In writing this, I felt a slight reticence knowing that I might terribly fall short in justifying this success story and eventually, inevitably get mortified by his friends and colleagues (or anyone who knows him better than I do for that matter). Yes, this post is such big a deal and by far most interesting, and we hope in the end would serve as an inspiration to everyone especially to us who were next in line.
The Man
Clemente V. Dionela, another native of our beautiful hometown Pandan, Antique is a successful banker in the United States. He is a son of Joaquin and Loyalda Dionela and a grandson of the renowned philanthropist Miguel C. Dionela and Ramona G. Dionela. As success stories go, our man have been to humble beginnings too before rising to what he is now. He’s been there (done that) and things like these remind us that yes, we are not that hopeless. A life mantra he openly share: Just do it!
Humble Beginnings
Most of us, if not all could relate to the struggles faced while we’re all studying, not just academically but the entire frictional expenses of schooling and he is not an exception. He studied at the University of the East, Manila taking up a Major in Accounting for 3 years. As a student, he has to work during weekends driving tricycles and as jeepney helper to augment the school needs given that he came from a family that is not without financial hardships. He finished his studies at Garcia College in Kalibo, Aklan.
The Start
He then pursued his career easily becoming affiliated to banking firms. Most notably, he worked with Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. for 17 years (1975- 1987) as Accounting Coordinator then with Prudential Life as an Area Manager for 2 years.
In 1985, he became President of the Kiwanis Club of Kalibo, Inc. At 33 years old, he was the youngest among Kiwanis International Presidents and was awarded for Best Solo Project by Kiwanis International that year.
The Other Side of the Pond
Seeking for more opportunities ahead, he moved to New York, USA in 1993 continuing as a banking figure. He worked for several (an understatement) International Banks namely in Metrobank, New York Branch as Letters of Credit Specialist (1994-1996) Bank Bumiputra Malaysia Berhad, New York as Export Letters of Credit Supervisor (1996-1998), and Siam Commercial Bank PCL at Wall Street, New York as Manager of Trade and Finance Department. The last one he had lost from and become a victim of the 911 terrorist attack of the World Trade Center’s twin tower where he was an eyewitness in 2001.
Currently, he is working with a Dutch bank, Rabobank International, New York as Officer of Import Letters of Credit Trade and Finance Services Department.
He finished a special studies in International Trade and Finance Law in 1995 at The World Trade Institute, World Trade Center, New York. A New York State licensed Real Estate Associate Broker, he has been active in Real Estate Business since 2001 becoming a Former Associate Broker of Century 21 House Depot, New York , and a Former Senior Vice President of Home and Land Funding Inc., New York.
Completing his various involvements across banking and real estate field would be the Aklan Circle Inc., an Investment Group duly registered corporation at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). He is the President since 1996 and was voted by its members and the Board as Mr. President forever. This corporation started with a measly initial capital of $750.00 which grew to a low 6 figures fortune at the closing of 2010 books and still growing.
Family
He is happily married to Milagros V. Dionela, Registered Nurse who was a former Dean of Saint Gabriel School of Nursing, Kalibo, Aklan. They are now based in New York, USA and blessed with a son and four lovely grandchildren.
Personal: Thanks to Tito Clem, one of the biggest supporter of this website and (not that we set it up or something) for graciously providing a valuable tool for yours truly for future endeavors and of course for this website.
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