Doc Gelo has received countless recognitions as a travel blogger. The author of two travel books, his travel photos have also been published in many magazines and sites online. He documents and narrates his travel stories and gastronomic adventures through words and vivid photography, and shares helpful travel tips, suggestions and insights on his site which he considers his virtual home. Since it went live in 2007, his blog, Beyond Toxicity @docgelo.com has wholly evolved into what it is now – a go to page for those with hit by the travel bug. Doc Gelo enjoys traveling to places that are rich in culture and heritage sites. He also likes to hobnob with friendly locals and sample native dishes. To date, he has already set foot in 36 countries in 5 continents.
Quite the image of a shy and timid girl, you wouldn’t guess that Lady Anne has wanderlust and has actually immersed herself in so many cultures in faraway lands. In 2017, her blog ‘Lady and Her Sweet Escapes’ was included in Feedspot’s Top 10 Dubai Travel Blogs, 10 UAE blogs Recommended by Expat Focus and Grafdom 15 Influential Travel Bloggers in the UAE. Her advice to aspiring and rising bloggers: “Stay true to who you are and be passionate in what you do. Use social media, not just for self-expression, but as a portal to help and inspire other people.”
Her blog started out on the backbone of fashion, a virtual scrapbook of looks for work and play, and evolved into a journal of travel pursuits and stylish lifestyle experiences. Faith shares a few words for bloggers and future global wanderers. She says, “Remember why you started in the first place. For me, it was a hobby that turned into something greater than I expected, and that keeps me grounded. Don’t be pressured into always keeping up appearances. Move at your own pace, and don’t treat it as a job. Live life too.”
100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: The Fashion Designers
Meet the unique, fabulous, and ingenious designers who spark creativity and innovation in both the regional and international style-spheres, breaking the mold of traditional fashion with their grandiose couture concoctions.
Izhcka Zeta
Photo by: Alex Callueng
Anyone who has seen Francis ‘Izhcka’ Zeta and his work would notice that he is out-of-this-world. Uber-eccentric style, dramatic demeanor, and his amazingly grandiose couture fantasies all come into play. Anti-establishment and one who is just fashionably different but on-point, he expresses that being different was never something he strived for, but rather something naturally embedded within his personality.
Izhcka is Creative Director at Jacy Kay Couture, serving as the brand’s foremost artistic force. Evident from their long list of local and international elite clientele, they have proven to be a favorite in the market.
When it comes to creating pieces, the eternally-elegant Audrey Hepburn has and will always be Izhcka’s muse. He tells us: “My design philosophy is classic Hepburn. It is something I always apply no matter the nationality of my client.” Izhcka realizes that being recognized in such a huge industry does not come easy, especially as a Filipino. Having worked with a multitude of clients, who can be difficult at times, Izhcka stresses that having a flexible attitude is crucial: “Success as a Filipino doesn’t come easy. It comes with perseverance, tolerance, and a high level of calmness.” A further key to success he thoroughly credits is continually studying one’s craft. He says: “Continuing education, researching for the latest trends in color, garments, and style while maintaining the network of people necessary for success is a must.”
Yen Red AB
Photo by: Alex Callueng
You can’t dull his shine. His glamorous creations are noted for their inventiveness, attention to detail, and beguiling fantasy. This, of course, is Yen AB of the couture atelier Yen Couture in Abu Dhabi,
2017 has presented a lot of successes for Yen as a fashion designer. Besides retailing in London, Los Angeles, Tokyo, and New York successfully for the second year, his ingenious designs were also featured on 2 American TV shows – HBO’s Insecure and CBS’ Watch Magazine. His pieces also made the glossy pages of Harper’s Bazaar and were donned on the red carpet at Cannes and the American Country Music Awards.
On top of a favorable attitude, the designer believes that the ability to conquer and rise above any negative circumstance is critical to success. Yen says: “My mantra is rooted in never dwelling on a problem too long. Always trust your gut and work smart by having options and solutions in advance.”
Of every facet of his profession, more than anything, Yen greatly appreciates how something wonderful can emerge from a mere sketch. He articulates: “The entire process of creating something from scratch intrigues me. That magical moment when something materializes out of nothing. That’s the reason I’m designing today.”
