www.houzofzen.com

Founder: Rozen Antonio

Houz of Zen is a niche and creative boutique event management company that specializes in creating beautiful, personalized experiences through bespoke flower decorations along with beauty and fashion photography. “Whether it is creating that one exquisite arrangement for the perfect finishing touch or completely transforming a space, we have the knowledge and creative expertise to set the perfect setting and ambiance for your event,” Founder Rozen Antonio says.  The company’s clientele includes some of the most respected fashion houses and luxury hotels in the country.

Fourte Events

www.facebook.com/pg/teamfourte

Since: 2016 

Founder: Cecil “Khel” Rcuenco

Creating lasting memories through beautiful, thoughtfully executed events, Fourte has combined the principles of events management and style consultancy in order to attain its reputation as we know it today. Composed of a handful of the uber chic and talented of Dubai’s Filipino community, Fourte’s dedication to beauty and meticulous eye for detail has resulted in some of the most stunning and memorable events within the region.

The team has catered to numerous local and destination weddings, and their works have been featured in Bride and Breakfast, Inside Out UK, Esquire Middle East, and Promo. They have also done private gatherings and have consistently handled Omniyat’s corporate events for the last two years. Fourte functions differently from other creative enterprises out there, emphasizing a “No Wedding Package Policy” and approaching their clients with bespoke, tailor-made services. Through this, the team has created highly personalized one-of-a-kind events for its many clients and patrons.

“That’s the thing about working with people, no experience is the same, and it was all worth the learning it brings.” Founder Cecil “Khel” Rcuenco says. He believes in quality over quantity, and for that to be achieved, listening to clients stands as a top priority. “Know where you stand in the market. Create the needs for your clients. It is vital that you get to know them as a person. They are the real reason we thrive in business. Own your uniqueness and originality of concept.”

Fourte’s services have also expanded beyond their initial offering of wedding events and style consultancy. The team now also handles model styling for different brands (print, e-commerce, TVC), celebrity styling, private events, as well as the creation of model portfolios.

Digital Creations Event Management and PR Agency

www.d-creations.com

Since: 2014

Founder: Michael Da Costa

Digital Creations is a Dubai–based full-service Event Management and PR Agency that strives to bring brand messaging to people through creating and managing small to large-scale events for its clients. Among the big names that Digital Creations have worked for are Fashion Forward, Novotel, Lush, and Eros Group. Accessible and providing affordably-priced projects to clients, the company also offers PR, endorsements, sponsorships, product placement, marketing, and promotional strategies – along with talents consultancy for a variety of projects.

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

Previous Article – Filipino Businesses in the Middle East and Beyond: Travel & Tourism

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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.”

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

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entrepinoyco.com

Sheryll Bacay Agbing

Chairman

Endeavoring not only to inspire entrepreneurship, but also to bring change to impoverished communities back home, social enterprise EntrePINOY aspires to become the preferred global suppliers of socially responsible and high-quality Philippine products.

A catalyst for social change, Entrepinoy has been distributing – Bios Dynamis the breakthrough certified organic rice of the “Adopt a Farm” program. “By importing these products and introducing them into the Middle East market, we are thereby helping our local farmers,” says EntrePinoy Chairman Sheryll Bacay Agbing. 

Sheryll, together with partners Jessie Quintilla, Gertie Quebral, Hyden Restificar, and Chito Hernandez, have created EntrePinoy as a business with a social purpose as its primary driver.  “Knowing why you do business, how you do it, and what you do, we believe, is the formula to success. Regardless of how best great your business plan is, and how impeccable your marketing and sales strategies are, not knowing your purpose is like travelling without knowing your destination. EntrePinoy aims to bring high-quality Philippine products to the world while solving social dilemmas and creating a positive impact on the lives of people and the community they belong.”

Ahsant Dubai 

ahsantdubai.com

Iman Suguitan

Founder & Managing Director

Ahsant premium hotel supplies and specialized gifts provides room, bathroom and restaurant accessories within the industry of hospitality. Since 2009, Ahsant has partnered with many renowned hotel brands within the MEA region such as the Four Seasons, Burj Al Arab, Ritz Carlton, The Address Hotels and Resorts, Marriott, Hilton and many more. An award winning brand, Ahsant has won the 2015 Best Hotel Partner in MEHA (Middle East Hotel Awards), and the Best Luxury Hotel Supplies Company in the 2017 UAE Business Awards.

Founder and Managing Director Iman Suguitan’s rise to success has been one of humility and learning. Books have always been a source of learning for Iman, providing her with many ideas and inspiration. “I read books for start-ups, for success, for change, and I have this one favorite, the book called “Built to Last”. It is both inspiring and pragmatic, good for entrepreneurs who’d like to build a company that will last.”   Remaining inquisitive at all times is also essential to learning according to Iman. “Asking may give you a “yes” or a “no” but if you never ask, you will never have a chance for “yes”.”

Lastly, being humble stands at the core of Iman’s key to success. When dealing with problems, she quotes “don’t let success run to your head nor should you let failure define you”.

