Jasmin Bungay, a former Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Dubai, has recently been crowned Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2024. Her journey from Dubai to the pageant stage is a testament to her resilience, determination, and passion.
Jasmin’s love for pageantry began in her teenage years, but life took her to Dubai, where she spent five years building a career. Despite her success, the dream of participating in a major pageant remained. “Even after five years of hiatus, I cannot seem to just close the chapter without trying to go the next level,” she shared. This led her to leave her life in Dubai and pursue the Binibining Pilipinas crown.
In an interview recently with The Global Filipino Magazine, Jasmin shared that living as an OFW in Dubai, far from family, was challenging. The pandemic made it even harder, but Jasmin found strength in her supportive friends. “I was able to figure my way around it by being kinder and more patient with myself,” she said. Her friends, who became like family, made her journey easier.
Jasmin’s experience as an OFW shaped her advocacy for the pageant. She aims to highlight the struggles and triumphs of OFWs. “We need to build conversations around the plight of OFWs all around the world and accord them due respect and support,” she emphasized. She wants to celebrate OFWs as modern-day heroes.
Initially, Jasmin’s parents were hesitant about her decision to join Binibining Pilipinas, concerned about her leaving a promising career in Dubai. However, they eventually supported her. “They understood my decision eventually, and are now very supportive,” she said. Her friends were excited and encouraging from the start.
Jasmin believes her experience in Dubai prepared her well for the pageant. “If you survive being an OFW, you are capable of anything,” she stated. Her work in logistics and modeling equipped her with a strong work ethic and adaptability.
Jasmin hopes to inspire other OFWs to pursue their dreams. “Success is exactly what it means to you, whether big or small. Deep breaths, and go for it!” she advised.
Living in Al Rigga, known as Little Manila, helped Jasmin stay connected to her Filipino roots. Surrounded by Filipino supermarkets and a vibrant community, she felt at home. “There’s no way you can disconnect from our culture,” she affirmed.
Jasmin’s journey began when she moved to Dubai at 21, leaving behind her profession as a licensed teacher. She ventured into logistics, found her niche, and advanced her career while modeling part-time.