When you think about pursuing your passion after years of hard work, it often feels like a dream reserved for the lucky few. But for Yancy Beltran Soriano, the founder and owner of Manila Brothers Autoworks Garage in Dubai, it is proof that resilience, faith, and determination can turn long struggles into success. After 20 years abroad, his story is one that many overseas Filipinos can relate to—a story of sacrifice, challenges, and ultimately, building something meaningful not just for himself but also for others.
Building a dream from humble beginnings
“Built on hard work, grit, and genuine customer care, our garage is more than just a business. It’s a symbol of what’s possible when you refuse to give up,” Soriano shared with TGFM, reflecting on the foundation of Manila Brothers Autoworks.
In 2021, after the pandemic disrupted lives and livelihoods, Soriano took a leap of faith and established his own automotive service center. With limited capital but plenty of determination, he transformed a simple idea into a trusted brand across the UAE. What started small has now become a go-to destination for car owners seeking quality service at fair prices.
“At Manila Brothers, I personally manage the day-to-day operations, maintain direct contact with our valued customers and trusted suppliers, and make sure that every car owner who walks into our garage receives top-notch service that fits their budget,” he explained. For Soriano, success isn’t just measured by revenue—it’s about building long-lasting trust. “Customer satisfaction and trust are at the core of what we do, and I’m proud that our business has grown mostly through word of mouth.”
Soriano’s road to entrepreneurship wasn’t a straight one. Before becoming a business owner, he worked in the Philippines with Kimberly-Clark in logistics, a stable and well-paying job. But in 2005, he made the difficult decision to leave and try his luck abroad. “Like many OFWs, my main reason for working abroad was simple but powerful: to give my family a better life and a more secure future,” he said.
When he arrived in Dubai, however, he faced challenges that tested his resolve. Jobs were scarce, and none came close to the compensation he once had in the Philippines. “My starting salary abroad was just AED 2,000 a month, and even by the time I became a warehouse supervisor in 2020, I was only earning AED 5,000 monthly. It was tough, but I kept going,” he recalled.
Despite these limitations, he kept saving, dreaming, and believing in the possibility of something greater. That turning point came after the pandemic when he finally embraced his passion for cars and turned it into a livelihood.
Finding joy in passion and overcoming struggles
“What I truly appreciate about my current work is that it allows me to live out one of my greatest passions which are cars,” Soriano shared. For him, cars are not just machines but valuable possessions people deeply care about. He finds fulfillment in restoring vehicles, making them look and feel brand new, and most importantly, witnessing the joy on his customers’ faces.
“The most satisfying part? It’s when a customer drives away not only with a greatly serviced car but also with confidence and a big smile knowing that their car has been cared for honestly and well,” he said. Even the simplest expressions of gratitude matter to him. “As simple as seeing a customer’s positive review on our Google page is what keeps me going and reminds me why I do what I do.”
Of course, running a business abroad has not been without struggles. Soriano admitted that one of the hardest moments came at the start, when a business partner deceived them and set the garage back financially. On top of that, competition was fierce in the UAE automotive sector. But instead of being discouraged, he relied on his values. “There were many competitors, so my strategy has always been to focus on how I deal with both my customers and my team,” he explained.
Keeping team morale high and being hands-on every day became his formula for survival and growth. “I treat every customer, Filipino or from any part of the world, with the same care and attention, always making sure their needs are met,” Soriano said. His loyal staff, supportive family, faith in God, and his church community were his anchors during these difficult times. “If there’s one figure I truly look up to, it’s God, because He has been my guide throughout this journey.”
Looking back, Soriano said his biggest career highlight wasn’t about reaching a corporate title or earning a high salary. “If there’s a true highlight in my journey, it’s turning struggle into strength, and building something that serves others with pride, quality, and care.”
Building a legacy for the future
For Soriano, working overseas has not just provided financial stability but also opened doors to opportunities. “What I find appealing about working overseas is the stability and opportunities it provides for my family,” he said. He feels that the UAE offers a stronger economy, better security, and a nurturing environment for his children, Dyan and Bryan. “Life here is more comfortable, and it offers a better environment for raising my children with more secure prospects for their future.”
From a business standpoint, he has found the UAE market supportive of ventures like Manila Brothers Autoworks. “The UAE market allows people to invest in maintaining and improving their cars because the earning capacity here is higher. This creates room for businesses like ours to thrive while delivering quality service that meets their expectations.”
Yet Soriano’s long-term goal has always been to go back home and give back. “My vision is to make Manila Brothers Autoworks the #1 sustainable Filipino-owned garage, and once I return home to the Philippines for good, I want to continue the same passion and dedication that started here in the UAE,” he revealed. His dream is not only to expand the business in the Philippines but also to create more jobs for skilled Filipinos and advocate for proper automotive training. “A big part of my goal is to ensure that my loyal employees also succeed and are able to provide a good life for their own families, just as they’ve helped me greatly in building mine.”
His advice for fellow overseas Filipinos is rooted in faith and practicality. “My advice to my fellow kababayans abroad is to always stay grounded in your purpose and your faith. Life overseas can be full of challenges, whether it’s about finances, relationships, or finding stable work. But remember this: God is the answer to everything. If you have Him guiding you, nothing will truly go wrong. God makes things happen in the right time and for the right reasons.”
At the same time, he encourages OFWs to be financially wise. “Be wise with your money, save and invest, no matter how small at first. Build relationships carefully and surround yourself with people who share your values. And when things get tough, don’t lose heart. With hard work, faith, and determination, struggles can become stepping stones to success.”
For Soriano, one of the most important lessons he has learned is the value of risk-taking combined with faith. “One thing I want to share with everyone is to go for your dreams. If you don’t take risks or move forward, you’ll never discover how far you can really go or what you’re capable of achieving,” he said. He strongly believes that faith must be coupled with action. “Faith without action is nothing. You have to trust in God, but you also have to do your part.”
Soriano’s journey from a logistics worker in the Philippines, to struggling jobs abroad, to finally running his own garage in Dubai is more than just a personal success story. It reflects the resilience of many overseas Filipinos who strive to create a better life for their families and, in the process, build something lasting for their communities.
“Work hard, stay determined, and believe that God’s plan will unfold in your life at the right time and place. Success doesn’t come overnight, but with faith and effort walking hand in hand, it will come,” Soriano said.
