Tag: 100 MIFG

100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Rex Bacarra and Rommel Pilapil Sergio – Educators

 

Through their academic endeavors, teachers are the torchbearers of today’s society leading the young towards a bright future.  In the case of trailblazing educators Dr. Rex Bernard Bacarra of The American College of Dubai, and Dr. Rommel Sergio Pilapil of The Canadian University of Dubai, they also contribute positive change not only to the lives of the youth but also towards the community as ‘servant leaders,’.

 

 

The founding President of Filipino Educators in the UAE, recipient of the Presidential Award by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for Outstanding OFW-Individual Category and recipient of international and local academic and community awards too many to mention, Dr. Rommel has always considered service to the people of paramount importance. For the last two years, he has been running counseling programs for both the Assistance to National Section employees’ workshops, as well as for disadvantaged OFWs at the Philippine Consulate here in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. He also built the Dr. Rommel Sergio Scholarship Foundation in the Philippines, which has, since its creation in 2015, benefited the ten towns of the Rizal Province. With great enthusiasm for teaching as well as social responsibility, Rommel says: “We enrich ourselves by teaching young minds.  What is even more challenging (and fulfilling) for any educator is to possess the competencies to touch the learners’ hearts and transform their lives to become responsible and upright citizens of today’s global society.”

 

 

Among 2017’s triumphs, Dr. Rex Bacarra, notes that being asked by global group McGraw-Hill Education to be their Digital Faculty Consultant for Europe, and the Middle East and Africa, was truly fulfilling. The American-founded learning science company, and one of the three largest educational publishers in the world, also gave Rex the opportunity to share his expertise in the field at a London conference, bagging a first for Filipinos in the Gulf last August. At the start of 2018, Rex was also promoted to the Dean for General Education at the American College of Dubai.  Still, according to him, his most significant achievement regards being bestowed with the “OFW Bayani Award” (Hero Award) the highest award given to a Filipino expatriate by the Department of Foregn Affairs through the Consulate General, for excellence in the field of community service.  He shares, “Great achivements are a result of great sacrifices that start off with a desire; mine being to leave a legacy of critical learning to future generations. I consider my most significant works to be the ones wherein I was able to share my skills with those who had less, and extend assistance to those abused.”

 

Exemplifying the ability of Filipino’s to shine in any arena while serving the community, both share how education can ultimately shape the world and its people. Dr. Rex articulates: “Our country’s redemption lies in the education of character. Instructions should focus not just on giving information but on critical thinking and character-building with consistency.” Dr. Rommel shares: “Education always promotes critical thinking, ethics, and well-being – all these redound to the positive psychology of happiness.  Through education, imagine a society that operates on positivity and happiness.”

 

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Photography by: Alex Callueng

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

100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Journalists – The Storytellers

 

What does it take to be a storyteller? For these men and women of the media who put themselves on the line to bring us real facts, information, and the truth, it is all about integrity, dedication, and commitment.

 

Mariecar Blanco Jara

 

 

Some assignments and some interviews may be dull but for local media veteran Mariecar Blanco Jara of Gulf Today, it is up to her to squeeze out everything to make it relevant for the public. “Every day is a challenge in hunting and writing for the news,” she says. “Every assignment and every topic are a challenge on how to get these across interestingly and informatively. While one may be trained into becoming one of the best communicators, the message has to be sent across. It is the person’s character that determines it all.”

 

She remembers one incident where her character was tested. When she was asked by her editor to go to the Zamboanga Peninsula to explore the effects of the Sipadan Hostaging on the tourism industry, she went full throttle in spite of the danger that lied ahead.  Here in the UAE, safe from the risks journalists have to face back home, Mariecar is known has been known to be that type of a reporter who doesn’t shirk from asking the tough questions.

 

She shares, “I ask God for guidance especially when I tread new territory in my line of work,” she says. “I do not know everything and I am not ashamed to share that I do this for He is my employer. He knows all.”

