JR Emlano is the Country Head of Bukas, the Philippine subsidiary of ErudiFi, an education financing startup. Before Bukas, he was Controller and Head of Treasury at Paloo, a digital financing company that processed and enabled credit.

👋🏼  How would you explain your job to someone outside tech?

It's not so much a job as it is a mission; we are all on a mission to make education more accessible to everyone in SEA. Everything we do starts with that concept.

🧐  What's something about you or your job that would surprise us?

For someone who has to manage a big team and meet a lot of people every week, I'm an introvert (INTP). So, I need to recharge every now and then.

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🏆  What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

By far, it's helping build Bukas from scratch to where it is now. Nothing in my career comes close to the challenges, thrills and the outstanding team we have now.

🔍  What's a startup trend or space you're watching this year?

Not a startup trend per se, but I'd love to see more PH startups because I know that there are a lot of creative Filipinos who should be entrepreneurs.

💼  What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry?

Be antifragile and learn to accept ambiguity. The most important skill/attribute for someone to be successful in startups (probably in life as well) is grit and the ability to adjust quickly in a world where the terrain is constantly changing. Always remember that being in a startup is a lifestyle choice.

🗣  What's one thing you can keep talking about for hours?

Bukas, and the journey we've been on (and still going through)!

🎥  What's your favorite movie/TV show?

Movie - A few good men and Margin Call, Series - The West Wing and Game of Thrones

🍨  What's your go-to ice cream flavor?

Coffee!