Illustrado interviews Lope Navo, Filipino International Fashion Photographer. Known for his work for Dior, L’officiel Hommes, Esquire and more, Navo shares his insights, personal story and artistic journey on this edition of Artist Spotlight.
Tell us about yourself. What kind of art do you make? Feel free to include your personal story.
I’m a fashion photographer, but I started off as an oil painter when I was a teenager. I’ve had a strong art history background, and my paintings were exhibited across competitions in Manila, as well as sold to art aficionados when I was in college (where I graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor in Fine Arts).
Throughout my photography career, I was commissioned by many magazines and personalities, including the House of Dior – where I’ve had my pieces exhibited alongside famous photography personalities. As a fashion photographer, I had the rare opportunity to be in several continents for decades – from North and South America, to Asia and Europe. I was born and raised in the east, but grew up in the west.
How did you become passionate about art? What inspires you?
When I was in college, I obsessed over print magazines. I collected many of them as a teenager, and I remember bringing home issues of Interview Magazine, Details, and Detour (all of which are defunct, and now collectibles). I wouldmemorize celebrity portraits and fashion magazine cover I had.
Light inspires me, as well as beauty and symmetry – the even-ness of well lit things. I get inspired by even the most mundane things. I believe there’s no such thing as a boring day, boring city, or a boring people. It may feel like being a shark in a fishbowl, but mundane situations challenge me to become more of an artist.
Have you had any significant events through your artistic career? Exhibitions, showcases, etc. Tell us about your accolades.
I’m the first Filipino fashion photographer that shot for L’Officiel Hommes Magazine, Esquire and Lady Dior – all of which were my biggest paychecks too. Although money is a tool, it also serves as validation, especially working in the Luxury Industry.
‘Carnaval de Cores’ was the title of the piece commissioned by Lady Dior. It world-premiered at Instituto Tomie Ohtake, in Sao Paulo in 2013. It was then curated in the next few years across events across Taipei, Art Basel Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Berlin this year. My work was displayed among the works of other top notch photographers, including Peter Lindburgh, Bruce Weber, Nan Goldin, and even David Lynch.
What can you say about the fashion community? What are the good parts and the bad parts (if any)?
The good part of fashion is that I’m surrounded with a ‘fountain of youth’. I was always in the cool company of like-minded and beautiful people. Though, it can be a double edged sword, as there are also many egotistic and vain personalities. Then again, fashion is also about thinking of yourself, otherwise it wouldn’t work.
What are some of the challenges that you face as an artist? How do you get past them?
The most difficult day in the life of a photographer, especially when you work in fashion, is when you are trying to balance message versus sheer aesthetic.
I ask myself, “Am I taking this photograph because I want to be a political activist? A staunch environmentalist? Or am I a photographer because I want to simply appreciate raw unadulterated beauty in all its simplicity?”
“In the end, I believe that the most effective fashion photographs are the ones with a clear fashion voice. Sometimes, you have to choose between beauty and brains, because it can’t always be both unfortunately.”
What’s your message to artists around the world? Especially with a younger generation of artists on the rise.
There are more fashion photographers now more than ever. Social media has exploded, and now there are thousands of hopefuls who dream of being on the cover of Vogue Magazine. Being privileged to have lived and worked worldwide, I’ve experienced many things. My takeout: the good days bring you happiness, and the bad ones give you experience.
The Department of Trade and Industry’s Philippine Trade and Investment Centers in Bangkok, Dubai, Jakarta, Jeddah, Kuala Lumpur, New Delhi, Singapore, and Sydney will hold the first episode of the Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan (TNK) webinar series on April 30 to provide overseas Filipinos (OFs) with opportunities to invest in the Philippines and support the country’s economic recovery.
TNK is a DTI initiative that aims to promote entrepreneurship as a response to unemployment, job-seeking, and migration. The webinars are dedicated to helping OFs and returning OFs from ASEAN, Middle East, South Asia, and ANZ launch and grow their agribusiness ventures. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Cheryl Marie Caballero will discuss lucrative agribusiness opportunities to kick off the four-part webinar series.
The agriculture sector showed resilience even during the height of the lockdowns. In Q2 2020, the sector expanded by 1.6%, bucking a downward trend that dragged all other sectors.
