Touching lives deep within

RAISED by a family of entrepreneurs, Ayeza Almario's upbringing inspired her to get into business at a young age. Witnessing the hard work of her parents and grandparents, she harbored a strong desire to follow in their footsteps.

At the age of 6, she fondly remembered selling coffee beans to her grandparents, who owned a coffee farm, and engaging in various small businesses while studying.

Even at such a young age, it was evident that Almario had shown interest in business. However, it wasn't until college that she figured out the specific type of business she wanted to pursue.

«I didn't know it was physical therapy until my mom walked me through the University of Perpetual Help in Biñan, which, at that time, was famous for physical therapy [degree],» Almario said, adding that she took the degree when she found out it was known as the hardest course in that institution.

Being the risk taker that she was, Almario successfully finished her degree in physical therapy. However, the journey wasn't as smooth sailing as it could be. Amid financial hardships, Almario found herself treating patients to save money for her education.

Following her graduation, she took on multiple jobs overseas, temporarily setting aside her dream of pursuing further studies due to financial constraints.

With tears in her eyes, Almario looked back on her past: «It was a tough time. Being separated from my family was difficult, especially not knowing what the future held. I juggled my responsibilities as an assistant physical therapist and part-time worker in restaurants and events.»

Eventually, she found a way to pursue the profession she learned to love. She happily recalled: «Luckily, God is so good, I met this husband and wife, the owner of Physio Asia Singapore in Orchard. We began as business partners, we became like a family also. They also hired me as a consultant.»

In her previous roles as a business partner, assistant physical therapist and consultant, she had the opportunity to travel to different locations and observe how physical therapy patients were treated in other countries. Yet, she couldn't help but notice the lack of genuine tender loving care for patients in the treatment