How I Got Hired by The Biggest Energy Company In The World? Part-2

In continuation with my previous post:

Kingdom tower where our office is located. 

However, my happiness in this american I.T company was short-lived, i have to leave and go back to the Philippines. In an unfortunate event, I had accidentally washed up my passport in the washing machine! 

Yes, I washed up my passport in the washing  machine of the hotel. Isn't it weird? or an act of idiocy, what do you think? I'm just human, I am not in control of everything.

I froze when I saw my passport inside the washing machine for an hour along with my clothes, I was speechless - my entire body numbed for a moment. I was very scared and worried, my work visa is on my passport and now it has been ruined. I don't even know what to do and what would happened to me now.

Incident Brought Me Back Home

The Mosque in front of my hotel. 

To make the story short, the mishap brought me back home to renew my passport in the Philippines. I have promised my company to return after renewal of my passport which would take around two weeks by expedite processing.

However, in an absurd reason, the Department of Foreign Affairs in Cagayan de Oro branch told me that expedite processing is unavailable due to its printers are out of service!

Isn't it ridiculous? I was told that their printers are not working and that they cannot process my passport quickly. I have to wait for almost two months for my passport to be renewed, that was too long and too late. After I got my passport back, I went straight to our Manila office to process my visa back to KSA.

I Departed The Company

I have flown back home from Manila. 

Sadly, my company was disappointed of my returning very late and deemed my reason unacceptable. What could I do? The DFA told me there was no expedite processing due to its printers are out-of-service and that my passport came out late.

I cant blame my company either, in fact - no one would believed me if I tell them, "my passport was renewed late because our Foreign Affair's printers were out of order." 

It is truly and embarrassing alibi, shamed on the people working in that department of the government. The incident made me left the company, although I greatly loved my work there and the company itself.

It was among the darkest moment of my life, I have to start all over again from nothing. I was shrouded with desperation and frustration, for me, I could not find a better company like that anymore. Never again to find that company - I told myself! I was overwhelmed with negative thoughts, I have lost self-esteemed and confidence of myself.

Do you think i could still find a much better company now? Find out on my next blog and see what will happen! :)

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How I Got Hired by The Biggest Energy Company In The World? Part-1

Night view of Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. 

It is everyone’s dream to land a better job and prosperous career after finishing a degree, to provide our needs and support our families. But finding a good company is already a difficult challenge for everyone, how much more getting hired by the biggest energy company in the world?

My journey to my dream company started back in 2012, when I first arrived in Saudi Arabia looking for a greener pasture. My first company was a manpower supply agency that provides staffs to reputable companies in the kingdom.

My First Company in Saudi Arabia

Kingdom Tower, where our office is located.

I was supplied and worked as a subcontractor to the biggest company in Saudi Arabia, the company is also deemed as the biggest energy company not only in the gulf, but in the world.

The company is so great that almost all nationalities and professionals new about it and wanted to be part of it. Since I was new at that time, fresh from the Philippines, I do not know the company’s history and reputations at all, until I got my chance to work there as a contractor.

Being a contractor is tough, you are held on the neck by your sponsored company with very low salary, and with limited benefits almost to nothing. While I was working over there, I could not stop myself to dream of becoming a regular employee soon. But becoming a direct employee is next to impossible considering the companies rigid qualifications required. I was very young at that time with less experience.

Patience and Determination

Faisaliah building, popular landmark in Riyadh. 

However, age and experience proved immaterial to a person who has the determination and passion to learn. In just a short time I was able to master my job and daily activities in the office being an Admin Assistant. 

Since my work is merely administrative support, I found it easy and light. Although sometimes it is stressful dealing with different colleagues and nationalities in the workplace.

Working in the administration requires patience as you are reporting directly to your superior and if you are unlucky, you may end up working with a not too friendly boss. I was fortunate the last boss that I had was indeed a very professional man and treat everyone with respects like his friends and family members.

My workmates in the office were like my families too, mostly senior employees of the company. While I was in there, I took the opportunity to apply for a better company which would hire me directly as a regular employee.

