Seaman’s voyage to success

Seaman’s voyage to success
Ana-Liza Macatangay September 7, 2025 https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/09/07/business/top-business/seamans-voy...

Former seafarer leads a thriving food business, becoming a model OFW entrepreneur

WHAT seemed like a significant setback for Emmanuel Nepomuceno Rabano, 47, from Oas, Albay, ultimately opened the door to a much greater opportunity.

Nine years ago, his career as a seafarer came to an unexpected halt, leading him down a path he never envisioned: becoming a successful entrepreneur in the food industry.

“I worked as a seaman from 2009 to 2015, and then I settled in Bicol for a while,” Rabano explained. “I had planned to return to work, but during my time in my hometown, I had the chance to relax, explore and enjoy a lot of food. Sa Bicol, masarap talaga ang pagkain (In Bicol, the food is really delicious).”

Little did he know, his burgeoning love for food would lead to obesity. When he attempted to renew his contract as an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), he was rejected due to being deemed “unfit to work.”

Instead of dwelling on the loss, Rabano decided to transform his struggle with obesity into a life-changing business opportunity that would help him get his life back on track.

“Since mahilig din naman ako kumain (I also love to eat), I thought about starting a business centered around what I love most — food. So, I started making and selling pork barbecues. My customers noticed that my homemade dipping sauce tastes good,” Rabano, owner of Emman’s Food Products, recounted.

The birth of Sukang Marang

A customer who worked at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) consistently encouraged Rabano to visit their office and seek assistance in facilitating the market entry of his product.

Initially hesitant, he eventually took the customer’s advice, a decision he has never regretted. This pivotal step led to the creation of his now-famous Sukang Marang sauce products.

Starting from a simple barbecue sauce, Rabano developed a variety of flavorful options.

His product line now includes diverse flavors like garlic onion, atsara (pickled papaya), sweet and spicy, six spice, mango chili sauce, pineapple chili sauce and ginisang balaw, or bagoong (sautéed fermented shrimp paste), among others.

“During the seven years I spent as a seafarer, I had the opportunity to see the world, traveling through many countries,” Rabano reflected. “I believe I was redirected to be where I am now. After utilizing DTI services and receiving assistance from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), I am confident that we can make a positive impact through entrepreneurship.”

Rabano has since participated in numerous trade fairs and has been recognized as a model entrepreneur by the DTI.

A model OFW entrepreneur

Rabano was recently honored by the DMW as part of their “Buy Local, Buy OFW” campaign during the Migrant Workers’ Day celebration in Legazpi City.

According to Jeena Paclibar-Laceda, the DMW regional director for Bicol, the “Buy Local, Buy OFW” campaign highlights the entrepreneurial spirit, creativity and resilience of returning and reintegrated OFWs.
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“This trade fair serves as a powerful reminder that our migrant workers are not just sources of remittances; they are innovators, job creators and champions of local industry,” she said.

“They play a crucial role in driving inclusive and sustainable growth in our regions.”

Key takeaways

– Transforming setbacks into opportunities: Rabano’s initial rejection as a seafarer due to obesity became the unlikely catalyst for his successful entrepreneurial venture. This highlights the potential to turn personal challenges into new beginnings.

– Passion-driven entrepreneurship: His love for food, initially a source of a health issue, directly fueled his business idea. This emphasizes how personal interests can be a strong foundation for a successful business.

– The power of external support: Rabano’s success was significantly boosted by the encouragement and direct assistance from the DTI in market entry and product development, and recognition from the DMW. This underscores the vital role government agencies play in supporting local entrepreneurs, especially returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

– Innovation and diversification: Starting with a simple barbecue sauce, Rabano diversified his product line into a variety of Sukang Marang dip sauces, demonstrating a capacity for product innovation and growth.
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– OFWs as job creators and innovators: Rabano’s story exemplifies the “Buy Local, Buy OFW” campaign’s message: that returning migrant workers are not just sources of remittances but are innovators, job creators and champions of local industry, significantly contributing to regional growth.