The Global Filipino Magazine | Issue 11 | March 2021

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Celebrating one year of showcasing Global Filipinos’ journeys, success Kuwento ng Tagumpay

Lilac Hosalla imag e cred it: supp lied

Schonberg

International educator continues inspiring fellow Filipinos in Middle East

MAR CH 2021 | IS S UE 11

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 08

With no plans working abroad a decade ago, Filipino now holds senior-level position in multi-national shoe company in UAE - Eduardo Viray

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Pandemic effect: Commis chef turns financial advisor - Claudio Corrales

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Started as an OFW 18 years ago, Pinay ventures into laundry business in Dubai - Maria Raymundo

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Surviving abroad: OFW endures hardships amid the global pandemic - Florencio C. Viñegas

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Business development manager empowers fellow business community, aspiring entrepreneurs in UAE - Christian Jay Redual

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‘Follow your gut, heart’: Homecare nurse shares what he learns in life abroad - Towfie Villanueva

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OFW proves how prayers and timing work when things go south - Zilfa L. Dinglasa

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Former kitchen helper now the head barista at leading enterprise in Dubai - Marte Salagan Carlos

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Nurse who worked as a cashier now insurance specialist for pediatric therapy centre in UAE - Abelynn M. Tayag

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High school diploma holder now the Director of Operations for Fraiser Suites Dubai - Ronin Ronald Endozo

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A journey of an OFW in UAE: From storekeeper to executive director - Gilbert Besario Tolentino

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‘Finally, all my hardships and struggles in UAE paid off’ - Marconi Franz T. Villanueva

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The man behind viral videos that tackle relationship, self-love, and motivation in UAE - Darbie Kim Estrebilla

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Pinoy in Saudi Arabia helps and prepares aspiring architects to enter the profession - Ar. Eldrid B. Refil

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Left by husband, drowned in debt: Former receptionist now quality and technical manager - Flordeliza Santos

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Filipino barista in Qatar supports farmers in Philippines by showcasing coffee beans abroad - Brandon A. Wabe

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Filipina in UAE sets up business to assist people build their dreams - Rowena Aggabao

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Filipina bridges gap between Filipinos and UAE employers through Gohuntr - Eirene Suchy

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CONGRATULATIONS FILIPINO INSTITUTE GRADUATES!

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‘Age is not a basis if you want to achieve your goal’ Eric Longanilla Jr.

International educator continues inspiring fellow Filipinos in Middle East - Lilac Hosalla Schonberg

The Filipino Institute is continuously creating a set of quality standards for all its programs. Its programs are assessed by private and non-governmental accrediting agencies that have been created specifically to review education institutions and programs.

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Eduardo Viray F

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With no plans working abroad a decade ago, Filipino now holds senior-level position in multinational shoe company in UAE

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the global filipino magazine

espite having no plans to work abroad more than a decade ago, Dubai-based overseas Filipino worker Eduardo Viray found himself today playing a huge role in the international shoe manufacturer C&J Clark International Limited as the Director of Buying and Merchandizing for Middle East & Africa. The multicompany that he belongs has over a thousand branded stores and franchises across the world and has over 200 years of history in footwear, operating in almost 81 countries.

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In his two decades of career, he has been exposed to numerous tasks and projects that range from simple reporting and research to a full-blown feasibility study to product development and design.

But for him, the one project he is most proud of and has given him the fire to continue his career in retail was a project he spearheaded in his first job in Dubai, the Lost Prevention Task Force where he ensured that the inventory accuracy of the brand is less than two percent absolute variance. This has resulted in positive revenue for the company and catapulted him into the career he never thought he would be in.

Although he was having a great

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government career and was enjoying public service in his hometown in Bulacan, it dawned on him one day that he would not succeed in life with just working in the public sector. Viray, who has a friend in Dubai, convinced him to work overseas so as to ‘not waste his talent’ adding that he’d fit well in the city.

“So, I packed my things, applied for an indefinite leave of absence,” he said.

He arrived in Dubai in 2005 on a visit visa. At that time, Viray was trying to secure a job in planning and research as that was his qualification. After seeking an opportunity, he was hired as a merchandise planner which at that time he had no clue what the position was about.

He started at a private label company and then moved to Majid Al Futtaim Fashion where he worked for some five years--started as the wholesale sales support manager, promoted as the senior buyer for big brands. He then joined Burberry Middle East as the regional merchant manager in 2012 and then briefly joined Al Tayer Group handling planning for the Men’s Department of Harvey Nichols and Bloomingdales before joining Clarks.

In his 15 years in the UAE, he said he noticed how resilient, hardworking, and brilliant Filipinos are across all spectrum of employment. “And yet there is one flaw that I have noticed, the lack of sheer confidence in oneself and the pride of being a Filipino. “If we embrace our culture and ethnicity and be proud of it, I think other nations will be able to respect us and treat us equals,” Viray emphasized.

“My advice for everyone is to believe in yourself, stay hungry and never settle for less. Our work ethic is the best in the world; we have the best minds there are.

Our attitude and our positive outlook in life define the culture that we have, and we must embrace it,” he added.

For him, success is very subjective and he believes everyone is successful on their own right.

“Success habits purely stem up on loving what you and having the passion and the fire inside to do and accomplish things, and most importantly having the faith in yourself and God first and foremost,” Viray said.

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orking abroad, for Claudio Corrales, is temporary.

Though it is only shortterm, working in Dubai for more than four years now has molded him into the person he is today. Working initially as a commis chef at a famous hotel in downtown Dubai, Corrales had a major career change due to the pandemic. From preparing food inside the kitchen, he found himself providing financial advice and helping people to plan their future plans like education, savings, investment, and retirement.

The culinary graduate said that the reason why he is working abroad and starving harder in life is his family. “I am also the breadwinner in our family.

Being in Dubai also gave me the chance to earn and send my siblings to school until they graduated from college,” he said.

the ‘employee of the year’ in 2017.

“I am very passionate at work as I love cooking and preparing food for the people I love,” he said.

On the sideline, he works as a freelance commercial model and worked with the world’s leading brands including Sacoor One, Emirates, Du Telecom, Nestle, and Expo 2020, among others.

Now that he is working as a financial advisor where his work requires him to meet people, allowing him to listen to different struggles in life.

“Most of the people I met are struggling to manage with their finances and what I love about my job is to be able to help and share my knowledge on how they can manage and their future plan,” he said.

Living in Dubai Understanding that working overseas is just temporary, Corrales said that staying and working in Dubai helped

him financially and explored more of his capabilities, talents, and skills.

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His greatest struggle was losing his job and having a hard time looking for a new one due to the pandemic. Trying everything to survive, Corrales sold food, facemasks, soaps, and perfume to his friends. As the breadwinner in the family, he has a responsibility to send money back home regularly. And in the absence of his full-time work, he sold cakes and worked on a part-time basis in a real estate firm.

“Life abroad is not that easy as people often see. But I have overcome all of these struggles by having faith and trust in Him,” he said.

“Working abroad is temporary. We should always plan and think about our lives for the future. We can enjoy ourselves sometimes, we can do the things we want but don’t forget to save.

