DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – An overseas Filipino worker (OFW), employed in Saudi Arabia as a marketing specialist for health care products in the past six years, is finally hitting it big in that country and in Egypt, but in a completely different field, working as a talent in films, commercials, and TV ads.

Elyson Armado started his career appearing as an extra in an international film shot in Saudi Arabia, and later became the lead talent for a Middle East commercial of an online flower and gifts delivery company.

“I am involved in commercial projects, where I participate as an actor and extra in advertisements and promotional shoots,” said 38-year-old Armado, the eldest of four siblings.

Commercials

Aside from the flower company, Armado has also done commercials for a Saudi government-run telecom company, an airline firm, and a learning institution based in Riyadh. 

He has also appeared as an extra in Japan Expo 2025 and in a movie co-produced by Egyptian and Hollywood studios.

“I have also performed for other nationalities as singer in malls and private events. I also host engineering summits and other Filipino events,” Armado said.

Turning point

He moved to Dubai in 2008 and worked as a salesman at a department store in dusty Al Qouz before moving to Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, in 2011, where he worked as an HR coordinator for eight years.

“It became a significant turning point in my life and career,” Armado said.

In 2019, he made a jump to being a marketing specialist. 

“After several years in human resources, I decided to challenge myself and explore new opportunities aligned with my academic background. I transferred to another company and transitioned into my current role as a marketing specialist, where I am able to apply my creativity, strategic thinking, and passion for storytelling and branding, while continuously learning and growing in a competitive field,” Armado said.

It wasn’t enough. He needed to channel that “creativity, passion for storytelling, and branding,” which is why he started doing commercials in June 2024. And it went well.

Having established himself as the go-to talent whenever producers need actors, Armado said he often receives calls about his availability.

“Minsan biglaan yung tawag, need travel agad dun. Pero pinapa-tapat ko weekend kasi may work po,” said Armado.

(At times, the call would be abrupt, need to travel. But I ask that it be done on a weekend because I have work.)

Hailing from Cavite, Armado is also active in the Filipino community in Saudi Arabia, organizing singing and dancing events like iDance KSA Philippines Saudi Arabia and The Greatest OFW showdown. 

“For me, organizing and participating in these activities goes beyond entertainment. They are meaningful ways to build unity, celebrate Filipino creativity, and give back to the community that continues to inspire and support me,” he said.

Working student

Armado made the commitment to continue his education while working abroad. He earned his degree in business administration from the Cebu Institute of Technology (CIT) – University. 

While in the Philippines, he worked in fast food chains, Jollibee and McDonald’s, and also at an SM mall.

“I completed my bachelor’s degree while working overseas, balancing work responsibilities with my studies,” he said.

Armado did so under the Philippine government’s Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program, which lets an OFW earn a bachelor’s degree by converting extensive work experience and skills into college credits, bypassing traditional schooling. 

“My life journey has been filled with challenges, sacrifices, and constant growth. Life was never easy, but I learned early on that perseverance and hard work are essential. While I was still studying, I worked in fast food chains to help support my education and daily needs. Balancing work and studies was difficult, but it taught me discipline, time management, humility, and the value of hard-earned success,” he said. – Rappler.com