OFW Para Sa Magsasaka

ofwparasamagsasaka.com

Luchie Suguitan

Co-founder & COO

Working altruistically to bring positive social and economic change in the lives of those less fortunate back home, OFW para sa Magsasaka (OPM) partners with the marginalized yet potentially profitable agricultural sector of the Philippines with the goal of alleviating poverty experienced by Mindanao farmers. Led by COO and Head of Products Luchie Suguitan, OPM soon plan on producing fine cacao products to address the tremendous global demand.

Although no definitive formula for success exists for Luchie, she has learnt a lot from her journey as an entrepreneur. She elaborates: “You can hire the best people in your team, but at the end of the day, you cannot expect anyone to care more about your business, other than yourself – therefore, YOU must know the ins and outs of your business more than anyone else. Learn what you can from mentors. They are well-intentioned people who have gone through the birth and growing pains of a business and they will not be afraid to suggest or advise you on how things could be done better. But ultimately, my successes and failures will only be at the mercy of God’s wisdom.”

Al Maher Sculpture LLC – UAE

Lilian Maria S. Bautista

Founder

Founded by Lillian Maria S. Bautista, Al Maher Sculpture bridges culture, environmental awareness, and handmade products by offering decoration services for weddings, birthdays, holidays and many other special locations. Their services are tailor made for a number of special occasions and uses, making pre-arranged bouquets, centerpieces and indoor/outdoor arrangements. Al Maher Sculpture also organizes, and hosts flower arrangement workshops targeted towards beginners within the particular field.

Entrepreneur Lillian Maria S. Bautista is not one to shy away from struggle in the pursuit of business. She encourages her peers to find different ways around different obstacles that stand in the way of growth on the long run. “To overcome the situation, one should be flexible. When original plan won’t work, think of new strategies to implement.” Creativity is an added edge, as non-conventional methods often produce more interesting results.

Starting a business also means crafting out your own market and reaching out to a target niche within the audience. “If your market within your geographical location is limited, try to create your own. Reinvent. Try to reach out as far as possible”  Perseverance and patience are essential on the long run, she adds, as being a business owner requires serious amounts of time and effort in order to gain on the long run, as the fruits of hard work are at the end, not the start.

Eternitee

weareternitee.com

Ion & Racquel Gonzaga

Co-founders & Managing Partners

Being able to profoundly uplift others in the string of a few words is something Ion and Raquel Gonzaga strive towards. As managing partners of Eternitee – a unique label of statement t-shirts imprinted with spiritual wisdom – they aim to show how imparting positivity in the form of a mere sentence can leave such a huge impact.

For Ion and Raquel, attaining success hasn’t been the easiest. However, they’ve realized that being in tune with one’s spirituality is integral to the path towards it: “Besides taking the time to learn about digital resources that are currently available that allow for the growth of businesses (which is truly relevant), we are dependent on God’s wisdom above all. All decisions are prayed for, and sought for. Every action is assessed on if it is motivated by love, if it will inspire others, and if it will honor God.”

Meeting Garments Trading LLC – UAE

Shop: Meeting Dance & Leisure Wear 

meetingdancewear.com

Regina Marauta 

Founder

Fashion is a market that constantly grows day by day. New trends pop-up and an increasing demand for niche markets has been on the rise within the recent years – and that’s where Meeting Garments comes in. Chic, comfortable, energetic and stylish, Meeting Garments specializes in ready-made clothes, shoes and accessories that cater to all performance art institutions in Dubai, representing well-known brands from across the world.

In addition to the extensive market research and studies that entrepreneur Regina Martin-Marauta has undertaken, she insists that patience, perseverance and uniqueness. “It is crucial to have patience, perseverance, and, most importantly, a unique product/concept, or an everyday product that has been enhanced and altered in an innovative way.”

Helpful staff and a pleasant customer experience are definitely a necessity as one of Regina’s crucial qualities within a brand is the ability to reciprocate. Being able to give back to the community ensures a long lasting life within the market, as it builds relationships and guarantees customer loyalty. “Being an entrepreneur is all about being selfless and innovative, and reminding your customers why they should keep coming back.”

Related articles

Filipino entrepreneurs in the UAE and GCC – Travel & Services

Filipino entrepreneurs in the UAE and GCC – Food & Beverage

The post Filipino entrepreneurs in the UAE and GCC – Miscellaneous appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

filipinoinstitute.ae

Gabriel John D. Rimando

Founder & President

More than just a school for the people, the Filipino Institute is committed to providing uniquely designed professional programs that equip Filipinos in the UAE and Middle East with the tools, as well as the enthusiasm, to succeed in a chosen field.

Offering short courses in photography, accounting, human resources and office administration, caregiving, IT, and Arabic language classes, students can choose from basic, intermediate, and advanced courses designed to update their skills and knowledge, help them advance in their careers, or give them a competitive edge in the job market. In a span of two years, Filipino Institute has produced 40,000 graduates in the UAE and other countries within the GCC. “It started from the thought of wanting to help others and our economy. A notion that through the ripple effect of changing lives one student at a time, I’d be changing the world,” – says founder and president Gabriel John D. Rimando.

On the journey to where they stand today, Gabriel expresses that failing, and continuously learning from one’s mistakes, is an integral part of success: “Do not be discouraged by failure. Through the mistakes we make, we grow, we find strength, and character is built. Failing will always be a part of success. We just have to embrace it and learn to change for the better.”

