Tag: 100 MIFG

100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Brand Champions

 

Behind some of the most prominent brands in the country and the region are formidable Filipinos who lead in the fields of marketing, communications, public relations and events.  Here they share their branding hopes for the Philippines.

 

Rosemarie Tacorda

 

 

Rosemarie Tacorda has always wanted to create, contribute and collaborate. So being in the world of communications, where she had the privilege of working with some of most prestigious hospitality brands in the region including the Burj Al Arab, the Address Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel, Intercon Hotel Group, and now the Palazzo Versace in Dubai where she is Director of Marketing and Communications, is just like being in her natural habitat.  Her work allows her to express her ideas and creativity and bring them to life.

Applying her keen marketing mind, in combination with her hopes of the Philippines and the Filipino people, Rosemarie shares, “I dream that one day, sooner if possible, that we become the greatest country in Asia as we once were.”  She adds, “It has to start with our mindset. We have to think quality thoughts. We have to regard ourselves as ‘able,’ ‘capable’ ‘determined’ and not victims of politics or other previous regimes that made the economy worse. As cliché as it sounds, it’s true.  The past is the past, and there is nothing we can do about the past. Each one of us can only influence the future. So if we think we can make the Philippines better, we can. It starts with every one of us. Let’s make ourselves better individuals. Our collective success will have a ripple effect.”

 

Danelle Ruth Palang

 

 

Danelle Ruth Palang has been the driving force of Marketing and Communications for the Dusit Thani Hotel in Dubai for over four years now.  As marcomms director, she is thrilled with the launch of the hotel’s newest outlet @ViewbyDusit – a terrace lounge which had guests on waitlist right after its opening.  She says being able to transform a mere parking lot, into another potential Dubai hotspot, has taught her the possibility of creating something great out of nothing.

A very spiritual person, she believes that her success comes from dedication, discernment, charm, and favor from above.   For the Philippines, her dreams are also transcendent.  She shares, “I hope for unity in diversity. Imagine if we just embrace our differences and uplift each other’s efforts and ingenuities even just by saying a kind word or giving a nod of support – that brand will outclass any campaigns in the world.”

Danelle says that all Filipinos are brand ambassadors of the nation.  “Each one of us is our nation’s flag carrier. If we carry ourselves with pride and an unceasing desire to raise the bar; if we think first of what we can give rather than what we can benefit from; if we trust and rely on each other to make a consistently stronger brand, then the possibilities are endless.”

 

Cleo Eleazar

 

 

Cleo Eleazar is proud to be a part of one of the most aggressively growing business initiatives in the UAE. As Senior Manager for Public Relations & Events seeing the successful launch in April 2017 of RAK Economic Zone (RAKEZ) – the consolidation of two fast-growing free zones in the emirate has been quite a feat.

Having played a pivotal role in the communications for Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone since 2008, Cleo professes that hard work, resourcefulness; sociability, flexibility, and the ability to face adversity are the elements that allowed her to rise to the top of her game. “I have been beaten to the ground, but I rose because of persistence,” she says. “I understand that things don’t always go my way, but I keep moving forward by adapting to circumstances.”

This vision also applies to her brand of the Philippines. “When we work harder on how we present our country and its people, it’s all going to change,” she says. “We’ll have more tourists and people from all around the world will come to know about the world’s treasure that is the Philippines.”

 

Serving the Country: Ian Borromeo

 

 

Working with a PR agency that represents the different tourism boards of popular international destinations like the USA, Slovenia, Thailand, Kyoto Japan, and Spain, among a host of others, is a privilege for Ian Borromeo. But what he is most proud of, is being able to handle communications for the Philippine Department of Tourism through AVIAREPS.  “To serve my country, to deliberately remove the negative stereotypes of potential visitors, to show them that the Philippines can be at par with the world’s top destinations when it comes to infrastructure, technology, hospitality, science, engineering, history, culture and natural resources is an exhilarating experience,” he says.

