Illustrado Magazine – Filipino Abroad

Tag: It’s What I Do

It’s What I Do: Shay Michaela Tan

Arch. Shay Michaela Tan, UAP

Architect/Designer

Office Inspirations – Dubai, UAE

I graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Architecture in 2014 and moved to Dubai at age 20. I was blessed to land a job that allows me to live my dream career, in a company that rewards me for my ideas and contributions.

I currently work as an Architect-Designer, concentrating on space planning, conceptual design, furniture and technology proposals. My job also entails competencies in 3D visualization and graphical presentation. I am involved in commercial, retail, education and hospitality projects. While working, I have decided to take my career to the next level, and aimed to be a licensed Architect. It was 6 months of intense preparation, but it was all worth it.

Every day for me is a different story. I treat my life as an everyday blessing. I spend most of my hours at work brainstorming and collaborating with my colleagues, but I try to step out of routines and do other things that can develop me socially, professionally and spiritually. During break time, I watch tutorials and read articles that help me expand my sphere of interests. Time is a chance, and every chance is a privilege.

Word of advice to my fellowmen: let your faith be bigger than your fears. Learn to see the good side in everything. It is okay if you don’t get the “perfect” job; just believe that God has a plan prepared for you. If you lose a project, trust that there will be thousands more out there, and you will find them. If you fall a hundred times, God will be there a hundred times to lift you up. Your journey will never be perfect, and there are no shortcuts.

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July 27, 2016
It’s What I Do: Julius Duran & Vencer Montes

Julius Duran

Architect – Perkins + Will

Dubai, UAE

I am an architect working here in Dubai for 7 years. Perkins & Will is an international design firm with its homebase in the US. Our projects range from doing high-end villa interiors, to designing corporate offices, to designing skyscrapers, up to doing urban planning and landscape architecture. Our diverse clientele to name a few are Google and LinkedIn.

My primary job is preparing 3D visuals through computer-aided software which will be used as a communication tool to clearly express the design intent to clients. It will also be used as a marketing tool to sell a certain project. 3D Architectural Visualization is an interesting field. It is a blend of Architecture/Interior Design and Visual Arts, hence I can be technical and artistic at the same time.

My everyday routine here is driving to a nearby Metro station from where I live (because I stay far from where I work) and taking the train to bring me to my office. This is my way of beating the horrendous rush hour Dubai traffic. Weekends are spent in the mall, with the family, maybe hit the beach or do some camping if the weather permits. I live together with my wife and son, which is the best thing as it drives homesickness down to a minimum.

I started my OFW life in Abu Dhabi and made the shift here in Dubai when my wife (who’s also an architect) had a job offer here. So the choice was either she or I would have to travel back and forth Dubai and Abu Dhabi, or I could just find work in Dubai as well so our family could just be rooted in one city. Good fortune may have been on my side at that time, because it did not take long for me to find a job. So here I am.

We Filipinos are a resilient and hardworking people who always take pride on whatever we consider our own. Given the right venue and opportunity, we can rise to be at par with the best in the world. We as a people are emotional and sensitive at best, which means we have passion. That passion, if channeled in the right path, will bring us closer to whatever we are aiming for. All of us working here abroad, whether you’re a service crew or a manager, have the same dream and aspiration: a better future for ourselves, for our family and loved ones, and for our country. So let’s hold on to our dreams, stop complaining or pointing fingers at the mistakes or inefficiencies of others and just do our best. Do good and be good. Together we will be the best!

Vencer Montes

Clinical Coordinator

The Dental Studio – Dubai, UAE

I am a Dentist by profession in the Philippines, but here in Dubai, I am a Dental Assistant and Clinical Coordinator at The Dental Studio here in Jumeirah. I have been working here for almost eight years now, and I am very happy. I take part in many dental procedures, mainly Prosthodontics, Surgeries, Periodontics, Endodontics and Orthodontics. I mainly do CADCAM Dentistry here (Digital Dentistry), and I am also responsible for Radiology and Licenses. My job is interesting in the sense that I am rebuilding what is lost, and being a part of the team responsible for restoring smiles and self-confidence.

I always keep myself challenged. My mentor here in the clinic would show me cases and I will replicate them. We never rest on our laurels. No matter how well we do, we always find ways to do better and perfect what is already perfect. This keeps us on the edge and ahead of everybody. What I also love about what I do is seeing how my efforts help restore the confidence of an individual. Seeing our clients happy is what makes our day.

My message to all of us, Filipinos: do not think less of yourselves! We can make a difference. Never settle. We can always do better, be better, and be the best! We are a proud nation. Lets show the world what we can do!

July 15, 2016
Filipino Professionals: Arch. Glenn Maambong & Cher Pauline Cruz

It’s about Pinoy progress and diversity at the workplace. Two Filipino professionals, an architect and a Marketing Communications Coordinator talk about their respective careers in the emirates.

It’s What I Do:

GLENN MAAMBONG

Architect, Deyaar Development PSJC

– Dubai, UAE

My job

I am an architect for a public joint stock company (Deyaar Development PSJC). Working as an architect for a developer is, in some ways, different to the job of an architect in a consultant company. The latter’s job starts when they receive a job to design for a specific project, while for us, we have to develop a concept and study feasibility for specific projects. In short, we design from ideas, and those become the foundation from where the consultants elaborate.

