Building a fulfilling career abroad is not just about professional growth—it’s about resilience, adaptability, and the courage to embrace the unknown. Marilou N. Sandique understands this well. She has spent 32 years working in the UAE, a journey that began when she left her homeland in search of better opportunities for her family.
Currently serving as the Employees and Government Relations Officer for Free Zones and Federal areas at Nokia Solutions and Networks AE FZ LLC, Marilou has built a strong career in human resources. With 17 years of experience in the field, she has honed her expertise in HR records management, regulatory compliance, and employee relations. However, her career didn’t start in an office—it began in a hotel in 1992. Through hard work, continuous learning, and a determination to grow, she evolved into the seasoned professional she is today.
“Career opportunities in the Philippines were limited at the time,” she recalls. “I made the decision to work abroad to support my husband in providing a better future for our family, particularly for our children’s education.”
Before her move to the UAE, Marilou worked as a cashier in a retail shop. Her strong work ethic and customer service skills led to her promotion as a Front-End Manager, where she managed a team of cashiers and developed leadership skills that would later prove essential in her HR career.
Despite the professional success she has achieved, Marilou’s journey has not been without struggles. Leaving her young children behind in the Philippines was one of the hardest decisions she had to make. “My children were only 4 and 5 years old when I left. The emotional burden of being away from them during their formative years was something I carried for a long time, and I struggled with self-blame,” she shares. “I initially promised myself that I wouldn’t stay abroad for long, but time passed quickly, and now, 32 years later, I am still here.”
Through the years, she has found ways to cope with the sacrifices and see the bigger picture of her journey. The stability and opportunities she gained through her work have helped her family thrive, and she has embraced the lessons that come with being an overseas Filipino worker (OFW).
Marilou finds great fulfillment in her work. Coming from a family of educators, she has always had a natural inclination to help others. “Being able to support and empower individuals through my work brings me great fulfillment,” she says. She values the cultural exposure and career growth that working abroad has provided her, as well as the resilience and adaptability she has developed over the years.
Looking ahead, Marilou has another dream she wants to pursue—completing her education. Before the pandemic, she was enrolled in the University of the Philippines Open University, working toward a Bachelor of Science in Distance Learning. Due to work commitments, she had to put her studies on hold, but she remains determined to return. “One of my aspirations is to graduate wearing the ‘sablay’ and eventually pursue a career in teaching, where I can impart knowledge and inspire future generations.”
Marilou is also passionate about advocating for the well-being of OFWs through the Ako Naman Muna movement. “I’ve been an OFW for 32 years, and I know the sacrifices we make. We work hard to support our families, often putting our own needs, dreams, and well-being last. Ako Naman Muna is a movement to remind us that we matter, too.”
She emphasizes that many OFWs experience loneliness, stress, and burnout but continue pushing forward without realizing they are running on empty. The movement encourages OFWs to take a step back and reflect on their personal well-being.
“The January 2025 event was life-changing. Three hundred OFWs gathered at Bristol Hotel, shared their struggles, found inspiration, and walked away with a renewed sense of self-worth. It only proved that we need a safe space to unload our BAGS—Blame, Anger, Guilt, and Shame,” she explains.
Marilou believes that success isn’t just about financial stability but about overall well-being. “Many OFWs think financial stability is the ultimate goal, but Ako Naman Muna helps balance the four-interior empire from just surviving to truly thriving—Mindset, Heartset, Healthset, and Soulset.”
The movement is not just an event but a community where everyone is welcome and accepted. “On May 10-11, 2025, we continue this journey. More than just talks and activities, it’s a reminder that loving yourself is not selfish—it’s necessary.”
For fellow OFWs who are struggling abroad, Marilou offers heartfelt advice. “Pray and submit your plans to Him. If things don’t go as expected, trust that He has a better plan for you.” She also encourages others not to fear failure. “Don’t be afraid to take risks and fail. Failure is part of growth, and as long as you are young or willing to learn, you can always rise and try again.”
Her final piece of wisdom is about emotional strength. “Manage your emotions. Let life’s lessons shape you rather than dictate your future actions. Remember that success is a journey, not just a destination.”