Don’t spend too much time at work, learn to rest,” Corrales said.

Kuwento ng Tagumpay

Corrales arrived in Dubai in 2016 and worked as a commis chef at Movenpick Hotel in Jumeirah Lakes Tower. He was assigned to the cold kitchen preparing salads, sandwiches, and sushi. During his stay in the hotel, he was hailed ‘employee of the month’ twice and was awarded as

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Pandemic effect: Commis chef turns financial advisor

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Maria F Raymundo

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Started as an OFW 18 years ago, Pinay ventures into laundry business in Dubai

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assion, determination, dedication, hard work, and perseverance--this is the formula that Dubai-based Filipina entrepreneur Maria Raymundo used for more than 18 years abroad to achieve what she has now. Currently, Raymundo is the managing director of Yensolou Laundry Service, a laundry business that provides Dubai residents with value-unique services in the Port Saeed area.

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She arrived in Dubai in 2002 and initially worked in the hospitality industry as a guest relations executive for a hotel. The Filipina moved to another establishment and worked as banquet coordinator for a beach resort and was promoted as a banquet sales manager before moving to IHG Group--Holiday Inn Dubai Al Barsha to work as an events manager.

Exploring her career options, Raymundo was then hired as a business development manager for Lals Group and was later then promoted to sales and operations manager and customer service manager. She was then moved to Leva Hotel to work as a director of corporate sales.

After getting the right knowledge and experience, Raymundo, who has an entrepreneurial spirit, founded the Yensolou Laundry Services. “As my passion is in sales and events, I love interaction, socialization, organizing events with a professional approach with our clientele,” she said.

“My advice to all my kababayans is to keep dreaming, work with honesty and integrity and be innovative. They should also be open-minded and optimistic. Always think outside the box, be passionate and happy about what you are doing then aim higher for a better future,” Raymundo added.

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Florencio F C. Viñegas

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Surviving abroad: OFW endures hardships amid the global pandemic

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hile the majority of companies across the world resume their operations since the onset of the pandemic, Dubai-based Florencio Viñegas is still fighting and enduring the effect of it. Currently, he works as a 3D visualizer/graphic designer for an engineering consultant company.

He, along with his colleagues at work, is advised to work when they are only needed.

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Surviving the pandemic, he is thankful that he is connected with the educational training centre Filipino Institute. “Aside from giving opportunities for Filipinos to grow personally and professionally, they are also providing trainers with this kind of opportunity,” he said.

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Viñegas teaches 3D Max and graphic design, and for him, earning respect from students is one of the most rewarding experiences as a trainer.

Prior to venturing an overseas career, he worked in the Philippines as a graphic artist, draftsman, visual artist, and props designer. While employed for 10 years, he also became actively involved in a music ministry serving holy masses every Sunday.

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Involved in many community undertakings, Viñegas was also a trainervolunteer at the Philippine Consulate with Filipino organizations, spending his day off for four years since 2014, teaching his countrymen with designing software like Corel Draw, Illustrator, and Photoshop. “At the same time, I acquired a lot of computer skills more than what I gave them,” he added.

Viñegas revealed that getting hired by a consultant company is not that easy as it requires high-level skills qualification.

“I am so thankful as one being chosen.

Working with professional architects and engineers is a great achievement for me.

Aside from working along with my field of specialization, it also helps me deepen my knowledge about the architectural design standard. It also helps me boost my confidence. Moreover, I am happy because it is a different level of designing experience,” he added.

Struggles come from time to time Having no full-time job for almost a year now, Viñegas affirmed that struggles come from time to time for everyone.

He said he is not used to asking for help from others but at times when he ran out of options, he is thankful to his friends and the Filipino Institute for extending

some help.

Desperate to survive, Viñegas applied for one-time financial assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment through the Philippine Overseas Labor Office here in Dubai, however, his application was rejected. About to give up, he applied for the free repatriation being organized by the Philippine government, his application was ignored.

Viñegas supposedly got a free visit visa up to December 2020 but it was amended into three months only. “That threemonth visa was remarkable for as I don’t have more money to get another visa during the time and I have decided to go back home. I just noticed that when you are doing good with others, you will be rewarded at times of difficulties,” he said.

“All I can say is always put God first in our lives and trust him. Don’t lose hope, things change in time, do not stop learning. Learn now not tomorrow if there is an opportunity. Whatever trials in our life, God has a purpose, take it positively. Kaya naiintindihan ko kung bakit hindi na-approve ang ticket ko for repatriation kasi kailangan ko pa pala mag-stay sa Dubai,” he said when asked about his advice for his fellow Filipinos abroad.

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t was 2014 when Towfie Villanueva stepped up his A-game by embarking on an overseas life. He said that knowing that nurses in the Philippines get neglected and exploited, he has decided to widen his horizon in Dubai.

Despite being a nursing graduate, his first job in the emirate was with an international courier company. “Yes, something that was not in line with what I know and something new to what I used to do,” he said adding that he had to consider time and money at that time since extending his tourist visa way back in 2014 was not a joke considering that he only purchased it using his savings ‘so I need to be wiser and practical with my decisions.’

He further added that will always choose to be a nurse over other careers not because this is what he knows, but because this is what his heart wants. “Being a nurse is a privilege. A privilege to witness other people’s celebration such as a woman giving birth to her firstborn, a privilege to be an

advocate, a privilege to cheer up someone who may be at their worst and is being hopeless, a privilege to touch other people’s lives and make a difference. Nursing can be tiring but it is also very rewarding,” he said.

He said that he considers all of his working experiences precious since they are the main reason for who he is today.

However, he considered his nursing career in the Philippines as the most challenging one as when he was working as a staff nurse, he was earning nothing. But it didn’t hinder him from excelling. He strived harder and sooner got promoted as one of the senior nurses and was consistently nominated as one of the best nurses. “The reason why I am saying this is not to brag, I just want to tell everyone that if you are really happy and contented with what you’re doing, you will not end up exhausted. But determined and fulfilled,” Villanueva said.

Over the course of the pandemic, he, along with his friends, has organized an initiative to support their fellow Filipinos who were displaced and whose salary has been deducted. The group was able to arrange sets of food packs and have them distributed to those who are in need. “A simple act of kindness we known that would really help your kababayans,” he further added.

Working in Dubai for more than six years now, Villanueva said that it allows

him to meet and work with different types of people having different traits and characteristics since UAE is a diverse and multicultural country.

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“It helped me understand and dig deeper to other nationalities’ values and beliefs.

Dubai will also let you meet difficult people.

‘Coz admit it or not, those people will be part of your life and those people will not only make you a better person but also the best version of you,” he said.

Currently, Villanueva has been working on his application as a nurse to the UK. “To all my kababayans who are facing difficulties at this very moment, just always remember that your decisions and choices today will impact what you will become moving forward. Don’t look at failures.

Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable because you will discover who you really are and what you can do during your weakest point,” he said when asked about his advice for his fellow Filipinos abroad.

He added that failure is a lesson that humans need to experience to keep going in life.

