DUBAI, UAE — Oscarlito “Caloy” Madregalejo was just one year away from finishing college when he made a decision that would change everything.
He left school.
He left his life in Albay.
He even left his small “binalot na ulam” side hustle behind—
and flew to Dubai to join his mother and brother in 2021.
He carried nothing but hope, courage, and the dream of giving his two young sons a better life.
Two years later—December 2023—Caloy was hired as a chef in a fine-dining restaurant.
And just recently, he won third runner-up in a prestigious culinary competition for young chefs.
For him, that moment was overwhelming.
“When my name was called, everything stood still.
Every sacrifice… every milestone I missed with my kids…
finally made sense.”
He said it wasn’t just a medal.
It was proof that the dream he carried across oceans was real.
From selling meals in a basket to building a career abroad
Before Dubai, life in Albay was simple—but difficult.
Caloy was in his 3rd year of hospitality management at Tanchuling College, juggling school and selling “binalot na ulam” around the neighborhood from a tiny basket.
“Wala akong pormal na trabaho. Tamang diskarte lang,”
he said, thinking of his two little boys back home.
When he arrived in Dubai in 2021, he worked at a cloud kitchen, pushing through long hours just to keep going. Eventually, he applied to CÉ LA VI Dubai—and got lucky.
“Nagpasa ako ng CV. Pinag-try ako for one-day duty.
Sinuwerte… nabigyan ng chance.”
That one chance opened a new world.
The cook-off that changed everything
In May this year, his restaurant sent him to compete in a culinary challenge by ICCA and Hozpitality Group.
Sixteen young chefs from different nations—from India to Myanmar—stepped into the heat of the kitchen arena.
On June 2, during the 8th Middle East Chef Excellence Awards, Caloy’s name was called.
Third runner-up.
A title that felt bigger than the trophy itself.
“Now I’m a chef who knows exactly where he is going.
Passion is nothing without hard work.
And dreams stay dreams if you don’t fight for them.”
What’s next for Caloy?
He’s not slowing down.
He’s sharpening new skills, eyeing leadership roles, and even dreaming of building his own personal brand someday.
From a college undergrad selling meals in a basket…
to an award-winning chef in Dubai…
Caloy’s story is a reminder that sometimes the biggest leaps come from the bravest decisions—
and that the dream you carry can take you farther than you ever imagined.
