Illustrado Magazine – Filipino Abroad

Tag: Filipinos in Dubai

  • Filipino UAE: It’s What I Do

    Filipino UAE: It’s What I Do

    A look into the lives of professional Filipinos abroad

     

    ANTHONY DE LEON

    English Editor – CommuniGate Middle East, Dubai, UAE

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    I work as an English Editor for CommuniGate Middle East, a full-service integrated Public Relations (PR) agency based in Dubai, with a wide network of offices and affiliates located across the GCC, Arabian Gulf, Levant, Egypt and North Africa. I am in charge of developing and creating editorial content—press releases, feature articles, Q & A’s, brochures, catalogues, ad copy and speeches—for a diverse list of clients, which includes leading brands in IT, Travel and Tourism, Banking and Finance, Oil and Gas, Government, Aviation, Construction and Real Estate to name a few. Aside from this primary task, I am also part of a team that helps develop social media-based activities for clients like doing twitter messages, managing Facebook group pages and even writing specialized blogs. It’s an exciting job that allows me to be up-to-date with what’s new, what’s hot and what’s trending in the Middle East region, in particular and the UAE in general.

    My day usually starts at 8AM. I peruse various print and online news publications; taking note of the latest technology trends, reports from various industry verticals and timely forecasts from business research and intelligence firms. I then line-up client editorial requirements and meet with a team of editors to distribute work assignments for the day. It’s all writing, editing and proofreading written content from that point on. Fortunately, having worked previously as a correspondent for INQ7.net helped in honing my skills as a writer and an editor.

    After a hard day’s work, I try to relax with a good book or a movie—spending a quiet evening with my wife and son. Weekends means hitting the local bowling alley and also meeting up with my frat brothers from the Order of Demolay.

    I have been in the UAE for almost eight years now and have since then, enjoyed working with different nationalities. Filipinos, however, are admired and usually singled out for their efficiency, industriousness and ability to adapt to any working environment. With the UAE winning the bid to host Expo 2020, I am upbeat with the notion that Filipinos will play a large part in the preparations for this truly global event—something that we can all be proud of.

    Looking around, you will notice that Filipino’s make up a large share of the UAE’s workforce, a feat that is truly fantastic if you ask me. Each of us here are ambassadors of goodwill — let us remain world class in the work we render and continue to showcase our talents and skills to the wide international market that is the UAE. At the end of the day, it all boils down to skills and talent — something that we Filipinos are abundant of.

    KAREN “KAZ” PEACHEY

    Singer and Songwriter, Former Resident Singer at the Hard Rock Cafe, Dubai

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    Most people would think that singing is a cool job – most people would be right. Working as a professional singer and songwriter is every bit as awesome as it sounds, and I wouldn’t trade it for any other job in the world! I consider myself very blessed to have found a way to make a good livelihood out of my passion for music. As the saying goes, find a job that you love and you wouldn’t have to work a day in your life. I can honestly say that this is the perfect job for me.

    Currently I perform six days a week as lead singer for a band called the Smooth Criminals, at one of the most popular nightspots here in Dubai. I am also the band leader, which means that I’m responsible for preparing the set lists, updating the repertoire, facilitating rehearsals, and coordinating directly with the bar management. Performing every night can be very tiring, but once I hit the stage, I automatically forget every ache in my body. Even after years of singing professionally, I still get excited about being in the spotlight, meeting people and making sure that they are having the best night of their lives.

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    My typical day begins with a few laps in the pool or a dip in the beach. I am fortunate enough to live near the sea so I normally kick-off my day with a swim to help me wake up after a long night. At sundown, I begin to prepare for the night’s work. Choosing my outfit and putting on make-up doesn’t take me very long, as I am the type of person who knows what she wants. Plus, I’ve been a singer for such a long time, I already have the pre-performance ritual down to a tee! I travel to work at around 7:30 pm to prepare the set lists and brief the band about any additional requirements for the night as specified by the management.  At 8:30 pm the show begins, and we play four highly entertaining sets, finishing at around 1:00 am.