“If you can pick up after a crushing and devastating defeat and go on to win again, you are going to be a champion someday.

So, don’t be ashamed to be a loser. Be a fighter,” Villanueva concluded.

Kuwento ng Tagumpay

Villanueva said that at the end of the day, what matters most is following what you love doing. He left his first job to do what he loves the most… to be a nurse. By God’s grace, he was hired as a homecare nurse.

“I super enjoy working in a fast-paced environment. This might sound cliche, but that’s the reality. That is something my family and friends can attest to,” he added.

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‘Follow your gut, heart’: Homecare nurse shares what he learns in life abroad

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Marte Salagan F Carlos

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Former kitchen helper now head barista of leading enterprise in Dubai

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arte Salagan Carlos recalled when he arrived in Dubai in March 2007 with no relatives or acquaintances. He fought alone for his destiny the way he could to survive overseas.

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Just like many overseas Filipino workers, Carlos opted to work abroad in the hope to lift his family out of poverty, thinking he’d reciprocate his parents’ sufferings. “Finding a job abroad has difficulties, it forces you to leave your comfort zone. There are many reasons why I work abroad that benefit my personal and professional career,” he said.

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He has first worked as a kitchen helper for an Italian restaurant in the emirate and as a determined individual, he was promoted as an assistant cook. Carlos, who is also a great cook, develops his talent in cooking while working in the restaurant. He also worked as a barista in a cafe inside the Dubai Mall wherein he was able to share his knowledge about the work with his colleagues.

Several years after, after getting the right formula in life, he’s hired as the head barista of Al Abbar Enterprises wherein he’s tasked to create his own drinks recipe, among others. “I enjoy

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researching the latest trends and experimenting with new ideas,” he added.

When asked about what he enjoys the most with his current job, Carlos is it’s the ability to try new ideas in a fastpaced nature, building relationships with clients to meet their objectives.

“Dubai offers the best quality of life and job opportunities. You come across various nationalities, learn their language, culture, and religion,” he added.

Carlos, who has been living and working abroad for 13 years now, hopes to perfect his skills as a drink specialist to create a new menu of drinks and start a business related to F&B.

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ome thirty-five years ago, Ronin Ronald Endozo vividly recalled how he, a simple boy back then, was full of dreams, studying in a remote public school in the Philippines, faced with perennial problems like shortage of textbooks and facilities, enduring long distances on foot for 20 minutes to get to and from school daily sweltering in the heat and pounding rain.

Being patient and diligent, Endozo managed to graduate as the class Valedictorian in elementary.

Several years after, he found himself working as a director of operations for the Fraser Suites Dubai, a hotel chain under the prestigious Singapore-based Fraser Hospitality, looking after the overall operations and administration of 265 key Fraiser Suites Dubai, working with about a hundred team members.

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High school diploma holder now the Director of Operations for Fraiser Suites Dubai

who can barely speak English like him, he has learned the game of survival and the cultures of the country. He tried to survive his own battle and initially worked as a freelance garage helper, streetcar washer, bakery helper, souvenir kiosk attendant, cargo mover, catering assistant, and cafe dishwasher.

“My first three years in Oman was about survival with an on and off work and was undocumented overseas Filipino,” he said adding that around mid-year of 1997, he has finally started his hospitality career in Muscat Hotel Inter-Continental in Food and Beverage Department from a starting position.

From the day he joined the hotel industry, he has attended hundreds of basic and professional training in the hospitality industry, management, and leadership to improve his craft.

It was 1999 when he arrived in the UAE and that year he was fortunate to join Burj Al Arab to be part of its opening team. Since then, his hospitality journey in UAE took off despite several challenges and trying times.

He first arrived in the Middle East in 1994 at the age of 16. Determined to make a living in Oman without knowing what life’s ahead for an inexperienced high school graduate

While working abroad and still imbued with the same fine brand determination of getting a proper education, he took the courage to take a one-year online course in management at

As the hospitality industry offers one with broad opportunity to grow professionally, Endozo was promoted at least 20 times in his entire career being a high school diploma, from waiter to senior water; from shift leader to team leader; from supervisor to senior supervisor; from assistant manager to manager; from brand manager to assistant operation manager, among others.

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“Poverty and education are the reason why I opted to work abroad. I wanted to lift my family’s burden by providing them food, new shelter; and support my siblings with their education,” he said.

Endozo said that despite all the struggles they have faced, his father never have up and continue to provide for their family.

“He himself encouraged us to continue studying even to get a high school diploma and motivated us that all our struggles are temporary and shall pass if we just focus to fulfill our dreams and support each other. My father would always tell me, ‘Everything that made by people can be done by people, so don’t back down despite lack of education, try till you learn and master it,” he added.

Currently, Endozo owns the restaurant family business called n2o Food Garage in Quezon which offers South East Asian, international, and local cuisines with live entertainment and can seat 220 people at a time.

“Never give up and make the best of what you currently have, Rome was not built in a day and there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Your struggles are temporary, continue thriving the best for your career, work hard for it, learn new techniques, accept challenges and challenges, keep your feet on the ground,” he added when asked about his advice to his fellow Filipinos abroad who are currently struggling to survive.

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Endozo is a dynamic hospitality professional with more than 25 years of total work experience in managing daily operations, pre-opening, and business developments in five-star hotels, serviced residences, and food and beverage industries. He’s worked with luxury brands, including IHG, Burj Al Arab, Raffles Hotel, Millennium, Hilton, and Jumeirah Group Branded Restaurant. The field has also given him the opportunity to serve as pre-opening interim general manager in Abuja, Nigeria, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with vast experiences as a food and beverage specialist in multiple projects in Dubai, Bahrain, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia.

Cornell University and was granted a partial scholarship in one of the British universities in the UAE and received his college diploma in Business Management a year after.

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Marconi Franz T. F Villanueva

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‘Finally, all my hardships and struggles in UAE paid off’

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nother Filipino Institute student has successfully passed the medical coding exam through the help of extensive training in the educational institution.

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Villanueva said she paid fully as she was eager to finish it. She said that there are rumors that once a class started, around 20 students attend, however, in module 4, the class will be cut to 10.

Marconi Franz T. Villanueva, a registered nurse, recalled her medical coding journey: “My medical coding career has started when a kabayan printed a reviewer, and I was curious at that time and I asked him out of curiosity.

He said, ‘medical coding exam reviewer.’ I thought about it and I asked what was it about? He told me to check it on Google,” she said.

“And I started to search for schools conducting medical coding course, and I saw a social media post from the Filipino Institute with affordable price, hence, I started to visit their office and enrol the course,” she added.

the course and we did the mock exam, unfortunately, I was not able to finish the exam as I forgot to wear my watch.

Timing is very important in order to take the exam so I ask sir, ‘Can I take the exam already?’ and he told me to review more so as not to waste money if I wasn’t ready yet,” she added.

After the mock exam, Villanueva did a self-review for the next two months as advised

by Miss Jernie Brubio Arquizar, who is also a medical coding training in the same training institute.

