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arLionel Gonzaga
To his community, Ion is known as the blogger behind Boy Dubai. But what people don’t know is that he works as a digital design consultant for his main job.
He came to Dubai with the simple goal of finding work as a web designer. His first job required him to work at his boss’ residence office, who ended up locking him up in a room alone for one whole day. His next job has accused him of stealing ‘his own documents.’ Until finally, in his fourth year, Emirates Airline offered him to work as a Senior Software Design Engineer, after discovering his profile on LinkedIn. Everything went on to substantial growth from then on. Today, he is working as a Digital Transformation Specialist at Accenture Middle East.
Outside his professional career, Ion had always wanted to become a broadcaster or a TV host, or a writer. So when he knew that he won’t get that opportunity, he created the opportunity. He started his blog boydubai.com to document what’s happening in his life in Dubai. This inspired Ion to write even more stories to encourage his fellow expats.
Soon after, he was invited to become a monthly contributor to a UAE-based lifestyle magazine. Because of his influence, he participated as a scriptwriter on popular radio stations, had a part in an ABS-CBN teleserye, and met and interviewed hundreds of big names, including NBA stars such as Kobe Bryant, Nick Vujicic, and Don Moen.
With a desire to create a bigger space for bloggers who wants to make a difference in the world, he founded BXD NOW - a network of content creators with the purpose to inspire people through content with meaningful perspective and encouraging context. He is also an entrepreneur running an e-commerce business. On top of all these, Ion is a husband and a father of 2 kids.