Filbrit Training Center & Sampaguita Salon – UAE

filbrittrainingcentre.ae
sampaguitaladiessalon.ae

Mayet G Malang

Founder & CEO 

Filbrit Training Center founded and led by Mayet Malang is a KHDA and DED licensed training center located in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah.  They specialize in shadow teaching and educational support for children with special needs. Mayet is also the owner of Sampaguita Salon, which is known for providing high quality beauty services with European hair products at a reasonable price.

Through her experience, Mayet swears by her formula for success: “Strategic planning stands at the core of every successful entrepreneur. Having many options is the secret of being successful. Finding the balance between planning carefully and being flexible is what will turn your business into a triumph.  I also try very hard to listen to what my staff, my clients and others in the community are saying to me. Sometimes other people are the ones who can see things clearly.” She also mentions that passion is a driving force, that will keep one committed, and lastly, that being an entrepreneur comes with its own challenges as well. “Being an entrepreneur is tough, but never give up – keep going, follow your dreams with enthusiasm and strength: and you will make it for sure.”

Travel Services

James Travel – UAE

.jamestravelandtours.com

Christine Tilja

Founder and Managing Director 

Backed with over 20 years in experience, and having worked with over 500,000 clients within the Middle East and back home, James Travel tirelessly strives to bridge the gap between the UAE and the Philippines, and the rest of the world. Enriching lives through travel, the company, with offices in both UAE and the Philippines,  inspires and encourages people around the world to step out from what’s familiar through offering enticing services including: corporate travel, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events), educational/pilgrimage tours, worldwide holiday packages, visa processing, flight & hotel booking, as well as travel insurance.

Christine Tilja established the company in 2014, naming it after her eldest child.  Since then, the company now has branches in Dubai, Makati and General Santos City.  The entrepreneur shares what she likes the most about being her own boss, “To build a brand that adds value to the community and at the same time I get to spend more quality-time with James while growing up,” she says. “Success is a process – each experience, each mistake, each failure that I had made allows me to learn, be better and prepares me for the next chapter of my life.”

MPQ Tourism LLC (group) – UAE

www.mpqtourism.com

Malou Quinto Prado

CEO 

Spearheaded by Malou Quinto Prado, MPQ tourism is a fully Filipino-owned travel agency that aims to create unique and affordable travel experiences. As a leader among many travel agencies in Dubai, MPQ tourism specializes in visa organization, document assistance, travel arrangement and providing a wide variety of travel packages to customers.

Malou’s secret to success starts with acknowledging and planning for the problems that lie ahead. “As an entrepreneur I can say it’s not easy running a business.  You should always be positive and motivate yourself away from negative energy to strength and confidence.”

Her next secret to success lies within teamwork – always applying good leadership skills and nurturing employee relationships in order to ensure a happy and efficient work flow. “Investing more and more of your heart into your work the higher you go up is beneficial to the company and yourself.  The results show as you put more effort into these things.”

According to Malou, analyzing and adopting the traits of a great entrepreneur improves one’s abilities immensely.  She also puts emphasis on especially being goal oriented. She says, “By setting short-term and long-term goals, your business will be able to achieve more in the long run, and you’ll have a quicker read on the situation when things inevitably go wrong.”

Salon Services

Brusko Barbers – UAE

bruskobarbers.com

Roy & Abi Gaddi Cruz

Co-founders

Malu Gallardo & Algene Suria

Partners 

These days, looking sharp is on every guy’s mind. Brusko Barbers is a Dubai-based concept barbershop that offers classic and edgy haircuts, clean shaves, top-notch grooming services, as well as treatments provided by professional barbers and hairstylists – all in one urban warehouse styled hideaway for men in JLT. 

Lead by co-founders Roy Cruz and Abbi Gaddi Cruz, with partners Malu Gallardo and Algene Suria, Brusko Barbers was born out of the desire to address a gap in the market between exclusive men’s salons and the run-of-the-mill type.

No stranger to hustling, these entrepreneurs share what it takes to successfully build a brand: “To start up a business, you must have the skills to hustle, research-based insights, and a foolproof perspective on how good your service/product is. It sounds tough because it really is. If you’ve got that hard-core will to learn and to do all the above then you are ready to become an entrepreneur and it’s time for you to find the most suitable type of funding, partners or investors.”

Strawberry Nails

strawberrysalondubai.com

Dawn Almario, Olga Barcelona, Lot Quilatan & Sheena Jones

Co-founders

Just like the hair and nail treatments they offer, bold and brave are Dawn Almario, Olga Barcelona, Lot Quilatan, and Sheena Jones – founders of Strawberry Nails. Recognizing Dubai’s fast paced lifestyle, Strawberry Nails caters to the edgy girl on-the-go.

Having been open for three years now, these ladies express that despite having developed immensely asboth a team and a brand, they too elaborate that every aspect of any business can always be further enriched. From one entrepreneur to another who aspires, they share: “No matter how perfectly planned things are, you have to be flexible and constantly open to new ideas for each challenge. Be patient. Return of investment doesn’t happen overnight. Even a baby needs nine months to be fully developed and yet once born it’s just the beginning. Finally, believe in your idea and be brave. When things don’t go as planned, remember why you started the business, and just go for it. It’s always better to try and fail, than to fail because you never tried.”

