M AY 2 0 2 2 | I S S U E 2 5
w w w . t h e g l ob a l fi l i p i n om a g a zi n e. c o m
Dexter Montero Serilla ‘Everything works towards a common purpose’: A former business consultant transforms into CEO- Founder
EDCEL LA ROSA CABALAN
Award-winning Filipino artist cements his place on the international arena
ALVIN E. NACASI
‘Do not be afraid to start over’: Shifting career from kitchen to medical field
CHRYSTEL ANNE CLASICAS
Overcoming self-doubt, Filipina fulfils dream as a fashion designer in Dubai
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T G F M TABLE OF CONTENTs EDITORIAL BOARD GABRIEL JOHN RIMANDO Publisher RYAN NAMIA Editor-in-Chief ANGELO DUMAG Associate Editor ORLI GAYETA Sales and Marketing Manager ELAINE MARBELLA JOEL LARA GENOVE DARSHANI NIMANTHI RAJAPAKSHA Sales and Marketing ALLAN CARAGAO Senior Graphic Designer JONATHAN DUMAS Multimedia Manager RAYMART PATULOT Distribution Manager QASSIM QUERESHI Distribution Officer
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The story of an Abu Dhabi-based Kabayan doctor’s healing ability - Dr. Ruth Diesto Firmalino
Growing up in UAE, young Filipino shares journey - Cedric Luigi Gabriel Padrinao Cristobal
Award-winning Filipino artist cements his place on the international arena - Edcel La Rosa Cabalan
Showing resiliency and optimism while working overseas for family’s future - Mary Joy Cariaga Dela Cruz
‘Everything works towards a common purpose’: A former business consultant transforms into CEO- Founder - Dexter Montero Serilla
‘Do not be afraid to start over’: Shifting career from kitchen to medical field - Alvin E. Nacasi
Overcoming self-doubt, Filipina fulfils dream as a fashion designer in Dubai - Chrystel Anne Clasicas
Finding inspiration in integrating music and business in USA - Miguel Juarez
Zumba dancing brings light to a marketing professional - Gerard Paolo Cordero
A floral designer and model turning positive social media impacts into reality - Ian Dela Peña
Dr. Ruth Diesto Firmalino The story of an Abu Dhabibased Kabayan doctor’s healing ability
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uth Diesto Firmalino, a doctor of Filipinos abroad, hails from the City of Smiles, Bacolod City in the Philippines. She is presently a general practitioner at Ibn Nafees Medical Center. She has lived in Abu Dhabi for 16 years and continues protecting and providing service for his fellow kababayans and other nationalities. She moved to the UAE in 2004. When she first came to the Emirates, she worked as a pediatrist. Her goal was to serve her compatriots truly. She chose to take the general medical examination. She worked at Al Ghazali Medical Center for five years before becoming the Medical Director of Emirates Filipino Medical Center from 2010 to 2016. She also worked at other prominent hospitals around the nation, including Ruwais Hospital, Seha Emirates Hospital, and Ibn Nafees Medical Center. As a medical doctor to her fellow Filipinos, she also instilled in her a feeling of urgency to meet their medical needs.
Gift of healing Dr. Ruth’s international voyage was inspired by her children’s goals and the surroundings she had previously known. She will never forget the moment she was still starting her solo practice in Bacolod City on the top of Negros Grace Pharmacy. She had a patient who came in for a check-up with his child, and she was troubled since the parent did not have the money to purchase the prescription she recommended. “Having circumstances like these saddens me. I refunded his consultation fee money so he could get the medication. Then I wondered how I could earn enough money to send my daughter and other children to medical school if most of my patients are like this. That’s when I decided to try working overseas,” Dr. Ruth explained. Her employment makes her happy and delighted every time she meets patients who express their thanks for her assistance. She claims that she loves all her patients, regardless of their background. As a Filipino doctor, her touch, good actions, and encouraging words are more than adequate to treat the ill body and mind.
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“Having the freedom to run brings me delight, as does the opportunity to give back to our kababayans. We consult individuals without insurance based on their ability to pay, provide free medical treatments and supplies to our wards, and hold health lectures for various community organizations. That, I believe, is what distinguishes.”
“I believe that individuals get ill due to imbalances in many parts of life or self-abuse.
