A growing number of Filipino talents in the UAE have recently come forward to share their frustrations about not being compensated for their services in events. Among them is Rico Mondejar, a popular Filipino event host in the region, who took to Facebook to share his experience.
“Naka experience ka na ba na nag-emcee ka ng isang event sa isang hotel at hindi ka binayaran matapos kang mag-serbisyo bilang emcee dahil hindi pa daw nagbayad ang co-producer na ibang lahi? Sabi pa ng Pinoy event organizer na magkita na lang kinagabihan para ibigay ang TF pero hindi ma-contact dahil nag-patay ng phone,” Rico wrote in his post.
Rico’s story resonated with many fellow Filipino talents who echoed similar experiences. One commenter, a former Dubai resident, said, “Same same… Di pa rin nagbago ang mga yan?” Others expressed frustration, with one adding, “Akala ko kaming mga uyamot lang nakakaranas ng ganito, pati pala mga veteran sa industriya! Haysss.”
This recurring issue highlights a broader challenge within the Filipino community in the UAE, where some event organizers and clients, often fellow Filipinos, fail to honor payment agreements. One commenter shared a similar incident: “May event siya sa bar namin, Filipino Festival yun. Isa ako sa naghost, hindi niya ako nabayaran.”
Many respondents suggested having formal contracts to protect against such incidents. “Simple lang yan, sign a contract before providing your service,” one user advised. Another echoed this sentiment: “For our recent experience kuya, I think having an agreement of what needs to be delivered should be mandatory.”
There is also a call to name and shame those who repeatedly fail to pay for services rendered. One individual boldly stated, “Banggitin mo na Kabayan Rico MONDEJAR pati yung vlogger at para matapos na, these people have no place in the industry.”
While the issue of non-payment is not new, the community is becoming more vocal in demanding accountability. As another commenter noted, “Kawawa ang mga may talent! I hope mabigyan ng solusyon ang mga ganyang klase ng issue.”