CELEBRATE CO. LLC

Since: 1988

Managing Partner: Eden Borja

Established in 1988, and formerly known as The Card Shop, Celebrate Co. LLC has become a prime supplier of novelty items, collectibles, gift wrapping materials and recently, uniforms within its 20 years of business in the UAE.

The company has had a long-standing collaboration with ENOC convenience stores and Zoom stand-alone outlets, selling their gift-wrapping materials, greeting cards, balloon decorations, and accessories. They have also built across the years an extensive corporate network, with clients like Mars GCC, Hilton Hotels, Dubai Marine Hotel, Jebel Ali Hotel and the Metropolitan Hotel among others, offering their services through specialized packages. 2017 saw the addition of quality uniforms within their product lineup. Through their experienced team, they have designed various corporate and school uniforms for Kids Town Nursery, Capital Schoo, and Avalon Heights World Private School.

Expanding like never before, Celebrate now oversees the manufacturing of its products, keeping up with industry standards and finding ways to innovate their design and production offerings.

Ahsant Premium Hotel Supplies

www.ahsantglobal.com

Since: 2009

Founder: Iman Suguitan 

Ahsant designs and manufactures leatherwear and accessories for hotels using high-quality wood, resin, steel, acrylic, and indigenous materials. With clients across the Middle East and Africa, Ahsants influence has won the Best Hotel Partner in the MEHA region (Middle East Hotel Awards)” in 2015 and the 2017 “Best Luxury Hotel Supplies Company” in the UAE Business Awards.

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

Previous Article – Filipino Businesses in the Middle East and Beyond: Media Production

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www.gulflaw.info

Since: 2010

Founder: Barney Almazar, Esq.

Gulf Law is a firm that offers a wide range of legal services through its team of certified, talented legal professionals. Their services include company-commercial law consultation, foreign investments, company formation, taxation, oil and gas, immigration and relocation, family, wills and inheritance, employment, real estate, intellectual property, debt collection, dispute resolution, and litigation.

Through flexible prices and consultation plans, the company has represented and supported a diverse client base around the UAE and abroad, a large portion of which are the OF population. Eliminating the need for extra paperwork and procedures, they have become one of the most efficient law firms within the industry.

Led by Atty. Barney Almazar, the firm is well-reputed for handling portfolios of high net-worth individuals in Southeast Asia, as well as leading the US$125million Filipino acquisition of a UAE company.

“Gulf Law is steadfastly committed to providing clients with superior legal services in a prompt manner and at a reasonable cost, through a sound technical knowledge of the law,” shares Atty. Barney Almazar.

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

Previous Article – Filipino Businesses in the Middle East and Beyond: Media Production

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Rebecca Bustamante

I grew up in a very poor home in Dasol, Pangasinan with 10 siblings. My childhood life was a very challenging experience because I saw the difficulty of life, from the moment you wake up to when you go to sleep. My mother died when I was just 18 and my father did not work to support us. So at a young age, I was forced to seek work outside the country as a domestic helper to pay off our family’s debts, our house which was used as a collateral for a loan, and to feed my siblings and send them to school.

I worked for more than 3 years in Singapore alongside studying with an Open University. It was tough, of course, balancing work and studies. But I always thought about my siblings back in the Philippines, and that I always thought about my future goals. I want to transfer to Canada because I know opportunities will be better there for our family.

After those three years, luckily, I was able to transfer to Canada where I also started as a househelp. Unlike in Singapore, the opportunities in Canada were better. Eventually, I could even become a citizen. So while I was working as a househelp, I did many sideline jobs including selling Saladmaker, and then I was also studying at night. So in the morning, I would do my household chores, and then at night, study. During my day offs, I would then go out and sell. All the profits I had from selling, I would keep as savings. I did not want to spend on anything, even my clothes were all bough second-hand. I wanted to save up so I can start my own business.

I then started a recruitment agency called High-Q Personnel that helped bring domestic helpers to Canada. I wanted to help our fellow Filipinos. I always thought that if they can come to Canada, they will have better income and they can also provide better lives for their families. I want to inspire them to see that even though you start from the bottom, you can succeed because you are the driver of your own future. No one can drive for you expect you. I am in this future bec I drove myself, I pushed myself.

I started working again in the Philippines when I was already in Mary Kay Cosmetics and they sent me back because they wanted to start selling in the country. I also worked with the Canadian embassy. In 2005, when my husband lost his job in Canada, we decided to stay here in the Philippines and start our own company, Chalre Associates.

Chalre Associates started out as a multinational recruitment firm for senior management executive positions. But now, we are more concerned with another type of marketing—marketing the Philippines. I want to make the Philippines a first world country. I see our fellow Filipinos, working hard, but are still suffering. I want to change that. They say it’s a huge goal, but I say, If you don’t know how to shoot for the moon, how will you land among the stars?

To achieve this goal, we’re regularly holding the Asia CEO Forum and Asia CEO Awards, to give recognition to the Filipinos who are doing a great job and to inspire more to follow their footsteps.

For more information, you can also check out https://www.rebecca-bustamante.com https://www.asia-ceo.org/ https://www.asia-ceo-awards.org/  

Why did you become an entrepreneur?

Then, I just wanted to help my family. But as I gain more experience and see more of the world, I saw the unlimited potential in myself, in all of us, and in the Philippines. ·       

What odds were stacked against you and how did you overcome them?

