Interview with Ben, Founder and Managing Director of Desert Virtual Agency and Consultancy in Dubai

Go to school, get a job, start a family. This is the usual path taken by most Filipinos, as society highly values formal education. However, there are those who follow the road less taken. This is the case for today’s featured OFW, Mr. Ben Paglinawan, who successfully transitioned from being an employee, to starting his own business, Desert VA.

Ben, or “Ninoy” to his family and friends, came to Dubai in 2016, together with his wife, Melissa. Although he does not hold a traditional college degree, he became certified in Computer Systems Servicing through TESDA. Soon, he worked for the BPO industry, where he honed valuable communication, leadership, and customer service skills. In Dubai, he worked as a Sales Executive, eventually becoming Head of Sales and Customer Experience — a position he held for nine years before starting his own company.

Like many OFWs, Ben’s journey is not easy and straightforward. He has encountered many challenges in his career and business, but he chose to persevere. Driven by his personal goals, his love for family, and a deep faith in God, Ben continues to pursue his dreams. Through Desert VA, he is also able to help many Filipinos, providing not just employment opportunities, but mentoring them so they can reach their full potential. Read on to know more about Ben and his extraordinary OFW journey!

OFW Feature: Ben, Founder and Managing Editor of VA Agency in Dubai

Name: Ben Paglinawan
Nicknames: Ninoy
Age: 35 years old
Current Profession: Founder and Managing Editor, Desert VA
Years in Dubai: 10 years

1. Tell us about yourself.

Hello! I’m Ben, though my friends and family call me Ninoy.

I’m 35 years old and the Founder and Managing Director of Desert VA, a virtual assistant agency and consultancy based in the UAE.

I did not complete a traditional college degree, but I earned a Computer Systems Servicing vocational certification through TESDA in the Philippines.

My wife and I arrived in Dubai in February 2016, so we’ve now been here for over 10 years. Our transition was much easier because my parents helped fund our journey. Fortunately, my uncle, aunt, and cousins were already based in the UAE and helped sponsor our papers.

Beyond my professional life, I am a proud husband and father to two wonderful daughters, Candace and Gabrielle.

Before launching Desert VA, I spent nine years as the Head of Sales and Customer Experience for a premium logistics company in Dubai.

Leaving a stable and well-paying career to start my own business was a leap of faith. After identifying a clear gap in the market and believing in the value we could provide, I gained the confidence to pursue full-time entrepreneurship.

One of the highlights of my career has been building businesses in both the UAE and the Philippines and successfully transitioning from being a full-time employee to becoming a full-time business owner abroad. With the support of my wife and family, I finally took the leap into entrepreneurship.

Today, I’m grateful to be creating opportunities not only for myself but also for others by helping businesses grow and empowering talented professionals to build meaningful careers.

Being able to help others grow and create opportunities for them has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my overseas journey.

2. Why did you come to Dubai?

I chose to work in Dubai to expand my career opportunities and build a better future for my family.

As a bonus, my journey has also allowed me to help family members and friends by opening doors for them here in the UAE, whether through employment opportunities or simply by giving them the chance to visit, travel, and experience life abroad.

3. What were your previous jobs?

I started my career in an industrial company before transitioning into the call center industry in the Philippines.

Looking back, my experience in the BPO sector became the foundation of who I am today, particularly in developing my communication, customer service, and leadership skills.

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to receive multiple recognitions and leadership awards, which motivated me to continue growing both professionally and personally. These experiences shaped my work ethic and prepared me for the opportunities and challenges that came later in my career.

When we moved to Dubai, I started as a Sales Executive and eventually rose to become Head of Sales and Customer Experience. I held that role for nine years before establishing my own company.

4. How do you find your current job? Are you happy/satisfied with it?

After identifying a clear gap in the market and believing in the value I could provide, I gained the confidence to start Desert VA.

I am very happy with my decision. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing the career progression of our fellow Filipinos through coaching and mentorship. It’s equally fulfilling to see the businesses I guide and support achieve their goals, grow, and prosper.

5. Are you able to save in Dubai? Or do you have any investments you wish to share?

Yes, we have been fortunate enough to save and invest both in the UAE and the Philippines. Some of our investments include our family home, land properties, and shares in our family business.

I am especially grateful for the support of my parents. They have always encouraged and helped us throughout our journey, and I am incredibly proud of them.

Thank you, Nanay Celia and Tatay Virgilio.

6. Is it difficult to live in Dubai? What are your struggles? What’s life like outside work?

Like many overseas workers, my journey was not without challenges.

