Illustrado Magazine – Filipino Abroad

Author: Paolo Benitez

  • ADNOC ABU DHABI MARATHON RETURNS IN DECEMBER TO GROW THE UAE’S RUNNING COMMUNITY 

    ADNOC ABU DHABI MARATHON RETURNS IN DECEMBER TO GROW THE UAE’S RUNNING COMMUNITY 

    • The fourth edition of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon will take place on 17 December 2022  
    • ADNOC extends its partnership with Abu Dhabi Sports Council and commits to a year-round program, including weekly training sessions, preparation events and community races 
    • Registrations are now open with attractive discounts available for early bird registrations 

    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates : Race organizers Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), today announced that the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon will take place on 17 December 2022. ADSC is also delighted to confirm that ADNOC will continue to be the Official Title Sponsor and Energy partner of the flagship event for the next three editions.  

    Building on the success of the 2021 race, which attracted over 12,000 runners alongside a highly competitive elite field, ADSC and ADNOC have committed to grow event participation locally by supporting and inspiring new and existing runners, with the long-term goal of doubling the size of the UAE’s running community by 2025.  

    This new approach will focus on creating a culture of participation and inclusivity, providing the community with more running events and opportunities throughout the year.  

    Speaking at the Leaders Sport Business Summit in Abu Dhabi, H.E Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “We are pleased to announce our strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and looking forward to our distinguished partnership to continue supporting the success of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon. 

    “The Abu Dhabi Marathon has risen to a global level and has become one of the important sporting events inspiring platforms for awareness, education and consolidation of the importance of sport in the daily life of our people and residents. 

    “Last year’s elite race saw fierce competition from an incredible field of international talent. This year, we look forward to welcoming the stars of the sport back to Abu Dhabi and reinforcing the capital’s status as a world-class sporting destination.” 

    ADNOC’s Group Human Capital Director, Dr. Saif Al Nasseri said: “We are extremely proud to renew our partnership with Abu Dhabi Sports Council. As we look to build on the success of the past three races, we are committed to making the marathon accessible to a wider audience, providing support and training to runners of all abilities and encouraging our community to start their health and wellness journey with us.” 

    Working in partnership, ADSC and ADNOC will deliver a series of community initiatives, including a year-round calendar of official training sessions, workshops and year-round race preparation events, providing a structured program that caters for all levels, from first time fun runners to competitive athletes.  

    In addition, the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon runner and spectator experience will be further enhanced, with active community consultation helping to shape every aspect of the race weekend, to ensure it retains its status as one of the region’s leading marathons and the largest and most inclusive mass participation event in the UAE. 

    Registrations for all event distances are now open for the fourth edition of the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon on Saturday 17 December 2022, with early bird discounts of up to 30% available for a limited period: https://www.adnocabudhabimarathon.com/register-now/  

  • Canada-based Filipina artistic group Tita Collective set to perform at Toronto’s 2022 Forward March Festival

    Canada-based Filipina artistic group Tita Collective set to perform at Toronto’s 2022 Forward March Festival

    The multi-award winning all-Filipina artistic company Tita Collective will mark 2022 as their biggest year yet starting with their first LIVE  show since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This April 9th – 10th, Tita Collective will feature their new work KWENTO at Toronto’s 2022 Forward March Festival.

    KWENTO is a fun and exciting new show created by the Tita Collective that explores and celebrates Philippine folklore. Based on the Tausug folktale, Ararabuntu In The Animal World, the show will follow the journey of Ara, a young Filipina, who is trying to understand  her connection to her heritage. Unable to find an answer at home, she enters the Animal World.

    The fourth annual edition of the Forward March Festival will take place in-person at Earlscourt Park (1200 Lansdowne Avenue). The  theme this year is Stand in the Place Where You Live and will premiere five new outdoor, in-person, site-specific pieces created by  emerging artist companies and commissioned by Theatre Direct including KWENTO by Tita Collective. The Forward March Festival is  created by Theatre Direct Canada, one of the country’s leading theatres for young audiences whose award-winning productions have  reached audiences in schools and theatres across Canada and the world.

