To empower the community of women in the Philippines is Mark Anthony Palabrica’s top priority. As he becomes his boss, the owner of Aton Ini Iloilo, his vision is to have his brand be renowned that transcends style and culture through their eco-friendly products.
Mark Anthony is committed to promoting sustainable products through women’s empowerment. Their products are carefully sourced and entirely handmade by a local community of weavers that the company has supported.
As the founder of Aton Ini Iloilo, he regularly travels for five hours to visit his weavers in the mountains.
“I usually sit and eat with them while discussing their concerns about how to make money for their living expenses,” he said.
After hearing their sentiments, he wanted to help them, so he promised to do his best to support them.
Mark Anthony could not imagine that their products would be introduced internationally, specifically here in the UAE, adding that he was overwhelmed by how the Filipino community and other nationalities appreciate the hard work of the people in the mountains. With this initiative, he can sustain the everyday needs of the family of the women he supports, whom he casually calls his ‘queens’.
“I did not imagine working in this field, so this experience is life-changing. When you help someone, your heart is filled with love. When I make other people happy, I become truly happy,” he said.
Starting an overseas life
It was 2009 when Mark Anthony decided to work overseas. He said that the main reason he chose to work in Dubai was to establish himself and help his family have a better future. For six months, he worked as a server at a Belgian restaurant in JBR. Jumping to another industry, in 2010, he worked in the HR department of Emirates Group Transguard.
He also worked as a real estate broker for a Russian company. In 2011, he was given a break as an assistant model booker in a modeling company. This opened a new opportunity for him to work in FLC Models as a model booker. From there, he carved his career as a model booker and a producer for leading talent agencies in the emirate, allowing him to work with high-end brands and both Filipino and international designers.
“Working overseas gave me an opportunity to meet new people, build relationships and learn about different culturesand beliefs,” he added.
When asked about her long-term plans, he said it would be to establish his sustainable boutique in the country where he can display all the products made by his ‘queens’, including bags, kitchenware, and furniture.
“In life, we face a lot of struggles that tested our faith and trust. When the pandemic started, I felt depressed because there were plans that were cancelled; however, during that time, I also met my queens that made me realize that you can be happy living life and helping people,” Mark Anthony said.
His advice to his fellow Filipinos abroad is always to include God in their lives, trust the process, and enjoy life.