Illustrado Magazine – Filipino Abroad

Tag: Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

  • Jimi Buenconsejo – Illustrado 300 Most influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Jimi Buenconsejo – Illustrado 300 Most influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Jimi Buenconsejo – Illustrado 300 Most influential Filipinos in the Gulf -Legacy Edition 2020

    JIMI BUENCONSEJO

    Royal Designer

    Dressing up celebrities is one thing.  But creating lavish couture pieces in the royal atelier, for Dubai’s most prominent family, is quite a league on its own. Indeed, most people can only dream of how it is to be like Jimi Buenconsejo, Chief Designer for the emirate’s Royal Family. His days are filled with creativity and couture, leading a team of 22 designers, pattern makers, tailors, beaders, and embroiderers.  With tremendous resources, the royal atelier creates up to five intricate and lavish pieces in a single day.

    Beyond the glamor that has marked Jimi’s 20-year career in the Middle East, however, the designer says that he relishes having the capacity of bolstering others towards having a better life. “Being able to elevate the standard of living for most of our staff, as well as provide jobs to our fellow kababayans as part of my creative team, gives me a great sense of purpose and happiness,” he shares.

    He also hopes to inspire other aspiring fashion designers with what he has learned from working with the best in the region. “In every design and idea, the willingness to learn new things will be one’s tool to move forward.”

     

    Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf is Supported by: Kaya Skin Clinic,  Emirates Airline, and Unilever.

    Special Thanks to Michael Cinco, Ezra Couture , Giordano, Darcey Flowers, IKON Solutions, Victors Freight, MPQ Tourism, Asia Gulf Companies –La Carne & Filfood, WOL Water

    Get a copy of Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf Legacy Edition

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    Jimi Buenconsejo – Illustrado 100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf 2018

    Fashion Designer for Dubai’s Royal Family

    One of the greatest compliments a designer can ever earn in their career is being asked to exclusively design for one of the most prominent families not only in Dubai, but also in the world, and Jimi Buenconsejo has had that pleasure as a royal designer for over twenty years.

    The creative force behind La Donna Couture for nearly two decades, before he joined the palace, the incomparable Jimi Buenconsejo was a graduate of the Philippines’ Slim’s fashion school, and was one of the youngest members of the Isetann Board of designers, before he moved to the Middle East.  His extensive industry background coupled with his eye for timeless glamor has cultivated expertise for creating pieces fit for the most discerning.

    With him leading a team of 22 composed of designers, pattern makers, tailors, beaders, and embroiderers, the royal atelier creates up to five intricate pieces in a single day.  Of what may seem like a demanding profession, he shares: “I guess you simply have to love what you’re doing. If you love it, you can overcome any difficulties that may come your way, and continue to do so for a long, long time. The best part is, we don’t have to work on a budget – so creativity is endless”.

    As for his hopes for his fellow countrymen, he shares: “The Philippines has a lot of young, creative, and talented individuals. I want to share the learnings from my experiences to prepare aspiring designers for a career, and how to sustain one.”

     

     

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    Special thanks to our sponsors: Emirates Airline, Stars n Bars La Mer, Liali, Instax – Grandstores UAE, Dusit Thani Dubai, Gver – Your Friendly Marketplace for Sharing, Meeting Dancewear , MPQ, CMG, Filbrit, and our partners Rozen Antonio Photography,  Alex Callueng Photography, Jef Anog Photography, and Ethereal Photography.

     

    Browse the digital issue of Illustrado 100 Most Influential Filipinos of the Gulf 2018

  • Illustrado’s Fabulous Party at the Armani Privé to Celebrate the 300MIFG Release

    Illustrado’s Fabulous Party at the Armani Privé to Celebrate the 300MIFG Release

    Illustrado’s Fabulous Party at the Armani Privé to celebrate its 300MIFG Release

    February saw a massive gathering of the Filipino community’s crème de la crème like no other, as Illustrado Magazine celebrated the release of their biggest and most anticipated issue yet on the 21st of February. The Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf – Legacy Edition 2020 is Illustrado’s landmark issue detailing a slice of Filipino history in the Middle East, through the stories of 300 Filipino individuals and groups who have made an impact in the region and beyond.

