Hard work and perseverance can take a person further than they ever imagined. For Jan Tingzon, his journey from being a cleaner to a Business Development Manager at Grand Infinity Medical Center in Dubai is proof that dedication and resilience can turn dreams into reality.
Jan, now 41 years old, started working abroad in 2012, driven by a deep desire to lift his family out of poverty. “Sumubok at nagbakasakali para sa pamilya na makaahon sa hirap ng buhay at mabigyan ng magandang kinabukasan ang mga anak,” he shared. With only a second-year high school education, he knew that working overseas would not be easy. Still, he took a leap of faith and faced every challenge that came his way.
His journey was anything but smooth. Jan struggled to hold long-term jobs in the Philippines, with his longest employment lasting only six months. He worked at Andok’s and later at Video City, where he developed skills in sales that would eventually serve him well. When he arrived in Dubai, he started at the bottom of the corporate ladder as a cleaner. But he refused to let his lack of formal education define his future.
“I started in my company as a cleaner,” he recalled. “Now, after ten years, I am a Business Development Manager.” His success did not come overnight. He worked tirelessly, often skipping rest days and putting in extra hours to prove his worth. “Dumating sa punto na hindi ko na iniisip ang oras ng aking trabaho. Kahit day off, pumapasok ako,” he admitted. His mindset was simple: “Kung mahal mo ang pamilya mo, mahalin mo rin ang trabaho mo.”
Beyond his career growth, Jan found deep fulfillment in helping others. Through his role at the medical center, he has extended assistance to many Filipinos in need, including those without proper documents. “Marami akong natulungan—mga kababayan, matatanda, bata, at mga kababaihan,” he shared. His workplace has been in partnership with the Philippine Consulate for six years, ensuring that medical support reaches fellow OFWs.
His journey abroad was filled with struggles, from homesickness to workplace difficulties. “Napakahirap umabot sa aking kinalalagyan,” he admitted. “May mga amo noon na gusto akong tanggalin sa trabaho, pinahirapan ako sa schedule at sa mismong trabaho.” But despite these obstacles, he persevered, believing that his efforts were guided by divine providence. “Nanaig pa rin ang kapalaran na ang Diyos ang may kagustuhan.”
Jan recognizes both the rewards and pitfalls of working abroad. “May mga kamag-anak ako noon na nakapag-abroad at nagkaroon ng magandang buhay. Pero meron ding nasira ang pamilya dahil sa pag-aabroad,” he reflected. Initially, he never planned to leave the Philippines, but fate had other plans. “Ni lingwahe ng banyaga, ayaw ko noon. Pero napadpad ako dito, at ngayon, ginagamit ako ng Diyos para makatulong sa kapwa OFW.”
His aspirations go beyond professional success. When the time comes for him to return home for good, Jan hopes to continue his advocacy of helping others. “Gusto kong bumalik sa bansa at ipagpatuloy ang pagtulong sa kapwa. Gusto ko ding manirahan sa bukid,” he said, expressing a longing for a simpler, purpose-driven life.
For those who dream of working abroad, he has one crucial piece of advice: “Ang pag-aabroad ay hindi pagtakas sa responsibilidad sa Pilipinas. Dapat balanse ang pang-araw-araw na buhay.” He encourages fellow OFWs to save wisely and prioritize their health. “Mag-ipon, hindi magwaldas. At higit sa lahat, ingatan ang kalusugan. Isa ito sa pinakamahalaga nating puhunan.”
Looking back, Jan remembers his humble childhood, where even small things felt like distant dreams. “Dumating sa punto nung bata ako na nangangarap lang akong makabili ng isang case ng soft drinks, isang balot ng Yakult, sampung pirasong lobo, at magandang tsinelas,” he reminisced.