    Coming up next Tita Collective will be performing at the 2022 Undercurrents Festival produced by Ottawa Fringe showcasing the best  original, contemporary theatre created by local, national, and international artists. From April 27th – 30th, 2022 Tita Collective will be  presenting TITA JOKES, their award winning musical comedy show that weaves together 16 vignettes that centre the Philippine  people, specifically their beloved Titas, our “Aunties”. Combining music, dance, theatre and a lot of laughs, TITA JOKES is a love letter  to the community, specifically to the female elders The show explores the struggle, the heartache their resiliency as Filipinas, and how  they cope through humour, storytelling, and songs. The show will take place at Arts Court/Cours des art in Ottawa (2 Daly Ave).

    Other upcoming shows include a musical comedy tour with comedian, musician, writer, and filmmaker Anesti Danelis; SUPERFILIPINA  FEST – A Filipina storytelling and comedy festival to celebrate Philippine Heritage Month; A digital premiere DGA Variety show – A

    Filipino-Canadian variety show housed in a family-run Filipino store, DGA Variety Store; and the musical sketch review Big Fat Immigrant  Christmas in partnership with Anesti Danelis. 

    Most recently, Tita Collective was announced as one of the recipients of recommender grants from the Musical Stage Company and the  Young People’s Theatre for their latest work KWENTO. This third-party recommender program assists Ontario-based professional theatre creators, and informal collectives of creators, by funding them to create and/or further develop new work. While the funding  comes from the Ontario Arts Council, applications are made to, and funding decisions are made by, the theatre companies enrolled in  the program. 

    KWENTO is a -Canadian folktale that celebrates the past and makes room for the future. Through Kwento, Tita Collective brings to life  Philippine folklore that is unknown to the community, especially -Canadian youth. It respectfully weaves together Philippine folk music,  dance and craftsmanship. They aim to further develop Kwento as a musical theatre piece and integrate improvisation to keep the magic alive.  

    The source material for KWENTO is from the Magbassa Kita Literacy Program, which was chaired by a collective member’s grandmother.  Inspired by this, Tita Collective aims to carry forward the work that this program began, which was to bring awareness of their  responsibility and connection to the land, and the lessons that it teaches us. Their process included translating Philippines folktales  from various Indigenous groups, including the Tausug, Ibanag and Lumad people (whom collective members have direct familial and  ancestral ties with). They have translated these stories from Tagalog and aforementioned Indigenous languages to English. KWENTO  explore themes of reciprocity vs. transactional relationships, and what it means to be a part of a community.

    “In 2022, we will finally get to show a few things that we had been cooking up: we’re going on tour, we’re developing a new show, we’ve been writing and creating non-stop. We have grown up as artists and as a collective since people last saw us, so we’re so excited  to show everyone all the things we have been dreaming up for over two years.” says Alia Rasul. “Originally, we created the Tita  Collective as a peer support group, we wanted to help each other out as Filipinas pursuing careers in the arts. The collective has since  become so much more, it became a space for us to be unapologetic about our Filipina identities, it is a sandbox to play and create  with people we trust deeply, it is now a sisterhood. And while our careers of course are still very important to us, as a collective our  priority now centres serving the community. Through our work, we hope people will find the same joy we did in reconnecting to our  heritage, to be curious about Philippine stories and to feel encouraged to tell their own.” 

    Tita Collective is an all-Filipina collective composed of award-winning playwrights, comedians, musicians, dancers, theatre makers and  actors. They explore different mediums to tell the stories about the Philippine diaspora. Through theatre, comedy, music, and  movement, they aspire to tell stories that: thoughtfully honour and celebrate their roots and history, explore our identities as Filipinas,  represent the narratives of the Philippine diaspora in an inclusive and respectful way, and nurtures and unites community through joy  and laughter.  

