A lot of people in the UAE (as in anywhere in the world) are going through a difficult time right now, but this does not mean that there’s nothing to look forward to or celebrate, especially when a surprise from someone you look up to comes knocking at your door.
Also Read: Meet Fahed, a Half Emirati and Half Filipino Vlogger in UAE
Such is the case of a Filipina artist, who’s been looking for a job opportunity in the UAE for the last six months, but to no avail. The current situation has even made her chances and hopes of landing a job, slim if not impossible.
Watch the video of Emaratino’s big surprise to Raquel in the UAE here:
Emiratino Surprises Filipina Fan in UAE with an Employment Contract
Twenty-year-old Raquel Estela, has been spending her time productively in the country by sharing her art through her YouTube channel. One of her popular vlogs featured herself creating a portrait of vlogger Emiratino, whom Raquel describes as her idol, using coffee grounds.
Raquel shared her artwork online to catch the attention of the social media influencer, with the hopes of meeting him personally.
All her efforts paid off when Emiratino took notice and was amazed by her art, which led him to arrange a meet-up with his fan. However, little did Raquel know that the influencer did not just arrange to meet her in person but to offer her a special surprise: a job she can work wherever she may be in the world.
In a separate interview with The Filipino Times, Raquel shares her experience meeting the popular vlogger: “To tell you honestly po sobrang na-surprise po talaga ako dahil ‘di ko po talaga inasahan ‘yon. Sino po ba mag aakala na ang isang simpleng artist at fan ay papansinin ng isang sikat na public figure. Sobrang natuwa po ako. Nakabait po niya, matulungin at sobrang down-to-earth po siya.”
[I was very surprised; I honestly did not expect to meet him. I mean, who would’ve thought that an ordinary artist and fan would be noticed by a well-known public figure? I was very excited to meet him. He was so nice, helpful, and down-to-earth.]
Raquel also expressed that the opportunity to work for Emaratino couldn’t have come at a better time because she had already been preparing to go back to the Philippines, thinking she could no longer get opportunities in the UAE given the global situation.
“Hindi ko din po inexpect na susuwertihin ako ngayon lalo na sa sitwasyon natin na ‘to. Pero binigyan ako ng work ni Sir Emaratino at sobrang nagpapasalamat po ako dun. Napakagaling ng timing niya. Kung kailan pauwi na ako saka dumating yung grasya,” Raquel shared.
[I never expected that I’d be this lucky, especially at a time like this. But I was fortunate to be chosen by Emaratino to work for him, and for that, I’m so grateful. His timing couldn’t have been any more perfect, as I was about to leave for the Philippines and then this big opportunity came.]
Raquel will be part of the “Emaratino Traveler Team” as a social media editor, allowing her to work for him virtually wherever she is around the world.
Emaratino, for his part, said: “I was personally inspired by her painting and could not believe the details of the picture drawn by using coffee grounds. Much good luck to her future and I want to thank her for being such a wonderful person who inspired me and my family.”
While she still can’t believe her luck, Raquel tells her kababayan in the UAE not to lose hope, and that good things will come to those who wait and those who stay patient in life.
Being one of those deeply affected by the pandemic and surviving only through the aid given by other members of the community, she said she knows what it feels like to hit rock bottom in a foreign country.
“To everyone who lost their jobs, are on unpaid leave, and lost a portion of their income, please do not lose hope. Instead, let’s keep on praying. This, too, shall pass. Let’s keep on believing for better days ahead and together, we will get through this,” Raquel said.