Some people work abroad for survival, others for a better future—but for Almar Vierneza Ortega, a Filipino based in Singapore, his journey also included a dream nurtured since his youth: to sing on an international stage. At 40 years old, Almar is not only a Department Manager in one of Singapore’s biggest supermarket chains, DFI, but also someone whose voice once wowed audiences all the way to Hong Kong.
Almar, who has spent nearly 13 years abroad, currently manages a bustling retail department where he ensures operational readiness each day. “My job every day is to ensure the readiness of the store—store opening, counter readiness, basket and trolley availability, and cleanliness,” he shared with TGFM. “I also maintain quality checks for fresh department and grocery, assist team members with their daily tasks, and make sure everything is done up to standard.”
Rerouting dreams for duty and opportunity
Before stepping into the world of retail in Singapore, Almar’s professional story began in the Philippines as a BPO worker in the busy district of Northgate, Alabang. “I’ve worked in companies like First Source, Verizon, Chartis, AIA, and Convergys,” he said, crediting these early experiences for his strong foundation in customer service. “Those jobs helped prepare me for what I do now in Singapore.”
Even back then, Almar’s love for music shone through. He would join singing competitions in nearly every company he worked for. Notable wins include being crowned the Chartis Secessionista Grand Champion, performing at Hard Rock Café in Makati, and being part of the Convergys Idol All Star, where he was featured in the “One Tribe” music video. These were early glimpses of his musical potential, even as life pulled him toward more practical paths.
“I actually dreamed of becoming a singer in the Philippines,” he said. “I had a band in my 20s and enjoyed performing, but I had to put that aside to work abroad and help my family.”
His first job in Singapore wasn’t in retail, but in the food and beverage industry as an Operations Manager for a well-known Western restaurant. He soon realized it wasn’t the right fit. “It was hard for me to adapt to the food service environment,” he admitted. After a few months, he transitioned to the logistics industry as an Operations Executive. “It was challenging because I was the only Filipino in the company. But it was also where I made friends and learned to sing a Chinese song, ‘Xiang Ni De Ye’ by Guan Zhe, which later made me popular during an international competition in Hong Kong.”
Finding purpose in every role
For Almar, being a Department Manager isn’t just about checklists and task management. It’s about people, service, and the opportunity to push himself beyond limits. “I chose this field because of the challenges it brings—dealing with various queries and feedback can really boost your confidence. Handling a team, doing reports, multitasking—it all makes you feel valuable.”
One of the highlights of his career came when his company hosted an internal singing competition, “Do You Think You Can Sing?” Almar not only participated but won, earning him the right to represent Singapore in a contest held in Hong Kong. “This is the best moment of my life,” he said. “I really wanted to win not just for myself, but to tell the world how amazing Filipino talent is. In Singapore, if you can sing in Chinese or Malay, it’s a huge plus. People are amazed when you can speak or sing in their language.”
His drive to excel doesn’t stop at the workplace or the stage. It’s rooted in something deeper—the promise to his late parents and the strength he continues to draw from his family back home. “There were times I almost gave up, but Singapore kept giving me reasons to stay and become the strongest version of myself. Culture shock, sleepless nights, and language barriers almost broke me. But I kept learning. I kept praying.”
Looking ahead with hope and heart
As his overseas career matures, Almar has his eyes set on a future that’s quieter but equally meaningful. “Someday, I just want to live a simple life with my wife and kids. Maybe run a business. But if I ever get the chance to join a famous singing competition in the Philippines, I would really love to pursue that again.”
He remains hopeful that the journey that began with sacrifice can eventually come full circle, bringing him home not only with pride but with dreams fulfilled.
To fellow overseas Filipinos navigating life abroad, his message is filled with the kind of honesty that comes from lived experience. “Don’t be afraid to chase your dreams. Live as if you have a purpose. Try something new—life is too short. If you’re given an opportunity, grab it and let it be your inspiration. Everything that happens in our lives has a reason.”
