Paul Jake Castillo: Life and Success Story
Most Filipinos know Paul Jake Castillo as Kaye Abad’s husband before they know him as a businessman. He first showed up on national television in 2009 as a Pinoy Big Brother housemate, not as an executive. Behind that, though, is a family that has run one of Cebu’s oldest pharmaceutical companies for over six decades.
Early Life
Castillo was born on December 22, 1984, in Cebu City. His family, the Wong-Castillos, has been behind International Pharmaceuticals Incorporated since it was founded in 1959 by a group of Wong brothers. Press coverage of Castillo describes his father, Pio Castillo, as having run the company before him, though the exact line from the founding generation to his father is not something any single source lays out clearly.
Before joining Pinoy Big Brother: Double Up in 2009, where he finished as runner-up, Castillo was already working in the family business in Cebu. He also ran Yobob Lechon de Cebu, a roast pig business with several branches across the city, before his television run.
The Business: International Pharmaceuticals Inc.
International Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, based in Mandaue City, Cebu, makes Efficascent Oil, a camphor and menthol pain relief oil that has been sold in the Philippines since 1959. It is one of the country’s most recognizable over-the-counter wellness brands, alongside other IPI products like Bioderm and Casino rubbing alcohol.
Castillo is described in multiple entertainment and lifestyle outlets as CEO of IPI. He and his wife have also served as brand ambassadors for Efficascent’s product launches, including a 2017 press event for Efficascent Relaxing Oil in Manila.
Where Things Stand Now
Castillo and Abad married in Cebu City on December 9, 2016, and have two sons. He continues to split his public life between business and entertainment, appearing alongside Abad in lifestyle coverage while running the Cebu-based company his family has held for three generations.
A Note on Sourcing
Castillo’s business background is covered far less thoroughly than that of a publicly listed conglomerate. Most of what is written about him comes from entertainment and lifestyle press rather than business journalism, so figures like exact revenue or ownership stake are not publicly available and are not included here.
Sources
- IPI corporate website (ipi.ph) and Efficascent Oil brand website (efficascent.ph)
- PEP.ph, coverage of Paul Jake Castillo and Kaye Abad
- Philstar.com and GMA Entertainment, coverage of Castillo and Abad’s relationship and family life
- Kami.com.ph and PhilNews.ph, coverage of Castillo’s business background
