06/06/2025
MEET THE FILIPINO BROKER IN THE UAE WHO CLOSED AN AED 1 BILLION PROPERTY DEAL
Aquino Plotado, once a Jollibee crew member in Quezon City, is now one of the UAEโs top real estate brokers โ recently closing an astounding AED 1 billion property deal. His journey from a tourist visa holder in 2011 to CEO of three international companies is nothing short of extraordinary.
Now 38, Aquino leads Aquino Plotado Real Estate International, Aquino Plotado Film International, and the Aquino Plotado Philanthropy Foundation. Beyond business, he recently donated โฑ1 million to his alma mater in Malabon City, a testament to his commitment to giving back.
โIโve experienced being bullied, discriminated against, looked down on because of my skin color, nationality, and even the way I spoke,โ he revealed. โBut I didnโt let that narrative trap me. Instead, I used every rejection and heartbreak as fuel to rise โ not just survive, but thrive.โ
From working in Jollibee and Philippine call centers, to landing jobs at world-class hotel chains and Dubaiโs biggest entertainment venues, Aquino built his path through grit and vision. Today, he is also an award-winning film producer and a relentless advocate for education and empowerment.
โI will never forget the feeling of having nothing โ of being hungry, being alone, feeling unseen,โ Aquino said. โThatโs why, while reaching for my dreams, Iโll always stay grounded, helping others rise too.โ
To overseas Filipinos chasing their dreams, he offers this advice: โTurn your struggles into stepping stones. Be resilient. Be unshakable. Be unstoppable.โ
This story originally appeared on The Global Filipino Magazine's page. Graphics and minor edits were made by the Destination PH editor.