Illustrado Magazine – Filipino Abroad

Tag: It’s What I Do

It’s What I Do: Maynard Portugal, Russelito Borela Sanchez

MAYNARD PORTUGAL

Country/Area Director of Filinvest International

Dubai, UAE

My Job

I am now on my 4th year here in Dubai as the Country/Area Director of Filinvest International, an International arm of Filinvest Land Incorporated, one of the largest real estate developers in the Philippines. I started my real estate career in Milan, Italy when we launched Filinvest International in 2007. Before working here in Dubai, I was assigned to different areas in Europe like Rome, Paris, Benelux, Austria, UK, Monaco, Denmark, Sweden, & Switzerland. My function is to promote the projects of Filinvest Land Inc in the Philippines and to teach all our kababayans about real estate property investments before going back to the Philippines for good. I also handle recruitment for real estate agents and brokers who want to earn extra in their extra time or while doing their permanent jobs. I also train people who wants to reach the top of the ladder and become one of our managers.

My Typical Working Day

I consider myself as a typical OFW here in Dubai. Like any Filipino expat, my daily routine is going to office and attending my teams’ need. Since I have a big group now here in Dubai, I have developed 5 managers already, so I always see to it that all of them are doing well in the field of sales. Sometimes, I work out of the office to meet potential brokers and investors, which consumes a lot of time.

My message to my fellow Filipinos

Be the best that you can be, stay humble and constantly have the passion and love for your work.

RUSSELITO BORELA SANCHEZ

Beverage Consultant-Fresh Express LLC

Dubai, UAE

My Work

I’m working with Fresh Express LLC, UAE`s market leader and the most prominent trusted beverage solution provider for five star hotels, cafes, dinners, fine dining and different segments. I have multiple job functions which includes tailored beverage menu engineering, molecular mixology training, beverage workshop, mixology & flair competition and master classes for international brands and clientele for both local and abroad. I also conduct bartending schematic programs at the emirate academy of hospitality management and The Filipino institute.

My Typical Working Day

I usually arrive at work before 8AM. A typical day for me begins with an hour or so
checking emails, engineering beverage me nus, and reviewing the schedule of the day before meeting with clients, then it is followed by meetings, workshops, brand activations, etc. Most often, my days are spent consulting with or presenting to clients – either developing a menu or proposing a new strategy. Every once in a while, I have to allot a bit of time in the evening to visit some of our clients on their establishments, just to see how things are running.

My message to my fellow Filipinos

A lot of people say, “Follow your dreams.” I think successful people don’t actually do that. Instead they fall in love with what they’re doing, which is much more important. You’ve got to find what you love. Your work is going to fill a huge part of your life, and the only way to be truly happy is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking.

June 14, 2017
It’s What I Do: Josephine Cuthbert and Nelson Edward

JOSEPHINE CUTHBERT

Vice President of Administration & Affairs
EMIRATES CULINARY GUILD

Dubai, UAE

My Job:

My role, which is pivotal to the success of the guild, is extremely diverse. It’s not only about communications and maintaining databases but also handling competitions, sponsorship agreements and recording. I manage solely the entire registration process of over 1200 competitors for the guild’s largest event – the Emirates Salon Culinaire. I am also in-charge of managing schedules, the arrangements with judging panels, transport and finances, tabulating the winning results down to medal preparation and certificate printing. Where other culinary associations work with a dedicated events company, I handle this task single handedly. As a non-profit organization, where corporate sponsorship is key, I also manage sponsorships, as well as provisions for clients at the monthly meetings where I am the Chief Scribe providing members updates and fielding questions about upcoming events. It’s a robust job that is challenging, as I deal with various nationalities and management levels across the globe.

A day in my life:

Since I work from home, I start my days with breakfast whilst going through emails and checking urgent messages that need attention. I deal with a lot of these, so my mornings are usually filled by this task for the guild. One of the things that I enjoy the most in my job is meeting different people from around the globe when we have culinary events. Receiving congratulatory messages for me and my team from international judges is quite exhilarating, as well as always being invited onstage at the grand awards ceremonies to be recognized for a job well done.

