Real estate entrepreneur and film producer Aquino Plotado was recently honored with a Star Icon Award at the Global Filipino Icon Awards 2025 held in Dubai.
Plotado, who is based in the United Arab Emirates, was recognized as an Outstanding Filipino Entrepreneur in Property and Entertainment for his contributions to both business and the creative industries.
The awards event celebrated achievements across journalism, entertainment, fashion, culinary arts, music, and other fields, with journalist Kara David serving as guest of honor. Among the other awardees were actors Arci Muñoz and Sheryl Cruz, athlete Thirdy Ravena, singer Shereen Ahmed, music director Troy Laureta, chef JP Anglo, fashion stylist Harvey Cenit, filmmaker Ron Awa, and designer Michael Cinco.
In real estate, Plotado was named one of the top sales agents at FAM Properties, the UAE’s largest real estate firm, during the fourth quarter of 2023. After moving to Metropolitan Premium Properties, he closed a major deal on his first day and surpassed his annual target within a month with a transaction worth AED 25 million.
In the entertainment sector, he produced the short film As The Call, So The Echo, which was a finalist at the 11th Emirates Short Film Festival 2025. The film, starring Enzo Pineda and directed by Rusty Palacio Guarin, won awards for Best Actor and Best Director and received nominations for Best Film and Best Child Actor.
Plotado also leads a charity, the Aquino Plotado Philanthropy Foundation, which supports public schools in the Philippines. In March, he donated P1 million to Potrero National High School in Malabon City, along with nine printers and a sound system.
He also organized a tribute event on March 30 for former teachers and the school community, allocating nearly P3 million for donations, cash gifts, and event production. Actor Mark Herras appeared as a special guest. Though Plotado could not attend, he delivered a video message at the school’s recognition day on April 8, where he was invited as guest speaker.
The foundation continues to support education programs aimed at improving access to resources for students and teachers across the country.