    They have won several awards, including the 2019 Steamwhistle Producers’ Pick at the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival, Best  Newcomer at the Montreal Sketch Comedy Festival, the Second City Outstanding New Comedy Award and Patrons’ Pick at the 2019  Toronto Fringe Festival. They were featured in the “19 Asian Millennial Women You Should Know” listing by Cold Tea Collective, and in  Spotify Canada’s “Need Women” campaign for Women’s History Month. Individually, Tita Collective are Ann Paula Bautista (The Grand  Theatre’s GROW the Musical), Belinda Corpuz (Factory Theatre’s Lady Sunrise), Ellie Posadas (Scarborough), Alia Rasul (Super  Important Filipina Thoughts), and Maricris Rivera (Short Dances).

    For more information, please visit: www.titacollective.com

  • Embrace Ecotourism & Outdoor Adventure at the Ritz Carlton RAK, Al Wadi Desert

    Embrace Ecotourism & Outdoor Adventure at the Ritz Carlton RAK, Al Wadi Desert

    Located less than an hour away from Dubai, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert is inviting UAE residents to escape for an outdoor adventure with a plethora of heart-warming ecotourism-driven activities such as Ghaf tree-planting, educational programs, Chef’s garden experiences and intuitive nature interactions. For younger guests, the secluded resort even offers the chance to learn important outdoor survival skills such as shelter making and desert navigation as a Ritz Ranger.

    Ideal for a staycation or a family holiday, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert is set within a 1,234 acres nature reserve where each villa is equipped with a private pool villa – the ideal base to plan some nature based adventures and alfresco experiences. This award-winning resort promises a rejuvenating, luxurious retreat for UAE residents without having to fly out of the country.

    Take an exhilarating equine adventure

    Horse riding is symbolic to authentic Arabian culture and The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert is one of the most popular resorts in the UAE that offer Equestrian activities. Guests can take an unforgettable desert hack across the rolling red and golden sands of the Al Wadi Nature Reserve and experience the expansive conservation area on four hooves.  Riders will encounter the region’s diverse flora and fauna ranging from the Arabian Oryx and Arabian Gazelle as well as an abundance of native and migratory birds, whilst cantering across the dunes. You may even spot elusive species such as the black buck antelope or Gordon’s wild cat!

    Price: AED 205 for 30 minutes

    Become a Ritz Kids Ranger for the day

    Ritz Kids, aged 7 to 15, are invited to put down their tablets, turn off the TV and journey outside to the desert in order to learn essential outdoor survival skills through this special Rangers programme. Ritz Rangers will have a chance to open their minds and discover new things that are hidden in the Al Wadi Nature Reserve, for example, how to make natural soap from the Sidr tree leaves, how to successfully track and find animals like the sandfish and learn desert navigation skills using the shadow stick method. With lessons including how to identify native flora and fauna, animal care and bird identification, this incredible programme includes a two-hour activity for the young ones.

    Price: AED 275 per child

    Participate in a Wildlife Feeding experience

    Animal lovers have the chance to feed the majestic resident Oryx and Gazelles in the Al Wadi Desert Nature Reserve while learning about the local wildlife such as how the Arabian Oryx was saved from the brink of extinction which is one of the world’s biggest conservation success stories. For an extra special memento, guests are invited to take photographs in this unique setting.

    Price: AED 160 for adults and AED 125 for children

    Leave your mark with heritage forest tree planting

    The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Wadi Desert believes in the importance of preserving the environment and has pledged to plant 1,000 native Ghaf trees by the end of 2022 within its Heritage Forest. Inviting guests to disconnect and get back to nature, visitors can plant a tree which they can then visit every time they return to the resort. The Ghaf tree, is the national tree of the UAE and has an ability to stay evergreen, through establishing tap roots that can go as deep as 35-60 meters to permanently connect with the water table, making it a very important tree that provides both food and shade for the Arabian Oryx, dromedary camels and sand gazelles within the Al Wadi Nature Reserve.

    Price: 160 AED per tree

    Take a majestic full moon camel ride

    For an authentic evening in the desert, guests can experience an exclusive moonlight camel ride together. Taking place during the full moon nights, guests take a magical camel ride across the undulating sand dunes under the open sky within the beautiful Arabian Desert, enabling the couple to truly be at one with nature. Guests can also identify navigational stars that were used by the Bedouins at night during the night camel rides. You may even spot the reserve’s nocturnal inhabitants which include reptiles, rodents and other critters such as the desert hedgehog, Baluch Rock Gecko, or Middle Eastern camel spider.