 

 

Janice Ponce De Leon

 

 

A media practitioner for ten years now, Janice Ponce Enrile first worked as a TV producer for Probe with Cheche Lazaro after graduation in 2007 before relocating to Dubai to support her family in 2011. Here, she joined Gulf News, working as the only Filipino reporter in the Nation Section, covering various beats including the Community Development Authority, Asian communities, consumer-related stories for telecom and other utilities, issues related to safety, and anything to do with people and their financial concerns.

 

“I’m very opinionated and inquisitive,” she says, “My favourite question is why. I could relate to Lois Lane when she said that asking questions is in her blood. My best friends call me the quintessential voice of reason. Why? I don’t understand until now.”

 

“As a journalist and storyteller, it’s my responsibility to ensure that the information I provide the public is accurate, objective, fair, timely and relevant to them,” she says. “My goal is to write stories that positively influence policymakers and to empower the common man to make informed decisions. It’s very rewarding whenever I see my stories impact them.”

 

Manuel Almario

 

 

“As a journalist for 18 years in Gulf News, I have published a myriad of human stories that I am proud to say that touched souls and influenced a lot of people,” Manuel Almario says. “I still remember Juan Briza who is a Filipino mechanic based in Dubai. Briza suffers from a rare congential disorder called dysmelia. He’s got no hands and no feet, but he’s full of courage and determination! Despite his disability, he didn’t quit. He is an abled mechanic, he persevered and helped his parents and his future is bright.”

 

This kind of story, he says, melts his heart and feeds his determination to succeed.  Being a Community Editor in Gulf News allows him to share that sort of inspiration and impact the local community, especially with the virality that social media offers.

 

He gives a word of caution, however, in this era where fake news is so rampant.  “With the popularity of social media such as Facebook, Tweeter, and Instagram, it is so easy to post and promote anything,” he says. “It’s hard to identify hard news from rumours, positive from negative, true from fake, as there are many exploiters endorsing one’s agenda.  So we have to be extra vigilant, investigate and validate facts. Always go by the credible and big news organisations such as gulfnews.com, bbc.com, washingtonpost.com, inquirer.net to name a few. Don’t be deceived!”

 

Maxxy Santiago

 

 

A non-embedded war correspondent during the US-led war in Iraq in 2003, Maxxy Santiago is a Senior Correspondent and Consultant of ABS-CBN Middle East News Bureau/The Filipino Channel with 18 years of intensive experience, a Reporter of the Arab Times in Kuwait and founder/program director/announcer of Pinoy Arabia FM in Kuwait.

 

Covering Filipinos caught in the conflict areas of Iraq, Syria, Libya, and Yemen is one of the most notable works Maxxy is most proud.  Being instrumental in the freeing of the longest serving Filipino inmate in Kuwait who has been in jail for 20 years is also an achievement that she holds dear.  All these, as well as her unique experience in the region, has earned her a myriad of honors in the Philippines, Kuwait and the US.  Despite all this, Maxxy shares what she finds most fulfilling with her work, “The adrenaline rush, the rich experience and most importantly getting the stories of our fellow Filipinos aired across as they appeal for help, moving the concerned government officials to act swiftly are what keeps me grounded.”

Maxxy adds, “As a journalist, it is my responsibility to report what is fair, honest and truthful. As a journalist, it’s not enough that I only report what has happened.  My report should also move people to action; something good must come out of it. There should always be a ‘redeeming value.’ A journalist is not just a mere storyteller but most importantly a ‘catalyst for change.’

 

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Photography by: Alex Callueng, Nick Velarde, Mayo Gayares & Remar Toledo

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

Filclub Dubai and Northern Emirates

 

 

The old adage “no man is an island” rings true, especially for the Filipino organizations in the United Arab Emirates where they band together for a common aspiration. Collectively known as Filclub Dubai and Northern Emirates, the members composed of 95 Filipino organizations represented by professions, sports, geography and advocacy have as their major projects the Philippine Independence Day and Bayanihan Festival Celebrations, attended by as much as 20,000 guests, where the organizations are united in the spirit of volunteerism.

