The forum, entitled PHILx, featured a stellar list of speakers including Giordano Middle East CEO and Managing Director Ishwar Chugani, Owner of Kubyertos Cuisine and Kiesha Beauty Lounge Gina Valbuena, and International Fashion Icon and Designer Ezra Santos.

Philippine Consul General Paul Cortes opened the program by welcoming the multinational set of guests, many of whom were there at the Philippine Consulate in Dubai for the first time. Cortes shared some of the projects that he undertook in service of the Filipino business community and expressed his hopes that the initiatives would continue long after his official term of service in the UAE ends. It was previously announced that the Consul General has been recently promoted as Assistant Secretary for Migrant Workers and would be returning to Manila in November.

SandBox Middle East CEO Lito German then delivered his keynote address, which included his personal experience moving from the automotive industry to the import and distribution business. German questioned why he was often the first Filipino in the boardrooms of the multinational companies he worked for and challenged other businessmen who have climbed the corporate ladder to help other Filipinos follow their path.

Gina Valbuena, on the other hand, shared her inspiring journey from employee to entrepreneur, while Ishwar Chugani shared some tips on how to cultivate a people-focused corporate culture. Ezra Santos told the story of his transformation and growth from being an artist and designer to being a well-rounded business owner.

One of the highlights of the event was a touching tribute to Consul General Paul Cortes, in acknowledgement of his countless achievements as Head of the Philippine mission in Dubai and the neighbouring Northern Emirates for the past six years. The tribute was organized by the management board of SandBox Middle East led by CEO Lito German and COO Mark Mauricio.

Entertainment for the evening was performed by the Filipina diva and songstress, Shanice Michaels, who regaled the audience with jazz hits, as well as an impactful and memorable rendition of the Philippine National Anthem.

The event was well attended by an international group of businessmen from various industries such as Retail, Manufacturing, Finance, and F&B. It likewise aligned with the aims of the Expo 2020 in Dubai to increase foreign investments into the UAE and spur further economic growth in the region.

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For most Overseas Filipinos, apart from owning a home, having a sustainable business back home that will support the family is the ultimate dream – an aspiration our kababayans want to achieve before they eventually settle back home for good in the Philippines.

But there are so many questions and fears that linger in our heads that seem to make the journey from OF to entrepreneur a daunting one.  “Will I be able to survive in the world that I left long ago?” “Will I be able to reintegrate?” Or even the simple question – “Will I survive?”  These fears are enough to hold us back from coming home for good.  And that is a bit ironic, especially since “home” should be our comfort zone.

So how does one overcome this feeling of “alienness” in his/her own homeland?  It’s easy to set-up a business with all the rules written out.  All you have to do is follow.  But it is harder to change our mindsets that have been shaped by staying all those years abroad in foreign land.

Fret not!  All you need is to utilize whatever you have learned as a resilient OF, apply some flexibility and open-mindedness, and before you know it, you will be adjusting well to life in the Philippines and getting closer to your dream of having your own business back home.  Here are some tips learned from my own tough personal experiences that OFs can benefit from:

Be observant

As an OF returnee you have to understand that the country you have left a long time ago has experienced many changes through the years.  So it’s not useful to only be referring to the things you were used to “back in the day.”  Study the new lay of the land.  Get up to speed with how things work.  Observe your surroundings and the people and learn from them.  Find out the new way of doing things.

Be the people 

A lot of OFs have a hard time adjusting to the lifestyle back home because their expectations and actions are stuck to the life abroad that they left behind.  If you want to be successful in building a business in the Philippines, you need to make an effort to start acting like you are truly part of the community.  For how will your business serve the people, if you don’t even understand them?

Be a problem solver

Look for unique, urgent requirements or anomalies within the community that need resolution and where you can contribute your talent and skills. This is how you can come up with a business, a product and/or a service that, will address existing needs in the market.   OFs are very skillful in finding ways to solve problems, even beyond our professions. We’ve learned to be inventive with our exposure to different cultures and workplaces.  Use this strength and let your ingenuity shine!

Be an explorer

OFs are innately adventurous.  Our spirit for challenge has brought us to distant seas. We don’t want to be kept stagnant in one place.  So why not try new ways of addressing market needs back home with inventive new business solutions that would help a lot of kababayans.

Be experimental 

OFs are not afraid to try and fail, and relearn and apply what we have learned, whenever we get a chance. This is a special skill of an OF. Trial and error leads us to success and it’s proven. We just have to be more courageous and not be discouraged by failure, as each one of them is an opportunity to learn that brings us closer to success.

Be open minded

Not all business succeed on first attempts. 80% to 90% of startups fail.  So you have to have an open mind and accept whatever happens. By having the right perspective only are we able to move on, start over again and pursue that dream until we make it. But in starting anew, we have to understand what did not work in the first place. Our strong OF will which we developed while working abroad will help us to carry on, despite the failures we may face.

And lastly, be a doer

An idea is useless, unless you implement it.  A business plan is nothing until you establish the company and get started.  And being an entrepreneur back home can only become reality if you start working on it today.  Be a doer to get the result that you desire, to achieve the dream that you hold dear. Most of us think that we don’t have enough skills, and get paralyzed by fear.  But those skills exist deep inside us, so we must not be afraid of trying until we get it right.

