World expos have forever been championing culture, innovation, and human ingenuity of all forms from all over. During these landmark events that only happen once every five years, countries gather to showcase their successes and game-changing ideas that rewrite history and foretell the future’s promise all at the same time. With Dubai Expo 2020 fast approaching, the Philippines is set to shine and elevate the collective image of its people in the global arena to end all global arenas – utilizing its landmark participation to tell a progressive yet unmistakably authentic narrative of our nation.

Spearheading this milestone initiative is the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) under the leadership of Secretary Ramon Lopez (Chairman and Commissioner-General of the Philippine Organizing Committee), together with Assistant Secretary Rosvi Gaetos, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Hijayceelyn Quintana, Architect Royal Pineda, and Curator Marian Pastor Roces.

Through participating at the expo, the team endeavors to highlight the Philippines’ best in terms of trade, tourism, and investment, as well as other facets that showcase the nation for what it is – a creative and compassionate changemaker with a burgeoning economy that is ready for business. Secretary Lopez shares: “With our participation, we hope to create more goodwill for the Philippines and to attract greater interest not only for our products but also investments, as well as our tourist destinations.” He adds, “Alongside forging relationships with potential investors and trade partners, it’s an opportunity to project the Philippines as a progressive and innovative nation – that is also rich in culture and heritage – of concerned and professionally active individuals that are connected worldwide.”

Asec Gaetos remarks, “The goal of our participation is 3-fold: country branding, trade tourism and investments, and consumer engagement.” She also adds that the participation is largely a branding exercise that empowers Filipinos to tell their own story – and not anyone else’s.  She affirms, “It’s a story, a narrative of what and who the Filipino is, and it’s something that is supposed to elevate and change mindsets not only on how Filipinos look at themselves, but also likewise how the whole world will look upon Filipinos.”

With over 700,000 Filipinos in the UAE, Ambassador Quintana expresses that OFs will play an instrumental role in shaping the Philippines’ run during the 6-month event, “The Filipino community here can play a very supportive role even if everything is prepared already by the Philippine organizing committee.  There are other things that we can do to reinforce the message to elaborate on whatever could be done to highlight the many things that are going to be presented and projected during the expo.“  She continues, “This is our chance to shine; this is a global stage that we are going to have. I hope that we will be ready for that.”

Architect Royal Pineda who designed the Philippine pavilion called “Bangkota” based on the coral reefs, shares the idea behind the most awaited structure. “The very essence of what we are doing is to reflect the real nature of the Philippines – our people being warm, sensitive, and caring.  We go the extra mile, and we are very soulful. That is what we are presenting and amplifying in this pavilion. We intend to showcase the beauty of our islands, our materials, our skills, and, most of all, our people. It is about collaborations – modern bayanihan, to show the world that we have something to offer – our gift to the world. And this, I believe, is important to find the identity, dignity, and honor of Filipinos.”

Curator Marian Pastor-Roces is excited to offer a new story of the Philippines through the pavilion – “That Filipinos are not just a product of that 500 years of history that we know of right now. That the Filipino has been in the making for thousands of years.”  She adds, “Most people do not know the story of our emergence into today. They will see a totally interconnected people, and this is an excellent platform for Filipinos because the whole expo is actually about connectivity. And we obviously are among the most connected, if not the most connected   people on earth.”

The image of the Philippines as a growing global force to be reckoned with, coupled with deep roots and a caring and connected people, is set to be highlighted at the forthcoming event, which is slated to be the ‘World’s, Greatest Show.’  With the leadership of the DTI at the Expo 2020 in Dubai, the community and the country is set not only to seize opportunities on many fronts, but it is also set to take another step towards its progressively evolving narrative.

Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf is Supported by: Kaya Skin Clinic,  Emirates Airline, and Unilever.