 

“Many Filipinos need support in their goal to achieve excellence while being part of a workforce away from home,” says Chairman Engr. Maria Fe Tata Dayot. “These support systems include professional enhancement, guidance, moral support and some sense of belongingness. This is where volunteerism comes in, which I believe that everyone needs to be involved in. When everyone is involved in volunteerism, there is sharing, there is support for each other, friendships are developed, and there are the greater benefits of working together.”

 

On the photo: FilClub Chairman Engr. Tata and Vice Chairman Ericson Reyes.

 

 

Of Spiritual Leadership: Juliet Solas

 

 

For nurse Sister Juliet Solas, a Dubai Excellence Awardee and respected figure in the Filipino community, volunteer work is a major part of her life.

 

She is an active member of the Legion of Mary at St. Mary’s Church, an organization of lay volunteers who dedicate their time to help the poor, the marginalized, and those looking for guidance.  Her work over the years include visiting the sick in hospitals, going to the jail to visit and provide spiritual counselling to inmates, as well as providing marriage counselling for couples.

 

“As Filipinos, we value marriage and family, so marriage counselling and work with unmarried couples working and residing in Dubai has become a consistent apostolate that culminates each year, with a Mass Wedding of couples,” says Juliet. “This undertaking has been there for the last 25 years and by testimonies, the couples said their marriages have become stronger because it was sacramentalized. To some extent, this initiative has created a bond among members of the Filipino community, as more and more couples join the event every year.”

 

 

Of Peace and Unity: Sahron “Roy” Tamano

 

 

As one of the few remaining pioneers and once a-two time President of the Maranao Community in UAE founded decade and a half ago, Roy Tamano continues to serve and tries to steer the group into achieving its basic objective of promoting unity and serving the welfare of the members, mainly coming from the Maranao tribe of Lanao provinces in Southern Philippines.

 

He is also the Organizer and Chairman of the Filipino Muslim Basketball Tournament for its three seasons from 2015 to 2017. A first of its kind sports activity in UAE that unites most of the Filipino Muslim Expats here representing each tribe to promote unity through the world of sports.

 

One of the turning points in his life was when he witnessed the start of the siege of Marawi by ISIS Terrorists when they attacked in the afternoon of May 2017. It made so much impact on him that he put it upon himself to participate in relief efforts.  “There was too much suffering and shock for the ordinary populace who tried to flee by barefoot to the nearby town,” he says. “Upon my return to UAE, I and the MARCOM Group helped organize a series of Charitable Campaign with the support of other Filipino groups in Dubai”.

 

Of Humanitarian Missions: Wafa Qasimeh 

 

 

A Major Consultant in Cultural Administration at the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities – Government of Dubai, where she serves as a bridge to the community, Wafa Qasimieh is also a veritable ambassador of different international NGO’s such as SPMUDA INTERNATIONAL, wherein she represents the Philippines, Wafa Qasimieh belongs to the 100 Influential women in the world.

 

Her projects are more humanitarian in nature such as sharing a helping hand to school – putting up libraries, donating school supplies for students, among others. “I have more than 100 scholars from Elementary to College,” she says. “I also have Aetas that require monthly financial assistance, plus other projects here in the UAE.”

 

She continues, “I offer help to any nationality but yes, it is an advantage to give help to my fellow countrymen. As Filipinos, volunteerism is etched within us from our forefathers and lives until now. We carry it wherever we go. Bayanihan as core value is important; especially as a way of giving thanks that we are able to live in a place where people have a comfortable life. My big faith becomes my advocacy and my advocacy becomes my passion.  We should do all things by heart.”

 

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Photography by:

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

100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Reem Hameed – Entrepreneur and Culture Innovator.

 

 

Entrepreneur, producer, and cultural innovator. Filipina-Iraqi-Canadian Reem Hameed is a rising force to be reckoned with within the country’s pack of successful “young blood.” Armed with degrees in Political Science and Law, and the Young Creative Entrepreneurship Award from the British Council –the feats she has been able to achieve so early on in her career are nothing short of amazing.

