By Karren Jay G. Asgar
Dario Albaña, a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy graduate from the Class of 1999 and former working student at Central Philippine University’s Henry Luce III Library, is now the proud owner of Igma Seafood Restaurant, one of the growing coastal restaurants in Iloilo City.
A story of perseverance and unyielding dedication is unfolding in a coastal area, where a successful business owner is proving that with hard work, anything is possible. Dario Albaña, a proud Centralian, is the owner of Igma Seafood Restaurant located in Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City. His journey, which began as a dedicated working student for years, is now a testament to the power of determination and focus.
Having grown up in a modest household, Dario Albaña learned the value of hard work and resilience from an early age. Despite the financial challenges, the dream of earning a degree in Bachelor of Science in Accountancy was always within his reach. Bearing in mind that he had only limited resources to provide the needs in his collegiate years, he became a working student.
“I am a proud Centralian working student,” he remarked. “During my four years, I was assigned to work in the Henry Luce III Library. There, I met people who consistently supported and guided me, and I am truly grateful for that.”
After his classes and work-study shift, he also helped in his family’s karenderia business.
“I was also blessed to be the first recipient of the Filipino Australian Foundation of Queensland, Inc. (FAFQI) Scholarship, under the guidance of Mr. Mauro Somodio, the Founding President,” he recalled. “The experiences and lessons I gained from this opportunity have shaped me in countless ways and made me the person I am today. I will forever be grateful for the foundation’s support.”
After graduation, Dario’s took a bold step towards his dream. He joined various industries, gaining valuable experience and expanding his skills. He was affiliated with several offices, including an airline, a hotel, and an electric company. However, he faced challenges in these fields, which led him to a life-changing decision. Realizing that true fulfillment lay in a different path, he took a bold step and decided to pursue his dream of entrepreneurship. Determined to chart his own course, he set out to build his own restaurant.
“Igma Seafood Restaurant has been operating for about 7 months now. I initially thought it would take a year for my investments to start paying off, but I was wrong. To my surprise, I’ve already seen a return on my investment much sooner than expected. It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience,” he stated.
He also expressed his deep gratitude for the Centralian community, whose unwavering encouragement has played a significant role in the success of his business. The community’s belief in his vision and dedication has been a constant source of motivation, and he credits much of his success to the strong, lasting relationships he has within the community.
“I am truly blessed and grateful to Central Philippine University for molding me into the person I am today. The values and lessons I learned there have shaped my journey and continue to guide me in every step I take. CPU has been providing a strong foundation, equipping Centralians with an Exemplary Christian Education for Life (EXCEL),” he added.
In the spirit of giving back to the Centralian community Dario Albaña was one of the individual donors solicited by Mauro Somodio, at the recent Filipino-Australian Foundation of Queensland, Inc. (FAFQI) and Ilonggo Association of Victoria, Australia, Inc. (IAVAI) scholarship awarding ceremony on January 24, 2025. His generous contribution reflects his gratitude for the education he received and his commitment to supporting others, just as he was supported in his own academic journey.
Today, Igma Seafood Restaurant is one of the growing coastal restaurants in Iloilo City, renowned for its sumptuous meals and beautiful seaside location. The restaurant is open daily, from Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. For more information, you can visit their official Facebook page: Igma Seafood Restaurant.
Centralian Dario Albaña’s story is a testament that success is within reach for those willing to put in the effort, no matter where they start. He is an inspiring example to the community, reminding everyone of the immense potential within each Centralian to make a meaningful impact in their respective fields.