Garimon Roferos
Photo by: Alex Callueng
Before finally recognizing his dream, and establishing a couture atelier of his own, Garimon Roferos has been honing his gift for fashion all through his career, having worked under the wing of some of the industry’s most elite names – including Michael Cinco.
Successfully spearheading his brand, Garimon Roferos Couture in 2017, his masterfully crafted gowns have gained acclaim from his clientele here in the Gulf and beyond. Recently, Garimon was also handed the honor of designing a gown for the Philippine President’s grand-daughter, Isabelle Duterte – which she wore for her debut photo shoot at Malacañang Palace. Being invited to the official ceremony this January, he notes: “I understand that some may have found a way to make this controversial, but I love my home, the Philippines, and was grateful to have been bestowed with this privilege and in a very small way, give back to my country.”
Winning a coveted award earlier in his career at the Concours Internationale des Jeunes Creatures de Mode’s D’Incitation, held in Paris, Garimon has proven that Filipinos can do more than fare well on a global scale. To make it, he elaborates: “Never stop creating new, innovative, and unique ideas.”
Shelfred Cañaveras Surdilla
Photo by: Alex Callueng
Don’t be fooled by his age, but Shelfred Cañaveras Surdilla has been rising steadily in the local fashion scene, ever since he arrived eight years ago at the age of twenty. As the Managing Director of Shelfred Le Couturier – Luxurious Modern Abaya, he was successfully able to transition from his modest beginnings as a garment finisher into the owner of a luxury abaya fashion house, through hard work and a sheer commitment to his craft.
Shelfred mainly designs for the chic and fashion-forward Arab women of the UAE, as well as those within the Gulf region. However, his refreshing twist on the culture’s classic gown has made different nationalities embrace the beauty of the abaya – paving the way for the brand’s newer European audience.
With the dream of expanding internationally, Shelfred advises budding designers to value good work ethic and to possess an unwavering sense of dedication towards all facets of one’s trade.
Jun Ricaforte
Photo by: Alex Callueng
Founder of Dune Abaya, the modest Jun Ricaforte’s impeccable eye for local fashion has won over the loyalty of several powerful women across the emirates. Designing such timeless and luxurious pieces that elegantly transition from season to season, his abayas have even been donned by some of the nation’s prominent sheikhas.
A graduate of the New York School of Fashion Design and a former member of the Fujairah Royal Palace design team, Jun reveals what it takes to truly make it: “Great taste, professionalism in dealing with clients, and a genuine enthusiasm for what you’re doing are imperative. Know that it’s not all glamour. Be good to everyone in the industry, especially to your suppliers and tailors – they are the backbone of your business.”
With his designs soon available at the District Venue Dubai and USH boutiques, he aspires to continue creating refined abayas, to someday, see his brand in the top elegant stores of the Gulf.
Ryan Pacioles
Photo by: Alex Callueng
Ryan Pacioles’ sixteen years in fashion have been finally rewarded with his dream come true debut at Fashion Forward Dubai in 2017, under the banner of Atelier Zuhra. Presenting a collection that was so well-received, Ryan voices: “Being a part of such a prestigious event in the world of fashion was an amazing experience and a true career highlight. It wasn’t only a great platform to exhibit my works; it was also a huge confidence booster.”
Together with being a skilled designer, Ryan who initially started in Saudi Arabia believes that being a good person is equally conducive to prosperity. He shares, “My recipe for success is rooted in my core values. First, be Kind. Kindness will open doors to a lot of opportunities. Next is Excellence. Give your absolute best in every aspect of your craft.”
Resty Lagare
Photo by: Nick Velarde, Mayo Gayares & Remar Toledo of Pinoy Digital Photographers in Kuwait (PINDOT) Grooming : Marlon Malinao of MARvelous Make-Up Artistry
Rising Kuwait based fashion designer, Resty Lagare has been moving up in the global fashion arena in recent years, with 2017 being the pinnacle of his design career. Along with unveiling his couture collection at Fashion Week in LA, Phoenix, and New York, he also earned the incredible break of dressing up the finalists of Germany’s Next Top Model, as well as super model host Heidi Klum.
Initially designing for fashion ateliers in Dubai back in the 90’s, Resty is now the resident fashion designer at Lovely Fashion in Kuwait. For two decades there, he and his team have been producing magnificent couture for members of the Royal Family, as well as local actresses and personalities.