 

As a media and tech entrepreneur running a world class production company – Collective Media Group – and a well-loved local personality on the Dukkan Show – a podcast centered on the educational work of cultural understanding – with her partner OT, Reem says that her career has taken her places she could never imagine. Having been in the world’s corporate boardrooms, as well as its slums and camps, what Reem ultimately does as a human is rooted in the pursuit of global harmony. She remarks, “The work I do is embodied in love, art, cultural communication, and community. The fact that I get to do this every day with the people I love is the most wonderful gift and greatest achievement.

 

When asked what has brought her here today, Reem credits her multicultural upbringing, especially her Filipina roots, “I inherited tenacity, discipline, and resourcefulness.  Most importantly, I inherited a love for people.”

 

With a bright future ahead of her, she shares her hope for all Filipinos: “May we explore who we are with honest eyes and redefine our identity in our own light. Most importantly, I hope that we have discourse that will make space for future generations to accept who they are unapologetically.”

 

 

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Photography by: Sam Allison

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

100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Middle East: The Filmmakers

 

They not only share stories, and elevate ideas, they champion an art with a burgeoning community despite the lack of an actual commercial industry in the country. Here are the Filipinos keeping the passion for filmmaking alive in the emirates.

 

Kamil Roxas

 

 

Award-winning director Kamil has been directing predominantly for brands in recent years, always conscious in his effort bring the commercial a notch higher – to find the cinematic attributes of a story, build upon it, and then execute it.

 

“When I first started I was very much into the form and the look, obsessing over the visual aesthetic of the film,” he says. “It did very well for me and set the foundation of how I would work in the next couple of years after that. However, now I tend to ground the narrative more on the performance and how it brings out the story, going for a more balanced aesthetic of beautiful images that feel more realistic – that harmonious sweet-spot of content and form. Recently I have been leaning heavily towards this approach when making the sort of commercials and films that I choose to make.”

 

Director of the One of those Happy Stories, winner of the inaugural Conde Nast Traveller ME 2017 shorties film competition, Kamil finds that making a film out of genuine life experience, not tainted with any specific intentions, resonates a lot more with an audience.  “I find myself more of a traveler and an observer of life, and from that experience, I’m able to draw a lot of inspiration and have it filter into my work,” he says.

 

 

Melon Quinzon Perez

 

 

Melon Quinzon Perez started shooting weddings with her husband back in 2009 and established The MelRish Studio.  After shooting several wedding and corporate videos and telling other people’s stories, she thought of telling stories of her choice and joined the 48hr Film Project in 2016.

 

She says, “It was a chance for me not only to challenge my story writing and directing skills, I also thought it was a chance for me to contribute to society through film by addressing a problem society faces – and at that time, I felt that low self-esteem was a problem most people face due to social media pressure.”

 

The short film, Aurora, won 1st Runner Up, Most Promising Director Award, Best Actress for Danabelle Gutierrez and Best in Writing.  She also won the Best Director Award at the Emirates Short Film Fest in 2017. The film was also selected at the London Monthly Film Festival.

 

Despite limited resources keeping her from doing what she loves the most, Melon is optimistic. “I have a vision that one day I will have enough funds to produce, write and direct one of those old stories sitting on my shelf and get support to put these stories into the big screen. For the meantime, I enjoy writing and directing shorts. Hopefully this 2018, I can create more films which will not only entertain but relay something that will leave the audience thinking.”

 

 

Ronald Awa

 

 

Ronald Awa is a photography and filmmaking enthusiast.  He started as a theatre director with a focus on national Filipino heroes such as Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, and more. His enthusiasm for the art had made an enormous impact in the local filmmaking fraternity when he founded and created the Emirates Short Film Festival in 2012. The project which will be holding its 5^th season has since received over 500 short films and other award-winning content produced by talents from the emirates.

