Expat in Maldives: A New Chapter Begins

Maruhabaa, Dhivehi Raajje! (Welcome to the Maldives!)

It still feels surreal that I’m finally now in a different country realizing my dream job overseas! Euphoric, I’d like to reminisce my journey to being an expat in the Maldives through this blog. So today, I’d like to officially call myself as an Overseas Filipino Worker or OFW (I know I’ll get used to this three letter-acronym soon).

Lining up at NAIA Terminal 3 for boarding procedures

Exactly 10 years ago, I started my Internal Audit career as an Associate (staff level 1) in one of the real estate giants in the Philippines. I’ve been to two more realty companies within the 10-year timeline with better roles, skills and financial status.

Passport, ICV Yellow Card and Flight Boarding Passes

However, I felt like there’s still missing. I wasn’t sure with the path I’ve taken due to challenges in this relatively new profession but still grateful for all the experience that has lead me to where I am now today. A decade has passed and I can surely say I’m more than ready to take on a new journey, this time to another country, still as an IA Manager in a huge company operating a chain of 5-star resorts and pioneered the tourism in the highly-acclaimed “best holiday destination” in the world.

A glimpse of Maldives from my window seat

I got this opportunity from LinkedIn after a global recruitment agency based in Bali, Indonesia messaged me. I was hesitant at first because I have no resort audit background and I was not sure if I can survive being an OFW and leave my family in Cebu and Dipolog. Most importantly, I really didn’t want to work abroad ‘coz I already have plans in place but I think God’s plan is better than mine. I guess a little detour wouldn’t hurt. Well, it all boils down to achieving bigger dreams, not just for myself but for my family. Life may lead us where we least expect it, but have faith, we are exactly where we are meant to be.

Goodbye Philippines… Hello to my 10th country to be ticked off my travel bucket list, Maldives!!!

Maldives Signage Tourism Board outside of Velana International Airport

An archipelago composed of 1,192 low-lying coral islands that are inhabited, secluded or uninhabited, Maldives is one of the world’s most geographically dispersed independent states and considered the smallest Asian country by land area.

Jetty at the airport for guest transfers to private island resorts

This exotic destination in the north-central Indian Ocean is renowned for its astonishing sparkling lagoons, breathtaking reefs and splendid white sandy beaches.

First photo on a Maldivian beach (Rasfannu Beach)

I am not sure what awaits me during the whole duration of my stay in the Maldives but I’m pretty sure it will be life-changing. As I put it, a new chapter begins!

If you have questions or clarifications, feel free to drop your queries or comments below. Stay tuned for my life updates to be published in my future blogs (and vlogs)! 

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