Video: Life of a Filipino Barber Working in Doha

A neat haircut is a sign of a well-groomed person. It’s no wonder that people go to their favorite salon or barber shop regularly.

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Fortunately, you can find a barber even if you are working here in Qatar. We have kababayans working in a nearby barber shop. They can give you the cut you want while you share pleasantries.

stay focused

Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on the personal experiences that the OFW shared on the video. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video on their accounts.

Pinoy Barber Shares His Story

In the YouTube video Life on the Spot, the spotlight is on Eduard Soriano, a Filipino barber working in Doha. A Pangasinan native, he started working when he was still in high school. He shares his thoughts and experiences:

  • He works at Damascus International Gents Saloon
  • Has been working in Qatar for almost two years
  • He looked for a job abroad because his earnings as a barber were not enough to support a family
  • His first job abroad was in Saudi Arabia, but he did not return for the third year because he had already committed to joining his friend in Qatar
  • His work in the barber shop begins at 9 AM until 12 noon. He returns to work after his break and works until 11 p.m.
  • They follow a percentage income share, and his earnings vary each day
  • On average, he earns from QR 2,400 to 2,600
  • He sends his entire salary to his family back home. His tip is enough to sustain him for his daily needs, such as meals
  • They can come home any time they want since they do not have a contract. If they have enough funds to buy a plane ticket, they are free to come home for a vacation
  • There are five people in their accommodation, where they share a small kitchen and bedroom
  • He enjoys his work in Qatar, unlike his former work in Saudi Arabia, where he worked alone in a barber shop. He also shared the accommodation with other nationalities, unlike in Qatar, where he shared the room with other Filipinos
  • Because there are stores near his accommodation, he can buy whatever he wants
  • He admits that he misses everything in the Philippines. He has hobbies that he likes to do when he is on vacation

Working for his family

  • Because he doesn’t want to be idle, he still trims even if he is on vacation
  • He feels it is important to keep on earning because these are for the family
  • He admits that it would have been better if he could have been with his children as they grew. But because of the latest technology, he can still chat with his family as if they were near one another
  • He sees himself working for another 5 years until his eldest graduates. He also wants to save up enough funds to have his own barber shop when he comes home for good
  • During his day off, he still reports to work

Advice for Fellow OFWs

  • His advice to other Filipinos who want to work abroad is to work hard and avoid breaking the law
  • Always remember that you are working for the family
  • There is no work that can be done if you are doing it for your family
  • In the end, he reminds his kababayans to stay focused on their work

You can watch the full video here:

Your work abroad is a means to help your family. Enjoy your experience, and always strive to make the most of your opportunity.

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