OFW in Dubai finds new success

MANILA, Philippines - Jeffrey Ximo Ramos, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), faced his biggest career challenge: losing his job after four years of working at a prestigious hotel chain in Dubai. He also had issues with his working visa which forced him to come back to the Philippines and leave his wife behind, who is also an OFW in the United Arab Emirates.

Instead of feeling sorry for himself, he decided to turn the situation into an opportunity that benefitted not only him but others. “I was left with two choices: to either sulk and drown in misery, or become an inspiration to others,” he shared.

According to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), there are currently 2.3 million Pinoys working and living in the Middle East and an estimated 700,000 are in Dubai.

This community of Filipinos became Jeffrey’s motivation to write a book, I Know What to Do, The Pinoy Success Handbook. “This is a book for them, about them and written by someone who is just like them – a Filipino, OFW, dreamer, fighter. It was written by someone who wants change for himself and the nation as well,” he said.

Jeffrey wants to give back and inspire more people through his company, Successful Pinoy Ako, which offers motivational talks, trainings and seminars for OFWs. Jeffrey believes that with hard work, faith and determination, every Filipino can be successful.

“Keep your dreams with you and never let go,” he shared. “Remember the reasons why you sought this opportunity in the first place and do not entertain any negative thoughts and distractions.”  Communication with loved ones and friends is also a key to weather loneliness and keep the motivation burning. “Communicate constantly with your family and friends back home. Don’t be afraid to talk to them about your problems,” he advised. “That’s better than worrying and keeping it all to yourself.” 

But the most important thing, according to Jeffrey, is to work hard for one’s dreams as “success is 50 percent motivation and inspiration and 50 percent action.”

Like Jeffrey, Cebu Pacific also aims to empower global Filipinos by offering its trademark lowest fares on direct flights between Dubai and Manila. “I am glad that Cebu Pacific provides support for OFWs as they act on their dreams, and gives families a chance to visit their loved ones abroad more often,” Jeffrey shared.

On the maiden Dubai-Manila flight, CEB brought home “100 Lucky Juans,” as part of its initiative to bring home 100 Global Filipinos for free.