She thanked Prof. Yuri Arboleda for pushing her to finish the course despite putting it on hold for five months due to the movement restrictions imposed by the UAE government. “Then we finished

“And I took the exam without informing them. And today, when I woke up, I was supposed to check the link of my church online on my email, but the CPC’s email was the first thing I saw, notifying me that the result was ready,” she said.

“Salamat po ama, dining niyo po ang aking samo’t dalangin,” she added.

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Ar. Eldrid F B. Refil

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Pinoy in Saudi Arabia helps and prepares aspiring architects to enter the profession

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audi Arabia-based Senior Architect Eldrid B. Refil went abroad not only to provide his family a better life but to help his fellow Filipinos, particularly those architecture graduates who wish to become full-fledged architects by sharing his knowledge with them.

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His calling to impart knowledge to Filipinos in the Kingdom started in 2007 when he volunteered as an instructor and facilitator for aspiring architects, master plumbers, and environmental planners, among others by conducting review classes in preparation for their examination. The increased number of Filipino architects in the region resulted in the foundation of their Accredited Professional Organization (APO) the United Architects of the Philippines International Chapter in 2009 where he became the chartered president.

Since then, the organization was able to produce successful architects, and up to this date, there are about 400 architects benefited from their endeavor. Finally, the Filipino senior architect, in 2016, was nominated to spearhead the formation of another professional organization for those who would like to become licensed environmental planners for two years after they were able to get the charter

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being the first international chapter of the Philippines Institute of Environmental Planners in 2018. In 2016, Refil got vested the status of Fellow by the Royal Institution Singapore for Architects.

experiences,” he said. He added that working alone in a different country is difficult, however, he put in his mind his goals which are to help his family back home and overcome all the hardships.

Being an architect

Continuing his advocacy, Refil, when asked about his plan after his OFW stint, plans to continue his advocacy to help aspiring professionals achieve their dreams by putting up a mentoring class that will cater to those who cannot afford to pay for an expensive review centre.

“Even when I was young, I always wanted to build beautiful places where people will have a comfortable and enjoyable feeling. And being an architect made me do all these through my works and share my knowledge during the implementation,” Refil, who works as a senior architect at FAST Consortium and who has been living and working in the Kingdom for 16 years now, said.

Presently, his company is engaged with the construction of the Riyadh Metro Rail project.

Refil started his overseas journey in 1993 when he was hired as an architectural draftsman for three years.

After finishing the contract, he went back to the Philippines and came back to the Kingdom in 2005 to work as an architect in a consulting firm.

“The life in the Kingdom is also not easy but it will give you great opportunity to earn more and be able to widen your

“I would like to share with them the knowledge that I have earned during my stay and practice of my profession here abroad for them to use in their future endeavors,” he said adding that he also plans to establish a real estate firm that will cater for OFWs who plant to make their dream homes and be able to share the importance of financial literacy to others.

“Working abroad is not everlasting.

As an OFW, we really need to be wise in spending our hard-earned money.

We should learn how to save and invest properly for our future needs.

Sometimes, things will not fall into places as we wanted but with perseverance and a positive mind, nothing is impossible,” he further added.

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Brandon A. Wabe image credit: supplied

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s the co-owner and the acting manager for Kabayan Brewers in Qatar, Brandon A. Wabe does not only represent the quality of coffee beans from the Philippines but also support the local farmers there to have a chance and showcase the potential of their coffee which he thinks is more competitive as compared to other coffee origins.

A former band vocalist during his college days, the 32-year-old entrepreneur started to work in Qatar in 2018 as a barista and did specialty coffee. “The coffee industry here is good that’s why I decided to work here as a coffee professional,” he, who is a Hotel and Restaurant Management graduate, said.

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Filipino barista in Qatar supports farmers in Philippines by showcasing coffee beans abroad Wabe faced what he considered as his ‘biggest fight’. It was when his father died last December, the time when he was only starting his business. “I have to control my emotions and fight back because I need to be in focus at the same time knowing I just started my venture,” he said.

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Wabe added that he dedicated the business venture to his family, especially to his father.

He plans to expand the business and make the Kabayan Brewers an icon in the cafe industry.

The former waiter who turned co-owner and acting manager of Kabayan Brewer added that the best part about his current venture is being able to help the farmers back in the Philippines.

“My passion in this field has brought me here, we build our own brand and support local farmers in the Philippines,” he said.

Biggest fight In the middle of the pandemic last year,

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“I love working here in Qatar because it gives me more chance to cultivate my passion, and additionally, it is safer to work here,” he further added.

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Eirene F Suchy

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Filipina bridges gap between Filipinos and UAE employers through Gohuntr

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n an effort to help those Filipinos in the UAE who have been displaced by the pandemic, Dubai-based entrepreneur Eirene Suchy has established a portal where she bridges the gap between job hunters and employers in the UAE.

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Through the job portal Gohuntr, which was born from just a casual chit-chat with a friend, COO and Co-founder Suchy aims to help and reach out to a wider and more diverse community and gears towards an equal employment opportunity. Months after discussions and discourse, she, along with her two other friends last February 2021, formed the Gohuntr, which is the first Filipino owned marketplace for jobs in the UAE.

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Originally from Cebu, the brainchild of the portal that creates job opportunities for jobless residents in the region said that having this platform is all new for her ‘and that is why it’s exciting.’ “There is no stagnation. Having my own business means that I am more in control of my time, including the direction of my career but I wouldn’t have the luxury without my husband’s support, so I am very thankful.

The highlight of course is knowing that we can help the community,” she added.

From customer service representative to

entrepreneur Suchy started her career in Dubai as a customer service representative and later rose through the ranks to become the head of sales operations in one of the biggest online classifieds in the region before resigning in the third quarter of 2020.

She admitted that the initial years have been difficult for her.

“This is what I need people to understand--our achievements are shaped by our failure, however, people at times tend to oversee that. I would often be told, ‘madali lang para sayo kasi may trabaho ka,’ or ‘mayaman ka kasi nasa abroad ka.’

What people don’t see is the hard work you put in. It’s not all fine and dandy,” she said adding that in her first company, she had to work for 10 hours and traveled for four, and had one day off only to be paid AED1,800. She further added that there were times, due to stress and lack of rest, she’d lost her voice.

“That’s scary as a customer service representative, as our voice is our bread and butter,” she said.

When the recession hit, she experienced not getting her salaries on time, and sometimes won’t be paid for three months.

Piled in debt and emotional stress, Suchy would work in a catering company from 7pm to 2am only to get paid AED100.

“There is also the other side of the story, a price you pay for working abroad--you get to miss a lot of occasions and most importantly, being physically present for your family when they need it the most.

For example, due to this pandemic, I was able to fly back home for my mother’s burial. These are the things that we need to understand when living or working abroad, it’s not always easy but you endure,” she further added.

A piece of advice from a veteran OFW Suchy, who has been living overseas for about 15 years now, said overseas Filipino workers should take care of themselves before others.

“We, kabayans, love to help and send a chunk of our salary back home and although that’s for a great cause, we also need to spare some to ourselves. We must be mindful because when things go south, no one will be here to help you except yourself. This could mean saving a portion of your salary, so you’re ready for when the rainy day comes,” she said.

