Pursuing dreams with confidence

Maryanne V. Paglinawan is presently an Executive Assistant to Paul Lloyd, Vice President and General Manager Institutional – Middle East & Africa (MEA) Region of Ecolab Gulf FZE. 

Life of an OFW

Throughout her stay in Dubai for about 9 years, she has been into different circumstances. She started as Executive Secretary in Varel Europe, a roller cone manufacturer working in the oil and mining industry. She worked with the company from 2005 to 2012. She moved to Ecolab Gulf FZE as Personal Assistant to Managing Director from 2012 to 2013 and has been promoted in 2014 as an Executive Assistant to the Vice President and General Manager in Middle East &  Africa – Institutional Division.

When she was  9 years old, her dad passed away and everything went to zero. “We started from scratch again. We did not have our own house, money to buy food and other stuff. My mom has to work away from us for us to have food to eat and ofcourse to send us to school.”

“I promised to myself that I have to strive hard in my studies so I can pursue my career. Dreams do come true.”

Passion for success

She decided to work early at the age of 16 so she can help her sister to pursue her degree in college. She has learned many things. “Never stop in believing in yourself, and never stop from learning because in the end it will lead you to the path that we call destiny.”

“I have a great passion for success and being a team player, I believe I will surely be able to make a positive difference in our organization by way of contributing my skills and knowledge.”

Giving back now that she has a stable job, she takes part in walk for breast cancer awareness and a walk for autism programs in UAE. She donates goods and used clothes for some charities and participates in selling used items for garage sale to support  the thyphoon victims. She took active role in community projects like the feeding program for the malnourised kids  in Pangil, Laguna.

“My greatest achievement in life is to help my kids Marah Jezreel and Mark Justine to pursue their dreams to the best that I can be. I will support them in every way.”

She believes, “the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.”

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THE BLOGGER. Ulysses Espartero is the author of Precious Gems in a Desert of Gold, the first and only coffee table book about Filipino achievers in Middle East. Connect with him on Facebook.