Illustrado Magazine – Filipino Abroad

Tag: filipino diaspora

  • Rollan Rodriguez – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Rollan Rodriguez – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Gamechanger – Rollan Rodriguez

    Urban Art Instigator

    Rollan Rodriguez - Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf
    Photo by: Ace Reyes

    Before urban art became popular and Dubai started showcasing graffiti with pride in its buildings, before the city’s hip art spaces came to be, one Filipino spearheaded the lowbrow art movement in the country.

    Rollan Rodriguez, the founder of the art collective BrownMonkeys, can be credited for popularizing accessible street art, first through the group’s exhibitions in alternative spaces, eventually growing into commercial features on billboards, commissioned murals for creative agencies, and showcases for the Middle East Film and Comic-Con, StreetCon, the Sharjah Biennial, among others.  Rollan says of their impact, “In some little way, somehow it made a contribution to the art world in the UAE, empowering and influencing the area of art and design.”

    Respected as well in the commercial design world, though his work within his own agency, Ape Creatives, Rollan has been involved in numerous projects and has also bagged two international honors from the Indigo Design Awards held in Tokyo, Japan.

    Rollan professes that he is most proud of being able to usher in a new wave of thinking in the UAE, “A brand new attitude on how we intermingle with varied cultures, and also, making our community realize that it is possible to make it – that it’s okay to be different, to be weird brown and proud.” (more…)

  • Hyku Desesto – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Hyku Desesto – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Tastemaker – Hyku Desesto 

    Photographer, Entrepreneur & Brand Ambassador

    Photo by: Ace Reyes

    In her career as an entrepreneur and photographer, Hyku Desesto has represented and now championed the new wave of empowered Filipino media personalities across the UAE.

    Having founded Soul Trap Studio, she also holds personal brand ambassadorships and features with Tag Heuer for Marie Claire Arabia, Stylist Arabia, Huawei, Puma, Timberland, Nestle and Nisnass, and worked with global brands and celebrities such as Netflix, Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue Arabia, Tory Burch, Van Cleef & Arpels, Ciara, Christian Louboutin, Elsa Hosk, Ashley Graham, Lewis Hamilton, Mario Dedivanovic, Maria Tash and many more. She was also listed on Harper’s Bazaar’s top 5 coolest female entrepreneurs in Dubai published last April 2019, and was featured on Tommy Hilfiger and Puma Women’s Instagram platforms, apart from other wins during the year.

    A self-made woman, Hyku says, “You are the driver of your career and the creator of your own destiny.” She now uses her platforms to help fellow Filipinos secure jobs there while continuing to collaborate with big names within the region and beyond. “I want to be remembered as someone who did not just influence but inspired and helped others.” She says.

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  • Mariecar Blanco Jara – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Mariecar Blanco Jara – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Mariecar Blanco Jara

    Journalist

    Photo by: Donell Gumiran

    UAE-based veteran journalist Mariecar Blanco Jara is known in the local media circle for being a fearless and straightforward journalist, who doesn’t shy away from asking tough questions.  A senior reporter at Gulf Today, Mariecar, who has been a working journalist since 1983, covers everything and anything about the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member-countries in the UAE, health, and women’s issues.  Lately, Mariecar has also been reporting on developments surrounding the Dubai World Expo 2020.

    Renowned in her own right, the daughter of celebrated former Managing Editor of The Evening News in the Philippines, Manolo Francisco Briones Jara, has carved a name for herself in the country even earning a journalism award in recent years, upholding her belief that journalists have a responsibility to dig deeper into the news, going beyond presenting merely necessary information.  She is also a very spiritual person who takes pride in sharing the good news within her community.  “I hope my writings have inspired and opened breakthroughs.” she says.” But I also want to be remembered as a woman who has learned to trust God totally fully.”

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  • PBC Abu Dhabi – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    PBC Abu Dhabi – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Philippine Business Council Abu Dhabi

    Non-Profit Group

    Photo by: Ace Reyes

    The Philippine Business Council of Abu Dhabi, a non-profit organization registered with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, envisions a Filipino community of business leaders, constantly growing through supporting trade, commerce, and investment between the Philippines and the UAE.