Special Thanks to Michael Cinco, Ezra Couture , Giordano, Darcey Flowers, IKON Solutions, Victors Freight, MPQ Tourism, Asia Gulf Companies –La Carne & Filfood, WOL Water

Related Article: Bangkota – The Philippines at Dubai Expo 2020

Learn more about the DTI in Dubai

Related Article: The Making of the Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf 

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Ushering in a new echelon within the country’s proud line of athletes, Hidilyn has won the first Olympic gold medal for the Philippines.

At 30 years old, Hidilyn triumphed within the women’s 55KG weightlifting category in the Tokyo Olympics, lifting a combined weight of 224KG, rising above the previous world record set by Liao Quiyun of China. She has even received recognition as a silver medalist in the 2016 Rio Olympics, and as the winner of the Asia Games gold in Jakarta (2018).

Filipinos all around cried tears of joy as she celebrated her victory. To date, the Philippine’s participation within Olympic history (since 1924) has seen 11 medals won, with Hidilyn claiming the first gold.

Her story goes to show that Filipinos everywhere can achieve excellence, no matter how dire situations can be. Despite the current ongoing pandemic, she has trained in exile in Malaysia for the past year.

As the olympics are not over yet, Filipinos watch eagerly to see their kababayans succeed and make more strides in the other categories, all while looking forward to welcoming a new national hero.

Taas Noo Filipino!

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The move sees Giordano continue its recent expansion in the African continent – adding to its portfolio which already includes Zambia, South Africa, Kenya and Mauritius, alongside its presence in over 30 other countries across Asia, the Middle East, Australia, Canada and Russia.

Mr Mark Loynd, Executive Director and Head of Overseas Market Development, commented, “Melcom is Ghana’s leading retail chain, with an extensive network of over 50 wholesale and department stores. We are both pleased and excited to commence our partnership with Melcom to bring Giordano to Ghana”.

Related: Giordano’s Newest Mega Flagship Store Opens in Jeddah, KSA

Ramesh M. Sadhwani, Joint Group Managing Director of Melcom, stated, “Giordano has a long, rich history in providing relevant, essential and timeless fashion for all. Ghana has witnessed a surge in demand for international fashion labels, and with Giordano having over 2,100 stores around the world, we are excited to bring the brand to Ghana and West Africa”. Mr Sadhwani continued, “We are extremely proud of our heritage, and will draw on our over 30 years of experience to create a new chapter in West Africa’s retail landscape with our new partner, Giordano”.

Commenting on the expansion, Mr Loynd added: “Giordano is strengthening its franchise business and remains steadfast in pursuing new markets – our recent ventures in the African continent lays testament to this”. He concluded, “Our global expansion continues. We have clear plans to open further new markets in Africa, and will also be looking to add to our existing store network in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and in South East Asia”.

About Giordano:
Giordano is a leading international retailer of men’s, women’s and children’s apparel under the brand names Giordano, Giordano Ladies, Giordano Junior, BSX and Beau Monde. Established in 1981, Giordano now operates over 2,100 stores and counters in Greater China, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Australia, India and the Middle East. Giordano is listed on the main board of Hong Kong Stock Exchange under stock code 709.

About Melcom:
Melcom Limited is West Africa’s leading organized retail chain and is a true local home-grown Retail Super Brand. Established in 1989, it has footprints across Ghana with over 50 department stores and wholesale stores. Melcom has been adjudged a SUPER BRAND and rated as one of the Top Business Houses in Ghana year after year.

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TNK is a DTI initiative that aims to promote entrepreneurship as a response to unemployment, job-seeking, and migration. The webinars are dedicated to helping OFs and returning OFs from ASEAN, Middle East, South Asia, and ANZ launch and grow their agribusiness ventures. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Cheryl Marie Caballero will discuss lucrative agribusiness opportunities to kick off the four-part webinar series.  

The agriculture sector showed resilience even during the height of the lockdowns. In Q2 2020, the sector expanded by 1.6%, bucking a downward trend that dragged all other sectors.  

Usec. Caballero will explain how overseas Filipinos can take advantage of this trend while contributing to the country’s food security efforts.  

