Ruby Berja-San Antonio’s journey from a fitness and health professor in the Philippines to the Founder and CEO of Entreppid FZC in Dubai is a story of resilience, adaptability, and pioneering spirit. Celebrating two decades of a dynamic overseas career, Ruby reflects on her diverse professional experiences, the driving forces behind her decisions, and her vision for the future.
Ruby’s career abroad began in Qatar, where she initially took on roles in sales and graphic design, eventually transitioning into a fitness trainer position in Oman. This multifaceted career path led her to Dubai, where she served as a private fitness trainer and health coach for an Emirati family, later exploring real estate and sales across the UAE.
“My passion for sales, particularly in the food and hospitality industry, ignited during these years,” Ruby explains with The Global Filipino Magazine.
Her diverse experiences culminated in her current role as the CEO at Entreppid FZC, a Dubai-based software company she has nurtured from its inception.
The drive to move abroad
The decision to work abroad was propelled by Ruby’s role as a single parent and her desire to provide a better future for her daughter, Elyze, and support her widowed twin sister and her parents.
“Despite having a fulfilling career in the Philippines, I knew I needed more to provide the quality of life my daughter deserved,” Ruby states.
This led her to pursue opportunities that offered both personal and professional growth, enriching her life significantly.
Ruby’s background is as dynamic as her career path. A licensed fitness and health professor, her passion for teaching and mentoring shines through in her dedication to health and wellness, which she actively promotes through her online presence.
“Teaching is my calling, and nothing brings me more joy than mentoring and inspiring others,” she shares.
Her daily routine is a testament to her disciplined and organized nature. Starting her day at 5:30 AM, Ruby hits the gym before diving into her busy schedule, a regimen that keeps her grounded and focused.
Entrepreneurial drive and current enjoyments
“What led me to become an entrepreneur?” Ruby muses.
“My extensive experience spearheading various companies abroad, where I played a pivotal role in each venture’s growth, sparked my desire to forge my own path.”
Her entrepreneurial journey is driven by a commitment to excellence and a desire to create impactful, meaningful change within the food and hospitality industry.
Ruby appreciates her current role for the opportunity to innovate and lead.
“Starting my own brand allowed me to harness my capabilities and transform them into a successful narrative of my own,” she adds, highlighting the satisfaction derived from building something from the ground up.
For Ruby, the benefits of working overseas are manifold. She values the cultural immersion, the professional growth opportunities, and the financial stability it provides, which has enabled her to support her family back home while securing a comfortable life for herself and her daughter.
The journey has not been without its challenges. Ruby recounts a particularly difficult period when a slipped disc left her unable to walk for months.
“It was a time of immense personal and professional strain, but the support of friends and family and my unyielding determination saw me through,” she recalls.
This experience underscored the importance of prioritizing health and inspired her pursuit of entrepreneurship.
Vision for the future
Looking ahead, Ruby is determined to make her mark in the convergence of health, fitness, and technology.
“I aim to transform businesses by introducing health-conscious, technologically advanced solutions,” she states.
Her future plans include leading initiatives that integrate fitness tracking, nutrition analysis, and wellness coaching, aiming to foster a comprehensive approach to health management.
To her fellow Filipinos working abroad, Ruby offers guidance rooted in her experiences: manage finances wisely, maintain emotional resilience, navigate employment strategically, and build trustworthy relationships.
“Embrace and celebrate your culture while fostering connections that support personal and professional growth,” she advises.
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This article has been published in Volume 4, Issue 12 of The Global Filipino Magazine. If you have a unique life story or know someone who does, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at eic@theglobalfilipinomagazine.com. If you’re interested in obtaining a print copy of the magazine, please contact Mr. JP Cosico at +971 54 482 0661.