Starting up Filipino Institute in Dubai

My entrepreneurial journey started when I decided to establish the Filipino Institute in Dubai. I saw the need for a training center that would cater to the growing Filipino community in Dubai, which could provide them with skills and knowledge to help them succeed in their careers and personal lives.

The first batch of the Filipino Institute started in January 2016 in Al Quoz, where we offered courses in different fields such as accountancy, photography, and business management. To help me start the Filipino Institute, I hired my co-workers in Byblos Hospitality, where I used to work. Before, we only offered 6-week courses, once a week per class, and 3 hours in a week. We also offered a bus service for students coming from Satwa, Rigga, Bur Juman, Al Nahda, and Ibn Batuta. For our first batch, we had 500 students.

I had to do everything myself, from creating the website, social media accounts, marketing, and managing the center. It was just me and my wife who were managing the institute. We answered inquiries through the phone and Facebook, made the students' IDs, took their photos, and even taught some courses. Eventually, after the first batch, we expanded to Rigga to offer courses every day of the week, not just on Fridays. We faced challenges with limited manpower, but we exerted all our effort to make the Filipino Institute successful.

Expanding the business and establishing new branches in the UAE

After the success of the first two batches in Dubai, I opened another branch in Sharjah. It was a challenge to hire new staff, but eventually, it became a success. I then established branches in Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Bur Juman, JLT, and Barsha. However, the pandemic forced us to close down some of our branches and focus on the Rigga campus.

The challenges of expanding the business during the pandemic

The pandemic has brought challenges to many businesses, and the Filipino Institute was not an exception. We had to close down all our campuses in the UAE during the lockdown, and it was a challenging time for us. Our students were also affected, and we had to find ways to continue teaching them. We decided to move our classes online, which was a big shift for us, but we were determined to continue providing quality education to our students.

After the lockdown was lifted, we were able to open our campus in Rigga, and it was a relief to be able to continue operating. We had to implement safety measures, such as social distancing, sanitizing, and wearing masks, to ensure the safety of our students and staff. It was a challenging time, but we were able to adapt and overcome the obstacles.

Expanding to other industries and establishing new businesses

Aside from the Filipino Institute, I also pursued opportunities in other industries and established new businesses. I started the Global Filipino Magazine, which aimed to inspire overseas Filipinos by sharing the success stories of fellow Filipinos abroad. The magazine featured the achievements of individuals in various fields, such as business, arts, and culture, among others. Through the magazine, I hoped to inspire other Filipinos to pursue their dreams and make a difference in their respective fields.

I also entered the restaurant industry by acquiring Kusina Natin 'To, Shokudo, and Bilaot Restaurant. Managing restaurants was a new challenge for me, but I was determined to make it work. To help with the marketing, I established the Food Trip Magazine, which showcased various restaurants and cuisines in the UAE. The magazine also provided insights and tips for aspiring restaurateurs.

Furthermore, I established the Caredant Home Health Care Center, which aimed to provide quality training for caregivers and nursing assistants. The demand for home health care was growing, and I saw the need to provide proper training and education for those who wanted to pursue a career in this field.

Giving back to the community and providing opportunities

As an entrepreneur, I believed in giving back to the community and providing opportunities for others. I gave discounts to Filipino Institute students who dined in my restaurants and provided job opportunities for them as well. I also hired non-Filipinos and believed in diversity and equality in the workplace.

Moreover, I believed in the importance of mentorship and modeling success for others. I provided mentorship and guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs and encouraged them to pursue their dreams. Through the Filipino Institute, I provided quality education and training for individuals who wanted to improve their skills and knowledge.

Conclusion

My journey from being an employee to becoming a business owner was not an easy one, but it was worth it. I encountered challenges, failures, and obstacles, but I never gave up on my dreams. With the support of my family, mentors, and colleagues, I was able to establish the Filipino Institute and other businesses that provided opportunities and inspiration for others.

My journey taught me the importance of perseverance, hard work, and determination. It also taught me to never stop learning, exploring new opportunities, and giving back to the community. I hope that my story will inspire others to pursue their dreams and make a difference in their respective fields.