From Manila’s slums to Dubai’s skyline: How Filipina entrepreneur Jenny Raet turned scraps into success

Dubai: From the suffocating poverty of Manila’s slums to the dazzling lights of Dubai’s World Trade Center, Jenny Raet’s journey is nothing short of a miracle. As a six-year-old, she scavenged scraps to buy food; today, she’s a powerhouse restaurateur breaking barriers in the UAE’s competitive food scene.

Jenny's story is one of relentless grit, unshakable faith, and the fierce refusal to let circumstances define her future. Her rise isn’t just about success—it’s about hope, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of a woman who turned every hardship into a stepping stone toward her dreams.

Born and raised in a slum in Manila, Philippines, Jenny was one of nine siblings in a family struggling to survive. At just six years old, she began collecting and selling scraps to afford a meal. Life was cruelly unforgiving—no running water, no electricity, and often, no food. Things worsened after her father suffered a debilitating accident that left the family clinging to any means of survival.

“I didn’t have the luxury of dreaming,” she says. “I had to act—just to eat, just to live.”

Still, something inside Jenny refused to break.

Throughout college, she juggled classes while selling donuts to support herself. Every coin earned was carefully saved, every small step taken with a vision for something greater. Even then, she says, “I knew I couldn’t stay in poverty forever. I was born into it, but I didn’t have to remain in it.”

Her life took a dramatic turn during the pandemic when she lost her job in the UAE. But what many would see as a dead end, Jenny saw as an opening. Inspired by the viral Korean “#Mukbang” trend—and armed with nothing but faith, a fierce work ethic, and her husband’s unwavering support—she opened Mukbang Shows Korean Restaurant in Abu Dhabi.

The concept exploded.

From one small restaurant, she now owns four thriving branches across Abu Dhabi and Dubai, including her latest: LOVE MUKBANG in Dubai’s prestigious World Trade Center area.

“I feel overwhelmingly grateful,” she says. “This is a premium location. To be here—among global brands—is something I never imagined possible.”

When it came to designing her newest restaurant, Jenny didn’t hire a consultant. She didn’t bring in a design firm. Jenny personally designed the new location, from layout to kitchen equipment, despite having no formal background in design. She did it herself—every detail, every decision, fueled by a vision born from struggle and a heart full of purpose.

“This restaurant is more than just a business. It’s a reflection of my journey. It was emotionally overwhelming,” she says. “There were moments of exhaustion, tears, and even doubt. But I always reminded myself of why I started—to create something real, something powerful. And that’s what LOVE MUKBANG represents.”

Opening a Korean BBQ and seafood restaurant in one of Dubai’s most prestigious locations was no small feat. Jenny faced countless hurdles—from finding the right space and sourcing quality kitchen equipment to managing tight budgets and long nights. But giving up was never an option.

“There were moments filled with tears,” she admits, “but each tear was a reminder of how far I’ve come, and why I can’t stop now.”

What kept her going was her dream—to serve authentic Korean BBQ, and to become the number one Korean restaurant in the Middle East. With a small team that shared her grit, she poured herself into every part of the process, working tirelessly until the vision took shape.

“This isn’t just about food,” Jenny says. “It’s about resilience. About showing that even a woman who once sold scraps to survive can build something powerful, beautiful, and lasting.”

LOVE MUKBANG's soft opening blew past all expectations with over 200 guests flooding in on day one. “It was absolutely incredible,” Jenny beams, “a true blessing beyond words.” Adding star power to the celebration, multi-award-winning Russian celebrity Sofya Plotnikova was the very first visitor, savoring the bold Korean flavors and fresh, sizzling seafood that set the tone for an unforgettable dining experience.

Even now, with four restaurants and a growing team, Jenny remains hands-on. She trains new hires, oversees daily operations, and insists on staying connected to both her staff and customers.

“My team once asked me if I ever get tired,” she laughs. “And I told them—I don’t know what tired means. I just know the goal, and I’ll rest when we get there.”

She sees herself not just as a boss but as a mentor, a leader who leads with heart and purpose. “I want to reflect leadership that makes an impact,” she says. “I want every member of my team to feel like they’re part of something meaningful.”

When asked what guides her decisions even now, she doesn’t hesitate.

“Persistence. Faith. Gratitude. Who am I? I’m a humble Filipina who went from selling scraps to serving high-end Korean cuisine in Dubai. I’m here because of God, my husband, and the incredible people around me. This isn’t just my success—it’s our success.”

With plans to expand into Jumeirah Beach Residences, and future dreams of franchising across the Middle East and Europe, Jenny’s story is still being written. But she already knows the legacy she wants to leave behind.

“To every person reading this—especially women from humble beginnings—believe in yourself. Make a plan. Work hard. Make sacrifices. And never lose faith. If I, a girl from a Manila slum, can do this—you can too. The UAE is a land of opportunity. Use it. Let it change your life, just like it changed mine.”