Until one day, I got a call from unfamiliar person, she is an HR (Human Resource) employee of a multi-billion dollar international I.T company based in the U.S, informing me that I was among the shortlisted for the final interview. The company has opened a new branch in Saudi Arabia and looking for Administration Manager.

Got Hired by My Second Company in KSA

Riyadh capital city of Saudi Arabia.

Upon hearing her news, I have already claimed that I would be hired, although the interview has not taken place yet lol. As if I have predicted the result of the final interview, I was overwhelmed with joy and very excited to attend the interview. The day has come, the final interview took place, being a graduate of Communication Management, I was able to answer their questions with flying colors.

Jobs interviews are no longer surprising for me, as I have honed myself to answering tricky questions. Back in my college days, I have joined several competitions on impromptu and public speaking. A nerve wracking competitions in the college wide, the competition begins by giving you a topic to answer and expound profoundly in a given time.

Remembering My College days 

My former office mates and colleagues. 

I was the champion on impromptu speaking for three consecutive years from 2^nd to 4^th year in college. Therefore, ambush interviews are no longer unusual to me, thanks to my college experience on joining public speaking contests, it has really helped a lot on what I am now.

A week after the final interview, the result came – I was hired and offered to work the company as soon as possible. I was stunned with the salary offered, it was ten times higher than my previous salary. It was a turning point of my life; I have immediately submitted my resignation letter to my first company and flown back to the Philippines to process my documents back to KSA.

This multibillion dollar company is enermous that it has office all around the world, even in the Philippines. I was welcomed at the Philippine branch in Manila, although I was hired in Saudi branch. The company’s head quarter is in Teaneck New Jersey, the company is listed in the “Fortune 500” companies. Fortune 500, is a global ranking of the biggest and richest public companies in the world.

Going Back to KSA

At the airport lounge waiting for my departure. 

After my work visa was approved, I had flown back to Saudi Arabia and managed a satellite office in Dammam as Admin Manager. I am all alone in the office in Dammam, I loved it as I don’t like working with too many people around. 

I like the nature of my job too, my work mainly involved arranging the logistics of our associates working in Saudi Arabia.

I have to ensure that they are taken cared upon arriving in KSA, I am also the focal point of contact between Dammam and our main office in Riyadh. I was accommodated in a very comfortable place, I lived in the hotel for a year paid by the company.

It was one of the best experiences I ever had working with such a reputed company, in fact I was the first Filipino hired in the entire Middle East branches. Yes, you heard it right, I was the first Filipino in the gulf branches ever hired. The rest of the nationalities are from Europe, India, America, Saudi and many more.

However, my happiness in this american I.T company was short-lived, i have to leave and go back to the Philippines. Wanna know the reason why? Find out on my next blog! See you there. 

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Top Five Most In-demand Jobs in Saudi for Expats

Are you planning to work in Saudi Arabia?
  

A park in Al-Khobar City. 

KSA is among the most popular country to work overseas, millions of expatriate workers from different nationalities are currently living and working in the kingdom. Despite of the massive Saudization program of the government to localize jobs providing more opportunities to their citizens. KSA remains the number one destination for foreign workers.

Saudi Arabia is the greatest exporter of gas and oil products in the world, majority of its revenue comes from oil and gas. It is one of the richest countries in the Middle East despite of the economic crises currently faced by countries mainly relying on oil economy. 

Thus hundreds of thousands, if not millions of people aiming to work here, as a foreign worker myself. I know the most suitable positions here in the kingdom most likely held by expats. Below are some of the most recommended jobs for foreign  workers in KSA.

In Demand Professional Jobs

Engineers/Engineering Profession, Saudi Arabia is a semi-developed country it is rapidly expanding and transitioning into a powerhouse in the future. Billions worth of infrastructure and projects are booming around the country. Hence, engineers are very in demand in the kingdom, among the most eyed engineering professions are – Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Industrial, Civil and Petroleum Engineers.

Expat professionals. 