Career advice:

In this competent world, always try to upgrade your knowledge, so you can enhance your skills at work. Always take with you, patience and tolerance, hard work, perseverance, purpose, and belief in yourself. Most of all, love your job and it will love you back.

NELSON EDWARD

Manager- System Networks and Communications Department,
System Solutions and Communications Division

PANASONIC MARKETING ME & AFRICA

Dubai, UAE

My Job:

I wear many hats at work. First of all, I make sure that my subordinates achieve their respective targets across Middle East and Africa. As Marketing Manager I ensure that our line-ups are up to the current market requirement and demands, not only in price but also in features. This includes promotions, strategic planning, analysis, and etc. My job entails a lot of travelling – an average of 2.5 times a month, to visit markets for product presentations, trainings and meetings. Taking regular travel as an opportunity, I also make sure I have fun, meet new friends, learn about different cultures, and of course, bring home some souvenirs from my trip.

I started in Panasonic as coordinator and one of the most remarkable things that happened to me is that I have been able to build trust with my team and top management, including HQ in Japan.

A day in my life:

My days are challenging and full of continuous learning and fun. My team is very diverse (Filipino, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Moroccan), so I have to be very tactful in my approach with each unique cultures. Shouting is definitely not in the list of my things to do with my team, since I believe there is always a solution for every difficulty no matter the challenge.

Career advice:

Do not give up your dreams. We should be flexible in adapting to new challenges and changes. Mistakes happen but we should convert them into “lessons learned.” We should make good reason to love our job, so that we do not need to work in our life.

Find more Money, Business and Law articles on Illustrado Life here.

May 29, 2017
It’s What I Do: Kareen Javen-Vanguardia

Kareen Javen-Vanguardia

Architect

My Job

I arrived in Dubai on the day after my 26th birthday. It was my first trip outside the Philippines and so far the longest 9 hours inside an airplane. I am a registered and licensed Architect and a very young one, then. I left with both excitement and anxiety. I was turning my back on a developing career in Architecture and Project Management. I was already an Associate at 24 in a small design firm. I shifted to Project Management at 25 and worked with a team in a multi-million-renovation project of a 5-star hotel in Cebu. But the prospect of earning five times my salary should I decide to work in Dubai then, made the decision much less complicated.

My Company

I work in a Design Studio with a team of architects and designers. Our company is an international multi-disciplinary design consultancy for Architecture and Engineering. I have been in the same company for the last ten years. Our projects range from residential, commercial, hospitality and mixed-use developments located in and outside the UAE. I was involved in some note-worthy projects such as The City Walk Residential Blocks and Saadiyat Beach Club and Centro Hotel by Rotana to name a few. Some projects would last for a year or more while others take less. So even if I have been with the same company for a long time, I always find new adventures when new projects are assigned to us. A typical day in a life of a Technical Architect is consumed mostly in front of a computer. As such, my main goal at work is to communicate and document architectural design thru drawings of a specific building for client presentation, design coordination, statutory approvals, tender documentation and construction. My hands are always busy “drawing”, computing areas for design programs and helping-out in visual presentations, reports and coordinating project matters with other players within and outside our office. In a collaborative work environment, leadership and teamwork is quite important and I can be the leader when needed or a team member.

My Journey, Thus Far

Looking back, the invitation to work in my current company was an answered prayer. It was basically my ticket to Dubai. My college friend gave the lead and passed my CV to her boss. The job opportunity was for a technical team of draftsmen and detailers using computer applications. I was more inclined to do design and project management before. At first, I was a bit reluctant of my role in the office. But this job abroad trained my eye for details and exposed me to the more technical side of Architecture. After a year, I was promoted to become a Senior Architectural Technician. Fast forward to date, my business card bears the word “Architect” under my name. Indeed, the field of Architecture has many niches. And no work behind the scene is trivial. It took me a while to prove that I can work hand-in-hand with nationalities that have more sophisticated knowledge in this field.