I faced so many challenges but the secret is staying focused on your destination. I left the Philippines without finishing college but I knew that I needed to learn and grow to be able to make it far. So I studied, even during the wee hours of the morning, I read books, I did assignments, I talked to people. I kept learning and growing so I’ll have more opportunities open to me. I also try to focus on what I can do for others, instead of focusing on what others can do for me. Building good relationships is key to succeeding in any field. I try to cultivate relationships that I make, and never forget the learnings and wisdom from the people I meet.

What is the single biggest thing that allowed you to achieve your dream?

The most underrated thing: Love. First, it was just love for my family that pushed to go out of the country and work and develop myself. Now, my love for the country is what drives me to keep going, keep organizing forums, keep meeting people, keep marketing the Philippines. I want my kids, the future Filipinos, to live in a country that’s more prosperous and better, and I want my legacy to be that I helped create that country.

What are your 5 tops tips to starting on growing your own business? Please give 5 points with a bit of description for each one.

1. Know your purpose in life
   Set goals, small and big, short-term and long-term. When you don’t have goals, you won’t know what your next step in life is.
2. Do the action
   You can always think about what you can do, but the key is starting it, really doing it. As long as you’re not doing anything, your dreams and goals are nothing. Action will take you where you want to go.
3. Failure is just a word
   There is no success without wisdom, no wisdom without learning, and no learning without failures. Never give up. You might run into people who will doubt you, you might run into circumstances that make you sad and tired, you might run into businesses and opportunities that won’t work out, but it all helps build you as a person.  
4. Determination is a must
   Have discipline in whatever you do. Have discipline with the things you eat, have discipline to wake up early and do more today, have the discipline to stick to your plans and goals. If you practice discipline in different aspects of your life, you’ll master discipline even in the hardest tasks.
5. Love.
   Keep love at the center of everything you do—love for yourself, love for your family, love for your country, and even love for the world. Everything is easier when you do it for love.

What else do you want to achieve in the future?

I want to inspire children and give them hope that we are all born lucky. I may be born poor but I was blessed to have been born with a huge family that I can love. I may be born without the usual stuff that people have but I am born with the practicality and the drive to turn things around. We all have something; we just have to change our perspective and see things differently. Focus on what you have, focus on your strengths, and use these to defeat your weaknesses. I want to inspire more people to have this kind of outlook in life.

And I want to make the Philippines a first world country. We can do that. I believe we can.

https://web.facebook.com/rbustamante.officialhttps://web.facebook.com/selfmade.rbustamante/

Read more on entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship here:

From OF to Entrepreneur in the Philippines: Adjusting Your Mindset To Get Closer To Your Dream

Filipino Entrepreneur: Timeless Elegant Event Management (TEEM)

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Country: (UAE and Philippines)
Entrepreneur: (Lawrence Anthony Ignacio – General Manager
Helen Andrade – Operations and Events Manager
Brian Carl Campos – Department Head- Photography)
Company Name: Timeless Elegance Event Managemen
Website: www.timelesseleganceae.com
Business Sector: Events Management

Founded with the Filipino community at heart, Timeless Elegance Event Management (TEEM) has over the years broadened its services to meet the demands of clients from all walks of life in and outside the UAE.

From weddings, parties, corporate events and much more – the company cover all aspects of event management not limited to photography, videography and styling.

It was in 2015 when ambitious individuals namely Anton, Helen Andrade and Brian Carl Campos from diverse backgrounds, decided to merge their talents together to become a one-stop resource for personalised events needs.

To date, TEEM has had the pleasure of being part of celebrations of individuals including destinations shoots in Hong Kong, Singapore and Europe, as well as that of government and private entities, helping make these special occasions all the more memorable.

Likewise, the company has never forgotten to give back to the community by staging and participating in various programmes that promote the spirit of altruism and events that put forward Filipino culture and artistry.

Moving forward, TEEM is looking to boost even more its presence in the scene to give clients the best possible experience that will last a lifetime.

Formula to Success

Like most of us Pinoy expats, we dream about having our own business.

It’s just a matter of getting out of your comfort zone and facing the challenges. Once you get started, and like what I’ve said, opportunities are limitless. You just have to maintain focus, take advantage of the continuous learning process, and laugh it off while learning from your mistakes (and there will be plenty).

The very first time we presented a project in front of a CEO and his team of managers, we were sweating in buckets. But we managed to pull it off and the feeling was exhilarating!

Just continue your focus and stay positive .

Read more on Pinoy entrepreneurs:

Pinoy Entrepreneurs: Fourté

FEME branding forum for Filipino entrepreneurs

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Joan Tuaño

Co – Founder and Culinary Business Manager

lacarne.ae

As Abu Dhabi’s premium meat retailer, La Carne bridges the gap between people and meat with high quality eating. Specializing in grass-fed Wagyu and Angus beef, as well as lamb, the family-run joint has garnered great trust from customers, carving out a reputation for providing meat that is not only excellent, but traceable.

Established in 2014, entrepreneur Joan Tuaño shares that the success of a business is rooted in numerous facets. She elaborates: “Be transparent. Be honest and clear with those you work with every day, as it plants good business relationships. Listen to your team and customers; they have the answers! Be prepared to continuously change. We have changed our business model so many times and that’s okay. Your business is your story, so don’t be afraid to edit the chapters. Fourth is to understand your team, their capabilities and potential. Appreciate good work and constructively criticize mistakes to encourage your team to do better next time. Last but not least, know the numbers that matter to sustain your business!”