Each of us may have different ways of applying these guidelines on adjusting our expat mindset to achieve our dream business back home.  But the most important thing of all is to start doing something to move towards success. There’s no better time but now!

Bel Ramirez

Former Overseas Filipino and Dubai-resident, management professional Anabel Ramirez is now based in Manila and is the founder of ABBR BUSINESS CONSULTANCY. As a driven result oriented person, her core advocacy is to help OFs create their own dream businesses back in the homeland.

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KAHON.PH

www.kahon.ph

Established Since: 2017

Founder: Nick Padilla and Carlos Domingo

As the first tech-enabled full-service storage solution in the Philippines, Kahon.ph is elevating the concept of storage by integrating technology in the practice of decluttering. This startup, co-founded by Nick Padilla and Carlos Domingo, eliminates the logistical burden of having to bring items to a storage facility, providing customers with unlimited storage space on-demand: “Packing, pick-up, storage, and return — we’re there every step of the way to help you make space for things that really matter.” Through the combination of digital and physical realms, they have created an efficient, hassle-free self-storage experience. Currently, Kahon.ph offers storage by the box (kahon) and storage by the square-meter (kwarto) on a subscription basis.

Since the company’s inception, Kahon.ph has had over 2000 square meters stored and has managed over 6000 of its customer’s items. Starting with the Greater Manila area with hopes of expanding throughout South-East Asia, the future bodes well for founders Nick and Carlos: “We’ve had a 6-fold increase in revenue for the first quarter of 2019 compared to that of the same period last year and with an overall annual growth of 122%. We still believe word-of-mouth is the most effective way for other people to get to know us and we’re glad that our customers see us as a service worth recommending.”

Nick attributes his know-how on real estate and flair for creativity to his experience at Zalora, Rockwell, and the Powerplant mall – having worked in the digital innovation arm of these companies – and to attending trade shows growing up. For Carlos, after his stint at Ace Saatchi and Saatchi and Publicis Jimenezbasic, he left the advertising industry to manage the family business, which is one of the first third-party local logistics companies, VGL Industries Inc. Before starting Kahon.ph, he took on the significant role of Director at the family business, then later he worked as the CEO/General Manager at Excelcare Logistics Inc. Together, they aim to change the traditional storage industry by leading the shift away from the closet or bodega, and by making Kahon.ph the preferred storage solution across the Philippines.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 

GEEK MOBILE SOLUTIONS

www.mrgeekmsi.com 

Established Since: May 2016 

Founder: Rowi Bautista 

Since being founded in 2016, Mr. Geek Mobile Solutions has been catering to Micro, Small, and Medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) delivering specialized tech services ranging from customized mobile apps to software development. Alongside this, they also offer free mobile apps through another platform – MyStart-Apps (MSA).  With hopes that their services provide their clients with an equal shot at success, founder Rowi Bautista remarks: “We intend to level the playing field for micro, small and medium Enterprises by providing technological innovations to achieve market dominance that leads to high profitability.”

Mr. Geek Mobile Solutions has closed several significant projects with top companies like BDO and Toyota over its three years of operation. As well as this, the startup represented the Philippines at the 2017 Asian Entrepreneurship Award competition in Japan and won a pitching competition at a business convention held at the University of the Philippines in 2018.

As the founder and CEO of this company, Rowi is a serial entrepreneur among other things. He is the founder of Mr. Click (a digital marketing agency in the Philippines serving the needs of MSMEs), Mr. Pluffy (a leading cotton candy company with over 70 outlets nationwide), and is also a co-founder at myBOSS (a Fintech company that offers back-office support services). Rowi has even built and sold his first tech startup in 2015, which specialized in microchips. Besides currently pursuing his Master’s in Entrepreneurship at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business, he plans to cultivate Mr. Geek Mobile solutions as a company further: “Our Vision is to be the number one mobile solutions provider for micro, small and medium enterprises in the Philippines in the next five years.”

MEDIA

SnippetMedia

www.snippetmedia.com

Established Since: 2016

CEO: Christopher Star

Imagine consuming quality online content while being rewarded for it at the same time. As a leading news and entertainment app based in the Philippines, SnippetMedia provides brands with a unique opportunity to share content with an audience of over 1.5 million. When individuals read, watch, or share the content, they accrue points which can then be exchanged for real items.

SnippetMedia’s CEO Christopher Star who builds and launches startups in Southeast Asia is armed with an extensive background in marketing for web/mobile startups, and a proven track record in user acquisition, business development, community management, content creation, and audience retention.  He has worked for various industries in the sector for over fourteen years including prominent brands such as Lazada, GuavaPass, DateTix, HappyFresh, Paktor, and Duriana.

“We bring together a group of skilled, driven, enthusiastic, and professional individuals who come together every morning to bring you the stories that matter,” Christopher shares. Having had over 2.5 million active users in the Philippines over the last eight months, he aims to bring about innovation when it comes to content as well as the media industry through integrating both in a seamless platform: “I want every bit of content to be rewarding for every user. We aim to reinvent content consumption and revolutionize online advertising.”

