Before urban art became popular and Dubai started showcasing graffiti with pride in its buildings, before the city’s hip art spaces came to be, one Filipino spearheaded the lowbrow art movement in the country.
Rollan Rodriguez, the founder of the art collective BrownMonkeys, can be credited for popularizing accessible street art, first through the group’s exhibitions in alternative spaces, eventually growing into commercial features on billboards, commissioned murals for creative agencies, and showcases for the Middle East Film and Comic-Con, StreetCon, the Sharjah Biennial, among others. Rollan says of their impact, “In some little way, somehow it made a contribution to the art world in the UAE, empowering and influencing the area of art and design.”
Respected as well in the commercial design world, though his work within his own agency, Ape Creatives, Rollan has been involved in numerous projects and has also bagged two international honors from the Indigo Design Awards held in Tokyo, Japan.
Rollan professes that he is most proud of being able to usher in a new wave of thinking in the UAE, “A brand new attitude on how we intermingle with varied cultures, and also, making our community realize that it is possible to make it – that it’s okay to be different, to be weird brown and proud.” (more…)
Robert Bagatsing has always had it in his moral code to support humanitarian advocacies that benefit the underprivileged. Believing that education is a powerful tool to prevent poverty, he and his wife have built a platform that not only benefits the community of engineers across the world but also has sent thousands of children in various countries to school.
He is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of GineersNow, the largest online global platform for engineers and scientists around the world, with some 20 million visitors on a monthly basis. The company publishes specialized free online magazines including focused on Construction, HVACR, Power & Water, Oil & Gas, Renewables, Technology, and Social Impact. They also release video documentaries featuring founders, CEOs, and other leaders from Fortune 500 companies as well as unicorn startups, and have collaborated with tech giants in Silicon Valley (Google, Apple, Amazon), China (Baidu and Tudou) and Russia (Yandex) to help push content in the digital space.
As a social enterprise, GineersNow dedicates part of its profits to charity, supporting impoverished children in Kenya, South Africa, India, Syria and the Philippines, helping them secure an education. Robert and his team also assist the parents of the children, helping them find sustainable sources of livelihood.
Splash and Stay with Canopy Dubai Al Seef Hotel! With Dubai Summer Surprises around the corner, the hotel has rolled out exciting new staycation offers and family packages.
Located within Old Dubai, this charming hotel allows easy access to Al Seef Dubai which features a two-kilometer promenade of shops, cafes and pop ups.
Guests who book the ‘Splash and Stay’ offer will receive breakfast for two and complimentary tickets to Laguna Waterpark – the perfect place for families to splish, splash and soak up the sun.
The offer starts at AED 349 per night. Book your stay at canopybyhilton.com
Check out their exciting restaurant offers – for all the foodies out there!
Al Seef Evening Brunch at Skafos Skafos is bringing back its famous brunch every Friday evening! Guests will be welcomed to a culinary route through Al Seef where mouth-watering dishes are served sideways music performance and art display. Invite your friends and family as these delicious Mediterranean dishes are designed for sharing. Make sure you get to taste the succulent Skafos Paella!
Every Friday, 3 hours package starting from 6pm
Packages: Kids: 6-12 AED125 (Kids under six are free)
N.A.P (Non-alcoholic) package: AED195
RISE (House) package: AED295
FLY (Premium) package: AED350
Beat the Heat at Skafos This summer beat the heat with a glass of sangria (rose, white, red) and our famous PAELLA (negra, valenciana or vegano) for two for only AED190.
Eat Fresh at Skafos For a limited time Skafos is supporting local with its FreshOnTable menu, offered for a limited time. Get a 4-course menu 100% vegan and 100% local for only AED99.
Business Lunch at Skafos Served daily between 12h30 and 4pm, choose 2-course for AED59 or 3-course for AED79.
Hops and Sliders at Sol Sky Bar This summer admire best views on Dubai Creek to Burj Khalifa with a bucket of 5 hops of choice with 4 beef sliders for only AED200 (limited time only).
Splash & Play at Sol Sky Bar During the warm summer days, take advantage of Sol AED99 day pool pass fully redeemable on F&B.
About Canopy Dubai Al Seef – An Energizing New Hotel Where Heritage Meets Urban
Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef is the superb place in the neighborhood to relax and recharge. The perfectly groomed hotel sits at the heart of one of Dubai’s newest neighborhoods: Al Seef – the area where the heritage meets urbanism. Channeling Dubai’s richness, heritage and style through its design, Arabian hospitality and unique experiences, the hotel is the first representation of the Canopy upper upscale lifestyle brand in the region.
Located in the bustling waterfront promenade of Al Seef the hotel is sitting where museum goers and foodies will be in their element. Al Seef has been strategically chosen for its location alongside the famous Dubai Creek and wide promenade that meanders past the Museum of Illusions and Al Fahidi historic district (home to the Dubai Museum and the Coffee Museum), concluding at Shindagha, set to be an open-air museum on a mission to share Emirati culture like never before.
