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OFW couple braves through new normal by becoming their own boss

Take it from Jobiegaile Jun and Stephane Mae Aquino, a couple currently based in Doha, Qatar, as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Santé Business Owners. They braved through the new normal by starting up a business that they describe as pandemic proof.

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Amid the new normal, some say that putting up a new business sounds quite impossible and too risky. But for others, starting your own business now might be a good option, especially if you have the right mindset and a business partner to guide you throughout your journey. 

Take it from Jobiegaile Jun and Stephane Mae Aquino, a couple currently based in Doha, Qatar, as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Santé Business Owners. They braved through the new normal by starting up a business that they describe as pandemic proof.  

Taking Chances Abroad 

Jobigaile Jun Aquino has been working as an OFW for almost 12 years. He was born and raised by his parents, both teachers, in Tacloban City in Leyte. Eventually, he moved to Metro Manila to start his career as an accountant in Ortigas, Pasig City. After six years, he decided to look for a greener pasture abroad to continue providing for his family. 

“I came from a big family. At that time, I was helping my parents provide for the needs of my nine other siblings. That is why when I got the opportunity to work abroad, I grabbed it so that I can continue providing for my family,” Jobigaile said.  

He spent the next seven years as a Senior Accountant for a steel company and then transferred to a Canadian company based in Doha as a Finance Manager. As his career progressed, he did not forget to go to his church to serve the Lord—this is where he met Stephane, a Filipina nurse, originally from Davao, but now, her family lives in North Cotabato. As a couple, they are now married for about five years. 

“I also went abroad to look for greener pastures. I used to work in the Philippines as a nurse but, I was not earning enough for my family. Fortunately, I got the opportunity to work here in the Middle East. I have been an OFW for about ten years already and, currently, I work here as a school nurse,” said Stephane. 

Starting a business amid a pandemic 

Having been OFWs for more than a decade, Jobigaile and Stephane have already created great careers in their own respective fields. But just like everyone around the world, they were also affected by the changes brought by the pandemic.  

“No one was able to prepare for the pandemic. When the authorities here imposed the lockdowns last March 2020, it greatly affected our jobs. We needed to stay at home, not knowing when everything will go back to normal. We lost almost half of our income,” Jobigaile narrated. 

At that time, Jobigaile already knew about Santé, a provider of premier natural and organic health and wellness products and services. He is among those who are avid users of Santé products.  

He said that a friend introduced him to Santé, and ever since, he has been consuming Santé Barley products because of its health benefits. He even became a Santé Member, primarily to avail discounts. 

“But when the pandemic started last year, it became a turning point for us. We lost some of our income, so we needed to look for other ways to earn while isolating ourselves at home. I am thrilled that I already know about Santé,” Jobigaile said.  

He added that “at that time, some of my officemates just learned about these amazing products. They liked it. As days went by, I received many orders from my friends and colleagues—this was when I decided to dedicate more time to this business. I even decided to invest and become a Santé Business Owner.” 

Working Hard to Achieve Success 

Jobigaile noted, however, that it is still hard work and the willingness to take risks that can lead a starting entreprenur to success. During the strict lockdowns in Doha, Jobigaile studied how to run his online business by attending webinars, training sessions, and product orientations provided by Santé through its Santé Engage.  

This platform offers all business owners the essential educational programs to help them grow their businesses, improve leadership skills, and even develop personal growth. 

Santé also came up with strategies to help business owners, like Jobigaile, adapt to the ever-changing world. For example, the Santé Mobile App will help them have easy business management, and a user-friendly website for hassle-free and convenient shopping. 

On the other hand, Stephane also became much more involved in their Santé business as they received orders from their fellow Filipinos in Doha. She also became a Santé Member and eventually also decided to start her own Santé business. 

“What’s good about this business is that you can manage it whenever and wherever you are because it is e-commerce ready. While Jun delivers the products to our customers, mostly our neighbours and friends, I will answer all the inquiries we receive in our online store. And then, eventually, I decided also to become a Santé Business Owner. It was our Santé business that filled our lost income during these trying times,” Steph said. 

A Pandemic-proof Business 

When asked about their reasons for choosing Santé as their business partner, the couple said that it is really because the company shares the same values and mindset as them. 

