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Felma Bacalso Taylor Filipina entrepreneur in Bahrain sets up company, promotes Philippine products overseas

“Those years were full of good memories because I was not only working to improve my life financially, I was also an active member of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church,” she said adding that she was also a member of a musical band for one year, performing for Filipinos and locals.

Taylor has arrived in Bahrain in 2002 and had initially worked as a showroom supervisor for a furniture and interior design company for a year.

Exactly 10 years after her arrival in the host country, she has decided to launch her company. “I choose this kind of work and business because it is my passion. I was not satisfied with merely working for others so I started my own company,” she added.

She considers meeting VIP clients from five-star hotels and palaces in the Middle East as a great achievement. “To be given the trust and respect from the locals in this foreign country, and other Middle Eastern countries is already a very satisfying work,” she further added.

Through her work, she is also raising the national of the Philippines and boosting the morale of Filipinos abroad. She is also helping the economy of the Philippines since 2002 by exporting products from the country.

Felma Becalso Taylor, an entrepreneur based in Bahrain, has decided to abandon the employee life to follow her passion. According to her, she was not satisfied with merely working for others so she started the Designer Imports Will. The managing director offers contract manufacturing for projects in the Middle East, Europe, and the USA. Her business has also become an avenue to promote furniture and handicrafts made in the Philippines. She does not only purchase products from the Philippines, but she also buys from ASEAN countries as she has already established good network relations in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.

Living in Bahrain for 17 years now, she considers having the best of both worlds: having a family in the Philippines and an American household in the host country.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has also recognized her for the work he has done for various hotels in the country by supplying them with furniture from the Philippines.

Previous works While she was still studying in college, she got paid for teaching dances to elementary and high school students in various schools in Cebu. She was also an active member of a university dance troupe which gave her the scholarship to finish her studies.

Prior to working in Bahrain, Taylor had worked as a production operator for an electronics company in Taiwan for three years.

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Darwin Perez ‘Hair and make-up pave the way for traveling to other countries’

For Darwin Perez, a freelance hair and make-up artist in the UAE, his work has paved the way for traveling to other countries.

Setting foot in the region in 2004, Perez had initially worked in the food and beverage industry and spent five years in a cafe as a supervisor. Before going freelance, he worked as a fashion consultant for LIST ROMA. The freelance make-up artist’s goal when he ventured on an overseas life was to help his siblings, nephews, nieces in their education. “I felt that there were opportunities here rather than in the Philippines,” he said.

“I enjoy being a make-up artist because I have the chance to travel to other countries as well as meeting a lot of celebrities both locally and internationally. The most satisfying part about my work is when my clients feel beautiful and appreciate the make-up I have done with them,” he added.

Working overseas also gives Perez the chance to learn the local cultures and traditions of the host country. “Moreover, working abroad has taught me to be independent,” he said.

The professional make-up artist plans to go back to the Philippines after fulfilling his dreams for his family. He also wants to share his skills and talents with people who have the same passion for make-up but don’t have the financial means to spend on their education.

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Dandin Vergara De Vera

Started from scratch,

OFW projecting advocacy

for fellow countrymen to

#NeverQuit

De Vera came to the UAE in 2008 with a dream to establish a fuller and bolder life and not necessarily to bring abundance for himself, but also to his mother, Josie Vergara De Vera, who he thinks deserves the best of what life can bring.

“As we mature, we see the world differently. We champion new ways of thinking. Everybody knows that an OFW life is not a bed full of roses,” he said when asked about his reasons why he opted to work abroad.

Currently, De Vera works in the Global Trade Marketing Unit, PanzerGlass™ Regional Office in Dubai. Doing multiple global projects and coordination. PanzerGlass™ is a part of the Juhl Bach Holding, one of the largest family-owned holding companies in Denmark. Juhl Bach Holding specializes in venture operations and has an interesting portfolio of companies, ranging from start-ups to mature companies.

“We funnel insights and convert them into actions to win in the trade,” he added.

Hired directly from the Philippines through a recruitment agency, he started working at Dubai Duty-Free wherein he described his experience as a ‘complete start from scratch’ as he had an established career phase back in the Philippines where he worked for ten years with HBC Incorporated, chain of retail stores “Every day, this is how I motivate myself, ‘This is just a preparation of bigger things to come,’” he added.

Mr. Dandin De Vera and his mother Josie.