The hotel’s avant-garde design and lush facilities is a rare find in Dubai adding to the multiple reasons to choose this as a stopover. Every element of the property from Canopy Central to the rooms and meeting space reflects and gives justice to the spirit of the surrounding upscale and modern neighborhood, which gives visitors a chance to truly immerse themselves in the destination while enjoying Canopy’s friendly service and the positive stay customer promise.
Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef
Al Seef Street, Umm Hurair 1, Dubai Creek,
PO Box 35449, Al Seef, Dubai Creek, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Jon Edward Santillan made a splash in the region’s startup circuit when his company Denarii Cash won first place at the Dubai Startup Hub’s Smartpreneur Competition 4.0. Established in 2017, and backed by FinTech investors from the US, UAE and KSA Denarii Cash is rising fast as the new mobile platform that makes money transfer cheaper and faster with no hidden charges – aiming to become a household among Filipinos and migrant workers.
Before plunging into his startup venture, Jon led Digital Marketing at Abu Dhabi Media for two years, handling The National Newspaper, Al Ittihad Newspaper, and Abu Dhabi TV and Radio. He also spearheaded Product Development and Digital Marketing at Etihad Airways for almost seven years and co-founded Afterschool.ae, a 2-sided marketplace for parents looking to book activities for their kids and for SMEs to generate online revenue.
On his philosophy in business, Jon says, “My motivation since day one has always been the pay-it-forward culture. There is no secret sauce to become a successful businessman but I believe in general that as a start-up founder, you should take risks, go out there and execute,” he says. “If you spend too much time thinking, talking, planning, you might end up doing nothing. The best thing to do is to get on with it and deal with challenges as they come.”
Born in Paris to Bulakenyo parents and raised in London, Chef Earl Roland Puse comes from a background steeped in multicultural culinary influences.
He has honed his skills at a variety of world-class restaurant brands, including the Conran (now Plateau Restaurant – Canary Wharf), La Petite Maison in London and Dubai. He was also appointed Head Chef for Coya Abu Dhabi in 2016 where he shaped the restaurant’s trajectory, and with his team, bagged Best New Comer in 6 months and Restaurant of the Year within 9 months of operations. 2018 saw Chef Earl open another outlet for Coya overseas. This year is a particularly important highlight in this Chef’s career as he has been asked to go back to the Emirates, to open 2 Michelin star L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon’s outlet at the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC).
Asked about his recipe for career success, Chef Earl shares, “All I did was do my job at the highest level. Whatever I did had to be perfect, in doing so for almost ten years in the UAE, surrounded by many different ethnicities in the kitchen – including many Filipino chefs that I had the pleasure to work with. It’s what it’s all about. Lead by example and leave a part of you in every person and individual you have worked with. To have your chefs believe, teach, coach, talk, cook and preach as you did after you have left, is what it’s all about.”
In her career as an entrepreneur and photographer, Hyku Desesto has represented and now championed the new wave of empowered Filipino media personalities across the UAE.
Having founded Soul Trap Studio, she also holds personal brand ambassadorships and features with Tag Heuer for Marie Claire Arabia, Stylist Arabia, Huawei, Puma, Timberland, Nestle and Nisnass, and worked with global brands and celebrities such as Netflix, Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue Arabia, Tory Burch, Van Cleef & Arpels, Ciara, Christian Louboutin, Elsa Hosk, Ashley Graham, Lewis Hamilton, Mario Dedivanovic, Maria Tash and many more. She was also listed on Harper’s Bazaar’s top 5 coolest female entrepreneurs in Dubai published last April 2019, and was featured on Tommy Hilfiger and Puma Women’s Instagram platforms, apart from other wins during the year.
A self-made woman, Hyku says, “You are the driver of your career and the creator of your own destiny.” She now uses her platforms to help fellow Filipinos secure jobs there while continuing to collaborate with big names within the region and beyond. “I want to be remembered as someone who did not just influence but inspired and helped others.” She says.
Since when have you been staying there? Can you recount briefly why you moved there?
I’ve been travelling repeatedly here for short term business trips since 2006. But since May 2010, my employer (Fujitsu Ten) sent me to our head office as an intra-company transferee. Being able to stay here in Kobe for quite a long time, I have learned to embrace the Japanese way of living.
Tell us something about your place?
Kobe, Japan is a beautiful city. I think it is the perfect combination of city and nature. I can be in the middle of the city and then hiking in the mountain trails in no time. Living here, I feel like I’m on a tour every day. Having photography as my hobby, I never run out of subjects.
If anyone is looking for a different level of experience, this place is a “must” visit with its diverse culture, superb food, endless beauty and its great people.
