Illustrado Magazine – Filipino Abroad

Tag: 100 MIFG

  • 100 MIFG: Illac Diaz

    100 MIFG: Illac Diaz

    100 MIFG: Illac Diaz
    Photo by: Alwee Villarosa

     

    100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Illac Diaz – Social  Entrepreneur

     

    ‘There is no darkness so dense, so menacing, or so difficult that it cannot be overcome by light.” – Vern P. Stanfill

     

    Illac Diaz, might as well be called ‘Ilaw (light) Diaz.’  His endeavors have illuminated hundreds of thousands of poor families’ homes across the globe, and have also enlightened and inspired a generation of eco-warriors hoping to change the world for the better.

     

    Illac Diaz is the Founder and CEO of Liter of Light – a global grassroots movement committed to providing affordable and sustainable solar lights to people with limited or no access to electricity. Starting modestly in the Philippines under the MyShelter Foundation in 2011, the initiative has since benefitted over thirty countries, recruited 1400 participants, and brought light to poor communities with some 350,000 bottle lights.

     

    Illac’s project won the Zayed Future Energy Prize (ZFEP) in 2015 at the first United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. He has also recently facilitated a world record ‘The Largest Environmental Sustainability Lesson’ with the support of the ZFEP, creating a solar portrait in celebration of the “Year of Zayed” with 1400 solar lanterns made through the efforts of 280 young students from around the UAE. A milestone he considers as a great honor.  At the moment, he is also preparing for the Dubai Expo2020 as one of the grant recipients whose work will be showcased at the landmark event.

     

    A patriot with global aspirations for his country, Illac shares, “I would like to create a story of hope for the way young people see Filipinos; that as much as we receive so much charity and aid, we can also give solutions and contribute our share in making life on Earth better for people who need a helping hand.”

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    Photography by: Alwee Villarosa

    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

  • Editors Note: When greatness comes to the fore, it brings the rest of us with it.

    Editors Note: When greatness comes to the fore, it brings the rest of us with it.

    Editors Note: When greatness comes to the fore, it brings the rest of us with it.
    Photo by: Jef Anog

     

    What do a scientist, architect, world issue crusader, hip hop dancers, experimental musicians, fashion designers, public servants, entrepreneurs, including a mother and her autistic child, and a bunch of new media personalities have in common?  Perhaps, nothing at all on the surface, except in this case, their mere ethnicity.

     

    But look a little bit deeper and you will see that all these people, from various walks of life, with differing causes and agendas, have the power to change our collective future for the better.

     

    For 11 years, Illustrado has had the privilege of championing the world class Filipino sharing inspiring stories of our people here and around the world.  For the last 3 years, our annual work has culminated in the 100, our selection of the best and the brightest from the region.  Whether they are merely influencing the tastes and preferences of the community, leading and breaking the glass ceiling in their respective arenas, or even changing the world, these men and women are significant to us because they inevitably expand horizons for Filipinos like you and me.

     

    Just as the humble work of Overseas Filipinos have the capacity to change not only the lives of their families, but also their towns and provinces, and indeed even our country’s economy boosting the prospects of others in the process, we are all buoyed by the ripples our kababayans create when they do good and apply their best.

     

    Through the excellent works of our compatriots, we Filipinos show the world how we bring solutions, break barriers, conquer challenges, influence with flair, and sometimes just bring kindness  and happiness, especially where it is needed.

     

    To our kababayans who push for greatness with bravery and brilliance, following pursuits bigger than their mere selves.  Salamat.

     

    Thank you for your efforts and initiative.  Thank you for levelling the playing field.  Thank you for pushing the boundaries for us all, and for enriching the Filipino experience.

     

    Greatness comes in many forms and each of us has important role to play.  So play well always, kababayans.

     

    Taas noo, Filipino!

     

    Lalaine Chu-Benitez

     

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    Read more Pinoy Progressive on www.illustradolife.com