On his hopes for the motherland, he articulates: “My dream is not only to defy the norm but to rewrite our story. And in that new narrative, we are unaware of crab mentality, and incognizant of self-centeredness. We embrace change and welcome challenges with arms wide open, and we can walk side by side with the first class world.”

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________

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: Kindness Champions – Nila Bandigan, Olga Barcelona, Leo Barrameda

 

Compassionate. Selfless. Empathetic. Concerned. The word kind alone already encompasses a myriad of noble qualities. Meet these three benevolent souls that bring us pride through their kind-hearted acts that make the world a better place.

 

Leonila Bandigan

 

 

For humble entrepreneur and previous Women of Substance honoree, Leonila Bandigan, investing time into projects for the greater good is a regular pursuit. She says: “The act of helping people I don’t know brings me joy, inspires me, and motivates me.” Growing up with positive figures like her Inang, Leonila was imbued with kindness as well as moral values, and early on, ideas like assisting others in need became customary. However, she too acknowledges how seeing  unfortunate circumstances helped form her generous philosophy: “One time while watching TV, I saw big family, yet the only food on the table was a plate of boiled rice and coco milk. However, only one child would eat because he has to go to school, and the leftover will be shared by the whole family. I cried that day, and told myself that while I am still capable, a share of our income will go with those children.”

 

While running several businesses in th U.A.E., Leonila extends a helping hand to a local church, providing resources and running their canteen – where all income earned goes to the parish and the less fortunate. She is also sponsoring the education, food, and clothing of underprivileged children back in the Philippines. As of now, she has been able to send over 130 kids to the prestigious Don Bosco in Cebu, Ilo-Ilo, and Davao.

 

Through it all, Leonila has learned this: “Be generous to everyone, whether you know them or not because there is somebody above who will reward you.”

 

Olga Barcelona

 

 

Olga Barcelona and her business partner, Dawn Almario, have selflessly celebrated their birthdays giving gifts to underprivileged children among several areas in the Philippines over the past couple years. As a firm believer in paying it forward, Olga considers that every single act of compassion is a step in the right direction for humanity, sharing: “There are many ways to help or volunteer. Start first within your inner circle – Through being an example to others, at least one of them will emulate your kindness.”

 

With her passion for doing good further ignited by world issues, Olga sees helping others as her true calling. During the pinnacle of conflict in Syria, together with friends, they gathered enough resources to make and send 500 relief bags for refugees, as well as provided financial support to the refugee camp in Lesvos, Greece. Not long ago, she also volunteered to help build a school for a community in Malawi. During this seven-day trek, Olga lived with the villagers with no water and electricity. She recounts: “It was great for all of us who volunteered. It opened our eyes to the unfortunate reality that people in Africa are still in dire need of educational help.”

 

Despite these saddening global issues, Olga trusts that through kindness, we can begin to resolve these matters. “It’s not hard to be kind. If everyone would think and act considerately, there will eventually be a ripple effect of kindness, and perhaps someday, factors like poverty and illiteracy would lessen.”

Leo Barrameda 

 

 

While a sense of voluntarism was already engrained in Leo Barrameda’s character, it took a profound turn of events for him to realize his life’s purpose. Encountering a sense of emptiness in 2015, he found out about the Leila Wilmer Foundation. Upon discovery, he had initially offered to sponsor the education of five B’Laan students. However, after receiving support from  friends, they are now covering the schooling fees of over 103 kids.  Being able to do so was particularly rewarding, Leo describes: “It was a personal wake-up call for me. I realized that I was special because I could make a difference.”

 

2017 has been an excellent year for Leo. He conducted a series of seminars on financial literacy, personal branding, and self-development through E-gents – an initiative he founded to advocate positivity, through uplifting the community’s spirits and spreading awareness on societal issues of importance. This coming May, E-gents is planning an overseas medical mission, through E-gents Care, in the pursuit of benefiting the B’Laans, and over 100 households. Although running passion projects like these often require quite a bit of finance, he stresses that individuals should not undervalue the power of one good deed.  He expounds: “I am not financially blessed. You don’t need to be rich or popular to make a difference. Truly, it is the simple acts of goodness that will go a long way.”