    Held at the glamorous Armani Privé at the Armani Hotel in Burj Khalifa, the exclusive invite-only event was attended by a host of the most renowned Filipinos from the region, including VIPs Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes and Mme. Yasmin Balajadia Cortes and other Illustrado 300 honorees composed of fashion designers, entrepreneurs,  industry powerhouses, artists, influencers, and other notable personalities.

    Continuing its tradition of throwing an homage to ballroom culture, the Illustrado party also featured a series of spectacular walk off challenges with featured categories including – “High Fashion Modele Effect,” “Crazy Rich”, “Glorious Skin and Face,” “Alpha Eleganza Realness”and “Dance, Werk, Vogue” and others, which got some of the city’s hottest fashionistas strutting on the dance floor!

    Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf is Supported by: Kaya Skin Clinic,  Emirates Airline, and Unilever.

    Special Thanks to Michael Cinco, Ezra Couture , Giordano, Darcey Flowers, IKON Solutions, Victors Freight, MPQ Tourism, Asia Gulf Companies –La Carne & Filfood, WOL Water

    Get a copy of Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf Legacy Edition

     

  • Sherwin Darrel – Most influential Filipinos in the Gulf 2018

    Sherwin Darrel – Most influential Filipinos in the Gulf 2018

     

    Sherwin Darrel

    Hailing from Sultan Kudarat, Sherwin Darrel’s couture journey across the world has landed him in Saudi Arabia, where he has gone on to garner fame through his active contributions to the wedding industry. Championing his atelier, Emperatora Fashion, he has become one of the hottest wedding gown designers in the kingdom.

    Sherwin Darrel - Most influential Filipinos in the Gulf 2018

    Sherwin’s designs shift between effortless minimalism to eloquent boldness, emphasized through clever embellishments.  The designer’s gowns can be seen worn by women from around the world on the most important day of their lives.  Well-known in the regional bridal circuit, Sherwin carries both the Philippines and Saudi Arabia, every time he participates in international shows side-by-side designers from across the world.  Regarding his contribution to fashion as his most significant achievement in life, Sherwin shares his secret to success. “I’m able to achieve my triumphs by being consistent in everything I have planned with the utmost patience, self-discipline, and perseverance. My motivation is simple. It is my passion, and I want to be best in what I do. It’s not about fame, money, or power.  Sherwin also reveals, “I have also received a lot of criticism about my work. But I take them as constructive criticism, and a motivation for me to do more and stay focused in my chosen field.”

    Ultimately, the designer aspires to be able to inspire others.  “I want to be a role model, to others and leave them a legacy for the next generation of fashion designers. I hope I will be able to continue to influence them to fulfill their dreams.”

     

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    Special thanks to our sponsors: Emirates Airline, Stars n Bars La Mer, Liali, Instax – Grandstores UAE, Dusit Thani Dubai, Gver – Your Friendly Marketplace for Sharing, Meeting Dancewear , MPQ, CMG, Filbrit, and our partners Rozen Antonio Photography,  Alex Callueng Photography, Jef Anog Photography, and Ethereal Photography.

     

    Browse the digital issue of Illustrado 100 Most Influential Filipinos of the Gulf 2018

     

  • Models – Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf 2018

    Models – Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf 2018

    Models - Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf 2018

     

    Paul Kiefer

    Fashion Model

    With the local world of advertising and fashion heavily dominated by Western and Arabic models, Paul Kiefer is one of those rare talents that represent the Filipino; and represent well he has.  Having graced countless buildings, billboards, runways, and magazines across the Emirates and the rest of the world, his is one of the most recognizable premium faces in the country.  Paul elaborates on identity and representation: “Never feel you are under someone or don’t have the power to achieve what others do. We are all people, and it’s not about where you are from or what you have, but how far you are willing to go to achieve what you want to achieve.”.

    “So many new things happened this year. I’m always learning more and more about myself and the world we live in through my travels as a model and from new experiences.”.

