Marford Angeles is the Philippine Consul General of Dubai and Northern Emirates. EXPAT MEDIA

When it comes to supporting the Filipino community in the UAE, nobody does it with the same passion and quiet dedication as Marford Angeles, the Philippine Consul General of Dubai and Northern Emirates. In less than 12 months since assuming his post, the self-confessed “former introvert” has made a profound impact, advocating for Filipino businesses, streamlining consulate services, and aiding thousands of repatriates through the UAE’s largest amnesty program. But who is Marford beyond the formalities of his diplomatic role? In this exclusive Expat Media interview, he shares his deeply personal story shaped by love, family, and an unexpected journey to public service.

Humble beginnings and transformation

Marford was born to parents from Pulillo, Quezon, and Borongan, Samar—two provinces he fondly yet jokingly refers to as synonymous with Signal No. 3 typhoons. An only child born when his mother was 42, Marford’s early years were filled with a unique blend of love and apprehension. “Growing up, I was deeply fearful of losing my parents,” Marford shares. This awareness of mortality instilled a deep sense of insecurity and anxiety, making him shy and uneasy around people his age. Instead, he found solace in the company of adults, who were, in his view, more predictable and easier to connect with. The turning point in Marford’s life came in the form of a reconnection with his high school classmate and future wife, Joan Mateo. “She’s the one who drew me out of my shell,” he reveals with a smile. Joan’s confidence and charisma, likened by her peers to the late Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, became the catalyst for Marford’s transformation. The couple met again during their college years, rekindling their connection through church activities. “I wanted to impress her, so I became active in church, too. That’s how I discovered the real me,” he says. Joan’s love and encouragement unlocked a side of Marford he never knew existed—a gregarious, talkative individual with a genuine desire to connect and help others. “If I hadn’t met my wife, I wouldn’t be a diplomat,” Marford admits. “A diplomat needs to be confident, credible, and articulate. I had none of those traits before Joan.”

From diploma to diplomat

Marford’s journey to becoming a diplomat was far from planned. Aspiring initially to become a lawyer, he pursued Political Science at the University of the Philippines Manila. Upon graduation, he faced a pivotal choice: a stable career in banking or a less certain path in government. Encouraged by his mother and future father-in-law, he chose the latter. His journey to becoming a Foreign Service Officer was fraught with challenges, including two failed attempts at the rigorous FSO exam. Undeterred, he passed on his third try, marking the beginning of a distinguished 27-year career that has taken him to Vietnam, Malaysia, Australia, and now the UAE. “It’s ironic,” he muses. “I used to put up posters encouraging students to join the foreign service. Little did I know I’d end up heeding that call myself.” Starting as a contractual employee at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Marford worked his way up the ladder. His first consular posting was in Hanoi, Vietnam, followed by Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Sydney, Australia. Each posting helped him hone his diplomatic skills, but it wasn’t until he arrived in the Middle East that he faced what he describes as his most challenging yet rewarding assignment. “Coming to the UAE, I had preconceived notions of the hardships our OFWs faced,” he says. “But I quickly realized that the narrative is changing. Yes, there are still challenges, but now we’re hearing more stories of Filipinos thriving, upskilling, and becoming entrepreneurs. It’s a refreshing change.” As the Philippine Consul General in Dubai and Northern Emirates, Marford’s responsibilities are vast. From assisting nationals during the pandemic and the recent UAE-wide amnesty program, his tenure has been marked by collaboration and compassion. “I believe the work we do here is not ours alone,” he emphasizes. “We must partner with the community to achieve great things.” His leadership style prioritizes teamwork and collective effort, a philosophy that has led to notable successes, including zero cases at the consulate shelter—a stark contrast to the hundreds previously housed there. Despite his demanding role, Marford makes time for the people who matter most. He and Joan have built a fulfilling life together, finding joy in each other’s company and embracing life’s blessings and challenges. “We tried having kids but weren’t granted that gift,” he shares candidly. “So, we decided not to stress over it and focus on what we have.” A recent health scare involving Joan reinforced the importance of prioritizing loved ones. “When you’re about to lose something, you realize what’s truly important,” Marford reflects. This experience has led the couple to value quality time and mutual support even more deeply.

Legacy of service

For Marford, success isn’t measured by individual achievements but by the collective impact of teamwork and community collaboration. His sincerity, humility, and unwavering commitment to service have not only earned him the respect of the Filipino community but have also redefined what it means to be a diplomat. “Everyone will forget your achievements,” he says. “But I want to be remembered as someone who genuinely cared and helped.” In Marford, the Filipino community has found not just a diplomat but a friend, mentor, and advocate. His story is a testament to the transformative power of love, faith, and self-discovery, proving that even the shyest among us can rise to greatness with the right support and determination.

Q&A with Consul General Marford Angeles

Marford Angeles, the 7th Philippine Consul General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, brings with him 27 years of experience in diplomacy. He reflects on his journey, his love story, and his perspective on leadership in this Q&A. Q: How was your first few months as Consul General of Dubai and Northern Emirates? A: It feels like I’ve been here for years already! Dubai is so dynamic, and the Filipino community is incredibly vibrant. With a million Filipinos in the UAE, everyone is active in their own circles—family, friends, and professional groups. Filipinos here add so much color to the multicultural tapestry of the UAE. Q: What do you think makes Filipinos stand out in the UAE? A: We’re friendly, talented, and often the life of the party—the ones who sing, act, or play guitar. It’s these qualities that make us integral to the multicultural fabric of this country. Q: What has been your experience in the UAE so far? A: This is my first Middle East posting, and it’s been refreshing. The narrative of Filipinos here has shifted—many are now upskilling, becoming entrepreneurs, and gaining the trust of the host government and community. It’s inspiring to witness this progress. Q: Tell us about your roots and connection to Waray culture. A: My mother is from Pulillo, Quezon, and my father is from Borongan, Samar. Unfortunately, I never learned Waray because my father never brought me to Borongan. That remains one of my biggest regrets. It feels like missing a dimension of myself. However, I’ve made Waray friends who tell me they see the Waray spirit in me sometimes. On the other hand, I feel more attuned to my Pulillo roots—the gentle tone of our Tagalog reminds me of my mom. Q: What does a typical day look like for you? A: My day starts with addressing community issues and concerns—Filipinos here face diverse challenges, so staying accessible is a priority. I also attend meetings, engage with UAE officials, and oversee the consulate’s initiatives. My evenings are often spent reflecting on the day or discussing current events with my wife. Q: What has been your biggest achievement as a diplomat? A: Achievements in this field are never individual; they’re always a team effort. While I was in Abu Dhabi, our team received an award for assistance to nationals during the height of COVID-19. That was a proud moment. Here in Dubai, I see it as my role to bridge government and community, working together to achieve great things. Q: How do you spend your personal time? A: My wife and I enjoy talking and pulling pranks on each other—it’s simple but fulfilling. For me-time, I read, explore gadget stores, or play guitar. I learned basic guitar skills in college, and though I’m no virtuoso, it helps me relax. What lessons have your life and career taught you? A: One key lesson is that God has a plan for you, even if you don’t see it right away. My path—from being shy to becoming a diplomat—proved that. I’ve also learned the importance of prioritizing health and loved ones. In the end, achievements fade, but the people you love and the memories you share remain. Q: What’s your message to Filipinos in the UAE? A: You are integral to this nation’s multicultural success. The UAE trusts and values Filipinos for their talent, friendliness, and dedication. Continue to grow, learn new skills, and aim higher. Together, we can make our community even more remarkable. PIA/Expat Media
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