T G F M I’m here to remind everyone to refocus. “My goal is to make people aware of the activities causing them to become ill so that they may avoid them,” she explained. “I often urge my children who desire to be physicians to beg God for the gift of healing constantly. Although most physicians know how to cure, the healing is always from God. We’re just instruments,” she continued. Hero away from home After the Philippines, Abu Dhabi became her second home, and she grew to adore it since she felt as if she were still in Bacolod City. Although it was tough for her to begin, the city eventually came to love her back. When questioned about her early problems, she told Global Filipino Magazine, “I mainly feel alone when I attend conferences, eat after seminar meals, or go on corporatesponsored activities. Nonetheless, I find the local community incredibly pleasant, and you quickly feel like you belong.” “Working at a private firm, on the other hand, requires me to pay for my own house, my children’s schooling, and other family necessities such as flights, travel, amusement, and other sports. Living abroad is costly,” she added. Her ambition, she stated, is to open her medical center in Abu Dhabi. It will be a destination where visitors may feel the touch of Filipino doctors who have been shaped and ripened by Filipino values and culture.
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Cedric Luigi Gabriel Padrinao Cristobal Growing up in UAE, young Filipino shares journey
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here are many reasons to live and work in the UAE. From its extremely diverse and lively social life, some expatriates move to the region for its modern accommodation and medical facilities, excellent private schools, and highly developed infrastructures. These are just some factors why Cedric Luigi Gabriel Padrinao Cristobal’s parents moved to the UAE several years ago. Born and raised in the UAE, Cedric finished his studies in the country and found his first job. Currently, the 24-year-old Filipino is working as the Marketing and CRM Executive for Middle East Economic Digest (MEED), primarily identifying relevant prospects in the global database and creating and monitoring contact strategies for all the MEED marketing and sales department, among others. The Philippines, for him, felt like the city of Atlantis since he only sees it in images and books. Working in a diverse environment He took a part-time job during his third-year high school summer break. It was his first taste of work and salary. He was a graphic designer for his friend’s advertising company. At a young age, he was already serving Adidas, Rebook, and other known sportswear brands. However, his time there only lasted a month or so. Cedric’s second freelance work lasted for four months--he was a sales and marketing specialist for another marketing and advertising agency during college. It was where he was exposed to different types of people as he met with owners of start-up restaurants.
His early exposure to these businesses paved the way to work full-time as a marketing executive for Al Tannan, where he gained most of his skills and experience. There, he handled a brand called ‘The Little Things’. “I was perfect for the role, as the nature of the brand revolves around anime, pop culture, comics, gaming and community,” he said. In his present work, Cedric said he is lucky to be part of it as it’s focused on work-life balance. “As I just joined the company, I have been enjoying my time learning new things that I know will be major factors in my career growth. I also enjoy adjusting to their processes and their approach on work related things,” he added. Meanwhile, his life after work revolves around his family and friends. “After a long journey home to Sharjah, nothing betas work stress than seeing your family waiting for you to get home and spend time with,” he said. On weekends, Cedric serves as part of the music team in their church. A piece of advice from one OFW to another The young OFW asserted that there is no harm in rewarding oneself; however, according to him, one should know the limit. “Do not be blinded by the luxurious lifestyle in Dubai, do not go chasing the latest trends, gadgets, or fancy go-to places,” he said.
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Edcel La Rosa Cabalan Award-winning Filipino artist cements his place on the international arena
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dcel La Rosa Cabalan, Ani ng Dangal Awardee in the Visual Arts Category, is an architect based in Dubai who has engaged in the art sector for many years. His passion for the arts aided him in pursuing his current career in architecture. Aside from architecture, he has also invested in photography and has been acknowledged by local and international photographic societies. An art enthusiast like him has expanded his interest in watercolour painting, allowing him to go further into the arts and blend traditional craft with modern architecture. He also stands out as the first Filipino to have collaborated on artwork with the awardwinning Dubai Art Gallery. The Philippine National Commission for Culture and the Arts has recognized her in Ani ng Dangal 2022. This award-giving group acknowledges artists who have received international recognition while representing their country in the international arts arena. According to Edcel, he worked overseas essentially to aid her family and bring out the best in himself as he honed her abilities and discovered them on international stages.