Previous article – Filipino founded startups: Stylegenie PH and GVER

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Digital Marketing Executive

Mediaquest Group

Dubai, UAE

What do you do for a living? Please describe your job briefly.

I work as a Digital Marketing Manager for a media publishing company in Dubai. I’m in charge of managing digital campaigns for various clients; from concept creation to content mapping and data mining. My day usually consists of managing activities on digital platforms. Some of my duties involve managing campaign analytics, optimization and results reporting.

My job allows me to translate data into creative ideas. It entails me to speak and gather feedback from various teams and clients in order to deliver seamless results that tie in with business objectives.

Please share with us an interesting story/anecdote or anything remarkable or uplifting that has happened to you on-the-job.

My team always reminds me of the value we bring to our jobs. Filipinos will always be preferred when it comes to working on details as it is in our innate nature to be well organized, brave and adventurous. We are also conduits for positivity, bringing happiness to other people around us.

Your message to Filipinos out there:

Work hard, but don’t forget to be kind to yourself too. It isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, but we are resilient people that always push through at the end of the day.

Noel Yap Labrador

Fleet Sales Advisor – Ford

Abu Dhabi, UAE

What do you do for a living? Please describe your job briefly.

I currently work with Ford Premier Motors under the umbrella of Al Tayer Group as a Fleet Sales Advisor. My main role involves planning, initiating and conducting the sales process with our corporate clients – working towards achieving our sales targets and other KPI’s. I identify and qualify customer needs, perform vehicle demonstrations and propose various solutions to them based on their many requirements. I admire my employer and its facilities! The values of Integrity, Quality, Reliability and Diversity are apparent everywhere in Al Tayer Group. 

Please describe your typical working day.

My day won’t start without coffee and bread. I’m a person who always sets up plans prior to the workday. Daily, I explore market opportunities and identify corporate customers who can bring in potential business. I typically set appointments in advance, and I gather customer feedback and market data from external sources in order to keep an eye on market trends and stay ahead. During my time off, I work on my master’s degree modules, play football (with my club, Philippine Football Club) on Thursdays and go running on weekends.

Please share with us an interesting story/anecdote or anything remarkable or uplifting that has happened to you on-the-job.

Aside from meeting my wife in the workplace, I’ve received countless of blessings and personal development achievements. I was also able to pursue learning Arabic reading and start my master’s degree in Development Communication in the UP Open University. I believe that we have to strive, invest and save as much as we can – developing ourselves to the fullest while still young.

 Your message to Filipinos out there?

Never doubt your abilities as a Filipino. We are known to be skilled, adaptive and resilient. The only limitations we have in life are the ones we place upon ourselves. Self-belief is the cornerstone to success. The sooner you start believing, the better.

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re probably right.” 

-Henry Ford 

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www.lacarne.ae

Since: 2014

 Founder: Jovy Tuano

As one of the only premium multi-brand meat retailers in the country, La Carne has risen to become one of the benchmark brands of its kind in the country. Working as a premium meat retailer in the UAE, the company has supplied award-winning beef and lamb from Australia, the USA, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa to its discerning patrons. La Carne has provided its customers with a wide variety of options as well as custom orders available upon request (such as 12-hour smoked brisket and halal sausages).

La Carne aims to become a value-adding educational hub for premium meat in the nation’s capital while innovating the way steakhouse level cuts are made available to UAE residents. Through their online store and loyalty program, they have shared educational content with their patrons and improved transparency between client and seller. With an ever-evolving ‘kaizen’ mindset and a focus on community engagement, La Carne has become a competent and trustworthy customer-orientated authority within the region.

CO CHOCOLAT

www.cochocolat.com

Since: 2016 

Founder: Luchie and Iman Suguitan

Founded by sisters and ‘Cacao Doctors’ Luchie and Iman Suguitan, Co Chocolat has introduced a new concept within Dubai’s diverse field of gourmet offerings. Through their brand ‘Co Chocolat’, they have intrigued the Dubai foodies by introducing healthy chocolates with a wide variety of tastes.

Their products are developed with health as the number one priority. With minimal use of refined sugar, Co Chocolat develops its products with natural cacao and natural sweeteners (coconut, dates and other fruits), as well as superfoods that promote healing.

“We are committed to ensuring that each bite may either relieve stress, enhance mood, serve as anti-oxidant, boost energy, improve the immune system, be anti-inflammatory, mildly relieve pain, enhance vitality, improve gut flora, or promote heart health.”

Co Chocolat has also maintained a strong relationship with local farmers in the Philippines. By collaborating with small businesses run by cacao farmers in Mindanao through their parent company (OFW para sa Magsasaka), they have made community traceability the core of their work. Through this, they have also increased overall productivity and stability within the cacao farming sector. Through its accomplishments in bringing locally sourced Philippine products to the UAE, Co Chocolat has become a shining example of a business model formed through mutual cooperation and sustainability.

