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Cover Story

Success Wasn’t

Really at the Top:

ONE MAN’S

JOURNEY REDEFINES

FULFILMENT

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.

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