My work day

My day is always very interesting and challenging. I get to design and propose ideas and concepts. For example, at one time, I was tasked to develop and propose a concept for a hotel apartment. So, I draw CAD elevation and perspective sketches, model my concept in Revit or 3Dmax from high-rise residential buildings, to the type of units and unit layouts. I then present it to the design manager and receive feedback for revisions. Typically, most of my day is spent in front of my computer rendering my concept.

Career advice

My message to my kababayans working here in Dubai or in the MENA region is to keep working hard with a good attitude, warmth, respect, decency, faith in God and always keeping our sense of fun. This is our source of pride as Filipinos. Taas noo!

Filipino Professionals: Arch. Glenn Maambong & Cher Pauline Cruz

Cher Pauline Cruz

Marketing Communications Coordinator

Abu Dhabi Duty Free

ABU DHABI, UAE

My job

I am the Marketing Communications Coordinator of one of the brands carried by Abu Dhabi Duty Free. It is my 7^th year in the UAE and it has been a slow yet sure journey towards a career where I know I can excel in. I am in charge of everything creative for our brand – copywriting, graphic design, photography, videography, social media and budget management for our department – almost everything I love to do, all rolled into one job!

My work day

In my job, every single working day offers a new skill to be learned, new knowledge to enhance and discoveries to enrich the whole experience. You’ll never know what the new day will bring, thus, it makes the work more exciting and inspiring. I get to interact with different kinds of people and learn from them. I coordinate with media people, suppliers, customers, and with the different departments in our company. I get to do things that I only usually do for leisure and every day brings new challenges to overcome.

Career advice

With the right attitude, we will get that job that we want. Skills can always be developed, but our attitude will always lead us to the right path to success. Instead of looking at a setback as negative, try to make the most out of it and learn from it. Also, being a Filipino abroad, we must not forget about our responsibility to our country. Whatever we do outside, will reflect on others’ perception on Filipinos. Therefore, we must always be conscientious, we must strive hard to uplift our nation and we must fulfill our social and moral responsibility as a Filipino.

June 30, 2016
It’s What I Do

Gladys Mae Villa
Architect, Design Consultancy Firm
Abu Dhabi

What do you do for a living?

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. In a more simplified way, I work with creativity and numbers to make a place for people to call a home, office, or a place to gather.

More than using both the left and right brain at work, I am opportune to be social. I lead a design team and meet with people in their Excellencies (or ‘sheikhs’), the government, and the private sector, and plan projects that showcase what the UAE has to offer to the world—luxury and comfort.

I feel favored to be able to say that I love my job, not only due to its perks, but also because of the experience to work in a multicultural environment.
Please share with us an interesting story or anecdote that happened to you on-the-job.
Once there was a time that my understanding of the local norms as applied to building interiors has 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 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 mistakenly entered the men’s toilet and I surprised a local guy clothed in the traditional kandora. Apparently, 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 everyday is a learning experience.

Please describe your typical working day.

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

Your message to Filipinos out there.

To all aspiring Filipinos hoping to start anew abroad, it is never all the comfort and luxury you see that makes the life of an OFW, rather, it’s a mixture of handwork, resilience and openness. Handwork is what would bring you to what you need; resilience will keep you to where you want to stay; and, openness will lead you to what you dream of.

Design your work and build your design!

Marcus Sheen Mestidio
Commercial Quantity Surveyor, Metallic Equipment Co., LLC
Dubai, UAE

What do you do for a living?

I am a Commercial Quantity Surveyor Engineer. Generally, I deal with quantity of items ordered and bill items installed which in between requires processes of notifying clients regarding variation and claiming its additional cost.

Please describe your typical working day.

On a daily basis, I assess tender documents, review and recommend amendment on contracts, prepare quotations, billings and invoices, evaluate payment certificates, and liaise with clients. But the thing I love the most about my job is looking at the bigger picture of what my tasks entail, which is process development and staff management. This is what I try to pitch in every now and then when I get the chance. Dealing with people in different ways after profiling them interests me, and it makes me happier when I influence them to do better things.

Being professional does not equate to being successful. You need to be self-motivated and work more than what is expected of you.

So what really makes a person successful? Is it after you got the position you wanted and earn the amount of money you want in able to provide for your family? Probably.
Your message to Filipinos out there.
For me, “Success is reaching your goal and helping others to reach theirs at the same time.”

Never forget that other people bring you nearer to your success, and so it is essential to be the same to others in return.

Maricris Limbo
Marketing & Communications Manager, Al Manshar-Rotana
Dubai, UAE

What do you do for a living?

My name is Maricris Limbo and I am the Marketing and Communications Manager of the only five-star Rotana hotel in Kuwait, the Al Manshar Rotana Hotel. Rotana currently manages a portfolio of over 100 properties throughout the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and Eastern Europe, with an aggressive expansion plan in place.

