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/
Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Nick Nadal – The Master Strategist
Nick Nadal is quite possibly the single most important voice in the subject of Corporate Governance in the UAE, but you will never hear this from him.
Ask him about his achievements and all you will likely get is a coy smile and a suave invitation to a change of topic. Perhaps this is the most prudent course of action on his part, as his achievements can certainly speak for themselves: seven years as the Director of the Hawkamah Institute for Corporate Governance, two years as Head of the Mudara Institute of Directors, and as of press time, Advisor for the Executive Council of the Government of Dubai.
His work in the private and public sector has helped immensely in the formation of regional corporate governance policies that effectively consolidate the perspectives of internal and external stakeholders whilst keeping abreast of global best practices.
Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Filipino Ladies Association for Growth (FLAG)
Nowhere is the special role and capacity of women in facilitating cross-cultural understanding more apparent than in the case of the group FLAG (Filipino Ladies Association for Growth).
Lu Cimafranca – FLAG Founder – Photo by Eros Goze for Illustrado
Composed of the Diplomatic Ladies of the Philippine Consulate General of Dubai & the Northern Emirates, and supported by a select group of prominent Filipina leaders, FLAG was founded by Mme Lu Cimafranca – wife of former Phil Consul General Head Hon. Frank Cimafranca in 2014, and is now lead by Mme Yasmin Balajadia-Cortes wife of current PCG Consul General Hon. Paul Raymund Cortes. Mme. Cortes explains, “FLAG’s main objective is to enhance the role of Filipino ladies in the UAE through active participation in community events. It focuses on women empowerment and the advancement and the promotion of Philippine culture. We hope to raise awareness among the various ethnic communities in the UAE about what the Filipina woman can contribute and achieve in this country’s multicultural landscape.”
Speaking on the special role of women in the community, particularly the contribution that diplomatic spouses bring to the table, Mme Cortes elucidates, “Spouses provide the foundation for diplomats to keep grounded especially when the world of diplomacy and consular issues gets rough. In addition, we complement their work plans most often in socials and cultural events. There are many instances where the informal and back channels work more effectively than the formal and official route and this is where the spouses play a decisive and crucial role.”
Yasmin Balajadia-Cortes – Photo by Eros Goze for Illustrado
Last year, FLAG spearheaded the Terno Ball in the UAE which brought Filipino trailblazers and the diplomatic community together. The group has also provided support to some charity organizations. Continuing on, Mme Cortes shares, “We will be working on the Filipiniana Ball which we hope could showcase the uniqueness of Filipino fashion and highlight the renowned creativity that have produced superb talents like Michael Cinco, Furne One, and Ezra Santos. We also hope to plan more activities in the next couple of months.” She also adds that FLAG will also pursue worthwhile advocacies back home especially those related to disaster relief and support for less-privileged children.
“We are excited to work with everyone here most especially in projects that would uplift the image of the Filipino in the emirates. Rest assured, I will continue playing an active role in ensuring that our women are empowered and confident of what they could contribute in this part of the world,” she concludes.
Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes
Philippine Consulate General – Dubai & Norther Emirates
It isn’t easy being the Philippine Consul-General – and it sure is doubly more difficult when you are assigned to one of the busiest, most demanding OFW epicenters in the world.
Filipinos in the UAE number at close to 1 million, and an estimated 450,000 of them are concentrated in Dubai and the Northern Emirates; the area of responsibility of Philippine Consul-General Paul Raymund Cortes. Of the gravitas of his responsibility, he says, “Dubai’s reputation as a challenging post among us in the Philippine foreign service has been reinforced by several of my colleagues who have been fortunate to have Dubai as a posting. The large community and the volume of work does make others wince and look the other way when it comes to the prospect of being assigned here. Add to that the comparatively bigger personnel complement we have here. Personnel Management becomes a daily learning exercise.”
Administrative duties aside, the Consul General also considers community building as part of his priorities, seeing the need to reinforce the government’s involvement with OFWs in the region. “I would like to be engaged with community affairs and be a part of the Filipinos’ lives in the UAE,” he says. “I also believe that when Filipinos feel good about themselves, when they become more confident of who they are, and what they are able to contribute to the global community, we gain the respect of the international community and other peoples and we are able to instill a deeper sense of pride among ourselves.”