Cuisinero Uno Urban Tapas Bar – UAE

John Buenaventura 

Founder

cuisinero-uno.com

Cuisinero Uno is a Filipino–owned contemporary urban tapas and cocktail bar which caters to residents, professionals and tourists that flock to the swanky Dubai Business Bay area. It is the place for upscale and straightforward, yet ‘moreish’ dishes partnered with ultra-creative cocktails. Created by ‘Rockstar Chef’  John Martho Buenaventura, Cuisinero Uno is one of the few pioneer homegrown concepts in Dubai that now caters to a growing market of increasingly progressive expats in the country.

Chef John’s fear of mediocrity and desire to embolden Filipinos were key in the birthing of this restaurant. His work challenges the notion of many Filipinos within the field, choosing not to stay within boundaries and constantly pushing the limits of how modern Filipinos are perceived.

The restobar is known for its deviant approach to preparing food, redefining the modern dining experience with tapas that represent hip and funky takes on Emarati, Asian and Spanish flavor. Their food is also delivered on a personal level of customer–chef experience, being served directly by the chefs as they explain about the food and the uniqueness behind it.

“We are not pretentious and over-priced, however, we provide service with personal connectivity. We are all about the character and passion of our people behind the brand, as well as the clientele we love to welcome.”

Ounce Facilities Management – UAE

Alberto Opena

Founder

www.facebook.com/ouncedxb

Ounce is a leading event management service that excels in providing food and beverage. Based in the UAE and opened by Alberto Opena, Ounce has been providing its services to many well-known companies such as MMI, Spinneys Abu Dhabi, Flash Entertainment Concert Events, Horeca, and more since the year 2013. They have also been actively involved in prestigious events like F1, the Meydan Cup and various concerts across the UAE.

Founder Alberto Opena has been working from an early age. He believes that being an entrepreneur is a privilege, one determined by hard work and perseverance. “Success is hard work paid off. In other words, there is no shortcut for your goals.” Despite his 100% dedication to work, Alberto is a firm believer in pushing boundaries and striving to be better day by day, never allowing himself to be restricted by office walls. He believes that passion and family support are key, and will serve as the main driving force for your work. “Self-motivation is important, but this is also the part where my family played a huge role in reminding me that I can make anything possible. My family has always been my driving force to success.” With passion, determination and hard work, Alberto insists that, despite the problems that come along the way, success is only within arm’s reach.

Carinderia Ni Tandang Sora, Uling At Parilya and CRO Restobar

Chef Richelle Ortiz

Founder 

carinderianitandangsora.com

Chef Richelle Ortiz (CRO) has three brands under his name.   The first being Carinderia ni Tandang Sora, a Filipino restaurant chain which serves authentic homestyle food from the Philippines. Chef Richelle’s Second brand is Uling at Parilya – a fast casual dining restaurant serves street food and comfort food to the increasingly populous Filipino community within Al Satwa. On the other hand, CRO Restobar is a signature restaurant and bar which offers a unique take on familiar Filipino food and drinks.

Chef Richelle’s formula for success lies within his 15 yeas of culinary experience. He believes in the success of his business through effective communication within the kitchen. His culinary expertise in Filipino, Italian, French and international cuisine, has proven his given him a remarkable palate and passion for food, as reflected in his unforgettable dishes. He believes in turning one’s expertise into passion and using it to fuel the drive towards success.

“If you like what you do, you will not think that is hard work and will give your all to succeed. Just make sure a system is in place – to be logical in executing your passion and never lose sight of the goal.”

Eskinita – UAE

Aldo Aguilar 

Founder and Managing Director

www.facebook.com/ESKINITADXB

Eskinita Restaurant – Street Food Factory is a hotspot for Pinoy streetfood lovers in the UAE with all the fun and chill elements that defines the authentic Filipino street food experience. They specialize in fusion juices, grills and sizzlers reminiscent of the turo-turo back home. Eskinita is also known for hosting a variety of Filipino talents, accommodating “Eskinita Jammers” comprised of singers, musicians, poets and many other artists.

“We also wanted our kabayans to experience the ambience of Pinoy hospitality where they can just come and enjoy our ‘Tambayan sa Eskinita’. Just chilling and relaxing after a stressful and tiring day at work.”

Eskinita’s key to success lies within the mindset of constant evolution. With Dubai’s citizens moving onto new levels of progression and modernity, Eskinita stays on top by adapting to the change. As an entrepreneur, Aldo Aguilar highlights the importance of being able to see opportunity where others would see problems – braving through the struggle in order to give out the best service. “I’ve questioned myself whether I should pursue the business or lose out. Of course, I have to win. Eskinita Restaurant prides itself with people who have the passion to succeed. We are a people industry and these people are the key to our success.”

Off the Hook Restaurant – UAE

Rolly Brucales

Founder

othrestaurant.com

Off The Hook seafood restaurant is a homegrown casual dining restaurant that first opened its doors in Abu Dhabi, and has opened a second branch in Deira, Dubai towards the late end of 2017. Its specialty comes in the form of seafood boils made from only the freshest ingredients around, complemented by their chef’s expertise and distinctive blend of sauces. They follow the Filipino food philosophy “simplicity and flavor is key.”  Louisiana style, Off the Hook takes pride in preparing sumptuous meals in their most natural form possible.