Related articles:

Filipino entrepreneurs in the UAE – Advertising, Marketing & Production

Filipino entrepreneurs in the middle east – Food & Beverage

The post Filipino Entrepreneurs in the UAE and GCC – Travel & Services appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Illustrado FZ LLC 

illustradolife.com

creomad.com

Lalaine Chu Benitez

Founder & Managing Director

Mon Benitez

Co-Founder & Creative Director

Business and real life partners Lalaine and Mon Benitez have been building brands in the Middle East for multinational and local companies for the last 20 years, originally from the corporate side, and in the last decade as entrepreneurs running their own agency.  Typically known in the market for Illustrado Magazine, their company also provides advertising and marketing services including strategy, campaign creative and design, to social media, content marketing, production, web development, digital marketing, and etc. Drawing from the rich multinational experience of its core team, as well as its top-notch talent network in the UAE and beyond, Illustrado has the ability to deliver big strategic and creative edge, typically the domain of multinational agencies and mega-budget brands.

The company has worked in fields as diverse as consumer goods, electronics, fashion and luxury, pharmaceuticals, food, hospitality and tourism, B2B, real estate, CSR, advocacy marketing, furniture and banking, etc.  Their client portfolio includes Bayer, Nikon, Giordano, Casio, Private Collection, Swiss Arabian Perfumes, Horizon Foot Cone Belding, Apparel Group, Landmark Zenath Group, Ayala Land International, Global Hotel Alliances, InterCon Hotel Group, among others.

Ex-Leo Burnett Creative Director, multi-awarded ad man Mon Benitez shares, “To remain competitive and relevant in the market, we need to be, not only aware and equipped with new technologies and trends, but we also need to truly live in today’s world.  Communication is changing so quick these days, professionals cannot afford not to learn new things.”

Ape Creative

theape.co

Rollan Rodriguez

Founder & Design Director

Pushing the prolific boundaries, as well as innovation by art, is what Ape Creative is all about.

Avidly purveying a perspective that is dynamic and vibrant to the lowbrow art movement in the region, Rollan Rodriguez is the founder and creative director of Ape Creative – a UAE based full-service studio specializing in design concepts, brand identity, illustration, and experiential design, driven by a team of fearless creatives.

Armed with more than a decade of experience in graphic design, advertising, and the visual arts, Rollan has also spearheaded the Dubai based art collective, The Brownmonkeys.

Having worked alongside big brands like Nike, Nandos, and Red Bull to name a few, Rollan and his team have discovered that discipline, creativity, and vision are what principally constitute the foundation for an outstanding outcome.

Wjacob

wjacob.ae

Marcus Dela Peña

Founder

Initially starting out as a boutique design studio in 2012, advertising agency Wjacob has expanded over the years offering below the line creative solutions such as graphic design, corporate branding and identity, and more recently integrating web design and development.

For founder Marcus dela Peña, continually innovating and evolving with the ever-changing times remains central to the brand. As for their formula for success, Marcus attests: “Collaborate. Most of our big and successful projects stemmed from the willingness to accept the help of others and help others in return. Innovate. Re-invent yourself. Learn new things. Develop and explore new ventures. Have faith. Have faith in God; in what He can do through you to help others. Have faith in yourself. Believe in the product you are selling.”

Alpha Media

alphamediaproduction.com

Oliver Serrano and Ernesto Flores

Founders

For over 15 years now, Alpha Media Production has been creating quality audio-visual content for the region.

Headed by entrepreneurs Oliver Serrano and Ernesto Flores, this full-service media production company has made it a core priority to provide clients with compelling visuals that leave a lasting impact. Catering to several production-oriented needs, including photography, videography, and event coverage, Alpha Media Production, with their team of creatives and producers, seamlessly take any project from concept to completion.

Operating in the media and entertainment sector, Oliver and Ernesto share that continually striving for excellence on a daily basis, forging and consolidating relationships, as well as resilience when it comes to growing from our shortcomings, are all vital to success.

Creative Comic

creativecomic.ae

Jruzz Merca

Founder

Catering to both businesses and individuals alike, Creative Comic, founded and run by Jruzz Merca, specializes in providing top-notch photography and videography services. Jruzz shares: “We aim to help our clients to express a meaningful message or represent themselves through a creative and unique approach that aids in elevating their brand. It is our task and mission to show the world what your brand or event is about.”

Since coming to Dubai back in 2007, Jruzz has worked alongside numerous companies as a photographer and videographer until ultimately choosing to set up an enterprise of his own. Establishing as well as sustaining a business here in the UAE, as multifaceted as that sounds, starts from a mere vision, says Jruzz: “Coming to Dubai with nothing, all I had then was a dream to someday put up my own company. From that thought, I became persistent in doing everything possible to achieve my goal. My advice: don’t just dream, work for it! Always find ways to improve yourself by learning new skills that will eventually pay off in the grand scheme of things.”

Milo Torres

milotorres.com

Milo Torres

Founder

There is no deficit in talented Filipino photographers and visual artists in the Gulf, but few have reached the level of success and relevance that Eng. Milo Torres currently has.

As a freelance digital media creative under the Dubai Creative Cluster Authority, Milo offers services of which include commercial photography, event coverage, company profile design and development, and web development, among other things. He has had over 13 years of success in designing various materials for an impressive lineup of clients, including EMAAR, Dubai Duty Free, and Air France to name a few.