Agricultural Credit Policy Council Executive Director Jocelyn Badiola will go over the agency’s financial assistance programs designed to finance the livelihood activities of qualified entrepreneurs.  

Lastly, Agricultural Training Institute Director Alfredo Aton will discuss the agency’s capacity building and training programs to equip agri-entrepreneurs with the tools they need to build and scale successful agri-enterprises.  

DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez is set to deliver the opening remarks. The session will be hosted by PTIC-New Delhi commercial counsellor Eugenio Elevado Jr.  

The episode on agribusiness will be followed by sessions exploring Philippine-denominated investments, franchising opportunities, and the local startup ecosystem.  

The TNK webinar series will run for the whole year and feature high-level speakers from the government and private sector as part of a dedicated effort to capacitate overseas Filipinos in key areas of entrepreneurship. END

*For more information about the TNK Webinar Series, please follow DTI-Middle East and Africa Facebook page.

Related article: Team Pilipinas – DTI Expo 2020 Dubai Illustrado 300MIFG

Related article: Manila listed as one of the world’s top emerging startup ecosystems

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Public Speaker

Rowena Niduaza discovered the beauty and power of public speaking when she joined Toastmasters International in 2004, and through this group, she was able to bring out her other strengths and provide a voice to the Filipino community in the speaker’s circuit. This led to a slew of titles she has won for the country: the Division (UAE) championship and the District Championship (Middle East). In 2013, she won the Middle East Championship, becoming the first regional representative to reach the semi-finals of the Toastmasters International World Championship in Public Speaking in Canada.

Rowena also utilized her communication prowess and unique brand of humor and charisma to speak on female empowerment at conferences such as the Dubai Women’s Summit in 2017 and 2018, sharing the stage with other women leaders from the UK, France, Canada, etc. – inspiring audiences to bring out the best in themselves.

Originally from a creative background, heading the design department of a regional furniture retailer, she is currently looking to return back to fashion – her original calling.  She is set to launch her fashion line in the Philippines this 2020 and focus the project until she eventually retires from the emirates.

Nevertheless, even with her mic parked, for now, she will always be one of those rare people who successfully promoted the Filipino voice and wit, out there into the world, providing exceptional representation of our people on the global stage.

Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf is Supported by: Kaya Skin Clinic,  Emirates Airline, and Unilever.

Special Thanks to Michael Cinco, Ezra Couture , Giordano, Darcey Flowers, IKON Solutions, Victors Freight, MPQ Tourism, Asia Gulf Companies –La Carne & Filfood, WOL Water

Get a copy of Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf Legacy Edition

Rowena Niduaza

Public Speaker & Comedian

Public speaking powerhouse, Illustrado Woman of Substance Honoree and all-around lovable comedic personality, Rowena Niduaza occupies a unique position among many of Dubai’s charismatic personas. Well-known in the speaker circuit in the region, Rowena was a keynote speaker at the Dubai Women’s Summit 2017, and once again in 2018, sharing the stage with His Excellency Zulfiquar Z. Ghadiyali, CEO at the private office of His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Saeed Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, as well as other women leaders from the UK, France, Canada, etc. In 2019, She is slated to be a part of another Women Empowerment Summit, this time in Manila.

Away from the gravitas of the female empowerment summits, Rowena is also a comedic talent, performing stand-up at the wildly successful “Comedy Cocktails” with well-known personalities from India, and Saudi Arabia.  Her comic routine centers on the humor of the mundane, the amusing points of motherhood and family – something Rowena relishes talking about.

Always grounded and comfortable in her skin own skin, Rowena swears by honesty and faith as her guiding light in life.  “If we can be honest with ourselves about who we are, our relationship with others will be deeper and stronger.  Then we seal it with faith. The same goes for improving ourselves; we need to be honest about what we can and cannot do because it’s only through this process we can take in the right learnings to improve ourselves. After that, all we need is the faith that we can do it.”

