Success rarely comes overnight. It is often the result of perseverance, vision, and faith in something greater than oneself. For Ernesto and Lolie Serrano, their journey as overseas Filipinos has been shaped by discipline, determination, and an unwavering belief that every challenge can be turned into an opportunity. Today, they stand as proud owners of First Concept Group in the UAE, a company that thrives across trading, advertising, media production, and events. Their story reflects not just entrepreneurial achievement, but also a deep sense of purpose anchored on their Christian faith.
From service crew to filmmaker and entrepreneur
When Ernesto left the Philippines 17 years ago, he was determined to find better opportunities and build a future that had meaning. His first job was far from glamorous. He joined Americana Group as a service crew member at Taco Bell, slowly working his way up to supervisor and assistant manager before moving into the Purchasing and Marketing Department. The experience, he says, was life-changing. “Each step was a lesson in patience, responsibility, and leadership,” Ernesto recalls. “Those years built my foundation in discipline, leadership, and business operations.”
But Ernesto’s story didn’t end in the food service industry. With courage and vision, he transitioned into filmmaking—an entirely different world where creativity, storytelling, and impact came together. Today, he heads Bright Lights Production LLC, which has produced documentaries such as The Future of Education in the UAE and heritage films in Ras Al Khaimah. “What I love most about my current work is the ability to tell stories that inspire people and glorify God,” he shares. “Filmmaking is not just a passion—it’s a calling.”
He admits that his early years abroad were filled with challenges, particularly in managing finances. “I earned a living, but I didn’t fully understand how to save, invest, or manage my income wisely,” he says. That lack of planning left him unprepared at times, but it also pushed him to seek wisdom. “What carried me through was my Christian Born Again faith. Over time, I learned the importance of budgeting, prioritizing, and investing in things that truly matter.”
Today, Ernesto is not just a filmmaker but also an entrepreneur co-managing several businesses under the First Concept Group umbrella. Looking forward, he envisions expanding Bright Lights Production globally while mentoring the next generation of Filipino creatives. “Most importantly, I see myself continuing to serve God by using my talents and resources for His Kingdom—whether through films that inspire or by helping others grow in faith,” he says.
A marketer’s journey to building businesses from scratch
Beside Ernesto is his wife, Lolie, who has been working abroad for 25 years. Her journey began in 2000 when she moved to the UAE at the age of 24. Her first role was as a Sales Coordinator at Landmark Group, where she mastered the basics of discipline, customer service, and teamwork. “This role became the foundation for my future success,” she explains. “It taught me the importance of understanding clients and delivering value.”
Through the years, Lolie transitioned into marketing and events before venturing fully into entrepreneurship. Today, she is the Managing Director of First Concept Group of Companies and also runs First Concept General Trading LLC, First Concept Advertising LLC, Bright Light Media Production, and Paper Rings Events. Her passion lies in helping brands tell their stories and creating platforms that connect people. “I love what I do because I get to combine creativity, strategy, and execution every single day,” she says. “The most satisfying part of my work is seeing businesses and individuals grow because of the solutions I provide.”
Like many overseas Filipinos, Lolie faced her own struggles. Adjusting to a new culture, building credibility from scratch, and taking risks to start businesses were not easy tasks. Yet she credits her resilience to her faith and the people around her. “I overcame these struggles through prayer, faith, and perseverance,” she shares. “Being a Christian has been my anchor, reminding me to trust God’s timing and guidance.”
Her vision for the future is clear: she wants to expand First Concept Group internationally, create more opportunities for Filipinos, and support advocacies that empower women entrepreneurs. “I believe success is not just about achieving personal goals but also about lifting others as you climb,” she says.
Living with faith, purpose, and integrity
What makes the Serranos’ story remarkable is not only their individual accomplishments but also how they have built their journey together as a couple. Ernesto emphasizes that for overseas Filipinos, true success cannot be measured by money alone. “Always remember, success abroad is not just about money—it’s about living with faith, purpose, and integrity,” he says.
Lolie echoes the same message. For her, faith is at the center of everything. “Put God first in everything you do, and you will find the strength to overcome challenges,” she says. She also highlights the importance of discipline in finances and continuous learning. “Stay disciplined with your finances, keep learning and upgrading your skills, and build genuine relationships with trustworthy people.”
Together, they agree that their Christian faith has been the cornerstone of their lives, guiding them through both triumphs and trials. Ernesto sums it up best: “My story—from serving food behind a counter to building companies and directing films—is proof that with faith in God, perseverance, and vision, nothing is impossible.”
Their journey reflects the broader story of many overseas Filipinos who leave home to seek opportunities but end up creating impact not only for themselves but for their communities. Both Ernesto and Lolie use their businesses not just as profit-generating ventures but as platforms to inspire, employ, and uplift others. They see their success as a way to serve, to give back, and to share the values that carried them through.
Looking back, Ernesto remembers the struggles of his early days and how they shaped him. Lolie, too, looks at the risks she took as stepping stones to the life she has now. But both are forward-looking, eager to expand their businesses globally and deepen their involvement in advocacies. For them, the journey does not stop here—it continues with bigger dreams, stronger faith, and a desire to help others rise alongside them.
