Camille Mahani Tagudin

How one Filipina’s faith and resilience helped her succeed abroad

Camille Mahani Tagudin, a 30-year-old mother and wife, made the difficult decision to work abroad to provide a better life for her family.

She secured a job as a Receptionist/ Personal Assistant at HiPhone Telecom in Dubai, where she has been working for four years and is about to renew her third contract.

Her mantra in life is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” which has helped her face various challenges she has encountered along the way.

Working as a PA has taught Camille many valuable lessons, from thinking outside the box to finding alternative solutions to problems.

“Working as a PA is a combination of fun and challenge,” Camille said.

“It is really challenging, but it is something so rewarding to see every result of your hard work,” she added.

When asked about her reason for working abroad, Camille explained that her main motivation was her family. Back in the Philippines, she only earned a minimum wage, and finding a job without a degree was a challenge.

“I am thankful that BPO companies are giving opportunities to people like me,” she said.

Before coming to Dubai, Camille worked as a call center agent in the Philippines. She also did side jobs selling preloved clothes and reselling delicacies to her colleagues to earn extra income.

Despite the challenges she faced, Camille enjoys working overseas because it has given her a stable monthly income and has taught her valuable life lessons.

Camille faced many struggles before settling in Dubai. She struggled financially, emotionally, and spiritually, but she remained strong and didn’t have the courage to open up to her family.

Looking back on the past four years, she learned that these struggles were lessons that made her stronger and better.

“I think at some point in our lives, we tend to forget to be thankful sometimes because we are not considering the ‘small things’ as a blessing,” she said.

“I am grateful to those people who understood me during my toughest times. Those who comforted me, encouraged me, and never got tired of calling me just to make sure I am okay,” she further added.

Camille’s current goal is to bring her child to Dubai, which she has been manifesting for a long time.

She also advises her fellow kabayans who are struggling abroad to be vocal and open about their struggles. She reminds them that it’s okay to talk about their problems and that it’s important to keep their circle small and be with people who motivate them in life. Camille also advises kabayans to be mindful of their finances and to prioritize their own needs because, at the end of the day, they are the only ones who can take care of themselves abroad.

Business venture overseas

Aside from her job as a Receptionist/ Personal Assistant, Camille also started selling Ilocos (Batac) Empanada, a famous Filipino delicacy.

She makes the empanadas by hand, starting from making the dough, preparing the grated papaya and monggo, until forming it into a halfmoon shape without breaking it.

Camille invested her time and effort in making these empanadas, from sleepless nights to waking up early and non-stop rolling to finish hundreds of orders. “All the hard work is worth it,” she said.

Despite the challenges she faced, she remained strong and focused on her goals. Her positive outlook on life, combined with her strong faith, has helped her overcome various obstacles along the way.

Balancing work, life, and faith: An OFW’s pursuit of success and purpose in the

In a world where success is often measured by material wealth, OFW-turned-entrepreneur Joanah Pusta Mozo stands as a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and the pursuit of a meaningful legacy.

Joanah, a native of Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay, is a mechanical engineer who made a name for herself in the UAE as an executive in facilities management. Now, she is a successful entrepreneur, spiritual leader, and role model for her fellow OFWs.

Having worked in the corporate world for 20 years, Joanah eventually decided to establish her own business, offering general trading, events, and consultancy services, as well as training for professionals in the UAE.

“For the past decade in building up a career in UAE from MEP Fit-out Design to Facilities Management, I have developed a system in costing FM tender projects, and this has become the primary offer of my training facility,” she shared.

Working abroad was never a part of Joanah’s original plan, but when her husband received a job offer in the UAE, the opportunity presented itself.

“It just came unexpectedly in 2007 when my husband was hired to work with one of the big Facilities Management companies in UAE,” she recalled.

“Working abroad was just an abrupt decision when the processing of my husband’s paper was completed fast and smooth since we didn’t have any plan of working away from the Philippines,” she added.

Overcoming challenges in a foreign land and a multicultural work environment, Joanah found joy in working with diverse nationalities and learning about their cultures.

“It has given me a different perspective, a scenario of ‘thinking outside the box’, so I can blend and work with them in this place,” she said.

Overcoming challenges and embracing faith

Despite her success, Joanah admits that time management has been her greatest struggle. Balancing her demanding business, family life, and other responsibilities require constant prioritization. Fortunately, Joanah’s supportive husband helps make the challenges bearable.

The couple also found solace in their faith, establishing a family church in Dubai called Jesus is Supreme Fellowship (JSF) to cater to the spiritual needs of their family and friends. Joanah serves as the Senior Administration Leader, overseeing the church’s programs.

As the current Vice PresidentExternal of the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers - UAE Chapter, Joanah is committed to serving her fellow Filipino professionals.

She was recently honored as one of the Top Engineers and Architects in the Middle East for 2023.

Looking towards the future, Joanah plans to return to the Philippines and invest in her community.

“Settling back and retiring in the Philippines have been our plan after working abroad as we did not envision migrating to other countries,” she said.

“Planting spiritual congregation and establishing businesses in our native place will be the priority coming home,” she added.

Joanah’s advice for fellow OFWs is to be wise, cautious, and faithful in all aspects of life. She encourages them to seek spiritual guidance, invest intelligently, and always remember the reasons why they chose to work abroad.

In reflecting on her journey, Joanah has come to appreciate the importance of balance in all areas of life, recognizing that without it, satisfaction and wholeness can never truly be achieved. Her story is an inspiring reminder of the power of resilience, faith, and determination in building a lasting legacy.