My early childhood was a typical middle-class environment around the late 90s. I have a strong bond with my parents, siblings and friends. They are my support system. My parents are typical citizens who work and get paid, just enough for us. I have witnessed all their sacrifices and struggles in order to provide and sustain all our needs. After all, I certainly knew at that young age that life was not easy as I thought.

Being exposed to these life situations made me motivated to finish my studies. I believe I had given my best during my school days to make my parents proud. I targeted to be in the top 10 every school year. In that way, I could get a medal as a reward gift for my parent’s hard work, though it was never a requirement for them.

During summer breaks, I usually plan something new for myself. Not to go for summer getaway, but instead making myself busy and productive. I got my first summer job at a fast-food chain when I was 16 years old, that was my first step towards gaining skills & experiences. I also enrolled in short courses during my college summer breaks like basic culinary from CATFABS Inc. Advance Food and Beverages Courses and Barista from Asian Touch International. They are tied up with TESDA where I got my National Certificate III.

I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from The Fisher College. After I graduated, I applied as a Supervisor to Suyen Corporation whose industry is known for fashion and clothing brands. After 6 months, I heard that they also ventured into the food industry and started to bring different Japanese restaurants in the Philippines.

I was notified by my immediate superior that she arranged an interview for me and the company’s VP together with other potential candidates. I felt excited, nervous and somehow intimidated as most of the candidates came from exclusive schools. I was 22 years old back then. A week later, fortunately I was the chosen one to handle the food brand and sent by the company to Singapore for an all-paid expense training for a month.

When the opportunity presented itself, I took it. That is when I realized not to underestimate myself and trust the process. That God will do mysterious ways more than what I could imagine.

As a young dreamer, my Singapore journey was short but full of challenges and unforgettable experiences. But building this brand was not never easy. But truly, hard work paid off. I was grateful enough to have good mentors behind me during those times of trials. I would like to say that I was quite fulfilled whenever I see the brand’s billboards or whenever it will be featured on TV, I always treated it like my own.

After several years of working in the Philippines, I then decided to test my fate. I dreamt of living and working abroad. I wanted to see life outside my comfort zone, explore opportunities, earn more for my family and to be with my ex-boyfriend who is now my husband.

I chose Dubai to be my second home. I have come to this place holding a visit visa for 3 months. The situation has brought about quite the challenge, especially from an employment perspective. I searched for jobs and hopped from one job to another which were all unrelated to my degree. However, being resilient to hard situations made me more eager to keep going because I believe there are opportunities in challenges.

I have worked into different administration and customer service-related jobs before I became a front office manager in a medical health care field. I enjoyed working, not just because of the opportunities but also of the people around me. They come from all walks of life, different nationalities and cultures. We greatly learned from each other’s differences, and it brought positive energies in my workplace and that experienced was incredible.

For those planning an expat move. Then, I would recommend Dubai. I know that not all applications are the same, but there is always a learning process. As an expat, I have learned to embrace and respect local’s culture and other nationalities’ traditions which is one of the most important character that one must have. Living in Dubai is expensive. It is essential that while you are working, you know how to manage your expenses and savings wisely. Financial management and discipline played an important role in the future.

Dubai has a lot to offer. It is all about the timings, it is all about you as a person on how you’ll cope, adjust and adapt to its beauty. Believe in yourself and the power of prayers is the greatest key.