ADOBO RESTO 24/7

www.facebook.com/adoboafc

Since: 2014

 Founder: Dowel Deligos

Adobo Resto 24/7 serves authentic Filipino cuisine to the Filipino community in Muscat, Oman while introducing it to the many locals and foreigners in the country. With a culinary focus on dishes from the southern regions of the Philippines, Adobo offers a different take on Filipino food in contrast to its counterparts in the country – while presenting dishes at a high standard with homecooked execution and family-style serving.

OUNCE

www.facebook.com/ouncedxb

@ouncedxb

Since: 2013 

Founder: Alberto Opena 

Ounce has steadily made a name for itself within the UAE through its expertise within event and facilities management, consultancy and catering for numerous events. Famed for its specialization within beverage mixology, the company has worked closely with MMI and has become the brand ambassador for many well-known labels such as Jack Daniels, Macallan and San Pellegrino. The brand has also introduced a unique flavor into the field by way of “Tagai” craft cocktails, which are inspired by Filipino culture.

ESKINITA

www.facebook.com/ESKINITADXB/

Since: 2017

 Founder: Aldo Aguilar

Situated in Deira, the heart of Dubai, Eskinita Restaurant serves Filipino and international street food with favorites including grills, sizzlers and fusion drinks, to the growing Filipino community. It has established itself as a casual hangout and events place for many Pinoys, even hosting open mic sessions where individuals and groups could showcase their musical talent.

OFF THE HOOK

www.othrestaurant.com

Since: 2016 

Founder: Rolly Brucales

Three years running strong since its opening in Abu Dhabi, Off the Hook has constantly provided simple and delicious fun to a growing loyal customer base across the UAE. The brand has become famous for serving healthy Louisiana-style seafood coupled with a family oriented ‘kamayan’ style dining experience, and laid back and cozy atmosphere.

Off the hook has four branches spread across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain with a fifth one opening very soon. Through their services, Off the Hook has been nominated for 2017 Best Seafood Restaurant by Timeout Abu Dhabi. Over the years, they have also collaborated with influencers across the region. In a highly saturated industry like the Food and Beverage sector, one can easily become lost and generic. Off the Hook has stayed true to its concept since day one, vigilantly analyzing and identifying market trends and refining its family style dining concept.

Founder Rolly Brucales has known work from a very young age, first beginning as a helping hand in Bicol in his family’s meat business and gaining experience in the public market. After moving to the UAE in 2004, he gained over eight years of accounts experience and expanded his horizons through networking. He also gained an insight into the market by becoming a sales associate along the way. After finding the right partners, he opened Off the Hook in 2016. His unyielding spirit has also led him to open a number of diverse business ventures including a tailoring shop, Global Connect Travels and Tours and Rock Built Contracting and General Maintenance LLC.

As the father of the OTH family, Rolly believes that everyone must go home with something substantial, “lahat tayo dapat umuwi ng meron”. He encourages financial stability and pushes his employees towards professional growth in their endeavors. Through this, he aspires to grow Off the Hook into a worldwide brand, believing that Filipinos can be successful entrepreneurs who not only provide jobs, but also contribute to the building of a strong Filipino community.

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www.meetingdancewear.com

Since: 2005

Founder: Regina Martin-Marauta

Meeting Dance and Leisurewear is a one-stop-shop for durable, high-quality clothes, shoes and accessories that caters exclusively to the growing dance community and fitness enthusiasts of the emirates. “We pride ourselves on providing dance and active wear that is both chic and comfortable.” Founder Regina Martin-Marauta shares, as the company has become famous for selling highly sought after gear for jazz, modern and ballroom dancers in the region.  The company’s brands include popular industry names such as Danc-In and Deha from Italy.

ENTREPINOY FZE

www.entrepinoyco.com

Since: 2016

Founders: Felicito V. Hernandez, Gertrudes Quebral, Hyden Restificar, Samirah Quintilla and Sheryll Bacay Agbing

Advocating entrepreneurship as a catalyst for positive change has always been at the core of Entrepinoy’s values. Established in 2016, Entrepinoy has facilitated the distribution of many of the Philippines’ socially-responsible high-quality goods to the international market. From exporting and distributing organic rice from Mindanao and other home-grown products like Barako coffee, they have supported many entrepreneurs in the motherland. On empowering local businesses, the founders share “Entrepinoy endeavors to find a solution to a problem and become change agents. We want to help find ways to provide a venue for people to live, create opportunities and unleash potentials.”

VANTAGE INTERNATIONAL

www.vantageinternational.com.ph

Since: 2014

 Founder: Maria Josephine Panagsagan Abina

Aiming to encourage opportunity and unleash innate potential, Oman-based Vantage International is one of the foremost Filipino product distributors in the region. In following the “Bayanihan” spirit, Vantage International supports and uplifts various local and regional businesses in the Philippines. With over 400,000 business partners across the globe, Vantage has amassed one of the largest online catalogs of affordable Philippine products, quickly growing as they partner with new businesses every day. “We believe that people are our most valuable resource.” Maria Josephine Abina shares. “We believe in the potential of everyone, to rise and build a better life for themselves and their families.”

