Athena (or Tin-tin as friends call her) from Iloilo City decided to leave the Philippines to work abroad when her father was diagnosed with a kidney disease. A transplant was needed to save his father’s life and the cost of medication and treatment is too expensive for her family.

She was so depressed at that time that when a friend that is employed in Dubai (who went on vacation in the Philippines) offered to help her get a visit visa, she relented.

Like most Filipinos who enter United Arab Emirates (UAE) using a tourist visa, Tin-tin also intends to get a job in Dubai. There is no doubt that she made a very risky decision because aside from the fact that she doesn’t know what is waiting for her in Dubai, the plane ticket and visa already cost her Php 60,000. She arrived in Dubai, April of 2004.

Her first few days in Dubai can hardly be considered pleasant, as she does not have a place to stay. She can’t stay in her friends place because the house it is strictly for employees only. She was very nervous and worried then that she does not know what to do. While looking for a room to rent, she slept on a nearby hotel for two days and spent Php 15,000.

She described that experience as horrible but she did not lose hope. Eventually she found a place to rent and gained many friends, which helped her find a job.

Today, Tin-tin is employed as an assistant accountant. She accepted the job with eagerness although it really required sheer courage and determination to learn, as she is not an accountant by profession.

After three years in Dubai, Tin-tin is is a strong proof that Filipino workers are indeed flexible as she is able to survive and is doing well on her job.