Illustrado Magazine – Filipino Abroad

Tag: filipino community

  • Junie Sorsano – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Junie Sorsano – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Trailblazer – Junie Sorsano

    Pioneering Vlogger

    Photo by: Bethoven Filomeno

    Junie Sorsano is a pioneering vlogger who gave representation to ‘everyman Juan de la Cruz’ on the web since he debuted on his Youtube channel in 2011.  His wholesome and down-to-earth blog, has since become an invaluable source of information and advice, and sometimes comfort, for Filipinos in the UAE and beyond.

    Now, as the head of Megaworld International in the UAE, Junie, who started as a vlogger in the UAE, gives credit to the experiences he had as an influencer on social media.  Considered as one of the earliest personalities in the region, Junie has received numerous accolades.  The most recent once being his inclusion in as a Finalist for Hospitality Excellence Food/Travel Blogger of the Year for the Middle East Excellence Awards 2019.  He also landed a gig at GMA Pinoy TV as a host for the show Trending Pinoy which is now in its second season.

    Having worked with brands such as LBC Express, UAE Exchange, The Visa Center, Style MNL, MPQ Travel and Tourism and others as a brand ambassador, Junie believes that his professional ethics and integrity have been vital in gaining trust in the sector.  He also gets inspiration from people who send him words of inspiration and gratitude for promoting Filipino presence in the multicultural scene.

    As a message to aspiring Filipino vloggers, Junie says, “If you love what you are doing, you will definitely elevate everything that you do, and become better and become successful.”

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  • The Pink Tarha – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    The Pink Tarha – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Trailblazers – The Pink Tarha

    Lifestyle Bloggers

    Photo by: Robby M. Reyes

     2019 was a monumental year for Janelle Vales-Yasay and Reina Tejano-Beriña, who run the respected Saudi-based platform the Pink Tarha. They celebrated their blog’s 10th year anniversary with a grand public event, while also collaborating with the Saudi Seasons Initiative (under the Saudi Commission on Tourism and Heritage) as the only Filipina bloggers approached for the project.

    As online influencers who have received honors in Saudi Arabia which are not usually bestowed on expats, Janelle and Reina understand that they have the power and responsibility to provide compelling content to their followers; hence their commitment to delivering language and visuals that are not only interesting, but also factual, and mindful. Their early work in the kingdom has contributed to the positive imagery of the city of Riyadh, garnering the two Tourism Excellence Awards from the Saudi government as well as a well-earned feature in regional TV MBC.

    Of the current digital scape, the duo shares, “With the most recent changes in KSA, we’re proud to be at the forefront of helping spread correct and credible information about Saudi Arabia through our platforms.”  They also recognize the pivotal role communicators like them play in contributing to how people perceive the country, as well as spreading positivity and bringing pride to the Filipino community.  “It’s an honor for us to give Filipinos in Saudi Arabia an avenue to see the brighter side of things, uplifting their spirits and enabling them to enjoy life in their second home.”

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  • Wafa Qasimieh – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Wafa Qasimieh – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Thoughtleader – Wafa Qasimieh

    Community Leader

    Photo by: Chris Calumberan

    A well-known Filipino community leader, Wafa Qasimieh, works as a Cultural Consultant at the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai.  With her active participation in both government and community initiatives, Wafa has played the vital role of a connector, between the government, the Filipino people as well as with 200 other nationalities in the city, fostering the spirit of inclusivity, while facilitating cultural diversity in their department’s projects.

    “Working with the government of Dubai, I saw how progressive they are, and I knew that the Filipino community could also be that globally-oriented progressive community,” she says. “For me, teamwork and selflessness would always lead us to success. So, let’s be the cheerleader of each and every one. Let’s celebrate the success of one another. Be genuine, learn how to accept defeat, know where and when to fight or back down. Also, let your work do the talk.”

