2023, The Year That Was: Junah Balungcas, Founder, Baofriend – Entrepreneur

2023, The Year That Was: Junah Balungcas, Founder, Baofriend – Entrepreneur

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Junah Balungcas is the founder of Baofriend, an Asian fusion F&B concept that launched in the UAE in 2022, and this year has seen it grow from its original location in Dubai to now operate a space in Abu Dhabi as well. 2023 also saw the restaurant -whose offerings include its namesake baos, bowls, breakfasts, and more- make its offerings available (and its presence felt) at events and attractions across the UAE, including Dubai's Global Village and Ripe Market."In 2023, Baofriend experienced several significant highlights that contributed to both positive and challenging aspects of our business," Balungcas says. "This year was marked by significant expansion, successful participation in several events, as well as a learning curve in terms of event selection and business management. These experiences have not only positively impacted the business, but they have also contributed to personal and professional growth."Balungcas, who hails from The Philippines, comes from a rather humble background- her father was a butcher, and her mother was a market vendor, and she grew up in what she calls "a squatter's area" in a town called Molawe. She came to the UAE in 2011 as