Filipina expat Kathlene Fidora has always chased stories. From the sparkling skyline of Dubai to the vast landscapes of South Africa, her wild journey is one of courage, creativity, and discovery. Her lens captured not only the beauty of the places she explored but also the emotions, challenges, and unforgettable moments that shaped her as a photographer and as a woman abroad.
How It All Began: The Move from the Philippines to Dubai
Kathlene Fidora left her home in the Philippines with dreams of creating something bigger than herself. Like many OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers), she first landed in Dubai with hopes of building a career, gaining independence, and finding new purpose.
Dubai offered her fast-paced energy, modern architecture, and multicultural exposure. She worked in the corporate world, but photography always lingered in the background. Weekends were filled with photo walks, rooftop shoots, and capturing candid street moments across Deira, Jumeirah, and Marina.
This early phase in Dubai laid the foundation for her photography career and personal growth. As her camera became her voice, her story began to shift.
A New Chapter: Answering the Call of Africa
It wasn’t a planned move but when the opportunity to work and explore South Africa arrived, Kathlene knew it was the next step. Her wild journey had just begun.
South Africa, with its vibrant culture, raw beauty, and diverse people, transformed her photography. Here, she didn’t just take pictures she told stories. From the townships of Cape Town to the safari plains of Kruger National Park, her lens captured moments filled with authenticity.
Kathlene says, “In Dubai, everything was fast and shiny. In South Africa, everything felt real.”
Her portfolio started to fill with dramatic portraits, wildlife images, and cultural documentaries. Her audience began to grow as her storytelling stood out with honesty and depth.
Top 5 Wildest Moments of Kathlene’s Journey
1. Sleeping in a Safari Tent Alone
In Kruger National Park, she camped solo while documenting wildlife. One night, the roars of lions echoed nearby. “I was scared, but it was the most alive I’ve ever felt,” she recalls.
2. Challenging Prejudices as an Asian Female Photographer
In both Dubai and South Africa, she often faced stereotypes. Many didn’t expect an Asian woman to lead creative or documentary projects. Breaking these barriers fueled her confidence.
3. Documenting a Protest in Johannesburg
While covering a local rally, she found herself caught between tension and emotion. Her photos later went viral among Filipino communities abroad.
4. Starting a Photography Workshop for Women
In Cape Town, she began free weekend classes for aspiring women photographers. Many were immigrants like her, struggling with self-expression.
5. Getting Featured by an International Brand
One of her wildlife shots caught the attention of a global outdoor brand, earning her a contract to contribute visuals from across the continent.
Filipina Expat: What Keeps Her Going: Passion, Purpose, and People
Kathlene emphasizes the power of connection in her work. “I don’t just photograph faces, I try to understand stories,” she explains.
Her passion is rooted in purpose. Whether it’s capturing the joy of a street performer in Soweto or the sadness of a child in a refugee camp, her work aims to move people emotionally.
She often says that her greatest reward is hearing how her photographs made someone feel seen or understood.
Struggles Behind the Lens: Not All Was Picture-Perfect
While her journey may seem adventurous, it was not without pain. Kathlene struggled with loneliness, creative burnout, and financial instability.
In Dubai, long working hours left little time for personal work. In South Africa, visa challenges and cultural adjustment tested her strength. There were times she questioned her choices and considered returning home.
But every time she picked up her camera, she found her reason again. Photography wasn’t just her job it was her therapy.
Giving Back to the Community
Now, Kathlene uses her platform to support Filipino creatives worldwide. She mentors photographers, conducts online storytelling sessions, and regularly shares tips on navigating the creative world abroad.
Her Instagram and blog feature behind-the-scenes insights, emotional reflections, and advice for those wanting to blend travel, photography, and impact.
What’s Next for Kathlene Fidora?
With over a decade of visual storytelling, Kathlene isn’t slowing down. She’s currently working on a documentary project that highlights the lives of migrant women in Southern Africa.
She also plans to launch a photo book next year, combining images and journal entries from her travels. Titled Through Her Eyes, it’s expected to be both a visual treat and a deeply personal memoir.
Final Thoughts: An Expat’s Life Through the Lens
Filipina expat Kathlene Fidora’s wild journey is more than just a travel story. It’s a reminder that finding your voice often means stepping into the unknown. From Dubai’s glittering skyline to South Africa’s rugged beauty, her camera became a bridge between cultures, stories, and emotions.
For fellow Filipinos abroad or anyone feeling stuck, her journey offers a powerful message: Your dreams are valid, your voice matters, and sometimes, the wildest paths lead to the most beautiful stories.
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