Liza grew up in Cavite, where her family ran a small sari-sari store. From an early age, she learned the art of dealing with customers smiling politely, suggesting products, and sometimes giving small credit to trusted neighbors. Those simple experiences shaped her into someone who not only knew how to sell but also understood how to connect with people.
After high school, Liza worked as a saleslady in a department store in Manila. Though she enjoyed the work, her salary was barely enough to support her parents and younger siblings. Her father had fallen ill, and her mother relied on her earnings to pay for medical expenses. One day, a former co-worker who had gone to Dubai returned and shared her story of working in a retail shop abroad. The pay, she said, was several times more than what they earned in the Philippines. That planted a seed of hope in Liza’s heart.
With the help of an agency, Liza applied for a saleslady position in Dubai. The process took months, filled with medical tests, trainings, and endless paperwork. But when she finally boarded the plane, she felt both excitement and fear. It was her first time leaving the country, and the thought of living far from her family weighed heavily on her heart.
Her first days in Dubai were overwhelming. The towering buildings, fast-paced lifestyle, and diverse cultures made her feel like a stranger in another world. She was assigned to a clothing store in one of the city’s busiest malls. Then training was tough memorizing product details, learning’s the store’s system, and adjusting to the different accents of customers. At first, she struggled with confidence, often worried that she would say something wrong.
But slowly, Liza found rhythm. She realized that her greatest strength was not just knowing the products, but genuinely connecting with people. When customers looked confused, she patiently guided them. When they hesitated to buy, she offered honest suggestions instead of pushing sales. Her sincerity made customers trust her, and soon she became one of the top-performing staff in the store.
One day, her manager called her in and commended her for her excellent customers service. A regular client had specially mentioned her by name in a feedback form, praising her kindness and professionalism. That recognition boosted her confidence and made her believe that she truly belonged in her job.
Still, the sacrifices were heavy. Liza missed her sibling’s graduations, birthdays, and family gatherings. On her breaks, she often sat in the staff room video calling her mother, tears streaming sown her face as she listened to stories from home. yet every month, when she sent her remittances, she reminded herself that her sacrifices were building a better future for her family. Her father’s medicines were secured, her siblings stayed in school, and little by little, they repaired their old house.
Years passed, and Liza grew not only as a saleslady but also as a person. She learned to live independently, to manage her finances wisely, and to build friendships with people from different cultures. She discovered that being an OFW was more than earning money it was about resilience, patience, and courage.
For Liza, every product she sold in Dubai carried more than s price tag. Behind her smile at the counter was the determination of a daughter, a sister, and a breadwinner. She wasn’t just selling clothes; she was selling hope that one day, her sacrifices would give her family a brighter tomorrow.