    Besides modeling, Paul has further expanded his career exploring a separate avenue in the industry – photography. Devoting more time behind the camera these days, Paul considers photography to be a profound passion he was just waiting to immerse himself in. Just recently, Esquire Magazine featured his work – a coup he considers to be one of his great achievements.

     

    Dimitri Tolenaars

    Fashion Model

    A Dutch boy with both Filipino and Spanish blood, who was raised in Belgium, model Dimitri Tolenaars proves that today’s Filipinos are the picture of ethnic diversity. With an equally diverse portfolio, ranging from commercial campaigns to luxury fashion editorials for the likes of Michael Cinco, Dimitri recently graced the pages of the first editions of GQ Middle East (modeling for Bottega Veneta), and Vogue Man Arabia.

    The world of fashion and modeling is ever-changing and rapidly evolving. For a young model like Dimitri, it is this very uncertainty that drives him to be the best version of himself. “Since I’m not one hundred percent sure about my plans, I hope to be the best I can be in whatever I decide to undertake. It all starts with yourself. Be confident. Looking up to other people is fine as long as you don’t look down on you. After that, it’s not just advancing as Filipino people, but as human beings in general.”

     

    Benedickte Gammelgaard

    Fashion Model

    Danish-Filipina beauty, Benedickte Gammelgaard has been modeling since the age of twelve. Now twenty-four, her career in the industry has been blessed with both local and significant international gigs. Benedickte has modeled for several illustrious beauty brands – Huda Beauty, Makeup Forever, Loréal PH – she has graced the pages of publications from around the world – Harper’s Bazaar, ID Magazine, Preview PH, Illustrado Magazine – and has as well walked for Michael Cinco, Ezra Santos, MSFTS, American Eagle Outfitters, and more.

    A multi-talented artist that specializes in graphic design, who also has a passion for music, one parallel challenge Benedickte has encountered on several fronts of her life concerns self-acceptance. She shares: “I think my main challenge, to this day, is believing I was never good enough. Something a lot of girls and boys struggle with, especially in this industry. There have been times where I have refused to sing on stage and refused jobs I thought I was incapable of doing. However, the sooner I accepted who I was, the sooner I could work, and the more I would be able to achieve.”

    Benedickte finds inspiration in the values and culture of the Filipino people. “It’s almost difficult for me to give advice when I can look up to almost every Filipino I know. Their determination and perseverance in anything they do is admirable and is something I try to learn from always.”.

     

     

    Fara Manalo

    Fashion Model

    Roberto Cavalli, Hermès, Bvlgari. These are just a few of the prominent luxury brands model Fara Manalo has walked for. She has also appeared in numerous commercial campaigns for brands like Emirates, Samsung, and Atlantis Hotel. With Illustrado serving as her first ever magazine cover, Fara to this day dons her culture and ethnicity with pride:  “To be amongst the few Filipino models here in Dubai, I am proud to wave the Philippine flag till the end.”

    While modeling as a profession is notoriously considered to be quite demanding, Fara’s unbending optimism has helped her remain a cut above the rest: “My advice to Filipinos, or anyone for that matter, would be to sincerely believe in yourself and be confident when you are working to the best of your abilities. I feel that if everyone lived their lives genuinely and with passion, anything can be achieved.”

     

     

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    Special thanks to our sponsors: Emirates Airline, Stars n Bars La Mer, Liali, Instax – Grandstores UAE, Dusit Thani Dubai, Gver – Your Friendly Marketplace for Sharing, Meeting Dancewear , MPQ, CMG, Filbrit, and our partners Rozen Antonio Photography,  Alex Callueng Photography, Jef Anog Photography, and Ethereal Photography.

     

    Browse the digital issue of Illustrado 100 Most Influential Filipinos of the Gulf 2018

     

     

     

     

  • Josephine Cuthbert – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Josephine Cuthbert – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Thoughtleaders – Josephine Cuthbert

    Community Champion

    Josephine Cuthbert - Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf
    Photo by: Ace Reyes

     

    A vital mover within the UAE’s vibrant and thriving food industry is Josephine Cuthbert, a nutrition consultant who has been at the core of pulling together the region’s most pre-eminent culinary initiative.

