Former Dishwasher, Now a Successful OFW and Pizza Place Owner in Italy

Wanting a brighter future for his family, Marvin Aguda joined other Overseas Filipino Workers in the bandwagon and left the Philippines for Italy in 1999. Just like other OFWs, seeking a better life for his loved ones, he took on different jobs as a caregiver, cleaner, and waiter.

Starting from the Bottom

In 2002, the successful OFW found a job working as a dishwasher at Il Postino, where his job includes cleaning the tables and toilers, throwing the garbage, and washing piles of plates and glasses.

Ako, nagsimula din ako sa pinakamababang posisyon dito sa Italya. Nagtrabaho din ako sa bahay, nagsimula din na ako ang naghuhugas ng pinggan, ako ang naglilinis dito ng banyo, ng lahat.

While working as a dishwasher, he watched the chef prepare the different types of pizza and learned the process of pizza making, from kneading the dough up to slicing the ingredients and garnishing of various toppings.

Secret of Being a Successful OFW: Dreaming Big

When one of the business owners died, the female boss decided to sell the restaurant. However, she did not want anybody else taking over so she accepted Aguda’s offer to buy the place via a loan from the bank.

Kailangan lang talaga dream big, kailangan mataas ang iyong pangarap sa buhay hindi yun laging hanggang doon na lang, hindi ko kaya yan, hindi pwedeng ganoon.

After two years, Aguda managed to pay off his loans, formally making him the chef and owner of the pizzeria where he once served as a dishwasher. More than just an owner, Aguda also achieved higher grounds as the only pizzaiolo or pizza chef in Milan. A lot of his customers kept coming back for the pizza he made.

I was thinking that the Italian people are the best in the world in making pizza, but after I tried Filipino-made, I changed my mind.

Located in the non-tourist district of Milan, Il Postino is a busy little restaurant that gets crowded with natives and tourists enjoy the pizzas folded wallet style with a glass of beer. Aguda spends 10 to 15 minutes to prepare the pizza. They churn out over 200 pizzas in a day.

Aguda’s menu includes fusion dishes and Filipino-style spaghetti and pizza. His version of Sisig Lechon Pizza, a fusion of crunchy pork lichen and margheti pizza, caters to his regular Filipino customers on Saturday. These were also a hit with his Italian customers.

According to the successful OFW, there is no overnight success, but hard work and continuous effort helps achieve your dreams, despite the difficulties and failures.