Filipino Entrepreneur Rolly Abangan Builds Two Businesses in New Zealand After Migrating at 30
Rolly Abangan, a Filipino entrepreneur, has successfully established a cleaning company and a restaurant in New Zealand eleven years after leaving the Philippines at age 30 without a concrete plan. His journey highlights the shared experiences of many Filipino migrants who prioritize family, overcome initial challenges, and build new lives abroad, often starting from humble beginnings.
Rolly Abangan, a Filipino entrepreneur now aged 40, has built two successful businesses in New Zealand: Pure Clean Limited and Rolly’s Donburi. His path to becoming a job creator began eleven years ago, in 2015, when he left the Philippines at 30 without a clear professional blueprint. Abangan stresses that his journey was a shared family undertaking, not just an individual pursuit, a sentiment often echoed by other Filipinos navigating life abroad.
Upon arrival in New Zealand, Abangan had to adjust to a new culture and professional landscape. His experience highlights a common challenge for many Filipino professionals; past achievements often do not exempt them from proving themselves anew in a foreign country. He advises fellow migrants to embrace starting small, adapt to new environments, and remain open to learning, mirroring the resilience observed in other Filipino-Kiwi community leaders who have navigated similar transitions.
The decision to leave his home country was not easy, involving significant sacrifices and separation from loved ones. Like many Filipino migrants, the Abangan family faced pressures from work, finances, and cultural adjustments, enduring missed family milestones back home. This experience of sacrifice and perseverance is a recurring theme among Filipinos who establish new lives overseas, as seen in various migrant narratives including those of Rex Yap and Teena Dela Cruz who also faced significant adjustments.
Despite the difficulties, Abangan found deep rewards in entrepreneurship, particularly in seeing his employees grow and achieve personal milestones. His definition of success extends beyond income, focusing on providing for his family's future and generating opportunities for others. He encourages others to focus on their own journey, manage finances, protect family relationships, and avoid comparing their progress to others, emphasizing that every job offers valuable lessons.
Key facts
- Rolly Abangan, 40, now owns Pure Clean Limited and Rolly’s Donburi in New Zealand, providing employment beyond his family.
- He migrated from the Philippines in 2015 at age 30, emphasizing that his journey was a collective family endeavor rather than solely his own.
- Abangan stressed the importance of willingness to learn, adapt, and start small, reflecting the reality faced by many migrants in a new country.
- His approach to success is centered on providing for his family, securing a better future for his children, and creating opportunities for others, beyond just financial gain.
Official sources
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