Ricardo L. Advincula Jr., widely known as Ric, embodies the resilience, dedication, and leadership that mark the journeys of many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). At 42 years old, he has spent nearly half of his life abroad, carving out a significant presence in the corporate and community spheres in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Ric embarked on his overseas career shortly after graduating in 2002 from Saint Louis University, Baguio City, with a degree in Political Science. He moved to Bahrain in 2006, encouraged by an invitation from his brother to explore professional opportunities. His initial position was as an Administrator at Allied Middle East W.L.L., a UK-based scaffolding company. This role marked the beginning of what would be a rich and varied career path leading him to the aviation sector and eventually to financial institutions.
Today, Ric serves as the Executive Assistant to the Chief Financial Officer at Gulf Insurance Group – Gulf (GIG Gulf). His responsibilities extend well beyond traditional secretarial duties.
“My job as Executive Assistant is not limited to assisting the CFO but also involves looking after the Board Members of the Company during their regular quarterly board meetings and special visits,” Ric explains with The Global Filipino Magazine.
He also supports the Office of the CEO, particularly when the CEO is in Bahrain, given that the CEO’s primary assistant is based in the UAE office.
Motivations for working abroad
Like many OFWs, Ric’s decision to work abroad was driven by economic considerations and the desire to provide a better life for his family, particularly his mother.
“Since I graduated from college, I have been supporting my mother. I am fortunate that I was able to bring her with me here in Bahrain,” he shares.
This move not only provided financial stability but also allowed him to offer his mother a more comfortable life.
Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Ric has been deeply involved in community service, particularly through sports and cultural organizations. Recognizing the lack of activities for the Filipino community in his early years in Bahrain, Ric founded the Pinoy Badminton Group (PBG). Ric founded the Pinoy Badminton Group Bahrain in 2007, aiming to establish a network for Filipino badminton enthusiasts and promote the sport within the community.
“I made an extra effort to network and promote the sport among members of the Filipino community, which led to the establishment of PBG,” he states.
The group not only provided a recreational outlet but also became a vehicle for fundraising to support distressed OFWs.
His community leadership continued to grow, and in 2013, Ric was elected as a member of the Board of the Filipino Club Bahrain, later serving as its President. He has been a steadfast Member of the Executive Committee of the Filipino Club Bahrain from 2013 to the present. Additionally, he holds the position of incumbent Vice President of the Filipino-American Association of Bahrain. Under his leadership, FCB launched several initiatives that significantly benefited the Filipino community, including financial literacy training and entrepreneurial seminars.
Ricardo’s dedication has been recognized with several nominations and awards. He was nominated for the 2021 Bagong Bayani Awards and the 2020 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO), an initiative led by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas. He was also honored as one of the 10 Most Outstanding Overseas Filipino Workers in the GCC in 2016, receiving the Awards of Excellence in the Sports Category.
The fulfillment of current roles
Discussing what he enjoys about his current role, Ric emphasizes the opportunity to learn and share best practices within a structured corporate environment.
“The opportunity to interact with several high-profile officials from the Bahrain Government and the business sector has provided key takeaways, which I always share and apply to my leadership in the Filipino Club Bahrain,” he notes.
His connections have enabled him to organize events and programs aimed at uplifting Filipinos in Bahrain, demonstrating his commitment to both his professional and community roles. Ricardo has established strong connections with some members of the Royal Family and officials of the government of the Kingdom of Bahrain, as well as with prominent members of the business sectors. These relationships have been instrumental in advancing his community initiatives and securing support for the Filipino community in Bahrain.
Ric candidly shares the emotional and practical challenges of living abroad, from initial homesickness to the ongoing responsibility of caring for family members from afar. He found solace and purpose in his work with the PBG and FCB, which helped him manage the isolation typically experienced by many expatriates. His mother remains his greatest inspiration and motivation to persevere.
Looking ahead
As for the future, Ric plans to return to the Philippines eventually, aiming to use his experience and knowledge to help other returning OFWs reintegrate smoothly.
“I want to consider possible activities and programs that will facilitate the reintegration of returning OFWs, in collaboration with the Department of Migrant Workers or OWWA,” he explains.
To his fellow Filipinos abroad, Ric offers advice rooted in his own experiences: “Working abroad is challenging, but always remind yourself of the bigger goal and greater purpose. Remain committed and faithful, which has been the strongest foundation for me since I decided to work abroad.”
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This article has been published in Volume 4, Issue 12 of The Global Filipino Magazine. If you have a unique life story or know someone who does, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at eic@theglobalfilipinomagazine.com. If you’re interested in obtaining a print copy of the magazine, please contact Mr. JP Cosico at +971 54 482 0661.
