Illustrado Magazine – Filipino Abroad

Tag: filipino diaspora

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: The Dynamic Duo – Thoughtleader

     

    RICA RODRIGUEZ AND DIVINE MASINSIN

    The Dynamic Duo

     

    Athletes, educators, and wonder women Rica and Divine are two of the most sought-after and respected professionals in the fitness industry in the UAE. Each armed with their own individual track record of successes in the Gulf and in the Philippines, they have combined their decades of experience to form their own company this year, Dynamic Duo Inc., which aims to promote fitness, health, and wellness through group classes, personal training, events, certification courses or workshops, and management consultancy.

    Despite being at the pinnacle of their careers, Rica and Divine are never the type to rest on their levels. Of what keeps them going after years of continuous triumphs and accolades, Rica says: “We stay on top of our game through constant learning. We try our best to keep updated with the trends in the fitness industry by attending Fitness Conventions and summits.  We learn from our students as well, with every course or class we conduct. We have also been very blessed to be surrounded by like-minded people that have been very supportive and encouraging to us throughout all the years we have been in Dubai.”

    Divine offers a practical piece of advice to Filipinos who want to pursue a career in fitness: “Choose your leaders and mentors.  Apart from being blessed to be at the right place and the right time to meet inspiring leaders, we seek them out.  Be daring enough to admit you need help and acknowledge that there is a lot more to be discover out there.”

     

    Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Antonino Benitez – Trailblazer

    Antonino Benitez

    Exemplary Overseas Filipino Student

     

    His name is Antonino. His colleagues also lovingly refer to him as “astronaut,” as he is so good at everything at he does, he is not even limited by outer space. You see the track record of success that he has managed to generate, the languages that he can speak (3, and still counting!), and the tasks that he can surmount with almost alarming ease at such a young age, and you just have to ask, “Really? Why not an astronaut?” In many ways, he is the exemplary overseas Filipino student – resourceful, unbending in his commitment to higher learning, but imbued with the unmistakably Pinoy values that brings great pride to his motherland.

    Despite being only 15, Antonino is already a published writer, serving as a junior contributor for Illustrado GO. Through his unique style of writing, he provides a fresh take on a variety of subjects from a fascinating perspective. 2016 has been a particularly momentous year for this wunderkind, as he was chosen as one of the 5 students out of hundreds to win an essay competition hosted by Western Union in the UAE.  Under the topic of ‘Delivering education, facilitated by technology, to the refugee children in Syria,’ Antonino was also able to read and elaborate on his essay at a global financial leadership summit attended by dignitaries, entrepreneurs, academics, and community leaders of various nationalities. Of this triumph, he attests: “The most rewarding aspect of the experience was discovering that I was the only Filipino winner. I consider it a truly a pivotal moment in my life. It galvanized my belief that Filipinos, regardless of age, can excel in a myriad of fields.”

     

    Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Roy Tamano – Thoughtleader

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Roy Tamano – Thoughtleader

    Sahron Roy Tamano

    Community Leader

     

    “As a Moro from Mindanao, I dream to see a future progressive country wherein its people live harmoniously in peace and no one will leave his family to go abroad for financial needs.” A proud member of the Maranao community, Roy Tamano carries the resilient and majestic spirit of Mindanao wherever he goes. This is the torch that has illuminated his path all throughout his journey in the Middle East. Powered by a formidable background in HR, Roy spearheads many community events in the UAE, all designed to foster a sense of unity amongst Filipinos, especially amongst the Muslim OFW’s.

    Having launched many charitable projects in 2016, Roy emphasizes how faith in God is fundamental: “At times, people go after the ‘perfect life’ – which is an impossible task. Every human being has the ability to define his own contentment as to what extent. Through all of my challenges, my faith with the oneness of God, Allah has kept me stronger and thankful. My faith and my strong family life are my two most prized possessions. These are my biggest blessings this year, and for every year hereon.”

    His advice to his fellow fellow OFWs: “UAE is consistent top destination for both tourists and workers, with first-class infrastructure that makes everything easy for the working expatriate. As migrant workers and guests of this noble nation, we should do our part in maintaining the strength of the society by being excellent at our jobs – approaching them with utmost care and dedication.”

