We have often heard the adage that hard work pays off. And it is true. When you go out of your way to be a step ahead of the game, you reap great benefits of it.
But catapulting one’s success in any field or career entails an uphill battle as well. And having yourself equipped with the right attitude and mindset can get you the next best places, just like in the case of a Filipina who was able to achieve her bigger dreams in Dubai, UAE.
Danelle Ruth Palang described herself a “simple girl” from Manila who mustered enough confidence to make it big in the field of PR and marketing. She rose through the ranks and became Dusit Thani Manila’s Senior PR Manager, before joining Dusit Thani’s team in Dubai in July 2013.
Danelle leads a life coveted by many. She is now Dusit Thani Dubai’s Director for Marketing and Communications.
Her typical day starts and ends with juggling many hats, winging the busy life of a hotelier of a 5-star charmer that provides luxurious accommodations to well-known figures and members of high society.
The Filipino Times caught up with Danelle for a quick interview, where she shared some of her insights, as well as advice to her fellow expats in Dubai.
TFT: How is it working in Dubai for the first time?
Danelle: Dubai’s a totally different ballgame. We are all expats here. Everyone’s on equal footing – which may be an uncommon opinion amongst Filipinos in Dubai, but this is what I chose to believe in. This mindset also opened opportunities I never thought I could penetrate. I’ve never been afraid to approach men and women, regardless of color and position. I never had the fear of rejection nor defeat, in fact I was ready for it. Otherwise, I will go nowhere. Many years ago, I introduced ‘Try Something New Fridays” to my son at an early age so he would have the boldness to explore the unknown, dare and take risks. I try to walk the talk in this aspect.
Dubai’s a totally different ballgame. We are all expats here. Everyone’s on equal footing – which may be an uncommon opinion amongst Filipinos in Dubai, but this is what I chose to believe in
TFT: How did your previous work in Manila train you for Dubai?
Danelle: Manila’s discerning society taught me to be tough and confident, yet respectful and proper. Manila taught me to raise the bar, not by beating the competition but by acing our own uniqueness, which nobody else can follow suit.
TFT: What traits did you bring with you in Dubai?
Danelle: I was more inspired to be a better version of myself. I didn’t shy away from people who, at first, did not accept me for who I was. But through time, I won them over with kindness and persistence.
TFT: What particular Filipino values are you able to use in your line of work?
Danelle: Being in the field of hospitality, our being hospitable always places first. And of course, our strong work ethics, honesty and reliability. No politics, no chismis, no buck-passing, taking ownership, and taking initiatives.
TFT: What are the challenges you faced in your career?
Danelle: Nothing that God cannot help me get through. He has greatly blessed me with favors through the people I meet along the way in my career. Plus, I grew up being nurtured by a careen-driven mom to whom I owe the values I apply at work and in life.
TFT: Who is your inspiration to excel abroad?
Danelle: My mom is my role model in whatever I do. She keeps me proud of her legacy up to this day! But I am mostly inspired to do well so my son and sister can be proud of me. And hopefully, they take a leaf out of our book.
TFT: Any advice to fellow Pinoy expats?
Danelle: The world is watching you. And even if it doesn’t, there is at least one person who matters to you that does. So always be kind, always be a better version of yourself, for their sake. In that manner, you would be an inspiration and hopefully, through you and I – the world can see the Filipino traits and the Philippines differently.
The right mindset also opened opportunities I never thought I could penetrate. I’ve never been afraid to approach men and women, regardless of color and position
