In 2013, with dreams in her eyes and determination in her stride, Joan Romualdo Vargas, a unit manager in real estate from Davao City, Philippines, stepped onto the soils of the UAE. Armed with an unwavering spirit and the mantra, “always think positive,” she embarked on a journey with Chinese Star Restaurant LLC that would see her grow from a waitress to an operations manager at the company’s Deira Dubai branch.
Joan’s daily responsibilities are multifold – from overseeing operational activities, implementing processes, focusing on marketing and social media platforms, handling reservations and inquiries, to managing partnerships and sponsorships. Her role is pivotal in ensuring the smooth flow of the restaurant in collaboration with Mall Management.
Reflecting on her journey, Joan shares, “I am joyful and full of blessings working here at Chinese Star Restaurant for more than 10 years with the same owner and the same company. I’m very thankful to my bosses, Maam Jinxia Guo and Sir Jason Han, for believing in me, and for the support, trust, and love,” she shares with The Global Filipino Magazine.
The mutual trust and respect between Joan and her employers have been the bedrock of more than a decade of harmonious collaboration, marked by shared victories and accomplishments.
Beyond her professional commitments, Joan is deeply intertwined with the Filipino community in the UAE. She is a proud co-founder, choreographer, and dancer of the United Filipino Culture and Arts (UFCA), a group dedicated to preserving and showcasing Filipino culture and arts. Through various community events in Dubai and beyond, Joan and UFCA have brought the vibrancy and richness of Filipino traditions to the fore, strengthening ties within the community.
Navigating challenges and fostering dreams
Joan’s decision to work abroad was driven by a profound sense of responsibility and love for her family, particularly her son. The initial years were not without their share of struggles and sacrifices. The separation from her son was especially challenging, but Joan held onto her promise that they would be reunited. In 2018, her perseverance paid off, and she was reunited with her son, enabling her to guide him towards a brighter future.
Working in a foreign land opened up a myriad of opportunities for Joan.
“What I like about working in a foreign country is that there are many opportunities you can pursue. Aside from my work, I have experienced a lot of things that I hadn’t done in the Philippines,” she remarks.
From acquiring a driver’s license to pursuing further studies, Joan seized every chance to grow and develop. She completed courses at the Filipino Institute, including IELTS Preparatory, Certified Professional Caregiver, Basic Secretarial, and Basic Social Media Marketing, enhancing her skillset and enriching her professional journey.
Joan’s resilience and commitment have earned her accolades, notably securing the 5th place in Dakilang Mangagawang Pilipino sa UAE 2022. This recognition is a testament to her enduring impact and contribution to the community and her workplace.
As she looks towards the future, Joan dreams of translating her experiences and learnings abroad into building her own business in the Philippines. She believes in the transformative power of hard work and perseverance, stating, “As long as you work hard and persevere, nothing is impossible in life by God’s grace.”
Joan’s heartfelt advice to her fellow kabayans navigating struggles abroad echoes the wisdom garnered from her own journey: “Do not lose hope in life, just fight for the dream, focus on the life plan for the family, and don’t forget to ask the Lord for help. Trust that all problems in life will be resolved as long as you don’t give up and always think positive.”
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This article has been published in Volume 4, Issue 5 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.
