By: Melody Garcia Van Dichoso, founder and CEO of the Dichoso Group of companies, is also known in Hollywood as a partner and co-owner of River Rock Films. Despite amassing success, a wide network, entry into exclusive events, and walking red carpets, a couple of hours spent interviewing this man showcases quite the opposite of what most Google searches render about him. His heart for humanity is never quite captured during the myriad of press interviews, gracing social scenes, and dazzling at the predictable Hollywood haunts. So, we begin with… THE FOUNDATIONS: Born an only child to Josephine Garcia-Dichoso and Nilo Dichoso in Quezon City, Philippines, he moved to the U.S. when he was only seven years old. His mother was musically inclined and involved in entertainment; surrounded by the Philippines’ great classic actors, such as Susan Roses. His father was an architect, and his mother led a musical chorale, then proceeded to start her own TV show “Fiesta Filipina” – which became the foundation of his exposure to the entertainment industry. Van graduated college from UCLA. His original desire was to be an actor and he attended schools geared for entertainment. But a car accident led him to reconsider a different career path, and he chose a more traditional degree. A beloved uncle encouraged him to get into business then become a CPA. He found himself enjoying the profession and the interaction with people from different industry backgrounds. He discovered his love for psychology, as it became a key ingredient in interacting with people in business. THE CATALYST: Van observed the difference in treatment of minorities and established a set of behavioral conditions that would position him for success. With the guidance relatives, he developed the confidence and assertiveness needed whereby, often, the Filipino...... Read more on Full Issue!