Illustrado Magazine – Filipino Abroad

Tag: filipino expat

  • Valentino Montuerto Jasmin – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Valentino Montuerto Jasmin – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Tastemaker – Valentino Montuerto Jasmin

    Make-Up Artist

    Makeup artist Valentino Montuerto Jasmin is committed to showing off what a true Filipino artist can be while paying homage to his roots. In 2019, he added a number of prestigious global fashion brands to his roster of fabulous achievements in the industry, working on projects with Sandro Paris, Diesel, Faces and being a part of the Dolce & Gabbana runway show among others. His work has also been featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, L’Officiel and Emirates Woman.

    Valentino aims to touch emotions, move people, empower, and inspire them not only through his craft but also with his new passion project. Recently, he formed Kalo, a new venture that means a lot to him.  “I have been dreaming of being able to incorporate my love for fashion, with sustainability and being able to help my local community in Samar.”  With Kalo, the artist is set to design and produce 100% organic, oversized hats made of tikog and romblon, fibers that are indigenous to Samar. Woven by local artisans, each hat is meant to contribute to the livelihood of local women. While his project is still developing, Valentino believes that this is his way of giving back and providing an opportunity to showcase extraordinary Filipino craftsmanship to the world.

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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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  • Dr. Rex Bacarra – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Dr. Rex Bacarra – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Trailblazer – Rex Bacarra

    Educator

    Photo by: Jef Anog

    Education is power. And to Dr. Rex Bacarra, bestowing that power upon his students and emboldening them to become independent thinkers has always been at the forefront of his work as an educator. Adding to his many accolades, Rex has garnered further acclaim this year having been recognized as Outstanding International Educator for 2020 by the United Federation of Filipino-American Educators.  He was also interviewed by Abu Dhabi TV (ADTV) for excellence in teaching and his contribution to the UAE’s educational landscape. His achievements, however, are not limited to academia.  It is also evident in the love and praise his students all have for him.

    Alongside being the Dean of General Education at the American College of Dubai and a recurring Digital Faculty consultant at the prestigious McGraw Hill – an international educational publisher – Rex has given several talks on leadership and innovation to professionals in the emirates, and abroad. He was recently invited by the UAE government as the sole speaker at the Joint Aviation Command of Armed Forces in Abu Dhabi – quite a significant feat.

    When asked how one can achieve success as an educator, or as any professional for that matter, Rex attests: “Filipino educators should examine why we do what we do. When we are able to answer the why of our existence, then we demand excellence from ourselves. This mindset propels one to do things in a manner that is distinctive, refined, and quality-laden. People notice that what you do, the output that you yield, is of high quality and that should be globally appreciated.”

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  • Alex Callueng – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Alex Callueng – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Tastemaker – Alex Callueng

    Fashion Photographer 

    Elusive Alex Callueng (also known as Alex Wang) has become one of the hottest fashions and beauty photographers in the region in recent years. Fueled by his desire to grow and his diligent work ethic, his work has been prominently featured in many campaigns, as well as in editorials and cover of prestigious glossies which include, Vogue Arabia, Harpers Bazaar Middle East, Harpers Bazaar Russia, L’Officiel Middle East, Grazia Middle East, Illustrado Magazine, Haya Magazine, DOTW Magazine, Men’s Fitness Mag, Glam Mag Qatar, Crave Magazine, Weekend Magazine Dubai, as well as Ezy Health in Singapore.  He has also shot for Dubai World’s latest campaign.

    Ever the discreetly operating professional, Alex believes in marching to the beat of his own drum, and keeping focused winning over benchmarks he has set for himself as vital in succeeding in any field.  He says, “I have always been behind closed doors but I believe in order to move forward in this industry, you should stop being jealous of others and just focus on your own growth.” He adds, “Never be timid and shy in asking questions, to make sure you do things the right way.”

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  • Dr. Rommel Pilapil Sergio – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Dr. Rommel Pilapil Sergio – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Trailblazer – Dr. Rommel Pilapil 

    Academic and Philanthropist

    Photo by: Donell Gumiran

     

    Dr. Rommel Pilapil has contributed substantially to the world of academia, co-authoring over 30 research papers that were presented and won awards in a number of international academic conferences, including Harvard University. He was recognized by the Oxford Journal as one of the top 50 global educators, and received two of the highest awards given to an academic in the area of research and publication in 2018: Research-Scientist of the Year and the Research Advocacy Award International Association of Scholarly Publishers, Editors and Reviewers.

    Through his work as an HR consultant, he has been hailed as one of the Outstanding HR Practitioners by the Society of HR Practitioners Association in the UAE. As a community servant he has been providing pro bono counseling programs for distressed Filipino expats in the UAE for years, and has been supporting underprivileged students in 11 towns in Rizal Province in the Philippines via a scholarship initiative he established in 2015. A true-blue humanitarian, he remarks: “Our cognitive, intellectual faculties become futile if the vast knowledge, skills, and abilities we possess are not shared nor transferred for others to benefit. Hence, altruism as a virtue is the by-product of enriching ourselves. We become selfless as we perform random acts of kindness – which is the ultimate purpose of our very existence.”