Mr. Dandin De Vera and his wife Honey L. De Vera

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Nothing you ever want to achieve will ever become a reality if you always want to quit. This is what Mr. Dandin Vergara De Vera is projecting for his fellow Filipino migrants in the Middle East as he himself has started from scratch.

Believing that every single thing that is happening in his life is preparing him for something that's meant to come, he was hired by the Italian multinational company Ferrero as a Sales Supervisor. As he excelled in his workplace, his superiors thought of moving up the ladder to the next step of his career--he was later appointed as the Regional Trade Marketing Manager. His tasks included overseeing the Middle East and Indian Sub-Continent branches.

With over two decades of contributions in trade, retail, shopper marketing, sales, and retail operations for global and multinational firms, in 2015, he had an opportunity to work with his dream company--Nestle--as a Regional Channel Sales Development Manager for the Middle East and Indian Sub-Continent.

As he continued to push himself to greater heights, in 2017, another US multinational organization, Mondelez International (formerly known as Kraft Foods) gave him an opportunity to look after the trade and shopper marketing function. This time, he was employed as the Head of Trade Marketing for the Middle East and the Asia Pacific, looking after some of the most well-loved brands in the world--Toblerone, Cadbury. Oreo, Milka, and Chips Ahoy, among others.

According to him, what is worth remembering from working in these companies was his involvement in the hiring process. “To spot someone’s potential, then convert those into a magnified strength is priceless. There is nothing more precious than to see a bunch of people succeeding as well. Imagine how many lives were changed; that’s because they were given a chance,” he added.

To date, the Global Filipino had visited more than 53 cities across the world, both for business and pleasure trips.

Dubai, a great place to work Dubai is home to nearly 300,000 OFWs and among the highly accepted qualitative considerations about the city, according to De Vera, is its infrastructure, transportation, multi-cultural diversity, safety, and security, work-life balanced, weather, and salary structure.

“Dubai has improved many lives. There are many reasons to believe that the future holds more of all that is good in Dubai. To realize this, we must continuously carry an attitude of humility and continuous learning,” he said.

Understanding that Dubai is just a temporary place for expatriates like him, he said when the time comes, he will enjoy a simple life back home together with his family and enjoy the fruit of their labor.

“You don’t know what the future holds. Even though you modify your dreams, you should be ready for tomorrow. I am looking forward to being an instrument so others can learn something,” he added noting that his plan is to form advocacy that encourages OFWs to #neverquit.

“To be an instrument to bring them into the trajectory of hope and courage needed to win. How am I going to do this, I am still figuring out, but I am determined to make this happen soon,” De Vera said with full of optimism.

Celebrate success, even small wins

Mr. Dandin De Vera and his wife Honey De Vera.

When asked about his advice to his fellow Filipinos abroad, he said they should stay encouraged and be aware of the importance of saving and investing wisely.

“Connect with your loved ones more often. Uplift your spiritual life like no amount of discouragement can break you. Build trust only to those people whose loyalty to you is beyond compare, which includes never leaving your side, especially at your lowest points,” he added.

“Once you’re back, celebrate with them. Value them like pieces of gold. Most of all, be an instrument and influence others to thrive on their own. There are healthy and productive ways to gain momentum in life. One chapter links to the next. Just allow it to unfold. Celebrate success, even small wins,” he further added.

Mr. Dandin De Vera and his wife and brother Jan Francis

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Summer Belle ‘Wala ako ngayon kung nasaan ako without Filipino Institute’

in Dubai, Sharjah, Al Ain, and Abu Dhabi. They are also present in Bahrain and Qatar.

“Kung gusto niyo ma-promote, mag bago ng career, mag iba ng career, I would suggest the Filipino Institute,” she said.

How it all started In her previous job, her daily routine work was not challenging.

“Dumating sa panahon na mag-aantay na lang ng lunch, miryenda.

Parang ganun na lang lagi, I got bored so why not try FI,” she said.

As she enrolled herself in the English Proficiency course, she graduated with flying colors and was qualified for the scholarship program.

As a person with a curiosity trait, she learned HR and Admin basic.

She said that as an expat, she had to learn the law related to employment.

Summer graduated was hailed as top 1 of her class and use this milestone to continue her education in the Filipino Institute.

An overseas Filipino worker in Dubai revealed that without the help of the UAE-based educational institution Filipino Institute, she couldn’t achieve what she has today.

Summer Belle, on her YouTube channel, created a video to showcase how investing in education has helped her to gain more confidence to secure a promotion.