 

“Since 2008, I’ve been an active volunteer of the first independent film club in Dubai, The Scene Club, which was founded by my friend Nayla Al Khaja, who is the first female Emirati filmmaker,” he says. “In the same year at around March 2008, I founded the Emirates Group Photography Club which is still running with over 3000 members.”

 

As a filmmaker, his previous work includes the short action/romance film, Red Rose.  He has participated thrice in the 48 Hours Film Project in Dubai, and other film/photography projects for Emirates Airline. He is also currently working on an ambitious collaboration with other Filipino filmmakers in Dubai, entitled Do They Come True which features the classic example of dreaming big.

 

“Dubai’s local film scene has a lot of rich talent that I feel deserves a chance to shine,” he says. “I like stories that are stripped down to their raw human element, free from modern influences that usually tend to focus more on fancy robotics and CGI.”

 

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Photography by: Alex Callueng

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

 

100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Entrepreneurial Success Pt. 2

 

It is not easy to establish a business overseas, but these brave souls took a leap of faith – and eventually succeeded in the process acting as Filipino entrepreneurial pioneers. Meet the rising stars of the Filipino entrepreneurial community.

 

Malou and Roberto Prado

 

 

Malou and Roberto Prado, founder of MPQ Tourism & Documents clearing service, has encountered shortcomings and failures in their business, sometimes experiencing a couple of months without revenue growth.  This is quite ironic since presently, the company now has two branches and about 10,000 clients after almost five years in the business.

 

“During those times, I already set myself to maintain my composure, attitude, energy and focus on resolving it in all aspects for I always believe that nobody is perfect,” Malou says. “So we restructured our business marketing, changed our management towards our staff and recognized their ideas, and worked hand in hand with them to achieve our goals.”

 

Robert adds, “Certainly, our success is not only because of us and our families but also because of those people who surround us, our friends and staff, our co-business competitors who give us the inspiration to go for the gold.”

 

Marianne Silloriquez and Francis Medina

 

 

Marianne is a marketing consultant and financial planner, and Francis Medina, the Head of Market Reach and Business Improvement in Hilti Middle East, Turkey and Africa is also an entrepreneur and Philippine stock investor.  Together they form ICEvents – a company with an advocacy to help Filipinos realize their entrepreneurial dreams.  “ICEvents for us in not only a business, but it is also a partnership of six people whose common goal is to become an instrument of positive change for Filipinos in the UAE,” says Francis.

 

Since its inception, the company has been busy achieving several wins in the market and the community.  They have partnered with notable speakers from the Philippines and produced highly successful and inspiring events, while their monthly run ExpatEntrepreneur meetings, as well as other financial literacy initiatives, have helped many entrepreneurial Filipinos in the country.

 

Marianne shares the team’s secret to building a successful business.  “Collaboration and building strong relationships while combining passion with purpose.  No business can be successful without a strong team who are committed to moving together towards one common direction.  Skill, knowledge and strong faith should always be in the picture.”

 

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Photography by: Alex Callueng

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

100 MIFG: Entreprenurial Success

 

It is not easy to establish a business overseas, but these brave souls took a leap of faith – and eventually succeeded in the process acting as Filipino entrepreneurial pioneers. Meet the rising stars of the Filipino entrepreneurial community.

 

Caroline Miranda

 

 

Very determined and highly motivated, CEO and Managing Director of Dispatch Freight Caroline Miranda says that failure is part and parcel of establishing her own business – a freight and courier solutions company that serves some of the most prominent logistics brands in the country and has a growing network of 15 freight co-loaders operations centers located all over UAE Region and Worldwide.

 

“I have learnt that failure is often inevitable,” she says. “I am realistic enough to know that sometimes these things happen. However, it’s how you recognize experience as a failure and what you can learn from it that will enable you to grow as a person and as a professional. I believe without failure you are unlikely to grow and experience what success feels like.”

 

Her advice to Filipinos who want to be entrepreneurs: “Hustle is an act of focus, not frenzy. Hustle is about subtraction and addition. It’s not about doing more – it’s about focusing on the things you need to do to move your business forward.”