    For over 15 years, Josephine has been at the forefront of the Emirates Culinary Guild, serving as Vice President of Administration and Affairs.  She oversees the management of the group’s high-profile industry events, most notably the Emirates Salon De Culinaire, a gathering of thousands of chefs and international food experts from across the globe.  In 2019, the prestigious gathering was conducted at the Sharjah Expo in 2019, the first new venue in 25 years since the guild’s establishment. Handling the mammoth task of managing the complex undertaking and driving its success is just par for the course for Josephine, as part of a greater team effort.

    Having seen the growth of not only of the region culinary fraternity but also the rise of Filipino chefs, Josephine encourages compatriots to take greater participation in these worthwhile industry projects.  She says, “I hope that our Filipino chefs’ community will take advantage of what we offer them, enabling them to shine.”  She adds, “We must take advantage of every opportunity in the workplace and in life. Take the risk to try something different to get ahead, for ourselves, our families and our country.”

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  • Rising Marketing Stars – Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf 2018

    Rising Marketing Stars – Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf 2018

    Rising Marketing Stars

    Behind some of the region’s most prominent initiatives on the social media scene are young and brilliant Filipinos in the driving seat.

     

     

    Geny Villareal Baluyot

    While she is mostly known for her bold, moody Instagram photography and involvement in the #shotoniphone6s ‘Colors’ campaign, Geny Villareal Baluyot (aka Genyvb) is, in fact, the strategic core of six highly respected brands in the GCC.

    Geny made the big jump from doing agency work to doing client operations, now managing the marketing strategies, content creation and social media management of brands under the Apparel Group. She has used her social media knowledge to drive the presence of the biggest franchises in the region’s food industry including Jamie’s Italian, Jamie Oliver’s Pizzeria, Sumo Sushi & Bento, Cold Stone Creamery, Sbarro and Molten Chocolate Café. She has played a vital role in acquiring many awards for her restaurants, including the ‘Best International Franchise’ (awarded from Jamie Oliver’s UK) and the Fact Dining Awards ‘Best Newcomer’ and ‘Favorite Casual Dining Restaurant.’

    Purpose, positivity, and passion have had a profound effect on Geny’s work. Aligning work with her goal of traveling the world one day, she works tirelessly to make her dreams come true. “If you’re truly passionate about something, you will not allow yourself get distracted by anything. Do something each day to align your interests with your goals.”

     

    Rudstin Chopper Estrellado

    Whoever said, “Youth is wasted on the young,” has not met Rudstin Chopper Estrallado.  This soft-spoken bright young’un has earned his company numerous awards, surpassing even veterans in his field.

    Fully immersed in today’s battlefield market, especially for the lifestyle consumer industry, Rudstin works as a Digital Marketing Executive for one of the most prominent retail groups in the Middle East – the Apparel Group.  He is responsible for creating and executing digital campaigns, community management, and influencer management for some well-known international brands.  With his digital savvy and working with the best in the field, his efforts have yielded not just one, but three top honors at last year’s Retail Middle East Awards – his projects for Ardene and New Balance hailed as Brand Campaign of the Year and Herschel Supply Co. as Rising Star of the Year.  He gushes, “It felt good to have the right people validate your ideas and your hard work.”

    Being in the field as a youngster among more seasoned professionals, Rudstin has a very pragmatic approach that keeps him bold and unwavering in pursuing projects for his brands.  “All it takes is that one person to believe in you, who will help and motivate you to pursue your ideas and guide you along the way,” he says

     

    Michelle Robis

    Michelle Robis works in Corporate Marketing as a Brand Social Media and Activations Manager at one of the region’s most valuable real estate development company and the developer of prestigious and exceptionally built property, malls and hospitality projects in the UAE. A graduate of De La Salle – College of St. Benilde in Business Administration in Computer Applications, and backed with experience in leading a talented digital team before moving to Dubai, she joined the hospitality industry back in 2015.  She is currently responsible for driving the social media marketing and communications initiative of four highly acclaimed hospitality brands. She also looks after each social media platform of the company’s 14 operational hotels and leisure clubs.