    Price: AED 495 per couple for 30-minutes

    Chef’s Garden – farm to table dining

    Green fingered guests can learn more about local vegetables and herbs grown in the resort’s grounds and undertake a bespoke farm-to-table dining experience which is designed with foodies in mind. The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert’s 450 sq m Chef’s Garden grows a range of vegetables and herbs for use throughout the resort’s restaurants.  Foodies have the chance to visit the expansive garden and meet with resort’s culinary teams to learn more about how seasonal produce is grown in the desert climate, to sample fresh-from-the soil produce and even select their own vegetables, salads and herb dressings.

    Connect with nature

    Nature walks promote the preservation of local culture and knowledge concerning the environment. As part of sustainable tourism, the nature walk activity focuses mainly on educating visitors on the traditional uses of the flora and fauna for survival and how every aspect of living organisms are connected and depends on each other. This helps to appreciate the Bedouin values and preserve knowledge for the future generations.

    Price: AED 190 for adults, AED 310 for couples and AED 125 for children

    Revitalize with a private yoga session

    Perfect for those looking to rejuvenate their body and soul, with the choice of an alfresco setting at the Falconry Deck, the professional wellness instructors at the Ritz-Carlton Spa combine spiritual, mental and physical practices to offer a host of yoga classes ranging from Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa to Yin Yoga whilst gazing across the dunes.

    Price: Starting from AED 150 per class per person 

    Advance reservations are required for all packages and they are all subject to availability.

    For more information or to make a reservation

     email  rc.rktrz.experience@ritzcarlton.com.

  • Break like you mean it with Yas Island’s Stay and Play Spring Offer

    Break like you mean it with Yas Island’s Stay and Play Spring Offer

    Yas Island Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s leading leisure and entertainment destinations, has announced an exceptional spring offer for a vacation like no other for holidaymakers who book a Stay and Play package between 3 March – 3 April 2022 and staying between 3 March – 29 April 2022. The special package is part of a new marketing campaign, calling vacationers to ‘Break like you mean it’, in a brand new, integrated roll-out. 

    Family vacationers who book a Stay and Play at one of Yas Island’s leading participating hotels for a minimum stay of two nights before 3 April 2022 will receive complimentary dinner for two adults throughout their stay, in addition to access to all three record-breaking theme parks – Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi. During Ramadan, guests can enjoy Iftar at a participating restaurant in the hotel of their choice for the duration of their stay. Holidaymakers can choose from six participating hotels as part of the Stay and Play Spring Offer, including W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, Crowne Plaza Yas Island Abu Dhabi, Yas Island Rotana, Centro Yas Island by Rotana, Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi Yas Island and Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Abu Dhabi Yas Island.

    The campaign looks to inspire younger holidaymakers to seek a vacation unlike any other – from record-breaking theme parks, racing, climbing and flying to world-class shopping, dining, golfing and luxury hotels – all packed into one 25 km2 destination. The one-minute video highlights the many benefits of travel, emphasizing a wide range of activities on Yas Island to enjoy for a memorable escape.

    Set in a classroom where students share their summer vacation, the young protagonist of the video mentions that her holiday was disappointing and that none of her classmates truly enjoyed their time off. Next, she describes her ideal Yas vacation in comparison to an inferior regular trip, highlighting the best of Yas Island, while simultaneously showcasing the destination’s award-winning theme parks, record-breaking attractions, outstanding motorsports and world-class hospitality.

    To watch the video on social media, visit Yas Island on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

    Holidaymakers can also avail a complimentary bus ride from Dubai to the Island with the Yas Express Shuttle Service by presenting any Yas Island attraction voucher before boarding the bus. The buses operate regularly from Deira City Center and Ibn Battuta Mall to Yas Island.

    Yas Island also offers complimentary Yas Express services which connects guests to all theme parks, leisure facilities and dining options on the Island from the doorstep of each hotel and operate on a daily basis.