As Marketing and Communications Manager, I am responsible to promote the hotel brand name through formulated advertising and public relations campaigns and plans, as well as reinforce its corporate identity. It is also my responsibility to develop and execute promotional and brand-building exercises in conjunction with some other marketing department as required. Another part of my duties is to handle online content management, seeking online marketing opportunities, as well as managing the SEO of Al Manshar Rotana website and web traffic.

In addition to the abovementioned, I am also part of the revenue-generating activities of the hotel, making sure that the promotions are not only well marketed, but also meets the budget.

I have also spearheaded Corporate Social Responsibility projects, which is one of my favorite activities to work on. This is the time where I get to meet different kinds of people from different areas of the society; being able to help others makes me even more motivated.

Please describe your typical working day.

My day starts with reading newspapers, checking on what’s going on in the market and what our competitors are currently up to. After that, I meet with all of the department heads of the hotel to discuss important things needed to be done.

Of course, email is my very best friend. I continue my day reading my emails, and liaise and coordinate with advertising agencies and media companies. I make sure that the promotional materials follow the hotel’s guidelines. I also oversee all press releases and maintain a constant supply of articles for our media partners. I make sure that there is always something to talk about the hotel.

Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are also my best buddies; I use them for all the related artworks that I might need for social media posts

Please share with us an interesting story or anecdote that happened to you on-the-job.

This happened very recently and I find it interesting. As I was seeking a way to get to know more people in Kuwait, I always ask my colleagues to involve me whenever they are meeting with clients or people they know in the country. Our Food and Beverage Manager happens to meet a potential client, and so he introduced me to them. Emails between us have gone back and forth, until the client requested me to be available on the final meeting. Normally, I just do the chatting part and build rapport, but this is something else. I guess because I made sure to pay attention to all the things that were discussed, the client felt that I am reliable to work with. To cut the story short, I got the client to sign a business agreement.

Your message to Filipinos out there.

Believe in yourself, work smart, study more, learn from people, involve yourself, be courageous, challenge yourself—all of these are just few of the things that we should have in order to reach our goals in life. Sometimes things get rough; don’t lose hope. Instead, make it your motivation to obtain what you really want to achieve. Every Filipino has his or her own talent to show-off, so keep on shining!

December 14, 2015
Filipinos in Dubai: It’s What I Do

IRIS ABARABAR
Alterations Engineer – Emaar Properties
Dubai, UAE

What do you do for a living?

I am an architect, and I work in the customer care alterations department in a large real estate developer here in the UAE. I am involved in planning projects and site visits. I make sure that our projects are running smoothly and on schedule. I embrace my tasks so I can execute my job well, and I am lucky to work with a great team. My employer, Emaar, regularly provides us employees with trainings for personal and professional development, so we are always able to work effectively with each other.

Please describe your typical working day.

I deal with different types of people from different countries everyday. I make sure that I get all the job done in time, such as quality checks and solving client problems. I am also very proactive and I take ample time and effort to understand my clients issues so I can help them solve it better.

Please share with us an interesting story or anecdote, anything remarkable or uplifting that has happened to you on the job.

Being an architect is a very challenging career, and there are many highs and lows. There are a lot of things you must do, and with proper discipline, they can be done. I was hit by the global financial crisis back in 2008 where there were a few jobs available, and I was left with no choice but go back home. But I never gave up.

The most fulfilling part was when I was re-hired by my employer when they got their business goes back on track. Now, I have already built a strong network with clients, engineers, and contractors.

Your message to Filipinos out there.

The key to success in your career is having the willingness to step outside of your comfort zone. No matter where you are in your career, don’t get sluggish. Recover using your willpower and determination. The reason why most of us fail is because we give up too soon.

Always keep your career moving. Choose to lead and to inspire. The more you are able to do that, the more you will earn the trust of your employer and everyone around you.

Once you reach one of your goals, your journey is not over. You have to keep moving. Persevere, so that someday when you look back, you’ll say, “I’m glad I did,’ instead of “I wish I had.”

LEO VALLE BARRAMEDA
Travel & CRM Coordinator – ART DUBAI
Secretary – Philippine Business Council
Secretariat Head – Ateneo’s LSE program

What do you do for a living?

I am the executive assistant of H.H. Sheikha Maisa Al Qassimi, and I have held this position for more than 7 years now. I am also the new Travel and CRM Coordinator of Art Dubai Fair LLC, an events company that organizes and manages some of the biggest arts and design events in the UAE, such as Art Dubai, Design Days Dubai, and Downtown Design.

Please describe your typical working day.

A typical working day for me starts with thinking what to wear to work. Being part of an artsy-fartsy team encourages me to be creative on what I pull out from my closet.

Working directly with the VIP team, I usually start the day updating the database while drinking my daily dose of green tea. The rest of the day is spent on dealing with flight requests, matching hotel requirements, booking car transfers, applying for visas, and checking the Internet for deals and promos. I am maintaining three company email accounts; Outlook is my work buddy as we spend a lot of time together. Needless to say, receiving compliments and positive feedback are my inspiration to keep me going.

Please share with us an interesting story or anecdote, anything remarkable or uplifting that has happened to you on the job.

Being the only full-blooded Filipino in the team, I was very intimidated at first. On the contrary, I am warmly welcomed and now I feel my worth in the company. Glitches and challenges usually happen, but I always deal them with a smile. After all, Filipinos are known to be always happy, and I am proud to be one. I am also very lucky that I am part of a very diverse company.