    Part of my job is to look polished and composed at all times, but I’ve had more than a few embarrassing moments onstage. For some reason, I have a funny tendency to break the heel of my shoes mid-performance. One time, I tried to do the moonwalk and my heel snapped. I tripped backward, right smack into my poor unsuspecting guitarist and we both fell down, much to the amusement of the audience. It’s an occupational hazard, but I will never, ever give up wearing stilettos. A girl’s gotta have her shoes!

    I take great pride in representing the Filipinos in the highly diverse entertainment industry of the UAE. In my time here in Dubai, I’ve had the opportunity to work with other nationalities, and I can honestly say that the Filipino artists are truly at par with the world’s best and brightest talents. My advice to my fellow kabayans who are trying to make a mark here in the city: enjoy the experience, and persevere! Don’t give up on your dreams, no matter the challenges that come your way. Any good singer will tell you that no performance is perfect. Sometimes, it’s all about holding your head up high and putting on a brave face. Find your voice! I did.

  • It’s What I Do

    JHOANA NELISSEN – Freelance Make-up Artist/Stylist

    Filipinos in Dubai: It's What I Do

    I was a flight attendant for almost nine years with Qatar Airways before moving to Dubai to live with my husband. Currently, I am a freelance makeup artist/stylist and a contractual private flight attendant catering to VIPs, diplomats and celebrity clientele, based in Abu Dhabi.

    My fascination for cosmetics and beauty made me decide to enroll in Makeup Designory School (MUD) back in the Philippines. Since then, I have been enjoying every transformation I make. I even had the privilege to be part of the Damac Akoya project launch, where I had the opportunity to meet Donald Trump and his entourage. I was also lucky to work with a Bollywood singer shooting a music video in Dubai.

    Seeing my creations on billboards, print ads, TV or on runways gives me a different feeling of fulfillment. Being an artist is a never ending journey. Every day you learn new tricks and techniques and that’s how I continuously sharpen my skills. I continue to attend workshops with top makeup brands to keep up with current fashion and trends.

    The best thing about this job is not doing the same thing every day. One day you’re in a studio doing portfolio shoots and the next, you’re outdoor doing advertisements.

    Filipinos in Dubai: It's What I Do

    However, the desire to fly is still very  much a part of me and that’s why I don’t want to fully give up on that. It’s too close to my heart! It was the job that has taught me to be independent and see the world in a different way.

    EDWIN RICO – Makati Bar Manager, Asiana Hotel

    Filipinos in Dubai: It's What I Do

     

    For almost two years now, I have been managing Asiana Hotel’s Makati comedy bar. As a comedy bar manager, I have to maintain the energy of happiness in our outlet.

    When I took over, there was a big challenge to improve daily sales, as well as the concept of the bar.  It was not easy, but I never stop listening for suggestions and comments from my guests.

    Every day I maintain the required daily sales and relationships with our clients. My task is to talk to different Filipino groups and organizations like the PHILCOM community.  I am active in social media to update them about our daily promotions and activities.  I involve our outlets in all events and activities, especially charity projects of Filipino volunteer groups in Dubai.

    Filipinos in Dubai: It's What I Do

     

    Working in a high pressure environment makes me organized and efficient. My favorite part of the job is planning daily promotions and monthly events, especially if I see my guests satisfied with my idea.

    Training my team and making them feel that they belong are keys to our success. I always have or make the time to listen to them, to support them in their dreams and to make a decision for the good of everyone.

    With such an opportunity, I thought on how to give back the support of our friends, regulars and walk-in guests. The idea was to have a charity mini solo show of my Makati Master. Through the support of the management, we decided to get a percentage of the sales revenue from every show to raise enough money to buy a return ticket to the Philippines for distressed Filipinos in POLO – OWWA.

    The response of our kababayans and foreign guests surprised me. After our three shows, we got tickets, which were awarded during a January 19, 2014 show at the Philippine consulate. We cannot explain what we felt that day when we saw the laughter, tears and excitement of the awardees to see their family back home. That was a heartwarming moment for all of us and we will not stop in doing shows to help them.

    For my kababayans, my advice is to make GOD as the center of everything in our life. God for me means G- Goals in our life, O- Obedience to do it and D- Determination to achieve our dreams. We should believe in ourselves, be honest all the time and give our hearts in all that we do. Success in life will start in one’s self and to achieve it, share your happiness with others.

     

    It’s What I Do
    By: Illustrado

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