Elykarl “Karl” David De Guzman, a 46-year-old proud Kapampangan, currently serves as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Ichiryu Ramen House EST. With 17 years of experience abroad, Karl’s journey from a sales employee to a leading figure in the culinary industry is nothing short of inspiring. He manages the day-to-day operations of Ichiryu Ramen House in Jumeirah 1 and the newly opened Tako Ichiban House at Flayva Al Ghurair Centre, ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
“Managing the day-to-day operations of the restaurants to ensure smooth functioning is my primary responsibility,” Karl shares with The Global Filipino Magazine.
Karl’s venture into working overseas was initially unforeseen. Raised by a patriotic father who emphasized the importance of working in their homeland, Karl never imagined he would leave the Philippines. However, when the opportunity arose, he took a leap of faith to explore his limits.
“I never imagined I would work overseas. My father raised me to be extremely patriotic, emphasizing the importance of working in our homeland. Yet, when the chance arose, I took the leap to explore my limits, and I have never looked back on my choice,” he explains.
Karl’s early life was marked by hard work and resilience. From grade school, he sold newspapers and cleaned jeepneys part-time to earn money for food. After finishing school, he ventured into sales, excelling in the field. His journey abroad began with a modest monthly salary of AED1,800. Despite his success, Karl never forgot his roots and remained involved in various non-profit organizations in the Philippines, assisting marginalized communities.
“In the Philippines, I also engaged in various non-profit organizations, assisting the marginalized, impoverished, and oppressed. I even contemplated entering politics to extend my service,” he reflects.
Karl’s passion for the operational aspects of the business led him to the events and advertising industry, where he spent 15 years. His transition to the culinary field came with the establishment of Ichiryu Ramen House and Tako Ichiban House.
“When we established Ichiryu Ramen House and Tako Ichiban House, my initial vision was to oversee operations. What brings me the most joy is tackling challenging problems and fostering connections with both customers and staff,” Karl shares.
His dedication and passion are evident in the innovative dining experiences his restaurants offer, such as the first Japanese solo dining experience at Ichiryu Ramen House and the first nomimono set (takoyaki and drink-in-one) in the UAE at Tako Ichiban House.
Working in the UAE has been immensely beneficial for Karl’s personal growth and his family’s well-being. The safety and security of the country have allowed him to provide a comfortable life for his family, a stark contrast to his own challenging childhood.
“Working in the UAE has been incredibly beneficial for my personal growth and learning journey. The safety and security here have allowed me to provide my family with a level of comfort that I couldn’t offer back home,” he says.
Karl’s journey was not without struggles. Starting from the bottom, he faced the harsh realities of manual labor, handing out flyers under the scorching summer sun. Supported by his then-girlfriend, now his wife, and his uncle, Karl persevered through these tough times.
“At times, I pondered why I was doing this instead of relaxing in the comfort of my previous job. Supported by my then-girlfriend, now my wife, and my uncle who had ample experience in the UAE, they motivated me to push through the tough beginning stages to reach my goals,” he recalls.
Looking ahead, Karl plans to expand Ichiryu Ramen House and Tako Ichiban House, reaching a broader audience and inspiring fellow Filipinos to pursue their dreams.
“As a part of the Ichiryu Ramen House and Tako Ichiban House teams, we are eager to expand our business to connect with a larger audience and motivate Filipinos to chase their aspirations,” he shares.
His mantra, “Success comes with the right attitude,” reflects his belief in hard work and perseverance.
For fellow kabayans struggling abroad, Karl offers sage advice. “Remember, persistence is crucial; continue to forge ahead, and success will come your way,” he advises.
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This article has been published in Volume 4, Issue 12 of The Global Filipino Magazine. If you have a unique life story or know someone who does, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at eic@theglobalfilipinomagazine.com. If you’re interested in obtaining a print copy of the magazine, please contact Mr. JP Cosico at +971 54 482 0661.