The Philippines impress with unity and tranquility in the workplace

Introduce yourself in a few sentences. What does your work as daily commitments consist of?

My name is Stefan Yordanov, VP Finance & Strategy, Lufthansa Technik Philippines. We, as a group, are a global leader in aircraft repairs and maintenance

In which country and city do you currently live and how did you end up there?

I have been living in Metro Manila, Philippines for 6 years. I moved for work

What were the biggest challenges you faced at the beginning of your stay?

Normal things happen quite slowly and complicated. Things thought to be impossible can happen “just like that”. You need a local person for quite a few things.

How did you overcome the language barrier (if there was one)?

There is almost no language barrier here, English is the second official language. The barrier is cultural.  I don’t think that despite my high understanding of culture I will ever fully overcome it.

What resources or networks (local communities, colleagues, organizations) helped you adapt?

Mainly a network of contacts from Bulgaria. A board member of the company in Sofia connected me with other Bulgarians who do business in the Philippines. Friends connected me with more people there. Additionally, at the beginning, I attended meetings of foreigners (InterNations). Then the wheel started turning. There is a quite compact but united group of Bulgarians I communicate with. Besides Bulgarians, I have friends from many other countries.

What are the main differences between the work culture in your current country and that in Bulgaria?

Huge. Totally opposite. There, people are opposite to all our traits.

What values and practices in the workplace impressed you the most?

Unity. Tranquility.

Have there been situations where cultural differences have challenged you?

Even to this day. Understanding does not always lead to acceptance.

How does finding a job differ in your current country compared to your homeland?

I am not a specialist in this area. Neither in Bulgaria nor here. I notice that very few foreigners change companies and stay in the country. Quite often, they cannot easily find a job if they decide to stay in the Philippines.

Did you have to go through any additional qualification courses?

No. But during my stay in the country, I took quite a few courses and trainings in general.

Have you faced prejudices or obstacles because of your foreign origin?

Yes. More prejudices than obstacles.

What would you advise people who want to take a similar step?

To do it. To move forward!

If you could go back, would you choose the same path?

100%.

What do you miss most from your homeland in professional and personal terms?

In professional terms - a network of competent and adequate people in various professional fields of life – lawyers and doctors, to be precise. In personal terms, medical care in Bulgaria is better.

Have you considered returning and under what conditions would you do it?

Yes. Why not.

What do you think about money? What is its influence on your life? What is your advice to people who often ask themselves questions related to money and how sufficient they are?

This is a very deep topic.