100 MIFG: Eric Elnar – Trailblazer

100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Eric Elnar – Commercial Attache for the Middle East and Africa

At the core of his often-times arduous job, Eric Elnar, Commercial Attache for the Middle East and Africa at the Philippine Trade and Investment Center Dubai, finds solace in the fact that all of his efforts go towards collectively empowering the Filipino people, whether based back home or here in the Gulf region. Eric tells us, “In challenging times, I am always assured that my small sacrifice is for the Philippines. It is best summed up by three words in Filipino: Para sa bayan.”

Of a recent outbound business mission from the Philippines, Eric takes pride in having connected many exporter companies based back home with importers, distributors, and retailers from the UAE, Oman, and KSA. He too notes that bridging Philippine brands/franchises with regional partners like Sizzlin’ Steak, Hen Lin, and Razon’s was a huge milestone.

Eric articulates that to further our horizons as a community, we must uplift each other. He shares: “Filipinos can do better at supporting our fellow kabayan’s livelihood, whether it be through job referrals or employment, or supporting Filipino-owned businesses. If other nationalities can do it here, I am sure the Filipinos can too.”

However, a facet of the Filipino ethos that Eric truly admires and which he believes can also lead us to prosper further is our resilience. He tells us: “We know how to live through difficult times and rise from them ever stronger. Self-sacrifice is inherent to us, especially for the good of our loved ones. We also do not give up easily, and we find creative ways to solve our problems.”

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Photography by: Dar Ramos

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