    To book the Spring Offer package or for more information, please visit: www.yasisland.com

  • It’s What I Do: Pretty Dumadag – Filipino Professional

    It’s What I Do: Pretty Dumadag – Filipino Professional

    About my Job:

    I am currently Senior Architect at one of the Local Architectural and Engineering offices in Dubai with an Unlimited Dubai Municipality License. I am also a certified ISO Auditor, and at the same time, I run my own company Dsign08.ph.

    My Career Milestones:

    I play a pivotal role in ensuring that our team are in open communication with governmental building approval bodies, while also ensuring that our team is aligned with the latest in design code and knowledge. During my 7 years in the company, I was awarded with the ‘Epitome of Teamwork’ award via unanimous vote.

    In my 14 years working in Dubai, one of my greatest highlights came when I was entrusted to be Project Manager Cum Senior Interior Designer for the largest Infiniti car showroom in the world. The building has been received with a standing ovation by the directors of Infiniti Worldwide, with a 100% delivery rating. With this, we were also awarded to design and manage the Infiniti Workshop, which was completed successfully. I have also been tasked to handle the business centre AW Rostamani Group.   

    I’m proud to say that I’ve had a colorful career, previously working in Darussalam, Brunei as a Project Coordinator Cum Interior Designer. We designed and refurbished the largest palace in the world, Darul Iman, as well as Darul Hana. In Dubai, I owe my mentor, Abdulla Al Nehar, a great deal for showing me the ropes of navigating governmental bodies and believing in my capacity as an architect. Now that I’ve started my own company back in the Philippines, I can definitely say that success is now at our doorstep, and we just need to step forward and grab the opportunity.

    My Typical Workday:

    My Dubai workday starts with checking business emails and messages from my collaborators in the Philippines. With the 4 hour time difference, I have to catch up as early as possible to ensure I am aware of what’s happening. When I begin my full time job, I normally review pending tasks, contact government offices. My weekdays are very occupied as I have to track progress and coordinate with our design teams, contractors, and sub-consultants.

    Although I just started my company in the Philippines, I’m happy to say that we’ve received positive feedback, recommendations, and that we’re working to fulfil design queries.

    Every day I am thankful for all the opportunities and blessings my family and friends are continuously receiving. Every weekend I make sure I to spend quality time with my family through video calls and meet friends for coffee or barbecue. Keeping connected to our loved ones keeps us rooted to our goals and allows us to dream bigger.

    My Message to fellow Filipinos:

    I am still striving to grow as a person, so my advice to fellow Filipinos is to not settle for less. Strive to be better and learn to diversity, because what you earn now is not forever, so invest and let money work for you. Save when you’re young, don’t lean on a single income, and don’t be lured into material things. Learn new skills, continuously study and always look back on who you were to remember your purpose. Keep your foot rooted, and be thankful for what you achieve. Give back to your community, educate the younger generation and be an inspiration. At the end of the day, we’ll all go home, so let’s bring luggage full of amazing stories about experiences, overcoming challenges, and chasing your dreams.

    Related Article:

    It’s What I Do: Charles Cabaña and Anna Asistio

  • Michael Cinco Captivates the Audience at Arab Fashion Week 2022

    Michael Cinco Captivates the Audience at Arab Fashion Week 2022

    At the height of Arab Fashion Week, designer Michael Cinco unveiled his latest collection. 

    Titled ‘The Impalpable Dream of the Voyager’, Michael alludes his Menswear 2022-23 collection to the spirit of adventure. 

    Remarking on the last few years being restrictive for travel, the designer brought forth his own take on the theme of aviation and journeying, evolving his models into journeymen and jet setters in a fantastical light. 

    Couture, floor sweeping coats graced the runway, setting the stage for oversized trench coats to follow. Drawing on inspiration from vintage aviator fashion, elaborately made parachute-esque pieces then dropped onto the runway, accented playfully with goggles, boots and carefully selected accessories. 

    While most menswear collections stick to a monotonous palette, M5 has been known to make color the centerpiece of his design. A wide, cohesive array of soft pastel and rich velvety colors has been used to emphasize his impalpable dream – completed by his team’s trademark embellishment, embroidery and layering. 