The trend of Filipinos being forced to work abroad for economic reasons seems to go on a steady rise. But many are disillusioned to find out that being an OFW is not as easy as what it seems. It is not for the faint-of-heart to begin with. So it is important to weigh your options well and assess yourself before deciding to leave. On the contrary, living abroad on your own can also sharpen you as a person. And there are many OFWs, who actually succeeded in their own field and found recognition abroad. Most of our fellow Filipinos are dreaming to find greener pastures outside the Philippines. Many of us have our own reasons for leaving. OFWs like me, on the other hand, are dreaming to finally go home to our beloved country some day. And no matter how long and how far we’ve come to, the sentiment is still the same. There’s no place like home.

View her Kareen’s profile here.

More money, business and law on Illustrado life here.

May 24, 2017
It’s What I do: Gladys Mae Villa

Gladys Mae Villa

Architect – Design Consultancy Firm Abu Dhabi

My Job

Residing in the UAE’s capital since 2008, I am blessed to have been practicing my profession as a design professional in varied contractor and consulting capacities to clients from all over the Emirates. To put words to what I do, I am involved in designing and executing architectural plans in building construction. Or in a more simplified way, I work with creativity and numbers to make a place for people to call a home, office or merely a place to gather.

More than using both the left and right sides of my brain at work, I am opportune to be social. I lead a design team and met with people including their Excellencies (Sheikhs), the government and the private sector. In places no less than what the UAE offers to the world -luxury and comfort, I feel favored to say that ‘I love my job’ not only due to its perks but also because of the experience of working in a multicultural environment.

Once there was a time that my understanding of the local norms (as applied to building interiors) had been put to a test. I had met a VVIP client in a prominent building in Downtown Dubai. In between consultations, it is inevitable that someone goes to the washroom for a bladder break which I, for one, took. In a search to do this, I had found a sign that looks like what we Filipinos or non-Arabs would associate as feminine (i.e. a face silhouette similar to a woman with a long hair as seen in the side view). Little to my knowledge, I entered the men’s toilet where I surprised a local guy clothed in the traditional kandura. All the while, the sign that I saw earlier was referring to the head of an Arab man wearing a keffiyeh. This short encounter had me thinking that every day is an opportunity to learn about a new culture.

It’s What I do: Gladys Mae Villa

My Typical Day

The body of my career was mostly built here in Abu Dhabi. It is, however, in no way different to others from across the globe. I check my emails first thing in the morning, do the bulk of my task to finish deadlines, occasionally go out of the office for site visits (even when I was pregnant) and drink lots of caffeine in between.

My Message to Filipinos

To all aspiring Filipinos hoping to start anew abroad, it isn’t all the comfort and luxury you see that makes the life of an OFW. Rather, it’s a mixture of hard work, resilience and openness. Hard work will bring you to what you need, resilience will keep you where you want to stay, and openness will lead you to what you dream of.

Design your work and build your design!

May 4, 2017
It’s What I Do: Denri Jil B. David and Kent Rosales

It’s What I Do: Denri Jil B. David and Kent Rosales

DENRI JIL B. DAVID

Chief Designer – H2O Concepts LLC

Abu Dhabi, UAE

My Job

I am currently on my 6^th year with H2O Concepts, one of the leading furniture dealers in the UAE. I am the Chief Designer of the Abu Dhabi branch. I started my career back in 2010 as one of the junior designers and got promoted in 2013. I oversee the design process between our sales and design team. As designers, we interpret the client’s requirement in providing full office furniture solution from space planning, furniture selection, finishes boards and even 3D visuals in order to aid our sales team in closing orders with clients. We have a wide range of foreign brands from USA, Europe and Asia, this allows me to coordinate with the suppliers technical team in order to get the details of their products and at the same time transferring the information with my Design Team.