I make sure that I pay it forward to the Filipino community in Dubai. I was appointed as Secretary of the Philippine Business Council here in Dubai, and I helped establish opportunities for Filipino entrepreneurs to network and develop bilateral cooperation. I am also the Head Secretary of the Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (LSE) Program organized by Ateneo de Manila University School of Government.

Your message to Filipinos out there.

According to Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Happiness is like perfume, you can’t pour it on others without getting a few drops on yourself.”

Always surround yourself with good people, the thinkers and the doers, and most of all, people who see your worth. I learned to associate myself with positive friends that helped me see my own greatness and find more joy in simple things. Don’t expect too much from people to avoid disappointment; be open-minded and wait for surprises.

How do I end my day?

With a big smile as I know I did my best and a breath of prayer for His greater glory.

DIANA SANTOS
Director of Business Development & Client Services
DiLeonardo International
Dubai, UAE

What do you do for a living?

I’m a Business Development professional, and I’m currently the Director of Business Development and Client Services for DiLeonardo International, an interior design firm.

I look after the business development and marketing efforts of the firm for the Middle East and South East Asia. This includes traveling for work, meeting clients, answering inquiries and providing proposals for potential interior design projects and organizing PR & marketing events.

Though I came from a different educational background (I’m a graduate of BS Economics), my nine-year stint in the design industry has honed and educated me in this thriving sector of the Middle East. Having the business background helps as well for my day-to-day operational business development and research requirement. It’s been an interesting journey so far and I do hope to continue on for many years to come within this field.

Please describe your typical working day.

My typical day starts with checking my emails the moment I wake up to see if there are urgent matters that need to be addressed immediately. Working in a multinational company, the sense of “staying connected” is stronger because we work with different talents across the globe.

I would then have my morning coffee and proceed with my client phone calls, researching on what’s on and what’s hot in the hotel, real estate, and design industry. Then I answer inquiries and do my proposals for potential projects. Then as soon as I find the time, I look into possible marketing and PR activities for the company. It’s an extensive scope – but I thrive and enjoy in diversity and pressure, especially when the end results are positive.

Please share with us an interesting story or anecdote, anything remarkable or uplifting that has happened to you on the job.

For any business development professional, the most uplifting moment is when you secure a commissioned project. And I had that moment a few weeks ago when we won a nice luxury resort project, and it was in my home country! The journey and the group effort that went into getting to that stage was just inspiring and the feeling of accomplishment when you’ve bagged the project is uplifting indeed! I guess you can say it’s the sense of victory that drives and motivates me to do what I do.

Your message to Filipinos out there.

Love what you do! It doesn’t matter if it’s not within your field, or not the ideal work that you would have wanted for yourself. The dedication and passion you put in to your work will reflect and eventually lead you to greater things and open up opportunities. The Filipino people are so talented and has so much to offer, and given the right frame of mind and opportunity, we can excel in whatever task we undertake.

September 8, 2015
Filipinos In Middle East: It’s What I Do

JUNE/JULY 2015 ISSUE

Joey Frank Ausan

Construction Manager (Consultant) at Louis Berger – Qatar

My job

I am a Civil Engineer, working abroad for 17 years now. Ten years in Saudi Arabia as an Area Engineer of Saudi Aramco, in Dhahran from 1987 to 1996. Meaning, I was there during the 1991 Gulf War. I am proud to be a Gulf War ‘veteran’. During the burning of Kuwait’s oil wells, I was there breathing the kerosene–like smell for months until the oil fires totally extinguished. During that period, each day after work, I involved myself in choir practices singing at the church fellowship services. Not only this, I sang at many community affairs as a soloist-lead singer and even in fund raising concerts.

From 1996 to 2007, after my stint in Saudi Arabia, I returned back to the Philippines and joined DMCI-Laing Construction joint venture during the construction of Rockwell Condominiums in Makati. After my stint at Rockwell, I went home to my province, Iloilo and managed our family-owned water purification business.

After staying in the Philippines, I returned abroad to work in Qatar. I am here for almost 8 years now and currently working as Construction Manager in Doha, Qatar’s Education City under Louis Berger. I am involved in the construction of Qatar’s National Library and sometimes relieve civil engineers at par my post at other projects of the Education City. Three years ago, I was involved in the construction of Qatar’s flagship project, The Pearl Qatar, as a Consulting Engineer. At the end of our project I was assigned as the Assistant to the CEO. Currently, as Consultant of the construction work, I review the drawings and technical submissions if they conform to plans and make further corrections for our contractor to implement. Other than supervising the contractor of our projects at site, I cover site inspections and preside over meetings. I handle directly a staff of various functions of different colors and creeds. It’s so challenging, that after the end of the day, our team should be able to reach our planned targets. Hence, my company can achieve its projects’ goals successfully.

After the rigorous, strenuous, and hectic construction work, I have to pause and do extra-curricular activities. I attend choir practices in preparation for the weekly mass of the Roman Catholic Church in Qatar. Sometimes, I sing as a soloist. Also, I joined Doha Singers, a community choir group which performs concerts twice a year.