     

    Photography by: Bethoven Filomeno (@caughtbybetongslens)

  • PH Exports Recovering via Surge in Coconut Oil Sales

    PH Exports Recovering via Surge in Coconut Oil Sales


    Despite continued disruptions in the global economy due to COVID-related restrictions, the Philippine exports grew by 15.2% from January to November 2021 to USD 68.4B compared to the same period in 2020, based on Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) preliminary data. Philippine merchandise exports increased by 6.6% year-on-year (YOY) amounting to USD 6.3B in November 2021 from USD 5.9B in November 2020.

    Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez pointed out that “the 2021 figure also grew by 4.91% compared to the same period in 2019, which amounted to USD 65.17B. This reflected a better export performance compared to the prep-pandemic level.”

    November PSA data also showed that coconut oil recorded the highest annual increase of 95% out of the 10 major commodity groups in terms of export value. The country accounts for 60% of United States of America (USA) coconut oil imports and 73% of USA crude coconut oil imports. The rise in demand were due to changes in US trade policy, market trends, and dietary guidelines. 

    In 2019, the coconut sector contributed more than USD1B in export revenues. Coconut, particularly coconut oil, is one of the top agricultural export commodities in 2019 placing the Philippines as the number one exporter of coconut oil in the world. The Philippines maintained its global leader position in the coconut product exports in 2020. Philippine exports of coconut oil and desiccated coconut accounted for 52.48% and 35.91% of the global market, respectively.

    Secretary Lopez said, “Over the years, coconut food exports landscape has transformed from traditional coconut oil into a higher value product such as virgin coconut oil, coconut water, coconut milk, coconut chips, coconut cream, among others. Reportlinker expects the revenue for packaged coconut water to grow at a CAGR of over 26% for 2019-2025. This is driven by the growing preference for coconut water as healthy, natural, and convenient beverage.”

    The trend on health and wellness products have generally strengthened due to the health crisis brought by the covid-19 pandemic. Most sectors that are focused on health and wellness will continue to do well, according to Euromonitor International Report.

    Electronics exports in November 2021 amounted to USD 3.7B which brought the year-to-date (YTD) electronics exports to USD 42.0 B, 14.2% higher compared to the same period last year. According to the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), the cumulative total of semiconductors sold through November 2021 reached USD 1.05T, which is the industry’s highest-ever annual total. Top Philippine electronics exports in November were components/devices (semiconductors), electronic data processing, other electronics, telecommunication, and consumer electronics. 

    Double-digit growths were also recorded in the export of other manufactured goods, other mineral products, and cathodes and sections of cathodes, which grew by 23.6%, 24.7% and 53.6%, respectively.

    Sec. Lopez cited that “To improve the country’s competitiveness in international markets, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is leading the drafting of the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) 2022-2027 with an overarching goal of transforming the country from an exporter of commodities and intermediate goods to an exporter of high value products and services. The new PEDP is envisioned take an industry development approach to boost export competitiveness i.e. by attracting export-oriented investments in innovation driven-sectors to increase product and service diversification.”

    The USA is the Philippines’ top export market in November with exports valued at USD 997.85M (15.9% share in the total exports), followed by China with USD 887.48M (14.1%), Japan with USD 879.43M (14.0%), Hong Kong with USD 833.60M (13.3%), and Singapore with USD 360.68 (5.7%). Out of the top five (5) markets, Philippine exports to China and Japan decreased compared to November of last year.

    To further sustain the growth in Philippine exports, the Department is participating in various international events and expos to promote Philippine companies and their products. In February, DTI and Philippine exporters will be participating in Gulfood 2022 or The Gulf Food Hotel and Equipment Exhibition and Salon Culinaire, a renowned international platform dedicated to the food and beverage processing in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

    “We have seen strong growth in most of our exported commodity groups and we will be ramping up our initiatives on export marketing to ensure that the country sustains and surpasses 2021’s export rebound,” said Secretary Lopez.

    As part of DTI’s initiatives to seize opportunities in key sectors and markets, the DTI will be leading a series of export promotion activities in the MENA region including, in-store promotion of Philippine food products in leading supermarkets in UAE and the Philippine participation in Gulfood.

