It’s not uncommon for many overseas Filipinos to juggle multiple roles just to make ends meet. But for one woman in Dubai, balancing a full-time job, a family, and a passion for hosting events is more than a survival act — it’s a source of purpose.
Meet Mary Mayumi Cruz, known to many as Host Mayumi. Behind her stage name is Mary Joy Juario, a woman from Cagayan de Oro who has worn many hats throughout her life — event host, content creator, corporate leader, wife, and mom. But more than any title, she carries with her a deep sense of grit, gratitude, and an unwavering drive to grow.
Finding her footing in a foreign land
In 2017, Mayumi packed her bags and flew to Dubai with nothing but faith, courage, and a dream to build a better life. She didn’t have a concrete plan — only the burning desire to give back to her mother, Maricel Juario Mabaylan, who sacrificed so much for her. “I chose to work abroad because of my mom,” she shared with TGFM. “She believed in me even when I doubted myself. Everything I do is for her, my family, and for myself.”
But the beginning was far from easy. Her first job as a travel consultant didn’t pan out due to visa and salary issues. She soon took on a role as a legal executive in marketing, a pivot that came with its own learning curve. “I struggled at first because I didn’t know how to build connections in a new place,” she recalled. “But that challenge taught me resilience.”
Mayumi’s early days in Dubai were marked by tough living conditions and financial hardships. She remembers surviving on a tray of eggs and a kilo of rice for a week and living in a cramped flat shared with 33 other people. Her salary was only AED 2,500, but she had to send money home.
“There were times I just cried. It’s hard being alone in a foreign country with no one to turn to. But I reminded myself why I was here — my family,” she said. “Those tears didn’t break me; they built me.”
Eventually, her persistence paid off. Mayumi got a break when she was hired by one of the UAE’s largest consulting firms. “I’m thankful to Mr. Raju Menon for giving me that opportunity. He reminded me that skills can be learned, but attitude matters most,” she said. That chance didn’t just change her career — it affirmed her worth.
Today, she serves as a Client Relations Manager in the same firm, a role she deeply values for the human connection it brings. “What I love most is being able to genuinely connect with people — not just clients but colleagues too,” she said. “It’s not just about closing deals; it’s about making someone’s day better.”
Hosting her way to healing and happiness
While Mayumi found stability in her corporate career, it was event hosting that sparked a different kind of fire in her soul. Hosting gave her an avenue to connect, inspire, and uplift — all while doing something she loved.
“I discovered my passion for event hosting along the way,” she said. “Now, I’m proud to be growing not just in my career but as someone who brings people together and shares stories that inspire.”
She’s been hosting events across the UAE — from private functions to community gatherings — and is slowly becoming known in the scene as Host Mayumi. “It feels good to be recognized for something that comes from the heart,” she said with a smile.
When asked about how she manages to do it all, Mayumi said it comes down to remembering her purpose and embracing her mantra: “Keep going, keep growing.” It’s a phrase she holds close during moments of exhaustion and self-doubt.
“I didn’t come from wealth. My family were vendors — my lolo and lola sold food in the market, my uncles sold fruits and vegetables, and my mom is a teacher who runs a preschool. Maybe I’m hardworking because I saw how hard they worked,” she said. “They showed me that you don’t need a fancy background to have big dreams.”
Mayumi’s hosting journey has also become a vehicle for her advocacy: creating safe and inclusive spaces for others. “I know what it’s like to feel left out. That’s why I want to build spaces where people always feel included — whether through events, community initiatives, or even a business someday,” she said.
A heart rooted in family and a dream for more
Before coming to Dubai, Mayumi had already built a solid career in the Philippines. She was an insurance secretary, a front desk officer in a hotel, a retail store manager at Robinsons Mall, and eventually the operations head for a telecommunications distributor in Caraga. Leadership and hard work were already in her DNA.
Even as a student, she was heavily involved in extracurricular and charity work, serving as her school’s president and joining outreach initiatives. “Those experiences taught me how important it is to give back and stay connected to people,” she said.
That same mindset continues to shape her life in the UAE. Outside work, she’s actively involved in Filipino community events, offering her voice and presence whenever needed. “Being part of the community and using my voice to connect with others has given me so much fulfillment,” she said.
When asked about the future, Mayumi remains focused on growth. She’s not in a rush to return home just yet. “I want to keep learning and building,” she said. “One day, I hope to have a space where people feel safe, seen, and celebrated — especially those who feel like they don’t belong.”
She also hopes to inspire people from humble beginnings like herself. “I want people to see that I came from nothing, but I created doors where there were none. You don’t need to come from a rich family to make it. What you need is faith, a willing heart, and the courage to keep moving forward.”
Mayumi understands all too well the realities that many OFWs face — the loneliness, the financial stress, and the pressure to succeed. Her advice to fellow kabayans is rooted in both empathy and hard-earned wisdom.
“To those who are struggling abroad — I see you. Don’t be afraid to start small and never compare your journey to others,” she said. “Be smart with your money, no matter how little it is. Learn to say no when needed. And remember, skills can be learned, but how you treat people — that’s what truly matters.”
She also warns about choosing friends wisely. “Not everyone you meet abroad will have good intentions. Choose your circle carefully. Find people who lift you up, not drag you down,” she said.
And when the weight gets too heavy? Mayumi encourages OFWs to pause, pray, and hold on to their “why.” “Don’t lose yourself while trying to survive. Always go back to your purpose — your family, your dreams. That’s where your strength is.”
She ends with a reminder that resonates deeply with her journey: “Be happy to help. When you help others, you grow stronger too.”
Follow her journey here:
Mary Mayumi Cruz – Facebook
Mary Mayumi Cruz – Instagram
Mayumi Hosting and Events – Facebook