Usec. Caballero will explain how overseas Filipinos can take advantage of this trend while contributing to the country’s food security efforts.
Agricultural Credit Policy Council Executive Director Jocelyn Badiola will go over the agency’s financial assistance programs designed to finance the livelihood activities of qualified entrepreneurs.
Lastly, Agricultural Training Institute Director Alfredo Aton will discuss the agency’s capacity building and training programs to equip agri-entrepreneurs with the tools they need to build and scale successful agri-enterprises.
DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez is set to deliver the opening remarks. The session will be hosted by PTIC-New Delhi commercial counsellor Eugenio Elevado Jr.
The episode on agribusiness will be followed by sessions exploring Philippine-denominated investments, franchising opportunities, and the local startup ecosystem.
The TNK webinar series will run for the whole year and feature high-level speakers from the government and private sector as part of a dedicated effort to capacitate overseas Filipinos in key areas of entrepreneurship. END
World Mental Health Day is held every 10th of October with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. In celebration of World Mental Health Day, a group of Filipino volunteers organized free basic photography and painting sessions on October 5 and 12 in collaboration with the private sector.
Counseling psychology expert and psychology professor (at the Canadian University of Dubai) Dr. Rommel Sergio stated that global studies have portrayed the creative arts as a valuable tool in combatting depression experienced by young and older adults – the situation of which has become an increasing global issue (with 7% to 27% of global populations experiencing the symptoms).
“Therefore, it is imperative that the effectiveness of approaches to the prevention and treatment of depression are understood. Creative arts interventions, including photography, art, dance movement, drama, and music modalities, are utilized internationally to target depression and depressive symptoms in young and older adults,” he added.
The volunteers, led by Art Los Banos, first partnered with Nikon Middle East whose Digital Media and Training Manager, Cesar ‘Rocky’ Parroco, conducted the basic photography workshop at their JAFZA View office in Jebel Ali.
“It makes you always aware of the present moment and appreciate the beauty of life that surrounds you, despite how ordinary and simple,” Cesar explained on the benefits of photography as an art form.
The painting activity was held at the POWER Technical Training Center and was facilitated by Susan Puno Villanueva, an educator and highly revered artist herself.
“Sometimes it is worth it to listen to your inner subconscious mind. This is where you see your inner self. There’s an artist in you that you never discovered. Now you know it and by using the basic techniques, you can develop it. The importance of proper learning leads to great results. I am happy that each of you has stories to share and the artist in you woke up.” She shares.
On the photography session, Grace Bulalacao, one of the participants, said: “I used to take pictures randomly. Now I know the importance of ISO, aperture and shutter speed. You made me realized that engaging in photography is one productive way to spend free time which can reduce stress level and combat depression.”
Participants at the painting session also expressed their gratitude. Out of the group, there were three married couples, to which mentor Susan Villanueva expressed that creative arts were a great stress reliever and couple’s activity. “We really enjoyed the basic painting workshop” Jhane Sicat says, one of the many attendees of the class.
Dr. Sergio and his group, the Psychological Society of the Philippines-UAE, have been giving free mental health and depression talks before various Filipinos, Filipino schools and the CFC community.
I am the Product Marketing Specialist for Clarins Dubai and have been a Makeup Artist for more than 10 years. I handle the Clarins shop in Sephora, Dubai Marina Mall, where I do sales and makeup demos. My job also involves moving from one shop to another especially if there are new products.
Upon arriving at the shop in the morning, I check the displayed products, make changes (if necessary) and entertain customers. Coffee breaks are spent for meals, coffee and a quick browse of my phone for messages. The mid-afternoon is usually the busiest time as many customers arrive then. After driving home, I deliberate on the day’s occurrences after a few minutes of rest, and I ask myself if I did things right, and how I can improve what I do.
My job may seem glamorous, but it is also rigorous. I frequently shuttle from one Clarins shop to another to do demos for new products; fashion shows, photo shoots for popular fashion magazines. The job requires flexibility as I regularly have to adjust my timings in a day’s routine.
