With Dubai offering unparalleled opportunities for creators to share their stories and connect with diverse audiences, the potential to make an impact is boundless. Jaymar and Austin Cruz seized this opportunity by establishing CRUIZINE, a social media page that has become a beacon of food and travel inspiration over the past 14 years.
Jaymar, an engineer, and Austin, a multimedia artist, are childhood friends turned business partners who have spent the last six years abroad, combining their unique skills and shared love for travel and cuisine. CRUIZINE is more than a project; it’s a journey that has brought meaning, connections, and countless unforgettable experiences.
“It all started with two friends who loved food and travel,” Austin shares with The Global Filipino Magazine. “We’d explore new places, try different cuisines, and share those experiences with friends and family on social media.”
What began as simple posts about meals and destinations gradually evolved. “We didn’t care how many people watched at first. It was all about sharing something meaningful,” Jaymar recalls. As time passed, strangers began engaging with their content, providing the encouragement they needed to take their passion seriously. The turning point came in 2022 when they officially launched CRUIZINE, combining “cruise” for travel, “cuisine” for food, and the letter “Z” for their family name and uniqueness.
“Seeing people appreciate what we shared made us realize we could do more,” says Austin. “It sparked a fire in us to keep improving and growing.”
Striking a balance between careers and passions
By day, Jaymar works as a service engineer specializing in electrical systems, a career he’s pursued since passing the PRC board exam in 2016 as a topnotcher (Rank 9). His journey is one of perseverance, having started as a working student to support his family and siblings. “Being a breadwinner, I wanted to provide better opportunities for my family. That’s why I pursued a career abroad,” he explains.
Austin, meanwhile, balances his work as a multimedia artist with managing CRUIZINE. His creative background includes being a senior graphic artist in the Philippines and launching Wanderbrew PH during the pandemic—a coffee shop that not only provided a livelihood but also empowered small businesses through initiatives like “Free Logo,” offering free branding designs to struggling entrepreneurs.
Together, the duo has mastered the art of juggling their professional responsibilities with their shared passion. “CRUIZINE is the bridge that connects our love for storytelling, food, and travel,” says Jaymar.
The struggles behind the success
Despite their current success, the journey wasn’t without challenges. “When we first started, opinions were divided. Some people loved our work, but others criticized it,” Austin admits. The negativity extended beyond online comments, with some peers viewing them as competitors rather than collaborators. However, they remained steadfast.
“We leaned on each other and focused on improving instead of being discouraged,” Jaymar shares. Support from family, friends, and their growing audience kept them grounded and motivated. “Challenges are inevitable, but staying anchored in your passion will guide you forward.”
Since its inception, CRUIZINE has achieved significant milestones. One of the most memorable was being invited as guest speakers at a Dubai summit on brand building. “It was surreal to be recognized for something we love doing,” Austin says. This event marked a moment when their hard work was validated and their influence as content creators was solidified.
Beyond personal achievements, they take pride in helping businesses grow. “The most satisfying part is seeing the brands we work with improve their social media presence and boost sales,” Jaymar explains. “Knowing we’ve made a real impact fuels our passion.”
Life as content creators abroad
Living and working overseas has been an adventure in itself. For Jaymar and Austin, being in the UAE provides endless opportunities to explore diverse cuisines and cultures. “It’s not just work; it’s a continuous learning experience,” Austin says. “We get to expand our horizons while doing what we love.”
While the workload can be demanding, especially when juggling multiple projects, the rewards outweigh the challenges. “Knowing that our clients appreciate our work and that it resonates with their audience keeps us going,” Jaymar adds.
Looking ahead, Jaymar and Austin have ambitious plans for CRUIZINE. “We want to continue growing our platform and inspiring fellow content creators,” says Austin. If they eventually return to the Philippines, Austin envisions expanding Wanderbrew PH into a larger venture, while Jaymar plans to focus on real estate and entrepreneurship.
“Our goal is to create a lasting impact, whether in the content creation community or through our personal endeavors,” Jaymar explains. “We also want to support Filipino-owned businesses, giving them the visibility they deserve.”
For kabayans navigating life abroad, Jaymar and Austin offer heartfelt advice: “Hold on to your purpose—it’s your compass,” says Austin. They emphasize the importance of financial wisdom, building trust slowly, and surrounding yourself with positive, trustworthy people.
“Life abroad isn’t easy, but your resilience is your greatest strength,” Jaymar adds. “Learn from every experience and never stop growing.”
Above all, they encourage others to embrace their passions. “Whether it’s food, art, or any interest, pursue it with heart and dedication. Success isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the joy and connections you create along the way,” Austin concludes.