His secret to success? Resty expresses: “Alongside good work ethic and constantly updating oneself with the latest trends, to thrive, fashion designers should also keep abreast with the latest social media tools that can help them market their creations.”
Phio Enaje
Photo by: Mox Santos
Recently appointed Creative Director at newly launched fashion atelier, Nymph Couture, Phio Enaje brings a fresh perspective to the industry, with an extensive background in fashion merchandising. Designing in the emirates for over seven years now, he not only creates fabulous gowns but also dabbles in shoes and accessories.
With a yearning for old Hollywood glamour, Phio’s design aesthetic unites the timeless essence of icons like Marlene Dietrich and Joan Crawford, with the refined woman of today who effortlessly exudes grace.
Not swayed by today’s trend, Phio feels that achievement lies in staying true to oneself. He voices: “Backed with talent, passion, and perseverance, I have always followed my vision. This simple yet significant notion is an approach I apply to both my profession and life in general.”
Harvey Cenit
Photo by: Alex Callueng
Head Designer and Creative Director at Al Aroosa Aniqah – a couture brand whose name rings familiar with Emirati Women all over the UAE – Harvey Cenit never ceases to pique the interests of his clientele, with his fairy tale works of art that beautifully balance the delicateness of femininity, and modern couture’s opulent appeal.
Bestowed with several awards this year, a significant highlight for Harvey was being able to dress up his most recent muse, the beautiful Filipina actress, Maxene Magalona, for the Star Magic Ball 2017.
For Harvey, becoming an eminent figure in the world of fashion is no straight-forward procedure – he tells us: “There is really no known recipe for success. You just have to do whatever you are passionate about, take risks and don’t hold back. If you fail, learn from it, and accept constructive criticism. It won’t just make you better at work, but it will make you a better person too.”
100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Tag 91.1 and Pinoy Arabia FM – Radio Personalities
It is not easy to live and work in a different country, as you often end up feeling lonely and isolated. There are those people, however, that bring smiles to your faces. You may not see them, or know their real names, but these are the familiar voices who uplift the Filipino spirit.
The TAG Team
Photo by: Alex Callueng
Louie Da Costa, Bluebird, Chikay and Maria Maldita are the A-team behind Tag Radio, the first award-winning multi-platform Filipino radio station in the UAE.
Updating and uplifting the community are among many of the things Louie Dacosta does. She was nominated for many awards, and won Best Female presenter in 2014. “Amid the hustle and bustle of Dubai’s fast-paced atmosphere, we supply a healthy dose of positivity and good old Filipino humour.”
Bluebird a.k.a Lito Echavarria adds, “We also let our kababayans feel that they are not alone in this foreign land. We help them fight homesickness, and serve as a bridge towards other kababayans in the UAE.”
Jonaphine Caraan-Menes a.k.a Maria Maldita loves to cheer people up. “I empower our kababayans by cheering them on after their long day at work. I do my best to show them a lighter side of life so that they can face the next day with a smile.”
Criticism is a normal part of being on air. Chickay recalls, “As I got older, I became stronger. Criticisms are something I find constructive and essential to my growth.”
Bluebird agrees, “In my line of work I can’t avoid criticism. Most of the time, I consider it as a motivation and a self-evaluation also.”
Despite life having negatives from time to time, the foursome continue to inspire Filipinos to be the best they can be. Louie says: “Simply put, we’re here to highlight the good and remind them to avoid the bad.”
Pinoy Arabia FM
Since its launch on October 2014, Pinoy Arabia FM has generated a sensational following from across the middle east. Its 24-hour hits with regular guests from the Pinoy community provide just the right mix of entertainment and information.
Spearheaded by DJs Ben Garcia, Randy Mendoza and Maxxy Santiago (who founded the radio station), with the help of DJs Darling Dude, Red, Spark and Raymund, Pinoy Arabia FM has, become a reliable source of information and entertainment for many OFW’s.
“We are here to entertain, educate, inform bring our thousands of listeners across the globe closer to home,” says Ben Garcia. “We believe in contributing something good and something positive to the community.”
