JONATHAN YABUT

APPRENTICE ASIA WINNER

“A global Pinoy is world-class in his achievements, but uniquely Filipino in his method,” writes Jonathan. What Filipino methods in particular, we ask? “We are ma-diskarte, palaban, naturally creative, and always proud. When given the right environment to succeed, the Filipino always stands out.”

Jonathan has more than enough experience in standing out: the 28-year-old marketer made his regional debut on the first ever season of Apprentice Asia. His clever campaigns and passionate attitude impressed Apprentice honcho and Air Asia CEO Tony Fernandes, who declared him the winner after a tense boardroom showdown against Singaporean Andrea Loh. Now, as Air Asia’s Chief of Staff, Jonathan reports directly to Tony while honing his skills in negotiating, financial planning, and inspiring his staff. “This has definitely changed my life for good. I’ll never forget Tony telling me one day over Whatsapp, ‘I’m gonna make you Tony #2’ after I accomplished a good project!” he recalls.

Jonathan inspires people on a daily basis. If not at work, then on Facebook and Twitter, where he still interacts with roughly 23,000 fans. Scrolling through, you get a sense that Jonathan’s influence pierces deep into the Filipino psyche, in a way that a well-heeled executive’s might not. He was not educated abroad. His parents could not afford to send him to culinary school, shelving his dream of becoming a restaurateur. He describes himself as “Jologs at heart.” To hardworking Pinoys, especially OFWs, he is considered their kababayan. “I get long letters from engineers in Dubai, or accountants in Singapore, saying that [the victory] raised the flag of the Pinoy,” he says, calling the experience “priceless.” Though he might often be found among the clouds for work, his heart remains grounded, his sense of national heritage rooted deep.

Now, Jonathan’s dreams have taken flight: to be the next Mark Zuckerberg of Asia. The first Filipino to ring the bell on Wall Street on the day his start-up goes public. To finally open that restaurant. To be an entrepreneur, just like Tony. No matter what comes next, rest assured he’ll do it the Filipino way; of which he, and we, could not be more proud.—BP