Filipino broker Aquino Plotado secures historic Dh1 billion UAE real estate deal exclusively with Fam Properties

Aquino Plotado’s billion-dirham deal proves belief beats boundaries

Last updated: June 20, 2025 | 06:00

Manuel Almario, Senior News Editor

3 MIN READ

From independence to industry impact, the Filipino entrepreneur shares his journey in an exclusive Gulf News interview — revealing how he defied odds in the competitive UAE market.

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Dubai: In a landmark moment for the UAE’s real estate sector, Filipino broker Aquino Plotado is behind a historic Dh1 billion deal, having secured the project exclusively with Fam Properties. This milestone represents one of the largest real estate transactions led by a Filipino professional in the region.

In the high-stakes world of Middle East real estate, making noise is tough. Making history is even tougher. Yet Plotado has done just that.

In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, Plotado shares his role in the high-profile project Dh1 billion off-plan deal on Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah’s emerging luxury haven. What makes this feat especially remarkable? He did it as an independent broker—through a powerful collaboration with Francesco Ferretti and fäm Properties.

“I brought the deal to fäm Properties in strategic collaboration with Francesco Ferretti,” Plotado says. “This wasn’t just a transaction—it was a strategic alliance, driven by deep market insight, relentless hustle, and the decision to bet on myself while aligning with a trusted powerhouse like fäm.”

From brokerage to billion: A vision comes full circle

Plotado’s real estate journey didn’t start with numbers—it started with ambition. That ambition first sparked in 2023, when he nearly closed a Dh1.5 billion hotel project on the same island.

“Even then, I knew I could deliver a billion-dirham deal,” he says. “It was only a matter of timing and strategy.”

He proved it by returning to Marjan Island—this time not as an employee, but as an independent visionary. He brought the deal to fäm Properties and forged a high-impact partnership with Francesco Ferretti, sealing one of the region’s most talked-about off-plan beachfront projects.

“fäm has always been an industry force,” Plotado says. “Partnering with them again—this time as a peer—was a personal win and a smart move.”

This milestone cements his reputation as a bold, strategic player who knows how to take risks—and when to partner wisely.

“It was a full-circle moment,” Plotado adds. “This deal wasn’t luck—it was built on relationships, risk, and resilience.”

Beyond real estate: Plotado’s creative and philanthropic footprint

What makes Plotado’s journey even more compelling is that he’s not just a real estate powerhouse—he’s also a storyteller and changemaker.

His debut short film, As The Call, So The Echo, made waves at the 11th Emirates Film Festival, earning Best Actor (Enzo Pineda), Best Director (Rusty Palacio Guarin), and nominations for Best Film and Best Child Actor.

“I’ve always believed business success and creative passion don’t have to live in separate worlds,” he tells Gulf News. “Storytelling is a powerful tool for change—and this film was proof of that.”

Through the Aquino Plotado Philanthropy Foundation, he’s channeling his success into real impact—donating ₱1 million (Dh64,000), tech equipment, and bonuses to his former high school in Malabon City, Philippines.

“Success means nothing if it doesn’t lift others,” Plotado says. “Education changed my life. Now, I’m paying it forward.”

The Filipino future: Bold, brilliant, and unstoppable

Looking ahead, Plotado is focused on expansion—not just in business, but in influence.

“Filipinos aren’t just participants in the UAE’s growth—we’re creators of it,” he tells Gulf News. “We have the heart, the hustle, and the hunger to lead.”

His advice to young Filipino professionals looking to break into the real estate industry?

“Dare to be different. Be bold. Be YOU. Don’t copy—create. That’s how you go from good… to unforgettable.”

Legacy in Motion

With billion-dirham deals, award-winning films, and transformative philanthropic work under his belt, Plotado is doing more than making headlines—he’s building a legacy. And he’s just getting started.

Also Read: From Manila’s slums to Dubai’s skyline: How Filipina entrepreneur Jenny Raet turned scraps into success

Manuel AlmarioSenior News Editor

Manuel has been with Gulf News for 24 years, currently serving as a Senior News Editor and a vital member of the team. From managing social media platforms and crafting viral content to shooting and editing videos on various topics such as weather, gold prices, and traffic updates, Manuel ensures news is not just timely but engaging. He also moderates reader comments and keeps the digital space respectful and impactful. Formerly the Community Editor for the Readers section, Manuel helped residents resolve issues with banks, telecom providers, utilities, and government agencies—giving people a voice and driving accountability. “I’m proud that, with the cooperation of companies, I was able to help people get the answers they needed,” he says. Beyond the newsroom, Manuel is driven by a passion for human interest stories—amplifying voices that often go unheard. “From rags-to-riches journeys to the quiet resilience of people with special needs, I believe these stories restore hope in humanity,” he added. “In every story I tell,” Manuel says, “my goal is simple: to inspire hearts, inform minds, and make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s a viral video, a quiet act of resilience, or a voice that needs to be heard, I believe every story has the power to connect us—and sometimes, even change us.” Manuel’s impact goes far beyond the newsroom—he’s been honored as one of the 300 most influential Filipinos in the Gulf Legacy Edition 2020 by Illustrado. His dedication to telling powerful stories, along with his influence in community, culture, and human interest, has earned him a well-deserved place on this prestigious list.