Another One Bites the Dust

"The Philippines is the perfect incubator of world class talents and skills.

The sad thing is, it kinda ends right there."

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When I left the Philippines in 2008 to work abroad, I was dead certain my footprints wouldn't be the last of the many Filipino professionals' dream of seeking fortune outside of our beloved country. The premise is not that the sun shines less on the Orient's pearl, only that somewhere else, the sun shines even brighter. Dubai, literally, is where it happens. Aside from the scorching sun, it is the golds, gadgets and the garage of jobs available even for tourists that makes it the glittering place to be for Filipinos looking for overseas employment without the complexities of OWWA processed placements. When I left the Philippines, I just didn't leave home and a family, I left a promising job with San Miguel, I left my friends, I left a heart that knew exactly what would make myself feel happy.

Two years passed.

A colleague followed the same path. Meet Jules.

We were hired by San Miguel Corporation as Financial Analysts in 2001. He resigned in 2005 to join Deutsche Bank with a better salary and hope of putting some international appeal to his already beefed up resume. Not so badly, he was sent to London in 2008 for a work related training - something that actually enticed him to join DB and leave Miguel's lovingly intoxicating arms. Shortly after, he quit DB after a 4 year stint and jumped over to an an even bigger bank who goes by the name "World Bank" - a institution everybody would die to get into. By charm, by luck, by know-how or by full moon, I really don't know how he's been getting all those great jobs amidst an ocean of qualified Filipino professionals. But one thing's for sure, he's been working all his life to help his family and achieve his personal dreams.

When I had my Philippine vacation last June, I was surprised to know that Jules' jobless. I know it would take a mammoth reason for him to give up such a rewarding job with World Bank but asking him why, I felt would be inappropriate. Suffice to say, this guy deserved a placement knowing he's hardworking enough and he has a dream to fulfill. Actually, he has a lot of offers from other companies, only that this time, he's weighing on getting an overseas job. During our get together with other ex-officemates, he seemed to have been encouraged by my stories - that the Philippines is no good enough for professionals like us, that Dubai could offer something bigger and better. While interview calls for local jobs plagued his phone, he set his sight on the high desert, where dust incredibly built towering sand castles.

One month after I came back to Dubai, Jules informed me thru Facebook that he's been hired by a Dubai company thru a local recruitment agency. It was great good news knowing that. His decision to ignore local job offers has paid off and finally, the "Dubai thing" is coming his way. He's about to wear the "OFW" hat with a "heroes" tag written all over it. Jules found a better luck than most Dubai OFWs who came on tourist visas as he's hired directly from the Philippines. As such, he wouldn't have to shoulder visa costs, air tickets, medical and various government fees. Not to mention, he's getting a sure job compared to Filipinos coming on visits where the job placements loom with almost uncertainty.

Jules arrived in Dubai midnight exactly a month ago. He reported for work on his first morning with no jetlags, no separation anxiety, no hang-ups but all excitement and determination. He knows a great journey lies ahead and he's taking one step at a time. He is living with me in the same house. He comes home late at night due to massive workloads but he ain't complaining. On weekends, he tried to acquaint himself more with Dubai, honestly right this time, he has already visited more places in Dubai than I did. He also managed to call on his family weekly aside from his nightly Facebook updates. From what I can see, he's enjoying Dubai and every pieces of it. This early too, he's already planning to send his first balikbayan box. Mobile fones, PSPs and similar gadgets are stuff he's planning to gift his nephews, parents and family members.

Come month end. He's sending his first remittance, among other things. He definitely is here to stay. Another professional individual molded in the Philippines but turned out useful for another nation's drive for progress. Wattudu Yanie? It's not really dust that's we're biting on, but gold. Sadly, gold is tough, it makes one lose a tooth.