Illustrado Magazine – Filipino Abroad

Author: admin

  • Elena Cruz – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Elena Cruz – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Gamechanger – Elena Cruz

    CSR Champion

    Photo by: Rozen Antonio

    In a world where many corporations operate for the sole pursuit of material gain, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) champion Elena Cruz believes that businesses today should be fueled by purpose – one that supports the collective growth of a society. Armed with over two decades of experience in marketing and social impact, Elena, as the head of Brand and Corporate Responsibility at Emirates NBD, has played an indispensable role in shaping an institution that used to take part in charitable activities on an ad-hoc basis, into a business that is both socially accountable, as well as socially active.

    One successful initiative she founded under the company is Exchanger – ENBD’s UN award-winning corporate volunteering program that enables people to exchange their time for community service endeavors that make a real difference. It has been recognized by UN Impact2030 as the region’s fastest and most influential corporate volunteering arm in the world today. On top of this, she is a member of the UN Impact2030 council, and has won numerous awards from prestigious bodies – namely the EFFIES, Dubai Lynx, and Midas New York – for her creative works rooted in social good.

    As an individual, however, she too has made many definitive contributions to the community through purveying knowledge on her field. Elena, in collaboration with universities across the emirates as well as the UAE Pearl Initiative (under Sheikh Mohammed’s Global initiative), has delivered talks on Brand and Social Good, Sustainable Living, and Social Leadership.

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  • Froilan Malit – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Froilan Malit – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

     

    FROILAN MALIT

    Labor Migration Expert

    Froilan Malit - Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf
    Photo by: Ace Reyes

    “Promoting global labor rights and education has always been my advocacy. I spent years as a child working for farms in Pampanga, Philippines, picking Sampaguita flowers and selling them. This experience deeply influenced my life, as well as my understanding of world politics and international affairs in the contemporary world,” shares Froilan Malit, Jr.  labor migration, diplomacy, and international relations expert in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.  He continues, “I know that I have achieved my legacy if at least one child would look me in the eye and say: “I can do better than you.”

    A Filipino who has made a huge impact in the region and beyond, Froilan is an Associate at the Gulf Labor Markets and Migration (GLMM) and Population Programme, a CIFAL Research Fellow at the University of the Philippines, and an Associate Member at the Center for the Study of Global Human Movement at the University of Cambridge. He also held consulting positions at Zayed University, the American University of Sharjah, Madarek Al Khalij, and the University of Southern California, and completed graduate research work projects in Oxford, Cornell, and the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government.

    Formerly the project manager and international affairs specialist at the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (UAE MOHRE), Abu Dhabi Dialogue’s Permanent Office and the Philippine government, he also completed migration policy projects for international organizations ILO, IOM), academic and think-tank institutions in the Middle East.  Recently, he has established www.rightscorridor.com, a regional platform and research entity focused on labor and human rights issues in Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.

     

     

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  • Christina Barrientos – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Christina Barrientos – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Legacy – Christina Barrientos

    Fashion Entrepreneur

    Photo by: Ace Reyes

    Before Dubai became known as the fashion capital of the Middle East, before designers received adulation in the region and abroad, one Filipina established a respected atelier that made a stylish mark in the emirates.

    Christina Barrientos founded The Mayflower in 1991 when the fashion landscape was dominated by western labels and only a handful of local houses.  Specializing in elegant wedding gowns, The Mayflower was the toast of the Dubai elite during its time.  In 1996, Christina also started off the trend of hat making for the Dubai World Cup Horse Races – where the most well-heeled of women would wear The Mayflower’s millinery with pride.

    Christina was also the first to put forward Filipino faces and talents within the local mainstream industry, with her yearly catalogs shot by legendary Filipino photographer Jun de Leon featuring supermodels Abbygale Arenas and Betina Barrientos, with celebrated hair and make-up artists Fanny Serrano, Patrick Rosas, Henry Calayag and Lito Salvador conceptualizing each and every look.  In 1999, they staged a charity fashion show attended by 800 Emirati and expat women for the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, at the renowned Sharjah Ladies Club.

    By standing out in an industry untapped by Filipinos in the country back then, she has paved the way for other Filipinos, providing not only opportunities but, most importantly representation underlining the reputation of Filipinos as exceptional and world-class talents in the world of fashion.