He is a certified architect in the Philippines and has worked in designs and construction. She has a firm that designs and supervises diverse and medium-sized structures. “I was also interested in politics back then, when I was once Chairman of the Sangguniang Kabataan in our town, in addition to being an architect,” he states. “I do enjoy my work as an Architect since this is the path where I used to dream since my childhood. Before, I was exposed to construction activities and had an eagerness for the architecture and engineering fields,” she added. Overseas life According to him, his overseas trip allows him to expand his ideas in the design industry and inspires him to do more and learn new things that will help him enhance his artistic ability. When he landed in Dubai, the first challenge he faced was homesickness and assimilating to the culture.
Life at work
“I remember my parents telling me that not everything would fall into place as long as you keep driving and believing in yourself,” Edcel remarked.
Edcel has been working as an architect overseas for 15 years. The pinnacle of his career came when he began painting and photographing, for which he gained several awards from various local and international organisations.
When questioned about his goals after working overseas, he told Global Filipino Magazine that, in addition to developing his future flats and condo for rent company, he hopes to construct an Art Café where he may also work.
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Mary Joy Cariaga Dela Cruz Showing resiliency and optimism while working overseas for family’s future
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ore than a decade ago, Mary Joy Cariaga Dela Cruz started something new by venturing an overseas journey. As an optimist person, she trusted the magic of new beginnings. New beginnings that brought her hope for something great. A graduate of a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at the University of La Salette in the Philippines, her first job in the UAE was as a sales attendant at a children’s recreational centre. Since it wasn’t related to the course she had taken during college; she moved to another company after a year. Working in the country for a long time now, Mary Joy has eight years of experience as a secretary, three years in the construction industry, and five in the field of real estate. Her experience working in various industries increased her potential and technical skills. “Working with different nationalities is a challenging but enjoyable experience. You gain friends and learn about their cultures,” she said.
Presently, Mary Joy works as a document controller in a landscaping company in Abu Dhabi. Working in the company allows her to gain more knowledge about architectural works, simple engineering terms, and fieldwork, among others. Recently, Mary Joy took a Caregiving course at a training centre in the capital to acquire new knowledge that she can use in the future. “It has always been a dream to work in a European country, so I took the Caregiving course. I am willing to work as a caregiver for my son’s future. I want to take them to Europe so they can experience how it feels to live overseas,” she added. Mary Joy advised her fellow Filipinos overseas, especially those who work with different nationalities, to be strong. “You must accept the challenges and obstacles and always be strong. Homesickness is the hardest experience, but technologies will always help us be with them every day,” she added.
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Dexter Montero Serilla ‘Everything works towards a common purpose’: A former business consultant transforms into CEO- Founder
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is ambition to succeed in life has a significant influence on his surroundings. Dexter Montero Serilla, DNC Group of Companies’ CEO and Founder, oversees four business segments: recruiting, consulting, advertising, and events. This excellent man landed in Dubai in 2015. His first job interview took place in the World Trade Center, and he was keen to find work. Like all other hopefuls at the time, he had to wait in line for an interview. Dexter’s experiences in making his book of travel in the UAE, like any other employee, began at the bottom and progressed to the top. The ups and downs in his life serve as motivators for him to try new things and trust God to know what is best for him. God, he says, would never crumple us, but he will provide a way for us to be in our most significant position. His mother was the primary reason he traveled overseas. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree,
he never spent time saying no to any chance that came his way. Start-up in Dubai His job experience in Dubai taught him to be self-assured and trust his instincts. When he arrived in Dubai, he continued to look for jobs online until he was offered the opportunity to be interviewed at Al Futtaim as a store manager in one of their apparel stores. At the same time, he was questioned by a private consulting firm. “At that time, I just prayed to the Lord and told Him that whoever called me and allowed me to work with them, I would give it my all and do my best to be an asset to the organization. And the most exciting part was that after a few days of looking and waiting for a call back from these companies, no one was calling me back as promised, so that night, I felt down and demotivated, so I prayed to the Lord before I went to bed that night and said: Lord, I trust you. You know what’s best for me, and I all lift it in your name.” After many hours of sleep, he got outdoors
and decided to stop by the church to pray. He received a call from the consultant agency and the Al Futtaim company as he exited the church, and they immediately urged him to begin working with them. That was a surprising moment for him because all of his prayers had been fulfilled. He opted to join the consulting firm, and after a year, he was named Top Consultant of the Year in 2016. He was also promoted to manager. Unfortunately, as his contract is ready to expire, he decides not to extend it with the same firm. Instead, he seeks another career that would complement his previous experiences. He did not extend his contract since he was looking for a job with someone he trusted at the moment. One day, a person informed him that he had the potential because of his talents and remarkable thinking and provided a recommendation to construct a company plan that he may sell to other business-minded individuals. Since then, his thoughts and notions have been astounding.