My first major struggle involved my very first company in the UAE. After working there for a year, my salary was repeatedly delayed, so I decided to leave. However, the company refused to properly cancel my visa. As a result, I had no choice but to file a labor case against them.

The legal battle lasted for about a year. Afterward, the company filed another case against me, which extended the ordeal for another year.

Despite not having legal representation, I trusted God, remained persistent, and successfully won both cases. I was awarded my remaining dues, although the company eventually closed before I could collect the money.

At that point, I was no longer focused on the financial aspect. I simply wanted to move forward with my life after two years of court proceedings.

By God’s grace, I was able to start a new job just days after filing the first case.

Looking back, that experience taught me resilience, faith, and the importance of standing up for what is right. God is truly good.

7. What do you like about Dubai?

One of the biggest advantages of living and working in the UAE is the safety and security. The peace of mind that comes with living here is something many people appreciate.

Another benefit is the strong support provided by the UAE government to both businesses and employees.

The country offers an environment where hard work, capability, and performance are often valued more than credentials alone.

As someone who graduated from TESDA rather than a traditional university, I am grateful to have experienced firsthand that opportunities are available to those who are willing to learn, work hard, and continuously improve themselves not solely based on educational attainment.

8. What do you NOT Like about Dubai?

Honestly, nothing significant. If I had to mention one thing, it would probably be the intense summer heat.

That said, we’ve gotten used to it over the years, so it’s not really a problem anymore.

9. What are your plans for your career/family/future?

My vision is for Desert VA to help thousands of Filipinos abroad and back home by opening new opportunities for them and guiding them toward sustainable careers.

I also want to continue supporting aspiring entrepreneurs as they build and grow their businesses.

My advocacy remains the same: to uplift others whenever possible, create opportunities, and empower people to reach their full potential.

On a personal level, one of my biggest goals is to retire my parents very soon and give back to them for everything they have done for our family.

Another personal goal is to complete my bachelor’s degree by next year.

10. Do you have any tips for kabayans when working/finding work/living in Dubai?

For my fellow kabayans, here are some personal tips:

• Always put your trust in God in everything you do.
• Be a problem solver, a peacemaker, and strive to become part of the solution rather than part of the problem. Every challenge carries a lesson, and every setback presents an opportunity for growth. Choose to see the good in every situation.
• Most importantly, remain humble, stay grateful, and never forget where you came from.
• When it comes to your career, never stop learning. Continue to upskill, improve yourself, and absorb as much knowledge as possible.
• Wherever you work, always aim to create a positive impact on both the company and your colleagues. Take ownership of your responsibilities, deliver results consistently, and don’t be afraid to go above and beyond your job description when opportunities arise.
• Make your contributions visible not by seeking attention, but by ensuring your efforts and accomplishments are recognized by your leaders. Good work should speak for itself, but it should also be communicated professionally.
• If you’ve been with a company for some time, be proactive about your career growth. Have open and honest conversations with your managers about your development plans, career progression, salary expectations, and future opportunities within the organization. Alignment and communication are key to long term success.
• Remember, your growth is ultimately your responsibility. Invest in yourself, stay patient, and trust the process.

BONUS: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

To my wife, Melissa, and our daughters, Candace and Gabrielle, thank you for being my biggest source of inspiration and strength. Every sacrifice, risk, and achievement has always been for our family.

To my parents, Nanay Celia and Tatay Virgilio, thank you for believing in us from the very beginning and for making countless sacrifices to help us pursue a better future.

If there’s one message I’d like to leave for fellow OFWs and aspiring entrepreneurs, it’s this: your starting point does not define your destination. Keep learning, stay humble, trust God’s timing, and never be afraid to take calculated risks when opportunities come your way.

I would also like to share something close to my heart. We will soon be launching free Virtual Assistant and AI courses designed to help our fellow kababayans develop valuable skills and create new career opportunities.

If you’re interested, please follow our Facebook pages, Desert VA and Ben Paglinawan, for updates on the official launch and upcoming programs.

Thank you to the Dubai OFW team for inspiring and empowering Filipinos by sharing the stories of our kababayans around the world. Your platform continues to motivate, educate, and uplift members of our community, wherever they may be.

To God be all the glory!

—————-

* Photos provided by Ben Paglinawan

Are you an expat in Dubai? Do you want to be featured in the website? Send us an email telling us you want to be featured at admin@dubaiOFW.com and we will send you the set of questions! Let’s help other Pinoys who want to come to Dubai understand what life in the UAE is like through your story.