    “We are more than our circumstances,” she says. “We can achieve heights we have only dreamed of if we set our hearts and minds in the right direction.”

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  • California Dreaming

    California Dreaming

    CALIFORNIA DREAMING_CA

  • Chef Andrew Paderes – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Chef Andrew Paderes – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Gamechanger – Chef Andrew

    Executive Chef

    Photo by: Jef Anog

    Mostly working behind the scenes, Filipino talents in the fiercely competitive culinary sector in the region were largely “invisible” to the mainstream.  Chef Andrew Paderes broke through the glass ceiling, stamping not only Filipino representation but also leadership in the field.

    Having honed his skills at Chef Gordon Ramsay’s Maze in Qatar and Nobu in London – Chef Andrew has been thriving in Dubai’s cutthroat food scene, carving a path in the industry for many Filipino culinary professionals to follow. The first Filipino to be recognized alongside celebrity chefs from all over the globe at the annual Taste of Dubai – the country’s most renowned culinary event for gourmands, Chef Andrew has also served as Executive Chef at The Gramercy at swanky DIFC, then Claw BBQ Crabshack and Grill, and as Group Executive Chef for hip brand Stars and Bars.  He currently works as Executive Chef at Catch 22 – a multi-cuisine foodie hotspot with branches in the UAE and KSA, leading a multicultural team.

    Continuing to serve as a role model not only for Filipinos but also for aspirants from other countries, he has helped shape the careers of many: “For me, success is being able to impact those you work with. I was able to train both Filipino and non-Filipino talents from the lowest positions in the kitchen into leading forces in their work environments. Being true and fair with the people I work with has had a positive influence in all the workplaces I have been in.”

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

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

    Charles Edward Cabaña – Business Development Manager, Virtuzone UAE

    Follow Charles: LinkedIn

    Tell us about your work. Describe your job and how you contribute to the workplace.

    As a Business Development Manager at Virtuzone, I guide my clients into choosing the most appropriate licensing option, jurisdiction and activity, depending on their requirements. I have more than 14 years of experience in advising startups on business structure from a corporate and legal perspective. As the industry is flooded with information, you need someone well-versed in this kind of subject.

    I believe it is a part of my job to encourage Filipinos to look more into entrepreneurship. It’s sad to know that there are many Filipino brands owned by other nationalities. Since I’ve started in this field in 2008 though, I have seen plenty of Filipinos making a name for themselves.

    Have you always had a passion for what you do?

    I have always loved my job and I am proud to be in a position where I can empower. Even more than a decade later, it still gives me a sense of fulfillment knowing that my advice/assistance helps my clients achieve their goals.

    Tell us about the company. What’s the story behind it? What does it contribute to the market? 

    Virtuzone is a pioneer in the UAE’s business setup industry. Since 2009, our company has helped more than 45,000 entrepreneurs establish their businesses in the UAE and build a presence in the MENA region.

    We make it easier for individuals/corporations to set up shop here in the UAE trough a broad range of business support services. We also help promote the spirit of entrepreneurship through our unique referral program (https://referral.vz.ae/).

    What’s your proudest career moment so far? Are there any special stories that you might want to share?

    Being the only Filipino consultant at Virtuzone is one of my most significant milestones. The business setup industry is extremely competitive and fast-paced. So, having a thriving and enduring career is an achievement in itself!

    One memorable story I have: there was one client who came to me after consulting different firms that couldn’t pull off what he needed. We helped him successfully establish an office in DMCC and open a bank account, which is difficult especially for those who are new in the UAE. Now, they are a thriving business.

    How has the pandemic changed your routine? Please describe a typical day in the life of your work.  

    Many people were taking advantage of the opportunity that the pandemic brought – the setup costs were lower, new market segments were opening, and the resources were generally more affordable. Even if some clients were based overseas, I assisted them in establishing their companies remotely. Though face-to-face meetings were limited as we went online more, we made sure to keep the lines of communication open, since there was still a huge demand for company registration at the time.  The pandemic has also taught me to be grateful that I am a part of a solid organization like Virtuzone. Our company has really strived to inspire all of us to unite and overcome the pandemic’s challenges as one.

