An inspiring figure, Cindy Marie Christine Fernandez, the General Manager of Javaheri Group, has a life story woven with resilience, adventure, and the joys of motherhood. Born in Cebu City and deeply connected to Pilar, Camotes Island, Cindy has spent the last 17 years abroad, navigating the complexities of life with Basconian a mantra that encapsulates her spirit: “Fear No Hardships.”
Cindy’s journey began in Cebu, where she was raised by her grandparents while her parents worked in Riyadh.
“Growing up, we often embarked on boat trips to the mainland, where I developed a fascination for new places and experiences,” she recalls with The Global Filipino Magazine.
Her first flight to Davao, where she marveled at the majestic Philippine eagle, ignited her passion for exploration.
Her free-spirited nature often got her into trouble at school.
“Rocking out as a guitarist and experimenting with different styles of clothing often raised eyebrows among teachers,” she says.
This irrepressible urge to break free from societal norms led her to pursue studies in Architecture, a field that provided her with the creative freedom to design captivating spaces.
Building a life centered on exploration
After completing her studies, Cindy meticulously saved up with a clear goal: to establish a life centered on living, working, and traveling.
“Singapore, with its robust international transportation network, emerged as the practical choice, serving as my home base for over seven years,” she explains.
Balancing financial commitments, including supporting her family in the Philippines, required resourcefulness. She juggled multiple roles and invested in photography to boost her freelance opportunities.
In 2012, driven by a desire for profound experiences, Cindy left Singapore to embark on a solo global journey with the aim of eventually settling in Australia. Then, life threw a curveball—she discovered she was pregnant.
“But it didn’t slow me down. Not one bit,” she asserts. Cindy continued to travel, embracing her pregnancy and planning for her daughter’s arrival overseas.
Motherhood and continued adventures
In 2015, Cindy’s daughter was born overseas, and her travels took on a new dimension.
“From being my tiny travel buddy to now, a spirited adventurer, my daughter has become my ultimate travel companion,” she shares.
Together, they’ve explored South America, Asia, Australia, and the UAE, creating lasting memories.
“Sometimes I find it funny when I think that the world has become her playground, and her early experiences serve as her greatest teacher.”
One of Cindy’s most memorable experiences was in Istanbul.
“Despite safety concerns, I traveled anyway,” she recounts.
Traveling on a tight budget, she stayed in a hostel with comfortable mats on the terrace.
“The night sky was adorned with stars, with the magnificent Hagia Sophia on one side and the vast expanse of the ocean on the other. It was magical.”
Discovering her pregnancy was a challenging time for Cindy.
“It took me over a month to come to terms with the news,” she admits. Determined to secure a second passport for her baby, Cindy carefully selected a country that would facilitate this process.
“I underwent a comprehensive medical check-up to ensure both my baby’s and my well-being,” she says.
The journey to her intended destination took nearly a month, with stops along the way.
“Upon arrival, I rented a modest seaside house in a tranquil town, where I engaged with locals to research healthcare options and prepare for my daughter’s arrival,” she explains.
Choosing the country for her daughter’s birth was a decision driven by practicality and foresight.
“I wanted my daughter to have another nationality with more flexible access to the world,” Cindy explains.
Using the Henley Passport Index, she carefully studied her options.
“The most significant requirement was the courage and strength of my soul to follow through with what I believed in.”
Balancing roles and overcoming challenges
Balancing her roles as a mother, a professional, and an avid traveler has been no small feat.
“People often ask me how I do it all—how I manage to balance life, work, and travel without missing a beat,” Cindy says. Her answer is simple: hard work and determination.
“My top priority has always been to meet my daughter’s needs.”
Professionally, Cindy had to wait until her daughter could walk before taking on jobs that allowed her to bring her along.
“Work hours and salary considerations were crucial because I am a single parent,” she notes.
Despite facing rejections and periods of financial struggle, Cindy always focused on her daughter’s well-being.
Cindy’s advice for other parents who want to travel extensively with their children is practical and heartfelt.
“Involve your kids in the planning process,” she suggests. Safety should always be a top priority, and flexibility is key.
“Thoroughly research your destinations and stay informed about any health or security concerns.”
As a General Manager with an Architecture background, Cindy incorporates her travel experiences into creating unique hospitality concepts.
“I emphasize customer experience, space planning, and design processes, inspired by diverse architectural styles and cultural nuances encountered during my travels,” she explains.