My Typical Working Day

Just like any other typical expat, I start my office day with a hot cup of coffee. As inquiries are come in from our sales team, I usually get brief details and later on distribute the workload to the design team. I involve myself mostly with complex tenders from which I decide together with the Sales Manager the proper solution we can offer from our product ranges and advice the proper space planning. A typical project would probably go on for months before we finally close the deal – just imagine all the revisions and clarifications that would go back & forth.

Message for my fellow expats

Being away from our home country makes us vulnerable to despair and pessimism, but we should not let our trials pull our self-esteem down. Instead they should motivate us into reaching for our full potential. As the legendary Bruce Lee quoted : “Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.”

It’s What I Do: Denri Jil B. David and Kent Rosales

KENT ROSALES
Associate Wealth Manager-Globaleye

Dubai, UAE

My Job

I’m an Associate Wealth Manager at Globaleye. Although my main field of expertise is UK Pension transfer and analysis, I also provide comprehensive financial planning solutions to expatriates in the UAE. I do travel on and offshore, depending on investors’ locations and their investment requirements. I also conduct seminars that focus on providing financial literacy to our Filipino expats in the UAE.

My Typical Working Day

I am normally out and about, running around the city like a headless chicken. Well, it’s part of my job and my extremely outgoing personality makes me love what I do even more. I’m normally not in the office unless I have no meetings on my diary (which rarely happens).

Message for my fellow expats

An expatriate’s life shouldn’t be about ‘living your life for today’ but should rather be about ‘living today for tomorrow!’ We can always enjoy everything that comes along being residents of one of the world’s fastest emerging nation whilst keeping savings and protection planning our top priority! Read articles regarding financial planning. Speak to people who have existing protection and savings provisions in place and learn from them. Seek for professional advise. Share these information to those who lacks knowledge on such matters. Spread the words. Care. Share. Communicate.

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December 5, 2016
It’s What I Do: Lou Bunyi Pareja Engelica Yanig Pelaez

LOU BUNYI PAREJA

Hair Stylist – Teng Roma Salon

Dubai, UAE

My Job

I am now currently working as a hair stylist at Teng Roma Salon. Since Teng Roma is based in the Philippines, I also supervise the salon when he is not here in Dubai. This is very challenging to me because I encounter different kinds of people with different personalities on a daily basis. I still very much feel like I’m growing, and learning new things everyday.

What I do

As a stylist, I sometimes get the opportunity to travel. I just recently went to the Philippines for a 5-day shoot. This is to promote Philippine tourism, with Maxine Medina as the model. Maxine will represent our country this coming Ms. Universe competition 2016.

Sometimes, I don’t feel like I’m “working” because I enjoy what I do. I used to model before, and even competed in Paris for The Look of the Year modeling competition. That experience gave me the confidence to pursue my career to teach how to do the catwalk. I also have a business partner back in Manila – Patty Betita. She teaches personality development, while I teach basic makeup. Our clients were mostly hotel staff, bank employees, etc.

Leading workshops is always a fun experience for me. The most memorable one was when I conducted a seminar for breast cancer survivors. My goal then was to show them that despite the ravages of cancer treatment, they can still look good and feel good if they truly wanted to. They were very appreciative and cooperative.

My message to my fellow Filipinos

To all the Filipinos out there: don’t just settle for what you have now. Try to explore and see what the future has in store for you. Show your talent and enjoy life!

ENGELICA YANIG – PELAEZ

Head Model Booker – Gaia Modelling and Eventz FZ

Dubai, UAE

My Job

I am a Head Model Booker at Gaia Modeling and Events. I came here in Dubai 8 years ago fresh from college. AI started out as a promoter, assistant model booker, got promoted to a model booker and finally, a head model booker. I am lucky I get to experience each and every stages. I must say, the struggles are real.

