RESIDING in Brunei Darussalam for more than 24 years has made Kathy Dupaya and her family realise the country’s unique selling point of peace and tranquility, and in a bid to promote the Sultanate as the next tourism destination for Filipinos, Kathy – the owner of MK Group – has invited numerous Filipino stars to stay in Brunei.
Among those invited include Sunshine Cruz, Ara Mina, Ynez Veneracoin, Ian Veneracoin, Joross Gamboa, GMA 7 newscaster Mel Tiangco, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach and recently Maxine Medina, Miss Philippines 2016 who was placed in the Top 6 at the 65th Miss Universe Competition.
Speaking to the Bulletin before heading back home, Maxine said that she enjoyed “the scenic views and peace in Brunei.”
“It is very harmonious and calm, allowing me to relax and go anywhere without having to be converned about security.”
“The people of Brunei are also very welcoming and sweet,” she added.
In an interview, Kathy said, “After their initial short visit, Philippine celebrities always come back. In fact, some will be visiting Brunei this April during a week long holiday break in the Philippines.”
When asked of Brunei Darussalam, the successful businesswoman said, “I love Brunei and I really feel at home. I have travelled the world and there is no place that can be compared to Brunei. The standard of living is really affordable and I can relax with peace of mind because it is peaceful and safe here.”
Besides introducing Brunei Darussalam to Filipinos, Kathy has also helped the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) in Brunei Darussalam and the United States who are in need of assistance. For her gesture, she was awarded two recognition in the past years namely the ‘2015 Most Outstanding Filipino in the Field of Resiliency’ at the Gawad Amerika Awards night held in the United States and the ‘World Class Achiever in the Field of Empowerment’ award from the World Class Excellence Japan Awards (WCEJA) in Japan.
In recognition for her services Kathy is expected to receive an award from Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in Davao City, Philippines this March.
Source : Borneo Bulletin
