Brief
Filipino expat credits Dubai for turning his career around
Romuel Perey describes how moving to Dubai enabled him to leave a stagnant path and build a freelance video production business that now spans the Gulf region.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Romuel Perey, a Filipino expatriate, says Dubai gave him the chance to change his life and career, moving from low‑skill jobs and personal struggles to a thriving freelance videography business that now operates across the Gulf.
What happened
Perey grew up in the Philippines, completing a two‑year electromechanics diploma and taking technical courses before starting work at age 16. He held a series of technician roles that he found repetitive, and his evenings often ended in drinking, leading to lateness at work. In 2013 he returned to the Philippines for a call‑centre job that paid well, but after about six months he felt restless and stayed for two years.
In 2015 he discovered videography as a possible career and, with his father's assistance, returned to Dubai to work behind a camera. Over the next few years he moved through three production companies, learning lighting, directing and audio on real productions. By 2019 he left salaried work to freelance, but the COVID‑19 pandemic in early 2020 halted events and productions, leaving him without income. He invested his last back‑pay in a video switcher to continue working.
What the reports add
Gulf News notes that Perey’s technical background gave him a foundation, but he taught himself videography through on‑the‑job experience and trial‑and‑error. His varied skill set now includes video production, photography, live streaming and events. The outlet lists high‑profile productions he has worked on, mentioning international names such as Chris Hemsworth, the Black Eyed Peas, Anggun, John Cena and Christina Aguilera. His work has taken him to Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
What was said
"I didn’t plan a big move. I didn’t have a dream or a vision. I had a salary I was wasting and a life I wasn’t proud of," Perey told Gulf News.
He added, "I wanted to change my life. Dubai changed how I saw things and it started changing me." He also reflected, "I never had one calling. I got bored, kept changing direction, and ended up in the one job that never repeats."
How it came about
Perey’s father, already living in Dubai, helped secure his first job in furniture sales on a two‑year contract, providing the initial foothold. Over time, the combination of technical training, self‑directed learning and exposure to regional production work enabled him to transition from unstable employment to a diversified freelance career that now spans multiple Gulf states.
Key facts
- Romuel Perey moved to Dubai with his father's help and secured a furniture sales job on a two‑year contract. (gulfnews.com)
- He discovered videography in 2015 and worked for three production companies, learning lighting, directing and audio. (gulfnews.com)
- Since 2019 he has been freelancing, investing his last back‑pay in a video switcher during the 2020 pandemic. (gulfnews.com)
- His freelance work has taken him to Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia and involved international artists such as Chris Hemsworth and John Cena. (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “How Dubai transformed a Filipino expat's life and career journey”