Acknowledging how becoming a thriving businessman is no easy fete, Milo yet shares that it is universally achievable: “To start and run a successful business entails many complexities, yet the fundamentals are simple – maintain a positive attitude, stay informed with the current market, know your customers, and keep monitoring all monetary transactions. More importantly, give your best shot in everything that you do.  If you can take this simple advice, you can be a successful entrepreneur.”

Chris Calumberan FZE – UAE

chriscalumberan.com

Chris Calumberan

Founder

Chris Calumberan FZE provides professional imaging production for commercial, retail and corporate clients. Their specialties include editorial photography for and videos for various campaigns, from marketing collaterals and catalogues, tailor made for various client needs. Since marketing is an increasingly diverse field, Chris Calumberan FZE has continued to provide event coverage for various occasions on different platforms.

“The UAE market is so diverse that there is a lot of space for improvement for ourselves in the business,” Chris notes. His approach to success centers around the principles of focus, solution, and abundance. By focusing on what really matters, clients become loyal, guaranteeing sustained business and growth. “Loyalty produces referrals and creates revenue. Having the resources to study our competitors is ok in exchange of cost, but focusing in what matters can create more income for the business.”

Staying humble and having reasonable expectations is another core quality that Chris encourages, as company growth is all about setting achievable goals and visions. Sticking to your goals also helps you practice practicality, he adds: “There are plenty of jobs for everyone.  Think abundantly and try to avoid lavish expansion because it is an overhead that you may not afford in the future.”

Hyku D Photography/Soultrap Studios – UAE

hykudphotography.com

Hyku Desesto

Founder

Hyku Desesto is a renowned commercial photographer in Dubai, with two brands under her name.  The first company is Hyku D Photography, a multi–specialty photography house that covers campaigns, events, interior, lifestyle, fashion, food, weddings, portraiture and nightlife photography. The second is Soultrap Studio, her professional video production team.  Both companies exceed in producing high quality photo and video content for brands, businesses and individuals.

“Clients love working with us because we have the experience and foresight to devise from start to finish the output our clients really need.  We also always give them more, without having to ask for it.”

Hyku’s method to success lies within strategic planning and having a practical mindset. She emphasizes on spending only when necessary, and selecting and maintaining investments wisely in order to get the most out of your choices in the long run. Hyku also encourages building relationships with  clients to guarantee quality service and effective communications. “I always say to our team that we are only as good as our last project and to always challenge ourselves to be better. Our work speaks for itself and it’s great relationships and word of mouth that has brought us to where we are now.” 

Great Image Middle East FZ LLC

greatimageme.com

Flariden Dela Torre 

Founder 

According to Flariden Dela Torre, “ Your passion and whatever is in your heart should be your type of your business. Business is not all about the money, but it is more of what you love to do. You will not succeed in business if your main goal is only to gain profit and money. Business should be balanced. It should be the thing you always wanted to do and always wanted to improve upon. It is your partner as well in having a happy personal family life.”

Since its establishment in 2014, Flariden’s company Great Image Middle East LLC has become a trusted and reputable company in the UAE for wedding and corporate photography, with their specialization including advertising, food, lifestyle and corporate portraits, to architectural and interiors.  The company has also added videography to its portfolio of services.

With their roster of clients including corporations and government departments in the Middle East, as well as companies from the UK, Germany and Singapore, the company endeavors not only to capture, but to present images at its very best as they believe in elevating photos from a piece that you can hang on a wall, to an impressive picture that’s worthy of inclusion in a website or social media page.

Niche Modeling Agency – UAE

nichemodels.co

Renelyn “Glitzy” Robles

Founder & CEO

The UAE’s first fully Filipino-owned modeling, production, and events agency, Niche Modeling Agency, was founded in 2017 both with the ambition to provide the market with local high caliber models and talents, and to challenge the negative generalizations associated with the industry and women in general.

CEO Glitzy Al Banna, alongside her team, aspires to introduce a new breed of modelling agency that redefines industry norms. With Dubai being the multi-cultural melting pot it is, Niche Modeling Agency not only provides its clients with top-notch models for print, editorial, and video campaigns, they too promise to deliver a highly diverse selection of talents that wholly represent the UAE in a global arena.

Not only have their endeavors as a company given many models opportunities, but they too have empowered other talents in the industry, including photographers, stylists, hairstylists, makeup artists, many of whom are Filipino.

Anna Model Management – UAE 

annamodels.com

Anna Liza Llagas

Founder & CEO

Anna Model Management, established in 2016, was founded by seasoned Filipina model, Anna Liza Llagas. Having graced several runways and fashion spreads in the past, Anna’s transition towards the more commercial side of the industry was fueled by her advocacy to provide both models and clients with respect and professionalism, taking into consideration their needs and goals. Anna Model Management offers a unique range of models for commercial, runway, and editorial projects.

As for what it takes to run and sustain a business, Anna shares: “Setting up a business is like going back to school – you have to be knowledgeable in every field – management, accounting, marketing etc. – even if it means studying the basics. But ultimately, passion and hard work are what determines success. The most essential lesson I’ve learned from running my own business is that almost everyone encounters failure. But for those who choose to persevere and achieve their goals, a failure is nothing but a learning experience that helps one grow.”