Here is some trivia about Kobe city:
Kobe City was completely destroyed in 1995 after an earthquake that shook the whole area. But now, the city has been completely transformed into a beautiful tourist destination.
The longest suspension bridge in the world, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge can be found here.
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Kobe, Japan – Photo by Ernie Ganadores
One of the world’s most expensive and amazingly delicious meat, Kobe beef, is from here.
This year, Kobe has been listed as No. 9 in the world’s most expensive cities to live in.
Kobe SkylineHimeji Castle
Even though I have been here for years, this city still surprises me in many different ways. Its rich culture, great food, polite people, clean surroundings – the good things are endless.
But at the end of the day, of course I still miss the Philippines. My home.
Shrine torii gate in Kobe city surrounded by tall high rise buildings and blue sky Kobe
What do you do for a living?
I’m a car audio electronics Hardware Design Engineer. My job is to design and develop car infotainment systems for most Japanese and American car manufacturers.
I work with a team of Filipino and Japanese Engineers. Our designs are being manufactured and sold worldwide, so to all Filipinos out there, you can proudly say… that car’s audio system is designed by Filipinos!
Cherry blossomsSakura – Photo by Ernieson Ganadores
Is there a Filipino community there?
Yes, our company sends many Engineers here on a regular basis. Being a Filipino in Japan, I never feel alone here.
Ikuta Shrine
Tell us about your life there?
Life here is simple, peaceful and enjoyable. The Japanese people work really hard during the weekdays, but they definitely know how to get a dose of fun during the weekends and holidays. I have learned to embrace that kind of living. I work hard and play hard.
a shy young geishaShinrin Park, Kobe, Japan – Photo by Ernie GanadoresShinrin Park, Kobe, Japan – Photo by Ernie Ganadores
What cultural practices/behaviors have you acquired from your host country?
One thing that amazes me the most is the discipline of the Japanese people. They do little things that make a big difference. Like not crossing the street when the “don’t walk” signal is still up, or whenever they set foot on an escalator, they all stay only on one side so that people in a hurry can have enough space to run if they need to. If there is one thing that I would really want to acquire, it’s that level of discipline. Sometimes I wish I can see that kind of discipline in Philippines too. I wish.
bamboo forest
Your greetings to Filipino across the globe?
To all my fellow Filipino around the world, I hope you all continue to put your heart in everything that you do. That’s what makes a Filipino shine anywhere. When we do something, we do it well with utmost sincerity.
Also, whenever we bump into another Filipino anywhere, let’s not forget to greet each other and at least smile. Whatever kind of job we have, whatever status in life. Kudos to all the Filipinos out there!
Ronald Awa is on cloud nine these days as this year, the prestigious Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) has recognized his platform, the Emirates Short Film Festival (ESFF), for shining the spotlight on emerging filmmakers and actors across the region and paving the way for a diverse group of rising talents within the region’s young, vast mediascape.
“Organizing a film festival is challenging, but I am equally fulfilled if successfully done,” he says. ESFF is now on the 7th edition with active participation from talented UAE-based filmmakers. Former theater director, Ronald founded the ESFF in 2012 as a platform to bolster talents in the country. Since then, the festival has received hundreds of entries from around the emirates.
Aside from organizing film festivals, Ron also spearheads the long-running Emirates Group Photography Club and has influenced many Filipinos to reach out and try new things, exploring different artistic mediums that are out of their comfort zones. He believes that his lasting legacy is to expose the world to the art of Filipino photography and cinematography.
“Filipinos should start to think globally but also preserve that aspiration to always do better in all aspects of life, whether in our workplace, when meeting people within a casual backdrop, through social gatherings and even in political discourses.”
An all-new authentic menu full of exciting flavours with a side of live entertainment giving you a taste of the Filipino culture, The Daily’s famous Boodle Fight is back.
With travel restrictions, it’s been challenging for everyone to see friends and families and visit home. But who said we can’t bring the flavors of the Philippines to Dubai? The much-awaited Boodle Fight is back to transport you to your favorite memories of home, even if it’s just for one meal.
Drop by Rove Trade Centre and be spoilt for choice by an authentic Pinoy meal selection curated for you by our Filipino Chef and Restaurant Manager this summer. That’s not all, enjoy the live entertainment while you tuck into the comfort of lip-smacking dishes such as succulent seafood, including shrimp, crab, mussels, squids and more, as well as fried tilapia, crispy chicken skin and heaping servings of rice with a choice of sauce between Raging Cajun or Asian Sha-Bang, at The Daily. Additionally, choose between two special Filipino mocktail concoctions stirred up only for the Boodle Fight. Book your table today.
The Boodle Fight
Thursday and Friday, from 6pm to 10pm
Traditional Filipino food with a wide array of seafood, meat, and rice and non-alcoholic drinks