Medical, medical professionals are still very in demand in the kingdom, hundreds of clinics and hospital are mushrooming all around in small and big cities. Therefore, professionals in this field have greater opportunity to land a job in KSA. Many foreign workers here are working as doctors and nurses in the hospitals.

Teachers, Saudi Arabia have top notch universities included in the prestigious global ranking of educational institutions. The government spent billions of riyals in this investment, even sending their youth to study abroad. Teachers especially on language, Math and Sciences are still a suitable jobs for foreign workers.

Services/Hospitality, Saudi Arabia is the holiest land of Islam, the two holiest mosques are in Saudi Arabia. Thus, millions of Muslim pilgrims from all over the world come to visit the county to perform “Haj and Umra.”Therefore, hospitality businesses are thriving here in the kingdom, many expat workers are involved in these professions.

Highly Skilled Workers

  

A Filipino worker fishing during the
weekend. 

Skilled Workers, are undeniably among the most essential professions for the development of this country, the kingdom cannot standalone without these expat workers. They are everywhere in almost all sectors of the economy, skilled workers like; welders, fabricators, electricians, drivers, laborers and many more are required to support their growing population.

If you think you have what it takes to work here and got the required skill and qualification, come on and try your luck and be among millions of expat workers who are successfully working in Saudi Arabia, should you need further information, let me know on the comment box below.

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My Indonesian Friend Joined a Charity Run

Charity Run On Multiple Sclerosis Awareness

Al-Khobar cornice, Saudi Arabia

It was a wonderful Saturday afternoon in Al-Khobar cor niche, the venue of a “charity run” organized by our company. The weather was great, perfect for the marathon, at first, I have registered myself to experience this funned event; however, I back out on the last minute and decided to be an expectator. 

The venue of the marathon 

I have stopped jogging for almost 5 months ago; thus joining the event would be quite exhausting I thought. There were thousands of participants from different ages and nationalities including my good Indonesian friend Muhamad. Like me, he also works here in Saudi Arabia in a big international engineering and machinery company.

He lives in Dammam not too far away from my residence in Dhahran, here in the Kingdom you will find and meet people from different nationalities working together in this oil-rich land. Our friendship started when I recently traveled to United Arab Emirates for a short holidays.

KSA Composed of Multinationals Working Together

My Indonesian friend joined the event. 

We booked on the same travel agency going there, that’s how we know each other. At first, I thought he is a Filipino because of his looks and physical appearance. After all, we, South Asians are very similar to each one another. In fact the first ancestors of the Filipinos were the Indonesians followed by Malay and other Austronesian people.

Participants of the marathon taking
 Photos.

Here in Saudi Arabia, some people could hardly tell my nationality others thought I am Indonesian, Thai or Nepali lol. Sometimes I faked my nationality by saying I am from Indonesia and people believed it though. I remember a couple of instances that Indonesian people approaching me and started talking to me in Indonesian language because they thought I am Indonesian.

Back in my previous office I have one Saudi colleague who called me “Indonesi” all the time, for him I don’t look like Filipino, but Indonesian national. Indonesian people are very friendly and accommodating just like Filipinos.

Climate Here in KSA

A local man posed for a photo. 

Expectators watching the event.

After the event, we strolled around the cor-niche enjoying the chilly weather in Al-Khobar City. During the month of November, the weather starts to cool down as the winter season is approaching. When I was new here, I thought that Saudi Arabia is warm and hot throughout the year, I was oblivious that they do have winter here too.

Indian man joined the event.

My friend showing off his
medal from the marathon.

Being in a tropical country we don’t really experience winter in the Philippines, our weather is mostly warm and a lot of rain all year round. I loved here in KSA because it does not rained a lot unlike in our country, rain here is very minimal and only comes during winter season. Other than that, it is mostly sunny with the sun shining brightly.

After our sightseeing and walk along the cor niche we got tired and hungry, so we went down to a Lebanese restaurant nearby to eat our dinner. We ordered both Shawarma, a popular Arabic food here in Saudi Arabia. Do you ever have a foreigner friends? let me know in the comment box below.

