At some point in life, many people find themselves longing for reinvention—a chance to embrace the unfamiliar, rediscover long-forgotten dreams, or simply begin again. For one woman, that moment arrived not in the comfort of home, but in a brand-new country with no roadmap but love, faith, and her many passions. Her name is Dorothy Chrizelle Baladjay Collado.
A licensed physical therapist by profession, a housewife by circumstance, and an artist by calling, Chrizelle’s journey from hospital halls in the Philippines to theater stages and puppet shows in Qatar is a narrative of adaptation, purpose, and heartfelt rediscovery.
Finding a new rhythm in Doha
In 2024, Chrizelle left her established career in the Philippines and relocated to Doha to reunite with her husband, an aircraft mechanic whom she had been apart from for six years. “We had been apart for so long, and I thank the Lord for giving us the chance to be together again,” she shared with TGFM. Though the move was motivated by love, it also brought challenges—especially in terms of career transition.
“I am a licensed Physical Therapist from the Philippines with experience since 2009. I’ve worked across rehabilitation medicine, homecare, and even served as department manager at Cardinal Santos Medical Center’s Sports Medicine Institute,” she shared. Yet, despite her impressive track record, she couldn’t immediately practice her profession in Qatar due to licensing and employment hurdles. “I was happy being a housewife and supporting my husband in our new life together, but at the same time, I also wanted to help financially so we could save for our future,” she said.
To cope, Chrizelle turned inward—and upward. “I turned to prayer and asked God for guidance and strength,” she recalled. Then she turned outward, searching for a new community and ways to stay connected to her multiple passions. She started conducting online PT consultations for Filipinos back home and began selling her self-designed wellness products in the Philippines—the Reflection Love & Wellness Journal and Weigh To Go Planner.
The Reflection Journal is a guided writing companion that blends faith, gratitude, and personal reflection. Meanwhile, the Weigh To Go Planner is a wellness tracker that integrates physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Both products reflect her belief that wellness is holistic. “These journals are my way of supporting others in their health journeys,” she said.
Discovering joy through performance
What Chrizelle didn’t expect, however, was how powerfully her love for the performing arts would re-emerge and shape her new life abroad. Having once taken Italian voice lessons, joined Trumpets Playshop, and performed in several school productions and corporate events, Chrizelle had always harbored a love for singing and theater—one that ran in the family. Her late father, Ernie Baladjay Jr., was the musical arranger and keyboardist of the APO Hiking Society, credited for iconic hits like Blue Jeans, Suntok sa Buwan, and Inaamin Ko.
In Doha, that artistic flame was rekindled. Chrizelle found a new creative outlet in the Doha Players, a non-profit community theater group that has been active for over 70 years. “I auditioned for The Littlest Pirate and got the role of Nana. We performed at the Mall of Qatar and the National Museum of Qatar,” she said, adding that the experience was both fun and fulfilling—especially because the audiences were mostly children.
Her performance opened doors. Soon after, she was invited to play Chiffon in Little Shop of Horrors, performed at The Hamilton International School in April 2025. From there, opportunities snowballed. She joined Qaboom Puppet Theater as a puppeteer and actor. “Working at Qaboom Children’s Theater has been such an exciting and enriching experience. It’s a fun and rewarding challenge to sync my voice, facial expressions, and hand movements, all while staying true to the character I’m portraying,” she explained. One show, Journey to Space, particularly touched her heart when they performed for children with autism. “Seeing the kids smile and engage with the story was incredibly fulfilling.”
She also became a singer and performer with Luxury Mascot Qatar, bringing music and entertainment to children’s events. “It’s my dream to one day become a well-known singer, honoring my father’s legacy,” she said.
To that end, she recently released her first single, Telenobela, a song composed and arranged by her father and inspired by the love story of her parents. The track is now available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and other major platforms. “It’s deeply personal and meaningful for me,” she added.
Her artistry even captured international attention. She was interviewed on Teleradyo Serbisyo and featured in upcoming articles on PEP Magazine, Euronews, and The Global Filipino Magazine, showcasing how Filipino talents continue to shine abroad.
Overcoming homesickness and building a new purpose
Despite her recent successes, the path hasn’t been easy. “The biggest challenge I faced when I first moved abroad was missing my family and community in the Philippines. I stayed at home most of the time since I didn’t have a job yet,” Chrizelle admitted. “It was the first time I had been away from them for so long. Although I was happy to be with my husband, I still felt something was missing.”
To fight the loneliness, she sought connection—joining a local church, Church of Christ in Qatar, which helped her regain spiritual footing. She also joined a Filipino volleyball group and gradually formed a support system in her new country. “Being part of a church and engaging in sports helped me rediscover joy,” she shared.
She leaned on her faith heavily, citing two Bible verses that gave her strength: Proverbs 3:5–6 and Jeremiah 29:11. These verses, she said, reminded her that “God knows what is best for us” and to trust in His timing.
Today, Chrizelle juggles multiple creative roles while continuing to offer online PT consultations to help fellow Filipinos. “While waiting for a clinical opportunity, I’m embracing this season to rediscover my passion for musical theater and explore the colorful world of puppet theater,” she said. “This has been a journey of growth, creativity, and deep fulfillment—and I’m excited for what’s still ahead.”
Looking ahead with faith and purpose
Although she’s only been abroad for a year, Chrizelle has carved out a meaningful and multifaceted life in Qatar. “I enjoy working overseas because it allows me to meet and collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds,” she shared. She acknowledged the financial advantages too, particularly the absence of income tax and the provision of benefits in stable roles. “For part-time roles like mine in theater, earnings are based on the number of shows. But overall, I find the pay more competitive here compared to the Philippines.”
Looking forward, Chrizelle and her husband haven’t made definite plans yet, but they hope to return to the Philippines someday, reunite with loved ones, and possibly start a business. Her entrepreneurial drive—already proven through her wellness products—points to the kind of future she envisions: one that blends service, creativity, and purpose.
To her fellow kababayans who may be struggling abroad, Chrizelle offers heartfelt advice: “Never lose faith in God. There will be times when you’ll feel alone and sad—and that’s okay. I’ve been there. You are not alone. Try to find a church and a community that will help you grow and bring you joy.”
She urges Filipinos to stay connected with their families, pursue their dreams no matter how delayed or detoured, and always remember that every chapter—no matter how uncertain—can bring forth new beginnings. “God will show you which path to take. Just trust Him.”
Chrizelle continues to inspire others through her social media platforms, offering encouragement, music, and messages of hope. Whether she’s conducting a PT webinar, leading worship, performing as a puppeteer, or recording her next single, she carries with her the heart of a healer and the soul of an artist.
And through every role she takes—on stage or off—it’s clear that she’s not only reinventing herself in Doha, but also living a life anchored in faith, creativity, and love.
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Follow Chrizelle Collado’s journey and support her music and wellness projects:
Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube: Chrizelle Collado
Facebook: Chrizelle Collado & DC Shares
Instagram: @dc_shares
Health and wellness products available at Motherland PH, 33A Malingap, Diliman, Quezon City
Telenobela is now streaming.