As a Head Model Booker, my responsibility includes the refinery of every little detail to exceed the client’s expectation. From the client meetings – job confirmation, casting – booking, to implementation. The pressure of being on top of every job is extreme as I am the face that represents our company in every project I manage.

My typical work day

My typical Model Booker life always starts with a professional look-through for walk- in clients and aspiring models. Daily social media updates also fall under my responsibility. I also do a ton of portfolio screening and talent scouting and or giving advice to aspirants on what kind of images they should and should not send to a model agency. I am also responsible for looking into job inquiries. Every once in a while, I attending some workshops to enhance my skills and expand my network. Lastly, I always end my day with some quality time with my family at home.

My message to my fellow Filipinos

Follow your heart and choose what you think will be more substantial and beneficial for you in the future. Find a job that you absolutely love, and I guarantee you tha you will never work a day in your life.

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November 18, 2016
It’s What I Do: Yvette Santos & Nolie Hans Dagman

Yvette Santos

Office Manager

KLS Martin Group – Middle East Representative Office

MY JOB

I am an Office Manager who wears different hats. Our company is an established manufacturer of medical instruments produced in Germany. Working for KLS Martin Group Middle East is challenging yet fun filled at the same time. I have been privileged to organize courses and exhibits. I have worked closely with highly respected surgeons from all over the region and the world. I started as a customer service agent and was given the privilege to be trained in Germany to learn the ins and outs of handling customers’ sales orders and quotations, software programs, logistics and about the company. I am so blessed to have been given this opportunity. After a year, another blessing knocked on my door when the management moved me one step ahead and became the Office Manager.

My Typical Workday

My typical day starts with a silent prayer and a cup of coffee. When I’m in front of my laptop that means one thing… work mode. I make sure I cover all the deadlines, reports, our boss and office bills, signatures and stamps. And did I mention signatures? Despite the language barrier, working hand in hand with our head office in Germany has taught me to smoothly handle the accounts, HR, events, and overall office management.

Message to my fellow Filipinos

I look at the Filipinos around me in a pool of different nationalities and I can only wish for life of joy and true beauty and to always love your abilities and roles, whether you are a working mother or stay home dad and that includes all the awesome roles out there too. It is beautiful to live life for a meaningful purpose, authentically, and with no regrets. So reach for the stars and never stop, because you are a Filipino. Kaya natin to!

Nolie Hans Dagman

Sr. Interior Designer – MJU Engineering Consultancy

Dubai, UAE

My Job

I work as a Senior Interior Designer at MJU Engineering Consultancy. As a Senior Interior Designer I am tasked to provide Conceptual Designs & 3D renderings for the interior Spaces of a Project to be later presented for approval of the Client. I am also responsible for performing preparing the Working Interior Design Drawings for the approved designs. I work closely with the managing Director who is also hands-on on all projects, so I make sure I’m always on my top performance and achieve all tasks necessary. It maybe terrifying at first but when you get the hang of it and built a proper means of communication and rapport, you will feel it’s much easier to get the job done as opposed to having a manager in between you & your boss.

My typical work day

A day in a life of a Senior Interior Designer consist of checking emails in the morning, sending out request & attending meetings for suppliers, coordinating drawings to contractors, and occasionally updating with the Boss for any upcoming projects.

Message to my fellow Filipinos

In our daily jobs, it is easy to be comfortable and just do whatever. We just stick to what’s in our job description, thereby missing out on opportunities for our companies to see that we can perform better. It’s time for us to step out of our comfort zones and do beyond our regular call of duty to prove to the world that the Filipinos are indeed a cut above the rest when it comes to diligence and work ethics.

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October 21, 2016
It’s What I Do: Joel Foronda and Joyce Alcantara from Dubai

JOEL FORONDA

Electrical Engineer-ADNEC

Dubai, UAE

MY JOB

To an optimist, the glass is half full. To a pessimist, the glass is half empty. But to an Engineer, the glass is always twice as big as it needs to be.

