Renowned for his dedication and perseverance, Ronaldo Quetua Francisco has built an impressive career as a music teacher and choir and orchestra conductor at the Dominican International School Taipei. His journey, originating in Lolomboy, Bocaue, Bulacan, and now residing in Lipa City, Batangas, led him to Taipei City, Taiwan, where he faced numerous challenges and made significant sacrifices.
Graduating from the UST Conservatory of Music with a major in Clarinet in 1997, Ronaldo initially played with groups in concerts, even performing alongside renowned personalities like The Platters in Hong Kong and Taiwan. However, his career took a significant turn when he decided to work abroad as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW).
“I pursued working outside our country first for greener pastures because here as a musician and also as a teacher, the salary is way much higher than in our country,” Ronaldo explains to The Global Filipino Magazine.
He also wanted to showcase the capabilities and heart of Filipino musicians in an international setting.
Currently, Ronaldo’s role at the Dominican International School Taipei involves teaching music to lower, middle, and senior high school students, ensuring they grasp music theory, history, and practical applications. His responsibilities extend to conducting the school’s choir and orchestra, organizing performances, and staging concerts both within and outside the school premises. A highlight of his career was staging a concert for the first time in Taipei with the DIS Symphonic Orchestra, a momentous occasion captured on his YouTube channel, @ronniefrancisco1900.
Ronaldo’s extensive career in music education began at De La Salle Lipa, where he worked as a music teacher and band conductor from 1997 to 2003. He then served as an enlisted personnel in the Philippine Air Force from 2003 to 2005, followed by a stint as an instrument tutor for BRENT and ISM students from 2006 to 2018. His dedication to music extends beyond teaching; he served as the Auditor of PASAMBAP INC. (Pambansang Samahan ng mga Banda ng Pilipinas INC.), conducting workshops and seminars for various community bands across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao for free. He also led the Mary Mediatrix Church Youth Choir in Lipa City.
His move to Taipei brought both opportunities and challenges.
“I enjoyed much my current work as a Music teacher and choir/orchestra conductor because here I can show my talent in teaching and performing,” Ronaldo shares.
Despite his passion, the initial years were tough. Being away from his family for the first time was challenging, and he had to manage his finances carefully to support himself and his loved ones back home.
“There were times I only had to eat one can of sardines for a day,” Ronaldo recalls. “Every time we had a video call, I must show happiness and smile for them not to worry.”
Ronaldo’s faith played a crucial role in overcoming these hardships.
“Who I looked up to, it’s only God and prayers that everything will be alright,” he says.
His involvement with the church community in Taipei provided him with both spiritual and physical nourishment, as he received free food in exchange for playing music at Sunday Mass. Now, with his family by his side in Taipei, Ronaldo’s situation has improved significantly. His youngest son is set to graduate from senior high school with a scholarship from his school, and his eldest son works as an engineer at a medical instrument company. His wife continues her voluntary church work, and the family is able to save for their future.
Looking ahead, Ronaldo envisions a simple life back in the Philippines.
“My future plan is to live a simple life in our country in Jala-jala, Rizal, to have a small farm and private resort on our family-owned land,” he shares. He aims to return home once his youngest son completes college and plans to continue his passion for music by offering free seminars and workshops.
Ronaldo’s advice to fellow OFWs is rooted in faith and resilience: “Never forget to pray,” he emphasizes.
“When you are having a hard time, when you are ignored and singled out by others, and even when you have achieved success, always pray.”
He also underscores the importance of strength, perseverance, and family.
“Living away from our families is very hard, difficult, and tempting. But always be strong and pray; temptation is always around. Being an OFW is good if we focus on our goals and the reasons why we left our country. Dedication, sacrifice, and love are the keys to our success.”