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Eric

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Longanilla Jr. image credit: supplied

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n the hopes to provide his family and himself a greener pasture, Dubai-based overseas Filipino worker Eric Longanilla Jr. decided to work overseas. And for four years of staying and working in the emirate, he has never regretted working abroad as he is able to achieve his dreams one by one despite the median salary that he’s getting every month from working as a captain waiter at Al Safadi Restaurant.

He recalled the time when he arrived at the Dubai International Airport, he said that he was amazed by the indulgent, glamorous, and progressive city. “My goal was to seek work. After a few days, I was hired as a waiter. And until now, I am currently working as a captain waiter,” he said.

“Then, I was promoted and there were a lot of opportunities and learnings along the way. And up until now, I still carry that attitude here in the UAE. In just a few months, I was given an opportunity to work as the captain waiter,” he added.

Prior to working abroad, he had worked as a school secretary in the Philippines and laboratory custodian of HRM. Passing the medical coding exam Longanilla, though busy working all day and night, was still able to educate himself in the field of medical coding through the help of the reputable Filipino Institute. Through dedication, prayers, and tenacity, he was able to pass the stringent medical coding exams recently.

“Dubai provides residents many opportunities, just don’t stop dreaming until you reach your dreams. Just like me, I passed the exam though I was not expecting it. And I thought that now that I am 32, it was already late. But I realized

that age is not a basis if you want to achieve your goal,” he added.

T a g u m p a y

He thanked his trainers for allowing him to take the exam even though the last module isn’t finished yet.

“Thank you, Filipino Institute for helping us reach our dreams. Very affordable education and the trainers are well versed with the courses. Great things happen for those who don’t stop believing, trying, and being grateful,” he said.

The Filipino, when asked about his plans after working in the region, said he will stay until he can and might start a family here, however, if he gets to save enough money, he said he will start a business.

“It’s still better to live in your own country with your family. For now, I’m considering working in a hospital even if it requires me to study more,” Longanilla said.

Kuwento ng Tagumpay

Longanilla, in spite of having no work background in the dining service, wholeheartedly accepted the offer. “I always believe that if you persevere and do your work diligently, God will provide,” he said.

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‘Age is not a basis if you want to achieve your goal’

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of our success

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Lilac M Hosalla Schonberg

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International educator continues inspiring fellow Filipinos in Middle East

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ilac Hosalla Schonberg is one of the engineers who wrote the innovation book as part of the Ministry of Education curriculum used by different schools and the only Filipina who works with the UAE innovation Ajman University national robotics competition in the Robotics Engineering and Information Technology field.

Schonberg, a wife, mother, teacher, and cancer survivor, has been raising the Philippine flag in the UAE academe.

A graduate of Electronics and Communications Engineering major in Telecommunication VOIP Systems, she became a CISCO certified engineer after a couple of years, and recently she has completed her AI STEM Robotics Development course in the prestigious Oxford.

With a specific interest in innovation and technology, Schonberg said that her chosen field is so much aligned with everything she loved doing as a kid. “I am fascinated with building innovative toys using scrap materials. I first became interested in technology because I wanted to work with a company whose mission is to lead the new invention in apps and programmable innovations,” she said.

Following her dreams, she landed in a company that works with gaming, interactive apps, website algorithm.

“Those experiences led to STEM and AI robotics,” she added.

An ‘edupreneur’ mission-driven, she said she likes to live in bringing light positive impact to education, and according to her, having a husband with a brilliant mind in business, he walks her through into edupreneurship. Her husband is Mr. Mikael Schonberg, the founder and the sole owner of QIWI Technologies Group of Companies.

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In April 2017, she was informed that her tumor was malignant despite having a very healthy lifestyle. Nine months after, in April 2018, she was declared cancer-free. “Being a cancer survivor taught me to understand the circle of life.

If some lives form a perfect circle, others take shape in ways unpredictable shifting gears of life. Everyone must be grateful; everyone must think how precious and privilege to be alive, to breathe, to enjoy, and to love,” she said.

“It’s no secret that being a STEM Robotics teacher is a challenging job.

Especially in my position, because I work with curriculum integration, from the core to contextualized subjects. I love teaching and finding how best to teach my students functional and practical skills they can use in their future.

Teaching is my passion, and it is one of the 3 reasons I was put on this Earth. To become a teacher, a mother, and a wife,” Schonberg said.

Her advise to her fellow Filipinos abroad is to believe in themselves. “Focus on what you do, do not be afraid to be different and most of all, spice it up with praters and hard work. That’s it!” she said.

Hope Mission to Mars The UAE’s Mars Mission, named Hope probe, has reached the planet Mars’ orbit in February, and for her, as an educator with an interest in innovation and technology, the campaign was massive.

“This campaign encouraged students to learn about space and discover the wonder of earth science,” the teacher of STEM Robotics, science, and biology, said.

Through her husband’s company, QIWI Technologies Group of Companies, they supply STEM Robotics kits and curriculum to schools, introduce the release of the new educational lessons for the scientific curriculum that integrate the subjects into interactive space-related programs, electives, workshops, and training with STEM materials and kits. It has recently announced its first competition using scrap materials. This major project will provide participants an opportunity to innovate, learn, and understand the Hop mission to Mars. Meanwhile, Schonberg is leading a group to spearhead the competition to encourage and inspire teachers with their students to research and do scientific experience in various STEM fields.

Kuwento ng Tagumpay

“My vision is to build new quality education and bring it to the table of educational institutions and organizations that can put education and businesses together,” she said. Through her expertise, she develops the latest education tools that bring to students comfortable learning management, a user-friendly portal that works with students regardless it is for distance learning, blended learning, homeschool, or in-classroom.

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Christian F Jay Redual

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Business development manager empowers fellow business community, aspiring entrepreneurs in UAE

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chieving one’s dreams abroad entails courage, sacrifices, and dedication.

This is what Christian Jay Redual did to establish a career overseas and achieve his dreams one by one. Currently, Redual is the business development manager of NAS Chartered Accountants, a leading audit firm in the UAE. As a business development strategist, he is able to lead the business communication and strategic department of the organization.

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The migrant worker, who has been in the region for eight years now, is also involved in supporting and empowering the Filipino business community and aspiring entrepreneurs through the Philippine Business Council-Abu Dhabi as the corporate secretary.

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“The most exciting and enjoyable part of my job is that I was able to guide and support the micro, small, and medium enterprises in Abu Dhabi,” he said. In line with this, most of their clients in the firm are Filipino SMEs whom they had provided their professional services and help them grow when they are still new in the business.

“Achieving your passion while doing your job is very satisfying. Having the trust, support, and confidence of my current company that truly a blessing,” Redual further added.

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Redual, before embarking on an overseas journey in 2012, had experienced bullying in the workplace in the Philippines. When he was bullied, he promised himself that he’d innovate, improve, and empower himself once he had a chance to work abroad.

“With God’s grace, I am very fortunate that I was able to meet the right people and a company who had supported and trusted me when I arrived in UAE. Unlike many of us, financial reason and greener pasture are just secondary for me,” he added noting that his primary reason why he decided to work abroad is for him to learn business, discover opportunities, and challenge himself away from his comfort zone.