Filipinos are sometimes notorious for being clannish and working in silos, moved by the tendency of “kanya-kanya”or “tayo-tayo lang.” Philippine Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes emphasizes on the need to bring the many OFW community groups in the UAE together under the banner of advancing national interest. He says, “Many Filipinos tend to perceive their interests as only within the confines of their most immediate concentric circle beyond their sphere of influence – their family, their immediate neighborhood, their small community, and at most their region. We’ve been told by many political analysts and many sociologists that perhaps what is still to be nurtured is our capability of thinking as a country, as a united people, defined by over 100 languages and dialects. That we will think of Philippine interests in terms of a nation should be forthcoming and something I eagerly look forward to.”
Hon. Paul Raymund Cortez – Consul General, PCG Dubai & the Northern Emirates; Photo by Eros Goze
Hon. Paul Raymund Cortes, the Consul General of the Philippines in the United Arab Emirates, did not dream of working in the Foreign Service. In fact, as a graduate of Computer Science from the prestigious Ateneo de Manila University, he thought he would be working in the IT industry. It was not until he met some Foreign Service officers during an event in the early 90’s at the Department of Foreign Affairs that he considered living his life around the world serving his country.
Two decades later, having earned a Master’s Degree in Public Management from the University of the Philippines, taking the Foreign Service Officers’ and the Career Ministers’ Examinations and postings that have taken him and his family to live in Europe and in the USA, Consul General Cortes has become accustomed to a life of travel, wherever his job takes him.
He shares, “Life in the foreign service has opened my perspectives to a much wider scale. It has complemented my Jesuit foundation and made me a much more compassionate and humane soul. The DFA has been very good to me and my family. It has provided us opportunities we never would have come across if not for that brief moment at the DFA 21 years ago.”
Currently the highest ranking Philippine official responsible for Dubai and the Northern Emirates, Con Gen Cortes meets his new adventure in the Middle East with much aplomb, despite the emirates’ reputation as a challenging post owing to the size of the Filipino community here and the work that it entails. As Head of Post, he shares that his main priorities include – his work for the Filipino community, the effective management of the sizeable consulate personnel, and together with his family, being able to understand Islamic culture.
Hon. Con. Gen. Paul Raymund and Yasmin Cortez with family – Photo by Eros Goze
Fortunate to have a supportive family able to see the positives in a life of travel beyond the grueling process of packing and unpacking, Con Gen Cortes and his wife, Yasmin, implanted in their kids that moving from one country to another is not necessarily a process of uprooting; instead, it is a rare opportunity that shapes a human being — the exposure to many different cultures, languages, mindsets and perspectives. The couple is very grateful that they were able to guide their sons to view moving in an optimistic light. Thankfully, their sons are open—even eager—to reboot their lives in yet another new country.
His new home away from home
Moving to Dubai early this year, Con. Gen. Cortes has learned to love the city, and says, “Dubai is such a gem. Being here validates everything one has read about the city – the wealth, the glam, the lifestyle, the diversity, the rich international flavor of the place, the people, the opulence, the pomp, and of course, the heat!!“
What he and his family love most about Dubai though, other than its thriving atmosphere is the incredible spirit of community among Filipinos that makes it easy for them to feel like Dubai is really home. Con Gen Cortes enthuses,
“I have always been a social animal. I thrive on people gatherings and enjoy every bit of meeting and exchanging views with everyone. I have made it a point to be a very active player in community affairs in my previous postings and intend to be so in Dubai. I would like to be engaged with community affairs and be a part of the Filipinos’ lives in the UAE.”
Con. Gen. Cortes is proud of his heritage, and for him, being a Filipino abroad means being hardworking, adaptable, and flexible to take on any challenge. He takes pride in the work ethic and in the efficiency of Filipinos, and thinks that our sense of commitment to our professions is legendary. He also admires our sense of optimism that allows us to smile through the hard times, and more often than not, sing our hearts out no matter what problems there are.
He himself loves to sing. Like most, if not all, of Filipinos, he considers singing as his greatest passion. He shares,
“I have always been on stage singing for whoever and whatever occasion. Some have told me that as Consul General I should limit my singing but if this is what defines me as a person, then I take all I am as a person as factors that I must capitalize on to play the role of Consul General to the fullest. I cannot pretend to be someone else and expect to lead the Consulate and serve the Pinoy Community here effectively.”
Beyond being a Consul General and his passion for belting out tunes, his role as head of the family is of utmost importance. He says,
“I have always made it clear in my mind that I am first and foremost a husband and father to our 3 boys. This is my way of keeping myself grounded and preventing myself from floating to the cloud traps of authority and power.”
He also adds, “The title Consul General comes with utmost obligation as our community look to our office as the prime resolver of issues, the limitless source of hope, and the repository of answers to all their concerns, legal, consular, moral, and even financial. I am not dismissing this as an outright misperception but because I am the highest ranking government official in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, I take the role of everyone’s last resort seriously.”