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Special thanks to our sponsors: Emirates Airline, Stars n Bars La Mer, Liali, Instax – Grandstores UAE, Dusit Thani Dubai, Gver – Your Friendly Marketplace for Sharing, Meeting Dancewear , MPQ, CMG, Filbrit, and our partners Rozen Antonio Photography,  Alex Callueng Photography, Jef Anog Photography, and Ethereal Photography.

Browse the digital issue of Illustrado 100 Most Influential Filipinos of the Gulf 2018

Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf – Rowena Niduaza – The Storyteller

Rowena Niduaza has gained the respect and admiration of the Filipino community in the UAE for her magnificent strides with Toastmasters International – a non-profit organization that conducts communication and leadership training worldwide. After winning the Toastmasters Competition in the UAE in 2005, she won the regional leg of the competition and subsequently became the first Middle East representative to the 2005 Toastmasters International Convention for World Championship in Public Speaking held in Toronto, Canada. She is heralded as a master communicator, debator, and public speaker, and community leader, but there is one other title that gives her immense pride: survivor.

Rowena was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2005, but in a twist of fate that could only be described as “miraculous,” she was eventually declared cancer-free by her doctors. This event led to a new awakening for Rowena Niduaza. “It was like a fresh new canvass but this time instead of using my brush right away and paint the colours directly on the canvass, I learned that it’s worthwhile to sketch my thoughts first before the final touch of colours and signatures,” she says. “I learned to look at life at a different angle. If one angle doesn’t satisfy my questions then I will try looking at it at another angle until I find the right answer and purpose in the situations around me. Life after cancer is like living with a better view finder.”

She felt a great desire to present her testimony to the world, and Toastmasters International gave her the perfect platform. For her, it wasn’t only about winning anymore, but also letting everyone know that hope can still thrive in the face of such a debilitating disease. “My speech was all about my life with cancer and I just kept on revising it in every level of the contest, but the story and the message were always the same,” she says. “We don’t need to wait until we experience the fear of dying before we appreciate living because we should fear what is dying inside us while we are still living.”

Despite the accolades that she has acquired through the years, Rowena Niduaza considers her family her greatest achievement. “I am proud of how my three kids have grown and how they have achieved much,” she says. “It’s not only about their success in their field but how they both treat people and animals with great care.”

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The “Light of Faith” (solar) rosary project is being done in partnership with the Manila Cathedral, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, under the auspices of the National Quincentennial Committee, the inter-governmental body responsible for organizing the events around the quincentennial. Collaborating institutions include Archdiocese of Cebu, San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Our Lady of Aranzazu Shrine, St. Andrew Cathedral Parish, National Parks Development Committee, National Museum and Rotary Club of Makati Business District.

The Healing Rosary for the World will be led by. Fr. Fr. Arnold Santa Maria OSA on Wednesday, January 6 coinciding with the traditional feast day of the Epiphany. The rosary will be streamed online via the Manila Cathedral Facebook page at 9:00pm. Rev. Fr. Kali Llamado, Vice Rector of the Manila Cathedral helped organized the recitation of the rosary.

“As we welcome a new year, a year that also marks 500 years of Catholic faith in the Philippines, we wanted to create a platform for everyone to unite in prayer. For the challenges that still require our strength, and for the front liners who continue to shield us from the scourge of this pandemic, we invite everyone to join us in a unifying act through our virtual, online recitation of the rosary”, says Illac Diaz, Founder of Liter of Light.

Each of the hand-built solar lights that make up the beads of the (solar) rosary was built by thousands of participants in Liter of Light’s “Light It Forward” Challenge, which has given Filipinos a new way to connect for good. Inspired by the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, LIGHT IT FORWARD invites ordinary people to do extraordinary things by building solar lights for communities without electricity from the safety of their homes.

The Five Mysteries of the rosary will be marked by five carrozzas or carriages with images of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints lent by the San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Our Lady of Aranzazu Shrine and St. Andrew Cathedral Parish.

