From runaway to senior executive in UAE

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Name: Ard Betita Jr, Filipino, 32; Senior sales exceutive

Dubai - Ard plays Clash of Clans in his free time, visits the beach for a swim and talks to his children on Skype.

By Milrina Martis, KT Intern

Published: Fri 14 Oct 2016, 4:39 PM

Last updated: Sun 16 Oct 2016, 10:28 AM

Thirty two-year-old Ard Betita Jr. is an avid fan of video games. His influence was his father and now he influences his three children, his 11-year-old son, 8-year old daughter and 4-year old son.
"I remember my family had the Nintendo family computer and my father and I would play video games together. Now I play online with my children," he said.
Away from his three children who live in the Philippines, this Filipino resident and his wife work in Dubai so that their children can have what they need.

"I have accepted my fate and am happy being here. Now I pray for the future generation to be successful."

Success is not easily granted and Ard had his own obstacles to face. When he was younger, he dreamt of becoming an architect. Unfortunately, things didn't work out as planned.

"I began to study architecture, but I could not complete it because of financial difficulties. I had the passion and interest. Yet, I gave it up and left my home. For six months, I stayed with my aunt. You could say I was a runaway, but I wanted to be independent. So I found a job and began to earn. Earning made me confident, but now, I believe education is very important. It is the tool you need to succeed."

One person who helped him change his life for the better was his sister.

"She forced me to come to Dubai. And she didn't let me explore, she told me to find a job first. She was harsh, but I know she wanted what's best for me. I hate it when people force me to go a certain way, but I'm thankful that she did it."

Now as a senior sales executive, Ard plays Clash of Clans in his free time, visits the beach for a swim and talks to his children on Skype.
Wondering what his children will grow up to be Ard said:

"Coming to Dubai has opened my mind and so if they encounter similar experiences that I had in my life, I will understand them and let them learn for themselves. I do not regret anything in my life because those experiences have made me the person I am today. And as I watch them grow, I've noticed that they are similar to me in a few ways. Sometimes you can see yourself in your children. Not by face, but by character."