In the fast-paced realm of social media, where viral content can shoot creators to instant fame, a new name has been resonating within the Filipino community — Edmirr Van Tamondong, or ‘Mira Bulakenya’ as he’s fondly called.
A licensed content creator for MB Social Media and Development, Mira has turned his once hobby into a career that spans four years and counting in the deserts of the UAE. His story is not just a narrative of personal triumph but also a shining example of the resilience and unyielding spirit characteristic of OFWs.
Mira’s journey abroad began at 23, an age when many are still charting their life’s path. He found his footing as a service crew member in an Arabic restaurant — a humble start that was abruptly disrupted by the pandemic.
“Nung ako ay 23 taong gulang pa lamang, isa sa mga naging unang trabaho ko ay ang pagiging service crew sa isang Arabic restaurant. Nang dumating ang pandemic, lahat ng mga trabahong pinagkakakitaan ay nawala,” Mira recalls the uncertainty that gripped his life.
@mirabulakenya WAG MONG GAGAWEN TO KUNG AYAW MONG MASIRA BUHAY MO! #uae #dubai #pinoy #kabayan #babala #beware #info #goodinformation #news #uaenews #dxb #mirabulakenya #proudpinoy #pinas #kadama #khadama ♬ Educational(258830) – TimTaj
It was during these three jobless months that he discovered his knack for creating videos, not knowing this skill would later bloom into a full-fledged career.
“When I started making videos, it was just my way of helping people who were sad, down, and without hope,” Mira shares with The Global Filipino Magazine.
His content, which began as a medium to spread laughter and smiles, struck a chord with many. Companies started approaching him for promotions, and the turning point came when he joined the Filipino Institute, where he honed his focus on comedy and informative videos.
@mirabulakenya Mag bayad kayo ng utang sa tamang oras thats why i love UAE #kabayan #uae #dubai #dubainews #uaenews #mirabulakenya #kabayannews #loan #creditcard #card #debt #credit #ofw #ofwknows #ofwlife #tips #goodnews #news ♬ News, news, seriousness, tension(1077866) – Lyrebirds music
Now, he’s not just a creator but an educator, helping his fellow Filipinos understand the laws of the UAE and the beauty of life there.
A passion that educates and entertains
But what drives a man to pour his heart into such work? For Mira, it’s passion intertwined with a purpose.
“Pinaka-naeenjoy ko sa work na ‘to ay mahal ko ang trabaho ko, may naitutulong ako sa mga tao hindi mas sa material na bagay kundi sa pagbibigay ng impormasyon na dapat nilang malaman dito sa UAE,” he asserts.
This passion has not only given him a platform to influence but also the means to give his family a better life.
The satisfaction of impacting lives keeps Mira dedicated to his craft. He enjoys the reach and influence his work grants him, allowing him to make a tangible difference.
@mirabulakenya SPAG NANAMAN! #ceo #communitypantry #MIRABULAKENYA #comedy #FUCCDUBAI ♬ original sound – MIRA BULAKEÑYA
Mira’s content is more than just entertainment; it is a beacon of knowledge and a source of comfort for many Filipinos miles away from home.
Despite the success and the influence, Mira hasn’t forgotten his roots and his battles, especially the collective struggle of the pandemic.
“Alam nating lahat na itong mga nakalipas na taon, ang pinakamalaking dagok talaga ay ang pandemic,” he states, acknowledging the trials that have befallen everyone, more so the OFWs.
He credits his creative mindset and video creation for not only helping him cope but also for allowing him to spread joy to his community and family.
Looking ahead, Mira aims to continue creating videos to make people happy and to eventually establish a business to help unemployed individuals in the Philippines.
@mirabulakenya Pasensya na sa muka ko akong napatayo ng bigla ng nalaman kong ang daming pfw na ang napapahamak ng mga lending kuno pero sinimot ang pera ng ofw #becareful #careful #beaware #uae #dubai #ofw #mirabulakenya #uaenews #kabayannews ♬ original sound – MIRA BULAKEÑYA
His advice to his fellow kababayans abroad is a mixture of resilience and patience: “Walang susuko sa anumang laban; ‘wag madaliin ang mga bagay-bagay.”
As the mantra of his life suggests, “Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend,” Mira continues to spend his time wisely, crafting a narrative that’s not only uplifting for him but also inspiring for the global Filipino community.
For anyone seeking to connect or collaborate with Mira, he is reachable at his mobile number 0506587668 or via email at emapue1996@gmail.com.
Read the e-Magazine below:
This article has been published in Volume 4, Issue 7 of The Global Filipino Magazine. If you have a unique life story or know someone who does, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at eic@theglobalfilipinomagazine.com. If you’re interested in obtaining a print copy of the magazine, please contact Mr. JP Cosico at +971 54 482 0661.
