Finding a job abroad is often seen as the first major hurdle for overseas Filipinos — and for Khey Bandigan Quisido, it became both a personal triumph and a lifelong mission. As Head of HR at Royal Keita Catering LLC in Dubai, Khey not only carved out an impressive career in the human resources field, but for the past 13 years, she has also dedicated herself to helping thousands of fellow Filipinos land employment opportunities in the UAE.
“I started helping job seekers back when I realized how difficult it was to find decent, trustworthy work here,” she shared with TGFM. Through a Facebook page she built, Dubayans, Khey has spent over a decade offering free job postings, sharing opportunities, and tapping into her HR network — all without asking for anything in return. Even when she herself lost her job and remained unemployed for five months, she continued with the mission. “For me, it was a selfless mission, a true act of kindness,” she said. Her story is one of resilience, compassion, and purpose — a reminder that personal success becomes even more meaningful when it uplifts others along the way.
From receptionist duties to industry leader
Khey’s journey abroad began 16 years ago when she left a stable role as an HR & Admin Supervisor at Unilever Philippines. Her motivation was simple yet profound: she needed to provide a better future for her son as a single mother, and moving abroad seemed like the fastest way forward. “At that time, I felt the best way to heal from the heartache was to leave the Philippines,” she recalled.
Landing an HR job in Dubai wasn’t easy. In fact, her first overseas role, though labeled HR & Admin Officer, barely involved HR work. “I was stationed at the reception area, making coffee, even cleaning toilets,” Khey said candidly. Instead of giving up, she studied the UAE labor law diligently, memorizing it article by article. Armed with new knowledge and relentless determination, she later moved to another company that fully recognized her skills. There, she climbed steadily through the ranks, taking HR courses along the way to enhance her expertise.
Today, Khey leads HR operations at Royal Keita Catering LLC. She’s proud of building a strong, positive culture within the company, citing a dramatic reduction in grievances and turnover since she joined. “What I truly appreciate about my current role is the unwavering support from the CEO and senior management,” she said. “They trust HR, and that’s very fulfilling for me.”
Building a community of hope for Filipino job seekers
It was her own difficult experience finding a job that opened Khey’s eyes to the struggles faced by countless kababayans arriving in Dubai. She saw an urgent need for a safe, trustworthy space where Filipinos could find legitimate employment opportunities — without paying placement fees or falling into scams. That’s when she launched Dubayans, a Facebook page committed to connecting Filipinos to job opportunities for free.
For 13 years now, she has been instrumental in helping thousands of Filipinos find employment across the UAE, many of whom had nowhere else to turn. “Even when I wasn’t working, I kept posting jobs and networking to help others,” she said. Through her page, job seekers gain direct access to openings, HR advice, and even moral support. Her initiative grew organically, powered by a simple but powerful belief: that lifting others up strengthens the entire community.
Beyond her online efforts, Khey has always been active in community service. In the Philippines, she volunteered with the Special Olympics and Kamp Pag-asa, helping children with special needs. In Dubai, her advocacy continues through her professional life, her charity efforts, and her everyday interactions with the Filipino community. “Becoming an OFW made my life easier and more fulfilling,” she shared. But more importantly, it gave her the chance to help others fulfill their dreams too.
A future built on dreams and compassion
Despite her accomplishments, Khey’s journey was not without hardships. She recounted painful moments, including nearly ending up in jail over a loan she took to help a friend — a hard-earned lesson about the importance of caution even when helping others. “It’s okay to help others, but always consider the potential consequences for yourself,” she advised, reflecting on that experience.
Her family’s unwavering support was crucial in her journey. Her brother, in a gesture of love and sacrifice, sold his prized motorcycle to help fund her move abroad, while her mother was ready to sell land to help her chase her dreams. These acts of love and belief continue to inspire Khey to this day.
Looking ahead, Khey dreams of becoming the CEO of her own company. She hopes to continue supporting the Special Olympics and eventually build a foundation for children with special needs in her home province. Personally, she dreams of finding a life partner who shares her passion for making a difference. “I long for a simple yet meaningful life, one filled with purpose, love, and the opportunity to touch as many lives as possible,” she said.
To fellow Filipinos facing struggles abroad, her advice is full of hard-earned wisdom: “Finding a job is undoubtedly the most difficult part. Many will try to scam you or mistreat you. But don’t lose hope. Don’t return home defeated. Stand tall with pride and persevere.” Khey firmly believes that enduring hardships abroad can eventually lead to dreams coming true — just as it did for her.