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www.burket.ph

Established Since: June 2018

FounderS: Herbert Joei Bactong, Roy Benedict Julian, Jeff Clarenz Turla, Alexander Soriano, Benedicto Manreza, Juan Celso Flores

Burket.Ph is a business to business social network, marketplace, and SaaS (software-as-a-service) all rolled into a single platform called a Market Network. With ambitions of becoming the next LinkedIn or Facebook for businesses, Burket aids Filipino businesses in discovering more local opportunities through products and services matching – that integrates artificial intelligence, and an easy to use social network interface. “This gives potential buyers a way to look for, and manage new suppliers without going through or searching cluttered directories. As well as this, suppliers will be easily discoverable,” its founders attest. Burket is currently a free service but offers additional features through a fixed monthly subscription. If you are a supplier and deals with other businesses or a buyer and needs new suppliers, Burket is precisely the tool for you.

Burket’s founders – Herbert Joei Bactong, Roy Benedict Julian, Jeff Clarenz Turla, Alexander Soriano, Benedicto Manreza, Juan Celso Flores – come from various multinational companies including Bank of America, Henkel, BPI, Smart, Hyundai, DB Shenker.  The team members have experience in roles such as technology, marketing, operations, and business management, among others. CEO Herbert was previously the CTO of BPI Securities and President of an IT subsidiary of a group of companies in the Philippines. Their CTO Jeff graduated Magna Cum Laude in Computer Engineering and held many technology and digital marketing roles in Hyundai, while COO Roy held operations and human resource roles from Henkel.

Despite starting development only last July 2018, and recently launching their Alpha version mid-March 2019, Burket has shown such promising growth. From the first two months, they were able to aggregate 200+ unique companies and over 800 products and services. Coupled with this, their week over week user signups grow at about 12.5%, and an increase of 95% in their site visits is seen monthly. Furthermore, Burket was part of the KMC/Impact Hub Space for Ingenious incubation program in the Philippines and will be an Alpha exhibitor this upcoming RISE conference in Hong Kong.

Regarding their ultimate aspiration as a business, the founders share: “Our vision is to see Burket become the go-to platform if not the only platform that allows companies to connect and do business in the Philippines. We want to help MSMEs become more discoverable and have more opportunities.”

COWORKING ALL ACCESS

www.allaccess.work

Established Since: March 2019

 Founder: Brandon Joseph 

Coming on the heels of the rising co-working industry in the UAE is Coworking All Access, a membership-based platform which gives entrepreneurs and freelancers access to various co-working spaces and business centers around the UAE.  “We understand that most entrepreneurs can’t afford to explore all co-working communities and enjoy their personal life beyond work. Hence, we are giving our community access to the best spaces and personal services so they can work hard and build their network while enjoying a much healthier lifestyle,” shares founder Brandon Joseph. The startup expands beyond the idea of typical coworking space services by offering networking and lifestyle perks including access to mentors, curated events, restaurant deals, complimentary gym and yoga classes, salon and spa deals, as well as time off by the pool at 5-star hotels around the city.

Since launching the website in March, the company has already generated close to 400 signups, as well as a lot of interest from coworking space operators.  Aiming to further differentiate their offering, they are also planning to publish Cowork Magazine ME in August 2019.

Brandon, who has a robust background on the startup and coworking industry in the region brings with him technical, creative and management skills as well as his network developed through running FUNDXB a series of events popular with Dubai’s young entrepreneur set.  He shares, “We would like to see All Access as a platform that is vital for freelancers, startup entrepreneurs or mobile workers that can provide true work and life harmony.  We envision it to be present not only here in the UAE, but also around the Middle East and in major cities across the globe someday, leveraging on the strong partnerships and supporters of our humble project.”

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www.phbusinessschool.com

Since: 2017

Founder: Lyndon Magsino

“Shaping the global business leaders of tomorrow,” the Philippine Business School positions itself among the most innovative business schools and training facilities in the UAE. Composed of Filipino professionals and businessmen, they offer an international standard of executive education in partnership with a prestigious university in the Philippines. Aiming high, Lyndon Magsino pushes for the Philippine Business School to be among the premiere of its kind, being the first purely Filipino–owned educational institute with national and internationally recognized education leaders.

FILBRIT TRAINING CENTER

www.filbrittrainingcentre.ae

Since: 2016

Co-Founder: Mayet Galang Evans

Filbrit provides over 300 training courses that cover a wide scope of talents, skills, and certifications. Despite amassing quite the following and a growing number of students, learner and tutor priority has been at the core of the institution’s practice, in compliance with UAE law and forged through their close relationship with the KHDA. “We want our clients to be safe and secure when attending our training, which is the best way to ensure that they benefit from our high-quality teaching.” Co-founder Mayet Galang Evans says.

Fueled by their success in the sector, Filbrit now has now expanded with branches in Dubai, and two in Ras Al Khaimah and learners in the UK and Romania. Their business activity has increased by 100% since opening, and the number of courses has also multiplied exponentially.  The founders are now are exploring options for franchising. “Being an entrepreneur is tough, but I never give up,” Mayet says. “I believe in following my dreams with enthusiasm and strength.” On staying competitive and keeping ahead of the game, planning is essential to her workflow. “Having many options is the secret to being successful. Finding the balance between planning carefully and being flexible is what will keep you competitive and will turn your business into a triumph.”