     

    Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Philippine Business Council – Trailblazer

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Philippine Business Council – Trailblazer

    PHILIPPINE BUSINESS COUNCIL DUBAI & NORTHERN EMIRATES

     

    The Philippine Business Council of Dubai and the Northern Emirates (PBC Dubai), is a non-profit organization established in 2001 under the patronage of the Philippine Embassy and Consulate General of Dubai and the Northern Emirates. It is the only Filipino organization recognized by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry with the role of facilitating business opportunities for the Filipino community and their commercial partners in the country. 

    As vanguards of Philippine entrepreneurship, the council provides avenues for business exchange among Filipino entrepreneurs, and other parties with an interest in the Filipino market. In 2016, in keeping with the group’s mandate, the PBC hosted a Franchising Seminar, Stock Market Seminar, participation in Art Dubai, as well as networking events. PBC also serves as the parent organization supporting the Ateneo LSE (Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship) School overseeing their annual education program.

    Most significantly, 2016 saw the PBC cementing its ties with the councils of Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, to form the ABCA (ASEAN Business Councils Alliance), formally launched in September 2016 in an event that featured a briefing for entrepreneurs from the EXPO 2020 Leadership.

    PBC Dubai is led by Chairman Bobbie Carella, and Executive Committee members (from left to right): Leo Barrameda (Secretary), Lalaine Chu-Benitez (Vice Chairman), Martina Plumley (Outgoing Head of Membership).  Not included in the picture are Andy Minodin (Head of Projects) and Eden Borja (Outgoing Treasurer), as well as newly-elected Execom members – Dr. Becky Desiderio, Ken Peralta, Annabel Ramirez and Sharon Magsino. 

    PBC’s corporate partners include –Western Union, The Medical City,  llustrado, Tara Kabayan, Chestertons International Real Estate and Brokerage, Startup Business Set-up, Little Manila, Pentaglobal HR Solutions, Cresco Chartered Accountants FZE, CMG

     

    Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Boyet Sanchez – Tastemaker

    Boyet Sanchez

    Comedian

     

    With all the pessimism that lingers in our world at present, what we need are individuals who can lift the atmosphere and lessen the burdens we bear – and that’s precisely what comedian Boyet Sanchez chooses to do: “I never thought of how much income I would get from doing Stand-Up Comedy. It was more of the fact that I enjoy a lot seeing my audience almost crying because of the non-stop laughter I generated.”

    Placing this initiative at the top of his priority list, Boyet brought to life the first ever sing-along/comedy bar in the Middle East in 1996, at Sampaguita Club, Zakher Hotel, Abu Dhabi, and later in 2008, at the Comedy Junction, Al Mamzar, Dubai.  More recently though, he has brought his business to the Comedy Junction in Doha with the mission of bringing solidarity, modernity and inter-cultural understanding.

    As a Filipino who also suffers emotional distress and understands the sacrifices that OFW’s have to make for their families, he also realized whilst performing that no amount in life could parallel happiness; hence he regards bringing joy to the lives of Filipinos a matter of great honor. Boyet contentedly shares: “With or without the spotlight, I can say that I have helped our fellow OFWs in making their lives light and easy through my passion.”

     

    Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Eros Goze – Thoughtleader

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Eros Goze – Thoughtleader

      Eros Goze Photographer   If Barney Almazar is “The People’s Lawyer,” Eros is “The People’s Photographer.” A consistent figure in the UAE’s most important Filipino events, Eros has thoroughly endeared himself in the heart of the Filipino community through his world-class talent, positive attitude, and generosity. His track record as a portraitist is unmatched by any other Filipino photographer in the region, having photographed the Gulf’s most celebrated personalities, from models to dignitaries, community leaders to entrepreneurs. In 2016, Eros also took on the role of educator, in partnership with one the world’s leading imaging companies. He says, “I believe in leadership by collaboration. Creativity and beauty thrive where there is freedom. My job is to guide people into finding their own greatness – whether it’s in front of my camera, or the classroom.” Where people are given guidance and at the same time given freedom to share and impart their creativity. Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Iman and Luchi Suguitan – Trailblazer

    Iman & Luchie Suguitan

     

    Sister power duo, Iman and Luchie Suguitan have been working altruistically on bringing positive social and economic change in the lives of Philippine farmers through their co-founded Mindanao-based enterprise known as “OFW para sa Magsasaka”, or OPM. Their advocacy stems from the frustrating reality that the farmers who grow the nation’s staple food end up not being able to afford their own crops. They elaborate: “In every community we  enter we should be able to increase farmers’ crop prices and stabilize their income, invest or link farmers with public goods, as well as create incentives and deliver training required to sustain farmers’ ecosystems.”