“As a company, Santé wants to help people live better lives. This mindset solidifies our belief that we found the right business to partner with. As Santé Business Owners, we are glad that we can help our customers maintain their healthy lifestyles with the natural and organic health and wellness that we offer, particularly during this global health crisis,” Stephane said. 

Since Santé is the top producer of barley grass products in the Philippines and soon worldwide, its business partners have a business model that revolve around the certified organic Santé Barley™ grass grown in Canterbury, New Zealand. This Biogro and Halal certified organic barley grass can be found in all Santé product offerings, such as nutraceutical vitamins, health beverages, health, and wellness, among others. 

Santé products also contain natural ingredients filled with a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals, chlorophyll, and carotenoids, essential in strengthening the immune system up to the smallest cellular level. 

For Jobigaile, the idea of helping others achieve their dreams through their Santé business is, by far, his greatest success. “I am grateful to all our mentors for guiding us to become great leaders and business owners. Through this business, we are also helping other people have other sources of income. This is important because we are all greatly affected by the pandemic. Some even lost their livelihoods,” he said.  

The couple added that all these factors, particularly its products, core values, and willingness to help its distributors through trainings, webinars, and e-commerce readiness, make Santé a pandemic-proof business. 

Santé also cherishes its business partners’ role for the organization. Through its compensation plan, it provides incentives like bonuses in repeat purchases, infinity bonus, free gadgets, and a car and house incentive with free down payments and monthly amortization. 

More than a year after they started their online business, Steph and Jobigaile achieved a lot from being Santé Business Owners. They are now Executive and Platinum Executive Directors, respectively, and among the leading Santé distributors in Doha, Qatar. Their families in Leyte and North Cotabato have also recently started their own Santé Business.  

Founded by leaders with more than 70 years of combined Direct Selling and Marketing experience, Santé is now one of the fastest-growing distribution and direct selling companies globally. Aside from New Zealand and the Philippines, Santé is present in key cities such as Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Abuja, Lagos, and Cyprus. 

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Designer Len Cabili finds work-life balance with the help of world-class innovation

As a designer and cultural advocate, Cabili relies on constant collaboration with artisans, clients, and creative partners around the world.

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Filip+Inna founder and creative force Len Cabili has long been celebrated for her artistry and commitment to Filipino heritage through her work with Filipino artisans. Her pioneering fashion label bridges traditional craftsmanship with modern design, honoring the work of indigenous artisans while placing Filipino creativity on the global stage.

Behind her creative success is a lifestyle built on connection and innovation, helped made seamless by Smart Infinity, Smart’s premium postpaid brand. 

Empowered by technology, connected by purpose 

As a designer and cultural advocate, Cabili relies on constant collaboration with artisans, clients, and creative partners around the world. “I rely heavily on my network to get things done,” Cabili shares. “Smart Infinity genuinely takes the time to understand my needs not just in terms of connectivity, but how I want to experience it. It’s like having a concierge for my digital life.”  

Whether she’s deep in the mountains of Mindanao or speaking on global stages, Cabili counts on Smart Infinity and personalized assistance to stay connected and productive. 

“Since I travel frequently, Smart Infinity is my trusted partner that keeps me connected with my team, wherever I am. And when I unwind, being able to stream effortlessly helps me maintain a healthy work-life balance.” 

A premium digital partner for a world-class Filipino 

For Cabili, communication is the heartbeat of both her artistry and her relationships. “Communication is key to nurturing connections with family, friends, and collaborators,” she says. “Smart Infinity’s reliable connectivity ensures I stay in touch wherever I go, whether in Kalinga or Sulu.”

She adds, “Knowing I can rely on their support anytime gives me peace of mind. Their service feels truly personal, not just transactional.”

Smart Infinity, in many ways, mirrors Cabili’s own philosophy of excellence and intentionality. “In my work, craftsmanship and collaboration are central,” she explains.

“Technology has made the creative process more efficient and faster complementing the patience and skill behind every piece. Smart Infinity anticipates my needs by providing the best in technology and service to support my work.” 

