03/07/2026
In 2019, I came to Manila to speak at a conference while working at Apple. Since I was already in the Philippines, I decided to stay a few extra days and organize a youth startup event called the Dream Bigger Manila Pitch Competition.
I expected a small gathering. Instead, something incredible happened. Volunteers stepped up, people donated their time, skills, and resources, and the event came together with very little effort on my part. The message of "Dream Bigger" seemed to resonate with so many Filipinos.
The event exceeded every expectation. Afterward, founders started reaching out for mentorship, and as I boarded my flight back to the US, I sensed God saying, "You're going to do more business in the Philippines one day."
Back in Silicon Valley, I stayed connected with the founders I had met and began mentoring and investing where I could. Then the pandemic hit, and I was asked to lead Apple's COVID-19 response for more than 500 retail stores across 20+ countries. My connection with the Philippines naturally took a back seat.
But in late 2020, God wouldn't let it go. After waking me up at 3:30 a.m. four nights in a row, He impressed on my heart to "come and see" what He was doing in the Philippines. I spent months praying, fasting, interviewing founders, pastors, and leaders, and seeking confirmation.
Finally, with peace from God, I resigned from Apple in 2021, relocated to Manila, and launched Dream Bigger.
Looking back, I can see that Dream Bigger wasn't born from a business plan. It was born from a simple invitation from God to trust Him one step at a time.
And by His grace, we're still saying yes.