    Working in such a fast-paced and competitive industry is genuinely demanding. In surmounting these inevitable hurdles, Michelle shares that striving to be an exemplary Filipino and an individual that emboldens the community serves as an inspiration to rise above: “It’s no secret that Filipinos are very resilient. To be able to represent Filipinos abroad and prove to everyone that Filipinos can stand out, lead and inspire – that would be such an achievement.

     

     

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    Special thanks to our sponsors: Emirates Airline, Stars n Bars La Mer, Liali, Instax – Grandstores UAE, Dusit Thani Dubai, Gver – Your Friendly Marketplace for Sharing, Meeting Dancewear , MPQ, CMG, Filbrit, and our partners Rozen Antonio Photography,  Alex Callueng Photography, Jef Anog Photography, and Ethereal Photography.

     

    Browse the digital issue of Illustrado 100 Most Influential Filipinos of the Gulf 2018

     

     

  • Rolan Rodriguez – Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf 2018

    Rolan Rodriguez – Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf 2018

    Rollan Rodriguez

    Artist & Catalyst

     

    Brown Monkeys instigator and founder of Ape Creative, graphic designer and advertising veteran Rollan Rodriguez is highly regarded by fellow creatives in the Middle East, not only as a design professional, a catalyst for the low brow and urban art movement and community in the UAE but also a champion of the Filipino art aesthetic. With exhibits, collaborations and projects he has spearheaded either via Brown Monkeys or through his agency Ape Creative in recent years, Rollan’s distinctive voice stands out in a field where there is an immense availability of diverse talent.

    Despite a challenging time for SME’s in the creative industry in the UAE in 2018 and a setback in his health, Rollan’s year was marked by exciting wins, cementing his status in the country as a design innovator.  Ape Creative won two international awards from the Indigo Design Awards held in Tokyo, Japan – a silver for typography and gold for lettering categories. “We are positive that 2019 will be an even more exciting year. See, when God closes the door, he opens the windows,” he shares.

    Having built a notable career as a distinguished designer, Rollan reveals what has allowed him to excel in his chosen field, “Through the years, discipline, creativity and vision were the values that helped me to get by. These values can be applied by all people of different backgrounds.  You’ll see outstanding results.”

     

     

     

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    Special thanks to our sponsors: Emirates Airline, Stars n Bars La Mer, Liali, Instax – Grandstores UAE, Dusit Thani Dubai, Gver – Your Friendly Marketplace for Sharing, Meeting Dancewear , MPQ, CMG, Filbrit, and our partners Rozen Antonio Photography,  Alex Callueng Photography, Jef Anog Photography, and Ethereal Photography.

     

    Browse the digital issue of Illustrado 100 Most Influential Filipinos of the Gulf 2018

     

     

  • Joana Bacalo – 100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf 2018

    Joana Bacalo – 100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf 2018

    Joana Bacalo

    Clean Water Crusader

    Having worked for a Dubai based airline for over a decade has taken Joana Bacallo on several enlightening journeys – even to the most remote regions on earth.  Her travels have illuminated a reality that now fuels her efforts as a social entrepreneur and activist – the fact that there is a lack of access to clean water and sanitation in rural communities around the world.

    In the pursuit of advocating for a better and more sustainable future, Joana has participated in highly regarded international water conferences such as the World Water Week held in Stockholm as a Young Water Professional and spoke at youth conferences on the Sustainable Developmental Goals, where Goal 6 highlights ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.  In understanding such a reality, Joana has even immersed herself in community work back home, crusading with other passionate individuals for Filipino children to have better knowledge of water, sanitation, and hygiene through Unicef’s global initiative, WASH.

    Partnering with both Filipino and global organizations – namely Juan Portrait, The Storytelling Project, Klasrums ng Pag-Asa, The Wimler Foundation, and Art Dubai, not to mention school teachers around the Philippines – has elevated Joana’s advocacy into a shared cause.

