The Inspiring Journey of OFW Ariel Delos-Reyes: From Engineer to Novelist
For Ariel Delos-Reyes, life has been a grand journey—a journey that began in the lush rice paddies and sugarcane fields of Mabalacat, Pampanga, and led him to distant lands across the globe. For over two decades, he has traveled as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), building a successful career as an electrical engineer and railway consultant. Yet, it was in the heart of England that he unearthed a hidden passion—writing fiction.
At 52, Ariel’s story is one of resilience, discovery, and creativity. His first departure from the Philippines was to Malaysia, followed by a stint in Saudi Arabia. Then came England, the place where his love for railroads truly blossomed, and finally, he found himself in the bustling United States, ready for new opportunities.
It was in England that Ariel published his debut novel, “The Hidden Alignment,” under the pen name A. Delos-Santos Kings. This story resonates deeply with many Filipinos, especially OFWs, as it draws parallels between their struggles and triumphs—both in familiar and foreign lands.
The Boy Who Loved the Rain
Growing up in Mabalacat, Ariel reflects fondly on his childhood. “I was just a boy who loved the warm rains during the monsoon season, flying kites in lush fields and riding my bike under the summer sun.” These memories serve as precious reminders of home—an echo of simpler times before the weight of responsibilities set in.
Inspired by a love for tinkering, Ariel’s curiosity about electrical engineering emerged at the tender age of 14. He began to explore the inner workings of radios and televisions, sparking a lifelong journey through the realm of technology.
From Signals to Stories
In 1999, Ariel moved to the UK, earning his keep as a field engineer in the railway signaling system. With determination, he climbed his way up from the basics of repairing broken signals to ensuring that train cars were safely detected—working diligently to prevent collisions. “I started at the very bottom,” he recalls, a humble recognition of his hard-earned journey.
His professional journey continued in the United States, where by 2011, he found himself spearheading a groundbreaking $75-million railroad project, becoming the youngest engineer on the team and leaving a notable mark at CSX Transportation.
Yet, alongside this professional success lay the personal trials of an OFW. “People back home think it’s all fun and games,” he shares with a bittersweet laugh, “But it’s not always like that.” The loneliness, especially during festive seasons, weighed heavily on him.
A Room of One’s Own: The Car as a Writing Nook
Amidst the challenges, writing became Ariel’s refuge. Alone during difficult times, he found solace in crafting stories while sitting in his car. “At first, my writing was dark,” he recalls, “but as I began to heal, my stories took on a brighter tone.”
Despite having no formal background in writing, Ariel poured his heart into creating characters and worlds inspired by his experiences and memories. His first book took shape slowly, with chapters inked between long hours of work and introspection.
Publishing Dreams in Quiet Moments
In 2016, Ariel began penning “The Hidden Alignment,”, finally completing it in 2021. The pandemic provided him the unexpected gift of time, allowing him to focus on his dream. “In March, I decided it was time to share my story.”
This mystery fiction novel, set against the picturesque backdrop of the British countryside, follows Nigel Pembroke, an accountant and railway enthusiast, on a journey filled with hidden clues from the past. To Ariel, the railway represents more than transportation; it is a symbol of connection—uniting diverse cultures and communities.
A Message of Hope
Through his writing, Ariel aspires to inspire other OFWs, echoing, “Filipinos are the most sought-after workers in the world. We are hardworking and adaptable. I hope my book serves as a beacon of inspiration, showing that if you dream and work diligently, your aspirations can come to life.”
His journey reflects the essence of the Filipino spirit—tenacious, resilient, and endlessly hopeful. Though he may be far from Mabalacat, the boy who listened to the rain, flew kites, and dreamed quietly still resides within him.
Today, as Ariel stands on the precipice of his literary career, his heart beats for the landscapes he loved, for the memories that shaped him, and for the readers he hopes to touch. “Take care of the land you love,” he urges, “because if it’s gone, it’s gone,” a poignant reminder to cherish the beauty around us.
Ariel Delos-Reyes isn’t just an engineer; he’s a storyteller, pulling from the rich tapestry of his life to inspire others to chase their dreams, no matter how distant they may seem.
