Abu Dhabi-based entrepreneur Jolivette Rapadas Dela Cruz. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA

When Jolivette Rapadas Dela Cruz boarded a flight to the UAE in 2010, she wasn’t chasing a business dream—she was following her heart. What started as a leap of faith to be with her then-boyfriend turned husband became the first step in building a career that now spans multiple industries, from engineering and safety to sports, tailoring, and food and beverage. Today, this Filipina from Oriental Mindoro is the proud owner of Skill Plus Sports Services and Power Thread Tailoring, and managing partner of Homecourt Café & Restaurant, and Brew & Bite Café—four thriving businesses in Abu Dhabi and Dubai that are transforming communities while empowering fellow expats. “I’m still a career woman, but I’ve always had the drive to do more,” Jolivette tells Expat Media. “I don’t just want to work—I want to lead, I want to build, and I want to help others grow.”

Growing up with grit

Jolivette’s entrepreneurial roots run deep. Raised in a family of professionals and business owners, she was inspired early on by her grandmother, who ran a pharmacy and other small ventures, and by her father, a career man who supported her first foray into business: a carinderia on their terrace in front of a school in the Philippines. “We sold street food like barbecue and chicken feet. We put chairs and tables so people could eat. Later, we added a sari-sari store. It was small, but my dad taught me that even the simplest business can grow,” she recalls. Losing her mother at the age of six shaped her resilience. “It was tough,” she says. “My dad became a single parent but he raised my sisters and I with so much love and discipline. That gave me strength.” Though her first dream was to become a doctor, financial constraints led her to pursue engineering—partly inspired by her successful uncles in the field. “I didn’t even know what chemical engineering was at first!” she laughs. “But once I started, I realized it’s a powerful and versatile career.”

Building a career in UAE

After graduating and working as a highly paid process engineer in Subic, Philippines, Jolivette followed her boyfriend to Dubai in 2010. Her father wasn’t initially convinced—it meant accepting a lower salary and a technician role. “But I felt like something was waiting for me in the UAE,” she says. And she was right. Abu Dhabi-based entrepreneur Jolivette Rapadas Dela Cruz. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA Though her first job didn’t fully utilize her engineering degree, she made the most of it. “I started as a technician doing a desk job, moved to engineering coordination, then rose through the ranks to become assistant division manager. I just kept learning.” Recognizing the growing demand for safety and sustainability roles in the UAE, she shifted gears, investing in further studies and certifications. Today, she is a Health, Safety and Sustainability Manager, leading her field in Occupational Safety and Health compliance and environmental awareness. It all started with sports. “My husband played basketball, and I played volleyball as a hobby. We had many friends who shared the same passion. But I noticed that many sports tournaments in the community weren’t legally organized,” she says. That observation sparked Skill Plus Sports Services, which started as a licensed platform to host community sports events. “It was a side hustle on our days off. But we wanted to do it right—legally and professionally,” she explains. From there, the couple built sports academies, team-building services, and even school partnerships for facility rentals. During the pandemic, when friends and family members lost their jobs, Jolivette gave them roles in her growing enterprise. “We didn’t want to lay people off. We pivoted. We built something new together.” Next came Power Thread Tailoring—a natural extension of their sports brand, born when a mentor offered to sell her the tailoring shop that was already making their uniforms. “We improved quality and ran our own tournaments wearing uniforms we made. That’s full-circle entrepreneurship,” she says. The business now has a Philippine branch.

