Illustrado Magazine – Filipino Abroad

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  • Danabelle Gutierrez – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Danabelle Gutierrez – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Gamechanger – Danabelle Gutierrez

    Poet

    Each year is increasingly monumental for poet and writer Danabelle Gutierrez. 2019 saw her working with big names in the industry, with performances at the Emirates Airlines Festival of Literature, the Illustrado Day of Sisterhood, Sikka Art Fair, and a collaboration with Hyku Desesto on a Vogue Arabia project – in which her “Unbridled” poem was recited by singer Ciara. An established poet, author, and spoken word artist, Danabelle’s works have also been published in NYU Abu Dhabi’s Journal of Arts & Humanities.

    She was awarded as Film Ambassador by the Film Development Council of the Philippines, and also as the as Best Writer at Rooftop Rhythms in Abu Dhabi.

    Danabelle is not one who stops at recognition. Hers is a character that is passionate, yearning for knowledge, and continue doing good work and inspire others do excel as well.  With a third book in the works, she says, “I’m still learning and refining my craft, and there’s still a lot of work that I want to create. I would like to think that my contribution if anything is that I have been able to inspire others to show up and do the work — to create or to perform.”

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  • Illustrado Scrapbook: Jorod Cadudu-an, Ino Florencio, Red Punzalan & Roland Batacan

    Illustrado Scrapbook: Jorod Cadudu-an, Ino Florencio, Red Punzalan & Roland Batacan

     

    Jorod Cadudu-an – Dubai, UAE

    IG: @jrodphotomap

     

     

     

     

    Florencio Ino – Kuwait

    IG: florencio_ino_photography

    Florencio Ino is a Brand Ambassador of Sony Middle East and Africa. He has been a Portrait & Celebrity Photographer for 8 years, and currently works in Kuwait as a Construction Superintendent. He has done shots with known Filipino celebrities and has even had his works published in several magazines, newspapers and billboards in the Philippines, USA and Middle East.

     

     

    Red Punzalan – Dubai, UAE

    IG: @red_punzalan

    Red’s passion in photography has always been a part of his dream. Having started out as a visual artist, he began photography in order to connect with and inspire his audiences. He believes that every portrait conveys different emotions, sentiments and meanings, and has developed his own brand REDefining Concepts in order to showcase his creative talents to the world.

     

     

     

     

    Roland Batacan

    IG: @rollipixels

    rollimages.viewbug.com

     

     

     

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  • Architect Medardo Cadiz – 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Architect Medardo Cadiz – 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Architect Medardo Cadiz – 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf Through his company, Cadiz International, Architect Medardo Cadiz stands tall in the world of global architecture representing Filipino creativity that is world-class. The makers of newly renovated Burjuman Center, Manar Mall in Ras Al Khaimah, and the awe-inspiring RAK Palace Majlis, Cadiz International, which has offices in the UAE, Philippines and the USA, works through the elements of the environment, context and content.  Medardo is fortunate to have worked with clients who give them the creative freedom to execute projects that are not only aesthetically pleasing but are also functional and efficient. They have completed many projects around the world, the most recent include Al Khawaleez Residence for a prominent Dubai family, the Waterfront World Fish Market, Samasta Movenpick Hotel in Bali, Golden Triangle Mixed-Use Development in Jakarta, One Galaxy Super Block in Surabaya, and Cadiz Residence North Carolina USA, among others. Medardo believes that Filipino architects are born creative. He knows this having employed and mentored many of them across his 30 years in practice. He adds, “It’s in the nurturing that can help them transcend to becoming world-class architects.” He also encourages Filipinos towards cultural immersion and cultivating friendships with both locals and other expats wherever they are. “Not only will you benefit from engaging with the local community, conversely the host community will benefit from you, exposing them to the wonderful Filipino culture and values. This is very important.” __________________ Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf is Supported by: Kaya Skin Clinic,  Emirates Airline, and Unilever. Special Thanks to Michael Cinco, Ezra Couture , Giordano, Darcey Flowers, IKON Solutions, Victors Freight, MPQ Tourism, Asia Gulf Companies –La Carne & Filfood, WOL Water Get a copy of Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf Legacy Edition
     
    100 MIFG: Architect Extraordinaire Medardo Cadiz
    Photo by: Minileo Cadiz
     

    100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf 2018: Medardo Cadiz – Architect Extraordinaire