As the current Product Marketing Specialist, my functions also extend to Skincare Consultation and Product Responsiveness. I get to express myself and educate an audience on new products being released. As a typically shy person, this became an opportunity to improve my public speaking skills. Being in different situations, I learned how to think fast and think out of the box (especially when doing avant garde makeup). One of the perks of my job is that I always meet different people from different nations, even celebrities. The typical fan in me always gets starstruck, and I end up taking photographs with them if given the chance.
One of the most remarkable experiences I had was when a photograph I did the make-up for won several international including the: Egypt International Biennale for Photographic Art, 2013; Photograph of the Year-Silver Award (Emotive Portrait Category); The Al-Thani Award for photography, Doha Qatar-2013(Gold medal); 2013 Trierenberg Super Circuit-Austria 2013 (Gold medal – Portrait category). The photographer was Mario Cardenas, with Rocky Gathercole as the concept artist.
In addition to that, one of my collaborations with Chris Calumberan, ‘Code Blue World Oceans’, won in the Tokyo International Foto Awards 2017 in Tokyo, Japan (Bronze winner). Photographs of the make-up I did on models were also featured in the severals magazines: Pose, Mondanite and Audi here in Middle East, Extravagant Magazine in United Kingdom and in the Fashion Look-book for Jahaanara Collection and Nona Hekmat Creation. I also participated in various fashion show collaborations held by the Association of Designers in Dubai (2008), Galleries La Fayette Fashion 2011 for Autumn/Winter Collection (featuring the designs of Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera and Marc Jacob to name a few) and Dubai Fashion Biggest Cosmetic Make-over 2012.
While the awards gave me many reasons to improve my craft, the words of appreciation I receive from clients are equally uplifting. After looking back at my career and achievement, I realize that I shouldn’t rest on my laurels. I believe that there are many things to learn from and many more opportunities to seize ahead of me. My years here in Dubai are ruled with patience, seeded with hard work and sacrifice, and sealed with faith to keep me going. Without these, I will not be where I am today. As cliche as it sounds, life goes on, hence we should never cease to be.
“Patience is necessary, and one cannot reap immediately where one has sown.”
-Soren Kierkegaard
Ruby Cabrera
Sponsorship and Sales Manager at Bride Dubai
As an Exhibitions Sales Manager for Informa Exhibitions handing the BRIDE shows Dubai and Abu Dhabi, I deal mostly with fashion companies both Arabic and Bridal. My job also takes me around the world to see other shows of the same profile and find opportunities to partner with the shows and of course, do prospecting. With BRIDE it’s pretty exciting dealing with different profiles from Arabic fashions, Jewellery, Beauty and Wellness, and Bridal where I deal a lot with Filipino designers. On my part I make sure I give them extra love and open up opportunities for them such as fashion shows and participate in competitions as well.
My typical day varies depending on the season. Closer to the show dates it’s very hectic and stressful, trying to get close to targets while dealing with 1001 exhibitor requests and qualms. When the show is over I work on rebooking them for the next year’s editions. It’s more relaxed but I want to get things done early and get achieve my goals early on so there will only be a small portion to work on closer to the show. It’s a never ending challenge and continuous learning process. Even after handing the show for 8 years there will always be new things to learn in the industry as well as the people.
BRIDE show deal a lot with home based businesses, and our clients are mostly locals who have Abaya businesses. I am proud to say that my account retention is at 75% and that I have clients who have been with me since I started handling BRIDE shows. I have overseas clients too who would call me and tell me they met someone in Paris fashion week or Milan Fashion week who equates BRIDE to Ruby (that’s me). That is really humbling. I also got a new name “Ruba” as my local clients call me this instead of Ruby.
Hard work pays off although I know we Filipinos by nature are hard workers. Sometimes, we just need to find the right opportunity and when we find it excel in it and show them what we can do. At the end of the day we have to be honest with ourselves that we are here to make money and in the process of doing that we have the opportunity to hone our skills and come back to Philippines better and wiser with a wealth of knowledge and experience.
We are a force of nature and we are strong and that strength helps us cope and endure all the challenges of being away from our family.
For the first time in Dubai history, a Filipino team managed to dominate the country’s highly anticipated offroading challenge!
