Most Filipinos are no strangers to having a side job apart from their main source of income, and Trestle Tan is one of the many workers who have a second career.
Working as an overseas Filipino worker for the past six years, Tan managed to squeeze in a mixed martial arts career to help make ends meet.
And after sitting idly from the sidelines for the past two years, Tan is ready to continue his MMA career.
Tan will face South Korea’s Dae Sung Park in the undercard of ONE: Pursuit of Power at Kuala Lumpur’s Axiata Arena on Friday.
“I’ve been waiting for this for almost two years, I’m happy to be back,” said Tan (4-6). “I can finally resume my professional career. I would like to thank ONE Championship for opening its door again. It’s time to put in the work.”
Tan has bounced around Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore but is currently a trainer at a high-end martial arts training facility in Ho Chi Minh City.
“It was hard at first because I had to set aside what I wanted, but I know my family back home is my priority,” said Tan who last loss to Agilan Thani on Sept. 2, 2016. “I chose to work abroad and try to give them a good life.”
“It’s difficult because I wouldn’t see my family and friends for a very long time, I just kept on reminding myself that all would be worth it someday.”