    A typical day in my life? I start my mornings by keeping a positive mindset and a grateful attitude, which help me be productive and have a can-do attitude.

    How do you unwind and destress from the demands of your work?

    I like spending my free time playing golf. Just being there in the fairway relaxes me, but more so when I hit the ball right and it goes where I want it to go. I do like analyzing the stock market, since investing challenges me and gives me satisfaction. I also enjoy traveling and learning about different cultures and histories.

    What’s your advice to Filipinos out there?  

    Be more aggressive, confident and take risks. Don’t always play safe. The moment we think as entrepreneurs is the moment we will be financially independent. I also encourage Filipinos to have another source of income, aside from their day jobs. We should have multiple streams of income – and one of them could be your business. Don’t just dream about it, start it. And you can always talk to me about it. #BeYourOwnBoss #LegendaryWink

     

    Anna Luisa Asistio – Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications, JannahHotels and Resorts UAE

    Follow Anna: FB, IG

    Tell us about your work. Describe your job and how you contribute to the workplace.

    I am in charge of the overall management of the marketing department as Assistant Director of Marketing Communications at Jannah Hotels & Resorts. My main responsibilities include development of marketing campaigns, alignment of corporate and hotel communication strategies, branding, social media, digital, PR, advertising, collaborations and partnerships.

     

    Have you always had a passion for what you do?

    I always love to study different types of people and their habits, which is why I choose marketing. It is perfect for people who are up to date with trends, result-oriented, efficient, decisive, and strategic.

     

     Tell us about the company. What’s the story behind it? What does it contribute to the market?  

    Jannah Hotels & Resorts was founded in the spirit of noble Bedouin hospitality and is a pioneer among hotel groups that specialise in the affordable luxury Halal segment. We have properties in Dubai, RAK, and (soon) Sharjah.

    Begin your journey at https://www.jannah-hotels.com/ and by following Jannah Hotels & Resorts (FB, IG, Twitter). As well as http://www.edgehotels.com and social media (FB, IG, Twitter).

    What’s your most proud career moment so far? Are there any special stories that you might want to share? 

    During the most challenging time of the year in the hospitality industry, I launched the brand new Edge Creekside Hotel in Dubai Creek and Halo Halo Restaurant in Deira and Dubai Marina. My key roles during launch included naming of the hotel and restaurant, brand creation and organizing a launch event which was extremely successful. As part of the new restaurant’s launch strategy, together with my team we created a series of successful food festivals and hosting different celebrity chefs.

    I am also blessed to be part of the Hotelier Middle East Power 50 Best Marketeers and 30 Under 30 Most Talented Young Hoteliers in the region, as well as being nominated for multiple other prestigious marketing awards.

    How has the pandemic changed your routine? Please describe a typical day in the life of your work. 

    With my work there is no typical routine or usual day. We marketeers have to be flexible and ready for challenges according to our daily and weekly tasks. We monitor the current campaigns, check trends, look at what our competitor’s are doing, see what’s new in the market, and network with people. With the pandemic, we switched our interaction to digital, spending more time on our devices and meeting via video calls.

    How do you unwind and destress from the demands of your work?

    In a world without COVID-19, travelling used to be one of the things I loved to do. In this pandemic, I realized that I am super blessed to have visited almost 30 countries, and once we are in more precendented times I can’t wait to fly towards my next dream destination. On a regular day, to destress, I do love catching up with friends, relaxing on the beach, and sometimes pampering myself with shopping, girly treatment, and Netflix and chill at home.

    What’s your advice to Filipinos out there? 

    We Filipinos are well-known for our hospitality, optimistic attitude towards life and courage in facing difficult times with a strong faith and never fails to put a smile on our face. We show to the world that we are most compassionate, selflessly eager and are always ready to help anyone in need.

    Filipinos are world-class as we can communicate with everyone. We have so much to give as we strive to succeed and share our values, skills, and hard work.

    Great things are coming so step out of your comfort zone. Allow yourself to learn something new with no limits, do not be afraid to fail, enjoy the process of growing and use it to move forward. Start conquering the world. I am proud to be a Filipino working abroad.

