Starting over in a foreign country, with no certainty of what tomorrow may bring, is a challenge familiar to many Filipinos who decide to work abroad. For one woman, it became the beginning of a story defined by resilience, sacrifice, and the pursuit of dreams. Her name is Rachelle Ann Tuzaon Bondad, and after 12 years of perseverance in the UAE, she is now the proud Founder and General Manager of D’ Vows Weddings & Events UAE, officially managed under Yalla & Co FZCO (License 54380).
Rachelle’s journey is not just about establishing a business; it is about how she overcame life’s toughest blows with determination, faith, and an unwavering devotion to her daughter. Today, she is not only recognized as a successful entrepreneur but also as a mother who built a better future for her family while inspiring countless others along the way.
Building dreams while making sacrifices
Rachelle describes herself as a proud Quezonian. “My name is Rachelle Ann Bondad, 33 years old, a proud single mother to a beautiful daughter. I was born in Lucena City, raised in Sariaya, and earned a Diploma in Computer Science from Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Candelaria, Quezon,” she said. Growing up, she was like many young Filipinas—filled with hope, ambitious, and eager to carve out a better life. But at 21, life tested her courage when she became a single mother.
“I was only 21 when I gave birth, with no idea how to raise a child on my own. Thankfully, with the support of my family and relatives, I’ve been able to provide for her even from a distance,” she shared. Facing the reality of raising a child without a partner, she made one of the hardest decisions of her life: to leave her newborn in the care of her family and seek work abroad.
With the help of her sister, she flew to Dubai in 2013. The adjustment was not easy. Rachelle walked into offices with her résumé, sent applications online, and battled countless rejections before she was finally hired as a café attendant at Dubai Marina Mall. It was hardly glamorous work—she juggled tasks as cashier, server, kitchen staff, and even event assistant for children’s parties—but those experiences gave her her first taste of the events world.
Just three months later, she achieved a milestone many expats dream of: she joined the Emirates Group as a Customer Service Agent with Dnata. For nearly eight years, she built a career in aviation, gaining international exposure and discipline while serving passengers from around the globe. “My time at Dnata taught me discipline, adaptability, and the importance of service excellence,” she explained.
But when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, it reshaped her path once again. Facing reduced pay and instability, she resigned in 2021. The transition was painful, but she believed that every ending could also be a beginning.
Discovering a calling in weddings and events
Rachelle’s new chapter began when she joined a Dubai-based wedding company in 2022. Within just three months, she was promoted to Junior Wedding Planner, and soon after, to Wedding Planner. She immersed herself fully in the craft—researching the market, learning cultural nuances of both Islamic and Christian weddings, and managing vendors and clients with diligence.
Her dedication did not go unnoticed. She closed deals ranging from intimate ceremonies to grand celebrations, working tirelessly—even beyond her contract hours—just to deliver excellence. “For me, organizing events may seem overwhelming to others, but to me it’s a calling,” she reflected.
Unfortunately, despite her passion, workplace politics and lack of support eventually led to her termination in late 2023. It was a crushing blow. But Rachelle refused to let it define her future. “I held onto my faith, trusted God’s timing, and looked forward,” she said.
By early 2024, she found herself collaborating with a friend’s event company, which reignited her passion. Later that year, she co-founded a business partnership, which gave her further confidence that she could succeed independently. By November 2024, she finally fulfilled a promise she had once made to herself: to build a company entirely her own before turning 35. Thus, D’ Vows Weddings & Events was born.
Today, she wears many hats as the company’s Founder and General Manager. From administration and accounting to sales, social media, and client management, she handles every aspect of the business with care. “This is more than a business for me; it’s my passion and purpose. Every morning, I wake up excited to design new moments, craft timeless memories, and leave a personal touch that transforms an event into an unforgettable celebration,” she shared.
Her commitment has already impacted hundreds of couples across the UAE. “Since 2022, I’ve had the honor of assisting over 1,000 couples across the UAE,” Rachelle noted proudly. Beyond the logistics, she has also become a calming guide for brides and grooms, assuring them that their wedding day is safe in her hands.
Her professional growth has also been marked by milestones such as obtaining a TIDS certification and forming valuable vendor partnerships, including with Marriott Resort The Palm. These achievements reflect not just her dedication but also her growing influence in the UAE’s wedding industry.
Turning struggles into strength
Behind Rachelle’s success lies a history of challenges that could have easily broken her spirit. Early in her Dubai journey, she fell victim to a fraudulent agency, which left her emotionally and financially drained. She even considered returning home for good. “I asked myself, what kind of lesson would I teach my daughter if I gave up now? That thought fueled my determination,” she recalled.
She also faced devastating financial setbacks in 2019, when she invested in a business in the Philippines using a bank loan, only for it to collapse due to the pandemic. The loss was heavy, but she turned it into a lesson. “That failure shook my financial stability for years, yet it taught me lessons in resilience, planning, and perseverance that no success ever could,” she reflected.
Through all these struggles, she leaned on her support system. Her sister in Dubai became a pillar, and unexpected friendships kept her afloat—particularly one from Malaysia, who guided her through her darkest moments.
But it was always her daughter who remained her biggest motivation. “Now, at 12 years old, my daughter has grown into a kind, respectful, and God-fearing young girl. Although we are far from each other, I am proud of the values she holds and the maturity with which she understands why I have to be away — to build the future that we both deserve,” she shared.
Even in the hardest times, Rachelle clung to faith. She recalled moments when she did not have a single dirham in her account, uncertain if she could afford food the next day. Yet she never lost hope. “God always provided, and along the way, I found people who supported and lifted me up,” she said.
Looking ahead with faith and purpose
With her business now firmly established, Rachelle is setting her sights on the future. Her dream is to expand to the Philippines, reviving her earlier vision of building a sustainable events business in her homeland. “Once I am back in my country and managing it myself, I plan to create even more unforgettable moments in the events industry, while providing a stable and sustainable source of income for my daughter and my family,” she shared.
Her message to fellow Filipinos abroad is one of encouragement: “Never give up, no matter how many times the thought of quitting crosses your mind. Keep fighting for your dreams, because hard work is the key to moving forward and achieving what you desire. Always combine your prayers to God with meaningful action — faith alone is not enough; you must also take steps toward your goals.”
She believes that working abroad has not only shaped her career but also her character. The UAE became the platform where she discovered her true passion, sharpened her skills, and built her own company. More importantly, it gave her the means to secure a better life for her daughter.
“Every sacrifice, every struggle, every sleepless night was worth it — not just for me, but for my daughter,” she emphasized. “My journey has shown me that no matter how many times life knocks you down, with faith, perseverance, and a willingness to fight for your dreams, it’s always possible to rise stronger and create the life you envision.”
