So what exactly does it take to be a 19-Year-Old Filipino Startup founder?
(This
is a two-part interview series of Orange Apps Co-founder Gian Scottie
Javelona.)
Let’s
talk more about you. What course are you taking at PUP?
Computer Engineering Management from the PUP College of
Technology.
Have
there been any changes in your life when you decided to create Mobile
Portal?
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| PUP Mobile Portal For Students, Faculty and Alumni of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines |
I became more focused in my goals and spent less time
with friends. I miss being a regular college student. But my passion in what I
do drives me to keep on going. I also want to take the entrepreneurial path
with the birth of Orange Apps.
What
do you do during your free time?
I like playing NBA games and partying with friends. But,
when I started to make the app, I devote most of my time for coding and
development.
Do
you have any Tech Hero whom you aspire to be?
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| Photo Credit: B.K. Marcus, Ludwig von Mises Institute |
 |
| Photo Credit: John Haydon |
Startup
founders are getting younger with ages under 20. Do you think your age is more
of an advantage?
When I attend developer events, people usually tell me
how lucky I am since I have more time to spend creating apps. As for them,
they have to stick to a day job and work with their startup ideas after work.
I believe that
my age is an advantage allowing me to focus in what I do. Aside from having great
ideas, Young Filipino startup founders should also focus on execution to make
their vision a reality.
What’s
the Roadmap of Orange Apps?
 |
| Gian doing a demo of PUP Mobile Portal |
I plan to register Orange Apps as a business. I also want
to hire developers and start creating customized portals for other universities.
My vision is for all schools to have their own mobile portal.
For the next 6 to 12 months, I will be graduating
(hopefully with honors) at PUP. I see my startup as a success providing
opportunities for developers and extending mobile services to different institutions.
All is possible with perfect execution.
What
advice can you give to aspiring young Filipino startup founders?
Stop making excuses as reasons not to pursue and to
achieve your goals. Instead, see these as opportunities to be seized. I never
had an android phone when I started to make Mobile Portal. But, I used my
resources to bring my app into completion. I believe that things happen for a
reason.
We also need a change of mindset. Apart from being an
employee, students and graduates should also consider being an
entrepreneur. Working in a big company
is an achievement. But, owning the company is something more.
Lastly, people should see competition as an avenue to
collaborate. Not everyone is a competitor. It’s possible to join forces and be
part of one team.