Drawing towards the final quarter of 2018, the Dubai Offroaders group hosted its annual and highly anticipated DO GPS Challenge. Starting off as a small group, the Dubai Offroaders quickly became a collective of offroading enthusiasts, thrill seekers and enjoyers of desert sports.
From left to right: Frankie Warren, Randy Lestino and Reswee Masahud
Teams came from all around the region in order to compete for the grand cash prize. And of the 13 teams that competed, Filipino Trio COMPASS won the first prize. Consisting of Frankie Warren aka ‘Mako’, Randy Lestino and Reswee ‘Redwee’ Masahud, the group left a lasting impression for being the first Filipino team to win the GPS challenge, and of course, with their mean red and black machines.
Within the UAE’s sands and dunes, each team had to drive over 70 kilometers, maintaining tight proximity to its tracks and accessing 25 GPS points – a challenging but nonetheless rewarding experience for the trio, who completed the challenge with a near perfect score of 99.62%.
COMPASS (Community of Pinoy Adventure Sports Seekers) is a group of thrill seekers who have recently left their mark among the UAE’s outdoor sports enthusiasts. “COMPASS is not your typical club” Mako says. “We do not have presidents and vice presidents. Instead, our leadership is shared among our branches and earned through friendship and trust.” Spanning over multiple branches of talent, from off-road sports and trekking to biking and diving, they have become a fellowship aimed at uplifting adventurous spirit and improving each other’s survival skills and outdoor talents.
With fully modified and heavily customized jeeps, COMPASS regularly explores the vast deserts of the UAE and sometimes Oman. Offroading has become a vital teambuilding exercise and relaxation method for them. “On normal weekends, I love to explore the vastness of the UAE’s deserts with my friends at COMPASS. We do weekend trips all over the desert. Umm Al Oush, second to Liwa, is our favorite playground” COMPASS veteran Randy Lestino shares.
“A weekend drives keeps my adrenaline alive,” Reswee adds.
COMPASS has become a collective for adrenaline junkies and enthusiasts of desert sports, garnering growing attention from those with a passion for desert sports and a lust for life.
“Offroading helps me forget about the stress from work, and when looking at the stars at night, it reminds me that our existence is not comparable to the bigger picture. In other words, offroading keeps me grounded” Mako quotes.
Filipino Christmas: Christmas Through the Eyes of an Emirati-Filipino
Emirati-Filipino Fahed Al Baloushi aka the “Emaratino” has always been exposed to the duality of Filipino and Emarati culture throughout his whole life. He continues to discover and learn more about both his roots through his travels and interactions with the community. Here, he shares his experience and the insights he has gained from the recent Filipino Christmas celebration hosted by Philippine Ambassador to the UAE H.E. Hjayceeelyn M. Quintana and the Bayanihan Council in Abu Dhabi.
https://youtu.be/QSRiQRYvBTk
How did you feel witnessing the Paskong Filipino event in Abu Dhabi?
First of all I’d like to extend my greetings to the Ambassador and the Bayanihan Council for the great opportunity to attend the and event. And second I would like to say thank you. I felt like I was in the Philippines. The community has made such a remarkable event to be remembered. I have never seen such gatherings with all the representatives of schools , families, and nationalities come together. It was absolutely overwhelming and enjoyable!
What understanding did you gain about the Filipino people from your experience with them?
Filipinos are such a happy people regardless of everything in this world. They could literally turn any simple situation into a happy moment. I’ve encountered such situations many times in my life, and the most recent one, was the Pinoy Pasko 2018 in Abu Dhabi. You can only imagine how important Christmas event are to Pinoys. Despite their families being across the world, they still gather all together with their friends overseas and celebrate it with happiness and pride.
How was it like for you growing up Emirati-Filipino?
My father is from Abu Dhabi and my mother is from Pangasinan. The rewarding moment of being mixed is that I am able to understand and embrace both cultures fully. Although growing up in biracial family may be different from most situations, you would realize over time how much of a blessing it can be. I remember as a kid, I would communicate in Arabic with all my Arab friends but when I speak to all my kabayan friends, I would switch to Tagalog. These skills, for me, have become an advantage in the case of sending out a message, raising awareness and even spreading love and equality.
What Filipino nuances/values do you identify with the most? How about Emirati? How do you balance both cultures in your life?