Seeing the many faces of the world
Hon. Con. Gen. Paul Raymund and Yasmin Cortez with family – Photo by Eros Goze
Con. Gen. Cortes has seen the many faces of the world, and through his profession, he has learned some valuable lessons.
“We’ve seen the world and lived the lives of other people. It has made us realize that way beyond the political, economic, and geographical boundaries, we are simply all the same.”
He believes therefore, that as human beings, what’s important for us is to belong in a community that helps each of its members to grow and thrive, and be given support and guidance.
As the head of the Philippine Consulate in Dubai, he encourages everyone to extend their hands to lend him support so that he may perform his duties in the best way that he could.
“To my fellow Filipinos, I look forward to meeting many of you as I undertake my role as your Consul General here. I know there is much expectation and I extend my hand to everyone who wishes to lend their expertise, their thoughts, their opinions, and views, on how we could make our community here as vibrant and productive not only for the UAE community but also for our motherland.”
He humbly acknowledges that the Consulate does not know the answers to all of our questions, and that it may not have a ready solution to all of our problems. With that, he warmly invites everyone to be a part of the Consulate. He believes that everyone has a stake in the Consulate, and more importantly, our strength lies in our numbers.
With the growth of entrepreneurship in the UAE, a country with a vibrant SME sector accounting for 60% of the country’s non-oil GDP, Filipinos, who are amongst the largest expat groups, are catching on. More options for start-ups including flexible free zone facilities offered around the emirates are driving more and more Pinoys to leave the workforce to start their own business ventures or go into self-employment. Whereas, Filipino businesses tended to be community-focused serving the “kababayan market” in the past, a lot of Filipinos enterprises now serve the mainstream market and are present in sectors as diverse as food, fashion, health, hospitality, human resources, publishing, advertising, education, wellness, retail, franchising, real estate, financial services and etc.
Still, notwithstanding local incentives and lower barriers to entry, the ups and downs of both local and global economies have kept entrepreneurship the hallowed ground of the bold and the fearless. Illustrado speaks to six seasoned Filipino entrepreneurs who talk about how their companies where able to survive and thrive despite the market’s highs and lows, and how entrepreneurship is really not just about business plans and numbers – it is also about sheer guts and dogged determination.
Meet our panel of entrepreneurs:
Lucille Ong
LUCILLE ONG – Design Unlimited LLC
Former PBC Dubai Chairman Lucille Ong has been managing businesses in the market for the last 3 decades. Design Unlimited LLC, her latest venture, is an indoor and outdoor plant and maintenance provider for corporate clients. Introducing the company to clients in 2008 just before the economic crash, was tough, says Lucille, “but we just kept knocking on doors until they opened.” Now, Design Unlimited serves an esteemed roster of clients including malls, banks, hotels, among others.
Jovy Tuano
JOVY TUANO – Asia Gulf Trading
Former PBC Abu Dhabi Chairman Jovy Tuaňo set up Asia Gulf Trading in early 2004 in Abu Dhabi as a LLC importing Philippine contract furniture for the hospitality industry in Kuwait, Bahrain and UAE. After ten years, the company has diversified into food, trading and real estate. As CPA and licensed real estate practitioner, Jovy has also recently assumed leadership of Megaworld International for the Middle East, India and Africa as AVP for Sales.
Lea Cordon Ruof
LEA CORDON ROUF – Spa Cordon
An hotelier and spa expert for the last 15 years, Lea Cordon Rouf launched her own brand – Spa Cordon in 2012. An upscale ladies day spa, located in in Sky Gardens, DIFC, Dubai, Spa Cordon has won the Best Day Spa in 2013, at the Middle East Spa Awards, and was also awarded the Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence in 2014 and 2015. The spa boasts five treatment suites, an oriental bath, sauna, two steam rooms, whirlpool, a nail lounge and pre & post relaxation areas. It also features an interactive beauty spa bar, stocked with an eclectic selection of natural ingredients.
Guil Afrika
GUIL AFRIKA – OneCM²
Guil Afrika’s company OneCM² started as an interior design company in 2011 but later evolved to what they are today – OneCM² Advertising LLC, a one-stop creative solution agency – providing services from design concept to final installation delivery. In a world of “cut and paste” designs and a “follow the leader” branding, Guil says their agency sets itself apart through its innovative, creative, and unique design and implementation model.
Maria Aranda
MARIA ARANDA – Captain Potato Foodstuff LLC
Maria Aranda’s company owns the franchise brands Captain Potato and I Love My Crepe. A company established in 2009, starting with humble wheeled cart/kiosk operations, they now have 9 outlets currently operating in Dubai and in Sharjah. Captain Potato is set to expand to dominate the market by opening 10 more kiosks all over UAE by the end of 2015.
