Hi, I'm Joshua Cruz, a multidisciplinary marketing leader, entrepreneur, and brand strategist with over 9 years of experience. I specialize in building lifestyle and food brands from the ground up, using disruptive digital campaigns, data-driven marketing, and grassroots storytelling to create standout brands across the Philippines. My passion lies in helping startups and lifestyle brands grow through strategic brand marketing, sales enablement, and community-building. I have a strong background in digital marketing, social media strategy, and sales funnel optimization. I've had the privilege to launch awesome brands in the food, coffee, fashion, and digital services sectors, and I enjoy crafting meaningful partnerships that drive both impact and growth. Let's connect and explore how I can help elevate your brand.

Joshua Cruz

Hi, I'm Joshua Cruz, a multidisciplinary marketing leader, entrepreneur, and brand strategist with over 9 years of experience. I specialize in building lifestyle and food brands from the ground up, using disruptive digital campaigns, data-driven marketing, and grassroots storytelling to create standout brands across the Philippines. My passion lies in helping startups and lifestyle brands grow through strategic brand marketing, sales enablement, and community-building. I have a strong background in digital marketing, social media strategy, and sales funnel optimization. I've had the privilege to launch awesome brands in the food, coffee, fashion, and digital services sectors, and I enjoy crafting meaningful partnerships that drive both impact and growth. Let's connect and explore how I can help elevate your brand.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Joshua Cruz, a multidisciplinary marketing leader, entrepreneur, and brand strategist with over 9 years of experience. I specialize in building lifestyle and food brands from the ground up, using disruptive digital campaigns, data-driven marketing, and grassroots storytelling to create standout brands across the Philippines. My passion lies in helping startups and lifestyle brands grow through strategic brand marketing, sales enablement, and community-building.

I have a strong background in digital marketing, social media strategy, and sales funnel optimization. I’ve had the privilege to launch awesome brands in the food, coffee, fashion, and digital services sectors, and I enjoy crafting meaningful partnerships that drive both impact and growth. Let’s connect and explore how I can help elevate your brand.

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Language

English
Advanced
Tagalog
Fluent

Work Experience

Head Amigo at The Shaka Way
July 1, 2021 - Present
Led the creation of Amigos Lifestyle, a digital marketing firm, managing strategic planning for both the brand and company. Managed partnerships and marketing for Our Daily Grounds Coffee trading brand. Oversaw marketing, operations, and sourcing for Athletesure, an athleisure business.
Marketing Manager | Consultant at Regional Specialties Inc
February 1, 2020 - Present
Handled partnerships for modern on-trade accounts and managed marketing for both digital space and brand direction.
Senior Territory Executive at AB Heineken - Philippines
December 31, 2020 - July 9, 2025
Created partnerships with modern on-trade establishments in specific areas of Quezon City and Cebu City. Managed deployment of point of sales materials to increase brand traffic.
Head Amigo at The Shaka Way
July 1, 2021 - Present
Led the creation of Amigos Lifestyle, a digital marketing firm, managing strategic planning for both the brand and the company. Oversaw partnerships and marketing for Our Daily Grounds Coffee trading brand and managed marketing, operations, and sourcing for Athletesure, an athleisure brand.
Marketing Manager | Consultant at Regional Specialties Inc
February 1, 2020 - Present
Responsible for partnerships with modern on-trade accounts and managed marketing efforts for both digital space and brand direction.
Senior Territory Executive at AB Heineken - Philippines
December 31, 2020 - July 11, 2025
Created partnerships with modern on-trade establishments in selected areas of Quezon City and Cebu City. Managed deployment of point of sales materials to increase brand traffic.
Head Amigo at The Shaka Way
July 1, 2021 - Present
Responsible for creating Amigos Lifestyle, a digital marketing firm, overseeing strategic planning for both the brand and company. Managed Our Daily Grounds Coffee trading, handling partnerships and marketing for the coffee brand. Led marketing, operations, and sourcing for Athletesure.
Marketing Manager | Consultant at Regional Specialties Inc
February 1, 2020 - Present
Managed partnerships for Modern On-trade accounts and led marketing efforts for the digital space and brand direction.
Senior Territory Executive at AB Heineken - Philippines
December 31, 2020 - July 11, 2025
Created partnerships with modern on-trade establishments in Quezon City and Cebu City. Deployed Point of Sales Materials to increase brand traffic.
HEAD AMIGO at The Shaka Way
July 1, 2021 - Present
Founded Amigos Lifestyle, a creative digital agency focused on helping startups and lifestyle brands grow by providing strategic brand marketing, sales enablement and funnel optimization, social media and community growth, and outsourced creative and operational solutions. Built Athletesure, an athleisure line promoting inclusive fitness and mobility. Co-founded OurDailyGrounds, a social impact coffee brand supporting local farmers and distributing premium coffee to elite clubs.
MARKETING MANAGER | CONSULTANT at Regional Specialties Inc
February 1, 2020 - Present
Built and launched Pig Senyor!, a sought-after Authentic Cebu Lechon brand in the Philippines. Led all marketing efforts including content creation, brand strategy, ad buying, SEO, and storytelling. Acted as brand representative in radio, TV, and online interviews to expand recognition. Developed a scalable reseller program enabling local entrepreneurs to become sellers and created B2B partnerships with hotels, restaurants, and culinary institutions. Represented the brand in major business institutions fostering strategic alliances.
SENIOR TERRITORY EXECUTIVE at Heineken Philippines
January 31, 2020 - July 25, 2025
Developed modern trade accounts in Cebu and North Metro Manila. Led marketing activations for high-profile events such as the Sinulog Festival, increasing brand visibility and consumer engagement. Deployed POS materials and collaborated with distribution partners to boost sales and brand presence across strategic locations including beach resorts and provincial areas. Managed a team of sales agents and maintained partner relations with F&B stakeholders.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & KEY PARTNERSHIP CHAMPION at REVMedia (Formerly RevAsia)
January 31, 2017 - July 25, 2025
Built and maintained partnerships with media agencies, creative shops, and FMCG clients across Malaysia and the Philippines. Collaborated in co-developing branded content and digital campaigns. Delivered strategies for global brands including Diageo and Nestlé.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & SEMI COMMUNITY MANAGER at Penbrothers International
March 31, 2016 - July 25, 2025
Led business development for co-working spaces and startup support services. Facilitated events and networking for tech startups. Represented the company at startup expos and national conferences to attract foreign investment and partners.