The Filipino value that I identify the most would be social behavior in terms of being very welcoming and happy. Once you realize that you have two cultures together you’d look on the bright side and spread the happiness in the same way it was given to you. For a reference, the bridge created between what I do as an Emaratino is to show people that, despite our differences, our best values can always be shared together.
What is your message for Filipinos and Emiratis alike during this season of giving?
For the Filipinos, I would like to say, Maligayan Pasko! And happy holidays to my Lola, family and friends in the Philippines. May god bless you with health and more happiness. For the Emaratis, I would say “ Shukran” for all the guidance and the support from my culture, friends and loved ones. I will continue to give my best in representing both cultures to the max!
Stay blessed and positive, “ Stay astig and all the way pwede!”
Fahed Al Baloushi is an Emirati-Filipino blogger who learns about his culture through his travels and experiences with the Filipino and Emarati communities. His motto is: “Stay astig, all the way pwede!”
I am a Master Sushi Chef who turns Entrepreneur and Corporate Chef of Town hall Restaurant who played a big role in popularizing Sushi in modern way in the Middle East and India. Emphasis on quality, freshness of ingredients and clear and distinct flavors are the Hallmarks of my unique style, with a culinary experience over a decade at some of the World’s leading hotels. I am an expert in Traditional and Modern Japanese cuisine and am currently stretching my knowledge to some other cuisines like Peruvian, Italian, Asian, Mediterranean, Indian etc. My expertise lies in the innovative concoctions of modern Japanese Cuisine specially Sushi, which I believe will be the all time favorite.
On a typical working day, I personally go to the market to check the freshest ingredients available and usually go to work two hours before the operation to make sure all my 4 restaurants are all ready before lunch and Dinner service. And during the operation I am very much hands on, dealing with each plate coming out of my kitchen.
Augusto’s experience within the culinary world has earned him many feats of recognition and opportunities to cater to famous personalities. He had the opportunity to serve my Sushi to Hollywood guests as well like Naomi Watts, Liev Schreiber, famous Celebrity Chef Nobu, various formula 1 racer Champions etc. “During President Duterte’s visit , I was the one who made food for his Team and the Delegation, headed by Under Secretary and Commissioner and Director Mr. Jose ‘Jojie’ Dinsay.
Ellaine Villena
My name is Ellanie, and I am the first and only Filipina working at Pakistan Business Council Dubai UAE. I am the Office Manager of PBC and I am directly reporting to the President and Board of Directors of the organization. I started my journey as a secretary and after 12 years of hard work, I am serving as an Office Manager. I have a team of potential colleagues under my supervision that provides support for all esteemed and prominent PBC members. One of my responsibilities is acting as a liaison between the Dubai Chamber of Commerce Dubai, Consulate office, Dubai Government, Private Sector, media and Pakistan Business Council. My work connects the Pakistan Business Community with other Councils / Business and Government entities. While managing the office, I also serve as Business or Council’s ambassador of the organization to the community.
The most memorable achievement I have achieved as part of the Pakistani Business Council was when I facilitated an International exhibition in Pakistan. Meeting different top Government officials and the Prime minster & President of Pakistan H.E. MAMNOON HUSSAIN AT THE AIAN -E- SADR, ISLAMABAD ON 18-10-16 was an experience I will never forget. I also had the opportunity to organize a University Fundraising campaign, within just two days, of Mr. Imran Khan who is now the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Being a working mother of two abroad is not easy. Through time management and commitment, I am able to graciously manage my duties as a mom and as an Office Manager. My day starts by waking up at 4:30 am to prepare the food, other stuff of my girls and even washing clothes at the same time. I send them to school then come back home to clean the house and prepare to go to office. As an Office Manager, my duty is to handle meetings and events. Handling more than 700 PBC members, reporting to the president and 7 directors is a huge responsibility yet very challenging one. We have 2 board meetings and 2 events every month. This includes preparing the presentations to be delivered by the President, coordinating with officials and handling sponsors and social media. I always ensure that I am at my best because this does not only reflect my performance but of the dedication, quality and commitment of the Filipino race. I aspire to be a role model for Filipino working in other communities and managing the operation of business organization. Commitment, dedication and the will to serve the community and people in need.
