Illustrado Magazine – Filipino Abroad

Tag: Dubai

  • Chef John Buenaventura – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Chef John Buenaventura – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    John Buenaventura

    Chef

    Chef John Buenaventura - Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf
    Photo by: Ace Reyes

    Chef John Buenaventura is the veritable role model for Filipinos who want to break out in the culinary world – skillful, competitive, charismatic, and ballsy.

    Undeterred by setbacks when he first launched his own entrepreneurial venture – Cuisinero Uno some years back, he continues to be ‘the’ culinary personality who has captured the attention of the mainstream foodie audiences, as well as the media.  Chef John has been part of the pre-opening team of prestigious international brand Waldorf Astoria at the Dubai International Financial Center.  Currently, he is the Cluster Executive Chef for the Hilton Group – Al Seef Hotels. He has also been featured in Flava Monteiro’s “Legacy” book as one of the finest chefs in the region, while also being awarded as one of the brand ambassadors of “Chef’s Roll” USA, all while maintaining his title as the youngest cluster chef in the EMEA region.

    As one of the few Filipino chefs representing his country on a global front, Chef John remarks, “My main objective and advocacy is to inspire Filipinos, specifically chefs to look out of the box and compete globally. Take risks, fail, learn, stand up and keep trying until you reach a certain level that you do not have to introduce yourself when you enter a room full of different professionals from different parts of the world.”

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  • Ishwar Chugani – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Ishwar Chugani – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Gamechanger – Ishwar Chugani

    Business Leader

    With over 40 years of retail experience within the region alone, CEO and Managing Director of Giordano Middle East Ishwar Chugani has truly consolidated his presence as an industry legend with his steely Indian business acumen, complemented by a commitment to service that’s unmistakably Pinoy. A De La Salle University graduate, he was born and raised in the Philippines, where three generations of his family lived. Imbued with distinctly Filipino values, Ishwar, who often refers to himself as “Dugong Bumbay, pusong Pinoy” (of Indian blood, and a Filipino heart) partly credits his Bacoleño upbringing for helping him get to where he is today: “Like every fun-loving Pinoy, I like to enjoy life and meet new people. Due to this, I am able to manage different nationalities well, and I am easy to get along with.”

    Being included in Forbes Magazine’s Top 20 Indian CEOs in the Arab World for three consecutive years (2015, 2016, and 2017), as well as speaking at the MAPIC Conference in Cannes France – the most prominent international property retail event – are among his top achievements. Alongside these accolades, Ishwar’s steadfast work ethic and constant support have won many hearts within the Filipino community in the UAE.  He was also appointed by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce (Philippines) as the first Global Ambassador of Goodwill for the UAE.

    In 2019, Ishwar bagged the title of Retail Professional of the Year at the Middle East Retail Awards for his work in steering Giordano to enter and thrive in markets that span beyond the Middle East. Now, he has begun planting seeds of Giordano’s franchise in Mauritius.

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  • Splash and Stay with Canopy Dubai Al Seef Hotel!

    Splash and Stay with Canopy Dubai Al Seef Hotel!

    Splash and Stay with Canopy Dubai Al Seef Hotel! With Dubai Summer Surprises around the corner, the hotel has rolled out exciting new staycation offers and family packages.

    Located within Old Dubai, this charming hotel allows easy access to Al Seef Dubai which features a two-kilometer promenade of shops, cafes and pop ups.

    Guests who book the ‘Splash and Stay’ offer will receive breakfast for two and complimentary tickets to Laguna Waterpark – the perfect place for families to splish, splash and soak up the sun.

    The offer starts at AED 349 per night. Book your stay at canopybyhilton.com

     

    Check out their exciting restaurant offers – for all the foodies out there! 

     

    Al Seef Evening Brunch at Skafos
    Skafos is bringing back its famous brunch every Friday evening! Guests will be welcomed to a culinary route through Al Seef where mouth-watering dishes are served sideways music performance and art display. Invite your friends and family as these delicious Mediterranean dishes are designed for sharing. Make sure you get to taste the succulent Skafos Paella!

