In the glittering skyline of Dubai, where ambition and opportunity meet, few stories shine as brightly as that of Aquino Bañaria Plotado. Entrepreneur, film producer, philanthropist, and cultural bridge-builder, his life reads like a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and an unshakable belief in possibility.
Born on March 31, 1987, in the quiet town of Baao, Camarines Sur, Philippines, Aquino was one of twins—his sister Cory named in honor of former Philippine president Corazon Aquino. The son of a farmer and a dressmaker, his roots were humble but rich with values of hard work and resilience. He completed elementary school in Baao and secondary school in Malabon City before briefly pursuing nursing at Our Lady of Fatima University. Life’s realities steered him toward work, starting as a service crew member at Jollibee and later joining the BPO industry with Teleperformance and Sykes Enterprises.
Finding His Place in Dubai
Aquino’s Dubai story began like that of many dreamers—arriving as a tourist and taking on hospitality roles in some of the world’s most prestigious hotels: Rotana, Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Jumeirah, Hilton, Kempinski, and more. His charisma and drive propelled him into sports administration with the ICC Academy and entertainment operations at Emaar Entertainment. But it was in real estate that he discovered his true calling.
Rising in Real Estate
Starting with KeyOne Realty Group and Elysian Real Estate, Aquino quickly earned a reputation for closing high-value deals. His tenure with fäm Properties became a defining chapter—ranking among the firm’s top three sales performers and completing headline-making transactions, including a penthouse sale on Marjan Island worth AED 17 million.
In June 2025, Aquino made history, securing an AED 1 billion beachfront project on Marjan Island—a deal that earned him the prestigious Billion Dirhams Deal Maker Award at the Emirates Real Estate Awards in July. Earlier, in April, he was honored with the Star Icon Award for Outstanding Filipino Entrepreneur in Property and Entertainment at the Global Filipino Icon Awards.
Venturing into Film
In 2024, Aquino founded Aquino Plotado Film International, making his debut as a producer with As The Call, So The Echo. The film became a finalist at the 11th Emirates Short Film Festival (2025), winning Best Actor (Enzo Pineda) and Best Director (Rusty Palacio Guarin), with additional nominations for Best Film and Best Child Actor. Discussions are already underway for future collaborations.
Giving Back
Philanthropy is central to Aquino’s ethos. Through the Aquino Plotado Philanthropy Foundation, he has supported education in the Philippines, most notably donating ₱1,000,000 and essential equipment to his alma mater, Potrero National High School, in March 2025. His “Celebration of Gratitude” initiative honored educators and promoted a culture of giving back.
A Man of Influence
From Gulf News to Philippine national media, Aquino’s story has been told as one of the most inspiring modern-day Filipino success narratives in the UAE. He balances his professional triumphs with fatherhood to his two sons, Sheikhand Hamdan—named after Dubai’s Crown Prince—symbolizing his deep connection to the city that became his home.
Aquino Bañaria Plotado is more than a businessman—he is a bridge between cultures, an advocate for community upliftment, and a testament to what can be achieved when grit meets vision. In every deal closed, film produced, and cause supported, he continues to carve a legacy that inspires not just fellow Filipinos, but anyone chasing a dream under the Dubai sun.
