IN A field as vast as the desert in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai-based Dabawenya Khrista Frances “Hyku” Desesto stands out as a director, photographer, videographer, brand ambassador, and entrepreneur. In an exceptional achievement, she was honored by JCI Philippines’ The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) award this year for her being an OFW empowerment advocate. However, her path to success was not a walk in the park.
This multi-hyphenate’s journey traces back to her unwavering passion for her craft, inspired by her (former PTV reporter) father Francisco’s work ethic and love for his family. A witness to his dedication to his work – handling every aspect from news gathering, writing to reporting, nary a complaint – ignited a spark within her. Despite her parents’ aspirations for her to pursue a Nursing course and eventually work overseas, Hyku’s heart was set on a different path. She secretly enrolled in a Mass Communications course until her parents found out about it.
In 2004, Hyku’s father decided to seek greener pastures abroad, and after some time urged her to join him in Dubai. For a single mother at the tender age of 20, juggling multiple roles as a call center agent by day and a bar owner by night, Hyku initially hesitated to embark on this new chapter. Her Papa’s plan was for her to join him, and then for her mother and son to follow suit.
“I was reluctant to leave as I was still trying to figure out my life. But for my son, I gave myself a second shot to make things right.” So, in 2010, she finally made her so-called big leap.
Arriving in Dubai, Hyku encountered a very challenging transition, navigating a foreign landscape while carving her niche in the creative industry. Facing numerous rejections and setbacks, she persevered, eventually securing back-office work in a local photography studio. Until a serendipitous turn of events soon propelled her into the limelight.
“It was a twist of fate. Our studio receptionist mistakenly made a double booking and had to assign me a task on-site. Luckily, our client was very pleased with my output. Since that experience, they have trusted me to engage with our clients on the frontline,” she shared.
Transitioning from portrait studio to fashion, club, and event photography, Hyku’s skills flourished, leading to the creation of her own Soul Trap Studio.
“We started really small – one set of lens, a camera, and flash – all from the money I loaned from Papa. With just a desk in my bedroom, we moved out to the living room and discovered working in cafes, before finally having our very own studio,” Hyku fondly remembered.
Gradually, Hyku was able to establish her brand and talent in the UAE, collaborating with renowned companies, such as Netflix, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Tommy Hilfiger, Vogue, Tag Heuer, Huawei, Puma, Timberland, Tory Burch, Van Cleef & Arpels, Christian Louboutin, among many others. She also worked with high-profile celebrities, including Gigi Hadid, Naomi Campbell, Lindsay Lohan, Ciara, Tom Jones, Elsa Hosk, Lewis Hamilton, and Mariah Carey. Her meteoric rise was well-documented in various international publications, like Cosmopolitan, Emirates Woman, and Marie Claire Arabia. She was also hailed as one of Dubai’s Coolest Female Entrepreneurs in Harper’s Bazaar Magazine, one of the game changers in Women’s Health Magazine, and one of Illustrado Magazine’s Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf for 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2020.
Everything was coming up roses until the onset of the pandemic posed unforeseen challenges for both Hyku and her industry. “To survive the challenges, we have to quickly adjust to the situation,” she quipped.
Adapting swiftly to the evolving landscape, Hyku encouraged her staff to acquire new skills, such as producing infographics and other pandemic-related collaterals for the government. She also initiated impactful initiatives, like regular outreach and feeding programs for struggling migrant workers.
“I saw that my role at that time was really to connect people who are willing to help. Last year, we’re happy to have served more than 13,000 migrant workers with our program that went on for 30 days,” she said.
Now, it has become a part of her routine to offer assistance, often getting knocks on her door in the wee hours of the morning. She extended help not just to her fellow OFWs but also to non-Filipino workers, offering micro company loans with lower interest to help alleviate financial burdens, which was often the issue with OFWs. Her altruistic endeavors, from providing a safe haven for OFWs in distress to facilitating linkage with the Philippine Consulate General, exemplify her unwavering commitment to uplifting her community.
“I realized that the more I help, the more I want to reach out. It just feels rewarding to share my blessings,” she said.
Today, after having been awarded as the first Dabawenya to receive the much coveted JCI Philippines TOYM award last April, she continues to break boundaries and open opportunities. “I am really proud to have taken part in paving the way for our OFWs. When I first started, Filipinos were mostly known for providing manpower in Dubai, not for creatives. We are now truly changing the game.”
In the face of adversity, Hyku’s resilience and compassion carry on to shine brightly, embodying the essence of a true visionary and advocate for empowerment. In hindsight, she is grateful to the people who believed in her capacity and to her Papa who “turned his back to doing things he loved in order to make their lives a little bit better”.
“Papa has taught me that sometimes things don’t go according to plan, and somehow there’s a reason behind it. All we need to is to adapt and soldier on,” Hyku said.
Organized by JCI Philippines in 1959, TOYM is an annual recognition awarded to Filipinos who have made significant contributions, set positive examples, inspired confidence, and strived for excellence in all endeavors for their to field and community.