    Every Friday, 3 hours package starting from 6pm

    Packages:
    Kids: 6-12 AED125 (Kids under six are free)
    N.A.P (Non-alcoholic) package: AED195
    RISE (House) package: AED295
    FLY (Premium) package: AED350

     

    Beat the Heat at Skafos
    This summer beat the heat with a glass of sangria (rose, white, red) and our famous PAELLA (negra, valenciana or vegano) for two for only AED190.

     

     Eat Fresh at Skafos
    For a limited time Skafos is supporting local with its FreshOnTable menu, offered for a limited time. Get a 4-course menu 100% vegan and 100% local for only AED99.

     

    Business Lunch at Skafos
    Served daily between 12h30 and 4pm, choose 2-course for AED59 or 3-course for AED79.

     

    Hops and Sliders at Sol Sky Bar
    This summer admire best views on Dubai Creek to Burj Khalifa with a bucket of 5 hops of choice with 4 beef sliders for only AED200 (limited time only).

     

    Splash & Play at Sol Sky Bar
    During the warm summer days, take advantage of Sol AED99 day pool pass fully redeemable on F&B.

     

    About Canopy Dubai Al Seef – An Energizing New Hotel Where Heritage Meets Urban

    Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef is the superb place in the neighborhood to relax and recharge.  The perfectly groomed hotel sits at the heart of one of Dubai’s newest neighborhoods: Al Seef – the area where the heritage meets urbanism. Channeling Dubai’s richness, heritage and style through its design, Arabian hospitality and unique experiences, the hotel is the first representation of the Canopy upper upscale lifestyle brand in the region.

    Located in the bustling waterfront promenade of Al Seef the hotel is sitting where museum goers and foodies will be in their element. Al Seef has been strategically chosen for its location alongside the famous Dubai Creek and wide promenade that meanders past the Museum of Illusions and Al Fahidi historic district (home to the Dubai Museum and the Coffee Museum), concluding at Shindagha, set to be an open-air museum on a mission to share Emirati culture like never before.

    The hotel’s avant-garde design and lush facilities is a rare find in Dubai adding to the multiple reasons to choose this as a stopover. Every element of the property from Canopy Central to the rooms and meeting space reflects and gives justice to the spirit of the surrounding upscale and modern neighborhood, which gives visitors a chance to truly immerse themselves in the destination while enjoying Canopy’s friendly service and the positive stay customer promise.

    Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef
    Al Seef Street, Umm Hurair 1, Dubai Creek,
    PO Box 35449, Al Seef, Dubai Creek, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    +971 4 707 7077
    Dubai.reservations@hilton.com
    Info.alseef@hilton.com

    canopybyhilton.com

     

  • De La Salle Montessori International – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    De La Salle Montessori International – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    De La Salle Montessori International 

    Educators

    Photo by: Ace Reyes

    De la Salle Montessori International’s lasting legacy will always be providing a bright start for many children in Dubai. For over two decades, the Filipino-founded nursery has provided exceptional early learning to a community of multi-cultural students, shaping their young minds towards academic excellence and nurturing them with the tender-loving-care Filipinos are known for.

    The school has produced over 4,000 young achievers to date. For years, DLSM has been running its recurring Bright Start program which provides scholarships to students that need financial help.  They also have an annual “I Care” charity drive, which benefits orphans in Baliuag, Bulacan. This year, they have also partnered with the Dubai Police and Dubai Immigration in their employee happiness initiative.

    “We help bring up consciously evolved children who will work hard to achieve their highest potential and become successful global citizens of the future who have a life-long love of learning, a strong sense of family values, who lead with dignity, follow with discernment, value diversity, think independently, care about the environment and the world at large and foster peace and harmony,” says school Director Ian Chu-Guerrero. (more…)

  • Rowena Niduaza – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Rowena Niduaza – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Rowena Niduaza

    Public Speaker

    Photo by: Chris Calumberan

    Rowena Niduaza discovered the beauty and power of public speaking when she joined Toastmasters International in 2004, and through this group, she was able to bring out her other strengths and provide a voice to the Filipino community in the speaker’s circuit. This led to a slew of titles she has won for the country: the Division (UAE) championship and the District Championship (Middle East). In 2013, she won the Middle East Championship, becoming the first regional representative to reach the semi-finals of the Toastmasters International World Championship in Public Speaking in Canada.

