Mars Yabut De los Santos is a name synonymous with media excellence and entrepreneurship in the UAE and the Philippines. As the CEO and owner of Expat Media Group, a thriving media brand that has been making waves for the past eight years, Mars has carved a unique niche in the media landscape. But her journey wasn’t just about building a business; it’s a story of persistence, vision, and passion, backed by over 15 years of experience in media and public relations.
A multi-award-winning media veteran, Mars’ accomplishments span from being awarded Best in Journalism by the Dubai Government to receiving the Global Filipino Icon Award and being recognized as an Innovator in Digital Media Content. This year, she joined the elite group of the Top 100 Entrepreneurs of 2024. Yet, despite her accolades, Mars remains as grounded as ever, committed to telling stories, supporting communities, and paving the way for the next generation of media professionals.
Growing up in business
Mars’ entrepreneurial spirit didn’t just emerge when she launched Expat Media in 2016. In fact, it runs in her family.
“My growing-up years were spent between my hometown in Samar, and Manila,” Mars shares, reminiscing about her childhood. “I am the youngest of seven children, but it often felt like I was an only child because my siblings were already in college while I was still young.”
Mars’ father and grandfather, a passionate businessman, ran a car repair factory and a fleet of buses in her hometown. “It was my happy place,” she smiles. “I loved going to the factory, saying hello to the mechanics, and seeing all the government service vehicles being repaired. I’ve always had a fascination with cars, and that business environment instilled in me an interest in entrepreneurship.”
That early exposure to business sowed the seeds of Mars’ career aspirations. Today, she’s not only the proud owner of a successful media company but also a budding real estate rental business in the Philippines. “I’m trying to carve my own niche in business,” she says modestly, adding, “I always knew I wanted to start my own company.”
A calling in journalism
Mars’ love for storytelling began with a dream of becoming like Loren Legarda, a renowned journalist in the Philippines. “She was always poised and razor-sharp as a journalist,” Mars says. Inspired by Legarda’s journalistic brilliance, Mars pursued a degree in Mass Communications and interned in media companies like Viva Films and Manila Bulletin.
But Mars didn’t stop at journalism. Her stint in public relations opened her eyes to the possibilities of combining media and PR. “I realized I could have the best of both worlds—journalism and PR. My end goal was always to become an entrepreneur,” she explains.
A leap of faith in the UAE
Mars’ journey to the UAE began in 2006 when she left a lucrative government media job in the Philippines to pursue a media career in Dubai. Her family thought she was taking a huge risk, but Mars saw an opportunity. “That’s just me,” she laughs. “I always see potential in things.”
Although the company she initially joined closed within a month, Mars quickly landed a role at Gulf News, the UAE’s largest newspaper. She started as a proofreader and worked her way up to become the first Filipino editor of Gulf News’ online magazine division. “My team and I handled editorial management for titles like Friday, Wheels, InsideOut, and more. It was a dream come true.”
Birth of Expat Media
In 2016, Mars felt ready to take the leap and start her own media company. “I always follow a timeline for myself,” she explains. “I wanted to create a platform where I could combine my love for journalism with the challenge of entrepreneurship.”
And so, Expat Media was born. What started as a small news website has since grown into Expat Media Group, which includes an online news arm, a print magazine, and divisions for PR, events, marketing, and talent management.
“I’m so proud of what we’ve built,” Mars says. “We’ve grown steadily over the past eight years, and we’ve managed to help so many people, especially Filipinos in the UAE—whether by telling their stories, providing media support, or offering career opportunities.”
Making waves in the UAE
Expat Media has become a household name in the UAE’s Filipino community and beyond. The magazine, Expat Media Special Edition, is one of the largest distributed magazines in the UAE, and the company has worked on high-profile projects for both government agencies and private companies.
One of Expat Media’s proudest achievements under Mars’ leadership was organizing the first From the UAE With Love campaign for the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, which won the UAE Government’s Best CSR Event of 2018. Expat Media also helped launch the first Filipino Labour Day in Sharjah, a groundbreaking event that earned the media company an award from the Sharjah Labour Standards Development Authority.
“We’re always proud to work with the community, whether through events, PR campaigns, or media content,” Mars says. “It’s incredibly rewarding when people tell us that Expat Media supports Filipino events and businesses, big or small.”
Challenges and triumphs
Running a media company hasn’t been without its challenges. Mars recalls instances where people betrayed her trust for selfish business interests. “Thankfully, fate always finds a way to close the door on these people,” she says, emphasizing the importance of surrounding herself with trustworthy, loyal individuals.
In business, Mars believes in building strong relationships. “Take care of people, and business will follow,” she advises.
Looking to the future
As Expat Media celebrates its eighth anniversary, Mars is already planning for the future. “In ten years, I’d like to see Expat Media expand further in Asia and the Middle East,” she says. “I also want to venture into different industries.”
Beyond media, Mars has dreams of building a community market, expanding her real estate business, and perhaps even reviving her family’s car repair business. “I want to leave a legacy, not just for myself but for the next generation,” she says.
Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
For those just starting their entrepreneurial journey, Mars has one key piece of advice: “Keep going, and stay focused on your goals. Even if it feels like you’re not getting anywhere, don’t stop. And when you make a promise, make sure you deliver.”
Her words reflect the determination that has defined her career. From her early days in the Philippines to her current role as one of the UAE’s most influential media entrepreneurs, Mars Yabut De los Santos is a testament to the power of hard work, vision, and a never-give-up attitude. With her inspiring journey, Mars continues to lead the way—one story, one success at a time.
This article has been published in Volume 5, Issue 3 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.
