DC Panel Discussion Spotlights “Fil-Am Men In Business”
From left: Moderator Marie Valmonte, panelists Ron Sayco, James Mata, Jebo Lopez, and Amante Bustamante at the “Fil-Am Men in Business: Dreaming Big” panel discussion held at the Philippine Embassy Chancery Annex on 26 September 2019. (Washington PE photo)
WASHINGTON D.C. 10 October 2019 — Following the success of “Filipinas in Business: Making Mindset Matter” early this year, the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. and the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce Metro DC (PACC-DC) collaborated anew, this time featuring Filipino-American men who have ventured and succeeded in various fields of business in the United States.
“Fil-Am Men in Business: Dreaming Big” put the spotlight on four outstanding Filipino-American men, namely, Ron Sayco, Chief Financial Officer of cybersecurity solutions provider Merlin International; James Mata, President and Owner of Maryland Premier Exteriors and Ruuf Roofing and Co-Owner of Sunset Ridge Assisted Living; Jebo Lopez, Chief Executive Officer and Owner of local courier WHEELZ UP and dockless electric scooters business BOLTZ UP; and Amante Bustamante, Chief Technology Officer and part-owner of Ashburn Consulting LLC.
The event, which was held at the Embassy Chancery Annex on 26 September 2019, was well received and well attended by the Filipino-American community of the DC-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) area.
“This is another opportunity to pick the brains of a different set of panelists, particularly in relation to the risks, responsibilities, and rewards that go with owning a business,” Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Patrick A. Chuasoto said in his opening remarks.
PACC-Metro DC President Cristina Sison likewise delivered a powerful message before the start of the panel discussion. “As President of the PACC-DC, my vision is to strengthen Filipino-American entrepreneurship in the greater Metropolitan Washington DC area. Our mission is to be a relevant, meaningful, and dynamic force in pursuing business development activities for the Filipino-American community. PACC will continue to change and challenge the way its members do business and to help them find ways to contribute to their respective communities.”
During the discussion, the panelists narrated how their journey started with a realization of wanting to start a business, focusing on their strengths, keeping the inspiration that ignites them, and making bold moves that made them excel in their current businesses.
Mr. Lopez stressed the importance of “living life more,” working on passion, and planning ahead, while Mr. Mata underscored the impact of having faith in oneself, not forgetting where one came from, and looking at the needs of one's clients.
“Don’t forget to give back – to charity, to the community. You also need to have the right attitude,” Mr. Bustamante reminded the audience. Sayco likewise emphasized that keeping a positive attitude and remaining calm in times of challenging situations are essential in running a business.
Marie Valmonte, Chief Operating Officer of KayaRoo, a professional learning program development, served as moderator of the panel discussion, while lawyer-entrepreneur Olma Inocentes of OMLLI Group, LLC served as the host of the event.
A simple reception featuring Filipino dishes courtesy of Enterprise Solutions, Inc. and PACC-DC concluded the program.
From left: Olma Inocentes, Cristina Sison, Mr. Bustamante, Mr. Sayco, Mr. Mata, Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. Deputy Chief of Mission Patrick Chuasoto, Mr. Lopez, and Ms. Valmonte at the conclusion of “Fil-Am Men in Business: Dreaming Big” on 26 September 2019. (Washington PE photo)
Philippine American Chamber of Commerce Metro DC (PACC-DC) president Cristina Sison delivers remarks prior to the start of the panel discussion, “Fil-Am Men in Business: Dreaming Big” on 26 September 2019. (Washington PE photo)
This article originally appeared on dfa.gov.ph (LINK)