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  • Ishwar Chugani – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Ishwar Chugani – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Gamechanger – Ishwar Chugani

    Business Leader

    With over 40 years of retail experience within the region alone, CEO and Managing Director of Giordano Middle East Ishwar Chugani has truly consolidated his presence as an industry legend with his steely Indian business acumen, complemented by a commitment to service that’s unmistakably Pinoy. A De La Salle University graduate, he was born and raised in the Philippines, where three generations of his family lived. Imbued with distinctly Filipino values, Ishwar, who often refers to himself as “Dugong Bumbay, pusong Pinoy” (of Indian blood, and a Filipino heart) partly credits his Bacoleño upbringing for helping him get to where he is today: “Like every fun-loving Pinoy, I like to enjoy life and meet new people. Due to this, I am able to manage different nationalities well, and I am easy to get along with.”

    Being included in Forbes Magazine’s Top 20 Indian CEOs in the Arab World for three consecutive years (2015, 2016, and 2017), as well as speaking at the MAPIC Conference in Cannes France – the most prominent international property retail event – are among his top achievements. Alongside these accolades, Ishwar’s steadfast work ethic and constant support have won many hearts within the Filipino community in the UAE.  He was also appointed by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce (Philippines) as the first Global Ambassador of Goodwill for the UAE.

    In 2019, Ishwar bagged the title of Retail Professional of the Year at the Middle East Retail Awards for his work in steering Giordano to enter and thrive in markets that span beyond the Middle East. Now, he has begun planting seeds of Giordano’s franchise in Mauritius.

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  • Artist Spotlight – Garry Cortez: Filipino 3D Artist and Art Director in Dubai

    Artist Spotlight – Garry Cortez: Filipino 3D Artist and Art Director in Dubai

    Tell us about yourself. What kind of art do you make?

    I’m Garry Cortez, a 3D artist/Art director based in Dubai. I moved here in 2018 to work for NineSeven1 Creative. Before that, I’ve also worked for different advertising and video production agencies back in the Philippines.

    My art is mainly CGI-driven. I combine my skills in sculpture, animation, painting, graphic design, photography, visual effects, and film into one artistic medium. I create illustrations and animation using a 3D software called Cinema 4D. It gives me endless possibilities in creating virtual worlds and characters that I can use in creating advertisements, music videos, and short films.

      

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

    My first awareness of 3D animation was by watching the Toy Story movie when I was a kid.

    I couldn’t forget how amazed I was when I saw it for the very first time. It’s like a seed sown on me which gradually grew when I took Fine Arts major in Advertising in the University of Santo Tomas. From there, I learned a lot about art — its history, fundamentals, and techniques.

    I am inspired when I learn new things and when I am able to integrate it with my current skills set. Sometimes when I encounter an interesting technique, I try my best to reverse engineer it and recreate my own version. With this, I’m like storing fragments in my mind then use it as a part of a bigger picture when needed.

     

    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?

    My style differs from project to project. If there is a constant defining characteristic from my work, I guess that would be the quality. I always make sure that in whatever work I do, the quality is never compromised.

     

     

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

    Majority of my work is for advertising and events. I recently had an opportunity through NineSeven1, to create an animation for a collaboration with Harper’s Bazaar Arabia and Vacheron Constantin which was projected on the Burj Khalifa a few months ago. Seeing your work play on the tallest building and screen in the world was truly amazing.

    Other notable works that I’ve collaborated with recently was when I directed and animated a full CGI music video for a recording artist in the Philippines (Astral Bodies by Manic Mundane) which got nominated in Motion Design Awards. I am also the 3D animator for another music video for a local alternative-rock band (Broken Glass by She’s Only Sixteen).

    Back when I was still in the Philippines, I’ve also participated in Bloom Arts Festival 2018 as one of the exhibitors and I have also worked on several TV commercials for various brands.

    View Garry’s showreel on Vimeo

     

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

    The art community in the Philippines is very diverse in a sense that it is not bound to one style or idea. It is ever evolving. Filipino artists are very creative, that is why we excel in our craft wherever we are in the world.

    Kat – Original Piece

     

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

    The challenging part of creating CGI is it requires a lot of time to do it. There’s a lot of manual work needed but thanks to the technology we have now, computer softwares and hardwares are constantly improving to help 3D/CGI artists like myself have more efficient and faster workflows.