    In addition to her initiatives in the country, Wafa is also the General Director of SPMUDA (Southern Philippines Muslim & Non-Muslim Unity and Development Association) International peace organization.  Through the organization, she and her team are building a home for orphans in Iligan City, Philippines. She has also provided scholarship programs to hundreds of students in Iloilo City and has also contributed to the initiatives of the Agobay Project (School and World Interconnect).
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  • Kier Pascual – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Kier Pascual – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Tastemaker – Kier Pascual

    Social Media and Content Specialist

    Photo by: Rozen Antonio

    It’ll be hard to erase the endearing image of the cute boy next door of “Lo’s Closet” fame even as Kier Pascual turns a new leaf evolving from a renowned blogger to a professional who’s now focused on his social media management and digital marketing career at an agency in the capital.   He says, “I’ve made peace with it, and I’m ready to pass the baton to those whom I have inspired to do blogging and let them shine.”

    While he recalls the incredible journey he had as an influencer, Kier believes that there are more opportunities in store for him – and even more valuable lessons that deserve his focus.  Excited with the huge career leap he has taken, Kier carries with him the burning passion for taking up challenges that come his way, consistently rising to the occasion and learning new things.

    Nevertheless, even as he steers his path to another direction, the image of the ever-positive blogger, another significant Filipino face in the digital space who earned positive attention and admiration, is sure to endure.

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  • Bettina Micu – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Bettina Micu – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Bettina Micu

    Social Media Professional

    Bettina Micu’s exposure to the fashion and blogging scene as an influencer in recent years has served her well.  At 21 years old, she has handled the social media campaigns of some 30 clients within the beauty, fashion, hospitality, F&B, and events industry.  She considers 2019 as the most exciting year of her life, wherein she had the privilege to execute campaigns for large scale initiatives such as Club Social & Wasla Music Festival.  She also shot her first campaign for Real Techniques, produced and directed three YSL beauty assignments, landed a project with Fashion Forward October Edition, and is now set to become the Creative Lead at her agency.

    Taking time off from being in front of the camera to work behind the scenes, wasn’t easy, she admits. “It’s extremely intimidating to stand next to so many talented creatives in this region. I’ve been absolutely terrified, but I’ve never let it keep me from doing a single thing. In the end, I don’t want to be remembered as someone who was fearless; I want to be remembered as someone who constantly practiced courage.”

    As a Filipino born and raised in the UAE who had to grapple with her identity growing up, Bettina also says, “My biggest motivation at work is knowing I am representing Filipino women. I am a proud, courageous-Filipino woman, and I want to show my colleagues and the people I meet just how intelligent, hard-working and passionate Filipinos are.”

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  • Flor Pesigan – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Flor Pesigan – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Flordeliza Pesigan

    Artist

    Photo by: Ace Reyes

    As a person who lives and breathes art, Flordeliza Pesigan, dubbed as the New Age Babaylan, hopes to be an inspiration for everyone to bring out the best version of themselves.

    Her works which have been exhibited extensively around the country have garnered recognition within the art scene, as well as from collectors like Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF), the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.   Now, Flordeliza lives her like a gypsy exploring life, while being a facilitator in transformational spaces.  Conducting retreats in the Philippines and in Bali, she has helped people of different nationalities, seeking time to connect to nature and to their selves.

    She takes this as a humble experience of touching thousands of lives through her passion.  “My pride and satisfaction with this is in knowing that what I do, creates a ripple effect to the world,” she says. “If we ask each and every one on this earth what they want, they’ll generally say peace, love, connection, abundance, joy, change and many other things that are uplifting to their life in their perspective of what is good.” (more…)

  • Patrick Fronda – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Patrick Fronda – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Patrick Fronda 

    Filmmaker 

    Photo by: Ace Reyes

    Multi-awarded filmmaker Patrick Fronda continues to do what he loves best. Aside from producing commercial films for various local and international clients under his company Revolver Media, he also runs The City Vibes, a platform that churns out the latest in the news, where he has accumulated more than 8 million organic views in the span of six months of its launching.

    Patrick’s most notable non-commercial works include short films “Pump It”’ and “I am a Star.”  The former swept five major awards, including Best Film and Best Director at the 48 Hour Film Competition.