Other than singing, since I was small, I also like to draw or sketch faces in so short a time, like 5 minutes only. My sketching skill (by drawing the face of the criminal) had helped government authorities in a country abroad resolved a crime. Later then, as my prize, I got promoted to a top post.

Career and Life Advice

My advice to my fellow Overseas Filipino Workers: Take care of your health always. Never abuse it. Before I returned back abroad and work in another country, Qatar, there was a gap – I stayed in the Philippines for 11 years. After settling down in Qatar, I was able to reach out again to my former friends whom I worked with in Saudi Arabia. Some friends told me that such familiar names are not anymore with them, they already died. And they recalled these friends have something in common, they were all chain smokers.

………………………

Eileen Guerra, MBA

Senior Sales Manager – City Seasons Al Hamra Hotel in UAE

My Job

I’m proud to say that I’m an hotelier by heart. My work in the hospitality industry revolves around corporate sales, operations, management and marketing, whereby I seek to maximize our client numbers from all sectors.

As a Senior Sales Manager, I’m responsible for bringing in guests and meeting revenue targets. Collaboration with the team, meeting with large groups such as associations, and networking, as well participating in exhibitions like the Arabian Travel Market, are all part of the job. Needless to say, having a thorough understanding of all the service our hotels offers is key, so are proactive revenue monitoring, review of sales activities as well as planning and forecasting with the support of my deputy General Manager Mr. Sodki. Not to be forgotten is after-sales-service and the continued building of rapport with clients as well as the rest of our team.

Working irregular and long hours on both weekdays and, sometimes, weekends is commonly required. Sometimes I have to work longer than the traditional 40-hour week to discuss and close a deal. With this pressure in generating sales, it is important to create and maintain a mutually beneficial relationship with clients that help clinch sales and lead to repeat and referral business.

With my experience as an hotelier I’ve found out that not everything has to be done immediately. Some things are more critical than others, like guest complaints. And in times of stress you have to be able to prioritize and follow through dedication. As Theodore Roosevelt put it, – “Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.”

Career and Life Advice

Love and enjoy your job and be wise with your finances, as this will impact your job performance, relationships and family life as an OFW. A supportive family, husband, mentors, and friends made such a difference in my situations. Without them, I would be unable to become a responsible adult and achieve my dream. Thanks to them and to God, today, I can say all of these things to other kababayans. The most important thing is to have faith in your dream and never give up. Don’t listen to what other people say. You are your own achievement. Be with people who inspire you and will lead you to all the divine connections. You have to be sensitive and be grateful of every single thing you have. Don’t stop learning and don’t be stagnant. Always be motivated in everything that you do.

……………………………………

Donna Fronda (VALENCIA)

Architect at Gensler – UAE

My Job

I am currently working as an architect for Gensler & Associates Abu Dhabi for two years now. Gensler is the number one architectural firm in ENR’s Top 500 – my dream Company I should say. I worked as an Architect since 1995 in Manila, where I worked for 9 years then I decided to work abroad here in Dubai last May 2004.

In Gensler, my position is an Interior Architect, mainly assigned in the Workplace Studio responsible for Interior Design Projects. As an architect concentrating on interior aspects, I am working for the technical part and concept design graphical presentation. I am involved also in space planning, supplier coordination, project documentation and production of interior/architectural working drawings using Revit and Autocad software. I can say that I am a well rounded person. Multi-tasking is my main forte, something I’ve been doing even in my previous. Working in a big company like Gensler is a big adjustment for me, because I need to limit myself to a certain task. The job is divided accordingly between architects and designers. Before, I used to work from A-Z because most companies I’ve worked with are small scale to medium scale companies. The task is different then as I needed to be a one-man Team. In Gensler, the task assigned is just the focal point you need to concentrate on and execute as given. Projects are all challenging like amusement, retail, commercial, workplace and tower building projects. From time to time, I am also assigned in the Architectural Department as my experience involves both architectural and interior aspects.

My Typical Work Day

Every day, I travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi to reach my office. My daily task here is very manageable. Each project I am assigned is carefully studied and analyzed for execution and production as per client requirements at a given time frame. When it comes to schedules, I see to it that projects will be delivered ahead of time. I never work over time; this is not my style. I work during normal office hours. But there are cases that I need to work on weekends due to demands of unexpected project submissions. This is acceptable and I need to be flexible at times especially if this is required by our clients. I always value time. I see to it that it is never wasted. And after work, I also need time for relaxation and to rejuvenate.

Career and Life Advice

I always believe that if you know what you want in your life, together with your strong determination and faith, there is nothing in this world you cannot achieve. Before I started working here in UAE, my aim was very simple. What I wanted before was just to work and practice my profession. I started working here at the age of 31, now I am 41 years old. Each year I passed here in this country, I have learned and realized so many things in life. Time is running fast; things will change quickly in a few years. So learn how to organize and plan your life as early as possible. Dream big. Aim high. And put God first in everything you do.