Chris Calumberan
CHRIS CALUMBERAN – Chris Calumberan Photography
Prior to becoming a professional photographer, Chris was involved in web design, and production management for TV commercials. As brand ambassador for some leading photography brands, he speaks in some major photography workshops. His business, established in 2008, focuses on stills productions as well as videos, with fashion houses, advertising agencies and corporate offices as the main clients.
What’s the one thing that has allowed your business to survive and flourish all these years?
LUCILLE: Keeping a continuous dialogue with our clients – basically listening to them and being around when they need you.
JOVY: It is doing business with a mission for the benefit of the community, environment and for yourself that extends to family, staff and stakeholders. I may have personally failed and lost some money, but my stakeholders have gained from my enterprise e.g. dependents of staff, suppliers, competitors and customers.
LEA: Passion has given me the drive to succeed and be the best. I’ve taken everything I’ve learnt over the years, researched and learnt about the gaps in the market. I strive to give my customers an experience they can’t get anywhere else and am constantly trying to improve. I always ensure to train my staff regularly with new industry insights, or products and only employ those who show they are as passionate about their job as much as I am.
GUIL: Pure determination to achieve what you believe in is the key to keep you standing in this warzone. Focus to fulfill your vision and mission. Dubai is such a huge and fierce market, you need to be ready for the battle.
MARIA: We have developed a solid and successful business model and a team of qualified people growing Captain Potato in the market. I surround myself with great people who support and trust me. Being an entrepreneur can be a lonely job, but surrounding yourself with the best team enhances your chances to succeed, and it makes the process a lot more enjoyable.
CHRIS: We survive because of passion and work ethics. Be on time, avoid over promising but exceed expectations. Other artists can be very talented but they can also be stubborn and all over the place. We are thankful that we continuously work on our talents and maintain the ideal work-relation status. If our work speaks for itself, it’s just because we keep our clients happy. Most of them are very willing to pass us on to their business network.
Photo: Badahos – Shutterstock
How have you overcome challenges through the years?
LUCILLE: By never giving up on what we are truly passionate about and through sheer hard work. By continuously looking for channels to improve and innovate so we can offer our clients better choices.
JOVY: Daily prayers for wisdom to know the difference between what I can do and cannot do. The big challenge is understanding fast-changing customer behavior and offering the right product at the right price that gives you the highest yield possible. With limited resources, we just had to offer high- value or high-yield products to good paying customers that accept what we can deliver in terms of volume. As the saying goes, less is more.
LEA: Perseverance and faith. I believe that challenges create the person you are today. If one embraces them and takes a different perspective, it can bring out the best in you. Dubai is a somewhat transient city, with UAE residents and visitors coming and going on a regular basis. This is a challenge for us. Our client base is always changing and evolving, and this is why it’s so important for us to be constantly educating our existing client base, including potential customers. It is also important for us to be an industry trendsetter and to keep raising the bar. It is this attention to detail and bespoke offering that really continues to set us apart from the competition.
GUIL: Challenges are always part of the game. You just have to play through it and be persistent. Keep calm and always keep the faith
MARIA: We make sure we have plan for the next 6-12 months, as well as for the next 3 to 5-years which includes specific growth goals. I really focus on opportunity and leave the setbacks. I don’t worry much about things that could go wrong. In business, there are so many things that could go wrong and it’s easy to be distracted by them. Instead, I focus on what I am doing right, and the problems I have will get resolved.
CHRIS: Experience and efficiency always prevails. Also, we keep moving forward. Failures will be present and will always be considered lessons learned. Brush it off and move on. As the market gets more saturated and competitive, we do maintain our handful of clients that share the same vision and practices the same values. We keep our competition to ourselves. What we have done well today, we progressively do better tomorrow.
Filipino Entrepreneurs: Surviving and Thriving in the UAE
What’s the best thing that entrepreneurs can do when the market is down or when the going gets tough?
LUCILLE: Tighten your belt, focus on your core business and be vigilant of your competitors.
JOVY: Kill your ego and accept eventual market failure but do not give up. Go back to basics. Optimize use of current resources to generate revenue and minimize spending to bare essentials. Re-invent and re-position your enterprise.
LEA: Always keep looking for opportunities. They say that any business should have at least three legs to support it. It’s just finding the right combination of that would fit your organization and maximize it. It’s really about going out there and seeing what the market is looking for.