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My Accommodation In Saudi Arabia

The Place Where I lived Here In KSA

While working here in Saudi Arabia some of my friends are asking me - how is my living condition here, how is my accommodation, how is the general living condition of the foreign workers, and to address that inquiry, let me show you the place where i lived and my accommodation here in the Kingdom. 

Majority of the expat workers here in Saudi Arabia are living in a company provided accommodation which is free of charge. Other companies are giving you accommodation allowance to find your own housing outside if you prefer. Currently, i am living inside company provided accommodation here in the Kingdom. 

I am fortunate enough to be with such a huge and big company in KSA, our company ensures its workers are taken cared especially on our accommodation needs. Our company is so great that we have our owned exclusive city only for its employees. This exclusive compound is equipped with all the facilities you could imagine. 

The Amenities Inside The Camp 

What are the amenities inside our exclusive city or compound? As i have said, our company is big that has its owned city within Saudi Arabia. The compound is divided into two categories, one for the senior employees with families and the other one for junior employees or bachelors. Since i am a junior employee; therefore, i am assigned in a junior camp. 

Our accommodation is a high rise building, the building is composed of studio typed rooms inside fully equipped with all the appliances and furniture, hence you don't need to buy stuff to furnish it. Inside my room, i have my owned living room with sofa, kitchenette with appliances like fridge, bed and blanket, cabinet, tables and chairs etc. 

What about our recreation needs? As i have mentioned earlier, our camp is complete with all the amenities. Below are the amenities that we can utilize free of charge inside the camp: 

Exclusively Free of Charge for Employees 

Swimming pool - Not all company provided accommodations here have swimming pool, i am lucky that our company is providing as this amenity. Our swimming pool  is big that could fit in even a hundred people swimming at the same time. The swimming pool is guarded with lifesaver to ensure the safety of the employees. 

Jacuzzi - Apart from the swimming pool we have our owned Jacuzzi just alongside the pool. The water is very relaxing and warm, perfect for those who are not a good swimmer and prefer to soak in the Jacuzzi. 

Sauna - Another amenity inside the camp is our sauna, all my life i have never tried using the sauna. I just tried it here and the experience is really great; it just a little bit hot inside the sauna room lol. 

Steamed Room - Similar to that of the sauna, we have our owned steam room like of that in a hotel. The steamed room could accommodate 10 people at the same time. I loved the steam room after using the Jacuzzi, it's very relaxing and you could really feel your sweat coming out. 

Library - You could never imagine that you will find a very big library here in our camp, the library is complete with all the recent books you would love to read. This is among my favorite spot here in our camp. Most of my time is spent in the library when i am free. 


Computer Room - Inside the library we have our owned workstations where you can check your company email and do some unfinished work in the office. Whenever, i have something urgent to do, i just come here to do it before hand. It is really helpful giving us so much flexibility to do our work. 

Recreation Room - Aside from those amenities mentioned above, we have recreation room equipped with billiard table, ping pong, chess, TV room, and hand ball. Many employees are using this amenity after office work. Since i am not fond of it, so i don't come here oftently. 

Gym - Of course our camp will never be complete without gym, our gym is full of equipment like of that in a five star hotel. All types of workout equipments are in here, so if you want to stay fit and healthy, you can use it free of charge. 

Sports Facilities We Can Enjoy 

Basketball Courts - Our camp is so big that we have our owned basketball courts, if you want to play basketball especially for Filipinos who loved this sport. Here in Saudi Arabia Filipinos are known for being basketball addicts lol. 

Tennis Courts - Aside from basketball courts, we have around 10 tennis courts here in our camp. Yes - 10 tennis courts, many locals and expat employees are playing here almost daily. The court is of the same standard as of that used by the Olympic games. 

Football Field - Aside from basketball courts and tennis courts, we do have our very owned football field here. Yes you read it right, there is a football field inside our camp, mostly of the employees playing here are locals because football is their national sport here in KSA. 

