Starting a business in a foreign land is never easy, especially when the odds are stacked against you. But for John Christian Magallanes, what began as a modest technician job in Abu Dhabi evolved into a journey of growth, grit, and purpose. At 34, he is now the owner and manager of MasterTechie Computers LLC, a rising name in the capital’s tech scene that’s built not on flash, but on consistency, skill, and heart.
From humble beginnings in Iloilo to a leap of faith in Abu Dhabi
John’s story starts in the quiet province of Iloilo in the Philippines. Raised by his grandparents—a carpenter and a seamstress—he learned early the values of sacrifice, hard work, and malasakit, a deeply Filipino concept of compassion. His mother, a single parent, worked tirelessly to make ends meet, but life was hard. With limited resources, John had to stop schooling so his family could share what little they had with others in need.
Still, John’s fascination with computers and electronics never faded. Even with no access to formal equipment, he found ways to tinker and learn. “I’ve always been curious about computers and electronics since high school,” he recalls. That curiosity turned into passion when he took a leap of faith to move to Manila, where relatives gave him a roof and a chance. It was there he met his future wife—his biggest supporter—and nurtured a dream of building a better life abroad.
With only a few hundred dirhams and the help of his girlfriend who secured his visa, John flew to the UAE. His first job as a computer technician in Electra, Abu Dhabi, paid him just AED 1,800. “That salary barely covered my rent, food, and debts in the Philippines,” he says. “On top of that, I also supported my family, especially during emergencies when my grandmother needed help.”
The culture shock of transitioning from an office job in Manila to a technical role in a foreign country was jarring. But John pressed on, knowing the struggle would lead somewhere greater. For nearly eight years, he stayed loyal to the same company, gradually increasing his salary while sharpening his technical skills and building trust within the community.
Pushing limits and finding purpose through education
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted daily life, many were forced to reassess their paths. For John, it became the window to pursue a dream he had long set aside: earning a degree. Despite working long hours, he enrolled in an online Bachelor’s in Information Technology at AMA University.
“It was extremely exhausting,” he says. “After closing shift at 11 p.m., I would go home, open my laptop, and study while eating.” On most nights, he’d work on assignments until 3 a.m., then wake up by 8 a.m. to start another day. “The most difficult period was during my thesis—sleepless nights really tested my determination,” he shares.
But quitting was never an option. The same perseverance he learned as a child fueled his drive. Eventually, he earned his degree—an achievement that not only validated his skills but also opened the door for what came next.
After finishing his degree, John began working freelance online. But soon, former clients came looking for him. Many asked, “Where did you go?” They remembered his honest work, reliable service, and unmatched attention to detail. That demand sparked a realization—he could build something of his own.
Together with his wife, John launched MasterTechie Computers. “Our office isn’t about foot traffic or flashy displays,” he says. “It’s about focus. When clients come to us, they know their machines will be handled with care, precision, and expertise.”
The name MasterTechie holds personal meaning. “Master” came from his interns, who used to call him that out of respect for his guidance. “Techie” reflects his lifelong passion for computers. The name captures both mentorship and a love for the craft.
Today, MasterTechie serves a wide range of clients—locals, expats, and fellow Filipinos—with services that range from basic formatting to high-performance custom PC builds. Some of their water-cooled gaming rigs cost anywhere from AED 2,000 to AED 40,000. What sets them apart isn’t just technical know-how—it’s the empathy and integrity John brings to every project.
“Clients trust us because we treat every device like it’s our own,” he says. It’s the same value of malasakit his grandparents instilled in him, now reflected in every repair and custom build.
Inspiring a new generation of Filipino dreamers
John’s journey hasn’t stopped at business. Through MasterTechie, he shares his knowledge online, uploading timelapse videos of intricate soldering work, behind-the-scenes PC builds, and educational content to help others learn. Slowly, the brand is growing into more than just a shop—it’s becoming a platform of inspiration.
When asked what advice he’d give to fellow Filipinos abroad who want to start their own business, John emphasizes mindset over money. “Keep going—have strong determination, hope, and consistency,” he says. “Be willing to take risks, but always calculated ones. Most importantly, know your skills and strengths, and build your business around what you do best.”
He also credits the strength of his partnership with his wife. “Having a supportive partner or wife by your side also makes a big difference,” he says. “Always pray for guidance, wisdom, and protection.”
Looking ahead, John and his wife plan to expand MasterTechie into Electra—the very place where he once worked for someone else. It’s a full-circle moment in the making. What once felt like an impossible dream for a boy from Iloilo is now becoming a reality shaped by courage, sacrifice, and vision.
