If there’s anything this list has proven, the Philippines is a place of possibility, and these people have made their dreams happen or have simply stood out — all before they turned 40. We’re sure we have missed so many other brilliant people worth celebrating, which only means there’s room for a Part 2, and more. This unranked list just sounds off some of the 40 people under 40 worth taking notice of.
40 Under 40 Manilenians Worth Taking Notice Of
Ace Espiritu
A staple in the Metro’s nightlife for over a decade, he is actually a French-trained chef, with culinary footprints in Provence, El Nido, and Manila. He now spends his time focused on expanding his food and beverage business portfolio, which includes The Burger Joint, Black Sheep, TUNNL, and most recently, Souper Bowl Noodles.
Sean Fariñas
Image Credit: benjietiongco.com
34-year-old Sean Fariñas has been in the F&B industry for 8 years now, having first dipped his feet in the industry after he co-opened Dillingers 1903. Since then, he has gone on to co-open Tipsy Pig, with two of its branches in Ortigas and BGC, and a third branch underway.
Originally from the corporate world, Sean shied away from politics despite coming from a political family, and it seems that the restaurant industry is his calling. During his free time, Sean can constantly be found diving and surfing with his wife, actress Karel Marquez, as well as exploring the mountains on his dirt bike.
Yassi Pressman
Pam Solilapsi
When it comes to your favorite nightlife establishments, it’s quite possible that 29-year-old Pam Solilapsi is behind all of them: The Palace Nightlife complex at the Fort, home to Palace Pool Club, Valkyrie, Revel and Yes Please; Aracama and the newly opened Early Night? bar; Tipsy Pig at Capitol Commons and BGC; and The Barn by Tipsy Pig at U.P Town Center.
But if you’re the type to drink at home with friends, she has also launched a startup company called Boozy.ph, an online liquor delivery service that delivers alcohol straight to wherever you are in the Metro within 90 minutes.
Hans Kenner Fernandez
You might be surprised that Hans’ brands are from vastly different industries, but he’s not the type to be boxed in labels. Many of Hans’ businesses are born out of his personal interests or form his own experiences. Being a board game fan, he started Gaming Library, so adults and kids alike can learn and bond together.
Urban Traveller & Co., on the other hand, was conceived from his experiences traveling for work, where he encountered an ever-evolving lifestyle through technology. He also owns Spectre, a “man cave” meant to build a community of like-minded individuals.
Jovic Monsod Susim
You might recognize Jovic Susim as a former Pinoy Big Brother housemate on the Teen Clash edition. But the model is a risk-taker, and has always had a passion for business – so much so, in fact, that despite a few failed attempts, he never gave up on his dream. So, when the opportunity came to open the food park Container Turf, there was no hesitation at all. This goes to show that with persistence, passion, and creativity; there’s no stopping you!
Benj Bolivar
Model and aspiring actor Benj Bolivar has dabbled in business since he was in his late teens, opening streetwear brand Outkast Paradigm when he was still in college. As his business experience grew, he met partners and friends along the way; and together, they founded Container Turf in BF Homes, Parañaque, offering unique and hip dining concepts to their customers.
Joyce Pring
Wil Dasovich
Jako de Leon
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