 

“Being kind is not imposed; to help others is not an obligation; caring for others is not a responsibility,” Leo explains.  But parallel to this statement, he too trusts that there lies a Good Samaritan in every person: “I believe that everyone has the innate wish to help, but they just don’t know how.”

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________

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: Ryan Arbilo – Photographer

 

Ryan Arbilo knows what sacrifice is all about. He grew up without a mother, knowing full well the extent of their hard work and the price that they have to pay raising their kids. This concept gave way to “Chicken Hands,” a photography exhibit focusing on the struggles of overseas Filipina housemaids who work abroad to provide fof their families, something very familiar to many Filipinos all over the globe.

 

“I want to promote awareness of the socio-economic situations of these women who felt the need to work abroad because of the poverty in their country,” he explains.  “The women I pictured worked for more than a decade, mostly as undocumented workers and living in fear. However, they were always smiling, never complaining as they did everything their patron demanded with little to no pay. They are working unbelievable hours for meagre wages so they can send money for their children left behind. They work tirelessly so their families can have the necessities of education, food, and clothing, among others.”

 

Conceptualized in 2009 and exhibited in September 2016 at the La Maison Européen de la Photography in Paris and the Yuchengco Museum in Manila in 2017, Ryan considers “Chicken Hands” as one of his most prized possessions. “This is a great humanitarian calling for me, to somehow inspire our people and our governments to focus on finding a way for families to stay together and thrive above the poverty line and not have the need to leave abroad,” he says.

 

Last year, Ryan’s artistry touched down in the emirates with his first local project “Tour de Force – Part 1” an exhibition of 13 photographic portraits featuring some of the most empowering Filipinos in the UAE, held at the Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel.  Lauded as an inspirational event meant to celebrate Filipino strength, the exhibit came to frutition with the help of Unicef artist Cesco Concepcion.

 

Ryan’s work has given a contrasting view of the lives of Filipinos outside the country.  On the one hand, highlighting our woes as a community, particularly poverty and the situation of our disadvantaged women overseas workers.  And on the other, it is uplifting an inspirational, exemplifying what Filipinos can achieve and become beyond the motherland.   Whatever the slant, it is clear that for Ryan Arbilo, his art sends a strong message, and that is his contribution to the people.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Photography by: Rodolfo Arbilo

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: Ricky Carranza – Street Dance Legend

 

A legend in the Philippines, Ricky Carranza’s contributions to the Pinoy dance scenes across the world have inspired the masses and pushed the boundaries of street dance itself. His recent encounter with Filipinos in the emirates has not only brought entertainment but most importantly inspired a relatively obscure community of dance enthusiasts.

 

Ricky, also known as ‘3ki Riki’, was a famous personality on dance shows “Penthouse 7” and “Dance 10” in his younger days.  His natural talent for movement, as well as his hunger and ambition, made him into one of the most prominent dancers of the Philippines.  “I was always looking for more. Call it what you want – passion, craziness, or obsession. I wanted to learn and see more of that new style of dance – that funk style.”

 

In his three decades of choreographing and teaching, 3ki Riki trained some of the most prominent Filipino celebrities, the most prominent of which is Gary Valenciano. His dance career has taken him to around the world, backing up movements in Italy and even creating his label in Finland – “Style Dance Industry.”

 

As a film director and producer, the Dubai screening of Ricky’s latest documentary, “Beyond the Block” supported by the Philippine Consulate General, and his inspiring presence via workshops, has energized and brought together the growing, but often unrecognized Pinoy street dance crowd. Ricky’s local involvement has virtually vitalized the spirit of street dance in the community, proving that indeed, Hip Hop is alive and well among Filipinos in the Middle East.

 

Ricky’s ultimate goal is one of a strengthened culture united in the spirit of togetherness. His plans include producing numerous film projects, some in the UAE and laying out the groundwork for the Philippine’s first street dance institution.