    The Department has also earlier announced the possible start of scoping discussions on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) with the UAE.

    For inquiries regarding exports, you can email the DTI-Export Marketing Bureau at exports@dti.gov.ph or you may visit tradelinephilippines.dti.gov.ph.

  • DXB Filipino Musician to Open for World Famous Artist @ Expo2020 – Jerome Deligero – Artist Spotlight

    DXB Filipino Musician to Open for World Famous Artist @ Expo2020 – Jerome Deligero – Artist Spotlight

    Jerome Jonathan Deligero – Musician

    FB: @deligeromusic

    IG: @jdeligero

    With Expo 2020 in full swing, Dubai’s growing music scene has been given an opportunity to shine on the world stage. Among them is Jerome Deligero, a Filipino Third Culture Kid who will be opening up for World Famous musician Jacob Collier this coming January 29th. Learn about his backstory, inspiration, and artistic journey on another edition of Illustrado Artist Spotlight.

    Tell us about yourself. What kind of art do you make? Feel free to include your personal story.

    I’m a Filipino Guitarist, Singer and Songwriter born, raised, and based in Dubai. I grew up regularly going to church, and eventually started playing when I was 13. I loved it so much, and it led me to pursue music as a professional career.

    Photo by: Claudia Cordova Zignago

    How did you become passionate about art? What inspires you? What is the philosophy behind it?

    Definitely my upbringing. Growing up in church, everyone in the church band wanted to do their best and encouraged me to do so. All of the musicians were dedicated to their craft. Even with full time jobs, we still volunteered to practice until 2AM just to get things right.

    My peers and colleagues inspire me as well – musicians in the city who are making their own way and pushing the limits. Listening to their work and watching them trying just makes me want to do better.

    What makes your art unique from the rest? Are there any defining characteristics? Or is there a definitive approach to your work that you’ve made your own?

    I was primarily known as a sideman within the local music scene – a guitarist accompanying and supporting the main vocalist. However, I’ve been focusing more on myself as a singer/songwriter, so now I can proudly say that I’m both sideman and frontman.

    Photo by Mathiew Chambers

    Have you had any significant events through your artistic career? Exhibitions, showcases, etc.

    I have played in some of the biggest and best venues in the Region such as: Dubai Expo 2020, Dubai Jazz Fest, Dubai Opera House, Formula 1, Diriyah Festival in Riyadh, Mother of The Nation, Market Outside the Box and the Asian Football Cup.

    I also opened for main headliners at events like Khalid, Snow Patrol, Morcheeba, and (at the end of the month), I’ll be opening for Multiple Grammy Award Winning Artist Jacob Collier at the Expo Jubilee Stage on the 29th of Jan, 7:20.

    What can you say about the art community in your country? What are the good parts and the bad parts (if any)?

    The community in Dubai is very small but strong. I do believe the music community is the strongest it’s ever been right now too. So many musicians just want to support each other. But with a small community, the demand for original music isn’t there yet. Most venues want covers and top 40 hits. Unfortunately, as of now, the most people don’t really want to hear local original music. I’m hoping that will change in the next 5-10 years.

    What are some of the challenges that you face as an artist? How do you get past them?

    It’s a constant battle of having to pay bills and stay true to your art. Sometimes the venue wants you to play high energy cover songs, but that’s not what you want to do. Sometimes you’re just lucky and have both the money and artistic freedom. The only way to get ahead is to assess where you ware currently what choose what you will prioritize. Once that’s clear, the choices you make for work are very easy.  

    Photo by: Claudia Cordova Zignago

    Do you see any future for artists such as yourself? Is art essential to the development of your community?

    I do see a future, and we, the rest of the musicians in Dubai, just need to keep working on it. Art is essential. It connects a diverse group of people from different walks of life to one venue, event, painting, performance, and show.

    What’s your message to artists around the world? Especially in these tough times with the pandemic affecting everyone.

    Keep creating, Stay true to yourself, and be kind to others. Just because we’re dealt with bad cards, doesn’t mean we can’t be good.