As an Electrical Engineer in a consulting firm, I review, analyze, and recognize technical problems in all electrical design and material submittals pertaining to construction. My role is multi-layered, and is at the core of an integrated building services design. Our skills include power system planning, power distribution, lighting design, life safety system, vertical transportation and construction coordination.

MY WORK DAY

My typical day consists of managing the timely review of drawing and material submittals, plus handling the daily work inspection requests on the projects. Effective communication is crucial in my role. Most days, I have at least an hour of meetings plus an hour or two of answering emails. The rest of my time is spent investigating design problems. This requires collaboration with other engineers and architects.

CAREER ADVICE

Believe in yourself. Every trial comes with its own reward. Be happy with what you have in life and make it a habit to share your blessings. Be an active contributor to the betterment of the world.

JOYCE ALCANTARA

Senior Officer-Customer Relation- ETA Star Property Developers

Dubai, UAE

MY JOB

I am currently working as a Senior Customer Relations Officer in one of the private Real Estate Developers in Dubai for almost two years. Part of my job is to interact with our investors, basically after sales, liaising with investors on project updates, handover of their properties etc. I am a people person and it has been my forte to be in the field of customer service, my job is indeed very interesting as you will get to know different kinds of people and being able to respond to various complains and yet know how to maintain the composure and professionalism.

MY CAREER JOURNEY

This is not my first job in Dubai. I have been working here for almost 12 years. I started my career in the hotel industry in one of the five star hotels, from reservations agent to Sales Executive for five years. Then I realized, its time to move out of my comfort zone and try a different field for a change, hence I shifted to the property industry and joined as a Customer Relations Executive in one of the private developers in Dubai and eventually I got another opportunity to excel and joined in another private developer as a Senior Customer Relations Officer till date. The journey of my career has not been easy, it takes a lot of patience and determination to be able to stay in this very competitive city.

CAREER ADVICE

The most important lesson I had learned is, to be humble and to believe in yourself that anything is possible and to keep on taking risks in life so that you can tell yourself that it’s better to try than never.

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September 22, 2016
It’s What I Do – Fritz Sapon Servanez & Jennifer Gonzales

It’s What I Do:

Fritz Sapon Servanez

Assistant Manager for Administration & Accounts Dept. – LG Electronics Middle East

Dubai, UAE

MY JOB

As Assistant Manager for the Administration and Accounts department of LG Electronics Middle East, I am responsible for processing payments to all our employees and suppliers. I am also authorized to transact with banks. My manager and I are the contact persons for all queries with regards to our companies accounting and financial issues.

MY WORK DAY

To start my day right, I offer a prayer. I pray for the renewal of my strength and patience. As an accountant, a typical day means checking and responding to e-mails from employees and suppliers. It also means checking bank statements for all cash inflows and outflows, preparing checks for any urgent payments , and asking suppliers for updated statement of accounts for reconciliation. Yes, it all sounds very routine, but for me it is a very fulfilling job.

CAREER ADVICE

Lasting success doesn’t come overnight. We all have to work hard for it. Respect your seniors, do what is right and treat your company as if it’s your own. Trust in God’s plan for your life. His timing is always perfect.

Jennifer O. Gonzales

HR and Relations Manager

United International Private School

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

MY JOB

As Human Resources and Relations Manager of UIPS in Dubai, I am part of the management team that handles policy formulation, direction, recommendation and review for the improvement of existing systems and programs in the school. Most of all, I am responsible for training and developing employees to help them excel in their respective fields of expertise. Having worked in the Philippine government for 26 years or so, my skills set is unique as it is rigorous and extensive. I am also credited for spearheading and institutionalizing several CSR programs for UIPS.

MY WORK DAY

My job entails common sense, hard work, discipline, and promoting the Filipino heritage of excellence. It is a demanding job, but thankfully, I manage to take the challenges that come my way in stride. Despite my hectic schedule, I make sure to accommodate projects that help galvanize the spirit of volunteerism in the hearts of our kabayans.