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Photography by: Maija Astikainen

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: Mme Yoko Ramos – Wife to the Philippine Ambassador of the UAE

 

Beside every powerful man proudly stands a woman of grace, fortitude, and strength. Madame Yoko Ramos, the wife of Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Contancio Vingno Jr, is the perfect embodiment of that statement.  She believes that the role of women, is integral to society and shares, “Filipina women, through the practice of various professions, contribute to the economic well-being of their families, as well as to the development of communities wherever they may be in the world, through their skills and talents. One of the traits that sets us apart is our positive outlook in life, regardless of the circumstances that we are in.  In that sense, it is fair to say that we bring, wherever we may be, sunshine and joy of life.”

 

Further encouraging Filipinas to make significant contributions towards their country and community, Madame Yoko says, “I urge my fellow Filipinas to allow the world to see the best and most beautiful version of themselves. With this, we should make it a point to empower one another by equipping ourselves with eagerness and a curiosity to learn something new every day.”

 

On a mission to helping uplift the image of Filipinos in the UAE through goodwill within the diplomatic, government and community network, Madame Yoko has also devoted time towards pursuing a number causes near and dear to her.  She notes that being a part of projects such as the Philippine halal products launch in the UAE, the International Day on the Elimination of Violence Against Women event, as well as the Cancer Awareness Fashion Show, was not only fulfilling but enlightening.

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Photography by: Jef Anog

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: Ambassador. Constancio Vigno Jr – Trailblazer

 

Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, Constancio Vigno Jr. has been the Filipino community’s pillar of support since he assumed Head of Post in 2015, and last year was a significant year with landmark achievements under his able leadership.

 

After years of negotiation, the Philippine and UAE governments have finally signed an MOU on Labor Cooperation in September 2017.  With the Department of Labor and Employment as lead negotiator for the Philippines, the Philippine Embassy played a pivotal role, with diplomats joining the negotiations and meetings leading to the signing. This year has also seen the embassy’s successful mass repatriation of some 1,500 distressed Filipinos, in coordination with the UAE government, a cause close to the Ambassador’s heart.  He shares, “I hope that with the signing of the MOU on Labor Cooperation, there will be fewer cases of our kababayans needing repatriation.”

 

A role model in his own right who maintains a close and affable relationship with the Filipino community, he is optimistic and carries out his duties for the nation while working towards his dream of an independent, unified, and self-sufficient country with many economic opportunities in the homeland.

 

Ambassador Vingno also stands firm in the belief that Filipinos are indeed resilient, determined and hardworking, and that community action and skill building will elevate the status of the community. “It would also be best for the Filipino community, specifically the professional groups, to regularly conduct skills upgrading activities with the aim of uplifting the professional capabilities of their respective members, as well as the image of Filipinos in this country in general.”

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Photography by: Eros Goze

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: Filipino Ambassadors to the GCC

 

 

Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain – Alfonso Ferdinand Agbayani Ver

 

Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain, Alfonso Ver brings with him a wealth of experience in Foreign Service before his first ambassadorial posting in the country.  His first foreign assignment was as Vice Consul, then promoted to Consul, in Guam (1996 to 2002). He later became First Secretary and Consul General, then Minister, Consul General and Deputy Head of Mission, in Ankara, Turkey (2005 to 2009), before he moved to San Francisco, USA as Consul then Deputy Consul General (2009 2012). At the Department of Foreign Affairs, he was Executive Director of the Office of Personnel and Administrative Services (2012 to 2015).

As the head of the 60,000 strong Filipino community in Bahrain, the Ambassador has made his people’s welfare integral in his function.  This year, a community center slated to further improve bilateral ties, is expected to rise in the country in time for the embassy’s 40^th anniversary.

 

 

Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia – Adnan V Alonto

 

Ambassador Adnan Villanula Alonto comes from a family of politicians.  He is the son of the late Senator Domocao Alonto and brother of Lanao del Sur Governor Soraya Alonto-Adiong.  Since passing the bar exams in 1985, he has worked in many different law offices in the Philippines.

