Former cabbie succeeds in Brunei, now runs salon, car rental service ---By GMA Integrated News

From formerly driving taxis, a Filipino became an inspiration to others after becoming a successful entrepreneur in Brunei. Neovadi “Buddy” Arriola worked as a taxi driver in Metro Manila for eight years before flying to Brunei to try his luck in 2001, Ian Cruz reported Tuesday on “24 Oras.” He initially worked as a driver but was later hired as a merchandiser in a grocery store. Arriola tried to open a mini-mart after gaining experience but was left with a debt of about P20 million. Despite the challenges, Arriola never gave up and began installing CCTV cameras for government offices, fast food chains, and other establishments. Three years later, he was debt-free. “Masarap sa pakiramdam na nakita mo ‘yung bumagsak ka bumangon, wag lang titigil,” he said. From formerly driving taxis, a Filipino became an inspiration to others after becoming a successful entrepreneur in Brunei. Neovadi “Buddy” Arriola worked as a taxi driver in Metro Manila for eight years before flying to Brunei to try his luck in 2001, Ian Cruz reported Tuesday on “24 Oras.” He initially worked as a driver but was later hired as a merchandiser in a grocery store. Arriola tried to open a mini-mart after gaining experience but was left with a debt of about P20 million. Despite the challenges, Arriola never gave up and began installing CCTV cameras for government offices, fast food chains, and other establishments. Three years later, he was debt-free. “Masarap sa pakiramdam na nakita mo ‘yung bumagsak ka bumangon, wag lang titigil,” he said. It feels good to see that I got up after stumbling. I did not stop.) Arriola now owns a salon and a car rental shop where he provides jobs for other Filipinos. “Siguro hanggang ngayon taxi driver ako kasi nagre-rent lang naman ako roon ng taxi. So ang purpose ko kaya ako pumunta ng Brunei para makabili ng taxi,” he added. (If I didn’t leave the Philippines, I may still be a taxi driver. I was renting a taxi then and the only reason why I went to Brunei was to buy my own cab.) Similarly, Filipino architect Anthony Castillo and his wife, Joji, also thrived in Brunei after they were given the opportunity to design big-ticket projects including the Prime Minister’s Office, government offices, and hotels. “Bihira ang makagawa ng ganito so ang backbone actually talaga nito mga Pilipino,” Anthony said. (It’s a rare opportunity and the backbone of it all are Filipinos.) “Very proud kami talaga to be part of the project. Kumbaga legacy natin yun,” said Joji. (We’re very proud of the project because this is our legacy.) More than 20,000 Filipinos are currently in Brunei. According to the Philippine Embassy, Filipino workers are in-demand in the country due to business expansions and the retirement of employees. “Wag silang mag-TNT. Kasi dapat gawin nila tama yung pamamaraan kasi makakahanap naman sila ng trabaho,” said Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Marian Tirol-Ignacio. (They should never work here illegally. Apply through legal means and you’ll find a job.) — Sundy Locus/DVM, GMA Integrated News

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