Randy Mendoza adds, “Looking back, we only had a few listeners, but now, we have thousands. The Philippine Embassy and other Philippine government agencies and have also taken notice. For instance, the Department of Foreign Affairs Overseas Voting Secretariat and COMELEC have made Pinoy Arabia FM as their media partner for the Overseas Voting info campaign. Aside from gaining social relevance, we kept our listeners updated on Philippine and international affairs and not to mention the entertainment that we offer.”
With almost four years on the air, Pinoy Arabia FM has indeed provided invaluable service to the Filipino community. “We keep Filipinos well-informed, and for us, that is our way of empowerment,” says Maxxy Santiago. “If they are well informed and properly updated then, they can act accordingly in any given situation that may be in their midst.”
100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Rex Bacarra and Rommel Pilapil Sergio – Educators
Through their academic endeavors, teachers are the torchbearers of today’s society leading the young towards a bright future. In the case of trailblazing educators Dr. Rex Bernard Bacarra of The American College of Dubai, and Dr. Rommel Sergio Pilapil of The Canadian University of Dubai, they also contribute positive change not only to the lives of the youth but also towards the community as ‘servant leaders,’.
The founding President of Filipino Educators in the UAE, recipient of the Presidential Award by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for Outstanding OFW-Individual Category and recipient of international and local academic and community awards too many to mention, Dr. Rommel has always considered service to the people of paramount importance. For the last two years, he has been running counseling programs for both the Assistance to National Section employees’ workshops, as well as for disadvantaged OFWs at the Philippine Consulate here in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. He also built the Dr. Rommel Sergio Scholarship Foundation in the Philippines, which has, since its creation in 2015, benefited the ten towns of the Rizal Province. With great enthusiasm for teaching as well as social responsibility, Rommel says: “We enrich ourselves by teaching young minds. What is even more challenging (and fulfilling) for any educator is to possess the competencies to touch the learners’ hearts and transform their lives to become responsible and upright citizens of today’s global society.”
Among 2017’s triumphs, Dr. Rex Bacarra, notes that being asked by global group McGraw-Hill Education to be their Digital Faculty Consultant for Europe, and the Middle East and Africa, was truly fulfilling. The American-founded learning science company, and one of the three largest educational publishers in the world, also gave Rex the opportunity to share his expertise in the field at a London conference, bagging a first for Filipinos in the Gulf last August. At the start of 2018, Rex was also promoted to the Dean for General Education at the American College of Dubai. Still, according to him, his most significant achievement regards being bestowed with the “OFW Bayani Award” (Hero Award) the highest award given to a Filipino expatriate by the Department of Foregn Affairs through the Consulate General, for excellence in the field of community service. He shares, “Great achivements are a result of great sacrifices that start off with a desire; mine being to leave a legacy of critical learning to future generations. I consider my most significant works to be the ones wherein I was able to share my skills with those who had less, and extend assistance to those abused.”
Exemplifying the ability of Filipino’s to shine in any arena while serving the community, both share how education can ultimately shape the world and its people. Dr. Rex articulates: “Our country’s redemption lies in the education of character. Instructions should focus not just on giving information but on critical thinking and character-building with consistency.” Dr. Rommel shares: “Education always promotes critical thinking, ethics, and well-being – all these redound to the positive psychology of happiness. Through education, imagine a society that operates on positivity and happiness.”
100 MIFG: The Pink Tarha and Ion Gonzaga – Pioneer Bloggers
While the web is littered with countless bloggers and social media influencers, only a few of them stand out as pioneers who have blossomed into bigger things. ‘Boy Dubai’ and ‘The Pink Tarha’ are the Filipino community’s leaders in this niche.
An authority blogger and pioneer in the area of inspirational lifestyle since 2011, Ion has quickly become a household name – thanks to his memorable blog that’s easily relatable to Filipino culture. Through the years, Ion, who once represented the UAE at the World Bloggers Day, has racked up an enviable amount of awards and deals as well as speaking engagements as an authority in the field. Last year, Ion also launched a novel e-commerce enterprise, Eternitee, which produces stylish t-shirts with empowering and inspiring messages.
He shares, “Until my content has relevance to the Filipino community, yes it makes an impact, and it empowers my fellowmen.” He adds, “My stories are mostly about my expat life – my typical day at home, at work, with family or friends, as well as the wisdom and the lessons learned from my struggles. These are the ingredients I use to create stories that bring positive changes in the lives of my audience.” He also professes, “Every time I receive comments and messages about how a blog I’ve written changed the way people live brightens my day. It is gratifying to know that there are people empowered by what I write and share online. One greatly influenced life can make a big difference in the world.”
