His journey shows how perseverance and determination can help overcome life’s toughest challenges.
From the Philippines to the UAE With a Dream
Like many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), Bernie De Guzman arrived in Dubai in 2014 with a clear goal. He wanted to build a better future for his family, create financial stability, and make the sacrifices of working abroad worthwhile. The UAE offered opportunities that attracted millions of expatriates, and De Guzman was determined to make the most of them.
For several years, his journey followed a familiar path. He worked hard, gained experience, and steadily built his life in the Emirates. However, the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic would soon test his resilience in ways he never anticipated.
When the Pandemic Changed Everything
The pandemic disrupted businesses and livelihoods across the world, and De Guzman found himself among the many workers affected by corporate restructuring and job losses. Losing his job created uncertainty at a time when opportunities were limited and economic conditions remained unpredictable.
Like countless expatriates supporting families back home, he faced difficult questions about what came next. Returning home was an option, but it also meant giving up on the future he had worked so hard to build. Staying in Dubai came with its own risks and uncertainties.
At one point, De Guzman found himself with only Dh50 left.
For many people, such a situation would have felt overwhelming. Yet rather than focusing on what he had lost, he chose to focus on what he still possessed: his skills, experience, and passion for cooking.
Turning Passion Into Opportunity
Cooking had always been more than a hobby for De Guzman. It was something he genuinely enjoyed and a skill that had already earned appreciation from friends, customers, and members of the community. Faced with limited options, he decided to transform that passion into an opportunity.
Using the resources available to him, he launched a small home-based food business. There were no major investments, elaborate business plans, or guarantees of success. Instead, there was determination, persistence, and a willingness to start small.
An important breakthrough came when a former customer who already knew his culinary abilities hired him as a personal chef. That opportunity provided both financial support and the confidence needed to continue building his venture. Together with his partner, he gradually expanded the business and developed a growing customer base.
Bringing Filipino Flavors to the Community
For De Guzman, the business quickly became about more than earning a living. It also became an opportunity to share Filipino culture through food.
The Filipino community is one of the largest expatriate groups in the UAE, with hundreds of thousands of residents living and working across the country. For many Filipinos abroad, traditional dishes offer a connection to home, family, and cherished memories.
By preparing authentic Filipino meals, De Guzman was able to serve fellow expatriates while introducing Filipino cuisine to people from different nationalities. Food became a bridge that connected cultures and created a sense of community among customers.
The Launch of Lutong Bahay
Years of persistence and hard work eventually led to a major milestone: the opening of Lutong Bahay.
For De Guzman, the business represents far more than entrepreneurship. It symbolizes a journey defined by resilience, adaptability, and the refusal to give up during difficult circumstances. What began as a home-based venture created out of necessity evolved into a business built on passion and dedication.
The launch of Lutong Bahay also marked a personal transformation. The UAE was no longer simply a place where he worked. It had become the place where he discovered his strength, developed his entrepreneurial spirit, and created a new path forward.
Lessons From the Journey
One of the principles that guided De Guzman throughout his journey comes from a Filipino saying: “Mata sa langit, paa sa lupa,” which means keeping your eyes on the heavens and your feet on the ground.
The phrase reflects the balance between ambition and humility, hope and hard work. It serves as a reminder that while dreams are important, achieving them requires persistence, discipline, and the willingness to keep moving forward through setbacks.
His story demonstrates that success rarely follows a straight path. Challenges, uncertainty, and unexpected obstacles are often part of the journey. What matters most is the ability to adapt and continue pursuing opportunities even when circumstances seem unfavorable.
Building a Future Through Determination
Today, Bernie De Guzman’s journey stands as an inspiring example of how perseverance can transform adversity into opportunity. From arriving in Dubai with a dream to facing unemployment during a global crisis to launching his own food business, his experience reflects the determination shared by many expatriates who leave home in search of a better future.
The story of Lutong Bahay is ultimately about resilience. It shows that even in moments of uncertainty, new opportunities can emerge for those willing to keep going. Years ago, De Guzman found himself with only Dh50 left. Today, he owns a business built on passion, community, and an unwavering belief that better days are always possible.
Source: Gulf News
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Bernie De Guzman, founder and head chef of Lutong Bahay
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