In the quiet streets of Bulacan, a young boy once ran barefoot with his friends, their laughter echoing through the afternoon air. That boy was Jeffrey — the son of a pest-control technician and a mother who balanced the demands of real estate with the endless responsibilities of raising a family. “It wasn’t a life of luxury, but it was a life overflowing with love,” he says.
Today, Jeffrey stands tall in Dubai — a respected leader in his field, a symbol of grit, faith, and sacrifice. But behind the skylines he now helps shape is a story rooted in struggle. Life tested him early, when his mother suffered an accident that could have broken their family apart. Instead, Jeffrey chose to rise. Inspired by her unwavering strength, he turned pain into purpose, and struggles into stepping stones.
Lessons from struggles
The accident marked a turning point. Finances grew tight, and Jeffrey had to transfer from private to public school. It was a painful adjustment, but it came with a powerful lesson. “Even after her accident, she never gave up on her role as a wife and mother, and she showed me what true strength and resilience mean,” Jeffrey recalls.
Her name is Elenita Manarang Gavino — the woman whose resilience shaped his life. “She faced challenges that could have easily changed the course of our family. Yet, with resilience and determination, she never allowed those struggles to diminish her role as a wife and mother.”
Instead of letting hardship weigh him down, Jeffrey pushed himself harder. Scholarships, long study nights, and an unshakable will carried him forward. In time, he became an honor student, a valedictorian, and later, a student leader. “Si Mama ang pinakamalakas na babae sa buhay ko,” he says softly. “Kahit nahirapan siya, hindi niya kami pinabayaan.”
The turning point
Jeffrey earned his Bachelor’s degree in Architecture at Bulacan State University, where his journey as a dreamer slowly took shape. Determined to go further, he pursued his Master’s at the Technological Institute of the Philippines, refining his craft and deepening his vision for the future.
In 2008, right after college, he was given the chance to teach at Bulacan State University. Standing in front of aspiring architects, Jeffrey realized the power of sharing knowledge — that architecture wasn’t only about buildings, but about inspiring the next generation.
The true breakthrough came in 2010, when he passed the Architect’s Licensure Exam. That single milestone became a turning point, opening doors from teaching to designing, and giving him the confidence to finally step fully into the professional world.
Building a life abroad
In 2012, Jeffrey took a leap of faith. He left behind the comfort of teaching to gain real-world experience — believing that to be a better mentor, he first had to walk the path himself. With nothing but courage, he boarded a plane to Doha, Qatar.
Alone in a foreign land, Jeffrey found himself battling homesickness, discrimination, and the loneliness of starting over.
May mga pagkakataon na gusto ko nang umuwi,” he admits.
But instead of giving in, he chose to adapt, to learn, and to grow stronger.
Five years later, in 2017, his journey brought him to Dubai, UAE, where new doors opened. As a Site Architect for ALMAL Real Estate Development LLC, Jeffrey’s work began to leave its mark — from luxury villas in Jumeirah, to grand hotel projects in Ras Al Khaimah, and even to a pioneering resort development in Bali, Indonesia. From the streets of Bulacan to skylines abroad, Jeffrey was no longer just building structures — he was building a life defined by resilience and purpose.
A victory shared
When Jeffrey’s name was announced as part of The Filipino Times Awards Watchlist: Top Architects and Engineers in the Middle East 2025, it was more than just a title beside his name. For him, it was the culmination of every sleepless night, every challenge overcome, and every prayer whispered in silence.
Hindi lang ito para sa akin,” he says with conviction. “Para ito sa pamilya ko, sa mga Pilipino, at lalo na kay Mama. Ang lahat ng ito, dahil sa kanila.”
The award — globally recognized for its credibility — stands as proof that Filipinos are not only world-class workers, but also visionaries, leaders, and dreamers.
Giving back and looking forward
Today, Jeffrey mentors younger architects, stays active in professional organizations, and continues to give back to his community in Bulacan. He dreams of pursuing a doctorate degree and specializing in architectural historical preservation — a way of honoring both heritage and future.
His advice to young Filipinos?
Huwag mawalan ng pag-asa. Kahit maliit ang hakbang, basta tuloy-tuloy, darating din ang magandang bukas.”
