Love, career, and milestones: Filipino nurses build a new family and careers in the US

Marielle Jarillo and Jose Umahag III share more than just their profession as ICU registered nurses at AdventHealth Waterman. They also share a wonderful love story.

Originally from the Philippines, both Jarillo and Umahag ventured far from home in pursuit of their nursing careers, initially finding themselves in different parts of the world.

“We were introduced by a common friend,” said Jarillo. “I was working in Saudi Arabia and he was working in Dubai. We started online dating.”

They each ended up pursuing opportunities in the United States — Jarillo in North Carolina and Umahag in Florida.

“When I told her I was applying for the United States and she was too, and I also learned that we both have the same birthday, I told myself, maybe this is a sign,” he said. “After a year, I invited her to come here to AdventHealth and then we decided to get married and have a family."

Jarillo and Umahag are among several international nurses who have benefitted from AdventHealth’s Transcultural Assimilation program, which is designed to help international nurses successfully transition into the U.S. health care system.

This past January, the couple celebrated a remarkable milestone: the birth of their first child, Jose Umahag IV, who also happened to be the first baby born in Central Florida in 2024. He was born at 12:08 a.m. on New Year's Day.

“He is now turning 4 months,” Jarillo said, “When they told us that we were the first baby born in the New Year, I was just surprised with the attention that we got. It’s been a good experience and everyone has been supportive of us.”

Their team members encourage them as they manage caring for their newborn while both working full-time on different shifts. The support from their team members at AdventHealth Waterman has been a cornerstone in their lives, something the couple is deeply appreciative of.