I am a simple woman who has big dreams for her family. Family wherein the most important foundation is built and the best treasure you will ever have in life. I am a registered nurse in Dubai, UAE working in an ophthalmology department. I tried my luck here and I’m glad I was blessed. What’s most important in my life right now is to be happy and contented. Happiness and contentment gives me total fulfillment as a person.
Photographer:
Gerard Mapalad
About the photographer:
I am a simple person, always supporting my family in the best way I can. I love taking photos as it captures the memory of every place, person and moment in time.
Life is so much better when you’re laughing”. This line best describes me – who I am and what I believe in life.
I am Ed Ralph “Rap” Aguzar, 28 years oldm a Senior Customer Service Representative in a UAE telephone company, a part-time TV host of a TFC magazine show, a friend to many, a brother to 2, and a son to two simple, hardworking parents.
Making my family, friends, and the people around me happy is my everyday goal. Making others happy does not cost much but can mean a lot for many. Challenges and trials are but a normal part of life, we all have that however, I see it as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. Looking at challenges in life from a different perspective simply makes life better and happier. But what makes me positive in life, what kept me doing this is a promise that I took by heart, a promise from our Creator – “I will never leave you nor forsake you” Hebrews 13:5.
Photographer:
Joey Canlas
About the photographer:
Joey Canlas is a 33-year-old photography enthusiast who works as a logistics coordinator in UAE.
Photography to him is not just a hobby but his passion. He expresses himself thru his art. He uses his camera to capture and makes people see beauty thru his talent. He also believes that his camera is an extension of his eyes. Through this, he’s able to let the people understand his thoughts and perspectives.
He is also a man of few words and preferred to put his words into pictures. He captures smiles, laughter, emotions, and beauty. He’s also into product photography for these past 2 years. He loves to play with colors and lights, combine it, and highlight the minute details of the product to show the best out of it.
I graduated with a Bachelors In Hospitality and Industrial Management. I have the innate capability to deal with many people with different personalities. I also joined a lot of beauty pageants and modeled when I was studying. After working in the Marriot Manila Hotel as a host and in Resorts World as a Casino dealer, I finally achieved my dream job as a flight attendant in Saudi Arabia. In my spare time, I do freelance modeling, photoshoots and join pageant activities within the Filipino community.
Photographer:
Alfredo Bascones Jr.
About the photographer:
A Boholano photographer currently based in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Photography is my passion since college years. Collaborating with talented photographers and learning the different aspects of photography, I am ready to face the challenges and demands from future clients. I believe that a good working attitude and knowledge about photography techniques are the keys for success in this field of business.
I started as a manicurist here in Abu Dhabi 8 years ago. Now I’m currently working as a sales executive in a nails brand called CND. The company sends me to other countries like UK for training. I was also a first runner up in the Mutya ng Kasarinlan pageant held last year at Abu Dhabi.
Photographer:
Richard Enriquez
About the photographer:
I entered Illustrado Faces before with my model, Anne Marie Palaganas. I’m currently the senior photographer for Elabels.com and senior photographer and studio in-charge of Nufsh.com.
I am a firm believer that your brain should always remain glamorous. I have always been a bizarre combination of extroverted-introvert: I love being around people, but I also need my time alone. Writing makes me happy; it makes me whole; it allows me to lay it all out there, even if it’s deleted moments later. And with writing comes the prospect of larger goals; bigger items to check off of a mental agenda. I am most happy when I exist outside of a box. I am most fulfilled when I can combine the normalcy of every day with the lunacy of my mind, & hopefully connect with all of you while doing it. I crave the grounded roots of science as much as I desire the fleeting wonder of creativity.
Photographer:
Alfredo Bascones Jr.
About the photographer:
A Boholano photographer currently based in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Photography is my passion since college years. Collaborating with talented photographers and learning the different aspects of photography, I am ready to face the challenges and demands from future clients. I believe that a good working attitude and knowledge about photography techniques are the keys for success in this field of business.
I’m Brian Rudolph Samson a current student from FEPS who is currently in Grade 10. The most important thing in life is for me to finish my studies and prioritize education, as it is what molds us youth towards success.
Photographer:
Joie Agtarap
About the photographer:
JOIE is a Dubai based fashion photographer, inspired by the direction of world-renowned photographers in the same field. The influences of those photographers have been his vision for all his shoots. Since then it had defined his image style in fashion and portrait photographs.