Summer, a political science graduate, has enrolled herself first in English Proficiency. With her gusto and determination to learn, she graduated with flying colors and consistently topped the class.

“Puhunan ko yung knowledge lang. Alam naman natin na kapag gusto mo pumasok sa work, hindi lang dapat experience ang dala dala mo, dapat meron ka ding evidence–meron kang certificate, meron kang diploma,” she said.

Summer said she was lucky to know the Filipino Institute which offers affordable and quality education to the growing number of Filipinos in the Middle East.

“Thankful ako sa FI. Wala ako ngayon kung nasaan ako without Fi,” she said.

She clarified in her vlog that she was not paid by the institution to testify her brilliant experiences as she embarked on a new journey.

The Filipino Institute, which now offers online classes, has campuses

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Enriching another person’s life through lenses

The only competitor that one must defeat, according to Jacinto Alonzo, or popularly known ‘Jay Alonzo’, is oneself.

Alonozo, a seasoned photographer, has to go through the eye of a needle before he founded the Key Lite Studio and LearnfromJayA.com and became one of the most sought-after Filipino photographers in terms of food, products, and interior photoshoots.

“What makes me happiest with my work is when I see my clients get to use the images I created for them and it helped their business or marketing campaign. On a personal level, the challenge of lighting different products, setups, or locations and being able to accomplish it beautifully is what keeps me going in this field,” he said.

Career in the Philippines When he embarked on a career as a photographer in the Philippines in 1993, social media wasn’t a thing back then, making it difficult for him to establish his photography career. He had to build it by meeting magazine editors and marketing heads and creative directors to showcase his physical portfolio.

Since enhancing images on Photoshop was still not popular in that era, he had to discipline himself to get the right shot straight from the camera and capture images perfectly. “But during those times, what picked me up whenever I feel down and tired, were my inspiration photographers like Richard Avedon, Patrick Demarchelier, and Ansel Adams. Just by looking at their work charged me up and got me going again,” he said.

Before moving to Abu Dhabi some eight years ago, Alonzo has already been working as a photographer in metro Manila since 1993. One of the most memorable moments for him was when he was hired by a popular film producer and businesswoman to do a photoshoot for big celebrities. He also did several poster photos for the local movie industry with others released internationally.

Alonzo’s works have also been published in the Philippine Airline’s in-flight Mabuhay magazine.

On the sidelines, Alonzo has also been conducting photography training for several individuals, companies, and the government since February 1996.

“As a photography instructor, seeing my student turn from knowing nothing to winning awards always inspire me to keep on teaching, and continuously reminds me why I’m doing ít--that is to enrich another person’s life through a camera,” he added.

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Tips to aspiring photographers “If you are starting out as a photographer, don’t try to do or serve all kinds of photography immediately. Your market must know first what you are good at, your specialty. Believe it or not, if your client likes your work, they will ask you for other types of jobs too, or refer you to other departments or a sister company for the same or even kind photo work. Be a big fish in a small pond before jumping to a bigger pond, where there are bigger fishes than you.”

“A common mistake I see among first-time entrepreneurs is they think, by going into business, you get rich automatically, regardless of industry. No. It takes time to build a robust enterprise. If your business got popular immediately, be afraid. It means it is a fad and could soon fade away. So, if you invest money in a business, use money that you can afford to lose, or have no need to use for a couple of years. Think of it as a medium-term time deposit.

Remember, around 45% of new businesses close in their first five years. And make sure you know something about the business at all, not just get into it for profit.”

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In 2010, he was featured in Digital Photographer UK, an international photography magazine based in the United Kingdom.

The Filipino photographer was later got featured in Digital Photographer Philippines.

When asked about his plans after Dubai, he said he’d probably continue teaching photography since teaching has already been a passion since college.

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33 years in Saudi Arabia: Former PA now a successful accounting analyst and technical consultant gains over obligations and putting the latter for the family of my own,” he added.

Despite having a roller coaster ride in the corporate world switching jobs from administrative tasks, field works, and management positions, the title never affected his performance and deliverables, thus always quenching and striving hard for achieving greater heights.

Understanding that life is never a fairytale that a finger snap could turn into a magical spell, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia-based Engr.

Edgar F. Guerrero rose through the ranks from a personal assistant to a vice president to a successful accounting analyst and technical consultant at the Saudi Telecom Company (STC), overseeing asset accounting and network project activities.

An engineer by profession, Guerrero arrived in the Kingdom in 1987 and had to return back to the Philippines ten years after completing his primary and secondary studies. A year after earning his degree and successfully passing the board exams in 2003 as a licensed electronics engineer without reviewing anything, he went back to Saudi Arabia.

