In the gleaming city of Abu Dhabi, where the modern world meets a culture steeped in tradition, Jonardel Almonte Lopez has emerged as a beacon of hope and perseverance for many Filipinos looking to make a mark in foreign lands.
His journey from a barista to an award-winning caregiver provides a testament to the spirit of tenacity, dedication, and faith.
“At first, my goal for coming here is just to help my family financially,” Lopez recounts.
The weight of responsibility bore heavily on his shoulders, especially when his mother suffered a debilitating stroke that paralyzed half her body.
“I tried my luck and applied as a barista here in Abu Dhabi but my earnings were not enough to sustain my family’s needs.”
Desperate to find a better way, and driven by an insatiable desire to provide, Lopez was inspired to delve into the world of caregiving.
“While working, I was enticed to study care-giving at the Filipino Institute Hamdan Branch.”
And it wasn’t an easy journey by any means. The road to realizing his dream was paved with challenges, but Lopez’s resilience knew no bounds.
“I persevered to work and study at the same time even though it’s hard. But with God’s help, on March 19 of this year, I endured and graduated with many awards.”
To him, the Filipino Institute in Hamdan wasn’t just an educational institution, but a beacon that guided his path towards success.
“The Filipino Institute in Hamdan was a big part of why I am here today,” he stated with palpable gratitude.
One name, in particular, stood out as an influential figure in his academic journey – Miss Nancy M. Ramos.
“Most especially to our superb and effective instructor, Miss Nancy M. Ramos. Without her, I wouldn’t be an effective health care provider as well.”
Today, Lopez proudly stands as a professional caregiver in the UAE, dedicating his skills to one of Abu Dhabi’s most prestigious home cares – Health Premium. But he isn’t alone on this rewarding journey.
“I was also able to invite my classmates to apply here and now, we are all workmates,” he beams.
This collective achievement doesn’t just signify professional growth but reflects on their ability to provide a better life for their families back in the Philippines.
“We are now earning more than enough to provide for our needs and our families’ needs in the Philippines while also giving the best health care service our company has to offer.”
But Lopez’s story isn’t just a personal testament to his indomitable spirit. It’s a message for everyone out there, trying to find their way in the world.
“So, whoever is reading this story of mine, I’ll have this to say: BE VALIANT, BE PERSISTENT, BE EXCELLENT, and offer it all to the Lord and with that, believe me, you will succeed!”
Ending on a powerful note, the proud caregiver who once was a struggling barista leaves us with words that resonate with the heartbeat of every dreamer, “Kung kaya ko, kayo mo, kaya natin ‘to!” (If I can, you can, we all can do it!)
