Elsa Escucharo and Jhong Que Labuguen of Ohara Petals in Dubai. JONATHAN YBERA/EXPAT MEDIA

In a quiet corner of Zabeel 1, just next to the elegant Zabeel Ladies Club, bursts of color, scent, and joy come together at Ohara Petals, a name that has fast become synonymous with creativity, passion, and heartfelt service in Dubai’s thriving floral scene. Behind this blooming business are two Filipino expats whose shared dream and love for flowers brought them together: Elsa Escucharo and Jhong Que Labuguen. Elsa grew up in Cagayan Valley, the second of four siblings. “My parents worked so hard to support us,” she recalls. “I promised myself I would give back to them one day.” After earning a Computer Secretarial degree, she set her sights abroad. In 2004, she arrived in Dubai and took on her first job as a waitress at a café along Sheikh Zayed Road. Six years later, she transitioned to the corporate world, working in various office roles before deciding to take a leap of faith and pursue something that truly spoke to her soul — flowers. Her business partner, Jhong, has an equally inspiring backstory. Born and raised in Angadanan, Isabela, he was the eighth of nine children in a family of farmers. “We lived a simple life,” he says. “At a young age, I learned how to work hard in the fields.” When he graduated high school, Jhong moved to Manila in search of opportunity. Living near Dangwa, the city’s famous flower market, sparked his curiosity about the floral trade. “That’s where I learned everything from handling flowers to creating arrangements,” he says. In 2010, through a friend and mentor who worked as a florist in Dubai, Jhong landed a job as a junior florist in the UAE. His skills and passion quickly earned him promotions, first to branch in-charge, then head florist for a flower shop in Business Bay, where he began working with luxury clients, including members of the royal family. “Being a florist isn’t just a job,” he shares. “It’s a calling. You need passion, creativity, and love for what you do.”

How Ohara Petals bloomed

It wasn’t until July 2024 that the duo decided to turn their long-time dream into reality. “Starting Ohara Petals came earlier than planned,” Elsa laughs. “The opportunity presented itself and we just grabbed it.” The name “Ohara” pays homage to their favorite rose, symbolizing timeless beauty and grace. Combining Elsa’s corporate expertise and Jhong’s 20 years of floral artistry, the pair built a brand that now stands out for its heartfelt approach to every creation. Ohara Petals’ services cover everything from intimate bouquets to lavish event styling for weddings, birthdays, engagements; even royal celebrations. They also have corporate subscriptions, supplying fresh flowers weekly to hotels, government institutions, and private residences. But what truly sets them apart is their personalized touch. “We offer service from the heart,” Jhong says. “Tell us your imagination and we’ll bring it to life.” For Elsa and Jhong, flowers are not just decorations, they are expressions of emotion. “In UAE, flowers are part of every gesture,” Elsa explains. “Whether it’s welcoming a guest, celebrating an occasion, or even serving coffee, flowers add warmth and beauty.” They’ve seen how something as simple as a rose can bring someone joy. “Once, a woman ordered a bouquet for herself just because she wanted to feel happy,” Jhong recalls, laughing. “She even wrote a note to herself!” Their work has also taken them into the homes of the royal family. One of their most memorable projects was a floral decoration for an engagement party. “We transformed the entire house into a floral wonderland,” Jhong says proudly. “Every hallway, every corner was filled with blooms. It felt like a garden inside a palace.” Ohara Petals continues to stand tall with its reputation for sincerity and elegance. “We’re not just selling flowers,” Elsa emphasizes. “We’re spreading happiness in every petal.” Their five-year vision includes expanding Ohara Petals through kiosks in malls and hospitals, making it easier for customers to bring beauty and joy into their everyday lives. They also dream of building a floral brand that Filipinos around the world can be proud of. “We want to be the UAE’s most trusted luxury floral brand,” says Jhong. “Each flower we sell carries a piece of who we are.” ICA/Expat Media

Quick fire

Favorite flower Both: O’Hara rose, of course! Most unusual flower arrangement you’ve made Jhong: A bouquet with Red Bull. If flowers could gossip, which one would talk the most? Elsa: The rose, for sure. Secret to keeping flowers fresh in the Dubai heat Jhong: Keep them in a cool place and change the water every other day. Flower you wish everyone knew about but rarely buys Jhong: Peony. This story also appears in the Expat Media Special Edition magazine. Check out Ohara Petals via oharapetals.ae or email info@oharapetals.ae. Call +971 50 7877692 or visit Ohara Petals Shop No 6, Zabeel 1, near Zabeel Ladies Club, Dubai
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