RELATED ARTICLES 

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

Read more about Filipino entrepreneurs on Illustrado Life.

The post Filipino Entrepreneurs in the UAE – Advertising, Marketing & Production appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

exoplanetappuae.com

Exoplanet app allows people to enjoy the pleasures of good food combined with good company. For individuals who like connecting over a good meal, the app allows you to find and meet up people nearby. Founder Rafael Galing shares: “We want to foster an amiable community built on positivity, because a sense of camaraderie is something everyone should experience.” Exoplanet has recently been made available at Apple for IOS and Play Store for Android version.

Shoenvious – UAE

shoenvious.com

Shoenvious is an online platform where ladies can design handmade, bespoke and luxury footwear. Developed in the UAE by Co-founder Sau Noddings, Shoenvious uses cutting-edge 3D technology to bring your shoe designs to life with an extensive range of customizations.  “As a shoe lover, it’s important to wear shoes that are aligned with my style as well as suit the occasion. We want to change the way women shop for shoes by giving them the opportunity to put their best foot forward every day in a bespoke pair that represents the best version of herself.”

It’s the HY – Australia

itsthehy.com.au

It’s The HY is an up and coming Australian fashion and textiles company based in Melbourne that create fashion art kits so people can learn how to make their own clothes. Set to launch next month, founders – Filipino Yavi Bermejo and Australian Hugh Reed aspire to change the collective perception on clothing as a whole: “We want people to approach fashion in their own way. We want a future where we have a better relationship with fashion and the way that people purchase clothing.”

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As of 2017, The Trade and Industry Department estimates that there were over 300 of these innovative and potentially scalable businesses established in the country.  Interest in entrepreneurship, however, has been growing in recent years with more and more millennials opting to create their own ventures, and while the numbers of investors and incubators are seeing a promising increase.  Interestingly enough, the Philippines’ also hit an important milestone in 2017 with its first ‘unicorn’ – Revolution Precrafted, developers of prefabricated designer homes founded by Robbie Antonio, raising its series B funding valued at over US$1B.

With all indicators pointing to a promising future, and Filipino entrepreneurs rolling up their sleeves to push out the next big thing, here are 10 Filipino-founded startups from the homeland and elsewhere, which are making a difference in their fields.

Taxumo Inc.

Giving Filipinos much-needed tax assistance service.

Taxumo.com

Philippines

Since 2016

Sector: Tax Preparation Services

Founder: Ej Arboleda

Dealing with taxes can be quite the headache – especially atop an overwhelming schedule. In the pursuit of solving said inconvenience, Taxumo was born.

Spearheaded by Ej Arboleda, Taxumo is an end-to-end web-based tax assistance platform that allows Philippine based freelancers, SMEs & self-employed licensed professionals to file and track their tax requirements. In a matter of minutes, taxes can be filed and paid online anytime and anywhere on computer or mobile device. Ej elaborates: By simply entering one’s income and expense in the app, tax dues are calculated real-time and tax forms are auto-generated and auto-filled. With a click of a button, taxes are filed online. The app also auto-generates accounting entries for easy transfer to one’s manual books of accounts.”

Since the business’ inception in 2016, Taxumo has accumulated over 4,000 users, and has collected more than PHP 1.2 million worth of taxes since 2017. Moreover, the business was actually the first startup to be included in the Philippine Board of Investment’s Investment Priority Plan.

EJ Arboleda is backed with twelve years of experience managing Enterprise Resource Planning Software systems, and four years of innovation experience as Chief Technology Officer at a WPP Digital Advertising Agency.

As for their main goals as a brand, EJ Arboleda shares: “We aspire to empower SMEs and make their lives and business operations easier. By helping SMEs, we help this ecosystem grow and thus create real inclusive growth. Ultimately, the vision is to help 100 million Filipinos to become empowered entrepreneurs and better taxpayers.”

Souqpinoy.com

Easing the lives of Overseas Filipinos in the UAE and beyond.

United Arab Emirates

Since 2016

Sector: E-Commerce / Events

Founder: Enrique H. Yamzon
Originally initiated to aid Overseas Filipinos in the region, souqpinoy.com is an online ecommerce platform that allows customers to shop in the UAE, and send the goods directly to their homes back in the Philippines. Just recently, the ability to pay utility bills and multiple other bills back home was implemented on their website. “Through our business, our goal is to provide OFs around the world with ease in supporting their families,” says founder Enrique Yamzon.

In less than two years, Souq Pinoy was has earned over 20,000 registered users. Through the success of their ‘souqpinoy.com Slim Down Challenge’, a social media based reality competition, they have also garnered audience interest from more than a dozen other countries.  Whilst services are currently available only in the UAE, souqpinoy.com aims to expand throughout the Middle East region, as well as Asia Pacific, where millions of Filipino-expats are based.

Founder Enrique is a seasoned real estate expert in UAE, with his experience in the industry spanning over twelve years. He is now the general manager at Al Seeb Real Estate Development, a prestigious group in the region.

With plans of future business expansion, Enrique voices that the motivator behind his future corporate endeavors lies in the desire for his fellow countrymen to succeed: “I would like to encourage Filipinos globally to continuously strive – learn and always set the standard above the common level. As a Filipino, our people have continuously earned respect as we are gifted with talent, skills and an innate dedication for what we do. Let us keep ourselves equipped with knowledge, knowledge that will set us above everyone.”