About years back, he used to work in a medical training centre as a business development associate and had been working in an audit and accounting firm for most of his career journey but being in the medical industry was a complete turnaround for him.

During his tenure, he was able to increase the numbers of Filipino healthcare professionals who enrolled in that centre.

When Covid-19 pandemic has come, he was delighted that he was able to bridge and encourage his former company to get more Filipino frontliners.

The diverse culture, tolerance, safety, healthcare system, technology, good

governance, and better quality of life are the reasons why Redual loves the host country and considers it as his second home. “The opportunities and growth rate are very high in this country. Lastly, I am very thankful to the UAE government for how they take care of their residents and visitors especially during this pandemic,” he added.

Plans and pieces of advice Redual said that once his OFW journey has come to an end, he plans to set up his own business development and digital consulting firm or a digital entrepreneurial academy.

Continuing his advocacy in the UAE, he will provide free training and coaching to Filipinos who are interested to establish their dream business to start a new life.

“Sharing my expertise, knowledge, and experiences to my home country will be my next mission, giving back to the community is my ultimate goal,” he added.

“To my kakabayans, please always remember your ‘why, ‘what,’ and ‘when.’ Why are you here in the UAE? Why did you decide to work abroad? Why did you stay in your company? What is your purpose? What is your mission? What are your dreams? What is your promise to your family? When is your timebound to back home?” Redual further added.

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Zilfa L. Dinglasa image credit: supplied

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hen things go south, prayers and timings are the things that florist Zilfa L. Dinglasa holds on to. Throughout her life and work career, several challenges have come along the way that she fought alone. However, according to her, a true Filipino fighter never quits after the stumble and fall.

Dinglasa has been working in UAE for the last year and nine months, and prior to starting an OFW life in the region, she spent a year in Oman as a florist. Like many Filipinos overseas, it is her dream to provide her family a greener pasture, and as a solo parent, to give her only child a better future.

“Bilang isang florista, isa itong napakachallenging na trabaho. Dito ma-express kung ano at sino ka. At dito mo makikita ang tunay na ugali mo dahil dito dapat umaapaw ang pasensya mo,” she said.

Dinglasa may be working in a glamorous industry, however, her past was filled with ups and downs.

During her college days, to help sustain her expenses, she sold products from Avon.

When she was in her third year, she thought of working on a part-time basis as her expenses were getting bigger. She started knocking on her neighbors’ doors to offer beauty products

on sale. Thinking that working in Metro Manila would offer her a more decent profit, she grabbed the opportunity as a salesperson.

Naive and shocked upon arrival, she was briefed that her real work was as a housemaid with a P500 salary per month.

“Parang binagsakan ako ng mundo. Hindi ako tumagal doon, lumayas na ako at hindi ko alam ano mangyayari sa akin,” she said adding that she met a group that helped her find a new work in a catering service.

After working there for quite some time, her employer died from cancer and she was forced to work from one company to another just to survive. She recalled being jobless for two months so she accepted laundry works so she could send money to her family in the province. “Nagpapadala pa din ako sa amin kahit minsan tinapay at kape na lang kinakain ko maghapon,” she said.

“Laging dasal ang kaagapay ko,” Dinglasa said noting that she had also tried to work in Japan. However, despite her willingness to work abroad at that time, it didn’t materialize as her father died a few weeks before her departure and she chose to be with him.

“Pinili ko na lang umuwi kahit wala na akong ipon nun. Pero kailangang harapin at tanggapin ang mga pangyayari,” she added.

Just like a flower that blooms, she started a new career by working as a liaison officer for a real estate agency and sooner applied as a receptionist for a semicon company in Laguna. “Doon ko nakita ang akala ko ‘forever’

ko pero hindi pala. Pero that’s life, pero sabi ko nga walang forever, nag-palit ng agency ang company at isa-isa kami hindi na na-renew,” she added.

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As a person full of hopes, she thought about working abroad again using her experience as a florist and events coordinator. She sought agencies online, got interviewed, and was told to wait for another two months while her papers were being prepared for a job opportunity in Oman.

“Dumating ako sa Oman noong July 2017.

Nung una, okay pa. Kaso ginawa nila stay-in pala ako. No day-off. Magka-off naman, once every two months lang,” she added adding that she went to work around 7am and went back to her accommodation around 1am and left with a little food to eat.

The moment she transferred to UAE, she thought that the place is definitely the very place where dreamers fulfill their dreams.

“Para sa mga nagababalak pa lang mag abroad, huwag basta-basta sumugod kung hindi matibay at malakas ang loob mo.

Huwag mag-abroad kung hindi mo pinagpray ang bawat hakbang mo. Para sa mga nandito sa abroad, huwag basta tatakas kung nahihirapan sa trabaho, huwag gumawa ng hakbang na lalong ikagagalit ng employer.

Sumunod sa agos, makiramdam, at humingi ng advice sa nakakaalam, tulad ng POLOOWWA upang hindi tayo mapahamak,” she further added.

Kuwento ng Tagumpay

Since she was young, she was already independent, and when she turned high school, she started helping her mother deliver vegetables to the local market every day until she vomited blood due to exhaustion.

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OFW proves how prayers and timing work when things go south

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Abelynn F M. Tayag

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Nurse who worked as a cashier now insurance specialist for pediatric therapy centre in UAE

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or Abelynn M. Tayag, one should never give up as there is no such thing as an ending but just a new beginning.

An overseas Filipino worker for nine years now, Tayag is currently working as an insurance specialist for a pediatric therapy center in the UAE. For the last five years, she has been working in the same company.

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A registered nurse in the Philippines, she landed her first job in Dubai in 2012 and worked as a ward secretary for an orthopedic and spine hospital. During her stay in the hospital, she said she learned so much about medical insurance companies--including how pre-approval works--and this paved the way for her to land a job in her current employer.

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Tayag revealed that she initially worked as a receptionist and was given an opportunity to lead their insurance team as an insurance specialist. “It was not easy at first because we started from scratch, I learned by trial and error, but in the end, it was all worth it,” she said.

“The most satisfying about the job is seeing those innocent smiles of the kids and knowing that because of therapy, you can see improvements in them. As an admin staff, the simple thank you of the family really melts our hearts,” she added.

Prior to working in the UAE, she worked as a cashier in a mall as the job pays more than being a volunteer nurse back then. While in

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the Philippines, Tayag has also worked as a nurse for a local district hospital in Pampanga.

“Working in Dubai opens new opportunities for me to help my family, our family’s finances, my personal growth. I am just so thankful to the rulers of UAE for accepting expatriates like me to work here,” she said.

Struggles abroad Tayag said being in a foreign country on her own is already a struggle. She recalled during her first few months in the host country, she was struggling to settle on a decent job that would support her finances abroad and her family in the Philippines who she promised to provide a comfortable life.

“Interviews after interviews but I did not lose faith in the Lord. I know that I am capable, and I know whatever I deserved will be given to me by the Lord in His most perfect time,” she added.

