Dubai has long been a land of opportunity for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and among them, Mark Gil Olay Bustrillo stands out as a shining example of determination and resilience. With a fervent passion for civil engineering, Mark Gil embarked on a journey that took him from the Philippines to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) eight years ago, ultimately rising to the position of Operations Manager at LCI Fitout Interiors LLC.
In an exclusive interview with The Global Filipino Magazine, Mark Gil shared his remarkable story and offered insights into his experiences abroad. From his initial struggles to his current successes, his journey is an inspiration to many OFWs.
“When I came to Dubai 8 years ago, I had no job for 3 months of searching, landed just a few interviews but no luck,” Mark Gil recalled. Undeterred, he ventured to Oman and Iran to renew his visa, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to pursuing his dream of working abroad.
Mark Gil’s breakthrough came in March 2015 when he secured his first site job as a Site Manager, tasked with completing the interiors of a building complex with 150 apartments. Despite lacking prior work experience, his dedication to learning and his willingness to embrace new challenges helped him overcome any obstacles in his path.
“Embracing new experiences and opportunities has been my mantra in life,” Mark Gil shared.
“I was so eager to complete the project that I woke up early at 4:00 am and walked 30 minutes to reach our pickup point for the site every day.”
His determination paid off as he successfully completed the project on time and was entrusted with handling additional projects.
Following his accomplishments, Mark Gil co-founded a fit-out construction company from scratch, which has now grown to employ around 40 individuals. Reflecting on this success, he emphasized, “The can-do attitude and having a genuine passion for what you do play important roles in a company’s growth.”
When asked about his decision to work abroad, Mark Gil explained, “The demand for civil engineers in the UAE was high, and the salary was bigger even for freshers compared to the Philippines. Additionally, I believed that having international work experience would be advantageous for my career growth.”
Despite his professional achievements, Mark Gil remains grounded and focused on personal development.
He shared, “We are all influencers, and using my platform in the Mister International Philippines 2023 pageant, I aim to inspire and create a positive impact, especially among the younger generation.”
In light of his experiences, Mark Gil offered valuable advice to struggling OFWs:
“In terms of love, follow your heart, but consider your financial status first before entering any relationship.”
“Financial struggles can be emotionally draining. Start saving and investing, and keep your expenditures at a minimum.”
“Keep a positive attitude and remain persistent in your job search. Reach out to contacts, join online communities, and stay motivated.”
“Finding the right people takes time. Be patient and keep an open mind. Maintain good intentions towards others, and the right connections will come along the way.”