The Smart Infinity Experience 

Through Smart Infinity, members like Cabili enjoy a world of exclusive privileges designed to elevate both work and lifestyle. These include: Worldwide Concierge Services for travel, dining, and personal assistance; Complimentary airport lounge access; and Smart Rewards with premium and luxury partners. 

Smart Infinity members also have access to a dedicated Relationship Manager and 24/7 personalized support and priority assistance at Smart Stores nationwide.

For Cabili, Smart Infinity is more than a mobile service, it’s a partner that empowers her to connect, create, and celebrate Filipino artistry on a global scale.

For more information on Smart Infinity’s offers, visit www.smart.com.ph/infinity, dial *800, or follow @smartinfinity on Instagram.

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Always connected, always creating: Chef Ina Bilbao stresses need to stay online to be on point

Whether she’s navigating the bustling food markets of South Korea or live-posting from a Michelin-starred pop-up in Taiwan, Ina’s digital presence is as vibrant as her dishes. In this exclusive feature, she shares how Smart Roaming keeps her seamlessly connected, productive, and worry-free while traveling the world.

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For culinary content creator and globetrotting chef Ina Bilbao, staying connected isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity.

Whether she’s navigating the bustling food markets of South Korea or live-posting from a Michelin-starred pop-up in Taiwan, Ina’s digital presence is as vibrant as her dishes. In this exclusive feature, she shares how Smart Roaming keeps her seamlessly connected, productive, and worry-free while traveling the world.

For Ina, connectivity is non-negotiable. “Before I head out on any international trip, I make sure I’ve pre-booked a Smart Roaming package,” Ina shares. “It’s always one of the first things I do because I know that as soon as I land, I need to be instantly connected to everything—from maps and apps to staying in touch with my team back home.”

One of the biggest challenges for frequent travelers like Ina is managing data usage without falling into the trap of bill shock. “It’s so easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new place and forget to keep track of data usage,” she says. “A Smart roaming package always helps me make sure I’m not running into any unexpected data charges.”

Smart GigaRoam’s transparent pricing and real-time data usage tracking help Ina stay in control, even in the busiest travel moments.

As a culinary explorer, Ina’s work depends on her ability to stay connected. “I’m always on the lookout for new spots to try, whether it’s a local hidden gem or a pop-up restaurant,” she explains. “I use navigation and transportation apps to get around, access e-wallets to pay for meals, and I’m constantly updating my social media for my followers.”

With Smart Roaming, Ina never misses a beat—or a bite.

Ina’s top tip for business owners and frequent flyers? “Never leave your connectivity to chance. Pre-book a Smart Roaming package so that the moment you land, you’re already online. Connectivity is the backbone of staying productive while traveling.”

She also recommends being mindful of data-heavy apps and checking usage regularly through the GigaRoam portal.

Having tried other roaming services in the past, Ina is confident in her choice. “Nothing beats the convenience and peace of mind that comes with Smart Roaming. The packages are affordable, and I never have to worry about my service dropping or getting hit with crazy bills.”

And if issues arise? “Smart Roaming’s customer support is always quick to respond. I can troubleshoot through the GigaRoam portal or check my phone settings to resolve things fast.”

For Ina, staying connected means more than just convenience—it’s about sharing her culinary journey in real time.

Chef Ina Bilbao’s recipe for stress-free travel? A dash of planning, a sprinkle of tech-savvy, and a generous helping of Smart Roaming. Whether you’re a business traveler, content creator, or simply someone who values staying connected, her story is a reminder that with the right tools, the world is truly at your fingertips.

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Women who are shaking up the fuel industry

Meet the women who are shaking up the industry by bringing Caltex with Techron clean fuels to motorists nationwide.

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There is a gender gap in the fuel industry with women only making up 22% of the global oil and gas workforce, and from that number, only 20% reach senior positions in oil and gas companies, highlighting the industry’s urgent need to provide them with more leadership opportunities. 

However, Caltex Filipina retailers are changing that by taking the reins of their fuels business and creating space in the industry for more women to grow and thrive. Meet the women who are shaking up the industry by bringing Caltex with Techron clean fuels to motorists nationwide.