Off The Hook’s focus has always been on the people, aiming to provide the best service combined with family fun style dining. Proprietor Rolly Brucares shares, “Our mission is simple and sincere.  We are genuinely committed to delivering exactly what we believe in – food that will make your palate and body happy.”

Community has been essential to the founding and growth of the business, as it has provided them with all the goals and markers to push towards. “We focus on maintaining high quality – both in service and products thereby establishing a strong identity within our community.  With this in mind, the management invests heavily in team trainings and development to sustain the growth of each individual inside the organization.”

Talk Hang Restaurant – UAE

Jeffrey Ponce Torres

Managing Director

Donnel Jeff M. Paulino

Managing Partner

Talk Hang Restaurant lives exactly up to its name! Located within the bustling heart of Deira, Dubai, Talk Hang is a go-to spot for Filipino food, as well as a popular place to hang out and chill. They specialize in all Filipino favorites from lumpia to seafood, and the restaurant has been designed with socializing and guest interaction in mind.

For entrepreneurs Jeffrey Ponce Torres and Donnel Jeff M. Paulino, there is no linear method to success; however they explain that there are three main elements that are vital to maintaining a successful business – planning, passion and love. According to them, everything starts with an effective plan of action which should be elaborated upon into an effective business strategy. Thereafter, passion lies in the mindset, with a happy mind and a positive outlook as the best drivers for growth and progress. Lastly, in doing what you love, the path to success will be all the more fulfilling.

“Success does not go by its definition, it is the return of the actions that we do. With action, things happen and whatever we get is the return to what we do. Without doing: everything stops, nothing moves. Success is the motion of action.”

Adobo Restaurant/Al Jaradi United LLC – Oman

Dowel Deligos

Founder 

www.facebook.com/adoboresto

Established in March 2014, Adobo is an Oman based restaurant that specializes in authentic Filipino cuisines, introducing and pushing the influence of Filipino food to a growing OF market in the Sultanate. The restaurant is characterized first by its native Filipino décor, emulating the experience of dining in a bahay kubo, and the kamayan method of eating.

Dowel Deligos is the brains behind Adobo, and his goal is to bring back the nostalgia of family–style home-cooked food with a high culinary standard. In an increasingly competitive market, bringing Filipino food to his fellow kababayans does not come easy. Dowel says that as an entrepreneur, he faced a great deal of uncertainty when for planning his operations in the long term. “For those who are willing to take a calculated risk and run the bureaucratic gauntlet, the rewards are great. The order of the day is diligence, sheer dedication, and perseverance and of course prayers and faith in God.”

Read more on entrepreneurship and business on Illustrado Life 

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ISHWAR CHUGANI

Entrepreneur

He is an award-winning entrepreneur, one of the first few pioneers who, as a young man ventured to set-up business in unchartered Dubai in the 70s.  He heads one of the most well-loved global brands, Giordano, in the Middle East, India, Central Asia, Eastern Europe and Africa.  But more than his position of distinction, his industry accolades and business acumen, what is most endearing is the fact that Ishwar Chugani is and will always be “Dugong Bumbay, Pusong Pinoy” to us Pinoys in the UAE.

True greenie Lasalista, and longtime Filipino-community supporter participating in both initiatives for charity and camaraderie, Ishwar was born and raised in Bacolod, educated in Manila, speaks English like Manileňo, and Ilonggo like a Bacolod-native.  Plain speaking, Ishwar is one of us.

Beyond his unwavering ties with our community, budding entrepreneurs and even professionals would do well to learn from the experience and skills he’s gained through the years, as well as his humane yet pragmatic leadership style that puts him a cut above the rest.  Asked about his recipe for success, Ishwar reveals, “Keep it simple.  Empower people. Have motivation from within, not from out. Don’t be scared of competition.  Know that knowledge is power.  Create a company culture.  Remember the 3Hs – Head, Heart and Hand. Simply put – use common sense, love what you do and work hard.   And finally, define success. Because believe me, it is relative. “

Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.

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Why You Should Be An Entrepreneur (Yes, YOU!)

Sure, any employee can be a passive entrepreneur by earning income from his invested savings.  He can also be an active entrepreneur by having a sideline after office hours and during weekends.

But when I say that an employee should be an entrepreneur, I am talking about mind set.

What makes an entrepreneur different from an employee?  An entrepreneur owns his business and has “placed his money where his mouth is”.  He believes he is good in a specific business and he will run it as the owner.  His success is completely dependent on his creativity, strategy, hard work and determination.

The latest learning craze is entrepreneurship.  Employment jobs are hard to find and most would like to find a way to set up their own business, no matter how small.  So many are taking courses or joining seminars to learn entrepreneurship.  This is great but generally, the biggest hurdles for them is knowledge of accounting (i.e., financial record keeping) and the capital needed for the business.

Those who do not have capital probably have to be employees first unless they can get the capital from “angel investors” such as rich relatives or friends.  Jobs are hard to find, you say?  Why is it that when I talk to companies, it is ironic that there are so many jobs that cannot be filled up.  They cannot find the right kind of person for the jobs available. 

I submit that those who have an entrepreneurial mind-set will always be able to find a good job, succeed and eventually be the entrepreneurs they want to be.

