OFW Interview with Rogelio De Castro, Hotel Cluster PR & Communications Executive in Dubai

“It’s okay to start from the bottom. What matters is your mindset and consistency,” shares Rogelio “Roge” De Castro, our latest featured OFW. Born and raised in Ilocos Sur, Philippines, this 30-year-old Filipino can definitely walk the talk, as he shares about his humble beginnings… and the thriving career he has today!

Roge came to Dubai in 2017, starting out as a waiter with no background, no connections. All he had was his drive, a willingness to learn, and a genuine knack for connecting with people. Soon, he worked his way up the career ladder, and is now the Cluster PR & Communications Executive for a famous hotel brand!

From waiting tables to handling PR campaigns for multiple hotels, Roge has definitely come a long way! In this OFW interview, he talks about his ups and downs, how he overcame challenges, and his future plans. What’s more, Roge imparts some inspiring tips for his fellow kababayans in Dubai!

OFW Interview: Roge, Cluster PR & Communications Executive in Dubai

Name: Rogelio Galanto de Castro
Nicknames: Roge
Age: 30 years old
Current Profession: Cluster PR & Communications Executive
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Management (HRM)
Years in Dubai: 8 years
Achievements/Awards:

• Graduated with honors, Academic Excellence, Outstanding HRM Student, and Leadership Award (2015)
• Recognized in Hotelier Middle East’s Marketing Power List (2024)

1. Tell us about yourself.

Hi! I’m Rogelio “Roge” Galanto De Castro, 30 years old, born and raised in the Philippines — in Ilocos Sur, to be specific. I’m currently the Cluster PR & Communications Executive for Radisson Blu Dubai Waterfront and Canal View in Dubai Business Bay. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Management, having graduated in 2015 with honors, Academic Excellence, Outstanding HRM Student, and Leadership Award.

However, things weren’t always this way. When I arrived in Dubai in 2017, I started as a waiter. I had no marketing background, no connections — just ambition and the willingness to learn. From waiting tables, I slowly worked my way into hotel reservations, then marketing support, and eventually found my voice in PR and communications. In 2024, I was honored to be included in the Hotelier Middle East’s Marketing Power List — a proud moment I never imagined when I was first learning how to carry trays properly!

2. Why did you come to Dubai?

To be honest, I was originally supposed to migrate to the U.S. with my parents and brother. But at that time, I had just turned 22 and the petition only covered dependents 21 years old and below. I missed the cut off by a year!

Instead of staying in the Philippines waiting for a new petition to go through, I decided to take a different path. I chose to go to Dubai to work and gain experience. I knew the city offered a lot of opportunities in the hospitality industry, and I was ready to start from the ground up, even as a waiter, just to get my foot in the door. I’ve always believed that success takes time, and I was willing to play the long game.

3. What were your previous jobs?

When I arrived in Dubai in 2017, my first job was as a waiter. Later, I transitioned into a Restaurant Reservation Agent role. During that time, my manager noticed that I had a genuine interest in creating promotions and designing flyers. He encouraged me to pursue cross-training in the PR & Marketing Department.

I took the opportunity seriously and trained for a full year… even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. That experience changed everything for me. I started helping with posters, content creation, and social media — all while still handling my regular duties. I was eventually recognized by our Director of Marketing as a “Jack of All Trades” and got named as Employee of the Month!

From there, I fully transitioned into marketing. I became a Marketing Coordinator, then got promoted to Cluster Marketing Coordinator, handling campaigns for four hotels. Today, I’m proud to serve as the Cluster PR & Communications Executive, a role that combines everything I’ve learned and loved throughout my journey.

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

I love what I do now! It feels like the perfect fit for my personality and background. I get to tell stories, connect with people, and represent hotel brands I admire. My job challenges me creatively and strategically, and what makes it more meaningful is the journey I took to get here! I worked for it. I grew into it.

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

Yes, but it took time to get there. The early years were all about surviving, but now I’ve learned to manage my income better. I’m saving up for future plans… possibly my own business someday, something creative.

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

Yes, it’s hard, especially in the beginning. I came here alone. I struggled with homesickness, tight budgets, and pressure. It took a while to feel “stable.”

But you adapt. You grow tougher. Outside work, I enjoy content creation, exploring the city, and staying active in the marketing and hotel community. I also use social media to share parts of my journey hoping it inspires others to keep pushing.

7. What do you like about Dubai?

I love Dubai’s buzz and how fast it moves with new tech and ideas. It feels super safe, which is a huge plus when you live and work here. And yes, I definitely love the amazing food and cool restaurants that are perfect for Instagram — plus all the fun places nearby!

Dubai is a real land of opportunity. It’s all about big dreams and quick action, and if you’re willing to work hard, it pays off. There’s always something new to learn or aim for, and that really keeps me going and stops me from getting stuck.

8. What do you NOT Like about Dubai?

The cost of living is high, no sugarcoating that. Rent eats up a huge chunk. And the summer heat? Next level. But you adjust. You plan better. You make it work.

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

Career-wise, I want to continue growing in hospitality marketing and one day take on a director role. Personally, I want to be in a place where I can give back more to my family and support other Filipinos trying to build their careers abroad. Long-term, maybe even start my own creative agency.

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

Yes, definitely! Here are a few lessons I’ve learned:

• Be patient. It’s okay to start from the bottom. What matters is your mindset and consistency.
• Build connections. In Dubai, your network matters. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself, speak up, and connect with people from different industries. Confidence goes a long way.
• Use your free time wisely. Learn new skills, take online courses, or volunteer for projects. Every bit of growth adds up.
• Believe in your potential. Just because you’re starting small doesn’t mean you’ll stay there. Keep going you’re not stuck, you’re just getting started.

BONUS: Would you like to share a special message?

To my family, salamat sa walang sawang suporta! To all the dreamers: you don’t need to have it all figured out. Just start. One small step every day, and eventually you’ll look back and realize how far you’ve come!

Connect with Roge Online

Feel free to connect with Roge on LinkedIn, or follow his journey on Instagram. He is always happy to connect with fellow kababayans!

LinkedIn: Rogelio Galanto De Castro
Instagram: @roge.gdc
Dubai and food blog: On the Roge

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* Photos provided by Roge

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.