Melissa Simeon

For Melissa Simeon, breaking into the industry was a no-brainer thanks to its reputation as a stable and essential business.  Inspired by her mother, Melissa put her resilience and business savvy to the test by becoming a Caltex Retailer.

Melissa and her husband Jules set up shop in Marilao, Bulacan. The site began operations in December 2021, servicing countless motorists in the Central Luzon region.

Although Melissa initially struggled as a woman in a male-dominated industry, this did not deter her confidence at all. Before entering the fuel industry, she had decades-long experience as an executive in transport and boiler manufacturing companies. “While the industry is male-dominated, I never saw that as a limitation—only as motivation. I overcame this by proving, through leadership and results, that women can thrive in any industry,” she said.

Melissa also said that Caltex has boosted her confidence by providing valuable business insights, networking opportunities, and operational support. She added, “I maximized these [opportunities given by Caltex] by staying engaged, continuously learning, and ensuring our stations provide the best service possible.”

Margaret Caballes-Jubane

Margaret Caballes-Jubane comes from a family of empowered Caltex women retailers that spans three generations. It all began in the 1960s, when her paternal grandparents, Rufina and Sabiniano Caballes Sr. set up their first Caltex Station in Davao City. Her father Wilfredo opened his station in 1971 and began a husband-wife tandem with Thelma Estoque-Caballes in 1978.

After registering as a Caltex Retailer in April 1998, Thelma underwent the Caltex Train the Trainer program and became a model site dealer. She has since trained Caltex dealers in Visayas and Mindanao, even inspiring some to become outstanding Caltex retailers themselves.

Over the years, the family business has grown from a single Caltex station into a network of stations and a fleet of tankers. As Margaret grew up watching her grandmother and mother thrive in the fuel industry, she felt inspired to follow in their footsteps. Her journey with Caltex began when she became a retailer in February 2005 and the rest is history.

She reflected, “Being exposed to the fuel industry early on made it a lot less intimidating because the focus was always on compliance with global standards and business growth, regardless of gender.”

While Margaret felt that women retailers tend to go under the radar in the fuel industry, their natural inclinations such as attention to detail and ability to nurture a team can help them shine. She added, “Because we lead with heart, we inspire others and create an inclusive space where everyone can shine alongside us.”

Vicky Alvarez

Vicky Alvarez took a leap of faith when she became a Caltex Retailer. After her family bought a  2,000 sqm property in Southwoods City during its early development stages in 2011, multiple fuel companies approached her to team up in building the township’s first gas station.

Vicky eventually chose Caltex after numerous talks with acquisition agent Jeff Enriquez. “It was his determination and Caltex/Chevron’s reputable name that led me and my family to become a Caltex retailer,” she recalled.

Vicky also admitted to feeling very reluctant to join the male-dominated fuel industry. Luckily, through constant prayer and the support of the Caltex brand, she found her voice.

“At first, I was nervous and reluctant, knowing that this industry is mostly led by men. However, with my faith in God, I was able to overcome that fear. The training program offered by Caltex was also instrumental in making me feel comfortable entering the industry – it allowed me to meet my peers,” she added.

Over the years, Vicky learned to utilize her gut instinct, as this uniquely feminine trait helps women become more resilient and self-confident. She said, “This gut instinct is unique to women, and I believe it helps empower our decision-making in this industry.” 

How Caltex is Paving the Way for Women in the Fuel Industry

Melissa, Margaret, and Vicky all believe the fuel industry is slowly opening up to women. After all, opportunities will always open up for people with the grit and determination to succeed –– regardless of their gender. “We are fortunate to be in a time when the results of our work as women speak for themselves and are duly recognized,” said Margaret.

The three women also thanked Caltex for supporting and trusting female entrepreneurs to run their retail sites nationwide. Vicky reflected, “Our business consultants from Caltex are hands-on in showing their support. Regular meetings with them throughout the year helped me feel supported as a woman.”

Melissa also encouraged more women entrepreneurs to join Caltex’s mission of making clean and quality fuels more accessible to Filipinos nationwide. “The fuel industry is not just for men — it’s for anyone with the drive to succeed. With Caltex’s support, dedication, and willingness to learn, women can thrive and make a real impact in this business.”

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