When mechanic Nestor Montalbo Handog first landed in Dubai in October 2006, he faced the usual culture shock most overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) experience. But unlike many, Nestor didn’t take long to adjust.
Nestor embraced the diversity around him, learning to work with people of different nationalities and even picking up bits of Hindi and Arabic along the way.
After 18 years, Nestor’s open-mindedness, dedication, and impressive skills have earned him a prestigious award: the “Workers in the Electricity, Mechanics, Operating Machines & Equipment Field Subcategory” award at the 2nd Emirates Labour Market Award of the UAE Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation.
In an interview with Khaleej Times, the 49-year-old Tanza, Cavita native shared his love for working as a mechanic for Wade Adams Contracting LLC, a company he’s been loyal to for nearly two decades.
“I was able to adjust immediately, and I’ve loved working with workers from different nationalities. I’ve even learned to speak Hindi and a little Arabic,” he said, adding that he’s excited about the opportunities the UAE offers.
Nestor is now looking forward to reuniting with his 20-year-old daughter in Dubai. “There are many opportunities for her here,” he shared