THE FILIPINO INSTITUTE

www.filipino-institute.com

Since: 2015

 Founder: Gabriel John Rimando

For almost five years now, the Filipino Institute has given the first step towards life-changing opportunities to Pinoys in the Middle East by providing quality training. The institute specializes in giving short courses that are designed to fit a number of industry fields and skillsets. From language classes to industry skills and practical talents, the Filipino institute offers over 70 courses and has effectively equipped over 80,000 Filipinos with invaluable industry knowledge. Initially operating from Dubai, the overwhelming support of the Filipino community has bolstered the company’s expansion across the region.  Now, there are 15 branches spread across the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain.

With the goal of contributing to the Filipino community’s welfare in the region, founder Gabriel John Rimando has made education cheap and accessible through his platform. As a certified International Management Accountant, Public Accountant, and Personal Trainer, he has always had a mindset for sharing skills and helping the community. Through guiding many Filipinos to excellence, he aims to inspire more people to awaken their innate talents and capabilities.

To gain success, Rimando believes in rising above the competition by continually improving one’s services and skills to maintain a competitive edge. Risk-taking is equally essential. He believes that, despite the occasional loss, risks can become catalysts for trying harder. Lastly, he encourages his peers to follow the rules, sharing that “Rules don’t limit you. They give you the opportunity.”

Through social entrepreneurship, Gabriel John Rimando has created a friendly and accessible environment where learning is considered as the primary tool for advancement. Combining accessibility and affordability, the Filipino institute has become a vehicle for success for many of its students, equipping them towards their career evolution.

HAYAT INSTITUTE

www.hayatinstitute.ae

Since: 2018

Co-Founder: Lorraine Alfonso

Hayat Institute is a subsidiary of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development. Accredited by various government organizations (both local and international), the institute provides Occupational Safety Training, Advanced Medical training, Professional Management, and Development Training and Technical and Occupational Skills training. “Empowering the community is the main focus, where training is the equipment that the people need in turning them into lifesavers for a happier, healthier, and safer UAE.” Co-Founder Lorraine Alfonso says.

DE LA SALLE MONTESSORI INTERNATIONAL

www.delasallemontessorinursery.com

Since: 1999 

Founder: Remedios Chu

Since 1999, De La Salle Montessori (DLSM) Nursery – Dubai has been providing high-quality early childhood education and care. It has nurtured thousands of children and their families with a safe, protected, and enriched environment for learning that has encouraged physical, mental, social, and creative development. Headmistress Ian Chu Guerrero shares “With our proven “whole child” approach, we are proud to have helped shape students who have entered the primary school system and excelled in academics, sports, leadership, and extracurricular activities.”

PHASES FZE

@phasesbasketballacademy

Since: 2016

Founder: Alex Callueng

USA Basketball Coach Gold Licensee and former high school and college basketball coach in the Philippines, Alex Callueng who is mostly known for his fashion photography work, established Phases Basketball Academy in 2016 to encourage the youth to be better individuals through basketball training.  The company runs a Basketball Clinic for kids ages 4 to 16, developing athletic-oriented youth through strength training, conditioning, and team-building exercises.   They also organize basketball leagues under the supervision of partner schools so the students can also show their skills gained from the workouts as well as engage in healthy competition.  Lead by qualified coaches who are also fathers who appreciate the uniqueness of each kid; Phases aims to make a difference in the lives of their students on and off the court with practical life training that promotes discipline, motivation, and resilience.

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www.agrabah.ph

Established Since: 2018

 Founders: JoJo Gumino-Ocol & Jun Ocol

The reality is this: while the Philippines relies quite heavily on its agricultural sector, the ones fueling the industry suffer immense financial disadvantages – Philippine farmers and fisherfolk constitute 68% of the people living under the poverty line due to low earnings and increasing market costs. On a mission to solve such an issue is the Agrabah marketplace. This social enterprise startup empowers our farmers and fisherfolk by helping them find potential partners and foster reliable connections that facilitate transactions at a fair value.

Armed with over twenty years of experience from complementary backgrounds Jojo-Gumino Ocol and Jun Ocol co-founded Agrabah Marketplace. Jojo has over ten years of experience in human resources, business development, and corporate partnerships, while Jun also has a decade’s worth of experience in the agricultural value chain as a distributor. With such insider insight, they don’t only plan to help farmers and fisherfolk sustain a fruitful living; they too envision a future where they can yield predictive analytics that allows suppliers to know what to grow and when to grow based on market needs. Jojo and Jun share: “We’re energized by the innovation we’re leading, and every individual has an impact on that success. We love that we can make a difference to the community, to our team, to our customers, and to an entire industry. Agrabah is on a mission to make agriculture great again.”