Café dreams with a homecourt advantage

Then came food. With a fondness for post-game bonding over food and a desire to elevate Filipino cuisine, Jolivette—along with her partners—launched Homecourt Café & Restaurant, a sports-themed dining spot with a “5-star carinderia” concept in Abu Dhabi. “I told my partners: let’s bring Filipino food with home-style warmth and a casual dining experience. It’s our homecourt—where we feel we belong,” she says. The restaurant recently opened a branch in Dubai. Following its success, Brew & Bite Café was born, an upscale café in Abu Dhabi. “This one is special. It’s more than just food—it’s community, comfort, and joy,” Jolivette beams. “When customers walk out happy and full, that’s fulfillment for me.” Despite juggling a full-time job and multiple businesses, Jolivette credits her success to surrounding herself with the right people. “Time management is important—but what’s more important is choosing the right team. I mentor them, empower them, and trust them.” She’s proud of helping employees rise through the ranks. “Some of my safety officers are now managers. In our businesses, I promote from within. If I see potential, I nurture it. That’s my passion—mentorship and leadership.” Jolivette’s business philosophy is rooted in transparency and integrity. “Contracts are important. Don’t just rely on word of mouth. If you want trust, be honest. If you want growth, have vision. And never stop learning.” Now 14 years into her UAE journey, Jolivette calls the country her second home. “The UAE gave me so many opportunities—in career, in business, in life. I’ve had ups and downs, but this country always rewards hard work and resilience.” As she continues to grow her businesses and uplift others, she offers this advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “Dream big. Take calculated risks. You will have setbacks—that’s part of the journey. Just keep moving forward and stay focused on your vision.” MAM/Expat Media

What her team says

Leo Lopez Rosas, Manager of Power Thread Tailoring: “I’m proud to have been part of Power Thread Tailoring for over five years. This job has helped me reach both personal and professional milestones. I feel at home here—thanks to our supportive leadership, fair management, and positive work culture. I’m especially grateful for the trust placed in me, which motivates me to give my best every day. It’s a truly rewarding place to grow.”
Beverly Rodriguez, Manager, Brew & Bite Café and Restaurant: “Being part of Brew and Bite Café & Restaurant has been an incredible journey of personal growth. I’m proud to work in a Filipino-owned restaurant that serves a global menu with heart. The support and trust from our upper management is beyond what I imagined, and it inspires me to keep pushing forward. It’s not just about the food—it’s about the pride in what we represent and the people we serve.”
Mark Daniel Roxas, Chef in-charge of Homecourt Restaurant and Brew and Bite Café & Restaurant: “I’m proud that my team and I serve food that not only tastes great, but also brings people together. Whether it’s a family gathering, a casual catch-up with friends, or someone discovering a new favorite dish, we love knowing that what we create in the kitchen becomes part of those moments. At the end of the day, it’s not just about the ingredients—it’s about the experience. If our food can spark joy, conversation, and connection, then we’ve done our job right.”
Kimberyl Cabalquinto, Manager of Homecourt Restaurant Dubai: “Working at Homecourt Restaurant has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s a place where hard work doesn’t go unnoticed—where every effort is genuinely valued and recognized by both the leadership and the team. What makes it even more fulfilling is knowing that the work I do each day directly contributes to the growth and success of the restaurant. Whether it’s leading the team, improving operations, or making sure our guests leave happy, I feel empowered to make a real difference.”
Jerico Javier, Manager of Homecourt Cafe Restaurant Abu Dhabi: "I’m proud to be the pioneer and team leader of Homecourt Abu Dhabi. At Homecourt, we don’t just serve food—we create experiences. With our unique, sports-inspired atmosphere, we’re building a community where memories are made. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see customers return with smiles, bringing along their family and friends. That kind of connection says everything about the work we do here. I’ve learned so much at Homecourt—lessons I will carry with me for life."
Psyche Abadeiz Balame, O-I-C of Skill Plus Sports – Swimming Academy: “One of the most rewarding parts of working at Skill Plus Swimming Academy is seeing our students grow in confidence. As Operations In-Charge, I’ve had the chance to motivate swimmers—from those starting with zero experience to those training for competition. Watching them overcome fear and learn to swim on their own is truly fulfilling. I’m also proud to be part of a team that creates a positive and safe learning environment where students feel supported and parents feel reassured. Every breakthrough, every smile—it all makes the work so meaningful.” This story also appear in the Expat Media Special Edition Magazine
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