Dining - Another amenity here in our camp is company dining, so if you are feeling tired of cooking, you can drop down to the dining and choose your meal to eat. Sometimes when i don't feel cooking my food or need urgent meal, i come here to buy some food. 

Other Amenities 

Commissary - This is one of the most essential amenities here in our camp, the commissary, this is where we are buying our basic needs like food, water, vegetables, fruits and meats. The commissary is big and almost complete with all the basic necessities one should require. 

I could not imagine how blessed i am to be part of this company, being in this company is truly a dream come true. Those are some of the amenities that we have here in our camp and there are still a lot more i did not mention. If you are here in the Kingdom let me know how is your living situation and accommodation by dropping a comment below. 

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Visiting Cebu from Cagayan de Oro City

Parents Homeland

Both my parents are originally from Visayas my mother was born in Cebu and my father is from Daan Bantayan Island, during the 70s they have migrated to Mindanao particularly in Davao Oriental. I and all of my siblings were born and grew up in the “Land of Promise.”

Cebu City is considered as the “Queen City of the South” and the capital city of the entire Visayas region, this city is among the richest cities in the Philippines. The city is very popular not only for the locals but as well as for international travellers, Cebu is the third best islands in the world according to a travel magazine.

Recently, during my short vacation in the Philippines from Saudi Arabia, I had the chance to visit Cebu City together with my mother. I was very excited to see this place since it was my first time travelling there. Going to Cebu City from Cagayan de Oro is very easy, you can either go by ship or by airplane. In our case, since I got only ten 10 days in the Philippines, we went there by airplane.

Exploring Taoist Temple Cebu City

There is a direct flight from Cagayan de Oro to Cebu City twice a week, the flight time is less than an hour. Upon landing in Cebu City, I have seen the difference between Cebu and Cagayan de Oro. Cebu City is big and wide, compared to Cagayan. We stayed in a hotel in the central part of the city in order to easily explore popular tourist areas.

During our first day in Cebu, we had visited a very famous tourist destination called “Taoist Temple” it is located in an upper-class subdivision. A temple is a place of worship by Taoist people mostly Filipinos with Chinese descent. The temple is very unique and colorful with exquisite carvings and design in detail.

The location is highland; therefore, you can have a great view of the downtown city of Cebu. Along with us, there were a number of visitors and tourists as well. We stayed there for a couple minutes, trying to explore the beauty of the temple. I have seen a huge replica of a dragon, this mystical creature is considered by Taoist as sacred and god.

There is also a place where visitors throw coins into a large vessel similar to that of a wishing well. Just avoid taking photos of the interior of the temple especially when there are people praying. Other than that, taking photos and videos are fine.

Shopping In The Biggest Mall of Cebu

After our visit to the temple, we went straight to the biggest mall in Cebu City – SM seaside, the mall's shape is round, and located along the sea.  

Inside the mall is so spacious and cosy, there is also a very beautiful garden where you can sit and take nice photos. If you walk around the mall, you will end up in the same location where you came from because the mall’s shape is a sphere. A good variety of shops from local to international brands are available, of course, we also tried dining there and had a delicious lunch in the mall overlooking the sea.

After our lunch, we went down to the department store and had a shopping spree, bought some souvenirs and clothes for myself and family. We left the mall already night time and headed back to our hotel. Upon reaching the hotel, we went out again to explore nearby malls on foot.

Fort San Pedro Popular Tourist Spot

On the second day of our visit in Cebu we went to a popular spot called “Fort San Pedro” the place is the remnants of the Spanish colony. The Fort is very old and there is a small museum inside the building, there were many foreign tourists while we were there. 

The Fort was built by the Spaniards against invaders and raiders. This place is also locally known as Plaza Independencia, we had a great number of photos taken in this great landmark of the city.

After our visit there, we drove to another popular mall in Cebu to take our dinner, the mall is located in the business and financial district of the city. There are high rise office and condominium buildings in the area that resembles Makati City in Manila.