      You may not know it, but highly acclaimed Filipino architect Medardo Cadiz, and his group Cadiz International, are the prolific masterminds behind some of the most remarkable architectural developments in the UAE. As the driving force behind projects like the newly renovated Burjuman Center, Manar Mall in Ras Al Khaimah, and the awe-inspiring RAK Palace Majlis building, Medardo has several new developments launching later this year including the Deira Fish and World Market. “It’s magical what’s happening in the UAE.  All the creative people, including the Filipinos, are busy innovating ideas and producing exceptional works that celebrate the multi-cultural makeup of the country,” Medardo attests.   As for his international projects, he and his group just opened the new Samasta Hotel/Lifestyle Village in Jimbaran, Bali – which was recently voted one of the top five best hotel/lifestyle and shopping developments in Bali. Also within the region, they and their Indonesian client won in the “Gold in Retail and Lifestyle” category from the prestigious FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence Awards in Paris France, for their work on the Serpong City and Bekasi Center.   To be successful in the industry, it is most important is to be able to forge long-lasting relationships with clients, according to Medardo.  Having strong ties with clients like the northern U.A.E. Rulers and Crown Princes, Cadiz shares: “Have an entrepreneurial spirit.  Do more listening than talking.  Learn the client’s social and cultural values, their business goals and personality traits.”   With his wealth of experience, Medardo has taken several young Filipino architects under his and his firm’s wing, mentoring creatives to become confident in expressing themselves in the global arena: “After working several years at our firm, the alumni of Cadiz International go out into the world to become successful architects in their own right. For that, we are very proud.”   _________________________________________________________________________________________ Photography by: Minileo Cadiz

    Illustrado 100 was made possible by sponsors: Giordano, Liali Jewellery, Mitsubishi UAE- Al Habtoor Motors, Michael Cinco Couture, Mapúa Institute of Technology, Centro – Amwaj Rotana Hotel , Max’s Restaurant Middle East and GVER – Your Friendly MarketPlace for Sharing

    Co-Sponsors: Herschel Supply Co., Rove Hotels, The Medical City – Dubai , Filipino Institute UAE, MPQ Tourism, JAMES Travel and Tours Dubai, Off the Hook Seafood Restaurant, The Original Barrio Fiesta Restaurant – Dubai and Tapa King UAE. 

     

    Read more Illustrado 100 on www.illustradolife.com

  • Filipino Fashion: Neo Filipino

    Filipino Fashion: Neo Filipino

    Photography: Dr. Marlon Pecjo Styling: Charmaine Palermo and Vanessa Johnson of Monsters Production Make-Up: Omar Ermita for Shu Uemura Hair: George Aliben for Kiehl’s Stylist Series Models: Catriona Gray of IM Agency and Mark McMahon of Elite Agency Manila

    The contemporary Filipino fashion perspective –

    From the terno to the barong, to ethnic accoutrements of bamboo and capiz, to tribal beads and other native nuances, spring distinctively strong silhouettes and stylish forms executed in rich jusi piña, abaca and indigenous materials. It’s Moda Filipiniana reincarnated with a distinctively contemporary attitude.
  • Atty. Barney Almazar – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Atty. Barney Almazar – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Gamechanger – Atty. Barney Almazar

    Lawyer

    Atty. Barney Almazar - Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf
    Photo by: Jef Anog

     Atty. Barney Almazar is a high calibre international corporate lawyer and a passionate campaigner for the improvement of the lives of Overseas Filipinos.

    A recipient of a TOYM (Ten Outstanding Young Men) award in 2015, and the Asian Legal Business Young Lawyer of the Year for the Philippines award in 2016, and in South East Asia in 2017, his accolades speak louder than words. Recently, he facilitated the USD 125 million acquisition of a UAE-based fintech company by a Philippine investment group.  He also represents a syndicate of investors in the negotiation of founder shares in a retail strategic planning firm, operating in New York, London, Sao Paulo, Dubai and Berlin. Last year, he opened an office in Lisbon catering to European venture, while his offices in the UAE and Philippines continue to facilitate trade deals across the Middle East and South East Asia.

    Moreover, he has been providing legal assistance to Philippine missions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, assisting distressed Filipinos for the last six years, and his book, “The Essential OFW Guide to the UAE” has become a valuable resource for the community.

    Atty. Barney shares, “In our country, human labor is considered an ‘export commodity’, a means to an end for the Filipinos around the world. This is why for the past 7 years, I have devoted my practice to bringing foreign investments to the Philippines, promoting our brands in the Middle East, creating more jobs back home.”  He adds, “My ultimate wish is for us to be competitive with the rest of the world, so that our government need not restrict the mobility of OFs.  Leaving the Philippines to work abroad is a personal choice, not a necessity.”