GUIL: Keep your ears open and understand your clients’ needs. Focus on the most important issues and analyze it. The market is probably waiting for the greatest idea that is just within your head. Don’t think out of the box… think of what you’ll do with the box.
MARIA: We have to keep reminding ourselves that a good business with a strong, reliable source of revenue can stay afloat even in the roughest of times. That’s why, while we have the chance, we need to test different income and revenue models, evaluate and simulate our business in different economic environments, and think of new methods to bring in more profits. When the economy is rough, because we’ve built a good foundation, we’ll be more optimistic and maintain the motivation that’s necessary to keep pushing forward.
CHRIS: We should allow ourselves to get bored. This only gives us the opportunity to study, meditate and explore. Procrastination can be a good thing if you’re figuring out how you can finish a task efficiently. It gets so tempting to be frustrated when accounts are on hold, but that that is why we have to be prepared on lean days. “For the meantime, try to learn something new or teach something you know that you want to get better at.”
How about when the market is on the up? How can entrepreneurs maximize benefits to their business?
LUCILLE: Offer additional products and services that will enhance your clients’ brand and improve their image.
JOVY: Maximize profits by positioning your products and services in the value chain within your business ecosystem. You have to make yourself an indispensable part of the value chain. Evaluate the risks and benefit of commercial agreements, without over-exposing your business to high financial obligations since creditors can be aggressive. Stability, liquidity and profitability have to be sustained.
LEA: Never be complacent. Even when the market is on the up and business is going well, there’s always room for improvement. We pride ourselves on attention to detail and offering bespoke and quality service for our customers, and this means a very rigorous training programme and constantly being aware of the market that you’re operating in, the changing demands of the customer and the competition.
GUIL: Take advantage of the opportunities and maximize your strengths. Keep innovating and create new ideas to keep you apart from the others. I love to fuse the old and the new and for me that’s a new design! Sustain what you are doing to keep the edge.
MARIA: When applications for our franchise is high, we focus on getting deals and lease offers from various malls that help us sell franchises or open outlets. I maximize my time reaching clients and customers who really need our system, products and services, and will pay for them. We improve our system further and sell at a good price for us to get good premiums.
CHRIS: Being double booked is a positive problem. The discipline of organizing is a virtue. This is when we need to be physically healthy and mentally sound, when traits of leadership and experience are required. We need to learn how to delegate, negotiate and deliver. Defining priorities by negotiating contracts and who gets more attention. And as much as possible, avoiding compromises when it comes to delivery.
What are the qualities and practices that can truly help entrepreneurs in managing their business?
LUCILLE: Working hard and being open-minded especially to new ideas and innovations in your industry. Your clients will appreciate them.
JOVY: Entrepreneurs should have spiritual guidance and wisdom to do the unthinkable; self-assessment of resources and self-realization of skill sets; clear shared vision and mission – you and your people should know where to go and how to get there; the drive to win and willingness to accept and learn from failure as steps to success; and an understanding of customer behavior and market demand. You should also build personal equity, character and reputation; excellent planning and negotiation skills, while learning project management skills, developing cultural intelligence (CQ) in addition to EQ and IQ, as well as people and leadership skills – talent management.
LEA: Generally speaking it’s about constant education, partnered with growth and knowledge. These days there are so many avenues to obtain information, such as the internet, courses, webinars, conventions and so much more. It has never been easier. Dubai and the UAE, in general, really foster innovation and entrepreneurship. It’s a wonderfully creative market and a fantastically supportive environment for start-ups.
GUIL: The most important thing is hard work and integrity. When we started this business, we created a culture of “consistency” in the quality of work we do. I believe if you meet your deadline, you have fair pricing, and you do great after sales services, then everyone will be happy.
MARIA: Learn to manage your time properly. I use 3 time management principles – Let it go, Keep it Simple and Move quickly. Have discipline, be consistent and have faith. I follow that inner voice inside my head telling me that everything is happening the way that it is supposed to. Faith tells me to keep going – that this will all work out, that the stress and sleepless nights will all pay off. Lastly, stay strong and be resilient. Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart
CHRIS: Managing your own business becomes lonely at some point. You’re mostly making your own decisions. Though, the best side of it is being in control and dancing your own show. We should look for mentors and role models to help set our goals and provide us advice when we’re faced in a difficult situation. Besides independence and control, entrepreneurs should also have initiative, dedication and the wanting to deliver quality not only just on the product but with service and client relations.
What’s the best piece of advice you can give to start-up entrepreneurs?
LUCILLE: Never give up on your passion.
