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“I grew up seeing an older generation of Filipinos conditioned to settle for the cookie-cutter idea of life. You grow into adulthood, you settle down young, make yourself a family, and then devote all your energies to bringing up the kids. And finally, before you know it, you’ve hit your retirement years, and sink into the proverbial ‘rocking chair’ waiting for the twilight of your life.” – Lalaine Chu-Benitez, Editor-in-Chief of Illustrado Magazine.
Case in point, Susan Puno Villanueva – an educator of such skill and dedication that she has, not only become a true community leader amongst Filipino expats in the UAE, but also a key formative figure for the female Emirati students she teaches and mentors.
Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno
Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.
Ambassador Wilfredo Santos has over 24 years of experience as a diplomat. His capabilities and achievements are beyond question, and yet he cautions about the folly of resting on one’s laurels. In 2016, the Philippine Embassy in Qatar achieved numerous milestone accomplishments, such as receiving the “Best Community Award” at the Labor Welfare Awards 2016 during the Third Annual Labor Rights Protection Conference.
Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno
Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.
Mary Jane’s name is a fixture in any conversation about Filipino workplace excellence in the UAE. Through her exemplary hard work and discipline, she has carved a reputation as a true benchmark of what Filipinos can accomplish abroad, an icon of female empowerment.
Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno
Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.
They say “It takes one to know one.” This certainly holds water for Ambassador Renato Pedro Villa, Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait. Having been a migrant worker himself, he has firsthand experience on the true plight of the OFW’s – an advantage that informs his decisions as he looks after the welfare of the more than 200,000 Filipino expats in Kuwait.
Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno
Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.
Designing since the age of 16, all Phio Enaje wished for was to create beautiful dresses and to see his fantasies come to life. Only later on in his career did he realize that the true splendor of his job was seeing how his work makes a positive impact on the lives of his clients.
Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno
Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.
Curious thing about Philippine Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes – he doesn’t exactly fit the mold of what most people would construe as a “quintessential diplomat.” Yes, he is diplomatic, well-tempered, and in touch. Yes, he carries himself with the gravitas and dignity that befit his position. But what makes him truly exceptional is his palpable sense of openness and inclusivity – even outright friendliness.
Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno
Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.
A master in food innovation and distribution, Jovy Tuano of La Comida Express Gourmet is a true Filipino success story in the food industry of the UAE. He is living on a mission that goes beyond the call of duty to help build a viable business ecosystem that can provide livelihood to industrious people in the community.
Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.
Highly-acclaimed Filipino indie film princess Mercedes Cabral’s starring role in the hit TV show in the Middle East, Saq Al Bamboo, has truly put Filipinos in mainstream media. Her portrayal of a Filipino maid in Kuwait earned her countless praises, from critics, as well as Gulf-based OFW’s. Read about this beautiful, young ingénue with exceptional acting abilities, in Illustrado’s 100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf.
Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno
Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.
As the CEO of The Medical City Dubai, Dr. Becky Desiderio spearheaded the launch of the first ever Filipino healthcare corporation in The Middle East. Her list of responsibilities includes positioning The Philippines as a medical tourism destination, and promoting The Medical City as one of Asia’s most trusted names in quality, world-class medical treatments. She says, “I am essentially a health ambassador not just for my organization, but also for my country.” #illustrado100 #taasnoofilipino #galingngpinoy #filipino #proudlypinoy #pinoypride
Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno
Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.
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