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CEO and Founder’s journey He began his CEO career by sharpening his skills in Dubai. He began working in Dubai, which is directly relevant to what he completed as part of his Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing Management. “As the company’s Founder and CEO, I love most seeing my employees happy, well-paid, and comfortable with their work, especially when I see them buying luxury items and providing well for their families back home. It makes me glad since they can satisfy their particular requirements and goals thanks to our firm, “Dexter said. He chose to remain in Dubai mainly for the sake of his family. He also thought of Dubai as a second home. Dubai appeals to her because of the opportunities and security it provides. Establishing his firm does not happen overnight. He faced several hurdles along the road, including family troubles, work-related issues, and pandemic crises. He said, “I overcame this with the Lord’s assistance. I’m not frightened of whatever obstacles I encounter from now till the end because I know God is with me and that my faith will be there no matter what.” He envisions himself assisting more individuals in finding suitable employment and businesses five years from now. He also intends to go throughout the world on charity and humanitarian missions.
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Alvin E. Nacasi ‘Do not be afraid to start over’: Shifting career from kitchen to medical field
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tarting over is trying more knowledge, strength, and power than you had before--this is the same thing that Alvin E. Nacasi does whenever he makes mistakes. He said that starting over does not equate with starting from scratch. “This time, you’re starting from experience,” he said. When he arrived in the UAE in 2019, he worked as a pastry chef and became a cake artist after a year. His previous work in the confectionery field was backed by four years of experience as a pastry chef in the Philippines. Living with his family in the capital, he said that the place offers a plethora of opportunities for expatriates like him. Changing career path Alvin enrolled in a medical coding course to stretch and broaden the best options in his career to live a life with purpose, especially when the pandemic hit. “I have this realization how working in the medical field is really crucial this time. I want to help, I want to contribute something, especially in the health sector. But the road is really never easy,” he said. “It took a lot of hardwork, sleepless nights studying, reading, as well as spending on your materials and resources in studies. There’s so many sacrifices to make in this career-shifting like literally time, money, and efforts,” he further added.
The 32-year-old OFW said that shifting careers was never easy, especially with his case--from the kitchen to the medical field. “This is really a bold move for me since I really don’t have any background in medical things like anatomy, terminologies, and so on. I want to sync with what my wife is doing, which is also in the healthcare sector,” he said. Alvin said that passing the medical coding examinations recently was not easy as one needs to understand the coding process and its guidelines. He advised his fellow kabayan who are struggling overseas not to give up. “Keep flighting for what you believe in. Always remember why you are here abroad to keep yourself on track. Keep that fire burning, don’t lose it. It’s about commitment and hard work,” he said. Alvin added that the first step is always the most challenging part of achieving a successful story. “So, don’t be afraid to chase your dreams. Make changes if necessary, like what I did in my career, I shifted. Sometimes you need to change something to find out what you really want in life. You cannot figure it out until you take risks of trying new things that might open new possibilities in your life,” he further added.
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Chrystel Anne Clasicas Overcoming self-doubt, Filipina fulfils dream as a fashion designer in Dubai
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aised in a traditional Filipino household where having a creative career was unheard of, Chrystel Anne Clasicas made her way and took risks to start her label--Chrystel Anne Fashion. It was in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic that she realized her dreams. However, building her label didn’t take one night only. At a young age, Chrystel was already very interested in designing and sewing because of the influence of her late aunt. Her family encouraged her to study business instead of fashion as it was more stable. Following her family’s advice, she worked in a finance and risk company after finishing college. In 2019, the Filipina, born and raised in Dubai, won a full scholarship to study fashion design from Virgin Radio. During her time as a student, she was given opportunities to create gowns and dresses for her college and friends who believed in her skills. Unfortunately, she lost her scholarship when the college closed down, which led her to take the risk of starting her label in the middle of the pandemic because she wanted to create again. From selling silk masks at the height of the pandemic, Chrystel started designing a madeto-order collection when protocols for events were eased in Dubai. Her first collection was heavily inspired by traditional clothes that have been modernized that fit for everyday use.