JOVY: Kill your ego and be ready to be a one-man show – from driver, delivery boy, cashier, accountant, secretary, manager, etc. Be ready to be insulted, discriminated and forget about yourself because customers don’t really care about you. Customers care about satisfying themselves with your products and services. Discover your own talent and enterprise. Discern your God-given mission in life by connecting the dots of your life from childhood until today. Don’t be a copycat or be envious of your neighbors and friends. Social media is good for understanding trends and consumer behavior. Maintain a fixed income – keep your job during the transition to entrepreneurship. If your spouse is working, then you can take the plunge. Develop business related to current job, experience or passion and align with the current market demand.
LEA: Having a dream is where it all starts and where the passion will come from. Ensure that your vision of the business is detailed and specific. Knowing what you want and knowing how to attain it will help you a great deal. When you are faced with hurdles or roadblocks, it’s this that drives the determination to push through and achieve your goals.
GUIL: Never ever be afraid of something big. Be passionate about what you do. Look for what the market needs. Be strong on what you believe in and follow your intuition.
MARIA: Launching a startup is no cakewalk. Be bold but humble, and have a positive attitude. You’ve got to take risks. Don’t underestimate your own value, and the value of pure assertiveness and passion. Also, there is plenty of room for error and there are tons to learn. No person can do it all. What is great about building a business is that you build a team, too. It is like a family. It is not about you, it is about the idea and building something sustainable. You need to let go of the ego, and let the idea grow.
CHRIS: Adaptability is key when you want to pursue success both in life and in business.Win a person in less than 90 seconds, first impressions are important. You never know who might be your next big client. When the going gets tough, never sweat the small stuff.
Would you encourage other Filipinos to go into business? What do you think are the pre-requisites for people getting into business?
LUCILLE: Yes, definitely, but business is not for everybody. They must be passionate about their idea, willing to work hard for it even when it fails.
JOVY: Yes, but one has to understand the different roles and responsibility of stakeholders related to any business. Either you do it alone or share it with a corporate businessman, entrepreneur, investor, social entrepreneur who all think differently. Your best friends and relatives can abandon you or become your competitor while, your worst friends can be your best customer.
LEA: I would encourage anyone to set up a business, as long as they have researched the market properly, created a business plan and are confident it is feasible. Dubai is a great market to operate it and is continuing to expand at a rapid rate, so there is a lot of support available for start-up companies.
GUIL: Definitely! We Filipinos would like to assimilate even better in our adoptive countries. We need to step up from just being a professional who gets old and retires in the same position. We need to move out from that thought. Trust your instinct and think that you will succeed. Entrepreneurs always take the risks, and whoever takes the risk, gets the big return.
MARIA: They just have to decide on what type of business they want to enter, and how the business should be. It has to be something of interest to the person and something that has the potential for long term growth. If they are decided, just go for it. Although it can be scary to go on your own, especially, if you’re leaving a steady paycheck behind, the idea of working for someone else for the rest of your life is more frightening. If you believe in your idea and are willing to work hard, sooner or later things will fall into place.
CHRIS: Find your element. Discover that activity that leads you to flow. You will realize that you just enjoy what you’re doing. Just adding a bit of effort makes it more special. Once you find your niche everything else will fall into place. All of the sudden, the elements and requirements will align. You will notice that most of the problems and challenges have reasons behind them and eventually get solved on their own.
The Philippine Business Council (PBC) of Dubai, under the patronage of the Embassy of the Philippines and the Philippine Consulate General of Dubai and the Northern Emirates, held a landmark event on the 11th of June 2015 at the Raffles Hotel Dubai, on the occasion of the 117th anniversary of Philippine Independence. The inaugural PBC Dubai Interface 2015 event brought together captains of industries, entrepreneurs and top executives, as well as UAE and Philippine government dignitaries.
Created as a platform for connecting foreign and Philippine businesses towards mutual development and growth, the event hosted some 200 top executives from the Filipino community, as well as other key expatriate groups, who have converged to discuss and explore opportunities for engaging and leveraging on the Filipino market in the Gulf.
The event which was graced by H.E. Ambassador Grace Relucio Princesa – Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, Hon. Consul Giovanni Palec of the Philippine Consulate General, and Mr. Rashid Hussain Al Meeza, Senior Executive-Member Relations of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry also featured esteemed speakers who shared best business and leadership practices to inspire guests. Nisha Jagtiani, the youngest director of the Landmark Group instrumental in developing successful local fashion brands Splash and Iconic, among others, shared her experiences and insights in growing local brands, while multi-awarded Ishwar Chugani, CEO and Managing Director of Giordano Middle East and Executive Director and Board Member at Giordano HQ in Hong Kong, emphasized on the increasing need for companies to give back to society as a matter of good governance. Guests were also provided valuable information on the benefits of operating via free zones, as facilitated by RAK Free Trade Zone’s Business Development Director – Tomas Csobonyei.