An entrepreneurial employee, to my mind:

• Knows how to discern the activity that to him would be fun even if it is work. He will find a way to structure his work so that it will be fun, no matter how mundane it may be.
• Treats his company like his own. He will look for ways within his sphere of influence to ensure that the company sustains the profitability of its products and services.
• Understands what is fair for both himself and the company. He will work beyond the call of duty but at the same time, will realize that he and his family come first.  This is an issue that he would discuss and keep open with his boss.
• Makes education a priority. What I mean by education is not just have a degree or a diploma, but actually taking up courses and/or being an apprentice in an activity that will further his entrepreneurial dreams.  Sometimes, having a degree even hinders a person from taking on an entrepreneurial opportunity because he feels the activity is too “low” for him.

But, whether a person wants to be an employee or an entrepreneur, the reality is that, to survive economically in this world, he has no choice but to have both the active entrepreneurship and the passive entrepreneurship strategies. Reality also dictates that it is an obligation to learn to be a knowledgeable investor, to become a passive entrepreneur. We can be an active entrepreneur only for a part of our lives, but we can be a passive entrepreneur our entire life.  This is the fundamental principle behind the need for financial planning at all stages of our financial and physical lives.

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Find more money, business and law on Illustrado Life.

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Adobo Authentic Filipino Cuisine – Muscat, Oman

Why did you establish your own business?  Can you tell us when and how you started?

I started Adobo Restaurant in March 28, 2014. I worked at Muscat Duty Free when I came to Oman as a Marketing Executive and decided to establish my own business along with the help of my Omani business partners, Ibrahim and Salim.

I wanted to serve authentic Filipino cuisine to the Filipino community, locals and foreigners in Muscat and the surrounding areas, and to become a introduce and popularize Filipino cuisine to other nationalities. We concentrate on dishes from the southern regions of the Philippines so as to offer something different from the usual fare of Filipino restaurants in Oman. These are dishes that I would normally cook at home. As our aim is to extend our customer base beyond the Filipino community, we are endeavoring to cook and present our dishes at a high standard of home cooking quality and family-style serving.

What was your start-up capital and your basic operations set-up?  (How did you operate? How many employees? What about your place of business?

The seed money for a business here in Oman is quite high compared to that in the Philippines. The capital paid for the essential infrastructure of the business, such as the restaurant seating setup, and kitchen and cooking equipment.

We started off with a staff of three, including me, and as the business grew, we were able to afford to hire one staff more after five months. As of now, we are planning to increase our staff with three more people coming in, after we get the Ministry approvals for Visa availability.

We are located in the Seeb area of Muscat, on a quiet street off the main road. The interior set up of the restaurant is very typical and traditional Filipino style where you will feel the atmosphere of dining in a bahay-kubo. There is also a collection of Filipino ornaments like ukulele, sungka, native fans and hats, lamparilya, and native plates.

What obstacles did you encounter?

The core problem is having to wait an entire year before the business plan could be practically implemented. There was also the issue of business partners; these were changed three times during the course of events. Next, we had to overcome the bureaucratic hassles involved in procuring work Visas for our Filipino staff contingent and securing the various municipality approvals regarding such issues. Also of prime concern was ascertaining tastes in the line of food and beverages.

Where are you now? How far have you gone? What are the landmarks in your business so far?

We started the business with four Filipino staff, including myself, and we are planning to soon employ more staff this year as the business grows and the number of our guests increase. In God’s will, we are targeting to expand in the next two years.

We are now in the stage of promoting the traditional Filipino way of eating—‘kamayan’ style. Along with this is the use of banana leaves in lieu of plates. We are proud to share Filipino food and culture to locals and foreigners, and to our kababayans who miss this style of eating now that they are away from our homeland.

We have a menu which offers a great variety of meat, fish, noodles, and vegetarian dishes, along with an assortment of desserts. As well as offering traditional Filipino drinks, we have been innovative in our concoctions by devising a number of unique blends based on different Filipino-inspired themes, such as the Mt. Mayon Lava, Boracay Island and Sandugo drinks.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being an entrepreneur?

The disadvantage is that you’ll never know whether or not you will succeed. The risk factor is always there, as well as the vagaries of the marketplace.

However, there are also advantages, such as being able to set my own high standards and striving to achieve goals. It feels satisfying to see what you have accomplished. We at adobo AFC Restaurant are in the process of perpetual improvement and innovation, and we aim to provide quality service to our valued customers.

Would you encourage other Filipinos to go into business? What is your advice to budding Filipino entrepreneurs?

Yes, I would recommend that my fellow Pinoys to go into business.  For those who are willing to take a calculated risk and run the bureaucratic gauntlet, the rewards are great. But diligence, patience, hard work, sheer dedication, and perseverance are the qualities which are the ‘order of the day’ for any budding entrepreneur.

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Being your own boss, controlling your time, and owning a business – it’s easy to see why many people want to go into entrepreneurship rather than being employed. We collected nuggets of advice and a list of must-do’s for aspiring entrepreneurs.

1. Love what you do

“You need to love what you do, or sell, or offer,” according to Chit Juan, Co-Owner of ECHOstore Sustainable Lifestyle. Early in her childhood, she showed signs of entrepreneurship but only formally started a company after college. She founded a small café outside campus and went into other businesses involving things she liked such as coffee, music, and health, among others. She has been an entrepreneur for more than 30 years already. She shares the secret to her success, “Do not get into business for money alone. Yes, you must be financially profitable to be sustainable. But you must also think of your environmental and social impact.”