Expediting product transactions since March, Agrabah Marketplace has helped supply over 78 metric tons of agricultural produce to their institutional clients via their B2B marketplace. In the process, they’ve benefitted the lives of over a thousand coastal farmers across the Bicol region. With the future bright, they plan to expand nationwide as well as launch their B2C marketplace in the upcoming months so consumers can enjoy fresh produce sourced directly from local farmers.

For Jun and Jojo, there is no time better than the present to invest in Filipino startups – they attest: “The Philippine startup ecosystem is slowly, but steadily growing. New businesses need more support both public and private not only in terms of funding, but also mentorship, training, and resources.”

FARMWATCH SOLUTIONS

www.farmwatch.ph

Established Since: 2016 

Founders: Jayn Sy, Rupert Calvin Sievert, and Athena Lavega 

As a company in the agritech and cleantech industries, Farmwatch Solutions conducts remote environmental and energy monitoring for agricultural and industrial buildings. Founded by Jayn Sy, Rupert Calvin Sievert, and Athena Lavega, the business examines the different environmental parameters affecting livestock farms and provides data coupled with an expert-based recommendation system to help their clients effectively manage their buildings. They also do energy monitoring and management for biogas generators and green buildings. “Farmwatch’s goal is to ensure that animals and humans alike get access to better living conditions through efficient and expert environmental monitoring,” the founders share.

CEO Engr. Athena Lavega has a master’s degree in electrical engineering and is a professor at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, while CTO Engr. Rupert Calvin Sievert is an electronics and communications engineer as well as a professional full-stack software and hardware developer. Handling operations and finance is Jane Sy, who has a degree in pharmacy, and a master’s in both marketing management and science in entrepreneurship. Together with their diverse skill sets, they seek to champion sustainability by reducing ecological impact utilizing technology. When it comes to their ultimate aspiration as founders, Jane expresses: “Speaking on behalf of the Farmwatch team, our ultimate aspiration is to really marry technology with environmental science. We want to be able to provide solutions that would greatly benefit the world and help ease the staggering damages in our environment. It might sound too idealistic or ‘millennial-like,’ but we fully embrace such notions because we think that intellect and skills should be used beyond the corporate and capitalistic sense and should be used to support sustainable goals.”

Growing in their operations, Farmtech Solutions received a government grant from the Department of Science and Technology to further develop their product and gather more data through pilot deployments. “We have deployed mostly in poultry farms in Mindanao and do biogas energy monitoring in Luzon. We have partnered with several IoT (Internet of Things) private companies to increase the value of our services and scale our operations.”

“I can honestly say that we are eons away from the rest of the world,” attests Jane regarding the Philippine startup scene. “The thing with “catching up” is that while we try to do so, the advanced countries are also moving forward, so I don’t think we can truly catch up in that sense. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not the lack of skills or great minds, it’s the traditional and unfriendly ecosystem we live in that hinders most of the startups. We first need to disrupt the ecosystem, be more open to discussions, veer away from power-tripping government agencies, and just honestly support startups without the red tape.”

Read the full edition of Illustrado Work & Play 2019 on www.issuu.com

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By Lalaine Chu-Benitez

“Filipinos around the world are renowned for their community-based thinking and the family atmosphere they create within their own communities. This unselfish mindset creates the opportunity to unite as one voice and grow our organizations together. If you want to grow your respective organization, use what is naturally within us, the sense of family. Strengthen bonds by supporting each other’s organizations through sharing resources or simply sharing each other’s posts.” – Craig Wilson, President – FACCHO

 

Nowhere is the adage “no man is an island” more true, and in fact even critical, but in the world business – where relationships and the ability (or inability) to work with others can make or break a venture.

The talent to collaborate however is not an innate skill for all entrepreneurs, regardless whether they are aspiring business owners or if they have been at it for a long time. This becomes even more challenging in markets beyond the homeland where you have to deal with people from different cultures that have different values and ways of doing things.  

This is where one’s immediate community becomes a very valuable resource.  And where harnessing the power of your own people can help you and your business get ahead.

In various Filipino communities around the world, the spirit of communal work is alive and kicking in the entrepreneurial sector, with veritable “business bayanihan” providing a boost to Pinoy entrepreneurs in so many ways.   We have spoken to three Filipino business organizations to find out how they are adding value to the Philippine business community.

Facilitating Linkages and Education

In the UAE, the Philippine Business Council of Dubai and Northern Emirates (PBC DNE) has played a leadership role for Philippine business in the country since 2001.  A non-profit organization established under the patronage of the Embassy of the Philippines and the Philippine Consulate General of Dubai and the Northern Emirates. PBC – DNE is recognized by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and is also a member of the ASEAN Business Councils Alliance (ABCA).

As vanguards of Philippine entrepreneurship in the UAE, the council provides avenues for business exchange among Filipino entrepreneurs, and other parties with a commercial interest in the Filipino market in the emirates. The PBC Dubai also endeavors to build and grow business ties with organizations in the Philippines and the UAE; promote the development of bilateral trade, investment, tourism, the exchange of business delegations and improve the overall Philippine-UAE commercial scene. Furthermore, the council also offers assistance to Philippine start-ups setting up in the country.

