I realized how crucial it is that we address climate change. That experience became a driving force for me to use my knowledge and technical skills to promote sustainable solutions to real-world problems."GROWING up in a typhoon-prone province in the Bicol Region, Ma. Luz Manalo learned at an early age how to metaphorically dance in the rain.But the trail of destruction left by Super Typhoon Reming (International name: Durian) in 2006 dampened even the sunniest of spirits."It was just very depressing. There was chaos everywhere. To this day, the memory of that fateful day still lingers on," the 40-year-old overseas Filipino worker (OFW) said.Believed to be one of the deadliest storms to hit Albay, Reming buried some villages under mudflows from Mayon Volcano and left hundreds of dead bodies in its wake. It also plunged much of the province into darkness after sunset for months as it toppled down several power lines.Then a chemical engineering student at Bicol University, Manalo knew the science behind the destruction."At that time, I realized how crucial it is that we address climate change. That experience became a driving force for me to use my knowledge and technical skills to promote sustainable solutions to real-world problems," she said.In 2016, Manalo achieved her dream when she became a research engineer at the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (Seris) in the country's national university.As the national institute for applied solar energy research, Seris mainly works hand in hand with industries to develop technologies for urban and tropical applications.The institute conducts research, development, testing and consulting on solar energy technologies, and their integration into buildings and power systems.Manalo works in the laboratory to develop solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells, which are the building blocks of solar modules.By converting sunlight into electricity, solar modules play an important role in the transition to renewable energy as they help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change. "Fossil fuels produce a significant amount of carbon dioxide emissions, which contribute to global warming. Renewable energy like solar energy is a better and cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. Both the Philippines and Singapore have an abundance of solar power as they are tropical countries," she said.While the economic rewards that her job brings are appealing, Manalo said it is the belief that she is serving a higher purpose that compels her to remain overseas despite the emotional challenges of being away from home."I have been in this job for eight years now. What makes me stay is the thought that what we're doing might somehow make an impact someday to slow down the effects of climate change," she proudly said.Manalo believes that it is the Filipinos' strong work ethics and adaptability that make OFWs thrive in the global labor economy."In the institute where I am working, some of my colleagues would joke that the lab won't run without the Pinoys. When issues arise, they can count on the Pinoys to think of many different ways to solve them," she said.Her former team leader, Dr. Pradeep Padhamnath, recognizes her "great contribution" at Seris. Recalling a project that they worked on together, he said Manalo took the lead not only in handling the request from the industry partner but also in ensuring that the experiments were completed on time.Manalo's engineering background has greatly helped her career trajectory overseas. Before migrating to her host country, she used to work in a solar cell manufacturing plant in Batangas.Aside from the lure of higher pay, she said the possibility of exploring places outside of the Philippines convinced her to accept the initial job offer in Singapore to work in a wastewater treatment research and development laboratory in 2013."Some of the lessons that I learned as an OFW are to adapt to new things and be open to different perspectives. Here, I get to work with people coming from entirely different cultural backgrounds from me. I learned that putting aside prejudice really goes a long way," she said.Living the dreamAfter more than a decade working overseas, Manalo said establishing a healthy work-life balance in her host country serves as her true measure of success."Financial wise, I was able to acquire a parcel of land in Albay and had some investments set up as well as a retirement fund," she said."Aside from that, I am able to travel to different places outside of Singapore, explore different cultures and do the things that I love outside of work, like going to musicals and concerts, taking up baking classes, or just going hiking on weekends."Her advice to her fellow OFWs is simple: Be financially literate and acquire as much knowledge and skills while abroad.While she admits that she longs to be with her 82-year-old mother, this engineer from Daraga town in Albay said she does not see herself going home for good just yet as she still wants to pursue her noble calling overseas.With a job that aligns with her values and passion, Manalo proves that Filipinos can shine on the global stage as passionate advocates in the fight against climate change. PNAQuick QuestionsWhat is your BIGGEST fear?As a fiercely independent person, my biggest fear is whenI won't be able to do things on my own anymore.What really makes you angry?People who take advantage of other people.What motivates you to work hard?My motivation is the thought that what I'm doing might be of use someday to help slow down the ill effects of climate change.What makes you laugh the most?A good comedy or just simple silly things can bring out my laughter.I consider myself a happy person.What do you want to be whenyou were small?Funny enough, when I was in second grade, I wanted to be thepresident of the Philippines. In my young mind, I thought thatit's easily achievable.What would you do if you won the lotto?I would use some of the money to travel to places in my bucket list, and then some I will invest and save for retirement, and a portion I will give to charity.If you could share a meal with an individual, living or dead,who would they be?I'd like to share it with Lee Kuan Yew. I am always in awe at how he brought Singapore to where it is today. And I think it would be an honor to hear his thoughts over a plate of nasi lemak, maybe.What is the most daring thingyou have ever done?Send a poem to my high school crush.What is the last book you read?"The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini. It's a novel set in the backdrop of the wars in Afghanistan. I think this book somehow tells us that there is still hope that will emerge, no matter the wounds that the war brought.Who is the celebrity you would like to meet for coffee?I'd like to have a cup of coffee with Freddie Mercury. He has such a flamboyant and care-free personality, and I feel that it will be pure fun to hang out with him.What is the one thing that you will never do again?None for me. Everything that I did is an experience, and some of them taught me a lesson, and I would gladly do it again.