2. Have a positive mindset

For RJ Ledesma, Co-Founder of Mercato Centrale Philippines, television/events host and book author, it is important to, “Always have a positive mindset into things. Never see failure as failure but an opportunity to learn. Learn the best practices—what works for you and what doesn’t.” Along with other partners, he operates the Mercato Centrale group of weekend markets seen all over the metro. Although they have closed down some market locations, he doesn’t view it as a disappointment but as a learning experience. They have since opened other market concepts and have expanded to out-of-town locations.

3. Create a novel concept

When considering a start-up business, it is important to think of a new idea. Anton Diaz, Founder of OurAwesomePlanet.com, one of the top blogs in the Philippines, believes that, “The concept should be innovative, unique, and/or an improvement of an existing idea. It needs to be exciting to entice people to try and to convert people to become regular customers.” His blog posts about his food and travel adventures have become popular through of word-of-mouth and have gained him an impressive following in the industry. This foodie-entrepreneur also believes, “You should be able to execute and try the concept as fast as you can, and fail as fast so that you can refine into a winning concept. It is important to learn from failures fast and execute the improved ideas faster.”

4. Be accountable for your actions

Aside from business basics, entrepreneurs should understand the meaning of accountability. “Learn to embrace the responsibility of and appreciate the effects of your decisions; it is, after all, your company and not any one else’s,” shares Danella Yujuico Yaptinchay, a businesswoman who wears a lot of hats. She is currently the Managing Director of Full Suite, Inc. and Maestro (Publisher) of Homegrown Media www.homegrown.ph. Full Suite, Inc. is actually a business that services start-ups and entrepreneurs. Danella joined the company in 2009 and saw the potential of its business model when she met a lot of entrepreneurs from various industries and realized that everyone needs help in one form or another.

5. Maintain good relationships

 Vince Golangco, Founder of WhenInManila.com, a popular online magazine with a community of over 200 contributors, knows that, “Business is all about relationships.” He actually got into the business by accident. He simply loved to write so he started a blog and things happened one step at a time from there. He slowly incorporated the things he learned from business books and turned his blog into an award-winning one. “I can’t stress enough how important it is to have good, trusting relationships with people. You will never succeed on your own.”

6. Have the heart to persevere

As a young girl, Cris Barancik would sell stickers and stationeries to her friends. In high school, she would supply cakes to her uncle’s coffee shop, and would even organize bazaars during the holidays. Although it didn’t attract a lot of shoppers, she continued to be an on and off entrepreneur for 25 years. “You must have that goal in mind in spite of difficulties and obstacles—there will be many—and not get easily discouraged,” Cris swears by this. “One must welcome challenges and see it as opportunities to learn and improve. If things don’t pan out the way you had hoped, there is always a way around it.” She is currently the Managing Partner of Strategic Vantage Advertising, a below-the-line marketing company that has been around since 2004. For her, “Failure does not define you. It just gives you an opportunity to learn and be better the next time around.”

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Related articles: The Leadership Mindset

The post Filipino Entrepreneur: 6 Things Every Entrepreneur Must Do appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

by Didi Paterno-Magpali reporting from Dubai

Mary Ann Santos reporting from Manila

The ongoing economic recession has caused a lot of turmoil in different countries:  currency depreciation, price increases, unemployment and political unrest. Economists are bleak soothsayers, predicting that a prolonged recession will lead to an economic depression. But there are some people who have been able to make the most out of the current economic environment and have turned the recession into their own SUCESSion formula. Didi Paterno-Magpali reports from Dubai and Mary Ann Santos reports from Manila.

LAARNI EUGENIO: HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY

Laarni Eugenio’s talent and experience working as a set decorator in one of the Philippine’s biggest TV networks, partnered with her husband Ariel’s keen eye for detail as a props designer, along with their consistent can-do attitude have helped establish themselves as one of the go-to wedding, events planning and design companies in the United Arab Emirates. Ariel’s Designs, which started out with just one warehouse seven years ago, now has expanded into three warehouses with a staff of 15 people of various nationalities– Indian, Nepali as well as Filipino.

It took them seventeen years of back-breaking work thousands of miles away from home: enhancing their skills, learning the ins and outs of running a business and gaining the trust and confidence of colleagues; seventeen years worth of savings and one window of opportunity before this husband and wife tandem broke free from the bonds of employment and went solo.  And that window of opportunity was when their former employers decided to close down the company. Realizing that she knew how to run the day-to-day operations and could take the company to new heights, Laarni decided to take over the business from the management through a transfer of business license. It was Laarni, who took on the reins of the arranging the transfer of business license, legal documentation and other start-up requirements, while Ariel continued on as an employee in order to retain and continue their residence status in the UAE.

Starting business in the UAE isn’t easy for expats, as the law requires the support of an Emirati business partner on top of the many other business license requirements. But since the husband and wife team gained the trust of their former employer’s local sponsor, setting up shop was a breeze. Though the almost effortless beginnings didn’t mean that their entrepreneurial pursuit went on smoothly.