Just like many migrant OFWs, she has also experienced seasonal homesickness.

“The good thing is we have means of communicating with our family, thanks to technology,” she further added.

“Struggles make you stronger. I know we Filipinos are strong and resilient. We can always find a way out of difficult situations,” she said.

Passing the medical coding exams Tayag has recently passed the medical coding exam after taking a short-term course in the Filipino Institute. Getting a passing score of 84 percent, she said that she is thankful for the training centre for providing expatriates like her a good education at a very affordable cost.

“My trainers on the medical coding course are all excellent in their own field and are extremely helpful. I plan to stay here for a while and use my CPC certification to gain more knowledge and practice in the field,” Tayag noted adding that if she would be given a chance in the future, she would practice nursing again.

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or Gilbert Besario Tolentino, no matter one gets rejected and stumbled, one must always continue to plan, execute, and move forward so when the opportunity comes, one is in the right position. For the last 12 years, Tolentino has been living and working in the UAE. He recalled embarking on an overseas journey in 2009 as a storekeeper in one of the leading F&B companies in the Middle East. A year after, following his exemplary work performance, he was promoted as the warehouse supervisor. Subsequently, it opened an opportunity for him to move into another function in the supply planning department as a supply planner. A consistent team player, Tolentino was then promoted as the planning supervisor. Continuously rising through the ranks, he was then finally promoted as the S&OP and planning manager until he left the company last year which he served for 11 years.

“UAE has a mix of cultures and a diverse population and I really like interacting and

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A journey of an OFW in UAE: From storekeeper to executive director

working with diverse culture people that you will learn about different cultures, ideas, and philosophy. This is a land of opportunity and rewards,” he said, noting that he himself can manifest it after gaining several international professional certifications that helped his career. He also shared that even during the course of the pandemic, when the UAE government imposed the movement restriction, he has acquired more than 10 certifications in different fields in marketing specialization, operations management, and technical skills.

The start of a long journey Tolentino arrived in the region during the time of a global financial crisis. He remembered coming to the UAE on a visit visa and his only family member in the host country is his wife and their godmother that helped us through their struggles.

“The first six months were tough and I faced different struggles. When I came here I was not familiar with the places and during that time, I was searching for a job using a map which I always kept inside my pocket to guide for job interviews,” he said.

One month had passed and Tolentino hadn’t landed a job yet. His visit visa had already expired so he had to leave UAE to change his visa status in Kish Island in Iran. He was on the island for 45 days, trying to survive by shelling out AED15 every day to pitch in for their food with other Filipinos who were also waiting for their UAE visas.

There, he experienced fishing and cooking their food under a tree as he could not avail of a single hotel meal.

“Most of us were new in the UAE and waiting for the opportunity to return to the country and find a job,” he recalled.

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Tolentino, while still in Iran, accepted several interviews through international and overseas phone calls, and finally secured a job as a storekeeper.

“It was very challenging at first due to the language barrier and working for a long period of hours. I remember sleeping at delivery trucks several times because there was no available transportation to go back to my accommodation and I needed to catch the first trip of track that leaves very early,” he continued.

Two months after accepting the job, his father died after suffering from multiple strokes. Tolentino was not able to see his father for the very last time, not even visited him during his wake and funeral.

“During those difficult times, I learned to become stronger,” he added.

When asked about his advise to his fellow OFWs who are currently struggling, he said: “Always plan, be persistent and learn the passion to execute and be courageous in our decision. How often we reject and fail, we must continue to plan, execute, and move forward so should be in the right position when the opportunity comes.”

Kuwento ng Tagumpay

Currently, the supply chain professional holds a multiple job role as a business consultant, market insights officers for both organizations based in Ajman and Dubai and engaged with international business development and at the same time as operations manager for a retail company based in the Philippines, which is he is one of the co-founders. Dedicated and passionate about his jobs, the entrepreneur is also actively participating in various activities that benefit social development.

Gilbert Besario Tolentino

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Darbie Kim F Estrebilla

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The man behind viral videos that tackle relationship, self-love, and motivation in UAE

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arbie Kim Estrebilla is more than just a content creator behind the viral videos in the UAE that tackle relationships, self-love, and motivation. As a full-time content creator and a mentor, he helps aspiring vloggers, video content creators, and business owners who want to live a life on their own terms by generating a monetization structure around their passion or business by teaching them his proven steps of video content creation through Rtd Vlogging Academy and Rtd Creations.

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“I would love to think that in the current position I am in right now, I am very blessed.

Blessed to excel at my chosen field, blessed that it comes with very good pay, and blessed because I am also able to reach a lot of people and help them recover from heartbreak and depression,” he said, pertaining to his Facebook page Real Talk Darbs which has now over 1.1 million followers as of this writing.

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Estrebilla added that the feeling of fulfillment will not amount to any money and fame when he received a message from a follower who stopped planning on killing herself after watching one of his podcasts about self-love. “That feeling of fulfillment will not amount to any money and fame when I received that message. This is why I do this, everything else is just a bonus,” the Filipino entrepreneur said.

Life in Dubai The content creator arrived in the UAE in 2012 with only P2,000 in his pockets and a bag

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full of dreams. His first overseas job was as a customer service representative. After working as a customer service representative for three years, he rose through the ranks--promoted as a sales executive and eventually got promoted in the position of key accounts sales executive.

“I was in the corporate world for almost eight years and I’m glad I was able to escape the rate race. I am happy to be living a life on my own terms,” he said.

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While in Dubai, he also worked as an illusionist for various hotels in the emirate to earn extra cash. His hard-earned money was used to enroll himself in driving school.

The content creator said Dubai will always be his home, however, when asked about his plans after his overseas life, he said that he plans to have a base in Manila as well so whenever he has projects, he can fly back and forth wherever an opportunity presents.

When he was only starting his overseas journey, he recalled coming to a point when buying a AED20 biryani was his only choice after his entire monthly budget got ruined. He also remembers making sure to sleep before 8pm because he needed that much strength to go to his workplace.

“I remember being frustrated one time telling myself ‘3 years na ako dito, wala pa din akong ipon?’ But I kept the faith. Put my head down, worked for a couple of more years. I was patient. Looking back at it right now, with God’s love and guidance, I am happy I didn’t quit and went home. I cherish those struggles,” he said, adding that those experiences molded him to be the man he is today.

“My soul belongs to Dubai.” These, according to Estrebilla, were the words he uttered after arriving in Dubai last March after being in the Philippines for the last six

“Dubai reminds me how the world in terms of technology and opportunity. Honestly, with the work that I have now, it is way convenient to work in the Philippines because most of my followers are there but I told myself, I still have a lot of things to do here and so I decided to still make Dubai my home base,” Estrebilla added.

He advised his fellow Filipinos abroad to be optimistic and to keep on moving.

“Your current situation doesn’t define your entire future. It may seem like you are going nowhere now but trust me, be optimistic and keep moving. I’m not telling everyone to be “always positive” you can’t tell a drowning man “hey! Be positive, you’ll be ok!!” That’s insensitive. Instead, I advise you to be optimistic. Optimism, like knowing that you are in a dark tunnel, but you know that there is light at the end of it. That optimism that there’s light at the end of it, is what keeps you moving despite everything around you is dark. If you haven’t found the light yet, know that it’s still not the end. Reach the light, my friends. Godspeed!” he further added.

