CALLING to help others. Undaunted by fly-by-night agencies.
Like most Filipinos, Janet Altamarino dreamt of helping her family financially by looking for a lucrative career overseas. Convinced by the promises of one agency, Janet gave money to process her visa and waited for it to be delivered.
No visa arrived. One would think that after being taken advantage by a fly-by-night agency, she would give up. But the feisty Cebuana remained undaunted. Instead of throwing in the towel, Janet persevered until the defining moment came.
In 2009, Janet found herself in front of another visa and immigration consultancy firm. But this time, she was not an applicant. Together with her business partner, lawyer Jonnah John Ungab, Janet Altamarino established Ultimate Visa Corporation in Cebu City.
“I grew tired of hearing stories of agencies giving clients false promises,” Janet Altamirano says. Having been swindled by these agencies herself, Janet knows how crestfallen the victims feel.
“You really have to challenge yourself. You have to imagine that one day, there will be plenty of clients but for that to happen, you can’t just sit and wait- you have to make the first step,” Janet explains.
ULTIMATE Visa Corp. CEO Janet O. Altamarino (seated in front) and her team ensure that clients get the professional services they deserve from a visa processing firm.
For Ultimate Visa Corporation, the first step was to make cold calls. Soon enough, they were welcoming clients until they could no longer accommodate their growing patrons in their small office.
“Ultimate Visa Corporation prides itself in being a legitimate and ethical corporation that delivers compassionate and professional services to our clients at a reasonable cost,” she says.
Furthermore, Janet says their company boasts a legal and research team that guides the clients in complex visa processing. This ensures that clients have the best possible chance to be successful with their visa applications. Financial and general advice is also given to successful clients—to help them as they start their new lives abroad. Ultimate Visa Corporation likewise is updated on immigration and visa trends to keep their clients informed. Online assessments are also available for clients.
In a span of five years, Ultimate Visa Corporation has reaped several recognitions- Immigration Services Provider of the Year by the Business Achievement and Recognition Awards (Bara) 2012, Most Trusted Immigration Services Provider of the Year (National Award) by the Global Management and Excellence Awards (Glomea) 2012 and 2013, Best Immigration Services Provider of the Year (National Award) by Star Brand Philippines 2012, Most Outstanding Visa Assistance Provider of the Year by Router Philippines 2012 and Best Visa Assistance Company by the People’s Choice Awards (National Award) 2012. Janet herself was awarded Most Outstanding Filipino Achiever of 2012 by Star Brand Philippines and Woman Achiever of the Year 2012 by Bara.
“In life, we are being prepared for what is in store for us- it may be a failure, stumbling block but these are stages that we have to step into to get into the next one,” Janet says. “I wasn’t meant to work abroad. I was meant to do something for those who want to live overseas. This is my calling. When I see how we are able to help others that puts a smile on my face.”