    Having done many projects over the years, one of their flagship events is InfoRoom, a series of talks aimed at strengthening the ecosystem of Filipino SME’s within Abu Dhabi. Another notable project is BizTalk, a series of lectures by established and successful entrepreneurs and resource speakers.

    With the collective goal of linking Filipino entrepreneurs and partners, the PBC-AUH plays a key role in connecting entities to business opportunities whether in the Philippines through the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) or via the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and its attached service units and other supporting entrepreneurial organizations.

    The group believes that, with the innate Filipino resourcefulness and resilience, success in business is there for the taking. According to Chairman Deborah Gay Dayrit, “We global Filipinos are known for our remarkable adaptability and ingenuity. If these traits are augmented and backed up with a proper support system, we will produce more Filipino owned SMEs that will outshine the rest. To rise from the status quo, one needs to dare fearlessly, and yes, the PBC is here to support and see them compete globally.”

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  • MM Milano Showcases Latest Collection at Dubai World Fashion Week

    MM Milano Showcases Latest Collection at Dubai World Fashion Week

    Last December, in cooperation with Vivz Fashion School , MM Milano showcased it’s latest sustainable fashion collection at Dubai World Fashion Week. Designed by Chona Bacaoco, a Filipina designer based in Milan, Italy, the dresses were made of natural and upscaled textiles like Hablon, Pineapple silk and recycled materials. The show has also brought together global talents from the US, UK, Switzerland, Romania and the Philippines. With inspirations from native flowers like the ‘Waling-Waling’, the audience cheered at the collection’s unique designs.

    The dresses were accompanied by custom-made runway music, composed by Andréas Volkmar, who received the award for “Best Runway Music” by H.E. Sheikha Dr Hind Al Qassimi, H.E. Sheik Sultan Al-Qasimi, and H.E. Sheikh Dr. Saeed Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan.

    Further awards were given to Schirin Alexa Thoma-Jugl for “Achiever Model of the Year”, Kayla Nicole Solis for “Charitable Model of the Year” and Natalia Angelina Spanhel for “Promising Model of the Year” alongside other famous awardees. Our young singer from Romania Maria Cristina Flăcău a.k.a. “Maya Rose” thrilled the crowd by performing her new single “Someone” supported by the local dance group PiNoy DXB Crew, and was awarded “Model & Artist of the Year”.

    The event has also featured a number of advocacies through personalities like Olivia DePiore, a model of determination who used her runway career to raise awareness on Down Syndrome and surviving cancer.

    Apart from the fashion show, the team, together with its global talents, carried out a photoshoot and fashion walk in the Dubai Desert.

    “We, the MM Milano Team around are proud to announce that our MM Milano 3-Day-Event around Dubai World Fashion Week from 18-20 December 2020 has been a great success for our Brand and all our global talents coming together to form a conscious community in fashion, sustainability, and social responsibility. We thank everyone who helped to raise money for the Buklod Kalinga orphanage in the Philippines in partnership with Filipino football player Simone Rota, and are honored to have received the “Designer of the Year” award.” (more…)

  • Cromwell Ojeda – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Cromwell Ojeda – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Tastemaker: Cromwell Ojeda

    Artist & Musician

    Photo by: Eros Goze

    Cromwell Ojeda balances two passions at the same time. By day, he is a senior graphic designer for the first nuclear energy power plant in the region. At night, he turns into a passionate artist pushing the boundaries of locally-produced music and elevating the Filipino brand in the process.

    His passion project, the Blacksheep Production which started in 2008, gave birth to the Filipino underground music scene in the emirates. With him at the helm, Blacksheep provided a platform for Filipino bands to play original music, shunning the stereotypical notion of Pinoy groups doing only covers. Blacksheep gave birth to its spin off – the Rocktoberfest, which is the longest running Filipino rock event in the Middle East.

    Under his own brand, Muhaisnah Four Cromwell produces synth pop and chill wave music. He has performed with the region’s top artist from Lebanon, Egypt and Bahrain, and has played with international artist Princess Nokia, Daedelus, Dam Funk, Knxwledge, Jessy Lanza, Earl Switshirt to name a few. Cromwell has also worked with top brands such as RedBull, AlexanderMcqueen, Moscot, and Palladium Shoes among others, and was chosen as one of the first Adidas Original ambassadors in the Middle East.

