OFW opens and grows restaurant in Dubai amid pandemic, wins award

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – She did not want to be an employee forever. That’s what kept her going. She opened a restaurant, later grew it into three branches. She won an international award. And she’ll be launching an alternative soda drink for kids.

All this for 39-year-old Lourds Adala-Evertse, who started out in Dubai when she was 19 years old, fresh out of college in the Philippines, in the desert summer of 2007.

“Coming from a family of OFWs, I always knew that once I completed my studies, I would follow the same path. My journey in Dubai began like that of many other OFWs – searching for a job under the scorching heat,” Evertse told GMA News Pinoy Abroad.

“Scorching heat” is an understatement, as she arrived in May, with July being the hottest month – and everything frying like an open-air, dry sauna.

Humble beginnings

“Nakatira ako sa ate ko sa Deira (one of Dubai’s districts). Naka-visit visa ako. Nagbe-bedspace. Yung itaas ang kinuha ko nang dalawahang kama dahil mas mura iyon. Sharing sa bahay. Tapos ang interview ko ay Al Quoz (a dusty industrial area). Hindi pala matatanggap. Keep going lang,” shared Everste.

(I live with my big sister in Deira. I was on a visit visa. Bedspace. I took up the upper bedding because it’s cheaper. Sharing in the house. Then my interview would be in Al Quoz. Then, would be declined. I just kept going.)

A cum laude graduate of the Laguna State Polytechnic University in San Pablo City, Evertse finally got her first job: a receptionist at a hotel in Naif, which at the time was a bit notorious for being seedy.

Evertse did not stay there long as another job opened, but it was affected by the global recession. Slowly, she inched her way up, becoming chief operating officer of a business set-up company.

‘Not an employee forever’

“After working for many years, I realized I didn’t want to remain an employee forever. I wanted to take a leap of faith and explore something of my own. I decided to leave my job – without knowing that the pandemic was just around the corner,” said Evertse.

She took an even bolder step and co-founded a restaurant in Sharjah at a time when COVID-19 was hitting hard and many food establishments were closing down.

“We were brave to open the restaurant. It was a challenging time, but we believed in resilience, perseverance, and the power of community. During that difficult time, we made it our mission to hire Filipino staff who had lost their jobs due to the pandemic,” she said. 

Today, the restaurant has grown to three locations – Sharjah, Bur Juman Mall in Bur Dubai, and Al Ghurair Mall in Deira employing a total of 45 people, mostly Filipinos.

Architect of change

Then came that day, Sept. 5, 2025 when she received word from the Filipino Women’s Network (FWN) that she has been awarded by the Global FWN100 under its Builder-Architect of Change category as the body celebrates its 25th anniversary.

“It’s such a proud and humbling feeling, honestly. When you work hard and try to be an inspiration to others, people notice – and being recognized globally by FWN feels truly special,” Evertse said.

“The whole experience and the network itself are so inspiring. It just makes you feel proud to see how Filipinos are doing amazing things all over the world.”

Evertse said she did not hesitate when she received the notification. “I knew it was an opportunity I shouldn’t miss – something that happens once in a lifetime,” she said.

There were 19 awardees. Evertse was the only one from the UAE.

The award ceremony happened on Oct. 31, 2025 at the Julia Morgan Ballroom in San Francisco, California, USA. The awards, first established in 2007 in Washington, D.C., recognize Filipino women who have “made a significant global impact through leadership, innovation, and community engagement.”

Evertse, who went through a meticulous panel interview process, was asked to pitch a global project that contributes meaningfully to the community. “OFW to Overseas Filipino Entrepreneur (OFE)” was her reply.

“It’s a platform to help Filipino women who wants to learn how to be a businesswoman. I’d share my learning because I was from a business set-up company. I’ll do it through workshops,” said Evertse.

Alternative drink for kids

One wonders what she plans of next and she said she’ll be launching a healthier, alternative drink for kids next year.

“It is caffeine-free, contains no added sugar, and is fortified with a vitamin blend to support children’s health. This project addresses a growing concern about the increasing consumption of sugary and caffeinated drinks among young kids. By offering a fun yet alternative nutritious option, I hope to promote better choices and well-being for the next generation,” she said.

“In a world filled with challenges and negativity, it’s time to focus on creating something positive — empowering our kababayans to dream bigger, do greater things, and build a legacy of hope and success.” — JMA, GMA Integrated News