The spirit of determination and resilience is exemplified by Erra Moreño Capa, Managing Director of Bridgeway International Consultancy Services. Five years ago, she moved abroad and has since crafted a remarkable journey from being an employee to becoming an entrepreneur, driven by her unwavering ambition and commitment to providing a better life for her children.
“I am an entrepreneur. I manage my own business. My task is to make my people have peace of mind as they work with me,” Erra shares with The Global Filipino Magazine about her current role.
Her journey began as an employee, marking her first experience working outside the Philippines.
Reflecting on her early career abroad, she recalls, “The outstanding part of me being an employee was when I got promoted as a Sales Manager because of my hard work. It wasn’t easy because you have to reach a specific target. Luckily, I exceeded quotas, built strong client relationships, and showcased sales strategies. These are the reasons why I am where I am today.”
Seeking better opportunities abroad
Erra’s decision to work abroad stemmed from her ambition and the challenges she faced while raising two children in the Philippines.
“I want to develop my professional skills, experience personal growth, and gain insights into other cultures. My life in the Philippines wasn’t easy, especially if you are raising two kids alone. I thought of going abroad because I want to give my children a life they truly deserve,” she explains.
Before her move, Erra juggled two jobs in the Philippines—managing a small business and working in real estate. Despite her tireless efforts, she often found herself struggling to meet her family’s needs.
“I was earning not much, I could only afford paying my bills, school for my children, and our food every day. One day, I woke up and realized, is this really what I want for us? Is this all I could give?” This realization prompted her to seek better opportunities abroad.
Erra’s initial years as an employee abroad were marked by continuous learning and perseverance. She observed and learned from her employer, gaining insights into building and managing a business.
“I studied how my employer built his company from scratch, worked overtime to know the processes of having my own company until I decided to build my own empire,” she recalls.
Starting her own business came with its challenges, particularly financial struggles. However, with the support of friends and family, she successfully established her company.
“Fortunately, there’s this one friend who offered me enough money to start my first big step. I have trusted friends and family members who helped me with dynamic documents to serve as our roadmap for establishing the business.”
Finding satisfaction in success
Today, Erra leads her own company, employing a team of talented individuals. She takes immense pride in her work, finding joy in the tasks, positive impacts, and relationships she has built.
“This could be everything to me, it made me enjoy the specific tasks I did, the positive impact I made, and the learning opportunities I had,” she says.
The most satisfying aspect of her work is celebrating every success and victory with her team.
Working overseas has brought Erra significant financial freedom and personal growth. She appreciates the opportunities to develop new skills, expand her network, and enhance her job prospects. However, being away from her family has also been challenging.
“It kills you inside because of the void you felt when your family is not around. I learned to like the idea of being away from them because I can now give everything that they need and want.”
Erra’s journey was not without its struggles. Financial challenges were a constant battle, but she overcame them through careful planning and support from friends.
“I had some friends who lent help just for me to survive a specific number of days. The person whom I admire the most is my parents. My father has been a businessman in our hometown since I was a kid until now. It amazes me how he kept his business alive, and that’s what makes my own company grow.”
Looking ahead, Erra plans to continue her business ventures in Dubai while also maintaining investments and businesses in the Philippines. She is passionate about helping others reach their dreams, stating, “I am an advocate of helping people reach their dreams.”
Her advice to fellow Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) is practical and inspiring.
“Leaving your family is very hard. It takes courage; you have to be very brave leaving them. One of the primary challenges faced by OFWs is the pressure to provide financial support to our families back home. My advice to our kabayans that are still struggling abroad is to live within your means. Think outside of the box; you can start up a business back home to help support the needs of your family.”
This article has been published in Volume 5, Issue 1 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.