Some people think that a blog is just a blog, but when a blog can shine a light and make a positive difference on how a city is perceived – well that’s just special. Lifestyle bloggers Janelle Vales-Yasay and Reina Rejano-Beriña of The PinkTarha have contributed so much to the positive image of Riyadh, KSA, that they have received tourism excellence awards from the Saudi government, not to mention a feature on regional TV MBC, as well as a slot in the Top 10 blogs in the Bloggers Abroad Contest in 2017.
Their blog, which is a compendium of articles featuring restaurants, events, activities, shopping, travel, and how-to guides have become the definitive lifestyle guide for people in the kingdom. Recently the Pink Tarha has also launched its own Youtube channel and have also collaborated with various brands in the hotel, food and beauty industry.
“We have also been more active in the community as we get invited to be inspirational speakers for women empowerment during workshops and students career days,” says Janelle. “By writing about our experiences and the new things happening in the city, we have encouraged people to go out and enjoy their time here.” She adds, “It’s tough being an OFW, even more so in a place like Riyadh, so knowing that there are fun things to do lets them feel that they can do it, too!”
Speaking on social media and people’s fixation on the number of followers at a time when fans can be bought and automated, Reina comments, “Hard work, originality and quality of work will always speak for itself. More importantly, those will build trust between you and your followers. If you put your readers’ interest above fame, glamour, and fortune, only then can you be a true influencer.”
100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Feme Connect Directory – Social Entrepreneurs
Business ventures nowadays are born not only for profit and passion but also to benefit various humanitarian and environmental causes. Here two social enterprises which aim to better Filipinos through their business ventures in the UAE.
Feme Connect Directory
Photo by: Alex Callueng
Prominent husband and wife team of Art Los Banos and Rachel Salinel Los Banos provide help not just to distressed workers in Dubai, but also to impoverished schoolchildren in the Philippines. This, they do, by bringing Filipino entrepreneurs and professionals in Dubai together through the first FEME (Filipino Excellence in the Middle East) Connect Directory, as well as it’s off-shoot project FEME Forum.
“One of our objectives is to connect Filipino entrepreneurs and professionals with one another to create a network of competencies, talents, and skills, and we achieve this through the FEME Forums” says Art Los Banos. He shares that last year, FEME’s forum has seen companies coming together to talk about potential collaboration for mutual business gains. He adds that during the forum, the group as was also able to turnover PAL airtickets to the Philippine Consulate General and to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) to be used for the repatriation of distressed OFWs.
In the future, Art and Rachel plan to have a social media presence by highlighting entrepreneurs and multi-awarded professionals. “We will launch this project in the first quarter of 2018,” says Art. “We also want to host the 3rd FEME Forum in Abu Dhabi as there are many successful and driven entrepreneurs and professionals.”
“We hope that more Filipino professionals and entrepreneurs support the advocacy of FEME Connect as this directory will provide them contact numbers of like-minded individuals specifically professionals in various industries,” says Rachel Los Banos.
100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Journalists – The Storytellers
What does it take to be a storyteller? For these men and women of the media who put themselves on the line to bring us real facts, information, and the truth, it is all about integrity, dedication, and commitment.
Mariecar Blanco Jara
Photo by: Alex Callueng
Some assignments and some interviews may be dull but for local media veteran Mariecar Blanco Jara of Gulf Today, it is up to her to squeeze out everything to make it relevant for the public. “Every day is a challenge in hunting and writing for the news,” she says. “Every assignment and every topic are a challenge on how to get these across interestingly and informatively. While one may be trained into becoming one of the best communicators, the message has to be sent across. It is the person’s character that determines it all.”
She remembers one incident where her character was tested. When she was asked by her editor to go to the Zamboanga Peninsula to explore the effects of the Sipadan Hostaging on the tourism industry, she went full throttle in spite of the danger that lied ahead. Here in the UAE, safe from the risks journalists have to face back home, Mariecar is known has been known to be that type of a reporter who doesn’t shirk from asking the tough questions.