In 2004, he worked as a personal assistant for a vice president in one of the internet service providers in the host country. “It was more of the offer than the title was initially after. However, regardless of the title, I always carried out my corporate obligations with passion and successfully carried out my tasks,” he explained.

After earning a master’s degree, the telco industry in the host country suffered churns and recessions, and finding a spot on the market, according to him, was challenging. “Luckily, my parents were still here in the Kingdom at that time, and working abroad is not an option but a necessity. It was a matter of choosing between personal

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“I always strive to achieve whatever is at hand with perfection. But, being in my current professional role offers greater flexibility for me to apply my discipline and passion at the same time. Being an engineer by profession greatly influences the course of my technical consulting skills and earning a master’s degree in corporate finance strikes a balance between a technical and financial decision that I offer in my chosen industry,” he said.

Guerrero’s present job includes business process improvements and synchronization of network projects’ technical information with accounting standards.

Out of his professional hat, he has previously served as a treasurer of the Institute of Electronics and Communications Engineers of the Philippines-Cental Region Chapter (IECEP-KSA CRC) and is currently one of its board of directors facilitating professional growth and support to the Filipino community through technical seminars and workshops.

According to him, the initiative comes along with their corporate social responsibilities in the Philippines supporting and adopting students to pursue their education in rural areas in addition to calamity response drives to ease the burdens of the needy Filipinos.

Advice from one OFW to another “It is okay to say enough is enough. The moment you realize that you are breaking even between living abroad and staying close to your loved ones, take a stand! Make your decisions to try other options.”

“It is always a connotation in believing that our sacrifices abroad are justified by the hopes of our family's brighter future. While this is right, allow yourself and your beneficiaries to learn the difference between a lavish lifestyle and sufficiency,” he added.

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Professional drummer helps people chase dream of becoming successful musicians They say helping one person might change the whole world. But for Saturnino Halili Tiamson Jr., a professional drummer based in Hong Kong, helping could change the world for one person.

Tiamson, who has worked with well-known theatre actors in the Philippines and was a permanent musician at the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, has accumulated international accolades in his chosen field.

He has been living and working overseas for 20 years now. He is both an educator and performer in Hong Kong. He is a drum set teacher for various organizations in the country and also teaches music online.

Perform over ‘work’ The overseas Filipino worker (OFW) said he opts to use the word ‘perform’ over ‘work.’ He arrived in Hong Kong in 2005 and ‘performed’ in Hong Kong Disneyland until 2015.

“Kapag perform, ay iniisip mo lang ay mag-perform lang, nag-eenjoy ka at hindi po naiisip kung magkano ang inyong kinikita, lagpas pa sa sahod na kinikita mo ang iyong binibigay na serbisyo,” he said.

Working for the international theme park was one of the highlights of his career as he is one of the few Filipinos who became part of its opening day. Tiamson has later then become a bandleader and focused on teaching and performing full-time.

After leaving his first-paying job in the country, he was able to teach in international schools, join international competitions, serve the community, and follow his dream which is to perform as a session musician who plays in musicals, festivals, and cabaret shows.

also conducted online workshops. When the Philippines announced the ‘enhanced community quarantine’ in the entire Luzon, Tiamson has conducted a 30-day free drum lesson on Facebook Live.

In 2016, Tiamson accumulated gold medals from the 20th World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Los Angeles, California.

“Ginagawa ko to upang makatulong ako sa mga kababayan ko lalo na sa mga young musician na walang pambayad ng teachers, walang pambayad para maka-attend ng lessons or workshops,” he added.

Despite having a permanent commitment with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the professional drummer chose to embark on an OFW journey to learn more about the industry and life.

Free workshops Tiamson has been rendering a series of free workshops for music enthusiasts since 2011. “Sa umuuwi ako ng Pilipinas ay kasama ang aking misyon sa pagbabakasyon. Nakapagbakasyon ka na, nakatulong ka pa,” he said noting he started conducting free sessions in Rizal, Cavite and Laguna and then traveled to Batangas, Manila, Bulacan, and Mindanao later on.

Due to the pandemic and as many people opt to stay at home, he

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In the home country, he was also an active member of various community bands.

