“I am a proud STEFTI Theresian. My school’s core values, mission and vision have anchored me to be a principled gentleman in matters of career, relationship and social responsibilities.”
JACQUES IAN DAVID S. ESTOLA
Jacques’ words echo with much pride, passion and reverent devotion to his Alma Mater. As one of the pioneering scholars of the school’s Belgian benefactors, Jacques and Brigitte Van Ypersele, he was inspired to see the world and help the less-fortunate and one day pay it forward to the next generation — much like what this couple from Belgium did.
during their visit to STEFTI.
Let’s take a sneak peek at Jacques’ early life and his journey to present-day success!
Early Education
He was just your typical elementary kid, plodding to school with his mom early in the morning, with his shirt tucked in, shorts pressed and hair neatly combed. He may not have raced on with his batchmates in terms of academics, but he was a proud pioneer of the now famous STEFTI Braves Soccer Team, Swimming Team, STEFTI Boy Scouts and even the Dance Troupe. Needless to say, he would go home everyday significantly not as fresh and neat as he looked at the start of the day.
“STEFTI provided us with an environment to enrich our character, strengthen our intellectual capabilities and become active athletes that value sportsmanship and teamwork. We gained experience in competing in different contests, discipline in training and in performing arts, values driven decision making and humility in service.”
Grade 6, STEFTI SY 2003-2004
University Life
He finished the degree of Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at Cebu Institute of Technology. Through his university days, he developed a deeper understanding of economics, commerce, finances, audit and in matters of business and entrepreneurship. With it he became active in debating. He had been to debate championships in Region VII and even competed and won awards in Inter-Varsities Debate Championships. He and his team were able to represent the country and won two World Debate Championships in Thailand & Japan. Moreover he also competed in the Hong Kong Debate Open, Kenyalang Debate Open in Malaysia and JCI World Debate at Kota Kinabalu.
Local TV interview about our first international championship as Team Philippines in a Debate Competition in Thailand. Together with my teammates CIT University Elite Debate Society. CESAFI DEBATE Finals round. CIT University won against University of Cebu. Top 4 Best Speakers, International Debate Education Association, in Thamassat University Bangkok Thailand. Champion, mixed team track at International Debate Education Association in Rangsit University Bangkok Thailand. Asia Pacific World Debate Champions Team JCI Philippines at Yamagata Japan. JCI Asia Pacific World Debate at Kota Kinabalu, Semi final round vs JCI Malaysia
As a hobby, he passionately competes in Ironman Triathlon events (swim, bike run), and endurance races.
Strong finish at the 2019 Ironman 70.3 Finishline at Shangri La Mactan Cebu. 1.9km Swim, 90km bike, and 21km run. 2018 Ironman Triathlon event finisher
His Career
He is presently connected with BMW and Gateway Group and has served as their manager, product genius and senior sales representative. His role allows him to travel to Europe, Middle East and New Zealand for professional trainings and join programs to hone his management skills. This has allowed him and his team to become “a consistent national top performer.”
BMW Training at Dubai Autodrome International Racetrack. Visiting the World’s Largest BMW Showroom and #1 Dealer for Global Sales for BMW, Mini Cooper, and Rolce Royce.
Premium Leadership talks with the iconic BMW Abu Dhabi General Manager Arno Husselmen.Top 10 sales awardee BMW Philippines. 2015 Top sales award BMW Philippines.
At BMW Museum Munich Germany for a tour at the production line and museum. Qualifier for Incentive trip to Europe as top sales.
BMW Welt at Munich Germany At the heart of BMW AG for training and musuem tour. Photo at BMW Welt, Munich Germany Side trip travel to Fontana Di Trevi, Rome Italy. Vatican pilgrimage, a side trip after my BMW training camp at BMW Munich Germany After a 16 hr bus trip from Milan Italy, arrived
at Paris France, where my name is pronounced
right the french way 🤣
Visited Louvre Musuem with the famous painting by Leonardo Da Vinci, Mona Lisa.
His Social Responsibilities
True to his dream of giving back, Jacques is also very active in socio-civic activities.
“As service for the nation, I am part of the uniformed Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary as Lt. Senior Grade. We are tasked to promote the safety of life and property at sea, protect the marine environment and its resources.“
Inducted to the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary as Senior Grade Lieutenant.
As service for the community and the youth, I now serve as the 74th Local Organization President of the 2nd oldest chapter in Asia, JCI Cebu – Junior Chamber International Cebu Inc. (Cebu Jaycees). We provide developmental opportunities for young people in creating positive change. I have also been awarded as JCI Philippine’s Most Outstanding Trainer and, for innovating training courses, JCI Asia Pacific Development Training Program Award.
1. Most Outstanding Trainer
2. Asia Pacific Development Council Training Program: Making Members Participate.
His Relationships
Of course, Jacques wouldn’t be where he is now without help. He credits the friendships he built in school, and an important woman in his life:
“In STEFTI, I was afforded the sense of purpose and opportunity to learn from the best and build lifelong friendships with my schoolmates and the school faculty.“
My relationship with my family, especially my mother, is crucial to the making of the person that I am today.
“I consider my mama a great blessing and a beautiful core to my journey.”
She is always there — believing, praying, and encouraging me to be my best. I have grown to be a gentleman, respectful to all, humble in greatness, and thankful to whatever life presents us because of her. She never buckles down during times of adversity. She is my strength and my fortress.
. . .Truly, I’m a mama’s boy.”
Jacques with his mother, Leony Estola – current Registrar in STEFTI. Jacques with his parents. Jacques with parents and siblings – Hannah and John in Boracay. Jacques with family in Singapore.
A Piece of Advice to Students
He ends the interview with some pieces of advice to current students trying to find their niche in his field:
“First, build GRIT & humility. One must keep on learning and moving forward, as the financial world is ever evolving and continuously demanding knowledge and a specific skillset.
Next, cherish your time in STEFTI, which is a holistic learning institution, providing development opportunities in many areas of intelligence like academics, sports, arts and leadership. Plant seeds of life skills and virtues while you are young and be ready for the world!”
– JACQUES IAN DAVID S. ESTOLA
STEFTI, Batch 2004