One of the many challenges of owning and running a business in the Middle East is the racial discrimination. Eugenio shares how Filipinos are often stereotyped “Racism has been here since the very beginning (of our business). And we’ve been here in Dubai since 1988. Hindi nagbago yun. May mga kliyente na lalapit sa iyo at hihingi ng proposal pero malalaman mo na lang na pupunta sa iba dahil lang (mas pinapabor silang lahi). Ganun talaga (dito). Tatanggapin mo na lang at mag move on. [Racism has never changed. There are clients who will approach you and ask for proposals, but, in the end, you would get to know that they’ve decided to work with other suppliers just because they were of a preferred nationality. It’s really like that. You just have to accept that racism is a fact of life in the Middle East and you move on.]”

But despite this Eugenio moved forward with her head held up high and it has paid off. Their company has gained the trust of clients, majority of them Arabs, through their natural talent, sheer determination to succeed, and more importantly, honesty.

“Naranasan ko na kahit nagawa mo ng maganda yung trabaho at natapos na yung kontrata, pagdating sa bayaran ng balanse, magrereklamo sila, kesho panget at sasabihin sa iyo na babaan ang presyo. Hihingi sila ng malaking discount. [I’ve experienced that even if I’ve done the work well and delivered everything in the contracts, clients will complain that you didn’t do a good job at all. Then ask for a huge discount.]” Though Eugenio had anticipated this, she never had the heart to pad proposals just to secure profits for the company. She is firm in her principles in doing business “I am honest in business. (Sa mga ganung sitwasyon) either kunin mo yung pera kahit lugi ka (o wala ka makukuha). Basta (importante sa akin) meron ka makuha kaysa wala. Prinsipiyo ko na lang kikitain ko yun sa susunod…Hindi naman ako pumasok sa business para kumita ng malaking pera. [In those situations, you either get the payment even if you lose a lot of money or you don’t get anything at all. It is more important that I earn something instead of nothing at all. I just believe that I will earn that in my next projects…I did not set up the business just to earn huge amounts of money.]”

Eugenio stresses how love for the work, rather than love for money, is more crucial for entrepreneurs to succeed “Di naman lahat ng gusto natin makukuha natin. May trials, may challenges talaga…Masestress ka, pero kung love mo ang job mo, you will take (everything) as a challenge, (whether) good or bad. [We won’t get to have everything that we want. There will always be trials and challenges…You will feel stressed, but if you love your job, you will take everything as a challenge.”]

MILO TORRES: BAYANIHAN SPIRIT IN THE DESERT

Unlike Laarni and Ariel Eugenio, who left employment by choice, Milo Torres had to face entrepreneurship in the UAE head-on because of circumstance. He was terminated by his former employer due to corporate restructuring and budget cutting. But thankfully, the company did not immediately terminate his residence visa, which would have meant losing his permit (along with his wife and son) to stay in the UAE. The companyactually renewed his residence visa, which was valid for three years, to allow him to find a job to replace the one he lost “It was a fresh renewal of (residence) visa as I had just finished 6 years of staying with them. It was actually a good gesture from my employer. I did not ask for it. I was a very good employee…it was just unfortunate that my services (were not required by the company anymore).”

Torres, though was a full time employee as a senior engineer / network administrator at that time; he started moonlighting as a website designer and photographer. This, little did he know, would be the saving grace of his sudden unemployment. He was an active volunteer in the Filipino community as a computer trainer. In fact, he was one of the founders of the Overseas Pinoy Professional Photographers society and he is the publisher of the currently inactive Overseas Filipino Workers’ portal, OFW Zone (http://ofwzone.com). Torres started to concentrate his efforts on his freelance projects while job hunting. It was then he realized how he could actually make it on his own, that he was earning more as a freelancer specializing in web design and photography than what prospective employers were offering him as a senior engineer.

After more than a year of freelancing, with the help of funds from his savings, Torres decided to register his business to make it official. Getting a business license would be a springboard to expand his business, an opportunity to work with medium to large companies, apart from his regular clientele. “And since I got my (business) permit from TECOM, I was able to (handle bigger) clients like Dubai Duty Free, Sharjah Duty Free, Patchi Chocolates, British Business Group. Maersk, Air France and Dubai Outdoor Media among others.”

“Networking and mingling with the community plays a very important role in any business as you are actually building good (relationships) with people. In fact, until now, I still receive referrals from my computer students from as far back as year 2000.” Torres proudly shares his key learning on entrepreneurship. It was then he truly felt the Filipino Bayanihan spirit, where he indeed experienced the full on support from the Filipino community “In the first five years of the business, most of (my clients) were Filipinos or were influenced by Filipinos. Now, it is a mix of nationalities.”

Torres thinks that being an entrepreneur is “one of the most thrilling and rewarding experiences” in his life. He is extremely proud to be his own boss: being hands on in all aspects of the business, managing his own time and using his skills and creativity to the fullest. Yet he still recognizes that going solo is not a bed of roses. “Going into business is not an easy task. You have to work extra time when the economy is low or when competition heats up. Pressure is always there, unlike being employed where (you) just have to work 8 hours a day without worrying about the business. There are lots of responsibilities and plenty of administrative details that are not fun. You can’t please everyone and have no guaranteed salary.”

Despite the many challenges, Torres remains positive and encourages his fellow kababayans not to be intimidated by going solo. “To start and run a successful business needs a lot of information, but the basics are simple: maintain a positive attitude, stay informed with the current market, stay focused and motivated, plan well, know your customers and keep monitoring all monetary transactions. If you can take that simple advice, you can be a successful entrepreneur.”

