Becoming a mother while working as an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Dubai’s demanding hospitality industry was no easy feat for Marie Bernadette Jacobo Ortiguerra.
Starting out as a sales secretary, she eventually rose to the top ranks as a cluster marketing and communications manager at two prestigious five-star properties. Yet, despite her professional success, Ortiguerra considers her greatest achievement to be something far more personal—hearing her son, John Marcus, call her “mommy.”
John Marcus, diagnosed with severe Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at the age of three and a half, faced uncertain prospects of ever speaking. “We were at our weakest when we heard the diagnosis. No one spoke,” Ortiguerra shares in a GMA News report. Yet, against the odds, John Marcus called her “mommy” when he was five, a moment she cherishes more than any career milestone.
With her husband, John Paul, Ortiguerra has navigated the emotional and financial toll of raising a child with autism. “Therapies are extremely expensive and not typically covered by insurance,” she shared. Despite the challenges, the couple has fully embraced their son’s condition, working tirelessly to support his development.
Their daughter, Zoemary Faye, also plays a vital role, contributing to her brother’s school fees while building her own career in hospitality. “Proud of her achievements at such a young age,” Ortiguerra expressed, grateful for the family’s collective efforts.
Beyond her family life, Ortiguerra’s career achievements are notable. She has led major rebranding projects for global hotel brands like AccorHotels and Marriott, and was instrumental in the launch of the first-ever Swissotel in the UAE. Despite her busy professional life, she finds time to be a content creator, promoting Dubai as a travel destination.
Still, Ortiguerra’s heart remains with her family. “I worry about his future, but I trust God that everything will be okay,” she says, reflecting on the challenges of parenting a child with ASD. “It is essential for parents to love their children for who they are.”