AFTER years of waiting, they finally got up and followed their dreams. Ramon Duremdes Jr. and Elmar Gomez met in a conference a few years back, both not knowing that they shared the same vision.

"We wanted to do something that we believe can make a difference," Gomez said.

Thus, wireless application services provider Mobile Arts was born. "I've always been interested in setting up my own business, but I just didn't know what kind. Then we saw the evolution of the wireless market, got an idea and then realized that not everybody knows the industry (like we do),'' Mobile Arts president and chief executive officer Duremdes said.

Duremdes is one of those people who really knows the telecommunications industry, having spent close to five years in Isla Communications Inc. and over four years in Smart Communications Inc.

"We saw the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (to get into the value-added wireless services market). The Philippines is the center of the universe (in wireless technology). And we're in the position to exploit that because both of us have cellular, computer and business savvy," Mobile Arts chief operating officer Gomez said.

Gomez has a vast telecommunications background himself. He led Nokia Telecommunications Phil. Inc.'s GSM (global system for mobile communications) network business relationship with Globe Telecom Corp. and also served as country manager of Verifone Private Limited in Guam.

They both decided to leave their stable jobs to take the risk of going into business on their own, using their own hard-earned money.

"It gave me a different kind of gratification. In a small company like ours, with only around 12 people, I can see the result of my efforts more quickly than when I was with Smart because there were so many people there," Duremdes said.

Another advantage of being their own bosses was having command of their time.

"My corporate life required me to travel a lot. Having three kids, I'd rather stay home and spend time with them. With my own business, I got the quality of life I wanted, one that involves my family," Gomez said.

Duremdes agreed with Gomez on this.

"I have a two-year-old son who needs a role model. When I was still working for a company, I didn't get to spend time with him. Now, I even take him to school sometimes," he said.

With the perks come bigger responsibility.

"People's livelihood are actually depending on us," Duremdes said.

Duremdes, however, does not have to worry much just yet because Mobile Arts, so far, is off to a good start. It recently acquired pioneer status from the Board of Investments.

"Our goal is to hit the P100-million mark in revenues in five years. We're very confident that we can achieve this," Gomez said.

With their pooled resources, talent and willingness to learn more about the very dynamic telecommunications industry, who's to stop this duo from reaching great heights as entrepreneurs?