Michael John Arboso Bergado is the Senior Marketing Director of International Marketing Group. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA

When Michael John Arboso Bergado talks about money, his words carry the weight of lived experience—the kind shaped by poverty, debt and redemption. Now a Senior Marketing Director of International Marketing Group (IMG) in Dubai, Michael has become one of the UAE’s go-to Filipino financial educators. But long before he taught others how to build wealth, he was a young teacher in Leyte struggling to make ends meet. His parents separated when he was just a year old, leaving him and his sister under the care of their grandparents. His mother worked in Manila, visiting home only during fiestas or birthdays, while his father focused on a new family in another part of the Philippines. “It wasn’t an easy life,” he recalls. “But instead of letting that define me, I told myself that God has a better plan.” At a young age, Michael learned the value of hard work. He sold barbecue and popsicles to help his family. “Those small jobs taught me how to value and spend money wisely,” he says.

When debt became the teacher

Michael dreamed of becoming an engineer or accountant, but teaching was the most affordable option so he pursued a degree in Education. After passing the licensure exam, he became a public school teacher in Leyte. “I loved teaching,” he says. “But it came with financial temptations.” With easy access to loans, he borrowed money to build a home for his family—only to have it destroyed by Typhoon Yolanda. “I lost everything. I had to rebuild, so I took another loan. Eventually, I was left with just ₱1,000.” That moment became his breaking point, and his breakthrough. “I asked myself, ‘Where will this ₱1,000 take me?’ I told God to give me a sign.” In 2015, that sign came in the form of an opportunity to work in Dubai with his then-girlfriend, now wife. Finding a job wasn’t easy. “It took me five months. I was even told I was overqualified,” he says. Those months included visa runs to Kish Island and a lot of uncertainty. “But I met good people and learned to appreciate life even more.” Eventually, Michael landed a job as a telephone operator, then moved up as a Royal Service Agent. With strict budgeting, the couple mapped out every dirham—loan payments, family support, savings, emergency funds. In two years, Michael cleared his debts.

The turning point

In 2017, Michael attended a two-day financial planning course that changed his life, opened his eyes to “how money really works” and helped him discover IMG. “Our mission is to help Filipino families become financially educated; free them from debt, teach them how to invest properly, plan for retirement, and avoid scams,” he explains. For Michael, IMG is a community that has become his mission and platform. At its core, IMG is more than a financial services company. “IMG’s mission is to help Filipino families become financially educated,” he explains. “We’re committed to guiding families toward financial freedom by helping them manage debt, grow their money wisely, invest with confidence, plan for a secure retirement and stay vigilant against fraud,” he says. IMG holds regular sessions in Deira and Michael also leads seminars and conducts financial coaching sessions. “My vision is for all Filipino expats to go home ready for retirement; not as losers, but as winners,” he says. For Michael, wealth isn’t just about assets. It is about purpose. He has since invested in rice fields and coconut trees back home, with plans to build a commercial space. But for John, wealth isn’t just about assets—it’s about purpose.

Michael’s wealth building formula

Save first, spend later. “Most people spend first and save what’s left. We need to reverse that.” Michael’s belief in financial discipline is also rooted in faith. “The abundance formula says set aside 10 percent for God,” he says. “It’s not about the amount—it’s about gratitude.” When asked how to create wealth, Michael shares what he calls the five building blocks of financial freedom: Healthcare. “Very important. Protect your health first.” Life insurance. “If you get sick or pass away, where will your family get the funds?” Debt management. “Understand the difference between good debt vs bad debt.” Emergency fund. “For real emergencies only.” Investment. “Let money work for you.” He advises allocating 20 percent of one’s income across these pillars, but emphasizes that starting matters more than the percentage. “Even if you begin with 3 or 5 percent, start today,” he says. “Failing to plan is planning to fail,” he says. “If you want to have a financial breakthrough, plan early. Make money work for you, not the other way around.” PDG/Expat Media

Rapid fire with Michael

If you had Dh1 million to spend I would invest in real estate. First word that comes to mind when you hear “credit card” Be responsible! When you hear “loan” Be careful! First thing you bought with your first salary in the UAE Freedom! If money grew on trees, what tree would you plant? Mustard seed tree. Biggest splurge you don’t regret Financial literacy education. Money bad habit you wish to break I don’t have one. Fun but unnecessary thing you’ve bought in Dubai None. I’m always mindful with what I buy. Small investment you prefer Coffee and a good book! Advice to your younger self Invest in education. For consultations with Michael, visit pinoy-pfs.com or contact 056 3744406. This story also appears in the Expat Media Special Edition magazine
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