Never intending to work overseas, fate had its own way of guiding him toward new horizons. Jan Jervy Sumadsad Marquez, now a Guest Relations Officer at the prestigious Rixos Bab Al Bahr in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, found his unplanned journey abroad turning into an adventure filled with both challenges and successes, shaping him into the person he is today.
“I never intended to stay abroad for long,” he admits to The Global Filipino Magazine, reflecting on how it all began.
A visit to a friend in Dubai turned into an extended stay when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, grounding him in the UAE. During the early lockdown days, Jan Jervy decided to take a job as a Fitness Center Receptionist at his favorite gym. The role suited his lifestyle well, as he was actively involved in modeling and pageantry at the time, and keeping fit was essential.
“It’s like killing two birds with one stone,” he shares.
However, after a year, his curiosity and drive for new challenges led him to pursue a position as a Guest Relations Officer at Rixos Bab Al Bahr, where he has been ever since.
His role at the hotel requires excellent communication skills, a positive outlook, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Jan Jervy finds joy in interacting with guests from diverse backgrounds and cultures, making their stay memorable.
“We are the face of the hotel,” he explains, noting the importance of carrying the hotel’s core values in every guest interaction.
Taking unintended steps abroad
Unlike many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who intentionally seek opportunities abroad, Jan Jervy’s decision to remain in the UAE was shaped by circumstance.
“I didn’t intend to work abroad,” he reflects, but the opportunities that presented themselves during the pandemic made him stay.
For him, being abroad offered avenues for self-improvement and personal growth that he couldn’t ignore.
“I have always had the mentality to be a better version of myself than I was yesterday,” he adds.
Jan Jervy’s earlier career in the Philippines revolved around modeling and pageantry, where he gained exposure to a different world.
“It opened my eyes to new perspectives,” he says. His involvement in this industry sparked his passion for raising awareness on issues like environmental conservation and self-improvement. He later ventured into event planning and coordination, managing over 500 events in eight years, which took him across Asia and eventually to the UAE.
“Being part of the event industry gave me self-fulfillment,” he reflects, noting how it deepened his belief in love and commitment.
Now, as a Guest Relations Officer, Jan Jervy is in his element, bringing positive vibes to every interaction.
“I think, from the very start of my life, I have always loved to pass positive vibes,” he says. For him, the most satisfying part of his job is knowing that he can make someone’s experience at the hotel special.
“It gives me great pleasure and satisfaction that I get to touch their lives with my simple gesture of help.”
Working abroad has also provided Jan Jervy with a fast-paced lifestyle that keeps him motivated. He enjoys the action-driven environment of the UAE, where personal and professional growth is constant. “The life here is fast-paced. There are no dramas, just the focus to improve yourself,” he remarks.
Like many OFWs, Jan Jervy faced significant struggles during his early days abroad, particularly financial ones.
“I came here during the pandemic, and the first company I worked with was on the rocks,” he recalls. Salaries were delayed, and then the fitness center he worked at closed down. He was jobless for two months, during a time when job opportunities were scarce. Fortunately, an opportunity in the hotel industry came his way, and he has since built a stable career.
Looking ahead
Despite his successes in the UAE, Jan Jervy envisions returning to his roots in the Philippines.
“As a Filipino, pipiliin ko pa rin ang Pilipinas!” he declares. He dreams of retiring in his hometown in Quezon province, living a peaceful life on a small farm, and continuing his advocacy for environmental sustainability.
“I would like to volunteer in environmental causes or be a part of Environmental NGOs,” he shares.
Jan Jervy offers heartfelt advice to his fellow Filipinos abroad.
“There is always light at the end of the tunnel,” he assures. He encourages them to hold on to their dreams, as every struggle will eventually lead to a brighter future.
“Rejection will take you places that acceptance won’t,” he adds, urging others to see the value in life’s challenges.
His final message is a reminder to choose happiness and authenticity. “Always believe in yourself, and do whatever makes you happy,” he says.