    Rowena also utilized her communication prowess and unique brand of humor and charisma to speak on female empowerment at conferences such as the Dubai Women’s Summit in 2017 and 2018, sharing the stage with other women leaders from the UK, France, Canada, etc. – inspiring audiences to bring out the best in themselves.

    Originally from a creative background, heading the design department of a regional furniture retailer, she is currently looking to return back to fashion – her original calling.  She is set to launch her fashion line in the Philippines this 2020 and focus the project until she eventually retires from the emirates.

    Nevertheless, even with her mic parked, for now, she will always be one of those rare people who successfully promoted the Filipino voice and wit, out there into the world, providing exceptional representation of our people on the global stage.

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  • Roman Guevara – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Roman Guevara – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Thoughtleader: Roman Guevara

    Life Coach

    Photo by: Mox Santos

    For many life coaches, their only focus is to help the physical and mental well-being of an individual. Roman Guevarra, however, aims to bring out the mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness of his peers, especially Overseas Filipinos, who are away from their families.

    Inspirational life coach Roman leads Rise Up in the region, helping and motivating Filipinos to live their best lives and providing them worthwhile counsel easing them through the sometimes challenging experiences of an expat Filipino. “I do a lot of counseling, group activities, and retreats that aim to help OF’s, especially those who are facing depression,” he says. “Besides our existing spiritual wellness programs in the UAE and other parts of the Middle East, we have also established similar programs such as those in Canada, Libya, Hong Kong, Japan, and the Philippines.”

    He adds that helping people who are struggling with depression is his life-long legacy and achievement. He not only helps those who have mental concerns and problems, but through his work, he was also able to pay it forward by training others who would continue to do the same.

    For those who want to get in on the action by helping others to be physically, mentally, and spiritually fit, Roman Guevarra says to have more professional and academic training. “This is our lifeblood after all, and I believe that I am born to serve this way.”  (more…)

  • Steve Patrick Moore – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Steve Patrick Moore – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Tastemaker: Steve Patrick Moore

    Sports Announcer, Host and Commentator 

    Photo by: Faisal Al Hiwani

    Although Steve Patrick Moore has achieved so much within the sports and entertainment industry in the region having hosted numerous prestigious events in and out of the country, he is not one to rest on his laurels and says the journey still continues.

    The sports announcer, host and commentator, who takes pride in his roots of being a Filipino-American, has become an entertainment powerhouse in recent years.  In 2019 his wins kept pouring in with his involvement in numerous World Cup-related sports events in various countries while being part of initiatives like the 24-Hour Walkathon for Cancer Society and Walk for Diabetes. He has also worked for projects such as the Urbanation music concert series in Abu Dhabi, World Beach Games 2019, Intercontinental Beach Soccer, Dubai 30×30 Fitness Challenge, ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, and UAE Warriors Fighting Championship.

    On his success mindset, Steve shares that gaining fame and success doesn’t happen overnight.  He says, “Always think ahead, dream big and never tell anyone of your next move.” (more…)

  • Renuel Sanchez – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Renuel Sanchez – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Thoughtleader: Renuel Sanchez

    Fitness Professional

    Photo by: Bethoven Filomeno

    Much like his attitude towards fitness as an expert in the field, Renuel Sanchez is a success-driven individual who works with consistent dedication to achieve and help others achieve every goal. As a leading personal trainer in the UAE armed with a diverse set of qualifications, Renuel has served as the General Manager of MMA Fitness Center for the past 8 years. Alongside training others to be the best versions of themselves, Renuel has put his athletic abilities and his passion for fitness to good use, having spearheaded numerous charity initiatives which include Charity Fight Nights for the benefit of orphanages, laborers, as well as a Breast Cancer Awareness campaign.