    2016 has been particularly productive for their endeavours. In addition to legally setting up their social enterprise, Iman and Luchie, along with their sixty-eight year old mother, completed their cacao doctors training in Davao. Concerning the success and influence of their social enterprise, Iman and Luchie shares: “As of November 24, we have already taught more than 150 farmers on proper cacao farming and harvest. That’s a potential 150 families with better livelihoods in the next three years. For the future, we envision being able to create products that will serve not just our farmers, but our fisherfolk and going into agri-tourism.”

    Hoping to pave the way for a brighter fate for those at home, Iman and Luchie elaborate: “As Filipino Muslims, we want to be recognized as influential sisters who tried our best to help our fellow Filipinos regardless of religion, politics and distance.”

     

    Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Pentaglobal Team – Thoughtleaders

    PENTAGLOBAL TEAM

    HR Solutions Providers

     

    Sheryll Bacay-Agbing, Jessie Quintilla-Nanoz, and Catherine Ordonez-Rivera are the three ladies behind Pentaglobal – a team of human resources experts who are making a mark in the Middle East HR industry by approaching and delivering projects with the Filipino standards of diligence, ethics, and commitment to excellence. With the members’ positions in the Filipino Human Resources Practitioners Association – Cathy being the President – Pentaglobal played a crucial role in the development and activation of DOLE-POLO’s Dubai Reintegration Program. The program aims to provide the doorway for economic and social reintegration, which assures a process of brain gain, in lieu of drain or loss of talent and human capital for the country, reducing the social costs of migration as it endeavor to assist returning OFWs and their families.

    As a business, Pentaglobal is also a part of EntrePinoy FZE – a distribution company that promotes socially responsible Filipino products in the Middle East. The team is currently finalizing plans for projects that will be launched before 2020, all with the common objective of promoting social entrepreneurship amongst OFW’s.

    Of what makes Pentaglobal unique, the team says, “We believe in continuous development. We believe in taking ownership of our careers and our businesses while effectively balancing our family and social life. To be able to be good at what you do is to love what you do.”

     

    Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Danabelle Gutierrez – Tastemaker

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Danabelle Gutierrez – Tastemaker

    Danabelle Gutierrez

    Poet

     

    Danabelle Gutierrez is the author of two critically acclaimed books of poetry: “I Long to Be The River,” published in June 2014, and “& Until The Dreams Come,” published in September 2015. Her readership extends from Southeast Asia all the way to the Middle East, with her books selling consistently with little to no active representation or marketing, proving that in the world of literature, one’s work truly speaks for itself.

    In 2016, Danabelle had the opportunity of performing her poetry in the Emirates Literature Festival, making her the only Filipino in the festival’s long and impressive lineup of wordsmiths. She considers the launch and exhibit of ‘& Until The Dreams Come’ at FN Designs Gallery last November 2015 as her proudest moment. Danabelle says, “I’m proud of how the show and the book was received, but moreover, I am proud of how we were even able to do it at all.”

    A consummate writer, Danabelle puts her work above her own self-interests. She elaborates: “I hope the work is remembered more than me. I would love for people to recognize the work first of all and most of all. Then they can recognize, Danabelle, the writer, the persona, as a mere afterthought.

     

    Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Ivy Grace Paredes – Trailblazer

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Ivy Grace Paredes – Trailblazer

    IVY GRACE PAREDES AKA AYEGEE

    Singer

     

    The Middle East will never lack for fantastic Filipino singers, but amongst their ranks stands Ivy Grace as one of the most exceptional. A seasoned vocalist who started her career in amateur singing competitions in the Philippines, Ivy is a “singer’s singer” – an artist of such prodigious skill that she has become a true benchmark in her field.

    Ivy’s immense talent has taken her career far and wide – even more so in 2016, when she had the chance to have a short stint at X Factor UK, where she wowed the judges and earned legions of fans with her powerful vocal stylings. But even with her remarkable accomplishments as an international artist, Ivy’s source of pride stays closer to home. “One of my proudest moments is when I gave birth to my daughter, the love of my life! I never knew that one person could hold so much love for another, until I became a mother. I must admit that in the beginning, when I figured that I was going to raise my child as a single mother, I had a lot of doubts and apprehensions as to whether I was capable. But once I laid my eyes on my ‘Budang’ as I fondly call her, everything just fell into place. It’s as though I was made for this!”

     

    Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.