The hardships faced by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) often tell stories of sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering hope. One such story is that of Vevherly Camiguing Gador, who transitioned from a humble upbringing in the Philippine mountains to representing her country on the Mrs. Universe 2024 stage. Today, she holds the position of Executive Admin at Trend Industries FZC in Sharjah, UAE, a role she has embraced since 2022. Gador’s journey stands out as an extraordinary tale of perseverance and strength. Through countless challenges and sacrifices, she has become an inspiration to many, especially fellow OFWs, single mothers, and breadwinners striving for a better life.
Growing up in the remote countryside of the Philippines, Gador faced challenges from a young age. She recalls a childhood spent farming on mountains, raising goats, pigs, and chickens, with few neighbors and no electricity. “Times when we could eat rice with noodles was a real luxury,” she shares with The Global Filipino Magazine. “Mostly, we ate what we harvested—corn, beans, and other crops.” Gador often walked an hour through forest trails to attend school, fueling a determination to someday improve her life and her family’s circumstances.
To support herself and her family, Gador took on various jobs. She entered beauty pageants in elementary and high school for the prize money, which helped fund her daily needs. During college, she worked part-time at fast-food chains like Chowking and Jollibee, and she later took up modeling gigs. “I never had the privilege to choose the job; I just took whatever came along to make ends meet,” she says. After a stint in call centers and a role as an airport police officer in the Philippines, her search for better financial stability led her to Dubai in 2015, where she began as a security guard at the airport.
In 2017, Gador’s ambition and love for travel landed her a position on a cruise ship. Despite the back-breaking work, she embraced the opportunity, which allowed her to see new places. She was eventually promoted to Marine Admin Assistant, working closely with the ship’s captain. Unfortunately, the pandemic brought her dreams to a standstill. She lost her job, and her spinal issues required therapy, forcing her to make ends meet by selling goods online.
In December 2021, after Typhoon Odette devastated her home in Cebu, she returned to Dubai as a tourist, driven by faith and hope. “I prayed, then took a leap of faith,” she recalls. She soon secured a job as an executive secretary, where her boss generously provided a salary loan to repair her home. Despite facing financial hardships, she remained resilient. “For six months, I walked 45 minutes to work daily, surviving on just Dh50 monthly for food,” she remembers. Her friend Joy often shared meals, and she relied on free tea and coffee at work. Through these tough times, Gador found solace in prayer and persistence, eventually regaining her confidence by winning the Miss Pinay Expat 2022 pageant.
Reflecting on her current role, Gador expresses gratitude for the insights it has given her into business. “What I love most in my work right now is giving the right assistance to our workers, especially seeing their smiles when they receive their salaries,” she shares. Her experiences as a security guard help her empathize with those she now assists, nurturing her dream of someday starting her own business.
Gador’s journey also propelled her onto the international stage when she represented the Philippines at Mrs. Universe 2024 in South Korea. She views the opportunity as a dream come true, saying, “I am living my childhood dream to represent my country on an international stage.” Now, as Mrs. Universe Philippines 2024 and Mrs. Universe Phil-Middle East 2024, Gador plans to use her platform to inspire others. She envisions a podcast focused on confidence-building, career-motherhood balance, and the challenges of being an OFW.
Despite her successes, Gador remains grounded. “Working abroad is not easy,” she advises, warning of temptations and the need for self-respect. “Value yourself and don’t lose your dignity for the sake of enjoyment, likes, and followers,” she emphasizes, urging others to focus on financial stability and personal growth. “Save for yourself first before helping others. This isn’t selfish; it’s the wisest thing you can do.”
Her message to fellow OFWs, single mothers, and breadwinners is clear: perseverance and faith can guide anyone through life’s storms. “Always trust your journey and be patient,” she advises. “At the right time, God will bless you more than you ever prayed for—all you have to do is have faith and keep up the hard work.”
