Francis B. Lara Ho

Francis is born in the Philippines famous City of Love, Iloilo City. His father, Anotnio L. Ho was both a businessman and a statesman. His mother, Nenita L. Balaran was a teacher. Francis was raised and trained in a Filipino-Chinese family of entrepreneurs, military, educators, and politicians. He first ventured as an entrepreneur in the United States in 2011 and was honored as one of the top entrepreneurs in Forbes Magazine (Nov 2013) and in Fortune Magazine (July 2016). In 2018, Francis pioneered Inspire Studios in California, USA with the compelling vision of winning the first Oscars for the Philippines. His ultimate mission is to uplift and transform the international image of the Filipino by producing history-in-the-making Hollywood-Philippines global-audience, worldwide-release movies based on incredibly inspiring true to life stories of ordinary people who lived extraordinary lives. Currently, Inspire Studios has 4 pioneering movies in the slate namely: Freedom Fighters, Palawan: Last Man Out, The Rescue, and Open Doors. Freedom Fighters (2021) is co-produced with global boxing icon and Philippine senator Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao. It is the first ever Hollywood-Philippines produced global release movie. Inspired by the true stories of American mining engineers, missionary doctor, and nurses who helped the Philippine resistance movement in their fight against the Japanese Imperial Forces during World War II. Palawan: Last Man Out (2021), is the unknown but incredible true story of American POWs and Palawan Special Bolo Battalion who fought the Japanese occupying forces during World War II. Open Doors (2022) is the powerful inspirational true stories of the Eastern European Jewish families' journey to the Philippines escaping the Nazi Holocaust during World War II. The Rescue (2022) is the amazing true story of the young Filipino Scout Ranger's rescue of American missionary Gracia Burnham from the hands of the global terrorist organization Abu Sayyaf Group linked with Osama Bin Ladin. In addition to film-making, Francis has also been equally passionate about helping others and has served with a non-profit organization that provides services to meet the holistic needs of the most needy in the Philippines and around the world. In 2003, he and his wife, Janelyne "Jing" Ho, migrated to the United States and has pursued graduate degrees. Francis obtained a master's degree in leadership from Biola University in Southern California where he graduated with Highest Honors. He also started his PhD program at Biola University but put it on hold to focus and ensure his success in film-making.