August 11, 2015
Filipino UAE: It’s What I Do

Filipino UAE: It’s What I Do

A look into the lives of professional Filipinos abroad

ANTHONY DE LEON

English Editor – CommuniGate Middle East, Dubai, UAE

I work as an English Editor for CommuniGate Middle East, a full-service integrated Public Relations (PR) agency based in Dubai, with a wide network of offices and affiliates located across the GCC, Arabian Gulf, Levant, Egypt and North Africa. I am in charge of developing and creating editorial content—press releases, feature articles, Q & A’s, brochures, catalogues, ad copy and speeches—for a diverse list of clients, which includes leading brands in IT, Travel and Tourism, Banking and Finance, Oil and Gas, Government, Aviation, Construction and Real Estate to name a few. Aside from this primary task, I am also part of a team that helps develop social media-based activities for clients like doing twitter messages, managing Facebook group pages and even writing specialized blogs. It’s an exciting job that allows me to be up-to-date with what’s new, what’s hot and what’s trending in the Middle East region, in particular and the UAE in general.

My day usually starts at 8AM. I peruse various print and online news publications; taking note of the latest technology trends, reports from various industry verticals and timely forecasts from business research and intelligence firms. I then line-up client editorial requirements and meet with a team of editors to distribute work assignments for the day. It’s all writing, editing and proofreading written content from that point on. Fortunately, having worked previously as a correspondent for INQ7.net helped in honing my skills as a writer and an editor.

After a hard day’s work, I try to relax with a good book or a movie—spending a quiet evening with my wife and son. Weekends means hitting the local bowling alley and also meeting up with my frat brothers from the Order of Demolay.

I have been in the UAE for almost eight years now and have since then, enjoyed working with different nationalities. Filipinos, however, are admired and usually singled out for their efficiency, industriousness and ability to adapt to any working environment. With the UAE winning the bid to host Expo 2020, I am upbeat with the notion that Filipinos will play a large part in the preparations for this truly global event—something that we can all be proud of.

Looking around, you will notice that Filipino’s make up a large share of the UAE’s workforce, a feat that is truly fantastic if you ask me. Each of us here are ambassadors of goodwill — let us remain world class in the work we render and continue to showcase our talents and skills to the wide international market that is the UAE. At the end of the day, it all boils down to skills and talent — something that we Filipinos are abundant of.

KAREN “KAZ” PEACHEY

Singer and Songwriter, Former Resident Singer at the Hard Rock Cafe, Dubai

Most people would think that singing is a cool job – most people would be right. Working as a professional singer and songwriter is every bit as awesome as it sounds, and I wouldn’t trade it for any other job in the world! I consider myself very blessed to have found a way to make a good livelihood out of my passion for music. As the saying goes, find a job that you love and you wouldn’t have to work a day in your life. I can honestly say that this is the perfect job for me.

Currently I perform six days a week as lead singer for a band called the Smooth Criminals, at one of the most popular nightspots here in Dubai. I am also the band leader, which means that I’m responsible for preparing the set lists, updating the repertoire, facilitating rehearsals, and coordinating directly with the bar management. Performing every night can be very tiring, but once I hit the stage, I automatically forget every ache in my body. Even after years of singing professionally, I still get excited about being in the spotlight, meeting people and making sure that they are having the best night of their lives.

My typical day begins with a few laps in the pool or a dip in the beach. I am fortunate enough to live near the sea so I normally kick-off my day with a swim to help me wake up after a long night. At sundown, I begin to prepare for the night’s work. Choosing my outfit and putting on make-up doesn’t take me very long, as I am the type of person who knows what she wants. Plus, I’ve been a singer for such a long time, I already have the pre-performance ritual down to a tee! I travel to work at around 7:30 pm to prepare the set lists and brief the band about any additional requirements for the night as specified by the management. At 8:30 pm the show begins, and we play four highly entertaining sets, finishing at around 1:00 am.

Part of my job is to look polished and composed at all times, but I’ve had more than a few embarrassing moments onstage. For some reason, I have a funny tendency to break the heel of my shoes mid-performance. One time, I tried to do the moonwalk and my heel snapped. I tripped backward, right smack into my poor unsuspecting guitarist and we both fell down, much to the amusement of the audience. It’s an occupational hazard, but I will never, ever give up wearing stilettos. A girl’s gotta have her shoes!

I take great pride in representing the Filipinos in the highly diverse entertainment industry of the UAE. In my time here in Dubai, I’ve had the opportunity to work with other nationalities, and I can honestly say that the Filipino artists are truly at par with the world’s best and brightest talents. My advice to my fellow kabayans who are trying to make a mark here in the city: enjoy the experience, and persevere! Don’t give up on your dreams, no matter the challenges that come your way. Any good singer will tell you that no performance is perfect. Sometimes, it’s all about holding your head up high and putting on a brave face. Find your voice! I did.

July 16, 2014
It’s What I Do

JHOANA NELISSEN – Freelance Make-up Artist/Stylist

I was a flight attendant for almost nine years with Qatar Airways before moving to Dubai to live with my husband. Currently, I am a freelance makeup artist/stylist and a contractual private flight attendant catering to VIPs, diplomats and celebrity clientele, based in Abu Dhabi.

My fascination for cosmetics and beauty made me decide to enroll in Makeup Designory School (MUD) back in the Philippines. Since then, I have been enjoying every transformation I make. I even had the privilege to be part of the Damac Akoya project launch, where I had the opportunity to meet Donald Trump and his entourage. I was also lucky to work with a Bollywood singer shooting a music video in Dubai.