CAREER ADVICE

Be proud of your identity as a Filipino! Help those who are underserved and underprivileged. It will give you inner peace and the confidence to face your Creator.

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August 12, 2016
It’s What I Do with Paquito Jacinto Idos and Marlon C. Soliven

It’s What I Do:

Paquito Jacinto Idos – MSCM, PEM

Project Manager – Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority

Sharjah, UAE

MY JOB

Last July 2015, I joined Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority as Project Manager under their Program Progress Department where I am directly reporting to the Chairman. To say that my career in this country has been exciting is quite an understatement. In 1998, I ventured to the UAE and was lucky enough to be hired as Supervisor in Dubai Municipality, until my post was localized in 2002. On the same year, I joined Orient Irrigation Services under the capacity of Small Contracts Manager. With God’s blessing, another opportunity came to me in Aril 20015. I was hired to work with a Government agency in Sharjah as a Civil Engineer, and in a span of 3 years, I was promoted as Senior Projects Engineer, and then as Projects and Planning Manager until May 2015.

MY WORK DAY

My day in the office starts with an early morning coffee discussion with our PPD Team, to review our progress and to prepare action plans for the challenges ahead. My main responsibility is to assist the Department Manager in ensuring that all activities are executed without fail. Part of my responsibilities is to provide technical advice to the Chairman of the Organization on key matters such as review of techno-commercial offers, drawings and contract agreements, and other executive-level directives. I also travel to other countries in Asia and Europe to attend and witness factory acceptance tests for equipment ordered for the projects.

CAREER ADVICE

Filipinos are known for being well educated, hardworking, and honest professionals. The question is why so few of us achieve success despite our good qualities. Based on my 30 years of experience in the construction industry, my advice is to plan for your career path. If you do not know how to do something, seek advice and try to live with what you have. You need to reward yourself for your hard work, but learn how to prioritize things and know the difference between what you really need and what you want. Plan properly for your future. Invest in yourself by seeking higher education. Keep up with technological advancements and stay globally competitive. My colleagues and I conduct a workshop for PEM (Professional Engineering Manager) Certification under ASEM (American Society for Engineering Management). I invite all the Filipino engineers and architects in the UAE to avail of this opportunity to upgrade their educational qualifications.

Marlon C. Soliven

Media Buying Executive – Dentsu Aegis Network

Dubai, UAE

MY JOB

I am a Media Buying Executive under Dentsu Aegis Network and handle one of their top clients, General Motors. As part of the Amplify division of DAN, we try our best to secure ad placements for our clients, invest advertising slots to appropriate vendors, and manage clients’ investment through relevant mix of media and target.

MY WORK DAY

I usually start my morning with coffee to pump me up for a busy day ahead. Work usually consists of meetings with suppliers and negotiating with them as to what extent prices and rates need to be approved. Meetings consist of call-ups, face-to-face and email conversations back and forth during the day. Busy day ends around mid-afternoon but team huddles come around during this time as well. We usually do this to makes it a point to update each other about what bookings need to be sent across to supplier and data updating.

MY GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT

I take great pride in getting my family to come to Dubai and stay with me. A better life for our families is all we can ever hope for as overseas Filipinos, but to have your family with you is even better. I count myself blessed, having my wife and my cute daughter with me here in Dubai. Together, we have made a real home in this foreign country.

CAREER ADVICE

Hard work pays. This is what I believe in. When you focus on the task at hand and work very hard on it, success come easy. As long as we work to the best of our abilities, any job or task that we do would manifest in greatness. To my fellow Filipinos out there who are away from their loved ones and are working hard in the foreign country: you are not alone. We all face the same difficulties, albeit in different degrees and forms. Make the best of your stay in your host country, and stay true to your mission objective, that is, to be the best that you can be and make a better future for yourself and your family.

August 2, 2016