Her collaboration with influential Filipino creatives in Dubai led to recognition abroad where she showcased her first collection as an emerging designer at the New York Fashion Week in 2021. Since then, the support from the fashion industry and many other individuals has led her to the success her brand has today. Not too long ago, Chrystel walked off from her 9 am to 5 pm work to pursue her dreams in the industry full-time. “The journey I face over the several years were not easy but with the support of friends and family I am here today,” the third generation OFW in Dubai said. When asked about what she enjoys about what she’s doing, the 26-year-old fashion designer said she enjoys the creative process of designing--from finding inspiration around her to seeing the outcome of the design. “It’s the best feeling!” she added. Although she initially struggled with her parents’ support when she was younger, now she looks back at it and realizes that they were just looking out for her future. She also faced many self-doubts in the beginning because she didn’t know if she was doing the right thing by taking many risks. However, she knew it was what she had always wanted to do. To overcome these feelings, she surrounded herself with friends and family who saw past that and made her start to believe in herself again, which she is very grateful for.
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Miguel Juarez Finding inspiration in integrating music and business in USA
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ilipinos are among the world’s top musicians, singers, and songwriters. Many of our kabayans are achieving international success in the music industry, like Miguel Juarez, a Filipino guitarist, and composer living in the USA. He began his professional music career in 2004 and currently resides in Columbus, Georgia, with his wife and five children. Miguel was born in Los Angeles, raised in the Philippines, and served in the United States Army. Now, he is a business owner of Miguel Juarez Music, LLC and a full-time musician. Playing music for him brings him to life and happiness. Every time he hears music, he feels satisfied, and it appears that his universe revolves around notes and rhythm. He decided to leave the Philippines to pursue music in Los Angeles, California. Unfortunately, the competition was fierce, and he claimed he lacked the work ethic and aptitude to sell himself properly. This lad worked as a Tagalog linguist and translator, as well as in other professions and part-time in music. “I founded Miguel Juarez Music, LLC in 2019. I had always intended to return to the Philippines, but I met my wife and now have a wonderful family here. “I still go there and fantasize of retiring there eventually,” he continued. Music makes him happy and contented as a musician. His passion for music significantly
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influences individuals who hear his rhythm and notes. “I often claim I perform music for free, but I get paid to transport and put up equipment. To achieve the most significant results, I strive to incorporate the work principles and abilities I learned from all of my employment into my music. All of these encounters make me appreciative and extremely privileged to be able to do what I do,” Miguel shared. When questioned about his preferences for working overseas, he told Global Filipino Magazine that the variety of situations and people he met taught him a lot about the world and himself. He also stated that doors and opportunities that one could never have envisaged open in the most unexpected ways. It may also help someone appreciate culture, tradition, and all the familiar pleasures of home. Out of key turns beautifully His first job after arriving in Los Angeles and striving to earn a living as a musician was selling high-quality kitchen knives door to door. He entered the US Army as a Combat Medic and then went to work for a home health staffing firm, where he marketed Ledger Inquirer newspaper subscriptions. Miguel created a candy box company and his home staffing service, but both failed. He eventually worked as a music shop clerk and as a Tagalog linguist and interpreter in Qatar and the United States.
“Most of my difficult challenges were selfdoubt, loneliness, and physical discomfort. While serving in the United States Army, I was diagnosed and treated for various mental and physical health concerns,” Miguel revealed. He also stated that adapting to the toughness required to withstand the training was difficult for him during his time in the military. Faith is his primary source of salvation. His loved ones are right there with him. “My family and friends have always accepted and supported my decisions. I consider myself quite fortunate to have met them.” Rhythm and Blues of life Miguel’s plans include continuing to live and love life with his wife and children until they are all grown and ready to live independently. Miguel stated that he would try his best to provide their children with the best possible lives, balancing faith, health, happiness, compassion, and responsibility. “I will continue to produce the greatest music I can and share it with the world and the individuals who have been so kind to me.” Perhaps one day we’ll all be able to retire in the Philippines,” he says. Finally, he encourages people to trust God’s purpose throughout the process. Every day, discover joy and tranquility. And take that brave step.