    Utilizing his craft to help the community, he has also assisted the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai by making informative videos for online platforms and supporting big and small events geared to uplift Filipino morale and camaraderie.

    In the near future, Patrick dreams of having a school where students can study for free and enhance their talents.  Only this time, his vision is that the quality of service and teachings are globally competitive.   “This institution will focus on building great communication skills because I think Filipinos still lack this within the field.  I want to help enhance this within our community, followed by other things that deal with self-improvement.”

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  • Vagelyn Federico – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos Legacy Edition 2020

    Vagelyn Federico – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos Legacy Edition 2020

     

    Thoughtleader – Vagelyn Federico

    Human Resources Professional

    Photo by: Donell Gumiran

    Vagelyn Federico’s inspiring story still holds testimony to how, with steadfast determination, one can emerge resilient from any adversity. Despite encountering many hardships early on in her career in the UAE – hardships that would easily faze most – she was able to become, the youngest General Manager of a hotel in her time and has grown into one of the authorities in the field of Human Resources in the hospitality industry in the emirates.

    Even with her hands full as Director of Human Resources at the Dusit Thani Hotel Dubai, multi-awarded HR Professional Vagelyn consistently supports and collaborates with a variety of organizations, schools, and government entities sharing her industry expertise with fellow Filipinos through job fairs and training. Utilizing her position in the field to benefit others, she has provided many people with their career break, as well as platforms to develop talents through her company and her networks via internships, work immersion projects, as well as CSR activities.

    “My advice for fellow Filipinos is that they need to elevate and enhance their skills. Confidence, which is crucial to achieving this, is a world-class trait.” she says. “Filipinos are one of most preferred employees when it comes to hospitality. To shine, we must all make an effort to get out of our comfort zone.”

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  • Desiree Vlekken – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Desiree Vlekken – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Trailblazer – Desiree Vlekken 

    Community Advocate

    Photo by: Bethoven Filomeno

    There is a reason why 4Get Me Not, an NGO for Alzheimer’s Awareness, has been lauded as one of the most compelling organizations in the Middle East.

    The organization has raised awareness on a global health problem and a stigmatized health issue in the region. Since its establishment in 2013, the association has continued their advocacy and managed to built a good support system via both the public and private sector in the UAE. Desiree has also produced over a hundred CSR events on Alzheimer’s for seniors, students, Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers.  Recently, the group has also done three stage plays performed by actual seniors without any theater experience. 4Get Me Not has also organized an Experiential Tour for 10 senior expats in Dubai to visit and enjoy the Philippines.

    When it comes to lasting legacy, Desiree wishes to impart an important message through 4Get Me Not – that it’s important to take care of those in their golden years, and their families, a genuine human response towards seniors and a reflection of the Filipino tradition of caring for one’s elders. She also says that 4Get Me Not seeks to revitalize among younger generations and across nationalities the feeling of respect for seniors and appreciation of their contributions to the community.

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  • Kristine Abante – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Kristine Abante – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Thoughtleader – Kristine Abante

    Entrepreneur

    Photo by: Jef Anog

    Former entertainment industry professional, Kristine Abante spent over a decade facilitating music releases across the region, as well as promoting the Filipino musicians in the local scene.  These days, she spearheads content creation at Sandbox Creative, collaborating with fresh creative talents to delivering high-quality marketing content for some of the UAE’s top-rated luxury hotels and high-end lifestyle brands.

    Just recently, Kristine has also collaborated with TFC for a web series – the first Filipino produced mini-series in Dubai and the Middle East, as well as numerous entrepreneurs and their networks, even collaborating with social enterprise Skills 3.

    Kristine says that it is a privilege to work alongside some of the best artists, content creators, and photographers in town.  “It would be nice to be thought of as a good friend and a true fan of creative work,” she says. “I would say my value would come from having helped amplify great artists and their awesome work and having helped my friends connect and collaborate, all while enjoying the process.”

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