I was caught tongue-tied onstage thinking there must have been a mistake—like the Academy Awards mix-up for Best Picture that took place shortly before. It was 2017, yet the shock and disbelief I felt as my name was announced Best Actor for our film "Bhoy Intsik" remains vividly in my memory. It marked the first time my decades-long dedication to theatrical, film, and television roles was validated.

You may be wondering what my recognition as an actor has to do with community building, but it was through my community that I achieved this milestone.

You see, I had momentarily set aside my passion for acting to prioritize providing for my family. This detour led me to direct television commercials and print advertisements, seeking additional income. However, I eventually lost enthusiasm as I found myself increasingly distanced from the art I loved.

Thankfully, my journey into entrepreneurship reignited my sense of purpose. As President and co-founder of FRONTROW Enterprise, a leading global distributor of top-tier health supplements and skincare products, I recognized the profound impact of community building.

Mounting FRONTROW from the ground up was no small task; it demanded meticulous effort and patience. Establishing a team and fostering trust in our company and products amidst the skepticism surrounding the multi-level marketing industry was an uphill battle. Nevertheless, my renewed cause pushed me forward. Beyond merely promoting wellness, our company empowers individuals—around the world—with both time and financial freedom through our reseller program.

This freedom, both in time and finances, provides individuals the opportunity to pursue their passions beyond their professional endeavors. It was this newfound liberty that enabled me to return to acting and finally receive recognition for it after so many years.

Moreover, my gratefulness from the success of "Bhoy Intsik" led me to mount the play that ignited my acting career in the first place: "M. Butterfly."

However, I chose to use this opportunity not just for personal gain, but to give back to the community that supported me. I decided to donate 100% of ticket sales to various charities, a decision that sparked a ripple effect of generosity.

Inspired by this and similar programs by our organization, our distributors found motivation to embark on their own initiatives to support charitable causes, especially during the challenging pandemic era. Their actions exemplify the spirit of community and compassion that FRONTROW cultivates, showcasing the power of collective efforts to make a positive impact.

In addition to my endeavors with FRONTROW, I recently had the privilege of co-founding a new community called RAMPA. RAMPA provides a platform for LGBT drag queens to showcase their talents in performing arts, bringing joy and happiness to its audience. Through RAMPA, we have created a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals can express themselves freely and authentically, fostering a sense of belonging and celebration of diversity within our community.

My journey from actor to entrepreneur and back to actor again serves as a testament to the commitment and determination necessary to pursue one's passions. Despite facing setbacks and detours along the way, I refused to abandon my dreams and instead adapted, evolved, and persisted. This mindset has also served to inspire and empower others within my community to persevere in the face of adversity, and to keep striving towards their goals.