      

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

     I can definitely envision a positive future for 3D artists like me. I believe that there are more opportunities now than there were 10 years ago. Plus many of the media & movies we consume nowadays are heavily relying on CGI and Visual Effects.

    Given that, yes, art is essential to the development of our community. Imagine a world without art, everything will just be plain and boring. 

     

    What’s your message to artists around the world? 

    Choose progress over perfection. Perfection can sometimes cripple but progress allows you to get somewhere. It might be quite slow sometimes but it is better than being stuck. Just get out there and create.

     

    View more of his works: 

    GARRY CORTEZ – SHOW REEL on Vimeo

    #STAYSAFE from NineSeven1 on Vimeo

    Manic Mundane – Astral Bodies (Official Music Video) on Vimeo

    VIRTUAL FANTASY – SANTOS x CORTEZ on Vimeo

    Del Monte Quality – 100% Freshly Squeezed Orange on Vimeo

    XS MULTIMEDIA – MANIFESTO on Vimeo

    She’s Only Sixteen – Broken Glass (Official Video) – YouTube

    AUE 9TH COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY – OPENING SEQUENCE on Vimeo

  • Bong Guerrero – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Bong Guerrero – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Game Changer – Bong Guerrero

    Fashion Catalyst 

    Bong Guerrero - Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf
    @shotbylucasalves

    Bong Guerrero came to the UAE in 1990 with promising potential and an appetite to develop great projects and brands. He founded his first events company in 1999, initially producing and managing corporate events, product launches, as well as projects that helped catalyze the now booming fashion scene in Dubai. Today, Bong is the Managing Partner of BRAG – a prominent events agency in the region that also provides creative services – and CEO of Fashion Forward Dubai (FFWD) – the region’s seasonal landmark fashion event showcasing the industry’s best designers and creatives.

    Having worked alongside an impressive roster of high-profile clients like Kenzo, Jimmy Choo, Mercedes Benz, Netflix, as well as the best fashion houses in the region and beyond, Bong has developed an impressive body of work that will undeniably continue to grow and diversify. Some of the recent standout events organized by BRAG include Enrique Iglesias @ The Pointe, Dua Lipa @ The Pointe, and WASLA Music Festival 2019. Bong has also steered FFWD into the direction of managing turnkey events for the fashion, beauty, and luxury industries, as well as e-commerce – allowing fashion enthusiasts to buy clothes straight off the runway.

    Turning every challenging circumstance into a fruitful opportunity, Bong, like most entrepreneurs, has experienced the paralyzing fear of projects not succeeding – but has not let this fear inhibit him in any of his undertakings. He expresses that, despite the roadblocks along the way, when you have a great team, good ethics, and a focused vision that inspires you to work hard, then one can do anything.

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  • Historic Victory: Hidilyn Diaz wins the Philippine’s first olympic gold medal

    Historic Victory: Hidilyn Diaz wins the Philippine’s first olympic gold medal

    Monday marked a historic victory for Filipinos across the world as weightlifting athlete Hidilyn Diaz won an Olympic gold medal.

    Ushering in a new echelon within the country’s proud line of athletes, Hidilyn has won the first Olympic gold medal for the Philippines.

    At 30 years old, Hidilyn triumphed within the women’s 55KG weightlifting category in the Tokyo Olympics, lifting a combined weight of 224KG, rising above the previous world record set by Liao Quiyun of China. She has even received recognition as a silver medalist in the 2016 Rio Olympics, and as the winner of the Asia Games gold in Jakarta (2018).

    Filipinos all around cried tears of joy as she celebrated her victory. To date, the Philippine’s participation within Olympic history (since 1924) has seen 11 medals won, with Hidilyn claiming the first gold.

    Her story goes to show that Filipinos everywhere can achieve excellence, no matter how dire situations can be. Despite the current ongoing pandemic, she has trained in exile in Malaysia for the past year.

    As the olympics are not over yet, Filipinos watch eagerly to see their kababayans succeed and make more strides in the other categories, all while looking forward to welcoming a new national hero.

    Taas Noo Filipino!