“For me, this is the job--ang maging musician. Nagagawa mo na gusto mo, napapasaya mo ibang tao, nakakatulong ka na, kumikita at nakakapaglibang ka pa. Sabi nila ay walang pera sa music pero ito ang isa sa naging daan upang magsumikap ako at para ipakita ko sa mundo na mali ang kasabihan na ito. Kung ikaw ay may pangarap, dikarte sa buhay, masipag at matiyaga at may Diyos na kinakatakutan o pinapaniwalaan ay makakamit mo ang iyong mga minimithi,” he further added.

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Kieth Walter Ayuso Human resource professional and a philosopher-blogger on the side

photography by collaborating with different photography organizations and brands, particularly Fujifilm Middle East.

“It’s a whole different flavor when you work overseas. There are language barriers, cultural indifferences, and all other adversities.

However, all these are of greater learning and development both professionally and personally. I had seen myself evolved in so many aspects by simply collaborating with different nationalities,” he said.

This, according to him, does not only open up himself to other perspectives and practices, but it helped him accept things to which he was not fully accustomed with.

Advice to kababayans “You are always in control of your future,” he said adding that one thing that he notices with his kababayans abroad is the ability to save up and be liquid with their finances.

Ayuso further advised his fellowmen to invest their resources wisely and be practical with their means.

“Since it’s relatively easier for us to invest here, we don’t need to always be on top of the latest gadgets, brands, and trends, and trends just to keep up--and most especially if we purchase them on an installment basis,” he said adding that this habit will significantly pull down one’s saving patterns.

For 11 years, Dubai-based HR professional Kieth Walter Ayuso was under the seminary formation to finish philosophy and develop personal growth. After leaving the seminary, he was involved in the HR team both in the Philippines and the UAE. Moving to UAE in 2014, his first professional experience was in the pre-opening team of a 5-star hotel in Dubai Media Production Zone, and there, he enjoyed building HR policies, getting his hand on the UAE law and other HR foundation as a start-up team.

“Do not forget to enjoy the simple things we have abroad. Enjoy the many privileges we have as an OFW. Always push your boundaries to things that will make your heart happy. More than anything else, your mental disposition is as important as your physical health. Stay happy, inside and out,” he further added.

Eight months after, he took a big leap and worked as an HR officer at the prestigious Emaar. He was in charge of the HR marketing of the group, as well as part of the onboarding and offboarding team of Business Shared Services.

“I have always been in the HR team right after finishing philosophy at the seminary,” he said.

“HR is very close to my heart simply because of the opportunity to work with different orientations and backgrounds. With the UAE being the melting pot of cultures, collaborating with different ideas and practices are equally interesting and exciting,” he further added.

On the sideline, Ayuso is also a popular blogger and photographer.

He was recognized by a UAE -based publication to be the first Filipino Philosopher-Blogger in the country with his stories and discourses at www.keithwalter.com. Moving to the emirate has been seamless in terms of his passion as he was able to hone his skills in

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Lito Rayman Navarro ‘Bagong bayani’ proves Filipinos are naturally hardworking and trustworthy

For the past 14 years, Lito Rayman Navarro has been working overseas. Despite the many challenges he was facing, he did not stop showing his best and prove that Filipinos are naturally hardworking and trustworthy.

Navarro is currently a production supervisor for a largescale professional small screw manufacturer in Vietnam where his company in Taiwan assigned him for two years now. For 12 years, he worked and lived in Taiwan and excelled gradually in his work. His employer, according to him, observed, through him, how Filipinos work.

As he stood out in his workplace and performed excellently, without his knowledge, he was the first Filipino recipient of the outstanding overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Taiwan in 2014. Since then, Navarro has received the following awards: 2016 Bagong Bayani Awardee by the Philippine Overseas Employment Authority (POEA) and Malacanan Philippines; 2016 Huwang OFW Awardee by 700 Club Asia; 2015 Huwarang Mamamayan Awardee; 2014 Outstanding Skilled Worker of Zambales, 2017 Distinguished Alumni Awardee Class of 1988.

The award-winning OFW is also the founder of the Inaro Kababali/IYO Inc, a licensed non-government organization, which aims to support less fortunate individuals in their town in Iba, Zambales. The organization has over 3,000 members worldwide.

Spearheading the group, Navarro, along with the key players in the team, distribute scholarships, done relief operations, sports activities for the youths, livelihood programs, school supplies distribution, coastal cleanup, gift-giving, among others.

“I prefer to work abroad for the following reasons: high pay, advanced technology that helped me elevate my ability and knowledge. And as years went by, it gave me the opportunity to work on a higher level of position with higher pay,” he said.