FROM THE PHILIPPINES

OWEN SANTOS, FREELANCE WRITER

Owen Santos was previously the Features Editor of Marie Claire Philippines, the local counterpart of the international magazine franchise.   When the magazine ceased its three-year publication run due to a new direction adopted by the media company, Owen became a freelance writer.  She didn’t scare off at the thought of going independent despite the trying times.

The key to overcoming economic difficulties, Santos explains, is to “develop your resourcefulness even more. With freelancing, you not only work on being creative but also on sourcing your own projects.”  Although Santos is working independently, she advises it is best not to isolate yourself.  “Put yourself out there, and keep in close contact with your network.  You show people what you’re good at by expressing your ideas on how you can help them. You should not be greedy about your ideas and always expect a certain price on them,” Santos adds.  To be highly successful in freelancing, “you should actively pursue projects confidently.”

To make the recession work for her, Santos adapted a different kind of attitude.  “You do not focus on the negative when you write independently.  You should also develop a different kind of discipline when you are freelancing since you come up with your own schedule as against the rigid 9–5 working hours in a company.” It was this discipline and work ethic that allowed Santos to work on a lot of income-generating projects and still have enough time with her mother who was recovering from an illness.  “I wouldn’t have been able to do that if I was employed.  It will be very stressful not only for my but for my mother as well.”

MARTINE COSIO DE LUNA, CHIEF BLOGGER/OWNER, DAINTYMOM.COM

Martine Cosio de Luna was previously a teacher in a progressive school for seven years, and an editorial assistant for a small publishing firm prior to that.  When she had her son whom she wanted to breastfeed exclusively, de Luna decided start a blog about her experiences as a new mother.  Her blog, Dainty Mom, began in March 2010, upon her return to the work force.  “It started off as a free website on Blogspot (the free platform of Blogger.com). It all began as a diary wherein I expressed my thoughts as a new mom,” she recounts.

As she got into blogging more regularly, de Luna began to take writing jobs on the side, while maintaining her teaching position. She started off by working with different Internet marketing and copywriting projects that she acquired from Craiglist.com, a directory site.  De Luna eventually got repeat clients from both Australia and the U.S. that guaranteed a steady income, enough to cover for the income she gave up as a full-time teacher. In June 2010, she resigned from her job at the school and went into full-time freelance work.

In 2011, de Luna bought her own domain, daintymom.com, and established it as a brand that is an inspired lifestyle for work-at-home moms (WAHM).  The blog serves a dual purpose:  (1) To promote values and information on how to be a practical WAHM and (2) to act as a launching pad for her freelance services of blogging and copywriting.  Currently, de Luna is also extending her blog to other platforms offline.  She is organizing an event called It’s a WAHMderful Life:  A Work-At-Home Moms 101, a one-day workshop for is for moms who want to find their bliss working from home while making a home. (The debut workshop is this October 2012.)

How did de Luna successfully overcome the global challenges brought about by the economic recession?  First, she became part of two global phenomena: Outsourcing and WAHM-ing.  “Outsourcing is very much in-demand these days.  The Internet has crossed boundaries, enabling clients to search for service providers worldwide,” she says. “WAHMs are also increasing in number as more women are leveraging the Internet to suit their lifestyle.  They are also able to save from the reduced transportation cost and corporate attire expenses which can be allocated to more important expenses.” Through a career style that is flexible and based on her strengths, she is able to craft a work lifestyle that marries well into the family lifestyle she and her husband have agreed on. “By working from home doing freelance work, I am now able to spend more time with my son, even home schooling him.”

Secondly, (and in line with this philosophy of location-independent work), de Luna has professionalized the services that she offers as a WAHM. With the many service providers readily available, de Luna advises potential WAHMs to “start brand building and offering your services through online platforms, such as your own website,” in order to differentiate themselves. “If you want to be a freelancer, you have to invest in marketing yourself as the right person for the job. Through your blog, for instance, you can market yourself, create a following, and get potential clients to like and trust you. In gaining their trust, you can establish an ideal work-related relationship with them.” She also advises finding clients who are able to pay for services on a retainer basis, which helps bring in a steady stream of income.

JAYCE PERLAS, OWNER, PERLAS PUBLIC RELATIONS

Jayce Perlas was previously employed in a large network company before venturing in a partnership in Public Relations and eventually starting his own private independent consulting firm.  “I was looking for new challenges in Public Relations and Corporate Communications,” says Perlas explaining to why he shifted from an employee to an independent consultant.  “As an employee, you are just focused on your craft.  As an independent consultant, you are challenged to extend your focus to Human Resources, Administrative work and Business Development.”

Perlas’ business formula actually works to his best advantage. “The economic recession is working to our advantage.   With independent firms operating on the same media with huge multinational PR companies, providing the same and sometimes more superior services, we are certainly at an advantage.  We do not incur extremely high overhead costs just to support an international franchise.  We provide more personalized services to our clients.  With global clients cutting down on corporate communications, a lesser priced but more efficient PR partner is a no-brainer.”

Perlas further adds, “A lot of companies are looking for alternatives to decrease spending on advertising but still communicate themselves.”  He therefore takes on a role of enlightening clients on how Public Relations is a cost-effective communication tool versus using mainstream advertising.  “We earn the trust of clients and establish a good working relationship with them.  This is how we measure the success of a communications project.”

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