     

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  • Nick Nadal – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Nick Nadal – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Gamechanger – Nick Nadal

    Photo by: Bethoven Filomeno

    Corporate Governance & Sustainable Finance Expert

    When talking about accomplishments, Nick Nadal will not run out of things to share.  But he is a man who would rather not discuss himself. A conversation with him will just be about the causes he’s involved with and how this can benefit many.

    A corporate expert who works for the government of Dubai, specifically the Dubai Sustainable Finance Working Group, he is one of the key persons behind making the emirate a global player in sustainable finance. He does this while working on advancing good governance practices in regional organizations, addressing boards and decision-makers, framing decisions related to environmental responsibility, fairness to labor and community, company stewardship, and relationship to society, among others.  He also has set-up a regional think tank on corporate governance driving research, company engagements, and program development.

    With all that he has learned through the years serving various causes, Nick encourages Filipinos to elevate themselves by embracing the greater community that they belong in. “We need to realize that human dignity, environmental responsibility, and the general need to be kind transcend our communities, and that despite differences in geographies, in how each one of us were raised, in our education, and in our general outlook in life, all of us have much more in common than there are differences. So, let’s all work to elevate the place we live, work, and play, by so doing, we also elevate our communities and ourselves.”

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  • Color Play

    Color Play

    COLOR PLAY

  • Jovy & Janet Tuaño – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Jovy & Janet Tuaño – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Gamechangers – Jovy and Janet Tuaño

    Photo by: Jef Anog

    Entrepreneurs

    Power couple Jovy and Janet Tuaňo have been very prominent entrepreneurs in the business scene in the UAE, pushing for the growth of the Filipino community for almost two decades now.  The pair are currently striving to elevate the status of Filipino cuisine and Philippine ingredients in the emirates through their groundbreaking project Filfood.

    Founder and former Chairman of the Philippine Business Council in Abu Dhabi (now Director of Trade, Investment, and Entrepreneurship) Jovy Tuano has been the backbone of the Filipino business circle in the capital since the council’s formation in 2004.  A professional who wears many hats, he is also a food innovator, a licensed real estate broker, and a business leader.

    Janet is a leading expert in banking with more than 25 years of experience, working with one of the UAE’s renowned banks as a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), while serving as the custodian of the company’s professional systems, and providing invaluable support and expertise in the family’s business ventures.

    Under Asia Gulf Companies, they have established La Carne, which specializes in premium meats supplying the hospitality industry as well as discerning foodies.  More recently, Jovy and Janet have also launched ,the food innovation initiative, “FilFood” where they work with F&B operators, as well as with multicultural chefs and respected culinary figures.  Filfood has held conferences, as well as food festivals in the country.

    More than their professional achievements, the two are most proud of being able to raise two very capable global citizens who are humble and driven to succeed. Daughter Joan, who is now the Culinary Business Manager at La Carne, continues to grow the brand in the country, while the youngest Jose Marie, is making a name for himself in economics in Europe.

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  • Ezra Santos – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Ezra Santos – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Gamechanger – Ezra Santos

    Fashion Designer

    The beauty of fashion is the fact that it is constantly evolving in ways that are fresh and unprecedented. And to keep up with the industry’s unwavering pulse is to strike a balance between reinvention and one’s own design DNA. Leading fashion figure in the Middle East Ezra Santos, of Ezra Couture, has never ceased to amaze both loyal clientele and fashion critics each season.

    Internationally recognized, he has showcased breathtaking couture collections through the years on runways from Dubai, to New York, to Harbin, China. As he continues to design for an elite clientele that consists of A-list celebrities and royals, Ezra lives by the simple yet poignant mantra that is: “One must innovate to simply exist.”

    Ezra’s signature style spells timeless elegance, femininity, and drama. In 2019, his collection ‘Looking through the Eyes of Love,’ which graced the runway at Fashion Forward Dubai’s October edition, showcased a new facet of Ezra’s design sensibility – modern spun with an edgy neoclassical twist. Paying homage to Arabic women and the region’s distinct cultural aesthetic, the collection was received with immense acclaim.   Another testament to Ezra’s brilliance in drawing inspiration from culture is his take on traditional Philippine fashion elements and techniques in recent years.  He has created several collections with pieces based on the terno as well as classic weaving, reinterpreted into statement dresses and gowns for contemporary couture-wearers.

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  • The Brat Boy

    The Brat Boy

    PHOTOGRAPHY – ROZEN ANTONIO

    CREATIVE DIRECTION AND STYLING – MICHAEL CINCO

    PRODUCTION – GYN CABRERA

    GROOMING – BOBBY CAPARAS

    CLOTHES – MICHAEL CINCO, MAY THAMANYAH AND GIAN ROMANO


    MODEL – DIMITRI TOLENAARS