Dubai: For many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), working abroad is a journey marked by sacrifice, separation, and hope. For Maria Paz Marquez, what began as a mother’s determination to provide a better future for her children eventually blossomed into a thriving business that has become a source of livelihood and inspiration for many Filipinos in the UAE.
Today, Maria Paz is the owner of Maria Paz Pastry in Dubai, known for bringing the comforting taste of home to the Filipino community. But behind every pastry is a story of perseverance, faith, and unwavering love for family.
In this interview with Pinoy Aksyon News, Maria Paz opens up about her humble beginnings, the hardships she endured as an OFW, and the lessons she hopes to pass on to others.
Q: Can you tell us about your life before becoming an OFW, and what made you decide to work abroad?
Maria Paz: Before becoming an OFW, I was a mother, a small business owner, and the breadwinner of my family. I operated a bakery in our village in Atimonan, Quezon, for more than ten years. It helped us survive for a long time, but eventually more competitors opened, sales declined, and it became difficult to earn enough.
I had three young children to support, and despite accepting cake orders on weekends, it wasn’t enough. When an opportunity came through my sister-in-law to work in Saudi Arabia, I decided to take it. It was one of the hardest decisions of my life, but I knew I had to do it for my children.
Q: What was your first job overseas, and what were the biggest challenges you faced?
Maria Paz: My first job was as a domestic helper in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, where I worked for two years. The hardest part was being away from my children. Communication was very limited back then. I had to secretly call them while my employer was asleep, and sometimes the letters they sent never reached me.
Trying to explain to my young children why their mother had to be so far away was heartbreaking. Missing their milestones and not being there to hug them remains one of the greatest sacrifices I made.
Q: Did your career abroad turn out the way you expected?
Maria Paz: Not at all. My only goal was to earn enough to educate my children and support my family. I never imagined that one day I would build Maria Paz Pastry. Today, the business allows me not only to support my children but also to help my parents and other relatives. Two of my children are now working with me, while my youngest is about to graduate in Architecture. Looking back, I can only thank God for His blessings.
Q: What was the toughest chapter in your journey?
Maria Paz: Losing my eldest brother was one of the most painful moments in my life. I couldn’t even go home for his funeral because I couldn’t afford a plane ticket.
Another heartbreaking experience was discovering that one of my children had a heart condition. At that time, I simply didn’t have enough money for the operation. That became one of my greatest motivations. I prayed constantly and worked even harder, believing that God would make a way.
Through faith, perseverance, and the business He allowed me to build, I was finally able to pay for my daughter’s heart surgery two years ago.
Q: Was there a moment when you realized everything would be okay?
Maria Paz: It didn’t happen all at once. It happened little by little as customers kept returning for my cakes and kakanin. Every repeat customer, every order, and every compliment reminded me that all my hard work was slowly bearing fruit. Those small victories gave me hope that everything would eventually be okay.
Q: What achievement are you most proud of as an OFW?
Maria Paz: I’ve received awards and recognition, and I’m grateful for them. But my greatest achievement isn’t the awards—it’s the family and community we’ve built through the business.
Maria Paz Pastry has allowed me to employ family members from the Philippines and give them opportunities to build better lives. Knowing that our business helps other families is something I value more than any award.
Q: Who or what kept you going during your most difficult days?
Maria Paz: God and my children. Whenever I felt lonely abroad, prayer became my source of strength. My faith reminded me that I wasn’t alone. At the same time, my children were always my motivation. Everything I did was for them. I wanted them to have better opportunities than I had, and that dream gave me the strength to continue despite all the hardships.
Q: Is there a Bible verse or life philosophy that guides you?
Maria Paz: My philosophy is simple: keep going, even when life is difficult. One Bible verse that has always inspired me is Galatians 6:9:
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
That verse reflects my life. Success didn’t happen overnight. It came through patience, faith, and never giving up.
Q: What dreams are you still working toward?
Maria Paz: My dream is for Maria Paz Pastry to become a globally recognized brand that brings the taste of home to Filipinos around the world. Personally, my greatest wish is for my family to be together again. One of my children is still studying in the Philippines, while my eldest now lives in Europe. More than anything, I dream of the day when we can all be together again under one roof.
Q: What advice would you give to fellow OFWs and aspiring overseas workers?
Maria Paz: Never forget your “why.” Working abroad isn’t easy. There will be homesickness, sacrifices, and difficult days. But always remember why you started—your family, your dreams, and the future you’re trying to build. Work hard. Stay humble. Pray. Never give up. Your sacrifices are shaping you into a stronger person and bringing you closer to the life you’ve been praying for.
Maria Paz Marquez’s story is a powerful reminder that success is rarely built overnight. Behind every achievement are years of sacrifice, silent tears, unwavering faith, and a mother’s unconditional love.
From leaving her children behind to building a pastry business that now provides opportunities for many others, Maria Paz has transformed hardship into hope. Her journey reflects the resilience of countless OFWs who leave home not for themselves, but for the families they love.
Today, every pastry that bears her name is more than a product—it is a symbol of perseverance, faith, and the enduring Filipino spirit.