Similarly, in the capital, counterparts Philippine Business Council of Abu Dhabi, a member of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) has been operating since 2003 with the same objectives.  The council provides a forum for exchange of knowledge and resources beneficial to the common business interest of its members, and constantly endeavors to establish a strong relationship with government agencies, and the international business community for the development of bilateral trade, investment and tourism.  The PBC Abu Dhabi is also actively promoting entrepreneurship amongst Filipinos in Abu Dhabi.

On the other side of the world, set against a totally different business environment, the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Hollywood (FACCHO) was started out of a need to help organize the businesses and its business supporters within the growing FilAm Entertainment industry. As a newly formed Filipino organization, FACCHO has huge ambitions to not only educate entertainers on how to think like an entrepreneur but to also instigate partnerships between businesses/brands and entertainers. The group aims to create a financial system within their community that supports both its entertainers and businesses. 

According to FACCHO President Craig Obligacion Wilson, “The Filipino American Entertainment industry has yet to be organized.  As FACCHO we are doing just that. By reaching out to leaders within each creative field, we are beginning to establish a new board of directors that can give a voice to the Fil-Ams in their respective field. We are also starting to establish relationships with various Filipino organizations by sharing resources and growing our community together.”

FACCHO hosts quarterly workshops, monthly mixers, provides social media support and promotional support to member businesses and entertainers. “Our plan is to directly introduce established businesses with Fil-Am entertainers to inspire a relationship that can grow into a business. We want to educate our members on the power of product placement, branding, marketing, and sponsorships. With membership benefits like advertising on podcasts, directly paid to advertise on their project/event/website becoming a member not only directly benefits the member, it directly helps to grow the community as a whole,” shares Craig Wilson. 

Likewise, the PBC DNE and PBC Abu Dhabi also host mixers to connect entrepreneurs in the community, as well as companies who have interest in the Filipino sector.  Both organizations also join networking events with the business councils of other countries to expand their members’ contact network. In recent years, the PBC DNE has also established “Interface” – a landmark gala event held every two years which brings not only Filipino entrepreneurs, but also captains of businesses as well as key government officials – a forum to discuss the business trends driving the country and the region.  

More than just networking activities the PBC DNE also facilitates workshops under its ‘EduBiz’ banner providing continued professional education to its members and other attendees.  Moreover, the PBC DNE was the parent organization for the hugely successful Ateneo Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (LSE) program which has trained hundreds of aspiring entrepreneurs.  Many LSE graduates have now moved on to establish their own businesses.

Harnessing the spirit of community for business

In essence, these Filipino organizations play an important role in assisting Filipino entrepreneurs and professionals in making beneficial connections in the market, as well as providing guidance and education on relevant business issues.  PBC DNE Chairman Bobbie Carella spells out the group’s role succinctly, “We provide an environment of active cooperation and goodwill among members and the business community. We act as ‘connectors’ between Filipinos and other business communities in the UAE and beyond.  Hence our slogan, “Connecting People, Bridging Businesses.’” 

For Filipino entrepreneurs, it is well worth the time and effort to be part of such prolific groups and participate in “business bayanihan.”  

FACCHO’s Craig Wilson explains how Filipinos have this built-in advantage and how our community groups’ have an invaluable and innate capacity to synergize and provide support to each other, “Filipinos around the world are renowned for their community-based thinking and the family atmosphere they create within their own communities. This unselfish mindset creates the opportunity to unite as one voice and grow our organizations together. If you want to grow your respective organization, use what is naturally within us, the sense of family. Strengthen bonds by supporting each other’s organizations through sharing resources or simply sharing each other’s posts.”

Philippine Business Council of Dubai & Northern Emirates 

www.philippinebusinesscouncildubai.com

LEADERSHIP: Bobbie Carella – Chairman, Lalaine Chu-Benitez – Vice Chairman, Andy Minodin – Director, Projects, Allan Bautista – Director, Membership, Enrique Yamzon – Director, Events, Marlene Murphy – Director, Education, Ken Peralta – Director, PR and Media

Philippine Business Council Abu Dhabi 

www.facebook.com/PBCAbuDhabi/

LEADERSHIP: Deborah Gay Aragon Dayrit – Chairman, Mariano Roque Senga – Vice Chairman, Christian Jay Redual – Corporate Secretary, Dra. Rose Bandola – Treasurer, Gau Raganit – Director for Trade, Industry and Entrepreneurship,

Esmeraldo Pangilinan – Director for Events, Rolly Brucales – Director for Membership, Paolo Rivera – Director for Sponsorship, Flariden Dela Torre – Director for Marketing and Communication

Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Hollywood (FACCHO)

www.facchollywood.com

LEADERSHIP: Craig Obligacion Wilson – President, Paul Mirador, Vice President, Edwin A. Santos, Vice President, Tammy Apana-Dianda – Treasurer, Jacky Carter – Secretary, Jush Andowitt – Director, Jeffrey Bautista – Director, Thelma Sugay – Director

Find out how you can transform yourself from OFW to entrepreneur.  Read on –

http://63e.945.myftpupload.com/from-of-to-entrepreneur-in-the-philippines-adjusting-your-mindset-to-get-closer-to-your-dream/

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