Filipinos in Dubai: PBC DUBAI’s LANDMARK INTERFACE 2015
The event, the first of its kind for the local Philippine business community in the Emirates, signals the PBC Dubai’s renewed thrust in playing an integral role in bolstering the presence of Filipino businesses and assisting entrepreneurs in the UAE. According to PBC Dubai Chairman Bobbie Carella, “Since its creation in 2001, the PBC Dubai has always supported the Filipino business community through its educational, charitable as well as social endeavors. We continue that tradition and this time, we renew our commitment and go about our mission with renewed vigor to assist Filipino entrepreneurs in developing relationships in the market, while developing business opportunities in the process.”
The PBC Dubai Interface 2015 was held with the support of sponsors – RAK Free Trade Zone, Ayala Land International, Landmark Group (Max Fashion and Emax), as well as Western Union and Illustrado Magazine, and was organized by the PBC Executive Committee consisting 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). The program was hosted by Mike Ortega and Lalaine Chu-Benitez, with entertainment provided by Danilo, a tenor who was flown in from Qatar with the accompaniment of keyboard artist Angelo. There was also an art exhibit by the UST Alumni.
PBC Dubai Interface 2015 at the Raffles Hotel – DubaiPBC Dubai Executive Comittee with Hon. Consul Giovanni Palec (2nd from left). L-R: Bobbie Carella, Christine Gonzales, Marty Pulmley, Lalaine Chi-Benitez, Eden Borja, Red Vargas and Leo Barrameda
Entrepreneurs Virgil and Guil AfrikaGemmy Lontoc of UAE Exchange and Ramon Benitez of Illustrado/CREOGisela and Red Vargas (center) with guestsSpecial Guest Speaker Nisha Jagtiani – Director of Landmark Group (3rd from left) with Bobbie Carella and guestsHon. Consul Giovanni Palec with Rashid Hussain Al Meeza of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and IndustryCleo Eleazar (2nd from left) – Senior Manager, PR & Events – RAK FTZ, with guestsL-R: Caloy Serrano (Al Rostamani), Arlene Pulido, Engr. Mary Jane Alvero Al Mahdi (CEO, Geosciences Labs), Labor Attache Hon. Delmer Cruz, Art Los Banos, Steve Todd (Gulf Law) and former PBC Abu Dhabi Chairman Jovy Tuano.L-R: Bobbie Carella with entrepreneurs Iman and Luchie Suguitan (Ahsant)Marty Plumley (2nd to left) with representatives of Landmark GroupPBC Dubai Executive Committee (L-R): Christine Gonzales (Secretary), Bobbie Carella (Chairman), Andy Minodin (Projects), Eden Borja (Treasurer), Marty Plumley (Membership), Red Vargas (Vice Chairman), Leo Barrameda (Secretary), Lalaine Chu-Benitez (Marketing), Caloy Serrano (Membership).PBC Dubai Chairman Bobbie CarellaH.E. Ambassador Grace Relucio-PrincesaHon. Consul Giovanni PalecSpecial Guest Speaker – Ishwar Chugani, CEO and Managing Director of Giordano Middle EastTomas Csobonyei, Business Development Director, RAK FTZ
Architect & Coordinator – Control Contracting & Trading Company Abu Dhabi, UAE
My Job
I am an Architect/Coordinator for one of the oil and gas companies based in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi. As architect and coordinator, sometimes I visit our site/yard to check if the design of barges, cabins and offshore structures are properly followed, meeting with our clients and consultants requirements (NPCC, ADMA-OPCO, GPC, Technip, ADGAS etc.). I also make sure that all our design and engineering deliverables are properly coordinated – checking all the drawings before submitting them to our client, coordinating with the vendor, draftsman to Discipline Engineer to Project Manager until construction. In my work, I collaborate with a multi-cultural team and professionals from all levels.
My Day
I’m just a typical professional with a lot of friends. My day starts with prayers with my wife right after waking up. We start our day thanking God for another day, another exciting day. At the office before work, we have some tea first and chat with fellow Filipino staff. After work, I fetch my wife at her workplace just across the street. In the evening we eat together and chat about the day’s events. Then, I do some small household chores to help my wife who is due to give birth in May. My wife prepares our food (breakfast and lunch) and clothes for the next morning. Thursday is our family day and date day. I always make sure to ask my wife to go out and relax and have fun – even if it’s just a coffee date, sometimes. Friday is our favorite day as we go to church together.
