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October 1, 2019
LA CARNE
Since: 2014
Founder: Jovy Tuano
As one of the only premium multi-brand meat retailers in the country, La Carne has risen to become one of the benchmark brands of its kind in the country. Working as a premium meat retailer in the UAE, the company has supplied award-winning beef and lamb from Australia, the USA, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa to its discerning patrons. La Carne has provided its customers with a wide variety of options as well as custom orders available upon request (such as 12-hour smoked brisket and halal sausages).
La Carne aims to become a value-adding educational hub for premium meat in the nation’s capital while innovating the way steakhouse level cuts are made available to UAE residents. Through their online store and loyalty program, they have shared educational content with their patrons and improved transparency between client and seller. With an ever-evolving ‘kaizen’ mindset and a focus on community engagement, La Carne has become a competent and trustworthy customer-orientated authority within the region.
CO CHOCOLAT
Since: 2016
Founder: Luchie and Iman Suguitan
Founded by sisters and ‘Cacao Doctors’ Luchie and Iman Suguitan, Co Chocolat has introduced a new concept within Dubai’s diverse field of gourmet offerings. Through their brand ‘Co Chocolat’, they have intrigued the Dubai foodies by introducing healthy chocolates with a wide variety of tastes.
Their products are developed with health as the number one priority. With minimal use of refined sugar, Co Chocolat develops its products with natural cacao and natural sweeteners (coconut, dates and other fruits), as well as superfoods that promote healing.
“We are committed to ensuring that each bite may either relieve stress, enhance mood, serve as anti-oxidant, boost energy, improve the immune system, be anti-inflammatory, mildly relieve pain, enhance vitality, improve gut flora, or promote heart health.”
Co Chocolat has also maintained a strong relationship with local farmers in the Philippines. By collaborating with small businesses run by cacao farmers in Mindanao through their parent company (OFW para sa Magsasaka), they have made community traceability the core of their work. Through this, they have also increased overall productivity and stability within the cacao farming sector. Through its accomplishments in bringing locally sourced Philippine products to the UAE, Co Chocolat has become a shining example of a business model formed through mutual cooperation and sustainability.
ADOBO RESTO 24/7
Since: 2014
Founder: Dowel Deligos
Adobo Resto 24/7 serves authentic Filipino cuisine to the Filipino community in Muscat, Oman while introducing it to the many locals and foreigners in the country. With a culinary focus on dishes from the southern regions of the Philippines, Adobo offers a different take on Filipino food in contrast to its counterparts in the country – while presenting dishes at a high standard with homecooked execution and family-style serving.
OUNCE
@ouncedxb
Since: 2013
Founder: Alberto Opena
Ounce has steadily made a name for itself within the UAE through its expertise within event and facilities management, consultancy and catering for numerous events. Famed for its specialization within beverage mixology, the company has worked closely with MMI and has become the brand ambassador for many well-known labels such as Jack Daniels, Macallan and San Pellegrino. The brand has also introduced a unique flavor into the field by way of “Tagai” craft cocktails, which are inspired by Filipino culture.
ESKINITA
Since: 2017
Founder: Aldo Aguilar
Situated in Deira, the heart of Dubai, Eskinita Restaurant serves Filipino and international street food with favorites including grills, sizzlers and fusion drinks, to the growing Filipino community. It has established itself as a casual hangout and events place for many Pinoys, even hosting open mic sessions where individuals and groups could showcase their musical talent.
OFF THE HOOK
Since: 2016
Founder: Rolly Brucales
Three years running strong since its opening in Abu Dhabi, Off the Hook has constantly provided simple and delicious fun to a growing loyal customer base across the UAE. The brand has become famous for serving healthy Louisiana-style seafood coupled with a family oriented ‘kamayan’ style dining experience, and laid back and cozy atmosphere.
Off the hook has four branches spread across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain with a fifth one opening very soon. Through their services, Off the Hook has been nominated for 2017 Best Seafood Restaurant by Timeout Abu Dhabi. Over the years, they have also collaborated with influencers across the region. In a highly saturated industry like the Food and Beverage sector, one can easily become lost and generic. Off the Hook has stayed true to its concept since day one, vigilantly analyzing and identifying market trends and refining its family style dining concept.
Founder Rolly Brucales has known work from a very young age, first beginning as a helping hand in Bicol in his family’s meat business and gaining experience in the public market. After moving to the UAE in 2004, he gained over eight years of accounts experience and expanded his horizons through networking. He also gained an insight into the market by becoming a sales associate along the way. After finding the right partners, he opened Off the Hook in 2016. His unyielding spirit has also led him to open a number of diverse business ventures including a tailoring shop, Global Connect Travels and Tours and Rock Built Contracting and General Maintenance LLC.
As the father of the OTH family, Rolly believes that everyone must go home with something substantial, “lahat tayo dapat umuwi ng meron”. He encourages financial stability and pushes his employees towards professional growth in their endeavors. Through this, he aspires to grow Off the Hook into a worldwide brand, believing that Filipinos can be successful entrepreneurs who not only provide jobs, but also contribute to the building of a strong Filipino community.
Read the full edition of Illustrado Work & Play 2019 on www.issuu.com
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