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Curious thing about Philippine Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes – he doesn’t exactly fit the mold of what most people would construe as a “quintessential diplomat.” Yes, he is diplomatic, well-tempered, and in touch. Yes, he carries himself with the gravitas and dignity that befit his position. But what makes him truly exceptional is his palpable sense of openness and inclusivity – even outright friendliness.
Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno
Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.
A master in food innovation and distribution, Jovy Tuano of La Comida Express Gourmet is a true Filipino success story in the food industry of the UAE. He is living on a mission that goes beyond the call of duty to help build a viable business ecosystem that can provide livelihood to industrious people in the community.
Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.
Highly-acclaimed Filipino indie film princess Mercedes Cabral’s starring role in the hit TV show in the Middle East, Saq Al Bamboo, has truly put Filipinos in mainstream media. Her portrayal of a Filipino maid in Kuwait earned her countless praises, from critics, as well as Gulf-based OFW’s. Read about this beautiful, young ingénue with exceptional acting abilities, in Illustrado’s 100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf.
Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno
Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.
As the CEO of The Medical City Dubai, Dr. Becky Desiderio spearheaded the launch of the first ever Filipino healthcare corporation in The Middle East. Her list of responsibilities includes positioning The Philippines as a medical tourism destination, and promoting The Medical City as one of Asia’s most trusted names in quality, world-class medical treatments. She says, “I am essentially a health ambassador not just for my organization, but also for my country.” #illustrado100 #taasnoofilipino #galingngpinoy #filipino #proudlypinoy #pinoypride
Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno
Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.
Very few talk about the Filipino’s pioneering spirit. And yet here we are, 11 million of us scattered all over the globe, in once strange lands we now call our home. Here we thrive, and here we have made our mark. Make no mistake. We not only have our smiles, our agreeableness, our music and our beauty queens to give to the world. The Filipino can and has mustered to do so much more. We have achieved and excelled, made our presence felt, and created value wherever it is in the world we have made our second home. Illustrado EIC Lalaine Chu-Benitez talks about Pure Pinoy Pride.
With tons of music festivals and EDM parties happening left and right, it’s hard to rise up in this kind of music scene. For Kidwolf, a Filipino music producer, composer and DJ, the music he produces is more of about passion and a personal satisfaction. When he was younger, he used to imagine what a track would be like if he adds more element in it and that’s how he started becoming great at what he does.
In Filipino progress and diversity, Jo-ann S. Quizan, Associate in Gensler – a US-based architectural firm shares details about her job, what’s good about it and the challenges that comes with it. Gone are the days when we are under-recognized. Now we stand amongst all nations as equals.
On Keeping Up With The ConGen: Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes recalls some of his most treasured holiday memories, spending Christmas away from the Philippines and everything he grew up with. He shares his thoughts on not having “puto bumbong” and “bibingka” on a cold Christmas in Europe, constant longing for noisy clan reunions when they were in America and his family’s second Christmas in the Middle East in the region’s most vibrant and electrifying city, Dubai.
Illustrado’s resident Pinay Power advocate Lalaine Chu-Benitez pays simple tribute to the male species for a change in “Men: How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” “And so it goes, and quite rightly so – we dedicate this month’s issue to our men, who make this life so much more colorful and enjoyable. And if it weren’t for them, we would be merely half of a whole.”
Illustrado puts the spotlight on visual artist, the “Godfather of Filipino ad men” in the UAE Edipolo “Edan” Aggarao. “My heart & soul is a fine artist, while my body & brain is a creative director, art director, designer and visualizer. My hands, eyes and other senses respond to both masters with the same fire and passion.”
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