Prior to starting on an OFW life, he used to work as a contractual employee in the local government unit. “My salary then was not enough to feed my family, hence, I tried to apply abroad and was fortunate to be hired,” he added.

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At first, he found working abroad difficult because of the language barrier. “Communication was one of the problems, however, as time flies, I was able to adapt to the environment. My love for my job earned the respect of my colleague and bosses. The motivation that was given to me by my employer, the little things--being told ‘excellent and good job’ drives me more to work with pride and quality result,” he added.

Navarro added his purpose to work abroad is not about earning money but showing globally that Filipinos are worth hiring for a job.

“Filipinos work with compassion, dedication, sincerity, and most of all, trustworthy,” he said.

The

GLOBAL FILIPINO Magazine

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29

'Never live with what-ifs' OFW who juggled work and school now a professional coder Currently, Dela Cruz is working as a pharmacist for a privately-owned company.

She admitted that ‘a lot of people’ didn’t believe what she was doing.

“Some are even asking why do I have to waste my time on such things where I am already doing good on my profession,” she added.

Admittedly, Dela Cruz has almost quitted but thought she didn’t want to regret it in the end.

“Every time I’m seeing my fellow passed the exam, I am a bit envious,” she admitted further.

The CPC passer said that this chapter in her life will not be possible without the help of her mentors and her family members for their unconditional love and support.

Sherylene Dela Cruz, a registered pharmacist, has three mantras in life: never stop learning, never be afraid of stepping outside the comfort zone, and never live with what-ifs. Following these motivations in life, Dela Cruz is now a professional coder (apprentice) after passing the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy’s (AACP) Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam with an 86 percent score.

“To Filipino Institute, a huge than you for making the belief of learning achievable for almost every expat, and by instilling ‘’kaya natin to,” she added.

“These are my simple beliefs, as life is a wonderful journey of discovering your limits, learning despite your ups and downs, and conquering each challenge. And every time you have that moment of seeing what’s beyond your box, take that step and never let your mind wander while wondering what could have been,” she wrote in her testimonial statement.

The journey to her success started in 2018 when she took the courage and enroll herself in a six-month medical coding course at the Filipino Institute. “It was indeed a very tedious task--juggling my personal and professional demands while studying after work and going to class every Friday, my sole rest day,” she said.

VOLUME 1 | ISSUE 7

THE STORY OF GLOBAL FILIPINOS, THE STORY OF OUR SUCCESS

Sherylene Dela Cruz

30

N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 0 www.theglobalfilipinomagazine.com

The

GLOBAL FILIPINO Magazine

UNIVERSITY

BERCHMANS UNIVERSITY

ORDINARY ACTION WITH EXTRAORDINARY PERFECTION State of Delaware, United States of America

ASSOCIATION OF INTERNATIONAL CERTIFIED PROFESSIONALS State of Delaware, United States of America

International Organization of CertiямБed Professionals London, United Kingdom

Master of Business Administration MBA - Professional Certification JANUARY 15, 2021 FACE TO FACE

For more information please call:

+97155 583 9969 ENROLLMENT VENUE: 604 AL ZAROONI BUILDING RIGGA BESIDE AVENUE HOTEL, DUBAI, UAE

UAE Time +4GMT graduateschool@filipino-institute.com www.filipino-institute.com

Congratulations from Filipino Institute management

A message from

MR. GABRIEL JOHN RIMANDO Filipino Institute Founder And President "Hats off to the new batch of graduates! It was never easy to graduate considering the current situation but you dare not to give up. If you did, you will never be a step closer to your dreams. I am glad that you were able to make it through. The Filipino Institute is so proud of you! Congratulations!"

A message from

MRS. CAMILLE JOY FRANCO - RIMANDO Filipino Institute Co-Founder And CEO "What you are reaping today is the result of your sincerity, hard work, and patience. And now, you are moving to a new and exciting chapter in your life. I wish you all the best for the future that lies ahead. Congratulations on your graduation."

CONGRATULATIONS FILIPINO INSTITUTE GRADUATES!