She shares, “I ask God for guidance especially when I tread new territory in my line of work,” she says. “I do not know everything and I am not ashamed to share that I do this for He is my employer. He knows all.”
Janice Ponce De Leon
Photo by: Alex Callueng
A media practitioner for ten years now, Janice Ponce Enrile first worked as a TV producer for Probe with Cheche Lazaro after graduation in 2007 before relocating to Dubai to support her family in 2011. Here, she joined Gulf News, working as the only Filipino reporter in the Nation Section, covering various beats including the Community Development Authority, Asian communities, consumer-related stories for telecom and other utilities, issues related to safety, and anything to do with people and their financial concerns.
“I’m very opinionated and inquisitive,” she says, “My favourite question is why. I could relate to Lois Lane when she said that asking questions is in her blood. My best friends call me the quintessential voice of reason. Why? I don’t understand until now.”
“As a journalist and storyteller, it’s my responsibility to ensure that the information I provide the public is accurate, objective, fair, timely and relevant to them,” she says. “My goal is to write stories that positively influence policymakers and to empower the common man to make informed decisions. It’s very rewarding whenever I see my stories impact them.”
Manuel Almario
Photo by: Alex Callueng
“As a journalist for 18 years in Gulf News, I have published a myriad of human stories that I am proud to say that touched souls and influenced a lot of people,” Manuel Almario says. “I still remember Juan Briza who is a Filipino mechanic based in Dubai. Briza suffers from a rare congential disorder called dysmelia. He’s got no hands and no feet, but he’s full of courage and determination! Despite his disability, he didn’t quit. He is an abled mechanic, he persevered and helped his parents and his future is bright.”
This kind of story, he says, melts his heart and feeds his determination to succeed. Being a Community Editor in Gulf News allows him to share that sort of inspiration and impact the local community, especially with the virality that social media offers.
He gives a word of caution, however, in this era where fake news is so rampant. “With the popularity of social media such as Facebook, Tweeter, and Instagram, it is so easy to post and promote anything,” he says. “It’s hard to identify hard news from rumours, positive from negative, true from fake, as there are many exploiters endorsing one’s agenda. So we have to be extra vigilant, investigate and validate facts. Always go by the credible and big news organisations such as gulfnews.com, bbc.com, washingtonpost.com, inquirer.net to name a few. Don’t be deceived!”
Maxxy Santiago
Photo by:Nick Velarde, Mayo Gayares & Remar Toledo of Pinoy Digital Photographers in Kuwait (PINDOT)
A non-embedded war correspondent during the US-led war in Iraq in 2003, Maxxy Santiago is a Senior Correspondent and Consultant of ABS-CBN Middle East News Bureau/The Filipino Channel with 18 years of intensive experience, a Reporter of the Arab Times in Kuwait and founder/program director/announcer of Pinoy Arabia FM in Kuwait.
Covering Filipinos caught in the conflict areas of Iraq, Syria, Libya, and Yemen is one of the most notable works Maxxy is most proud. Being instrumental in the freeing of the longest serving Filipino inmate in Kuwait who has been in jail for 20 years is also an achievement that she holds dear. All these, as well as her unique experience in the region, has earned her a myriad of honors in the Philippines, Kuwait and the US. Despite all this, Maxxy shares what she finds most fulfilling with her work, “The adrenaline rush, the rich experience and most importantly getting the stories of our fellow Filipinos aired across as they appeal for help, moving the concerned government officials to act swiftly are what keeps me grounded.”
Maxxy adds, “As a journalist, it is my responsibility to report what is fair, honest and truthful. As a journalist, it’s not enough that I only report what has happened. My report should also move people to action; something good must come out of it. There should always be a ‘redeeming value.’ A journalist is not just a mere storyteller but most importantly a ‘catalyst for change.’
The old adage “no man is an island” rings true, especially for the Filipino organizations in the United Arab Emirates where they band together for a common aspiration. Collectively known as Filclub Dubai and Northern Emirates, the members composed of 95 Filipino organizations represented by professions, sports, geography and advocacy have as their major projects the Philippine Independence Day and Bayanihan Festival Celebrations, attended by as much as 20,000 guests, where the organizations are united in the spirit of volunteerism.