Seeing my creations on billboards, print ads, TV or on runways gives me a different feeling of fulfillment. Being an artist is a never ending journey. Every day you learn new tricks and techniques and that’s how I continuously sharpen my skills. I continue to attend workshops with top makeup brands to keep up with current fashion and trends.

The best thing about this job is not doing the same thing every day. One day you’re in a studio doing portfolio shoots and the next, you’re outdoor doing advertisements.

However, the desire to fly is still very much a part of me and that’s why I don’t want to fully give up on that. It’s too close to my heart! It was the job that has taught me to be independent and see the world in a different way.

EDWIN RICO – Makati Bar Manager, Asiana Hotel

For almost two years now, I have been managing Asiana Hotel’s Makati comedy bar. As a comedy bar manager, I have to maintain the energy of happiness in our outlet.

When I took over, there was a big challenge to improve daily sales, as well as the concept of the bar. It was not easy, but I never stop listening for suggestions and comments from my guests.

Every day I maintain the required daily sales and relationships with our clients. My task is to talk to different Filipino groups and organizations like the PHILCOM community. I am active in social media to update them about our daily promotions and activities. I involve our outlets in all events and activities, especially charity projects of Filipino volunteer groups in Dubai.

Working in a high pressure environment makes me organized and efficient. My favorite part of the job is planning daily promotions and monthly events, especially if I see my guests satisfied with my idea.

Training my team and making them feel that they belong are keys to our success. I always have or make the time to listen to them, to support them in their dreams and to make a decision for the good of everyone.

With such an opportunity, I thought on how to give back the support of our friends, regulars and walk-in guests. The idea was to have a charity mini solo show of my Makati Master. Through the support of the management, we decided to get a percentage of the sales revenue from every show to raise enough money to buy a return ticket to the Philippines for distressed Filipinos in POLO – OWWA.

The response of our kababayans and foreign guests surprised me. After our three shows, we got tickets, which were awarded during a January 19, 2014 show at the Philippine consulate. We cannot explain what we felt that day when we saw the laughter, tears and excitement of the awardees to see their family back home. That was a heartwarming moment for all of us and we will not stop in doing shows to help them.

For my kababayans, my advice is to make GOD as the center of everything in our life. God for me means G- Goals in our life, O- Obedience to do it and D- Determination to achieve our dreams. We should believe in ourselves, be honest all the time and give our hearts in all that we do. Success in life will start in one’s self and to achieve it, share your happiness with others.

It’s What I Do
By: Illustrado

July 13, 2014
It’s what I do

William Penaredondo

F&B Sales and Marketing Manager

Asiana Hotel – Dubai

Hotelier William Penaredondo has been working outside the Philippines for more the 15 years. Currently based in Dubai, William has worked for prominent hotel chains like Hilton International, Starwood and Sofitel. Now, he is the food & beverage sales & marketing manager for Asiana Hotel.

William loves meeting people and says this makes him perfect for the hospitality business. In his role as manager, he does lots of sales calls and attends loads of meetings with clients who are interested in booking their functions and events. He also trains the new generation of hoteliers who come to the UAE for the first time.

But it wasn’t an easy journey to the top. Despite being a restaurant manager for a fast food chain in the Philippines, the agency who hired him told me that he needed to start from scratch because he didn’t have experience working in a foreign country.

“I’ve had my share of culture shock—from the environment change, food and lifestyle adjustments. But overall, I’m happy because this paved the way to build my character and knowledge. I learned things which cannot be taught just by sitting in a four-corner classroom.”

According to William, Filipinos should realize that “we are simply blessed by being creative and strong-willed – that we are essential movers and shakers of this world.”

Patrick Joey Fronda

Multimedia Engineer / Educator

Murdoch University International Study Centre

Dubai

Patrick Joey Fronda came to Dubai in 2008 as a graphic designer. It wasn’t long before he realized that it was not enough to raise his growing family as a graphic designer in Dubai. His survival mode kicked in and he started doing wedding films using his experience as a filmmaker back home as a jump off point.

Later, he was offered to teach and facilitate the media department in Murdoch University.

Now a successful and sought after videographer, Patrick is a multimedia engineer for the university where he also teaches broadcast production, cinematography, photography and video editing.

“I am honored that students from around the world studying here will be trained by a Filipino,” he says. And he’s pleased that Filipino students in the university are standing out in his class. In one instance, while checking the short films the students created, he told them that he didn’t want to be biased, but the works coming from some Filipino students really stood out. And in a photography competition, the two grand winners were also from the Philippines.

But Patrick cautions that success will not come easy. He says Filipinos need to work for it, improve your selves for it, and make the first step for it. Further, he says that his fellowmen should be positive, stop complaining about life and contribute something to their and another person’s life.

“Life has an expiration. Go out and find a reason to live it,” he says.

October 29, 2013
It’s What I Do: Pinoy Talent On-the-Job

It’s about Pinoy progress and diversity at the workfront.

Illustrado looks at the lives of Filipino professionals in the Gulf. In this release, we take a peak at a day in the lives of a Pinoy veterinarian, a fashion website editor and a female Rock DJ.

