Camille Mahani Tagudin, a 30-year-old mother and wife, made the difficult decision to work abroad to provide a better life for her family.
She secured a job as a Receptionist/Personal Assistant at HiPhone Telecom in Dubai, where she has been working for four years and is about to renew her third contract.
Her mantra in life is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” which has helped her face various challenges she has encountered along the way.
Working as a PA has taught Camille many valuable lessons, from thinking outside the box to finding alternative solutions to problems.
“Working as a PA is a combination of fun and challenge,” Camille said.
“It is really challenging, but it is something so rewarding to see every result of your hard work,” she added.
When asked about her reason for working abroad, Camille explained that her main motivation was her family. Back in the Philippines, she only earned a minimum wage, and finding a job without a degree was a challenge.
“I am thankful that BPO companies are giving opportunities to people like me,” she said.
Before coming to Dubai, Camille worked as a call center agent in the Philippines. She also did side jobs selling preloved clothes and re-selling delicacies to her colleagues to earn extra income.
Despite the challenges she faced, Camille enjoys working overseas because it has given her a stable monthly income and has taught her valuable life lessons.
Camille faced many struggles before settling in Dubai. She struggled financially, emotionally, and spiritually, but she remained strong and didn’t have the courage to open up to her family.
Looking back on the past four years, she learned that these struggles were lessons that made her stronger and better.
“I think at some point in our lives, we tend to forget to be thankful sometimes because we are not considering the ‘small things’ as a blessing,” she said.
“I am grateful to those people who understood me during my toughest times. Those who comforted me, encouraged me, and never got tired of calling me just to make sure I am okay,” she further added.
Camille’s current goal is to bring her child to Dubai, which she has been manifesting for a long time.
She also advises her fellow kabayans who are struggling abroad to be vocal and open about their struggles. She reminds them that it’s okay to talk about their problems and that it’s important to keep their circle small and be with people who motivate them in life. Camille also advises kabayans to be mindful of their finances and to prioritize their own needs because, at the end of the day, they are the only ones who can take care of themselves abroad.
Business venture overseas
Aside from her job as a Receptionist/Personal Assistant, Camille also started selling Ilocos (Batac) Empanada, a famous Filipino delicacy.
She makes the empanadas by hand, starting from making the dough, preparing the grated papaya and monggo, until forming it into a half-moon shape without breaking it.
Camille invested her time and effort in making these empanadas, from sleepless nights to waking up early and non-stop rolling to finish hundreds of orders. “All the hard work is worth it,” she said.
Despite the challenges she faced, she remained strong and focused on her goals. Her positive outlook on life, combined with her strong faith, has helped her overcome various obstacles along the way.