Junie Sorsano is the co-founder of Trip Expert International. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA

Before he became a successful entrepreneur in Dubai, Junie Sorsano was known as the UAE’s first Filipino vlogger—a bold, risk-taking storyteller who turned his camera toward the lives of Filipinos abroad. Today, that same passion for helping others has taken a new form through Trip Expert International, the travel and business setup company he co-founded that is now empowering hundreds to build their dreams in the UAE. Junie’s story began in a quiet town in Mindanao, where he grew up as the youngest of four siblings. “I’m the only one in my family who worked abroad,” he tells Expat Media. “I’m the risk-taker. I wanted to improve our family’s life.” After finishing a degree in Computer Science, he worked for eight years in Manila; first in banking, then in a shipping company. “I got bored,” he says, “I told myself I either find a better-paying job or go abroad.” That drive brought him to Dubai in 2009. But the transition wasn’t easy. “In the Philippines, I was already a training specialist. When I came here, my first job was as a waiter,” he laughs. “I took it just to get a residence visa. It was humbling, but it made me stronger. It made me realize that success abroad doesn’t come instantly—you have to build it.”

From content creator to founder

Back in 2009, few Filipinos were documenting their lives online. Junie noticed the gap and decided to fill it. “No one was vlogging about Filipino life in Dubai then,” he says. “So I started. My vlog focused on sharing informative and inspiring community stories.” His videos quickly became a hit among overseas Filipinos. Through his lens, viewers learned how to navigate Dubai life—from visas to job hunting to finding a sense of home abroad. “I loved it because I could help people through information,” he says. His authenticity made him a trusted name. “I think that’s why people followed me,” he reflects. “I didn’t just post videos; I shared useful content that could really help people.” As Junie’s digital presence grew, so did his expertise in social media marketing. With Ryan Ronel, a fellow Filipino creative, Junie launched Trip Expert International in September 2024—a hybrid travel and business setup agency offering everything from business formation to visa and travel services. “We want to help people achieve their dreams, whether that’s opening their own company, sponsoring their family, or getting a legit freelance visa.” Junie’s mission now goes beyond business. It’s about helping people stay on the right side of the law. “There are people here who fell for visa scams or got trapped in illegal setups,” he says. “I don’t want that to happen to anyone. That’s why we educate our clients and make sure they are legally protected.” ICA/Expat Media

Quick fire

How do friends describe you? Loud! Shawarma or adobo? Adobo. Burj Khalifa or Boracay? I haven’t gone to At The Top yet! Desert safari or island hopping? Island hopping. Time travel destination? Antarctica—it’s like another world. Filipino dish you could eat every day? Sinigang. Coffee or chai? Chai outdoors, coffee at home. Who’s the better trip planner? I think Ryan is. Funniest travel mishap? We overstayed in Armenia by two days! Bucket list destination? Russia. This story also appears in the Expat Media Special Edition magazine. Need help with your business setup or visa? Contact Trip Expert International via tripexpertintl.com or call +971 04 5536289
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