Amalia Alvez Omega CAREGIVER 1.1

Angelita Payawal CAREGIVER 1.1

Arnel Leguaton CAREGIVER 1.1

Catherine Tagarda CAREGIVER 1.1

Clarence Magsino Bergado

Hazzle Uclaray CAREGIVER 1.1

Imarie Alimagno Cabance

CAREGIVER 1.1

Jan Marie Estilo CAREGIVER 1.1

Sydne Tanuan CAREGIVER 1.1

Jerome Valencia CAREGIVER 1.1

Marie Jonalie Loraine Ele

Mylene Ugaban CAREGIVER 1.1

Rova Sison CAREGIVER 1.1

Salama Mohammad CAREGIVER 1.1

Sinden Dalmero CAREGIVER 1.1

Aurora Lisnang CAREGIVER 1.2

Catherine Tagarda CAREGIVER 1.2

Charlene Desembrana

Joan Saltorio CAREGIVER 1.2

Mallen Buat CAREGIVER 1.2

Ria Padua CAREGIVER 1.2

Riza Samortin CAREGIVER 1.2

Anna Ly CAREGIVER 2.2

Ayra Hernandez CAREGIVER 2.2

Kristina Calbay CAREGIVER 2.2

Maria Christina Gabay

Venus Vasquez CAREGIVER 2.2

Arsenio R. Uyan Jr.

Flora Mae Ralar

Gwendelyn Antenor

CAREGIVER 2.2

Certified Nursing Assistant

CAREGIVER 1.1

CAREGIVER 1.1

Certified Nursing Assistant

CAREGIVER 1.2

Certified Nursing Assistant

CONGRATULATIONS

Lily M. Hervias

Certified Nursing Assistant

Mae Ann L. Ramil

Certified Nursing Assistant

Certified Nursing Assistant

Sharina Preciosa Sanglay

Certified Nursing Assistant

Luminda M. Velasco

Rachell Rose Hilario

Certified Nursing Assistant

Angeline D. Vigo Digital Marketing

Cherie Malhotra Digital Marketing

Felizsa Lynne V. Villanueva

Digital Marketing

Anndrhea Canda Human Resources

Razzeil Maravilla Human Resources

Sheila Alcampado Human Resources

Bernadette Atole Human Resources

Flora May Ralar Human Resources

Gerlie Manalo Human Resources

Irene Guanlao Human Resources

Jocelyn Hebreo Human Resources

Jonnafel Flores Human Resources

Christine M. Cubero Human Resources

Harison A. Udasan Human Resources

Virgilette S. Dela Cruz

Human Resources

Chona B. Gatchalian

Lorraine A. Colesio

Prince Jethro G. Evangelista

Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Allan C. Pobre

Arsenio II C. Sandoval

Bijay Lama Medical Coding

Caress Casimiro Medical Coding

Carmi S. Getigan Medical Coding

Janice J. Laroco

Rhoda M. Laroa Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Medical Coding

Medical Coding

Certified Nursing Assistant

FILIPINO INSTITUTE GRADUATES!

Juliebert Borja Medical Coding

Ma. Kimberly Fay Adlawan

Marife V. Bautista Medical Coding

Mary Ann S. Quijote Medical Coding

Melanie Pearl S. Loking

Medical Coding

Rashirl Aguelo Medical Coding

Siegfred B. Labradores

Medical Coding

Sinden A. Dalmero Medical Coding

Ana Marie E. Hernandez

Bella Manaloto Medical Coding

Giselle Marie O. Lim Medical Coding

Grace Librea-Canedo Medical Coding

Jacqueline Castres Medical Coding

Joanne Luistro Medical Coding

Marian Bernardino Medical Coding

Servillena Sarmiento

Yasmine Ayessa Eco Medical Coding

Adelaida L. Luci MS Office

Angeline D. Vigo MS Office

Bindu Jacob MS Office

Glenn Emerson G. Avilla

Jysreal C. Catigbe MS Office

Prince Jethro G. Evangelista

MS Office

Salama J. Mohammad

Antonio T. Torrefiel Jr.

Cherie P. Malhotra Photoshop

Dara S. Acompanado Photoshop

Phoebe P. Delos Reyes

Photoshop

Medical Coding

Medical Coding

Medical Coding

Photoshop

MS Office

Mark Anthony Selosa Reception and Office Management 1

MS Office

Salama Mohammad

Reception and Office Management 1

CONGRATULATIONS FILIPINO INSTITUTE GRADUATES!