Career and Life Advice
My message to my fellow Filipinos is simple. Put God first, enjoy your family, family bonding is very important. If family is lost, then there is no reason in working hard. Be happy for what you have, be humble and work hard even though nobody is looking at you. Enjoy your work. Don’t make enemies at work and try to be friendly and in times of need your fellow staff will be the one to help you. Make friends, a lot of friends and go out with them sometimes. Always smile in the work place. Learn the culture of other nationalities and, at the end, you will earn their trust.
Don’t be afraid to dream high. Don’t be afraid to talk to your boss. Talk to them and learn from them. At the end you will earn their trust as well. If you earned the trust of your officemates and your boss, that means promotions and salary increase. Be wise in saving money. We don’t know until when we will be working in this country. Try to learn the 10 20 70 savings system – 10% for God or whatever your heart wants to give, 20% for savings or much bigger depending on your situation, and 70% for the rest (rent, clothing, shopping gadgets etc.).
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CHRISTIAN MAGADIA
Head Structural Engineer – Ted Jacob Engineering Group, Beca Dubai, UAE
My Job
I am a structural engineer by profession. As a structural engineer I design buildings and infrastructures. I work closely with architects and other engineering professionals in addition to dealing with local authorities and decision makers. We are the mind behind all the magnificent structures and iconic monuments that make up a civilization and our responsibilities include designing comfortable houses for all of us to live in.
One of the most remarkable events in my career was when I passed the chartered structural engineering examination given by the Institution of Structural Engineers in the UK. Having a degree not recognized in the UK, I had to write a full technical report to prove that my academic knowledge and experience are at par with the UK Standards and is equivalent to a Masters Level in the UK. Achieving chartered engineer status opens a lot of career opportunities not only here in Dubai but anywhere in the World. The certification allowed me to accept a role in New Zealand to help in seismic design and retrofit of existing structures affected by the 2012 Christchurch Earthquake. I take pride that the quality of our education and trainings back home are at par with the best in the world.
My Day
As the head of the structural department in our company my day starts with planning and administrative stuff, to make sure the team has enough work and that they perform each task efficiently. Internal meetings will soon follow to monitor the progress of each project and follow up issues, programs, and deliverables. The next half will be occupied by external meetings with architects, clients, local authorities, and contractors. My day in the office will not end until I have a daily catch up discussion with our management to talk about finances, resources, and direction of the company. If I get lucky I may be involved in some hard core engineering work the following day!
Career and Life Advice
My message to our fellow Filipinos is to reach for the sky whatever role or position that you are currently in and enjoy while doing it. And the most important message is that we should all be proud to be Filipinos everywhere we go! Mabuhay! ……………
CLEOFE RINGOR
Office Manager – DSM Technology FZCO Dubai, UAE
My Job
I am an Office Manager working in the oil and gas Industry in the Middle East. I have worked in the same company for quite a few years now and I’ve been enjoying since. As an Office Manager, you have to ensure that the office is running smoothly, overseeing the workloads of your co-workers. It’s never been easy to delegate tasks to your team, but I always see to it that everyone is happy and enjoying their work, and I try to create a healthy work environment for all.
My Day
There are busy days, and there’s time to chill, as well. My role on a daily basis is to check and complete pending matters, to recruit, screen CVs, liaise with agencies and authorities, meet with the clients, suppliers, lawyers – there are too many to mention. At the end of the day, your main challenge is your employer, how they are satisfied with your accomplishments and performance, and whether your tasks have been executed properly. Your aim is to impress them, to keep your job in the long-term and once you’re at the peak of your career, make the most of it and make yourself useful all the time, feed your brain so you won’t get obsolete in the market.
Career and Life Advice
I have started in a rank-and-file position, yet I told myself then that my career will not end there. I had many sacrifices, I have pushed myself to the limits in order to succeed and achieve my dreams, from being a receptionist to an office manager. My goal was to become a manager at the age of 35 but that didn’t happen. Because God is good! He answered my prayers earlier than I least expected and I became a manager when I was 32. It’s really not about how many trophies or medals you have earned in school, but how determined you are to produce a golden egg.
“Your dream will stay a dream if you don’t work hard for it.” Remember that – “knowledge is power.” You can do almost everything if you are smart, but refrain from doing bad. The one thing I have learned is to be fair to everyone, be kind and honest even if no one is watching you and share your blessings if you can. I must say that I am truly blessed that I am living the life of my dreams. To my friends, relatives and family who inspire me, thank you for your tremendous support, and to my Papa this is for you. I just hope you were here to see the person that I had become. I know you’ll be proud.