In 1996, Ambassador Alonto and his family left for the US. He then worked in several companies as a legal professional until 2016 before accepting his assignment from the President as Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

With a little over two months in his position, he has already made strides in bridging the connection between the Philippine government and Filipino residents of the country.  He says, “I am here to fulfill the mandate given to me by the President to ensure that the rights and well-being of our people are protected while they are working here in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

 

 

Philippine Ambassador to Oman – Narciso Castañeda

 

A seasoned diplomat having carried out Foreign Service posts representing the Philippines in the US, the UK, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Indonesia, France, and Chile, Ambassador Narciso Castañeda, now stationed in Oman, notes that all the work that he does is ultimately rooted in helping Filipinos, and solidifying the motherland’s associations internationally with other countries.

Last year, a significant advancement in the bilateral ties shared by Oman and the Philippines was made when Ambassador Narciso paid a courtesy call on Oman’s Minister of Justice, Sheikh Abdulmalik bin Abdullah bin Ali al Khalili. In the meeting held at the office of the Justice Minister in Muscat, Castañeda discussed ways of which the liaison between the two nations could be enhanced. Acknowledging the importance Filipinos towards the development of Oman, the success of the conference resulted in the Justice Minister conveying a willingness to help improve the significant bilateral bond.  Not only is this triumph indicative of the Ambassador’s influence in the nation, it too highlights his commitment to his home and its people.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

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

Filipinos have always regarded education as one of the most important facets of life. Wherever they are in the world, they strive hard to learn more, to know more and to apply what they have learned – and in some instances, they make it a point also to help others learn more.

Ateneo Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (LSE) Program

 

 

 

A flagship Executive Education program of the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG), the Ateneo Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (LSE) is a non-profit six-month empowerment program that seeks to build the capabilities of Filipinos overseas to be change agents for their families, communities, and their home country.  This capacity-building initiative consists of 12 full-day sessions covering four sessions each for Leadership, Financial Literacy and Social Entrepreneurship facilitated by highly-qualified resource speakers from ASoG and the ALSE consortium. By the end of 2017, the program has seen over 1,993 graduates, from a total of eleven countries.

 

Led by highly committed volunteers, the 2017 local secretariat is spearheaded by Benjamin Datinguinoo, Paul Moralde, Manuel Canlas, and Jr. & Leopoldo Garcia. The group is guided by its core advisers Jasper Adviento, Gina Valbuena, Armand Fernandez and Marian Celeste Carella. The group is futher supported by the LSE Alumni Association, led by JR Papel, along with the Alumni Council.

 

“Volunteerism is undeniably far from easy, especially when the intention to leave our home country is to explore opportunities for a better future,” says Gina Valbuena. “When you volunteer, your actions become focused outside of yourself, reaching out to where there is a greater need to serve without the thought of receiving in return. Though often an option difficult to undertake, this is an advocacy that every member of the Ateneo LSE community shares.”

 

Jr Papel adds, “The best way to create the new breed of entrepreneurial Pinoys is to educate and sharpen their current skills, challenge the employee mindset and encourage them to become social entrepreneurs. This refining of capabilities will eventually prepare and sustain them for their return and reintegration.”

 

Kababayan NPO

 

 

A group of Filipino volunteers whose sole objective is to share their priceless time, skills, talents and professional expertise towards the betterment of kababayans in the UAE, Kababayan NPO (KNPO) has grown since its inception in 2015. The group which has trained some 5,000 graduates to date is composed of 60 volunteers coming from all walks of life. Lead by Elgene Bautista (President), Karen Bautista (Vice Pres), Jaymark Pangilinan (Audit), Jhoana gerologa(Finance), Charlene Josue & Micheal Pangilinan (Marketing), and Essa Puentespina (Deputy VP), KNPO’s majority is composed of trainers, as well as other volunteers working relentlessly to ensure a seamless operation.

 

“Education plays a vital role in our professional careers,” says KNPO President Elgene Bautista. “It helps open doors to better opportunities. With many Filipinos here in the UAE who would like to improve their skills but cannot afford the high cost of education, Kabayan NPO is here to help. KNPO exists for a goal, and that is to live up its mission statement: Advancing knowledge, transforming lives.”

