When Raffy Prats returned to the Philippines after completing his UCLA MBA in 1998, he didn’t expect his next career move would launch a decades-long legacy in the Family Entertainment Center (FEC) industry. A former investment banker turned General Manager, Prats is now the President of Timezone Philippines, leading an empire of over 100 venues and satellite locations nationwide.
“In investment banking, the products were invisible. In Timezone, you can literally feel joy being made.”
That single quote captures the heart of his career pivot—from the abstract world of finance to an industry built on fun, connection, and tangible experiences.
From Wall Street Mindset to Game Floor Strategy
Prats’ early career was shaped by finance and real estate. “My first job was in investment banking,” he shared in an exclusive interview with Financial Adviser PH. “Or in my initial assignments in Ayala Land wherein a condominium project may take five to six years from actual planning to project turnover to our clients.”
But everything changed when he was assigned to a new joint venture between Ayala Land and Timezone group. “Ayala had assigned me to be the Deputy General Manager of a newly formed joint-venture company which turned out to be Timezone. At that time, we had just opened our very first Philippine Timezone venue at Ayala Center Cebu.”
He stepped into the role under the mentorship of Juan Uribe, a 20-year industry veteran from Australia. “Juan became my mentor and remains my close friend to this day. He has greatly shaped how I understand and manage the FEC business.”
By 2000, Prats took over as General Manager. Five years later, he officially became President and GM of Leisure and Allied Industries Philippines Inc., Timezone’s local operating company.
From Two Stores to a Nationwide Network
The road to 100+ locations wasn’t easy. Prats recalls the early days of doing everything—literally.
“Aside from being Deputy GM, I was also Operations head, Finance and Accounting head, Marketing head, Human Resources head, Purchasing head, and IT Administrator.”
Opening a venue like Glorietta 4 became a make-or-break moment. “We had two weeks of cash left. We carried machines up staircases ourselves to make it work.” The experience taught him the value of scrappiness, urgency, and perseverance.
“It was our persistence and perseverance that got us through those early start-up years, and it was the outstanding performance of our Glorietta 4 venue that later birthed all our Timezone venues thereafter.”
From just 20 team members, Timezone now employs close to 800 people across the Philippines.
What Banking Taught Him About Business—and Why He Left It Behind
For Prats, the transition from banking to FEC wasn’t just about career growth—it was about building something meaningful and immediate.
“I love the fast-paced nature of this industry wherein one can accept a mall space one day and open a new Timezone venue within three to four months. That speed of being able to build something from the ground up, quickly and tangibly, is both fun and fulfilling.”
He contrasts it sharply with his banking days. “Our products were mostly imperceptible financial instruments,” he said. “In the FEC industry, we are able to open as many as a dozen or so venues in a given year when the opportunity presents itself.”
Staying Power in a Fast-Moving Industry
So what keeps him going after 27 years?
“What’s kept me here all these years is simple: I genuinely love the company we have built together and the fun industry we operate in.”
He sees the mission clearly: “We are in the business of creating joy and happy memories for everyone.”
And the impact goes beyond customers.
“We have given opportunities to high school graduates, trained them, and watched them thrive from entry-level customer service attendant positions, to supervisors, to center managers, to regional heads, and to senior management positions.”
The Takeaway for Career Shifters
For young professionals considering a major shift—or looking for fulfillment in a high-impact career—Prats offers this advice:
“Sometimes, success may just be around the corner, and you just need to stay long enough to see it through.”
His journey proves that a career pivot—even from something as far removed as investment banking—can lead to incredible success, as long as it’s aligned with passion, purpose, and persistence.
