The Global Filipino Magazine TGFM Issue 11 - March 2021

Despite 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 multi-company 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. 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…

Working abroad, for Claudio Corrales, is temporary. Though it is only short-term, 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.…

Passion, 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. 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…

While 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. 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. 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…

It 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.’ Villanueva said that at the end of the…

Marte 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. 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. 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…