The answer to a traveler’s prayer

CEBU, Philippines - In 2009, Janet Altamarino and Atty. Jonnah John Ungab forged a partnership that saw to the rise of what is now known as the country’s leading visa and immigration consultancy firm.

From a humble office located near Altamarino’s home to now having a base in one of Cebu’s bustling commercial centers and in Makati, Ultimate Visa Corporation has managed to accomplish a lot in its five-year run, owing all of its successes, accolades and awards to the virtue of getting things done the right way – cutting no room for slack.

Recently awarded by the National Consumers’ Choice Awards Council as the Most Trusted Immigration Services Company, Ultimate Visa, at five years old, proves that there is no reason why a Cebu-founded company can’t be an industry leader in the nation.

Humble Beginnings – From Misfortune to Success

Ultimate Visa’s story is one that starts with misfortune, an odd start for a now-successful multi-awarded company, but a start, nonetheless. As a young graduate, Janet Altamarino wanted to explore opportunities overseas, investing a lot of time and resources in finding the best opportunities available back then. Entrusting her savings to a visa processing firm, Altamarino got a crash course on one of life’s harsher realities when the company suddenly disappeared on her – along with her savings. The devastating experience proved to be a wake up call to life’s realities for Altamarino, who later learned that she wasn’t alone in experiencing its pangs. After hearing about similar situations happening to other people, she decided to take a stand, realizing that she could actually do something in keeping such tales of misfortune from happening. This realization eventually led to the birth of Ultimate Visa Corporation in 2009.

Growth and Direction

Teaming up with Atty. Jonnah John Ungab, Altamarino and her business partner were set in seeing to the success of their small company, in its first office along V. Rama Street.

With Altamarino handling the firm’s day-to-day operations – from rudimentary tasks to administrative functions – and with Ungab’s valuable legal insight, input and assistance, the combination proved to be a winning edge for Ultimate Visa, as it was founded on a core operational philosophy that is rooted on the virtue of trust.

In three months’ time, both partners realized that they had to move to a bigger space as their client base grew. The move was eventually followed by the further growth of Ultimate Visa as a company, taking shape in the expansion of its Cebu-based facilities and in the opening of its office in Makati.

Starting with a skeleton crew composed of Altamarino and Ungab, Ultimate Visa now boasts of a strong human resource capital with more than 50 skilled professionals in its two main offices, with an ever-growing client base that is keen on the quality of service the firm has to offer.

Beyond Visa Processing

While the processing of visas, immigration papers and documents are the primary services offered by Ultimate Visa, the company also takes the initiative in actually doing more – going beyond simply seeing to the successful coursing-through of papers and documents.

Its consultancy services stands to be a distinct service offering, a service highlight which doesn’t just afford clients with better insight on legal terms and international entry/reentry regulations, but one that allows the company to connect with them.

In understanding their clients’ needs, Ultimate Visa doesn’t just do leg work-related tasks for clients, but also gives them valuable information that is pertinent in seeing to the success of their applications.

With four in-house lawyers handling all legal concerns, the company also maintains a team of researchers who are constantly updated with immigration trends, updates and developments on immigration and visa laws, and more.

But apart from its impressive visa processing and consultancy services, it is Ultimate Visa’s take in doing away with the dreaded “agency situation” that sets it apart from other entities of its class.

Well aware of how valuable trust is in a relationship that requires the disclosure of confidentialities, calling for the services of Ultimate Visa means that clients deal with real individuals – professionals who don’t hide behind company titles and actually make return calls when necessary.

Ultimate Visa at Five Years Old…

At five years old, Ultimate Visa has justly earned its share of distinctions, accolades and awards.

Recently recognized as the Best Visa Assistance Company during the 33rd People’s Choice and Seal of Excellence Awards Philippines, the company was also recognized as the Most Trusted Immigration Services Provider during the Global Management Excellence Awards.

Last year, Janet Altamarino was recognized as the Most Outstanding Filipino Achiever of 2012 by Star Brand Philippines. She was also recognized by the Business Achievement and Recognition Awards (BARA) as Woman Achiever of the Year 2012.

Atty. Jonnah John Ungab was also recognized by the BARA as Business Achiever of the Year 2012, in the individual category.

…and beyond

Driven by a passion in helping different individuals reach their goals, Ultimate Visa on its fifth anniversary is achieving more than just a hallmark in its young-but-active history, but it is also a testament that proves that there is truth in the saying “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”

With plans of expanding their own local recruitment firm in the future, Janet Altamarino and Atty. Jonnah John Ungab – the powers-that-be behind Ultimate Visa Corporation – have truly set their sights in being of service to one and all. Photos by Aldo Nelbert Banaynal

Ultimate Visa Corporation offers a range of processing and consultancy services for visas applications, including tourist, fiancée, spousal, student and immigration visas to the world’s often and least traveled countries.

For more information, visit Ultimate Visa Corporation at G/F JSP, Building, Gen Maxilom Ave cor Echavez Street, Cebu City (Tel No (032)233-4113), or at UG28 Cityland Pasong Tamo Tower, 2210 Chino Roces Ave, Pasong Tamo, Makati City (Tel No. (02)822-7603).