Jun is our featured OFW for the month. He works as Corporate Pastry Chef in one of the company in Pakistan that owns and manages several 5 star hotels. While working and earning money he was also able to help other Filipinos to find work there.

Why did you decide to leave the Philippines?
I’ve been working outside the country since 1988 and since then on it’s like an addiction that you want more; wisdom, experience, traveling, and most especially money.

How did you get your current job and how did you leave the Philippines?
I will admit that I left the country using Business Visa because my employer’s urgent need of my presence and service, they processed my working permit the day I reached Pakistan. Since September 2006, the Government of Pakistan issued a strict order that no one can work in Pakistan using tourist or business visa.

When did you arrive in your current location?
I came to Pakistan on November 7, 2006.

What were your most memorable moments in your current location?
I love traveling, my company owns and manages nine 5 Star Hotels in Pakistan. I usually fly three or four times a month to do training, implementations and inspections of menus. Before I join this company I can only receive one or two calls per day but to my surprise, I’m forced to switch off my cellphone at night.

Tell us what has happened during your stay in this country you have worked in.
I’m proud to say that I’m the first and only Filipino working in our Corporate Office. I have recommended hiring Filipinos in our 2 Marriott Hotels and 6 Pearl continental Hotels. I also recommended Archangel Agency to be our official agency in the Philippines. Next year, we might start on hiring waitresses, receptionists, telephone operators, for our hotels. Hundreds of workers will now have a chance to work in Pakistan.

What are the things that you miss about the Philippines?
My wonderful wife and my two loving daughters! I also miss the foods: saluyot with bamboo shoots and inihaw na bangus, adobong baboy (bawal kasi sa Pakistan), yung luto ng misis ko na mongo (sarraaaaaappp!!!), higit sa lahat matulog ng hanggang tanghali.

What is your message to all OFWs around the world?
Show your best because your employer will continue to hire more Filipinos if you’ll be able to impress them. Avoid the Filipino sickness (crab mentality). Be humble kahit na umasenso kayo sa field ninyo, Support each other and don’t forget your family you left behind. Always pray even if you can’t go to church. Be proud to be a Filipino!