I posted the below texts on Facebook and LinkedIn on April 1, 2023, before boarding my flight to Dubai at NAIA Terminal 3. I went home on a business trip with our Tristar Group Founder and CEO, who flew back to Dubai three days earlier. We both arrived in Manila on March 27, 2023.
We relocated to Dubai in May 2001 when we were doing well with our careers. My wife, Rachel Salinel, as a field reporter of a Japanese TV network. Myself, as a corporate affairs and communications manager of a large pharmaceutical firm.
We wanted to have an adventure while we were starting a young family. Our son, Yuji, was three years old then. That adventure led us to serve in a Catholic community of couples, older and younger single men and women, and the youth and school children. Our service has also brought us outside the UAE, to northern and southern Africa.
We also served in the Filipino community of UAE and not just Dubai where we are based. We shared our time, talent, and network even with people we don’t know.
Living and working outside the Philippines for almost 22 years have made us somewhat selfless. There were times – only me alone and not my wife who I call Mother Teresa – I asked myself if it was worth it? If I had channeled my time and energy to a more financially rewarding enterprise on the side while being employed like selling condo units. But we can’t escape helping or assisting people because we cannot escape God’s command to us to help the least, the last, the lost, and the little.
Right now before I board my flight back to Dubai in less than an hour I pray to our Almighty God to calm and assure me that when I finally reintegrate back into Philippine society that there will be a company, or a group or an individual who would get me as a PR consultant so that I can also serve the Philippines in making the living standard in the homeland desirable to the majority of Filipinos.
Call me idealist but I believe an intention can become a reality – with God’s grace and mercy.
Next day, April 2, I posted these texts on the comment box (they are not mine):
Trust Him with Your Dreams
Are you frustrated because a dream isn’t happening on your timetable? It’s good to be passionate about your dreams, but did you know a dream can become an idol? If that’s all you think about and you’re not going to be happy unless it happens your way, that’s out of balance. The fact is, sometimes you have to put that dream on the altar.
Sometimes we hold on to things so tightly, but when we let them go, that’s when God can bring them to pass. If you’ll release that frustration and not let it become the center of your attention, that’s when God can begin to move. Take that same time and energy to thank God that He’s directing your steps and watch how it opens the door for God to give you the desires of your heart.
We have to remember, God already knows what we want and what we are in need of. He’s the One who put those desires in us. We shouldn’t be consumed with trying to make things happen. Instead, a greater act of faith is to be happy right where you are! Stay open and trust God because He has good plans in store for your future.
Do you have mixed feelings whenever you are at the international airports in the Philippines flying back to your second home?
Note: The columnist is a 24-year resident of Dubai and is currently working as Head of Corporate Communications of a global energy logistics company. He used to be a former Filipino Community Leader as chairman of the Philippine Independence Day Execom in 2008 and as one of the founding officers of the Filipino Social Club in 2019. He can be reached at: artlosbanos@gmail.com