Indeed, Cebu City is growing rapidly no wonder why is it deemed as the Queen City of the South because of its progressive development. The city also serves as the hub of international Business Process Outsourcing companies. Due to my limited days in the Philippines, I only stayed in the city for three days and went back to Cagayan de Oro City to spend some more days with my family.

Definitely, it was an enjoyable experience exploring Cebu City and I had a taste of the city’s finest restaurants and seeing spectacular tourist spots. I am considering to return to this city in the future, what about you? Have you ever been to Cebu? How was your experience? Let me know in the comment box below.

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Travelling to Dubai from Saudi Arabia

Childhood dream

Behind me is the Burj Al-Arab

When I was young, I have always thought of travelling and exploring the world; who else doesn’t like travelling? Seeing beautiful places, meeting new people and emerging in to a different culture could be an exciting experience.

Let me share with you my travel experience to Dubai from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dubai, is considered as the Paris of the gulf countries and one of the fastest growing cities in the world. Dubai has transformed into a great metropolis from a simple fishing village a couple of years ago.

Burj Al-Arab the only 7 star hotel in the world.

Currently, Dubai – is among the top travel destinations in the world, millions of tourists are eager to see and explore this extravagant city. I had my chance to visit the popular city recently, during a week long Eid holidays. Travelling to Dubai from Saudi Arabia is not difficult, the flight is very cheap and affordable; I was very excited knowing it was my first time to explore and see this flamboyant city.

Reaching in Dubai, I went straight to my hotel located in Diera district, Diera is one of the oldest cities in Dubai. The place is full of expatriate communities mainly from Asia, although Diera is not too close from the popular landmarks of the main downtown Dubai. However, transportation is not a big issue Diera city has many train stations within the center of the city itself.

Palm Island and Atlantis Jumeirah

At the back is the Atlantis hotel in the Palm Island. 

On my first day in Dubai, I had a one day tour around the most popular landmarks, first – I went to see and take a photo of the most highly rated, deemed as the only 7 star hotel in the world – Burj Al-Arab. This hotel is among the most expensive hotels according to the global ranking, the cheapest one night stay is around 2000 up to 30,000 U.S dollars. So if you want to have a feeling of being a royalty consider staying in this hotel.

The skyscrapers of Dubai City. 

My next stop was in the Palm Island, a purely man-made islands in Dubai, the island is shaped like palm tree growing mainly in the gulf. This island is composed of various real estate properties where you can invest and own. Famous Hollywood celebrities have properties here, just prepare a million bucks to stay in this exclusive islands.

Within the Palm Island is where the well-known Atlantis Hotel, another luxurious hotel and popular landmark in Dubai. The structure of the hotel is like in a fairy-tale, I had enjoyed taking photos in the entrance of the hotel that looks like in a different world.

After my visit in the Palm Island, I got very exhausted and headed to Marina Mall of Dubai. This mall is one of the biggest malls in Dubai where you can shop affordable to high end brands like, Chanel, Luis Vuitton, Gucci and many more. As a souvenir I bought one pair of shoes there, as a token of my visit in Dubai.

Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall

Shopping at Marina mall. 

After heading to Marina Mall, of course I can’t missed to see the ultimate pride of this city, the tallest building in the world – Burj Khalifa, the building is so great and majestic. It is around 830 meters from the base to the tip of the building. I had a great moments and picture taken at Burj Khalifa, along the Burj Khalifa is the biggest mall in the world – Dubai Mall.

The base of Burj Khalifa the tallest building in the world. 

The mall is so huge that you can’t explore it in one day, thousands of tourists from all over the world gathered in this mall. There are large number of different varieties of shops and international restaurants. This mall has been featured in many documentaries and Hollywood movies especially the waterfall inside the mall.

Indeed my trip to Dubai was very memorable a trip of a lifetime, seeing the biggest, tallest, grandest, and luxuries manmade structures are truly jaw dropping. I can’t wait to go back there soon, so if you are planning your next vacation holidays, consider going to Dubai the city has too many surprises to offer.