    An altruist at heart, Joana notes that the idea of having helped a single person is rewarding enough:

    “I feel the relevance of my work when I hear from someone that they have also started a project or organized a movement. The idea of being at the center of the ‘ripple effect’ inspires me to lead and challenge myself do more.”

     

     

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    Special thanks to our sponsors: Emirates Airline, Stars n Bars La Mer, Liali, Instax – Grandstores UAE, Dusit Thani Dubai, Gver – Your Friendly Marketplace for Sharing, Meeting Dancewear , MPQ, CMG, Filbrit, and our partners Rozen Antonio Photography,  Alex Callueng Photography, Jef Anog Photography, and Ethereal Photography.

     

    Browse the digital issue of Illustrado 100 Most Influential Filipinos of the Gulf 2018

     

  • Chef Jade Saducas – Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Chef Jade Saducas – Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Chef Jade Saducas

    Culinary Champion

    Make no mistake, for this petite chef is a giant in her field. Pastry Chef and Cake Designer World Champion Jade Saducas stands out distinguished and proud among many ultra-competitive professionals within the UAE’s burgeoning culinary sphere, a field that, like everywhere else in the world, is heavily dominated by men.

    Photo by Jef Anog

    A pastry chef and resort cake artist at the Madinat Jumeirah (which covered Jumeirah Al Naseem Hotel, Dar Al Masayaf Hotel, Al Qsar Hotel, and Mina A Salam Hotel, plus the Conference Center and Jumeirah Hospitality), Jade’s steadfast dedication towards her craft is evocative of the career feats she has been able to accomplish thus far. Among many other accolades, Jade bagged top prize at the Cake Designer World Championships in 2017, and also won the Caterer’s Pastry Chef of the Year award in 2018 – topping many of the industry’s culinary giants and being the only female at that. This chef known for her multi-tiered masterpieces and intricate miniatures was also a featured personality in this year’s Huawei campaign in the UAE – Huawei Stories.

    An empowering figure for chefs and women alike, Jade shares that with triumph, inevitably comes adversity. She says, “Winning gold equates sacrifice. Be ready for the sacrifices that may be demanded of you.”  However, she professes that she overcomes these by placing trust in her challenges and enforcing humility through every venture.

    As for what the future holds, Jade works to share her skills with her peers and those who aspire to thrive in the field. But for the ambitious chef, for now, the finish line is far from near.

     

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    Special thanks to our sponsors: Emirates Airline, Stars n Bars La Mer, Liali, Instax – Grandstores UAE, Dusit Thani Dubai, Gver – Your Friendly Marketplace for Sharing, Meeting Dancewear , MPQ, CMG, Filbrit, and our partners Rozen Antonio Photography,  Alex Callueng Photography, Jef Anog Photography, and Ethereal Photography.

     

    Browse the digital issue of Illustrado 100 Most Influential Filipinos of the Gulf 2018

  • Filipino Diplomats in the Middle East – Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Filipino Diplomats in the Middle East – Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Filipino Diplomats in the Middle East

     

    Alfonso Ferdinand Agbayani Ver

    Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain 

    Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain, Alfonso Ver brings with him a wealth of experience in Foreign Service before his first ambassadorial posting in the country.  His first foreign assignment was as Vice Consul, then promoted to Consul, in Guam (1996 to 2002). He later became First Secretary and Consul General, then Minister, Consul General and Deputy Head of Mission, in Ankara, Turkey (2005 to 2009), before he moved to San Francisco, USA as Consul then Deputy Consul General (2009 2012). At the Department of Foreign Affairs, he was Executive Director of the Office of Personnel and Administrative Services (2012 to 2015). As the head of the 60,000 strong Filipino community in Bahrain, the Ambassador has made his people’s welfare integral in his function.

     

    H.E. Adnan V. Alonto

    Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia

    As the Philippine Ambassador to Riyadh, H.E. Adnan Villaluna Alonto is a fervent advocate for the welfare of OFWs. Apart from endeavoring to strengthen the bilateral ties between the Philippines and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Alonto ensures that the rights and interests of almost a million Filipinos based in the kingdom are protected and promoted.

    Marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Saudi and the Philippines, 2019 is a significant year for the Filipino community in the kingdom. During this particular year, the embassy, through Ambassador Alonto’s leadership, will seek to underscore the benefits of the two countries’ long-standing history, as well as highlight opportunities to further strengthen their ties through mutually beneficial economic and cultural exchanges, all the while ensuring the smooth and continuous delivery of the Embassy’s services to Filipino expatriates in the Kingdom.

    Ambassador Alonto quotes from the Holy Qur’an that “Verily, Allah will not change the condition of the people as long as they do not change what is in themselves.” As such, Ambassador Alonto strongly believes that unless we instill in ourselves the values of love of country, mutual compassion, and a work ethic towards the common good, the Philippines and its people will not be able to reap the real benefits of national development, shared prosperity and established nationhood.

     

    Consul General Ed Badajos

    Philippine Consul General to Jeddah 

    Galvanizing diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the Saudi Arabia, Philippine Consul General to Jeddah Ed Badajos is aiming to revitalize and strengthen the Consulate’s economic diplomacy work by leveraging the presence of the Philippine Trade Office and Investment Center (PTIC) in Jeddah, the kingdom’s financial nerve center.  He also hopes to implement more projects to promote Philippine tourism in the country.

    Con Gen Ed, who was lauded for uniting community organizations to form the very first Filipino Community Organizing Council (FCOC) during his previous tenure in Bangkok, has launched some projects for Filipinos in Saudi. These include the first post-arrival orientation seminar for newly-arrived OFWs and a contact center that administers Assistance to Nationals, and addresses general consular inquiries.  In September, the Consulate and the Social Welfare Attache (SWATT) also launched the Huwarang Overseas Pamilyang Pilipino Award, honoring exemplary OFW families in the region. Through SWATT, the consulate has implemented a mandatory interview procedure for the employers of Filipino household workers – with the objective of protecting the welfare of Filipinos.

    A firm believer that Filipinos are significant contributors towards the global economy, the Con Gen shares, “Our country has, indeed, made significant strides from a fledgling republic at the turn of the century to a vibrant democracy and one of the fastest growing economies in Asia.” In sustaining this momentum, he advises: “Develop an even higher sense of patriotism and be more willing to set aside your differences when it is the very survival of our nation that is at stake.”

     

    Chargé D’Affaires Mohammed Noordin Pendolina Lomondot

    Philippine Chargé D’Affaires of Kuwait

    Since the diplomatic crisis between the Philippines and Kuwait in 2018, the role of Philippine Chargé D’Affaires Mohammed Noordin Pendolina Lomondot has been particularly crucial. Driven to lead all efforts and initiatives the return to more than just restoration of diplomatic relations, but a state where both nations can thrive hand-in-hand together, CDA Lomondot shares, “Both countries worked hard to overcome the said crisis. While we have been successful, it still remains to be my hope and priority to lead all actions and efforts towards the return to normalcy and the further strengthening our bilateral relations.”

    Armed with years of experience in the foreign service, CDA Lomondot expresses that above all of the attainments he has received as a diplomat, nothing beats being able to assist his countrymen. From his current and previous postings, he has helped repatriate more than ten-thousand Filipinos in distress under the amnesty programs of their host countries and provided significant assistance to nationals during instances of civil strife.

    Pushing ahead to re-establish the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait, the CDA stresses the importance of Filipinos being a mindful wherever they are: “We hope Filipino nationals working overseas, not just in Kuwait, continuously and faithfully abide by the laws, rules, and regulations of the Philippines and, especially, their host countries so they would neither lose their way nor encounter any problems with their work and/or residence status.”

     

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    Special thanks to our sponsors: Emirates Airline, Stars n Bars La Mer, Liali, Instax – Grandstores UAE, Dusit Thani Dubai, Gver – Your Friendly Marketplace for Sharing, Meeting Dancewear , MPQ, CMG, Filbrit, and our partners Rozen Antonio Photography,  Alex Callueng Photography, Jef Anog Photography, and Ethereal Photography.

     

    Browse the digital issue of Illustrado 100 Most Influential Filipinos of the Gulf 2018