The Global Filipino Magazine TGFM Issue 16 - August 2021

A native of Calbayog City, Samar, Dr. Arturo “Arthur” C. Basbas is the fourth child out of six siblings of a mediocre family. Through the CKSP-ISKO scholarship program of the City Arts & Culture Office in Calbayog City, he was able to complete his degree, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. To further broaden his knowledge and skills, he pursued advanced studies so he could move ahead in the field, so he finished his Master of Arts in Education major in Educational Management, and after 14 years of hard work, he was deeply thankful to have upgraded himself with a Doctor of Philosophy degree that befits his passion for a better future. “Though the road to my Ph.D. was steep and perilously winding, but the challenge was profound as it…

Irene Datulayte Bustamante has been living in the UAE for nearly 10 years now. Her very first work here was handling Ajman perfumes for three years. And then worked in Coty distribution under the Chalhoub Group and proceeded to be a beauty advisor, handling high-quality brands for make-up inside a pharmacy and lifestyle centrepoint. Like many Filipinos overseas, the main reasons why she opted abroad are to help her family, relatives, and to reach her dreams. “As an independent woman, I want to see myself, where I will reach a few years from now, and what I can do without depending on anyone,” Bustamante, who is also a model, said. Dubai, for her, is a guarded and safe environment. She said that residents are respectful, disciplined regardless of their nationality.…

Ma. Luisa Barruga came in the UAE in 2010. Being the eldest in the family, she felt like it was her responsibility to help her mother with their financial needs. At that time, she recalled her father was sick and needed medical assistance. With a goal to find a way to give her family a better life, she applied for any job in Abu Dhabi, “These were struggling times since money was limited, not many familiar faces and worries of my father’s health condition,” she said, adding that luckily she landed a job in a health club in Al Bateen as a receptionist and a waitress at the same time. After obtaining all the legal documents for her residence visa, unfortunate news shook her world--her father died. She said that…

Before coming to Dubai, Jamila Kristine Al Shayeb was a subject matter expert (SME) call centre agent back in the Philippines for about four years. And just like almost every else out there, he ventured abroad to provide a better livelihood to her families and loved ones, given that there are better opportunities and salary rates overseas compared to the Philippines. Al Shayeb came to Dubai in 2016 and started her career as a team member in a known coffee shop and restaurant in Dubai International Airport Terminal 1 that has originated in the United Kingdom. During her first year, she was recognized as one of the employees of the month and was promoted as a hot food chef in her second year working in the coffee shop. Two years…

Born and raised in Pagbilao, Quezon with six siblings, Jelmar Aragon Orig is described as a bubbly person who is usually seen with a happy crowd. He is also an art lover, international professional make-up artist, beauty director, choreographer, and an emerging vlogger in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Currently, Orig, who has been living overseas for the last 13 years, is assigned to Al Bilad Catalyst Company in Jubail Industrial City as an executive secretary. In his free time, he is also a professional hair and make-up artist and beauty director for Studio Twelve Magazine and Cool Philippines Magazine, doing fun and fashion and photoshoots. The Filipino make-up artist is also an active member and officer of the Filipino Community organization in the Eastern Region of the Kingdom, extending…

‘Do good things and good things will come to you. Mindset is everything.’ Cherry Leay Maliwanag-Sumugat uses this mantra to remind herself that there are many things in this world that are beyond her control, but one thing that is always in her control is her mind. Working as a client support international team manager for NTT DATA, a digital business and IT services leader for the past 14 years, her role involves change and project management and she has been associated with many complex projects. Her ability to deal with ambiguity, being confident and curious have been key to her success. Through this work, she has been able to leverage her strong skills in being an influencer, and her communication and facilitation skills, business acumen coupled with her analytical…