  • Liter of Light partners with UST to raise awareness about ongoing climate crisis

    Liter of Light partners with UST to raise awareness about ongoing climate crisis

    Liter of Light, a Filipino-born global grassroots solar lighting movement, has partnered with the University of Santo Tomas (UST) for a large-scale solar art installation to raise awareness and call for urgent action on the ongoing climate crisis.

    Building on the success of its award-winning “Light It Forward” campaign, Liter of Light’s latest initiative – called “Messages for the Planet” – engages young people in leading the call for change in climate policies, even in the midst of a global pandemic.

    By inviting youth climate leaders and environmental luminaries from the university to design and build a large-scale installation using its hand-built solar lights, the organization is using its platform to amplify the voices calling for climate action. 

    The UST installation features a large sun and the figure 1.5, to represent the critical 1.5 degree C threshold that the world must adhere to in order to avoid major climate change catastrophes, including super typhoons, which are the direct result of rising ocean temperatures. 

    “This week, we are confronted once again with the fact that the Philippines is on the front lines of the climate crisis. We can – we must – act now,” said Illac Diaz, Founder and Executive Director of Liter of Light. “Typhoon Odette destroyed hundreds of thousands of homes and lives across the country in a matter of hours. Through this symbolic installation with UST, we are calling for dramatic action to halt global warming that is devastating our environment and endangering our way of life.”

    The installations are part of a series of pop-up artworks that Liter of Light is building across Metro Manila to raise awareness and urgency for climate action. It recently completed large-scale solar art installations in St. Andrews, Scotland with youth environmental leaders and student representatives to the global climate change conference, COP26.

    After the unveiling of this week’s installation, which includes a mass in tribute to the victims of this latest natural disaster, the lights used to create the artwork will be deployed to the communities ravaged by Typhoon Odette.

    About Liter of Light:

    Working in 32 countries with over 2,700 youth ambassadors, Liter of Light is one of the largest organizations that works with youth to engage companies in Europe, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa on building simple and repairable solar lights, mobile charging systems, and street lights. Using materials from within each community, the organization has empowered the lives of over one million people a year, while creating opportunities for green micro business, and lowering carbon emissions by 1000kg per hand-built solar lamp.

    To learn more about Liter of Light, visit: www.lightitforward.ph 

    Instagram: @literoflight

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/aliteroflight

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmkj2sShWG4O5xGdq15gB7A/ 

  • Celebrate Filipino culture around the world with the Fili XP video series

    Celebrate Filipino culture around the world with the Fili XP video series

    The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) together with Para Sa Sining (PSS) and Philippine Embassies launch a video series called “Fili XP” that peers into the overseas Filipino experience. The online performances will be streamed daily and will be available to the public for free on the DFA Facebook page from December 18 to 24.


    Fili XP features narratives on notions of the Filipino identity, contemporary life of the overseas Filipino, and imagined futures inspired by individual & collective aspirations of the global Filipino community. With this project, the DFA aims to promote solidarity and friendship among the Filipino global community, celebrate Filipino culture through the various artistic collaborations and present narratives on identity, struggles, triumphs and aspirations of overseas Filipinos while recognizing their contributions to communities around the world.


    The series is composed of seven (7) collaborative performance videos of various Filipino artists from the Philippines, UAE, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, USA, UK and Italy. The project will culminate with a documentary narrating the life of overseas Filipinos, perceptions on Filipino identity, aspirations and contributions to international communities on December 25.


    The series features Filipino talents from the international community, including singer Tapati, photographer Geloy Concepcion and boyband sensation SB19. Full artist profiles may be found on the Para Sa Sining Instagram page (@parasasining) as well as their respective collaborations. This project aligns with PSS’s vision of building a culture of inclusion through collaborative art.

    ABOUT:

    The Department of Foreign Affairs is the official government body that oversees the foreign relations of the Philippines. It serves to promote and protect Philippine interests in the global community.

    Para Sa Sining is a collective of cultural changemakers. Its main vision is to build a culture of inclusion through: re/discovering identities; moving lives; and developing co-creators. Para Sa Sining’s mission is to create a collective of cultural changemakers through collaborative art practice.