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Flordeliza Santos image credit: supplied

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f there is one thing that Flordeliza Santos wanted Filipinos abroad to know, it is that no matter how many hurdles they face in life, everything is possible. An elementary teacher in the Philippines, Santos encountered countless problems--her ex-husband left for another family, she was drowning in debt, and she has two children to raise. During those trying times, her firstborn was only five and her daughter was only two.

Santos recalled that she was literally penniless and whenever her salary came out, it will just go directly to her lenders and be left with a small amount that would not even suffice for a week. Oftentimes, she’d borrow up to P50 so she could buy powdered milk for her daughter.

With a piling debt, it was 2006 when she decided to loan another amount of money to work in UAE. Her children were under the care of her siblings. When asked about her reason for opting to work abroad, she said it was mainly because of a broken marriage and huge responsibility on her shoulder.

“I found a job as a receptionist with a

very low salary, almost just enough for my own expenses and a very little extra to send to the Philippines to settle loans and other expenses for my children. I have to do part-time jobs which are somehow allowed during those times, cleaning villas on my day-off and waiting table during Ramadan seasons after work,” she said.

At that point, Santos thought about how she would be able to conquer her problems and that she cannot forever be paying off her debt and just accept low-income jobs.

The first company where she worked was dealing with fire rating doors and during those times, they had trouble finding someone who could assist in the quality management system. Santos started reading and educating herself about it and a few months after, she volunteered to her superior to do the task in exchange for a small increment.

“He gave me the chance and thankfully, I was able to renew our certifications without facing many problems,” she said.

From that point, she started having an interest in the quality field and immersed herself in low-cost short courses. Santos then moved on as an assistant admin for a certification company where she learned more about standards, certifications, and conformity.

Currently, Santos is now a certified internal auditor for Integrated Management System for three standards, namely ISO

9001, ISO 45001, and ISO 14001. She is also a certified lead auditor for a management system for health and safety.

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Presently managing the Quality Department for an aluminum company based in Dubai Investment Park 1 as a quality and technical manager, her responsibilities include ensuring that their products under production and installation services at the site are as per the standards and specifications of the projects and their clients.

“I would like to inspire our fellow Filipinos that if they want to change the status of their lives, they have to persevere and they have to give extra efforts to be able to achieve what they want. Efforts and initiative are the backbones of all success.

For most of us, we must decide what we want, learn how to get there, and do everything until we finally reach what we are aiming for,” she added.

Helping fellow countrymen Between 2007 and 2009, Santos was part of the Filipino organization called Training and Opportunities for Pinoys Abroad (TROPA) which provides free and affordable short-term courses that help Filipinos develop their personal and professional careers.

Santos, a Muslim, has been organizing charitable activities every Ramadan since 2017.

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“I was alone in raising and supporting my children and what I am getting as an elementary teacher was not enough even to ensure my children were all well fed. There are piles of loans that and my ex-husband took before, which is over P1 million, which is under my name. There was no option but to leave,” she added.

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Left by husband, drowned in debt: Former receptionist now quality and technical manager

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t he g l ob a l filip ino s , the sto ry of o ur s ucces s

Rowena F Aggabao

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Filipina in UAE sets up business to assist people build their dreams

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or Rowena Aggabao, an entrepreneur based in Dubai, the key to success is to dream big, work hard, and stay focused. Aggabao, who has been leading an overseas life for more than a decade now, has adapted this formula until she became the co-owner and managing partner of A&R Partners Ltd. Through her company, she is able to work on something that she is completely passionate about which is helping people and assisting them in building their dreams. She admitted that it has always been a dream to be her own boss, and independent, and doing what she loves to do.

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“Sitting down, talking to budding entrepreneurs, understanding what they want to do, and being able to advise them to the suitable structure for them to achieve their desired activity is rewarding,” she said, noting that now that she is the boss of her own, she gets to have more time and for her family.

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Aggabao, who is also a mentor and author, has recently published her first e-book, ‘The 15 Lights Unto My Path’ via Kindle Publishing. Available now on Amazon globally, the book tackles life, love, family, death, joy, resilience, failure, success, and faith. “It is also my way of saying thank you to all the people who have helped me to be who I am today,” she said.

“It was not easy, it was a tough start actually but because of prayer, hard work, perseverance, and patience, the business is now good. There were so many challenges that we had to go through from the beginning and we were also hit by the pandemic but resilience kept us going. We are slowly reaping the fruits of our labor and we are looking into expansion as well this coming year,” she added.

Before finally taking the courage to set up her own company along with her husband, she has first worked as a trademark and intellectual property advisor in one of the intellectual property firms in Dubai. Aggabao recalled arriving in UAE in 2008, a time when there was an economic crisis, and looking for a decent job was a challenge. She said that she will be forever grateful to her first overseas employer for allowing her to spread her wings, and meeting her boss and mentor who until this day she looks up to with so much respect for his guidance and support. Working in the same company for almost three years, she handled the high-end luxury portfolios and gained knowledge and experience in the field of IP. As a person who has always been particularly fond of corporate law, when she was given a chance, she grabbed the opportunity to join a firm that provides trust and corporate services in the UAE and the MENA region. Rising through the ranks, Aggabao initially worked as an administrator, handling a particular portfolio before she was eventually promoted as the supervisor, and then became the manager of the international department handling company formation outside the country. “A rewarding part of the job is we have philanthropic programs if yearly targets are achieved wherein we visit deserving organizations and help a particular community,” she said, noting that the recipient countries since its inception were Philippines and Cambodia.

As a long-time Dubai resident, she said that the best thing about the emirate its cultural diversity with equal opportunity for everyone. “I admire how each and every person have the liberty to explore all possibilities to excel and be who they dreamed to

be. Personally, Dubai fulfilled many of my dreams in life and I will always be beyond grateful for this beautiful city and the UAE as a country,” she added.

Struggles in the beginning Like many overseas Filipino workers, Aggabao has also faced multiple struggles when she was only starting. She came to Dubai with no family, no friends, just her husband, and her brother-in-law. At that time, she recalled sharing the room with other fellow Filipinos, which was not something she was prepared to face, however, they had to endure it as they had to live with a tight budget.

“I had to take the bus while I was pregnant and I was alone in the delivery room when I gave birth.

No one was there to welcome me and my daughter except my husband,” she said. As a young couple and young family, they were only guided by their instincts with the absence of an adult to help and assist them. She silently endured a terrible postpartum depression because of the absence of maternal support.

As a working mom and wife, Aggabao said building a career and raising a child at the same time was difficult. “What kept me going was my husband who did his very best to make sure that we do and plan things together. We worked as a team to overcome all difficult situations better,” she further added.

When asked about her advice for fellow Filipinos abroad, Aggabao said that nothing happens overnight and it’s a series of long and painful struggles ‘so don’t let go of your dreams no matter how difficult the situation is because life is a journey.’

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