Education

High School Diploma at PAREF- Springdale School
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2010
Bachelor of Science at De La Salle University - Manila
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2015
High School Diploma at PAREF- Springdale School
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2010
Bachelor of Science at De La Salle University - Manila
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2015
High School Diploma at PAREF- Springdale School
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2010
Bachelor of Science at De La Salle University - Manila
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2015
High School Diploma at PAREF- SPRINGDALE SCHOOL
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2010
Bachelor of Science at DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY - MANILA
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2015

Qualifications

Business Network International (BNI) Membership
January 11, 2030 - July 25, 2025
Food Caterers Association of the Philippines Membership
January 11, 2030 - July 25, 2025
Let’s Eat Pare Organization Membership
January 11, 2030 - July 25, 2025
PEAK Suppliers Tagaytay Membership
January 11, 2030 - July 25, 2025

Industry Experience

Consumer Goods, Retail, Professional Services, Travel & Hospitality
    paper 2nd Gen Family Owned Travel Agency needed a Revamp

    Social Media Revamp for Boutique Travel Agency – 3-Month Brand Transformation Project
    I led a 3-month social media strategy revamp for a local travel agency aiming to modernize its brand presence and attract a younger, more digitally engaged audience.
    The agency’s original branding felt outdated and overly corporate, which limited engagement and made it difficult to connect emotionally with potential travelers. I began with a full audit of their social media content, visual identity, tone of voice, and audience engagement patterns.
    From there, I developed a comprehensive 3-month content strategy focused on humanizing the brand, highlighting authentic travel experiences, and making the agency more relatable and aspirational online.
    Key initiatives included:
    ✅ Visual Rebrand – Shifted from templated, brochure-style posts to vibrant, story-driven content with user-generated imagery, modern typefaces, and mood-enhancing colors.
    ✅ Voice Refresh – Evolved the copywriting style from formal and salesy to warm, conversational, and experience-focused.
    ✅ Content Pillars – Introduced a mix of destination guides, travel tips, client stories, behind-the-scenes content, and interactive polls to increase engagement.
    ✅ Community Building – Actively responded to comments and DMs, ran engagement campaigns, and repositioned the agency as a travel companion, not just a service provider.
    The result was a noticeable uptick in brand engagement, follower growth, and inquiries by the end of the 3-month period. More importantly, the travel agency was now seen as approachable, modern, and trustworthy—a brand people wanted to plan adventures with.

    paper Pig Senyor! Authentic Cebu Lechon

    Marketing & Business Development Lead
    Pig Senyor! Authentic Cebu Lechon — Family-Owned Food Business
    📍 Philippines |

    | www.facebook.com/pigsenyor
    Dates: February 2020 - July 2025

    As the driving force behind the marketing and brand direction of Pig Senyor!, a family-owned food venture specializing in authentic Cebu lechon, I led all marketing efforts from the ground up. I crafted the brand’s voice, visual identity, and digital presence—ensuring it stood out in a competitive food landscape while staying true to our cultural roots.

    Key Responsibilities:
    Brand Strategy & Direction: Developed and executed the overall brand strategy, including logo design, tone of voice, visual guidelines, and brand positioning to reflect the authenticity and boldness of Cebuano lechon.

    Content Creation: Produced engaging photo and video content for social media, including food photography, promotional materials, and storytelling captions that consistently drove high engagement and shares.

    Social Media Management: Managed and grew Pig Senyor!’s Instagram and Facebook pages, implementing content calendars, community engagement strategies, and performance tracking to build a loyal online following.

    Marketing Campaigns: Launched targeted promotions and seasonal campaigns that boosted customer orders and brand visibility, especially during holidays and local events.

    Business Development Support: Assisted in identifying and pursuing growth opportunities, including collaborations, new service offerings (e.g., event catering), and customer feedback integration for product improvement.

    Key Achievements:
    Grew the brand’s social media presence organically to 24,000 on Facebook and 66,000 on Instagram.

    Helped increase customer inquiries and order volume through consistent digital presence and word-of-mouth marketing.

    Played a pivotal role in shaping the business’ public image, contributing to brand loyalty and customer trust.