    Cromwell hopes that through his initiatives, he can push to better the platform for Filipino talents in the region.  He says, “I hope to keep inspiring and pushing Filipinos to rise as world-class top acts in the creative and music industry.”  (more…)

  • Nina Peñalosa Carpio – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Nina Peñalosa Carpio – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Nina Peñalosa Carpio

    HR Professional & Lifestyle Influencer 

    Photo by: Jef Anog

    Proudly kayumanggi beauty Nina Peňalosa-Carpio is one lifestyle influencer who is using the power of social media to make a positive change in the narrative on Filipinas in the digital space.

    Nina’s goal is to elevate the image of Filipinas by highlighting success stories of those who have broken virtual barriers to become leaders and influencers in their respective fields.  She also promotes the celebration of Filipina beauty, providing a great representation for kayumanggi-skinned Pinays, through her platforms.

    Prominent as a lifestyle influencer in the UAE, Nina is currently the Human Resources Director at Jollibee in the emirates.  Recently, she has also taken on a new role as TFC’s regional host in the online show KWorld, covering different community events and featuring Filipino achievers in the country. She had interviewed a roster of Filipino talents, including Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray.

    Nina shares, “One of the reasons why I’m doing what I’m doing is to change the narrative about Filipina beauty and being a Filipina in general. I believe that through my works, I have encouraged many Filipino women to celebrate the kind of beauty they have. I wish that I have also inspired them to elevate the image of a Filipina and embrace the idea that it’s not uncommon for Filipino women to be CEOs, presidents, directors, and country managers in companies.”  She adds, “I want the world to know the Filipinas through their beauty, intelligence, and passion in pursuing positive change. We can blaze the trail – not just for ourselves, but for generations of other women.”

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  • Paul Ramos – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Paul Ramos – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Tastemaker: Paul Ramos

    @thestylechoreo

    Photo by: Donell Gumiran

    Fashion and lifestyle blogger Paul Ramos of “The Style Choreo” has been a very prominent fixture in Dubai’s fashion scene as well as the digital landscape.  His commitment to the dapper sartorial style is memorable and hard to miss.

    Paul’s feed has been peppered with numerous exciting projects with an enviable roster of brand collaborations.  2019 was equally jampacked with initiatives that cement his name as a top blogger in the region.  The year’s highlights include his interview with 50’s Inside, a French TV show in Paris about Zaya Nurai Island, the most Instagrammable place in the UAE.  He has also worked with international fashion brands, hotels, restaurants, malls, supermarkets, and barbershops.  One of his recent fave gigs is his partnership with Coach on their latest Naruto–inspired collection.

    For Filipinos aspiring to make an impact out there, Paul has this to say, “Focus on your passion and be determined to achieve your goals.  Most importantly, do what you love and love what you do.”

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  • Ion Gonzaga – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Ion Gonzaga – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Trailblazer – Ion Gonzaga

    Blogging Pioneer

    Photo by Jef Anog 

    Known as ‘Boy Dubai,’ Ion Gonzaga has been one of the earliest bloggers in the UAE scene and has now gone on to reinvent himself and his career. Currently, the Lead Digital Transformation Consultant of Accenture Middle East, Ion, leads the UX design of the region’s would-be first highly interactive B2B platform. This year, he also formed BXDNOW.COM, a network of content co-creators and writers around the world committed to empowering GLOCAL communities through stories shaped in a meaningful perspective and encouraging context.

    At present, the website has contributors from UAE, KSA, Kuwait, Qatar, Philippines, Singapore, and New Zealand. “We have just started bi-monthly workshops about blogging, vlogging and about online tools to use in creating digital content,” he says.

    Ion has represented the UAE in different blogging events, written for magazines and dailies, spoken at blogging conferences, and partnered with major brands for commercial collaborations – earning several awards in the process such as the Rotary Youth Leadership Award.

    Always the storyteller, he encourages his peers to reach out and share people’s stories with the world. “I believe it’s about time to ‘unlimit’ ourselves when it comes to our concept of community,” he says.

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  • 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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