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Gerard Paolo Cordero Zumba dancing brings light to a marketing professional
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erard Paolo Cordero, 34, is a licensed Zumba instructor and event planner. This outgoing individual enjoys learning and exploring new things in various fields and sectors. He is a self-assured individual who is not scared of life’s hardships. Gerard and his family came to Abu Dhabi in 2006. His first employment was in marketing for a printing firm. This chance provided him with several opportunities to learn new skills and talents. As a guy with ambitions, he tried his luck overseas to earn more money while remaining close to his family. He expected traveling to another nation to be difficult, but it was not. “Previously, I worked as a marketing professional at firms such as Pinoy Big Brother and Chebogz Restaurant in Abu Dhabi.” “After many years, I concentrated on being an event organizer and Zumba instructor since I saw more prospects in this industry,” he explained. Working as a Zumba teacher Health is essential to him, and one of his aims is to assist individuals in becoming more health-conscious and fit. He wanted to be a full-time Zumba instructor because he believed it was his calling.
become much stronger through the fitness dance like Zumba. Many people believe that Zumba fitness is merely a video on the internet. Still, Zumba is a corporation, and as a Licensed Zumba Teacher, the company provided each instructor with the exact music and choreography I needed to teach everyone.” He ultimately learned the way of life, customs, and even how people behave toward each other while living and working in Abu Dhabi for many years. In terms of work, nothing will happen if a person does not work. Discipline in all areas is vital while growing up in an expat nation like the UAE. Gerard stated that he does not face many difficulties since all hardships are transformed into grandeur when a person welcomes God into their life. Since that Gerard is an ambitious person, he has many plans. He aspires to open his own flower business. One of his ambitions is to start a flower shop. He also wishes to improve his performance in other activities associated with health and fitness. Finally, he advises his fellow kababayans always to love one another and that everything has a cause. Just be patient, and everything will fall into place.
He said, “I know I am helping everyone to
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Ian Dela Peña A floral designer and model turning positive social media impacts into reality
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an Recuerdo De la Peña is a professional florist at The White Boutique, one of Dubai’s most well-known flower shops. He is now working for four years in Dubai. Aside from being a florist, Ian is a social media influencer with a large following across several platforms. This 28-year-old talented guy has spent his life honing his craft in numerous industries and is now making a reputation for himself in the flower sector in Dubai. His daily existence centers around being distinctive and creative. His job is not like other people’s jobs since, for him, every day is a new day filled with gorgeous and fresh flowers. From childhood till today, as a young adult, his life has been built on compassion. This shy yet wise man is a role model for many, particularly young people. Being a champion of positivism on social media, in his opinion, has a significant impact on everyone. Blooming season Aside from being a full-time florist, Ian works with numerous businesses and corporations to generate content and become a model or brand ambassador through various social media channels. “I visited Dubai as a tourist in April 2017. In less than a month, I got recruited at one of Dubai’s most well-known flower shops. After three years, I transferred to another firm, but I was among the new hires who were let go owing to the Covid 19 epidemic. I was jobless at the time, and then TikTok came along,” Ian explained. He said he was startled when one of his videos became viral and received one million views. It is astonishing to him since he did not anticipate a 15-second video to have such an impact on the viewers. After a while, a popular Philippine magazine show, Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho, portrayed him as a look-alike of the Phenomenal Star of Philippine Cinema, Alden Richards. Ian’s inbox was inundated with congratulations from then on. “I also received numerous followers and friend requests on social media. It’s surreal to realize that your goal is becoming a reality, “ Ian said.
made him consider ending his life. But, thanks to the power of prayer and faith in his doctor, everything turned out well.
Despite his luck in social media, he continued to work overseas because he thought there were more options and that he could show his skills more than if he stayed in the Philippines.
Even though his battle significantly influenced his life, he remains solid and fights to regain his confidence. He claims that one of his keys to overcoming adversity is to accept God’s plan for him.
“I enjoy my job at the flower store because I get to use my artistic talents, and I’m planning to combine the floristry stuff into my social media to offer fresh material,” he added.
He wants to return to the Philippines after working abroad to continue his campaigning on social media and positively influence all of his followers rather than wow them.
Opportunities and challenges
Finally, he told people concerned about their future, “Always remember that as long as we have God with us, we shall endure whatever comes.”
Ian said that one of his issues was a facial allergy, which caused him anguish and even
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