JESUS L. NALDO, DVM

Head of Veterinary Department

Wrsan Wildlife Division

Abu Dhabi

The Wrsan Wildlife Division is a privately owned wildlife reserve. Some of the animal species present in the collection include falcons, ostriches, flamingoes, pheasants, Arabian oryx and gazelles, just to name a few. As head of the veterinary department, I ensure that all clinical and medical activities, protocols and procedures are performed to the highest standards and within a professional code of practice and ethical conduct.

I also work on clinical research in collaboration with local, regional and international institutions intended to improve the knowledge and understanding of health and disease in birds particularly the falcon species, as well as supervise the health of falcons and of the different avian and mammalian species in the collection.

A typical day in the animal kingdom

I start my work at 6:30am Saturday-Thursday with a staff meeting, then I’m off to my routine tasks checking on the animals confined in the

hospital ward. I also check on the birds and the mammals in their respective quarters to ensure that their feeding, sanitation and production are according to our protocols.

It is also part of my job to make an album of all wild birds present in the different farms owned by my sponsor so my camera is always in my car ready to shoot when there is an opportunity. I find this very fulfilling because not only that I am doing my job but at the same time I can do my hobby of photography.

Since 1994 I have been writing research articles together with my colleagues. To date, we have published more than 80 papers in international veterinary journals and conference proceedings. But the highlight of my career is the publication of the book “Anatomical and Clinical Radiology of Birds of Prey” which I co-authored with my boss, Dr. Jaime Samour.

RX for success

I guess my rules for success and happiness are a simple combination of work ethic, practicality and faith. Love your job. If you don’t like your present job, leave and look for another one. If you cannot leave, then learn to love it.

When you receive your salary, save (pay yourself first) at least 20% then spend the rest. If you want to become wealthy, attend seminars on financial literacy and saving money the right way.

Get health care protection for you and your family.

Be faithful to your God.

JIM PAOLO JOQUICO

Founder and Editorial Director

La Moda Dubai

I mainly look after the editorial aspect of the job which involves doing research on the latest industry news, identifying emerging trends, attending runway shows and collection presentations, developing stories of interest for our target audience.

Together with my team, we have successfully grown the brand into an authoritative source capable of informing and influencing readers, which range from the average luxury customer to key players within the regional fashion industry. Doing this job has allowed me to travel, meet people that you only read about in the magazines or whose names you only see on clothing labels, and speak to an audience as part of an expert panel.

From editor to social (media) butterfly

A typical working day for me is a constant string of research and brainstorming sessions. I keep my eye on global industry news and trends, and identify potential features for our website. After our daily content is produced and published on the website, I switch jobs from editor to social media butterfly, because it’s my job to have a dialogue with our readers, too. Some days I also help coordinate fashion shoots. On top of all that, there’s the jam-packed calendar full of fashion events to get to.

Last year, I was invited to speak as a resource person at a workshop called “How to Get into Fashion and Media” together with established professionals in their respective fields including media personality Simone Heng, OK! Middle East editor Sarah Bladen, and a few designers, boutique owners and stylists. As someone who has only been doing this job for about a year, I thought it was quite an achievement for me to have been included in such a distinguished panel. It was amazing that the organizers of the event thought my experiences could be something that the attendees could take home with them and learn from.

CZARINA SORIANO

Radio DJ – Rock Radio UAE 90.7FM

Fujairah Media Group

It might be a stretch but I think I may have the coolest job in the planet: playing Rock ‘n’ Roll four hours a day!

I’m the mid-morning presenter on the newest and only rock station in the UAE. I’ve been on the air from 10am to 2pm every weekday since Rock Radio UAE’s was launched in November 2011. A fun, challenging workout for my brain cells is what it is. A good deal of our time is spent reading – from current events to the most random of things. Oh, we do actual work as well: running contests, scheduling music, producing interesting segments, keeping track of the music library, and managing Facebook. Seriously, a lot of our own brand of “work” happens when the on-air button is turned off.

Morning brew

My day starts with the best cup of coffee in town; which can only be found in the offices of the Fujairah Media Group. My morning wouldn’t be complete without having a cup while answering and sending out e-mails, checking on current events, and polishing my prep for the day. Four hours of standing starts at 10am when I enter the studios and do the show. Yes! We have a strict “No Chairs” rule inside the booth! We currently work with a small team and we each make sure that everything is set and ready a few days in advance. That means having a go at the music programming every day and liaising with each other to make sure that everything sounds tight and very Rock ‘n Roll on the air.

Unexpected chances

I never thought I’d be a radio presenter outside of the Philippines. When my previous radio station signed off for good last year, I thought I was done with radio. I wasn’t open to working with any other format. I thought it was good fun while it lasted and was getting ready to don my nurse’s uniform and finally practice that profession. A few months after and still reluctant about working in a hospital, I got a call from my previous station manager asking me to send my voice clip to some guys who were looking for a Filipino rock jock. And though the process of me getting here took an arduous amount of waiting, I am now on my 5th month in the UAE and loving it! Sometimes all it takes is a single chance and the guts to see it through.

February 19, 2012