Popularly known as Carlo Yan, social media influencer and entrepreneur Paolo Carlo D. Gorriceta has founded the community page Filipiknows Network in an effort to provide Filipinos accessible social exchange among them. With a goal to become a global brand, the page he founded has now nearly 300,000 followers.
A man with several things under his belt, Gorriceta is also an independent actor, model, writer, journalist, filmmaker, producer, and director. While in the Middle East, he ventured into broadcasting and filmmaking films in UAE, Iran, and Qatar. His first short film was entitled ‘Episode 5’ that was produced in 2009, followed by ‘A Date with Darna’, and ‘Red Rose’.
Gorriceta made his breakthrough with the film ‘I Love You Ma’am’ which became the first film to enter the Doha Tribeca Film Festival in 2011.
Coming from a family of well-known public servants and well-respected politicians in the province of Iloilo, the Filipino studied Business Management from Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Manila in 2005 wherein he graduated with flying colors.
While in college, he made some short modeling stints but did not explore further to concentrate more on his studies. Following his college graduation, he continued to pursue learning and enrolled himself in speech power for personality development, and to enhance his English communication skill.
After a couple of years, he found himself working in Dubai as a customer service representative but did not stay long in the industry. His true calling was in media, broadcasting, and filming. His big break came in when he was accepted to be one of the UNTV News team members in the emirate. While in the media outlet, he was involved in current issues concerning the Filipino community in the UAE.
Gorriceta then found himself in Qatar. His film ‘I Love You Ma’am’, which tells a love story between a teacher and a student, was produced and written by him. It gained attention from the local film market, agencies, and TV stations in Qatar. He started from being a coordinator, assistant producer, Gorriceta rose through the ranks and became the senior producer for the flagship government channel Qatar TV in 2011 until 2016.
After his stint in the field, he decided to create his own online channel. He created the Filipiknows Network in 2018.
“I have been in different fields: sales, CSR, however, working in the field of media suits my personality and I really enjoy it,” he said.
“I want to establish Filipiknows Network across continents and different countries, design a new form of social media that will provide a unique extended reality in a virtual network,” he further added.
This story has been featured on the 9th issue of The Global Filipino Magazine. To get a copy, you may contact Mr Orli Gayeta at +971503196856. If you have an inspiring story or know someone with one, please send an email at tgfmfi@gmail.com.