Kumu – Philippines

Connecting Filipinos around the world on a more creative level

kumu.ph

Philippines

Since 2018

Sector: Media/Technology

Founder: Roland Ros

“To change the conversation on storytelling and creativity for Filipinos,” is precisely what founder Roland Ros seeks to do with Kumu – a new livestreaming platform where Filipinos can connect globally.

Despite being armed with a background in performance marketing and advertising technology, Roland’s unwavering love for the Philippines has led him to use his talent for the benefit of his fellow countrymen. Having garnered over 10,000 users in the beta testing stage, Roland attests: “Our mission is to build stronger communities for the global Pinoy, whilst building a technology foundation that will develop a solid digital ecosystem and economy.”

Looking to officially launch very soon, Roland shares: “We are currently refining our product by listening to the feedback of our users.  Once we have achieved “must have” status with our community, through a sophisticated set of key performance metrics that we use as a benchmark, we will proceed to move forward with a big public launch.”

Roland endeavors to inspire a new breed of Filipino purpose driven leaders, as well as self-sustaining content creators. Kumu can be downloaded from Google Play and App Store.

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Note that I use the term “live with a dog,” and not simply just “have one, because that is exactly what being with a dog is like for me and my family: it’s not as much as ownership, as it is really co-habitation. A pet is not just some furniture, or piece of property that you acquire. It is alive, sentient, and – although some pundits will disagree – it has emotions. Living with a dog is a big responsibility. It literally means placing the well-being of another living being in your hands. It’s just like living with another person, only that person is furry, walks on all four’s, and loves you unconditionally.

A dog around the house seems to lend itself to better heart health. I can vouch for this personally. Taking care of a dog – especially if it’s a particularly active breed – requires quite a bit of physical exertion, so you would have to maintain a certain modicum of fitness. Forget the treadmill. If you’re looking for the latest in home exercise equipment, you may want to consider something with four legs and a wagging tail.

The love that I receive from my dog also helps me to stay positive. Experts say that even the mere act of looking at your pet increases the amount of oxytocin, the “feel good” chemical, in the brain. Just the act of petting a dog lowers heart rate and blood pressure.

Pepper my 3 year old labrador is our family’s little giant princess. We take turns feeding and training her – plus the occasional bit of spoilage! She is a very smart girl who loves attention. Whatever affection that we give to her, she gives back to us tenfold. When I step in the door after a long day at work, she welcomes me and treats me as if I’m Ryan Gosling!

Why should anyone bother with pets?

A pet can be just as relevant and important to your home as any member of the family. They become a part of your “tribe.” How we take care of them and value them helps improve the way we interact with other people.

I certainly have noticed Pepper’s positive impact on my kids. Somehow, she has helped them become more pro-social and responsible, not only towards the welfare of others but also towards addressing their own needs. Personally, I can say that our pet has helped me become more altruistic and compassionate.

But despite the widespread awareness on the beneficial effects of pets, animal cruelty is still rampant in many parts of the world – this includes irresponsible ownership. You inflict pain and suffering on your pet whenever you fail to look after its well-being, or worst, when you abandon it completely.

Dr. Nasser Lakhrebani Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Emirates Animal Welfare Society, mentioned in a statement that the Society will be doubling its efforts this year, as it aims to shed a greater light at animal welfare issues. He also encouraged all residents of the UAE to lend their voices in the call for the humane treatment of animals.

#Petproblems

Before my family and I decided to adopt a dog, we had to ask ourselves the difficult questions: who will be responsible for feeding, training, walks, exercise, clean-up, vet visits and more? Are we financially prepared for a pet? Will we be able to care for the pet for her whole life? We knew what we were getting ourselves into – a dog would likely change our lives! We needed to be ready.

We are now on our 3rd year of having Pepper around, and despite the initial adjustments and minor incidents, we have no regrets whatsoever. We’ve entered into a whole new relationship with a living, breathing, very needy, and very loving animal. She’s the little daughter we never had.

Taking care of a pet is really just a matter of getting into the routine. In addition to her weekly baths, I also brush Pepper’s coat regularly. This minimizes shedding and allows me to assess her physical health. A dog can’t exactly walk up to you and tell you that she’s feeling a little off, so she relies on you to stay alert for any warning signs.

Food is not the only thing that a dog needs to survive. For us, that means exercising, socializing, and playing with Pepper whenever we could. We also take her out for long drives – sometimes as far as the next emirate. We have her vaccinated yearly and give her deworming tablets every 3 months. I give her raw hide to keep her busy, especially when I leave for work, and special treats to reward her for being a good girl.

Tips for choosing the right dog to live with

Just as you can’t live with just anybody, you also can’t live with just any dog. There is such a thing as a right human-to-dog match, and it’s important that you know exactly the type of dog that you and family will be compatible with.

Make a checklist. Yes, an actual list actually helps. Don’t spare yourself the tough questions. Do I have the time and energy to take care of a pet? Can I afford it? Will the landlord, facilities management, or homeowners’ association allow it? Make sure that you are ready for this big change.