    While being a General Manager is no easy task, Renuel regards this as one of his greatest career achievements. Having started out in the fitness industry with little to no experience, he has admirably worked his way up within the highly competitive space, cementing his presence as a top instructor in the field.  Wanting his journey to embolden fellow Filipinos to be hungry and ambitious, Renuel expresses: “Filipinos can significantly progress in their line of work, and reach leadership positions if they work hard. I used to work 12 to 15 hours in my first few years here in Dubai because I wanted to earn a lot and learn more about the fitness industry. It’s no surprise, but hard work really pays off.”

    Now, pursuing his life calling, Renuel works as CEO of Shield Ezentials, a health product and lifestyle business that, not only helps strengthen the immune system, but gives income opportunities back to a growing number of Filipinos in his community back home amidst these challenging times.  (more…)

  • Entrepinoy – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Entrepinoy – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Thoughtleaders – Entrepinoy

    Social Entrepreneurs

    Photo by: Rozen Antonio

    At the heart of their enterprise is the intent to be agents of positive change. Entrepinoy’s story is a compelling mix of extraordinary pro-people environmentally sustainable products, coupled with the mission to help solve a significant societal issue.

    Established by Chairman Sheryll Bacay Agbing and partners Jessie Quintilla, Gertie Quebral, Hyden Restificar, and Chito Hernandez, Entrepinoy utilizes the entrepreneurial spirit to realize initiatives and collaborations that will support farmers in the Philippines. Their pilot product, Organic Rice, is part of their larger advocacy to help agricultural workers in impoverished towns back home while at the same time providing consumers the new generation of sustainable, socially-responsible high-quality products from the Philippines.

    As a social enterprise, Entrepinoy strives to thrive within a unique business model that is both profitable and transformative.  The founders believe in the ability and potential of businesses to accomplish commercial success whilst providing invaluable support for people.  In line with the recent launch of Barako Coffee, Entrepinoy augmented its operational strategy, focusing more on creating a unique customer experience and work-for-purpose approach. While the team is focusing on environmentally friendly and ethical products to add to their portfolio, they also continue building relationships within the community in order to grow their customer base sharing the story of their advocacy.

    “Through this, we hope to achieve our mission of creating a positive impact within the community and make the world a better place, while at the same time accomplishing our entrepreneurial goals,” says Chairman Agbing.

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  • Christopher Lawrence Frostyle Trasmaño – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Christopher Lawrence Frostyle Trasmaño – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Christopher Lawrence ‘Frostyle’ Trasmaño

    Entertainer & Guinness World Record Holder

    Photography by: Ace Reyes

    One cannot simply talk about the UAE’s dynamic dance scene without mentioning seasoned breakdancer Christopher Lawrence Frostyle Trasmaño – who has undeniably brought the underground culture to a greater arena with his unique flair. Besides empowering several budding dance professionals through mentorship, as well as having spearheaded one of the most prominent hip hop competitions in the region (Titan Dance DXB), Christopher has given voice to much of the untapped talent synonymous with Dubai’s dance community through serving as a brand ambassador for companies like Nike. He even has a Guinness World Record to his name, dancing for the longest time at a motion-sensing dance game marathon. If you haven’t seen him, or his hair, in events, concerts, or music videos, you’ve perhaps seen his work choreographing for and collaborating with international artists. Adding to his repertoire of industry work, he has recently danced on stage with well known Bahraini Platinum Records artist, Hala Al Turk, and he too has worked alongside LA Music Records choreographing a music video for Ada Satka and Dmadd – which, was aired across Europe, the Middle East, and the USA.

    As a Filipino who has advanced as well as elevated his craft, Christopher shares that for other Filipinos who aspire to the same that making relationships is instrumental: “Based on my experience, it’s always important to be professional with every single one of your projects, agents, and clients because your longevity in the scene will be largely determined by how you have positively impacted others.”

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