 

 

KNPO’s work as organization is greatly validated when their students have excelled. Among their projects including the CCNA Boot camp for which a student garnered a perfect score of 1000/1000, twenty-two of its Massage Therapy students also took the TESDA NCII certification and brought home an unprecedented 100% passing score.

The Philippine Business School

 

 

Launched in June 2017, under the visionary leadership and advocacy of its Chairman, Lyndon Magsino, the Philippine Business School (PBS) has a mission to shape Filipinos to become global business leaders of tomorrow. The success of PBS can be measured not based on the number of programs they have rolled out but based on the number of successful Filipino business tycoons who are dominating the business world.

 

Lyndon has envisioned that through PBS, Filipinos can be effective CEOs, CFOs, and owners of big global conglomerates.

 

“Filipinos are under-recognized by most employers while being left behind in the business world,” says Lyndon. “Recognizing the limitless and great potential, PBS paves the way to equip the hands and educate the minds of Filipinos to become industry ready, field experts, and global business leaders, believing that there is great potential in every Filipino to keep the competitive spirit and excel in their careers.  When the time comes for them to make that daunting decision to either migrate to another country or come home to the Philippines for good, they have all the necessary learning and competencies to sustain a stable future not just for themselves but the nation as well.”

 

In its pursuit of excellence, PBS continues to collaborate with top tier institutions both internationally and in the Philippines such as the De La Salle University for its MBA programs. With barely a year in its operations from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, PBS remains positive that with perseverance, more and more Filipinos in the Gulf would recognize PBS as a premier and trustworthy institution.

 

“PBS will continue to share knowledge, and perhaps be an example to our fellow Filipinos in thinking and striving to go beyond the glass ceilings,” says Lyndon. “To strive to excel in everything that we do so that other nations will see us as a nation of brains;  where Filipinos are valued as influential in the workplace, in the Gulf and where success is not only possible but inevitable for everyone.”

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

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: Dr. Michael Purugganan – Scientist.

 

A leading authority on plant molecular evolution and genomics, with over 130 research papers to his credit Dr. Michael Purugganan is a distinguished Biologist, who, through his undertakings has contributed a wealth of knowledge to the domain of Science. He reveals: “In my science, it is always part of our contribution to humanity’s knowledge.  But I am conscious that this is also part of the Philippine contribution to world knowledge.”

 

Born and raised in Metro Manila, Michael earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry at UP Diliman and pursued further studies finishing his Master’s in Chemistry from Columbia University in New York City, and his Ph.D. in Botany from the University of Georgia. He serves as the Silver Professor of Biology and Dean for Science at the esteemed New York University, USA, and is an affiliate professor here at NYU Abu Dhabi. He was also the director of the NYU New York Center for Genomics and Systems Biology (2010-2012) and the NYU Abu Dhabi Center for Genomics and Systems Biology (2012-2017).

 

In his laboratory at NYU Abu Dhabi, Michael leads a group of scientists who study the different date palm varieties, investigating their origin, evolution, and genetic makeup, hoping that they may encounter new ways to enhance date palm fruits. His work has earned him the Khalifa International Date Palm Award, bestowed on him by His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan in 2015.

 

Through his breakthroughs, Michael shares that if not for curiosity, hard work, and persistence, he would not be where he is today. He tells us: “What allowed me to achieve is not thinking I couldn’t do something – if I thought it was worth doing, I would go for it.  Also, not taking shortcuts and always doing more than what is necessary to get the work done.  Finally, always being focused on excellence and making sure our work is world-class.”

 

Michael has these wise words to share with fellow Filipinos: “To compete in the global arena, you have to be ready to compete against the best in the world.  And we Filipinos can do it, no matter what we do, if we put our minds to it and if we are never satisfied but always working to do better.”

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Photography by: Avery Raandall Cefre
Grooming: Rachel Clark

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