    Last year, together with experts, he co-founded the Psychological Society of the Philippines – UAE, which aims to make psychosocial services accessible to Filipinos, with the support of the UAE’s Ministry of Happiness and Ministry of Health. The project hopes to provide preventative help, as well as crisis interventions for depression and self-harm, to those who need it the most.

     

     

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  • Art and Rachel Los Baños – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Art and Rachel Los Baños – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Thoughtleaders – Art and Rachel Los Banos 

    Communication Experts & Humanitarians 

    Art and Rachel Los Baños - Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf
    Photo by: Donell Gumiran

    Talented PR Man Art Los Banos and broadcast journalist Rachel Los Banos continue to use their God-given talents doing social development work with the CFC community in the UAE and beyond. In 2019, along with other volunteers, they had conducted seminars on value formation, mental health and depression, as well creative arts, extending their support and guidance to community members from Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, even as far as Mozambique.

    Well-known in the community for their initiatives with FEME (Filipino Excellence in the Middle East), Art and Rachel published the FEME Connect Directory project in 2016; have hosted a radio programme with Dubai Eye 103.8 for 3 years, and also facilitated FEME Forum hosting talks on topic of benefit to entrepreneurs and community leaders.

    Art and Rachel Los Baños - Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf
    Photo by: Chris Calumberan

    Art, who has lent his know-how on a variety of other projects shares what drives him to strive for the community, “I hope to further raise our public image as an enterprising, professionally-oriented, highly qualified and socially aware ethnic group in the global city of Dubai in particular and in the UAE in general.”

    For Rachel, whose stories through the ABS-CBN network has moved government agencies, Filipino organizations and private individuals to take action and provide assistance to distressed kababayans in the country, on the other hand shares, “I wish to collaborate even more with other like-minded Filipinos whose goal is to promote and protect the good reputation of Filipinos while living and working overseas.”

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  • Rozen Antonio – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Rozen Antonio – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Rozen Antonio

    Fashion Photographer & Entrepreneur

    Photo by: Rozen Antonio

    Rozen Antonio’s combination of photography mastery as well as a natural flair for entrepreneurship has allowed him to gain a most fulfilling career.  As a fashion photographer trusted by Dubai’s couture industry elite including Michael Cinco among others, and the owner of Houz of Zen, a boutique Events Management Company specializing in creative, bespoke flower designs catering to luxury hotels and brands, Rozen’s days are filled with beauty and the presentation of it.

    What he likes most about his job, he shares, is seeing the joy of his clients.  Commenting on his rise from modest roots, he says, “I feel great enjoyment in seeing the progression of my career and take pride in knowing that my achievements stemmed entirely from my own efforts. For many, carving a place in the profession requires being your own boss, and with it, your own motivator.”

    In an era where a sense of entitlement is the order of the day, Rozen knows that success should always come with being grounded and grateful.  He says, “Yes, you may have worked very hard and intelligently to get to where you are, but everything is still a blessing. It could all be gone tomorrow; it could all be gone today.”

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  • Michael Amazona Del Mar – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Michael Amazona Del Mar – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Tastemaker – Michael Amazona Del Mar

    Casting and Show Director

    Events Producer & Entrepreneur

    Photo by: Jef Anog

    Michael Amazona Del Mar, a passionate casting/show director, and events producer, always takes on a project with fierce perfectionism – making him a respected figure within the regional industry. Armed with extensive experience and know-how, he has handled projects for the likes of Louis Vuitton and Dolce & Gabbana.

    For Fashion Forward Dubai (FFWD), he is the exacting casting director behind the region’s most reputed fashion event.  For the last 11 seasons, he has helped the platform grow and come back even bigger and better in 2019. Aside from this, Michael has also styled Michael Cinco’s Spring/Summer 2019 campaign, produced an event for Meraas’ ‘The Outlet Village Comes Alive’ campaign, and handled casting and backstage management for Splash’s Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter 2019 fashion shows.

    Michael takes pride in having curated a strong and diverse group of models, especially for FFWD: “As the casting director, my challenge is always curating a cast that is “fashion-forward,” i.e., diverse, young, on-trend. It involves a lot of research, brand understanding, while also satisfying the FFWD board, reaching out to local and international agencies and fostering alliances. Globally, there is a clamor for cast diversity and I think Dubai should follow suit as well! I am proud of my cast this season!”

    Michael believes that Filipinos are significant assets wherever they work and have the ability to make an impact especially as creative forces: “We are resilient, law-abiding, and productive constituents of society. We possess creativity and passion and these traits always make us stand out!”

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