 

Cristina Calaguian

 

 

Cristina Calaguian founded Dagaz HR Consultancy and Recruitment Company in 2011 to guide and support people, primarily Filipinos, in pursuing their career goals and in the process, promoting equality, human rights, and inclusion. Its mission includes the recognition and contribution of People with Disabilities to the community and their rights to live. Its vision is a society that accepts and welcomes people with disability as equals.   The company which is recognized in the field of recruitment and training in the region has, to date, facilitated some 2,000 job placements in the Middle East for prestigious clients in the hospitality, healthcare and industrial sectors.

 

Her achievements in the field have accorded her recognition as one of the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World (Global FWN100TM), an accolade which, she considers, is just the beginning of her latest life journey which is laser-focused on her professional and advocacy goals.

 

“What gives me the greatest satisfaction today is being able to support and mentor others in making the most of their full potential and opportunities, of encouraging them to shatter those false ceilings and believe that the sky is the limit,” she says. “Together, we will build a better community,” she says.

 

 

Armand Zarris Manapat

 

 

CEO and Design Director of AZM Uniforms Revolutionized Armand Zarris Manapat started his uniform designing career in 1996. Ten years later, he was commissioned to do the hotel and hospitality uniforms for the Doha Asian Games 2006. After his successful stint in Qatar, he moved to Dubai and progressively made his mark. Unique in his sector in the UAE, he has since designed world-class livery for a prestigious roster of clients, including the Emaar Hospitality Group, Uptown Cairo Golf Club, the private airlines of the royal family of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as Luneta Hotel in Manila.  Just recently, Armand established two flagship stores in the UAE under the brand AZM Uniform Place.

 

“I have seen businesses come and go, and from there I try to study and take some good learning points. With the knowledge that I have, I realized that even the most perfectly planned business, without the submission and trust in God, nothing will flourish and last long. I have submitted my business to God and fan the flame of my faith by praying that His ways will be my ways.”

 

Ultimately, Armand dreams of one day designing and manufacturing uniforms for leading international airlines.

Christine Joy Catolico-Tilja 

 

 

As a young girl, she witnessed how her parents succeeded – and failed – in their business. Right then, Christine Joy Catolico-Tilja knew she wanted to have a business of her own in spite of seeing how challenging it could be.   “I sold everything – from candies to food, to clothes,” she says. “I also worked during summer vacations. I accepted catering services and organized birthday parties for my classmates.”

 

When she decided to leave for Dubai and eventually found herself jobless, Christine revisited her first love and established James Travel and Tours, named after her eldest child.   Since she started in 2014, the company now has branches in Dubai, Makati and General Santos City.  On top of that, Christine also has rental properties, twelve of which are in General Santos and three condos in Metro Manila.

 

Christine shares what she likes the most about being her own boss, “To build a brand that adds value to the community and at the same time I get to spend more quality-time with James while growing up,” she says. “Success is a process – each experience, each mistake, each failure that I had made allows me to learn, be better and prepares me for the next chapter of my life.”

 

Michelle Guinto

 

 

Michelle Guinto’s journey in the business world is as colourful as her dreams. Once a factory worker and a sari-sari store owner, she decided to leave for Dubai to work for her family. Her jobs were storied: a telephone operator, a caterer, a receptionist, a tourist clerk, a freelancer, and finally started her own small commercial brokerage company.

 

That company has stealthily grown in the last couple of years to also include business in Dubai.

 

“In August 2016, I was able to secure a five year contract signed deal between CMG Global Cargo Inc Philippines and Allied Pickfords Singapore with an estimated additional revenue of around 5 Million USD covering around 5,000-10,000 shipments of Import & Export of Household Goods, among others,” she says.

 

Along the way, Michelle has learned some valuable lessons. “Do not grab all the opportunities knocking on your door. Learn to do due diligence, evaluate the risk and stay focused. Give time for yourself, family, socialize with friends and always talk to God for He will never forsake you nor leave you.”

 

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Photography by: Alex Callueng

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