30 years old, a licensed nurse-midwife in a tertiary hospital in Riyadh. I’ve been an OFW for more than 4 years. I’m always a fanatic of pop music may it be OPM or international. I love poetry and enjoy reading them especially during off days. My philosophy of life lies within the famous words of Socrates “ The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less” it’s seeking contentment in everything we do and that is happiness.
Photographer:
Norman Cunanan, Riyadh – KSA
About the photographer:
I am a Riyadh based photographer for 9 years. Photography started as a hobby for me which turns out to be one of my current top interests. Through my lens, I was able to appreciate more the beauty of life and I was able to influence people with my images and teachings about photography. I am currently leading a group of OFW’s, Riyadh Creative Artists (RCA), whose talents are combined into one – models, photographers, designers, stylists and makeup artists.
Alross R. Almoguerra shot by Jorell-R. Ariola, Illustrado-Magazine
Alross R. Almoguerra
Alross “Ots” Almoguerra is a 24-year-old Pinay based in Abu Dhabi. The youngest of two siblings, she has a knack for art, music and films.
Alvin Lauron Huwane shot by Wadge Shutters – Illustrado Magazine
Alvin Lauron Hawane
Alvin “Jae Lau” Hawane is just a simple guy who loves travelling and adventures! His many talents include cooking, singing, dancing and collecting authentic shoes. Wherever his feet may land, he dreams of being an inspiration to all through promoting uniqueness and individuality.
Anna Bernadette K. Presas shot by Veejay Buenaventura – Illustrado Magazine
Anna Bernadette K. Presas
Anna Bernadette Presas, also known as Bea, is a half Cebuano half Illongo who has been living in Dubai for the last two years. She strives to be a model one day, and her hobbies include sports, outdoor activity and dancing.
Caren R. Braun shot by Jordan F. Aquino – Illustrado Magazine
Caren R. Braun
Graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Information technology, Caren R. Braun is a young lady of German-Filipina descent. She currently competes in many beauty contests in the Philippines.
Charlotte Endaya shot by Alfredo Bascones Jr. – Illustrado Magazine
Chatlotte Endaya
Philippine-born Charlotte Endaya has been studying in Saudi Arabia since 2013. 15 years old and studying in the Philippine School in Al Khobar, Charlotte has a newfound interest within the world of Modeling, and aims to learn more about it.
Cornell Anthony Inocente Tudio shot by Kenny Fenix Abella – Illustrado Magazine
Cornell Anthony Inocente Tudio
Supreme Student Government president of Visayas State University and newly scouted model of DRD Creatives and Production, Cornell Anthony believes nothing is impossible through hard work, determination, patience and faith.
Dalia Varde Khattab shot by Romnick Velarde – Illustrado Magazine
Dalia Varde Khattab
Known as “Laling” by her friends around the world, Dalia Varde Khattab is an Egyptian-Filipina girl who’s curious about the world of modelling. She enjoys her TV series and browsing the internet and dreams of being a plastic surgeon one day.
Ellinore Panlilio Dela Cruz shot by Marlon Bartolo – Illustrado Magazine
Ellinore Panlilio Dela Cruz
Elma Villanueva shot by Norman Pineda Cunanan – Illustrado Magazine
Zamboanga native Emran Mansul Chua has become a dream chaser through his career in Riyadh. He’s the jolly type who enjoys the limelight through modelling and photography.
Francis Noc’es shot by Glenn E. Malaga – Illustrado Magazine
Francis Noc’es
A multi-faceted entrepreneur who dreams big, Francis Noc’es works as a marketing communication strategist for Virgin Mobile KSA. He sports an active lifestyle away from work through his love for badminton and is a toastmaster at heart!
Irene Benn Lascuna shot by Brian Dexter Medija – Illustrado Magazine
Irene Benn Lascuna
Irene Benn Lacuna is a 28 year old Dabawenya based in Dubai. Irene’s love for acting, modeling and hosting has driven her to become the outgoing, optimistic and intrepid woman that she is today! She loves reading, poetry and watching netflix series, occasionally indulging in K drama.
Jay Arvin R. Mendoza shot by Glenn E. Malaga – Illustrado Magazine
Jay Arvin R. Mendoza
Jay Mendoza has been involved in the fashion industry for over a decade! A far cry from his childhood ambition to be a civil engineer. His family is his rock, and he constantly stays strong no matter where his feet land.
