How is it like to be a Filipino Architect in Bahrain?

Bahrain? Where in the world is Bahrain? Even I do not have any idea. Yes, it is a Middle Eastern Country…wherein most of my friends are afraid to try it because we tend to link Middle Eastern countries to some terrorist activities.

So what? I am hard-headed. Then I told my agent, “ok, give me Bahrain…wherever that place is.” Immediately my prospective employer interviewed me, I got the job…and before I knew it, I am already in Bahrain.

I was taken aback. The office did not even start; there are no other interior architect employees except me, there is nothing… oh except the logo of the future company, which is yet to be built. So that means I will set up everything! HOW WILL I DO IT? I am new in the place, I do not have any contacts, I cannot drive, I do not speak Arabic, I do not know my way around, what are the preferences of my future clients? I am dumbfounded. Again, how will I do it?

All I know is that I am a Filipino and I design.

Little did I know that being A Filipino is already my license to design in Bahrain. I mean, they trust Filipino designers too much. I haven’t crossed a path to any design company in Bahrain who does not have a Filipino Designer. From CAD operator to Senior Architect, it was packed with Filipinos.

Homesickness was never an issue. Later on, I was introduced to an organization which is called AFAEAT (Association of Filipino Architects Engineers Administrators and Technicians). This is where my contacts started to multiply. I became active, activities after activities. We provided training for fellow Filipinos who wanted to enhance their skills. We had lessons and seminars like; Build your own Dream House, PC Assembly, Autocad, 3D max, Photoshop and so on. We even chartered a new Toastmaster club, named AFAEAT Toastmasters Club. Then there came UAP (United Architects of the Philippines).

I was able to get through; I had all the answers to my questions. I have known a lot of suppliers, I have clients who trust me, I am an officer in one of the Professional Organizations. I gained a lot of friends…my facebook friends have skyrocketed.

One thing that I always make sure…nothing should interfere with work. Yes, work is work. Despite the tremendous social activities, working hours are allotted for work only.

Opportunities rise up for every experience. Filipinos are in demand; thereby your value will be more as you step up. I have been to three companies in Bahrain. The common denominator is: you should wear many hats. I do not know if I should take it as a positive or negative attitude towards work. Other nationalities would tease us on why we are taking the entire job, not within our scope. I guess it is innate among us Filipinos that if there is a work and we think we can make it, why not do it so work will be done.

We are all in one: We conceptualize the design, Draft it, Enter it on Autocad, Render it, Prepare for the Bidding; Find contractors and suppliers; Do some Project management; purchase some materials; always give an advice to the client---always attend client meeting or have your presence in behalf of the client. Most of the architects are into other arts as well, so sometimes Photography and graphic designing are included in the scope. This is why they loved Filipinos.

I have learned to deal with different nationalities and people of different ranks. On-site, I must learn to use…”Baya” and “My Friend” while talking to the Bengalis and Indians’ laborers. I usually give my orders to the Pakistani foreman, and at the same time learning about the site works from him. Sometimes we use sign language to get across our message. Then the suppliers are all mixed races, there are Lebanese, Indians, British, Bahrainis, Americans..etc. Then you get to attend meetings, with the managing director or president of the company. It is flattering that they will treat you courteously and with at ease despite their positions and limited schedule.

You will be surprised that a thousand or million dinar project lies in your hands. Sometimes you will ask, why me? Well, everything is possible in Bahrain. From nobody you could be somebody only if you know the right formula to work= Work honestly and with integrity and of course, a few dosages of luck, everything else will follow and you will be on the right track.

My two years allotted time for Bahrain turned into 13 fruitful years. I have to leave because I need to experience more. But my journey in Bahrain as an architect is one of my foundation in my career. I will continue to explore and discover more possibilities but I will someday come back to Bahrain, the country that gave me a chance to showcase my capabilities as a designer and an Architect.

Saalam Bahrain.