“Many Filipinos need support in their goal to achieve excellence while being part of a workforce away from home,” says Chairman Engr. Maria Fe Tata Dayot. “These support systems include professional enhancement, guidance, moral support and some sense of belongingness. This is where volunteerism comes in, which I believe that everyone needs to be involved in. When everyone is involved in volunteerism, there is sharing, there is support for each other, friendships are developed, and there are the greater benefits of working together.”
On the photo: FilClub Chairman Engr. Tata and Vice Chairman Ericson Reyes.
Of Spiritual Leadership: Juliet Solas
Photo by: Alex Callueng
For nurse Sister Juliet Solas, a Dubai Excellence Awardee and respected figure in the Filipino community, volunteer work is a major part of her life.
She is an active member of the Legion of Mary at St. Mary’s Church, an organization of lay volunteers who dedicate their time to help the poor, the marginalized, and those looking for guidance. Her work over the years include visiting the sick in hospitals, going to the jail to visit and provide spiritual counselling to inmates, as well as providing marriage counselling for couples.
“As Filipinos, we value marriage and family, so marriage counselling and work with unmarried couples working and residing in Dubai has become a consistent apostolate that culminates each year, with a Mass Wedding of couples,” says Juliet. “This undertaking has been there for the last 25 years and by testimonies, the couples said their marriages have become stronger because it was sacramentalized. To some extent, this initiative has created a bond among members of the Filipino community, as more and more couples join the event every year.”
Of Peace and Unity: Sahron “Roy” Tamano
Photo by: Alex Callueng
As one of the few remaining pioneers and once a-two time President of the Maranao Community in UAE founded decade and a half ago, Roy Tamano continues to serve and tries to steer the group into achieving its basic objective of promoting unity and serving the welfare of the members, mainly coming from the Maranao tribe of Lanao provinces in Southern Philippines.
He is also the Organizer and Chairman of the Filipino Muslim Basketball Tournament for its three seasons from 2015 to 2017. A first of its kind sports activity in UAE that unites most of the Filipino Muslim Expats here representing each tribe to promote unity through the world of sports.
One of the turning points in his life was when he witnessed the start of the siege of Marawi by ISIS Terrorists when they attacked in the afternoon of May 2017. It made so much impact on him that he put it upon himself to participate in relief efforts. “There was too much suffering and shock for the ordinary populace who tried to flee by barefoot to the nearby town,” he says. “Upon my return to UAE, I and the MARCOM Group helped organize a series of Charitable Campaign with the support of other Filipino groups in Dubai”.
Of Humanitarian Missions: Wafa Qasimeh
Photo by: Alex Callueng
A Major Consultant in Cultural Administration at the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities – Government of Dubai, where she serves as a bridge to the community, Wafa Qasimieh is also a veritable ambassador of different international NGO’s such as SPMUDA INTERNATIONAL, wherein she represents the Philippines, Wafa Qasimieh belongs to the 100 Influential women in the world.
Her projects are more humanitarian in nature such as sharing a helping hand to school – putting up libraries, donating school supplies for students, among others. “I have more than 100 scholars from Elementary to College,” she says. “I also have Aetas that require monthly financial assistance, plus other projects here in the UAE.”
She continues, “I offer help to any nationality but yes, it is an advantage to give help to my fellow countrymen. As Filipinos, volunteerism is etched within us from our forefathers and lives until now. We carry it wherever we go. Bayanihan as core value is important; especially as a way of giving thanks that we are able to live in a place where people have a comfortable life. My big faith becomes my advocacy and my advocacy becomes my passion. We should do all things by heart.”
100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Reem Hameed – Entrepreneur and Culture Innovator.
Photo by: Sam Allison
Entrepreneur, producer, and cultural innovator. Filipina-Iraqi-Canadian Reem Hameed is a rising force to be reckoned with within the country’s pack of successful “young blood.” Armed with degrees in Political Science and Law, and the Young Creative Entrepreneurship Award from the British Council –the feats she has been able to achieve so early on in her career are nothing short of amazing.
As a media and tech entrepreneur running a world class production company – Collective Media Group – and a well-loved local personality on the Dukkan Show – a podcast centered on the educational work of cultural understanding – with her partner OT, Reem says that her career has taken her places she could never imagine. Having been in the world’s corporate boardrooms, as well as its slums and camps, what Reem ultimately does as a human is rooted in the pursuit of global harmony. She remarks, “The work I do is embodied in love, art, cultural communication, and community. The fact that I get to do this every day with the people I love is the most wonderful gift and greatest achievement.
