Growth, Grit & Teh Tarik

There are chapters in life you never see coming and then there are chapters that change you forever.

More than four years ago, I stepped into Malaysia during one of the most uncertain times in modern history, the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a leap of faith. I left the familiar behind without fully knowing what was waiting for me on the other side. I was worried. I had questions. I had fears.

But just a few days after arriving in Penang, I felt something unexpected - warmth.

Warmth from the people.
Warmth from the culture.
Warmth from the food (and yes… maybe that explains the extra pounds I gained. I got fat. Haha!).

From Penang’s heritage streets and hawker centers to the vibrant rhythm of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia slowly became more than just a workplace. It became home.

I never imagined I would work abroad, let alone stay for over four years. Yet here I am, packing my bags with a heart that feels both heavy and full.

Heavy because goodbyes are never easy.
Full because of growth, memories, and people who made the journey worthwhile.

Professionally, this chapter shaped me in ways I can never fully measure. Over 15 accounts. Thousands of training hours. High-impact training initiatives. Engagement activities that brought laughter to busy workdays. Wins that we celebrated. Challenges that strengthened us.

But more than the numbers, it was the people.

To my leaders (you know who you are), thank you for the unwavering support and the kind of trust that empowers someone to grow beyond what they thought possible. That trust meant everything to me.

To my trainers, I may not have been perfect, but you proved, again and again, that excellence is built through passion and commitment. Watching you thrive, lead sessions, and carry initiatives with confidence is one of my proudest achievements.

This journey was never just about career milestones. It was about becoming better as a leader, as a teammate, and as a person.

Now, as I prepare to return to the Philippines, I find myself whispering the same truth over and over:

Malaysia is my second home.

It’s in the memories of late-night planning sessions.
In the laughter during team engagements.
In the flavors of nasi lemak and teh tarik.
In the friendships that distance can never erase.

Leaving doesn’t mean forgetting.
It means carrying everything forward.

Malaysia gave me growth.
Malaysia gave me courage.
Malaysia gave me stories I will tell for the rest of my life.

And for that, I will always be grateful.

Until we meet again, my second home. 🇲🇾

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