Revit Architecture Advance

Adelaida L. Luci

Kristoffer Bryan B. Catuira Revit Architecture Advance

John Vineer B. Pelobello

Rey C.Castillo

Veronico Rhando V. Ignacio Revit Architecture Advance

Revit Architecture Basic

Revit Architecture Basic

Kristoffer Bryan B. Catuira

Revit MEP

Rey C.Castillo Revit MEP

Veronico Rhando V. Ignacio

John Vineer B. Pelobello

Rey C.Castillo Revit Structure

Veronico Rhando V. Ignacio

Revit Structure

Abigale Austria Secretarial 1

Arlene Hipolan Secretarial 1

Maricel Rebuelta Secretarial 1

Mayet Hernadez Secretarial 1

Bella Grace C. Gambalan

Cherie Malhotra Video Editing

Karl Olimpo Video Editing

Ira Elisha Macasaet Web Design-2

Julio Besa Neyra Web Design-2

Marlon Gallego Rebusquillo

Samnuel Micah Barcelona

Revit MEP

Revit Architecture Advance

Revit MEP

Adelaida L. Luci

Revit Structure

Web Design-2

Joenil T. Balatan

Video Editing

Web Design-2

CONGRATULATIONS FILIPINO INSTITUTE GRADUATES!

BATCH 3 MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Angelique N. Dy MBA-Batch 3

Cheeney C. Colas MBA-Batch 3

Elorah Mae M. Dela Cruz

MBA-Batch 3

Janette G. Ceniza MBA-Batch 3

Jenomer Mantiza Lignes

Keezhia Rexiene S. Gonzaga

Maurice S. Remigio MBA-Batch 3

Ramil D. Solis MBA-Batch 3

Ramina J. Hiponia MBA-Batch 3

Rowena M. Arroyo MBA-Batch 3

Sherrie Mae S. Zacarias

Vanessa P. Butale MBA-Batch 3

MBA-Batch 3

MBA-Batch 3

MBA-Batch 3

CONGRATULATIONS BATCH 16 Mansoura, Qatar Accounting 1

Automotive 1

Cosmetology

Basic Computer

Business Management

Sales and Marketing 1

Hair Science Document Control

Electrical Installation

Sales and Social Media Marketing

Information Technology Human Resources Administration

IELTS Review 1

MS Office Fundamentals 1

Human Resources Administration 1 Medical Coding

Logistics and Procurement Sales and Marketing Sales and Social Media Marketing 1

Customer Service MS Office Fundamentals

Massage Therapy

Caregiver 1 Reception and Office Management

IELTS Review

Nursing Assistant F B Barista

MS Excel 1

FILIPINO INSTITUTE GRADUATES!

BATCH 23 Al Rigga, Dubai

BATCH 21 Hamdan, Abu Dhabi

“

Filipino Institute

UPDATES REFUND AND CERTIFICATE ISSUANCE POLICY FOR STUDENTS

Issuance of certificate The Filipino Institute offers two options to students wishing to get their original certificates; either through delivery service or pick-up on the campus.

The students will bear the delivery service fee if they choose to have their certificate sent to their doorsteps. Meanwhile, for the second option, students may go to the campus and claim their documents.

However, an administrative fee of AED50 will be imposed if certificates remain unclaimed after December 31, 2020.

Meanwhile, those students who will graduate after October 1 will only have six months to claim the certificates. If unclaimed within the stipulated time, a fee of AED50 will also be imposed.

Refund Policy All refund requests will be processed within three working days and done in the form of cash or wire transfers.

The refund process includes request, verification, and collection of money either by cash or wire transfer.

As per its coverage and qualification, a 100 percent refund will be granted if a student decides not to pursue prior to the start of the class provided that he or she presents a valid reason; or if a student opts to discontinue class within the first two consecutive meetings provided that he or she presents a valid reason.

VOLUME 1 | ISSUE 7

The Filipino Institute has recently updated its refund and certificate issuance policy for students.

40

In two separate circulars sent to the staff, deans, and volunteers, Mr. Gabriel John Rimando, the Founder and President of the training institution, thoroughly discussed the updated policy.

N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 0 www.theglobalfilipinomagazine.com

A student is also entitled to a 100 percent refund if the course did not meet the required minimum number of students, which is five.

However, students may also shift to other schedules or courses or wait until the required number is completed.

A 10 percent administrative fee will be deducted from the enrollment fee when the student decides to withdraw or discontinue attending class for a valid reason as per consideration of the training centre.

Additionally, if a student attends a class and decides to discontinue due to emergency reason, a refund will be granted provided that the below computation applies: Tuition fee divided by 6 multiplied by the number of days attended Meanwhile, zero refund will be implemented if a student was not able to provide a valid reason why they are withdrawing from class; and students who finished the course are not entitled to a refund.

The requirements to avail of the refund are Emirates ID or passport copy and the original receipt.

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