For Herbert B. Rico, leaving the Philippines means earning the salary he aims to help his family back home. As a single parent with three kids, he always does what’s best for them.
In the Philippines, he worked as an account supervisor for an electric power distribution company while manning his two massage parlors. His entrepreneurial skills were harnessed during those days that he believed would help him in the future.
The physical therapist went to Dubai in 2019 on a visit visa in the hopes to seek a better-paying job.
When the pandemic struck in the early months of 2020, his life turned 360 degrees. With the restriction of movements almost across the globe, he couldn’t return to the Philippines. In order for him to survive, he decided to take part-time jobs, including offering legitimate massage services. As someone who was raised to be a strategic and resourceful person, he tried to beat all the odds that came his way.
The pandemic brought discomfort to many–including anxiety, headache, body pain, among others, perhaps because of the virus. Herbert seized this opportunity by helping his fellow Filipinos alleviate the body pain they had been suffering. Knowing the repercussions and the threat of getting afflicted with the virus, he dived into the freelance job.
His therapeutic touch became popular among his clients’ friends, not to mention the benefits it gave them to recover faster from all the anxiety and illnesses.
Herbert has also trained a number of his fellow Filipinos in the emirate who wanted to learn the art of massaging. He also wanted to help them survive during those trying times when many lost their jobs.
He, along with his business partner, waded many storms just to put up their spa–Kabayan Healing Spa. Their main goal is to provide relaxation to stressed Filipinos. They may have faced many struggles, but their burning desire to continue their dreams has prevailed.
“I enjoy with what I do because this is my passion. I am happy to see and hear our clients satisfied with what we do,” he said.
Because of dedication and perseverance, Herbert was also able to purchase a house and lot in the Philippines and simultaneously running a business.
The Filipino entrepreneur plans to open more branches in the UAE and touch lives of more Filipinos with their top-notch and legitimate massage services.
“I also want my kababayan to have a decent job. I want to train them and harness their skills that they can use in their future endeavors.”
“I want to prove also that we a different spa, we are legitimate and offer formal massage services without any hidden agenda,” Herbert pointed out.
He advised Filipinos overseas to keep pursuing their dreams and passions in life.
“Don’t stop dreaming and always be the best. And always follow your heart,” he said.