Joan Vargas Balmes performs at Kalayaan 2025 at Dubai World Trade Center on June 1, 2025. KALAYAAN

At first glance, Joan Vargas Balmes is a picture of corporate discipline: overseeing operations at Chinese Star Restaurant’s branches in the UAE, coordinating teams, reviewing schedules, handling HR and marketing, and ensuring the smooth flow of a business that employs over 100 staff. But beyond the polished leadership exterior is a woman who carries her ancestral rhythm in her soul. “I’m proud to say I’m not just a restaurant operations manager—I’m also a cultural dancer,” Joan tells Expat Media. “Even after a long day of work, I still find the energy to dance because it connects me to who I am.”

From Davao to Dubai

Joan’s journey began in Davao City, where life was simple but full of purpose. As a child, she co-founded the Madayaw Dance Ensemble at just nine years old, sparking a lifelong passion for traditional dance and community leadership. “I grew up in a loving family that taught me strong values—faith, respect, and determination,” she says. “Back then, I already dreamed of performing, traveling, and someday working abroad to help my family.” In 2013, that dream turned into reality when Joan arrived in Sharjah with the help of a cousin. It was her first taste of a different world—and it came with the challenges of adjusting to new cultures, customers, and expectations. Her first job? Service crew at Chinese Star Restaurant. “I started from the very bottom,” she recalls. “At first, it was hard. The language barrier, the pressure during peak hours—it was all new. But I learned to listen, observe, and improve.” Her dedication paid off. Over the course of 12 years, Joan climbed the ranks—from waitress to cashier, then supervisor, branch manager, and finally, Operations Manager of three branches across Sharjah, Al Ghurair Centre, and Satwa. “I treated the business like my own,” she says. “I always believed that success doesn’t just come from the position you hold, but from the attitude you bring every day.” Outside the restaurant, Joan transforms from manager to muse of tradition. In 2019, during the Kalayaan celebration in Dubai, she co-founded the United Filipino Culture and Arts (UFCA) with fellow cultural advocates like Zander Aringoy. What started as a cultural performance group became a family of Filipino professionals united by a shared passion: preserving and sharing Filipino folk dance in the UAE. “Even though we all have full-time jobs, we make time for rehearsals. We dance because it reminds us of where we come from—and it gives others a glimpse of who we are.” As UFCA’s founding member, Joan plays a key role in organizing performances, choosing dances rooted in regional traditions, and sourcing authentic costumes directly from Filipino indigenous communities. “Every detail matters—from the fabric to the accessories. Sometimes, we even sew and craft them ourselves. It’s our way of staying true to our roots.” Despite her hectic work schedule, Joan commits up to 3 hours during evenings and weekends to rehearse. The group performs at community events, school programs, government collaborations, and multicultural festivals. Her proudest moment? Performing Filipino dances alongside other nationalities at a major cultural event in the UAE. “To hear the applause, to see the audience moved—that was a moment of pride. We weren’t just performing. We were representing our people.” To Joan, Filipino traditional dance is more than just movement—it’s storytelling. “It’s about honoring our ancestors, our history, and the values we hold. In a multicultural country like the UAE, it’s the perfect place to share that beauty with the world.” The group’s mission is as heartfelt as it is purposeful: to educate and inspire both Filipinos and non-Filipinos about the richness of Philippine heritage. “We want people to feel the heart behind every movement. It’s not just entertainment—it’s a message of unity, pride, and love for our roots,” Joan says. She dreams of taking UFCA’s performances beyond the UAE—to reach more audiences, inspire young Filipinos, and keep cultural identity alive in a global world.

A leader at work, a mentor at heart

Joan’s leadership extends beyond choreography. As Operations Manager, she is admired not only for her strategic thinking but for her empathy and mentorship. “The proudest moments are when team members come to me for guidance—not just as a boss, but as someone they trust.” She balances HR, marketing, PRO duties, customer service, and promotions with the same grace she brings to the stage. What keeps her going? Purpose. “When you know why you’re doing what you do—whether it’s leading a team or dancing in front of a crowd—you find the strength to keep showing up.” Her advice to fellow Filipinos in the UAE? “Never give up, and always think positive. Start small, be patient, and stay true to your values. Surround yourself with people who uplift you. And don’t ever forget where you came from.” WDL/Expat Media This story also appears in the Expat Media Special Edition magazine
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