When asked what has brought her here today, Reem credits her multicultural upbringing, especially her Filipina roots, “I inherited tenacity, discipline, and resourcefulness. Most importantly, I inherited a love for people.”
With a bright future ahead of her, she shares her hope for all Filipinos: “May we explore who we are with honest eyes and redefine our identity in our own light. Most importantly, I hope that we have discourse that will make space for future generations to accept who they are unapologetically.”
100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Middle East: The Filmmakers
They not only share stories, and elevate ideas, they champion an art with a burgeoning community despite the lack of an actual commercial industry in the country. Here are the Filipinos keeping the passion for filmmaking alive in the emirates.
Kamil Roxas
Photo by: Alex Callueng
Award-winning director Kamil has been directing predominantly for brands in recent years, always conscious in his effort bring the commercial a notch higher – to find the cinematic attributes of a story, build upon it, and then execute it.
“When I first started I was very much into the form and the look, obsessing over the visual aesthetic of the film,” he says. “It did very well for me and set the foundation of how I would work in the next couple of years after that. However, now I tend to ground the narrative more on the performance and how it brings out the story, going for a more balanced aesthetic of beautiful images that feel more realistic – that harmonious sweet-spot of content and form. Recently I have been leaning heavily towards this approach when making the sort of commercials and films that I choose to make.”
Director of the One of those Happy Stories, winner of the inaugural Conde Nast Traveller ME 2017 shorties film competition, Kamil finds that making a film out of genuine life experience, not tainted with any specific intentions, resonates a lot more with an audience. “I find myself more of a traveler and an observer of life, and from that experience, I’m able to draw a lot of inspiration and have it filter into my work,” he says.
Melon Quinzon Perez
Photo by: Alex Callueng
Melon Quinzon Perez started shooting weddings with her husband back in 2009 and established The MelRish Studio. After shooting several wedding and corporate videos and telling other people’s stories, she thought of telling stories of her choice and joined the 48hr Film Project in 2016.
She says, “It was a chance for me not only to challenge my story writing and directing skills, I also thought it was a chance for me to contribute to society through film by addressing a problem society faces – and at that time, I felt that low self-esteem was a problem most people face due to social media pressure.”
The short film, Aurora, won 1st Runner Up, Most Promising Director Award, Best Actress for Danabelle Gutierrez and Best in Writing. She also won the Best Director Award at the Emirates Short Film Fest in 2017. The film was also selected at the London Monthly Film Festival.
Despite limited resources keeping her from doing what she loves the most, Melon is optimistic. “I have a vision that one day I will have enough funds to produce, write and direct one of those old stories sitting on my shelf and get support to put these stories into the big screen. For the meantime, I enjoy writing and directing shorts. Hopefully this 2018, I can create more films which will not only entertain but relay something that will leave the audience thinking.”
Ronald Awa
Photo by: Alex Callueng
Ronald Awa is a photography and filmmaking enthusiast. He started as a theatre director with a focus on national Filipino heroes such as Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, and more. His enthusiasm for the art had made an enormous impact in the local filmmaking fraternity when he founded and created the Emirates Short Film Festival in 2012. The project which will be holding its 5th season has since received over 500 short films and other award-winning content produced by talents from the emirates.
“Since 2008, I’ve been an active volunteer of the first independent film club in Dubai, The Scene Club, which was founded by my friend Nayla Al Khaja, who is the first female Emirati filmmaker,” he says. “In the same year at around March 2008, I founded the Emirates Group Photography Club which is still running with over 3000 members.”
As a filmmaker, his previous work includes the short action/romance film, Red Rose. He has participated thrice in the 48 Hours Film Project in Dubai, and other film/photography projects for Emirates Airline. He is also currently working on an ambitious collaboration with other Filipino filmmakers in Dubai, entitled Do They Come True which features the classic example of dreaming big.
“Dubai’s local film scene has a lot of rich talent that I feel deserves a chance to shine,” he says. “I like stories that are stripped down to their raw human element, free from modern influences that usually tend to focus more on fancy robotics and CGI.”
