After making a name in the recording industry in the early 80s, he eventually ventured into business and became triumphant. Really, not everyone is blessed like Bobby Valle. He is one of the few showbiz denizens who still made it big in another field after leaving the limelight. Being a well-known businessman now, Bobby is just reaping the fruits of his labor over the years.

Interestingly, popular soprano and comedy actress Sylvia La Torre was the one who discovered Bobby. She recommended him to the late Tony Santos, Sr. and eventually became part of the boob tube program A Show with No Name where the great actor and director was also its producer, director and one of the hosts. Equipped with good looks and an enchanting voice, he easily made waves. Veteran movie scribe Cleo Cruz was Bobby’s first business manager followed by Primo Domingo.

It can be remembered too that he used to be a member of the popular 70s band Ambivalent Crowd. When he decided to go solo, Danny Zubido’s Valley Records gave him a break. After his stint with the said recording company, he went to Ivory Records. Some of his notable recordings include Iniibig Kita and Sa Hirap at Ginhawa. He also did an album in the States called Give Me a Chance.

During his prime, Bobby did the rounds in many of Manila’s hot singing spots like Eduardo’s. He also traveled a lot for singing commitments here and abroad. Some of the big names then in the music scene whom he had successful back-to-back shows with were Imelda Papin, Dulce, Carmen Patena, Linda Magno, Lirio Vital, Rosemarie de Vera, Carmen Soriano, Rico Puno, Joey Albert and the APO Hiking Society. He also takes pride being part of renowned fashion guru Renee Salud’s entourage every time he mounts shows in foreign shores then. He sings during intermission numbers.

But in 1995, he laid low in the music scene after marrying Chieko Kimura and ventured into the promotions business. They put up Doing Manpower (which is still operational up to now), which sends cultural performers abroad, highlighting the Filipinos’ world-class talents in the arts. They also built the majestic-looking Sining Makuhari, which can be considered as the biggest ballroom dance floor in Metro Manila these days equipped with the best sound system to the delight of their loyal patrons. Located in their Kimura-Vale Building in Malate, it never ceases to attract possible clients.

Now, the husband and wife team is into a new project: The Heartful Philippine Institute, Inc. It is a Japanese language school, which specializes in caregiving whose mother unit is based in the Land of the Rising Sun, called Heartful Japan. In partnership with its Chairman Mr. Izumi Hayashi, Bobby and Chieko who act as president and chairman, respectively of the local counterpart, are facilitating it in the Philippines.

"Actually, this school is designed for people who are graduates of any four-year course, specially those in line with the medical field like nurses, physical therapists, midwives, doctors and of course, caregivers who are seeking for jobs in Japan. Heartful Japan has 40 buildings and they are in need of people who are willing to work for them. The Japanese prefer Filipino caregivers because they have the heart, dedication and compassion for the job.

"The school opened on September 3, 2008. We have two teachers coming from Japan who will teach Niponggo. Classes will be every day. We are offering six-to-eight month crash courses. We are inviting interested parties to enroll and have the opportunity to work directly in Japan. I think we have a great project here because not only will it help the job state of the Filipinos but the Japanese manpower as well. Heartful Japan’s Mr. Izumi is such a wonderful and generous man and he’s looking forward to the school’s future success. I hope all our good plans in line with this project materialize," said Bobby.

Heartful Philippine Institute, Inc. is located at the upper third floor of the Kimura-Vale Building whose complete address is 1971 Leon Guinto St. Malate, Manila.