The (solar) rosary is the third of three large-scale solar installations that the Liter of Light has built in Luneta Park since November 2020. The foundation built the largest Philippine solar-powered flag in Asia, which was unveiled on Monday, November 30, the birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio, and just last December 30, Liter of Light paid tribute to Jose Rizal with a large-scale solar portrait of the national hero.

Related Article: Illac Diaz – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

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Filmmaker

Over the last 5 years, Kamil Roxas has created short films and documentaries that were screened and have won awards at festivals including the Dubai International Film Festival, Singapore World International Film Festival and the Cannes Film Festival. He has also been honing his craft on the commercial front directing commercial spots and creating regional advertising campaigns for Tiffany & Co, Paco Rabanne, Cartier, Vacheron Constantin, Jeep, Vivo and more, under his own production company, Hello Project Space.

Known as one of the slickest storytellers of Dubai, Kamil is known to employ a strong cinematic approach to storytelling that creates visually striking and emotionally engaging work.  As one of the leading creatives in the community Kamil who has worked with multicultural teams and clients to great success, he attests to the abundance of Filipino talent in the country.  He says, “The Filipino community in the UAE is no short of talented artists in every creative field.” Advising future filmmakers, the artist recommends, “Surround yourself with people who are more creative than you.  Find time to collaborate with everyone. We are in a country that has over 200 nationalities. It is a missed opportunity if you only stick to a demographic that you are most familiar with. Don’t stop learning and try to veer away from the mindless telenovela and ‘noon-time show’ aesthetic. Think more globally.”

Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf is Supported by: Kaya Skin Clinic,  Emirates Airline, and Unilever.

Special Thanks to Michael Cinco, Ezra Couture , Giordano, Darcey Flowers, IKON Solutions, Victors Freight, MPQ Tourism, Asia Gulf Companies –La Carne & Filfood, WOL Water

Get a copy of Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf Legacy Edition

Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf – Kamil Roxas – Hipster Film Maker

A self-confessed movie junkie, Kamil Roxas has been drawn to the world of film-making even at a young age. His interest in films like Pulp Fiction has influenced him to pursue the art, and with stars aligning to his fate, he has been offered a scholarship to attend a the New York Film Academy after he won the Best Director award for ‘Celebrate Life’ at the first Middle East International Film Festival. And, that has signaled the beginning of a growing list of achievements that Kamil Roxas gained in the craft he so loves.

He has won the Best Documentary from the Commission on Overseas Filipino Media Awards for the film ‘The Filipina on Top’ that was produced in collaboration with Illustrado’s Women of Substance advocacy. He has also bagged awards from the Dubai 48 Film Project and Nikon Film and Video Festival, and last year, his short film ‘Shadows’ won the Best Cinematography category at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival.

His latest achievement is the grand prize award at The Reel Dubai Short Film Competition organized by the Dubai International Film Festival, Dubai Tourism and Samsung. Mentored by renowned local filmmakers Nayla Al Khaja, Mohammad Saeed Harib and Ali F Mostafa, Kamil Roxas’ entry of ‘Hello World’ has gained the critics’ nods to the poetic narrative of the rise of Dubai shown in his film. This winning short film has been screened at the 68^th Cannes Film Festival this year.

Now, Kamil Roxas continues to enjoy writing and directing for documentary work, commercial campaigns, TV series and occasional films and music videos. His most recognized commercial project would be the 30 episodes for a television series on Abu Dhabi TV documenting the work of Make-A-Wish Foundation UAE.

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Arté Pilipinas, a project of the Philippine Business Council Dubai & Northern, is a first-of-its-kind community festival showcasing the richness and beauty of the arts and culture from the Philippines and its UAE-based diaspora.

The festival happening on February 6-8, 2020 will feature ethnic parades, traditional and contemporary performances, art, live music and cuisine and more.

Open calls for visual artists and fashion designers for the Flores de Febrero to be curated by Ezra Santos are closed.