Jed Exconde shot by Angelito Cortez – Illustrado Magazine
Jed Exconde
Jhoana Marcia Paras shot by Lester Jonson – Illustrado Magazine
Jhoana Marcia Paras
John Michael E. Manjares shot by Ronnie Payopelin-Illustrado Magazine
John Michael E. Manjares
Dubai based John Michael E. Manjares has been modelling since the age of 18, having done many shows in malls and schools. He currently works in the Carlton Hotel.
John Nico B. Ronquillo shot by Jordan F. Aquino – Illustrado Magazine
John Nico B. Ronquillo
John Ronquillo is an all-round family guy! Having finished Meds School, he aspires to be a Neurologist through his dream of being able to help those in need.
Kaizer Milasky Silvestre shot by Angelito Cortez -Illustrado Magazine
Kaiser Milasky Silvestre
Kaizer Milasky Silvestre is a Pinoy OFW based in Saudi Arabia, currently working in a boutique Spa.
Larry Hilarion Oliver shot by Doyle Joel M. Diestro – Illustrado Magazine
Larry Hilarion Oliver
Aside from working as a full time Sales and Marketing Executive, Larry Hilarion Oliver is a Philanthropist, managing his own charity organization that provides education for the poor. He is also a freelance model, programmer and fitness enthusiast.
Liam Dan Francis shot by Angelito Cortez – Illustrado Magazine
Liam Dan Francis
Maria Jeddah Diaz shot by Leonel Pura – Illustrado Magazine
Maria Jeddah Diaz
Maria Jeddah Diaz works as a nurse in Kuwait. A modern Pinay Heroine in her own right, she believes she can withstand any difficulty and carries herself with a heart that depicts a true Filipina.
Maybelene D. Dela Cruz shot by Roderick Tan – Illustrado Magazine
Maybelene D. Dela Cruz
Maybelene Dela Cruz dreams of being be a top model in the Philippines while pursuing her creative interests in the fashion industry.
Mayenne Geroy shot by Richard Martin Enriquez – Illustrado Magazine
Nina Erica Guilas is a dream chaser. Jolly and strong at heart, she believes that all hard work and resilience will bring you closer to achieving success.
Pattrice Daiz Garcia shot by Johnbert Dacanay – Illustrado Magazine
Pattrice Daiz Garcia
Princess Ecel M. Cabornay shot by Marlon Dagomdon Boloron – Illustrado Magazine
Princess Ecel M. Cabornay
Princess Ecel M. Cabornay is an ambivert with a passion for the arts. Her young soul seeks to go out on many adventures to find out where she truly belongs.
Ralph Anthony Ricablanca shot by Vyktor Regala Jr – Illustrado Magazine
Ralph Anthony Ricablanca
A representative of the free spirited, modern Filipino, Ralph Anthony Ricablanca is an active supporter of education in the Philippines. He constantly surrounds himself with positive and influential people, never running out of inspiration and the drive to become the best he can be!
Raphael George Durmiendo shot by Alexis Fusilero – Illustrado Magazine
Raphael George Durmiendo
The outgoing Raphael George Durmiendo graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Hotel and Restaurant management and is currently working at the Raffles, Makati. He seeks to travel the world and aims to constantly learn about new cultures.
Rico John Guevarra shot by Marlon Dagomdon Boloron – Illustrado Magazine
Rico John Guevarra
Hailing from the province of Negros Occidental, Rico John Guevarra has come a long way! At 32, He has made several appearances on TV and became an advocate for children’s rights. He aims to be an advocate for life and continues to sharpen his skills and talent.
Robert Gratuito shot by Angelito Cortez – Illusrado Magazine
Robert Gratuito
Robert Gratuito is a Certified Public accountant currently working as a tax manager in a big accounting firm.
Scott Glennmark Fadri Remorin shot by Angelito Cortez – Illustrado Magazine
Scott Glenmark Fadri Remorin
The 26-year-old Scott Fadri Remorin loves to sing and workout! His favorite ways to kill time include being an internet surfer and watching project runway.
Toto Glenn Malaga shot by Angelito – Illustrado Magazine
Toto Glenn Malaga
While not working as an HR specialist in Riyadh, Toto Glenn Malaga is an aspiring artist delving into his newfound passion for photography.
Wally Cadag shot by Rico Sumadia-Illustrado Magazine
Wally Cadag
Xelle Reyes shot by Rolando Picadizo – Illustrado Magazine
Xelle Reyes
Prizes from sponsors Liali Jewellery
WINNERS:
Illustrado’s Choice & People’s Choice
Models – Diamond Heart Pendant in 18K white gold
Photographers – ‘Regalo’ Diamond Pendant with chain in 18K yellow gold
