Illustrado Magazine – Filipino Abroad

Tag: filipino expat

  • 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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  • 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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  • Bobby Caparas – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Bobby Caparas – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Bobby Caparas

    Hair and Make-Up Artist

    Working in the region as a Filipino make-up artist is a challenging yet rewarding experience for Arulfo “Bobby” Caparas.  A veteran in the industry known for his unapparelled professionalism at work, Bobby worked with many celebrity clients, publications, models and designers in the region over the years.

    In 2019, he was involved in the wedding of renowned luxury real estate developers in the Gulf. He has also been the hair and make-up artist for Nat Geo TV Kids in Abu Dhabi, and has worked on projects for FRAMESI (Italy), Citizen K Arabia 100 Magazine, Gucci, Dior, Louis Vuitton and more.

    While doing the things he loves, Bobby aspires to bring home his learnings, eventually establishing his own hair and make-up seminars through Kawit Tourism in Cavite. He shares, “Through volunteering and getting involved I’ve expanded the quality of my life in ways I never once thought possible.”

    Bobby is also gearing to launch his own make-up line this year. (more…)

  • 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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  • Jessie Tabla – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Jessie Tabla – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Tastemaker – Jessie Tabla

    Hair and Make-Up Artist

    Photo by: Donell Gumiran

    Jessie Tabla strongly believes that when passion meets dedication and hard work, one can never go wrong in chasing their dreams.

    Blessed with projects from campaigns for local and international brands, product launches, fashion shows, weddings, even international assignments for VIPs, as well as working with Hollywood and Bollywood superstars and the region’s elite, Jessie is a veritable celebrity hair and make-up artist.

    Able to showcase his love for art and creativity through makeup, Jesse has indeed found his place in life. As one who takes pride in representing the Philippines as a country of world-class artists in the world of glamour, Jesse advises his peers never to stop trying new things, to continue building their social network, and surround themselves with people inspiring people who uplift one another.

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