For many artists, the dream is to turn their passion into a career. For 31-year-old Marlon Diaz Tuyco, that dream now ticks along with the hands of high-end luxury watches. A self-taught artist from General Santos City, Marlon now works at IFL Watches in Dubai, where he hand-paints miniature artworks onto the dials of some of the world’s most coveted timepieces.
Marlon has been based in the UAE for four years, but his journey into the global art scene wasn’t one he initially planned. “Sa totoo lang, dati wala akong planong mangibang bansa,” he said. “Pero ako yung tao na gustong e-challenge lagi ang sarili sa mga bagay na hindi ko pa nasusubukan.” What began as a pursuit of self-discovery became a life-changing opportunity—not just for himself but for his family.
From student leader to educator and street artist
Marlon’s early life in the Philippines was marked by resilience and creativity. As a college student pursuing Office Administration, he worked as a part-time artist for his school, painting murals, making stage props, and designing various creative materials. His involvement extended beyond the classroom—he led the school’s arts club, Arte Pintura, and later served as president of the Supreme Student Council. Recognizing his talent and leadership, the institution absorbed him after graduation as both a registrar staff and an instructor in Art Appreciation.
Even while working professionally, he continued to accept art commissions—from birthday decors to portrait paintings—to supplement his income. He also joined local competitions in General Santos City, excelling in mural painting and float-making contests during festivals. But when the pandemic hit and schools shut down, he lost his job. Instead of giving up, he leaned further into art. “Gamit ang talento ko napoprovide ko ang pangangailangan ng pamilya ko,” he said, as he turned to full-time art to survive.
That period of adversity ignited a new ambition—to explore opportunities overseas. In 2021, Marlon accepted a job offer from an events company in Dubai as a styro carver, using the skills he had developed back home.
A breakthrough from the hardest years
Despite his artistic background, Marlon’s early months abroad were far from glamorous. “Ang mga unang buwan o taon ko dito sa abroad ay hindi naging madali,” he admitted. Cramped bed space, long hours, scorching heat, and low pay marked his days. “Minsan ay wala kaming uwian ng ilang araw o linggo. Literal na walang pahinga at walang tulog.” He even recalled hauling company garbage just to get by.
Every day was a struggle, and thoughts of quitting constantly crossed his mind. “Napag-isip-isip ko na kung hanggang dito na lang ba ako? Ito nga ba yung pinapangarap kong trabaho sa abroad?” he said. But with every hardship, he found strength in prayer and in the constant encouragement of his wife back home. “Araw-araw akong nagdadasal sa Diyos na gabayan Niya ako.”
His turning point came when he joined FilArts Guild in the Emirates, a community of Filipino artists in Dubai. Surrounded by creatives who had made a name for themselves in the UAE, Marlon found inspiration and clarity. “Naisip ko na kung kinaya nila, makakaya ko rin,” he shared. That moment became the gateway to his current job—a role that aligns perfectly with both his passion and purpose.
Today, Marlon works as a professional artist for IFL Watches, a global brand known for customizing luxury timepieces. He paints intricate, hand-made designs onto dials no larger than 45mm, using enamel paint—a medium that was completely new to him. “Ito ang first time kong gumawa ng miniature art,” he said. “Nakaka-challenge kaya’t ang dami kong natutunan.”
His art now travels the world through limited-edition watches, blending meticulous detail with personal creativity. “Masasabi kong ang trabaho ko ay every artist’s dream job,” Marlon said. “Parang hindi ako nagtatrabaho. Parang ginagawa ko lang din ang hobby ko na magpinta.”
The dream grows beyond borders
Beyond artistic growth, working abroad has offered Marlon something even deeper—perspective. “Hindi lahat ay pinapalad, ngunit naniniwala ako na sa pagpunta mo pa lang sa ibang bansa ay panalo ka na sa makukuha mong experience,” he said. He describes the OFW life as one filled with sacrifices, especially for a father like him who left behind a young child to pursue a dream. “Minsan ay hindi ka makakakilala ng anak mo habang lumalaki siya,” he admitted. “Titiisin mong ‘wag muna kumain para may maipadala ka sa pamilya.”
He no longer sees OFWs the same way he did when he was younger. “Nung bata pa ako, akala ko ang mga nangingibang bansa ay selfish,” he confessed. “Ngayon na isa na ako sa kanila, naiintindihan ko na ang hirap at ang sakripisyo na ginagawa nila para sa pamilya.”
His future plans are rooted in giving back. When he finishes his contract, Marlon and his wife plan to start their own events company in the Philippines. He also hopes to return to teaching, especially for children who want to learn painting and sculpture. “Naniniwala ako na ang arts ay nasa puso na nating mga Pilipino,” he said. “Kailangang ipagmalaki at suportahan.”
Marlon dreams of creating a space where young artists from underprivileged communities can learn and flourish. To him, art is not just a career—it’s a calling. And he wants the next generation of Filipino artists to have the kind of support that he wished he had more of when he was starting out.
A message from a fellow dreamer
When asked if he had advice for fellow Filipinos working abroad, Marlon answered humbly. “Alam ko na wala pa ako sa posisyon para magbigay ng payo,” he said. “Pero iisa lamang ang ating goal—yun ay mabigyan ng magandang buhay ang ating pamilya.” He urges fellow OFWs to save, endure, and stay grounded. “Subukin nating mag-ipon ng paunti-unti, magtiis, at ‘wag manlamang ng kapwa,” he said. “Nakikita ng Diyos ang paghihirap natin at balang araw ay sasang-ayon din sa atin ang panahon.”
He also encourages OFWs to find happiness in their work. “Kung may pagkakataon, gawin mo yung mga bagay na nagpapasaya sa ‘yo,” he advised. “Kasi kahit mahirap, magiging madali lang sayo ang lahat dahil masaya ka sa ginagawa mo.”
In the end, Marlon’s story is not just about making art—it’s about making meaning out of every hardship, every brushstroke, every sacrifice.
“Hindi madali ang simula,” he said. “Ngunit paunti-unti ay makikita rin ang resulta—na siyang makakapagbigay ng totoong yaman sa ating bayan.”