To know more and to send your application, please visit www.artepilipinas.com/open-call

Read more about Filipino artists: 

Illustrado Scrapbook: Rosaline Baylosis, Joey Reginaldo, Angel Gaddi & Marlon Boloron

100MIFG CL Frostyle – Dance Artist

Artist Spotlight: Nowhere Birds – Indie Musicians

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www.tangereapp.com 

Established Since: January 1, 2018 

Founder: Martin Xavier Peñaflor

While market data is instrumental to the research and development facet of companies, it is not the most obtainable considering the high price traditional market research companies often charge for it. Undermining this reality is Tangere App. Empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s), Tangere App provides affordable and real-time market research. For companies that can’t afford the typical PhP1-2 million price, one can have access to the results of nationwide studies that include over 1,800 respondents for as low as PhP70,000. They have also invested in the ‘Rolls-Royce’ of Business Intelligence, Tableau Analytics, to deliver interactive data analytics to their customers based on the results of the market research. Founded by Martin Penaflor, Tangere facilitates the collection of data via mobile application. Based on incentives, respondents can earn points by voting for different survey items available in the app, which in turn can be used to win in raffle draws and for points redemption.

As the chief architect of Tangere App, Martin was an internationally certified business process consultant for SME’s and Large Enterprises from multiple industries before starting the company together with friends from the Market Research and Data Analytics industries. “Our main goal as a company is to provide the same competitive advantage, formerly enjoyed by large enterprises to SME’s. For our Tangere community, providing an alternative platform for them to express their opinions on key issues in the Philippines and at the same time giving them the chance to win items and redeem points is our main priority,” Martin expresses.

Officially launched via Google Play Store in May of 2018, Tangere App has grown immensely. The company currently has 70,000 subscribers purely by word of mouth and has graced the number one spot multiple times on the Google Play trending list. Moreover, they have closed deals with various SME’s in the food and manufacturing industries in the Philippines – namely Gerry’s Grill and Pampanga’s Best – and their survey results have been presented all over mainstream media including CNN, Philippines Star, and ABS-CBN news.

TRIPZEEKER

www.tripzeeker.com

Established Since: 2017 

Founder: Kim Co Lim

These days, finding smart ways to save money has never been easier, thanks to platforms like TripZeeker. This online meta-search engine allows travelers to compare the prices of numerous tours, activities, and attraction passes for where they’re going. When using TripZeeker, all you have to do is search for tours on the website. You’ll then be given a list of all the available tours with prices from the partner websites based on the keyword typed – it’s that simple. Currently, TripZeeker has aggregated over 85,000+ tours from across the globe. The startup was also featured on regional and local media platforms like CNN Philippines, INC. Southeast Asia, Vietnam Finance, TechShake Asia, Today Singapore, and Entrepreneur Asia Pacific.

Founder of TripZeeker, Kim Co Lim was a former stockbroker at Maybank ATR Kim Eng Securities, and RCBC Securities, Inc. She holds a BS in Management Accounting and has a diploma from the Ateneo Graduate School of Business – having completed a Certified Securities Specialist Course. She is also an Ambassador for the Philippines in the Asia Pacific MSME Trade Coalition (AMTC), and in an NGO based in Singapore. Aside from Kim’s comprehensive background in business, she is a travel aficionado at heart – and with this passion, aims to make TripZeeker the leading travel website in the Philippines and the most significant international tour comparison platform.

Elaborating on her aspirations as a founder, Kim shares: “I aspire to create a travel-based marketplace that enables travelers to browse, compare and book from millions of travel options related to tours, activities, and packages. And to have the opportunity to reshape harmony in the global travel ecosystem by helping travelers to discover the best travel deals and help local tour operators to have more reach online. Being one of the best travel destinations in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is truly world-class, and we should have our own leading travel website. With the help of people who believe in our vision, it’s not far-fetched.”

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

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www.burket.ph

Established Since: June 2018

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

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

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

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

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

COWORKING ALL ACCESS

www.allaccess.work

Established Since: March 2019

 Founder: Brandon Joseph 

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

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

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

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

Previous article: Filipino – Founded Startups: Agriculture Technology

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