Working abroad often starts with a dream — sometimes planned, other times accidental — but it always demands courage. For Aquino Bañaria Plotado, founder and CEO of Aquino Plotado Real Estate International, Aquino Plotado Film International, and the Aquino Plotado Philanthropy Foundation, his journey began with neither a blueprint nor expectations of grandeur. It was a simple visit to the UAE in 2011 that would, unknowingly, change the course of his life forever.
Aquino, now 38 years old, has carved a path many would find hard to imagine, especially for someone who once wore a Jollibee uniform in Munoz, Quezon City. “I was genuinely content working as a Call Center Agent in the Philippines. I even had a pending job offer with HSBC,” he shared. But destiny had other plans. “While visiting the UAE on a tourist visa, my sister encouraged me to apply for jobs. I initially said no, but life led me where I was meant to be.”
Today, Aquino’s professional footprint stretches across real estate, film, and philanthropy — a triad of industries he approaches with relentless passion and purpose. His story is not just about climbing the career ladder abroad; it’s about refusing to let hardships define him, and choosing instead to define himself.
Rising through different industries with resilience
Before finding his calling in real estate, Aquino’s professional journey was an exercise in adaptability. His early years were spent at Jollibee, later transitioning to the BPO industry with Teleperformance and Sykes, where he honed customer service and communication skills.
In 2012, he secured his first job in the UAE as a Front Desk Agent at Yas Island Rotana Hotel. From there, he moved across ten international hotel brands, including prestigious names such as Four Seasons, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Jumeirah, Kempinski, Hilton, Radisson Blu, and Rotana. His dedication did not go unnoticed — Aquino earned more than 80 awards and recognitions for service excellence in hospitality.
However, Aquino was never content to stay in one lane. He shifted into the sports and entertainment sector, joining the International Cricket Council (ICC) Academy, Dubai International Stadium, and Dubai Sports City. “I had the honor of working during major events like the IPL and meeting cricket legends and Bollywood celebrities,” he recalled. Later, he worked for EMAAR Entertainment at The Dubai Mall, one of the world’s most visited shopping and entertainment destinations.
Despite the success, Aquino’s heart sought a different challenge. Real estate captured his imagination — and soon, his future. He joined Elysian Real Estate and FAM Properties, quickly rising to the top by closing a major AED 15 million deal. At Metropolitan Premium Properties, he sealed a transaction on his very first day. “What I enjoy most is helping clients, from millionaires to billionaires, find properties that align with their dreams and investments,” he explained.
But his passions extended beyond business. Aquino also ventured into the creative industry, producing As The Call So The Echo, a short film starring Enzo Pineda and directed by Rusty Palacio Guarin. The film became a finalist at the Emirates Film Festival 2025, winning Best Actor and Best Director, while receiving nominations for Best Film and Best Child Actor.
“I love every project I do,” Aquino said. “Whether it’s in real estate, film, or giving back — every story matters, and every client, artist, or student is part of that story.”
Turning struggles into stepping stones
Behind the awards, recognitions, and business successes is a man who endured discrimination, bullying, and heartbreak. “My journey wasn’t easy,” Aquino admitted. “I’ve experienced being bullied, discriminated against, looked down on because of my skin color, nationality, and even the way I spoke.”
At work, he encountered silent biases — assumptions that Filipinos could only hold entry-level roles like cleaners, cashiers, or service staff. “But I didn’t let that narrative trap me,” he said. Instead, Aquino focused on excelling in every role he took. He became a top achiever, winning best employee awards, and later built companies that now bear his name.
“Naming my companies after myself wasn’t about ego,” Aquino clarified. “It was a reminder to all those who doubted me, blamed me, or underestimated me. It was about showing that I could rise, not just survive, but thrive.”
His toughest personal battles, however, left deeper scars. Aquino shared a haunting memory from his childhood — being bullied and even subjected to cruel punishments like being stuffed inside a rice sack and hung from a tree by a relative. “Those experiences could have broken me,” he said, “but I used the pain as fuel.”
One of the most devastating moments of his adult life came during the COVID-19 pandemic when his father died in the Philippines while Aquino watched helplessly through a Zoom call. “We weren’t even allowed to say goodbye properly. That memory still breaks me,” he confessed. But instead of letting grief consume him, he used it as a source of strength.
“Every heartbreak, every rejection, every betrayal made me wiser, braver, and more compassionate,” he added. “They made me the person I am today — not just in business, but in how I treat others.”
Today, Aquino channels these lessons into his philanthropic work. Through the Aquino Plotado Philanthropy Foundation, he donated ₱1 million to his alma mater, Potrero National High School in Malabon City, sponsored events honoring teachers, and provided printers, a sound system, and cash gifts to teachers and students. “Helping others grow and thrive is the most rewarding part of all,” he said.
Dreaming even bigger beyond borders
Even with three companies under his leadership and numerous achievements, Aquino refuses to see his journey as complete. At 38, he believes his real story is just beginning.
Among his future dreams is launching a fashion brand, building a TV network, and becoming a talent manager akin to Simon Cowell. “I dream of discovering and managing world-class talents, forming global music groups, and supporting solo artists who can shake the world stage,” he said with excitement.
He draws inspiration from successful groups like Westlife, Backstreet Boys, Spice Girls, and even S*Club 7, seeing the potential for multicultural, genre-crossing talent to captivate international audiences.
Beyond business ambitions, Aquino’s core mission remains steadfast: to give back. “I will never forget the feeling of having nothing — of being hungry, being alone, feeling unseen,” he said. “That’s why, while reaching for my dreams, I’ll always stay grounded, helping others rise too.”
He encourages other overseas Filipinos to stay true to themselves and remain resilient in the face of adversity. “Be real. Be authentic. Don’t pretend to fit into molds that weren’t made for you,” he advised.
Aquino’s words are drawn from hard-earned experience: “Life will throw you challenges — people will judge and criticize — but let your success be your answer. Ignore the noise. Stay optimistic. Pray hard. Learn from mistakes. Make second chances count.”
For those enduring hardship overseas, his advice is simple yet powerful: “Turn your struggles into stepping stones. Be resilient. Be unshakable. Be unstoppable.”
Aquino also reminds kabayans abroad to be wise when choosing the people they trust. “One wrong decision can cost you everything,” he cautioned. “Stay smart, be patient, and never let others dim your light.”