Determine what size of dog is appropriate for your home. If you live in a studio apartment, then you probably shouldn’t bring home a Great Dane. If you are not a physically active person, then you probably shouldn’t bring home a Collie. Pick the dog that fits the way you live, so the transition is less strenuous – for you and the dog.

Train your dog. D ogs are pack animals, and pack animals require strong leadership. The lack thereof may lead to severe disobedience and even destructive behavior. You can have your dog trained professionally, but know that you will still need to dedicate your own time to work with her on a regular basis. Some dogs also need to be socialized from a young age, otherwise they will grow up shy or skittish.

Prepare for the added expenses. Did you know the cost of caring for a pet over its entire lifetime can cost as much as AED 60,000 or more? These costs range from veterinary visits for routine vaccines and teeth cleanings to unexpected illnesses and accidents. All the little things add up, too: microchipping, grooming, leashes, dog bowls, food, flea medication, toys, doggie doors etc. You might also need to hire a dog walker if you work long hours, or leave your dog in a kennel when you go out town. Make sure that you are equipped to shoulder these extra expenses.

Pick the right breed. This is easy enough to do with a bit of research. Again, take your lifestyle into consideration. Many factors may go into this decision, but the bottomline is that you and your dog should both be happy. There is no point in pursuing this new and exciting relationship if you cannot sustain it. Be truthful to yourself about your capacity to care for a dog. Love her and look after her as you would any member of your family. What you get in return is priceless.

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Philippine Business Council of Dubai and the Northern Emirates Photo by Eros Goze for Illustrado Magazine

With the mantra “Connecting People, Bridging Businesses” the Philippine Business Council of Dubai and the Northern Emirates plays an integral role in bolstering the presence of Filipino businesses and assisting entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners in the UAE. 

The group is the only Filipino organization officially recognized by the Dubai government and licensed by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industries. According to Chairman Bobbie Carella, “PBC is a platform, an avenue to promote and create an environment of active cooperation and goodwill amongst its members and the business community in Dubai, the Northern Emirates and the Philippines. Since we re-launched the group this year, we have come to define our role in the Filipino community as a repository of information – a knowledge distribution node. Another critical function of PBC is to act as ‘connector’ between Filipinos and other business communities in the UAE and beyond.”

The PBC has spearheaded a number of projects in the past both educational, as well as in support to various Philippine-causes, the most prominent of which is the very successful Ateneo de Manila University Leadership and Entrepreneurship Programme (LSE) which is now in its third year. This year, the PBC has also started running seminars and workshops on management topics for the continued development of both entrepreneurs and professionals.

Set to celebrate its 15^th anniversary in 2016, Bobbie shares that the group is gearing to facilitate a Regional Trade Show that will showcase industries from around the Philippines. She also adds, “Moving forward we would like to see PBC with a very healthy membership of committed and engaged individuals who will deliver. There is strength in numbers – we are now the 3^rd biggest ethnic group in the emirates. Once we increase our membership size, with PBC acting as a collective overseeing body, this council will have the clout and be the vox populi of our community. Finally, we would also like to see more presence of big Philippine brands in the country.”

The PBC Executive Committee consists of – Bobbie Carella (Chairman), Red Vargas (Vice Chairman), Eden Borja (Treasurer), Caloy Serrano and Marty Plumley (Membership), Lalaine Chu-Benitez (Marketing), Andy Minodin (Projects), Christine Gonzales and Leo Barrameda (Secretariat).

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Flying the flag of Filipino entrepreneurs in the capital is the Philippine Business Council of Abu Dhabi (PBC-AD), an organization composed of businessmen, entrepreneurs and professionals connected with local companies who share a common interest in developing local business, trade and investment between the Philippines and United Arab Emirates.

Formed in 2003, the council’s objectives include – to provide a forum for exchange of knowledge and resources beneficial to the common business interest of its members, to establish a strong relationship with government agencies – the Abu Dhabi  Chamber of Commerce, trade associations and the international business community with the purpose of developing bilateral trade, investment and tourism, to encourage Philippine companies and entrepreneurs to establish operations in the UAE, and to promote entrepreneurship amongst Filipinos in Abu Dhabi

With the favorable endorsement of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, PBC-AD was granted full membership by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) in March 2004. The Council has also received its commercial license to operate from the Abu Dhabi Municipality in order to implement its program and activities.

In furthering the council’s aspirations, the group holds events for Filipino entrepreneurs and professionals in the capital. Chairman Agnes Aquino-Briggs explains, “We have a monthly ‘Kapihan,’ a casual gathering where we exchange knowledge on issues related to the council’s objectives. During this event, we also invite resource speakers to give talks on relevant topics such as – setting up business in the UAE, labor and business law, etc. We also give an opportunity to individual and corporate members to share their success stories so everybody can learn from their experiences.”   She added, “We also hold a lively cocktail event called ‘BizzTalk’ where we invite members as well as officers of the Philippine Embassy and the DTI, as well as friends and potential members with the goal of promoting newly set-up businesses  to the Filipino community. Other social and business events are organized with the participation of corporate members to help promote, and connect them to local companies and the general market.”

The PBC-AD hopes to espouse even more meaningful projects in the future and to reach out to all the professional Filipino organizations in order to collaborate on projects for the continued empowerment of Filipinos in UAE.

Learn more about the PBC Abu Dhabi here – http://www.philippinebusiness.org/

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