Angelica Sinambal: Rising from the ashes

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LIFE is unpredictable. One moment, we are filled with dreams and hope; the next, we are faced with hardships that test our strength and willpower. My name is Angelica Sinambal, and my journey is one of perseverance, survival and ultimate success.

From struggling with financial difficulties to enduring heartbreak, from fighting for my life to rebuilding everything from scratch — I have faced it all. But through determination, faith and the ability to adapt, I transformed every challenge into an opportunity.

ENDLESS PURSUIT Entrepreneur Angelica Sinambal shares her story of survival, resilience and endless pursuit for her dreams and a better life. PHOTO FROM ANGELICA SINAMBAL

Like many young Filipinos, I once had big dreams of finishing my college education and securing a bright future. However, life had other plans. Due to financial constraints, I had to drop out of college and make one of the toughest decisions of my life: to leave my home country and work abroad.

At a young age, I flew to Oman where I worked as a bartender. It was my first taste of sacrifice— living away from my family, adapting to a foreign culture and working tirelessly just to make ends meet. However, this was only the beginning of my long and difficult journey.

ENDLESS PURSUIT Entrepreneur Angelica Sinambal shares her story of survival, resilience and endless pursuit for her dreams and a better life. PHOTO FROM ANGELICA SINAMBAL

ENDLESS PURSUIT Entrepreneur Angelica Sinambal shares her story of survival, resilience and endless pursuit for her dreams and a better life. PHOTO FROM ANGELICA SINAMBAL

ENDLESS PURSUIT Entrepreneur Angelica Sinambal shares her story of survival, resilience and endless pursuit for her dreams and a better life. PHOTO FROM ANGELICA SINAMBAL

After a year in Oman, I set my sights on Dubai, hoping for better opportunities. I spent 12 years in the city, taking on various jobs and always striving to provide for myself and my loved ones. Each job I took was a stepping stone — teaching me new skills, making me stronger and pushing me forward.

Life in Dubai was not easy, but I never backed down from challenges. I knew I had a bigger purpose and I was determined to achieve it.

In 2016, I thought I had found happiness. I married an Arab man, believing that we would build a beautiful future together. However, what I thought would be a dream life quickly turned into a nightmare.

After giving birth to our child, my husband abandoned us. I was left alone, with no one to turn to, carrying the responsibility of raising my child on my own.

This became one of the hardest battles of my life. To survive, I worked endlessly, sometimes pushing through 24-hour shifts just to put food on the table. No matter how exhausted I was, I knew I couldn't afford to give up, not when my child was depending on me.

After years of struggle, I took a bold step; I left my job on a cruise line and returned to the Philippines in 2020. I was determined to build a better life, so I started several businesses, including a water station and a car rental service.

Things were looking up, and I finally felt like I was on the right track — until the COVID-19 pandemic struck.

Like many entrepreneurs, I watched my businesses suffer due to lockdowns and restrictions. My investments were failing, and financial struggles crept in once again.

Then, the unthinkable happened — I contracted COVID-19 and nearly lost my life. It was a battle I never saw coming. As I lay in bed, struggling to breathe, I reflected on my life. I realized that I had always been a fighter, and this was not the end for me.

With God's mercy, I survived. This time, I knew I had to approach life differently.

With traditional businesses failing, I made a life-changing decision to shift my focus to online business, digital marketing and online trading.

I spent months studying, learning and mastering these new industries. I embraced the power of the internet and used it to build a stable and thriving online income.

This shift was a game changer. Unlike before, when I had to work long hours to survive, I was now earning from the comfort of my home.

Now that the pandemic is over, I have successfully rebuilt both my traditional and online businesses. I continue to grow and expand, proving that resilience and adaptability are the keys to survival in an ever-changing world.

Looking back, I realize that every struggle, tear and sleepless night was worth it. My journey is proof that no matter how many times life knocks you down, you can always rise again — stronger, wiser and more determined.

If you are struggling today, know this: Your setbacks do not define you, your ability to rise above them does; Adapt and learn because new opportunities are always out there; and never give up on yourself no matter how difficult life gets.

I am Angelica Sinambal, and this is my story of survival, resilience, and success. If I made it through, so can you.