When life throws challenges, creativity often emerges as an unexpected remedy. During the pandemic, a period marked by uncertainty and personal trials, it became a turning point for one individual who chose self-expression as a path to healing and advocacy. Mark Darwin Ingeniero, widely recognized as Markus Engr, channeled his struggles into a multifaceted career that seamlessly balances his role as New Business Manager at a British Advisory Company with his passion for TikTok and filmmaking. Through these platforms, he not only discovered a way to inspire others but also found a renewed sense of purpose in telling stories that matter.
Markus’s journey into social media began during the pandemic in 2021, a period marked by personal challenges. “Since I was going through a marriage crisis at the time, my friends Unico, Lloyd, and Freda asked me to download TikTok to brighten my day,” he shared with The Global Filipino Magazine. What started as a casual activity to distract himself quickly turned into a platform to entertain and inspire.
“My following increased in just a few weeks, surprising even my friends who had been posting for over a year without much traction,” he shares. Markus believes that authenticity and relatability played a key role in his content’s success. “People preferred social media content that helped them cope with their everyday battles, like mine, rather than videos that were visually stunning.”
His newfound online presence soon opened doors, including an invitation to promote the Philippine Pavilion “Bangkota” as a TikTok champion during the Dubai Expo 2020. Collaborating with Dubai influencers, Markus showcased the beauty of Filipino culture to an international audience, solidifying his role as a community advocate.
UBE Production: A platform for Filipino stories
In July 2021, Markus co-founded UBE Production alongside fellow artists. The group began sharing inspirational stories of Filipinos, particularly Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Over time, UBE Production gained recognition for its contributions to the Emirates Film Festival, where their works, including Val, Shahada, Ekspat, Inar Aro Taka, Takbo, and Abnegasyon, earned accolades.
Markus’s films stand out for their focus on the raw, underrepresented stories of OFWs. “There are so many untold stories about people working overseas. Not all of them have happy endings when they retire or return home permanently,” he explains. For Markus, these stories are personal. “My aunt, a housemaid in Hong Kong, supported my education. Highlighting the struggles and sacrifices of OFWs is my way of honoring them.”
Despite the challenges of producing films, Markus finds joy in the process. “When we first entered the Emirates Film Festival in 2022, we had to borrow cameras from friends. Now, after years of hard work, we have our own equipment, and our sponsors have become like family to us,” he shares.
Balancing corporate and creative roles
In addition to his filmmaking endeavors, Markus holds a demanding corporate role as the New Business Manager at the British Advisory Company. His ability to integrate these two worlds is a testament to his time management skills and dedication.
“As a new business manager, I ensure that my corporate responsibilities don’t interfere with my passion for filmmaking,” he says. Markus credits his team at UBE Production for helping him maintain this balance. “I delegate tasks to my colleagues, who share the same passion for content creation and filmmaking.”
Markus’s corporate background also informs his storytelling. “Working in the corporate world exposes me to different cultures, which helps me create stories that educate Filipinos about financial planning and saving for retirement,” he explains.
For Markus, family remains the driving force behind his endeavors. As a father living abroad, he prioritizes staying connected with his son in the Philippines. “It wasn’t easy at first, but once your son becomes your inspiration, managing your time becomes simple,” he shares. Markus makes it a point to video call his family every weekend before attending events or working on film projects.
Being family-oriented also influences his work. “I’ve always put my family’s needs ahead of my own. It’s a value that guides my decisions, whether it’s supporting my sibling’s education or ensuring my parents’ health,” he says.
A mentor and leader
Transitioning from acting and singing to directing, Markus has found his true calling in nurturing young talent. His leadership style, honed through years of corporate experience, emphasizes discipline and personal growth.
“My experience in the corporate world helps me implement effective procedures in UBE Production. I push my team to do better, even when they’re tired. They used to say, ‘Hindi mo kami pa visa,’ but later they realized it boosted their confidence,” he says with a smile.
Markus finds fulfillment in seeing his team excel. “Directing can be tricky, but it’s rewarding when my artists embody their characters naturally and bring the story to life,” he shares.
Markus takes pride in showcasing the innate talent of Filipinos, particularly in the arts. “We naturally have acting talent, especially when the story revolves around OFW experiences. It’s in our blood,” he says.
One of the most rewarding moments in his filmmaking journey was winning multiple awards at the Emirates Film Festival. “Our first entry won three major awards and seven nominations. It’s moments like these that make all the hard work worth it,” he shares.
Markus’s dedication to his craft and community continues to inspire those around him. Through UBE Production, he aims to create more films that resonate with the global Filipino community. “I want to honor the hard work of OFWs and share their stories with the world,” he says.