Working overseas is never easy but what pushes me to work hard for myself and my family is a simple ABCD.
Aspire. Dreaming big is the first step to success. There are no limits in setting goals. No one can stop you to succeed except yourself. I left the Philippines with humble beginnings and all that I am experiencing now were all because of the big dreams I have set.
Believe. Believe in your skills and your vision. There will be people who question you, but stand your ground and lift your head high. If you believe in yourself everything is possible.
Commit. Set goals, words and actions in stone. Integrity is never over rated. You can dream high but without commitment nothing is achieved.
Deliver. Deliver the best that you can offer. Never be afraid to showcase your talents and skills.
These personal guidelines have been my guiding principles in life. I hope that my story could inspire people to dream for a better future for themselves.
Jerome Sanchez
I am currently the Marketing Manager of Altaaqa Global, Caterpillar Global Power Projects. We are a partner of Caterpillar in providing and managing multi-megawatt power plants in emerging regions around the world. As the company’s Marketing Manager, my principal function is to ensure the continuous exposure of our company within our target markets and territories by planning, developing and implementing innovative and attractive marketing and communications campaigns. I am also the guardian of our company’s brand equity, so I take responsibility in carefully crafting our internal and external messages, selecting our channel partners and evaluating events and programs with which our company would be associated. My role in a global company requires me to extensively travel to various countries. I have had the opportunity to mount events and conferences in popular destinations, including South Africa, Mauritius, Denmark, Turkey and the UK. Moreover, I have also had the chance to visit emerging economies including Bangladesh, Cameroon, Senegal, Burundi, Burkina Faso and Congo-Brazzaville.
While I will always welcome traveling for events and conferences, I particularly appreciate my visiting the developing countries because it is when I truly recognize the significance and the value of the technologies and the services that we offer. When most of us take the ubiquity of electricity for granted, most of the people in these countries still struggle to gain access to reliable energy. It delights me to see that our company kindles hope in them as we propose our solutions, and opens roads to a brighter future for them as we begin delivering the electricity they need.
My typical working season starts with meetings with the Territory Sales Managers to gain updates on the present business opportunities at various stages, and to discuss the appropriate marketing-related activity that could support their territories. I then go ahead and draft the plans of the activities and present them to the company’s senior management, and to the relevant decision-makers in Caterpillar. I would spend the next couple of days meeting with executives to finalize the projects. As soon as I receive the green light, I pool my team of agencies and suppliers to develop and execute the tasks, and deliver within the agreed time. My activities during my working days are always different. Moreover, there are days when I would not have time to eat due to the long queue of meetings and phone calls. I always take the chance to go on short vacations during the relaxed weeks, so I don’t burn myself out. This way, I am able to maintain my interest and excitement for the work that I do.
Despite the presence and a growing number of both local and international life companies in the U.A.E., many Filipino expatriates in the country still seem to not understand the pivotal importance that these insurance institutions play a part in today’s society, therefore leaving them uninformed of the many financial benefits that these institutions have to offer.
But hang on! Why do you need to pay attention to this anyway?
A huge fraction of OFW’s in the U.A.E. live a sedentary lifestyle. Most residential buildings here do not have fitness gyms and enrolling at a fitness club, depending on the quality and location, could potentially cost you somewhere in the region of AED 3,500 – AED 5,000 per year. Fitness First clubs nationwide, Tribe Fit in Dubai Marina, UFC Gym in JBR are amongst a few of them. And whilst going out for a jog could have been a great alternative, due to the unbearable heat throughout over half of the calendar year, jogging outdoors even in the late evenings becomes physically impossible.
With such a wide variety of fast food chains around, cafés, juice bars, take aways and deliveries to choose from, we tend to pay lesser and lesser attention to the pivotal importance of living a healthy lifestyle. The harm that is caused by consuming food from these establishments don’t pose imminent health threats however, one way or another, they will eventually take their toll. And when things hit the fan, it raises nothing but the usual question – ARE WE PREPARED FOR IT?
Jojo Dass of The Filipino Times, on 07 July 2018 published an article about how over 1,000 out of 700,000+ Filipinos in the U.A.E. are diagnosed with cancer every year. That’s just cancer alone. Imagine, the number of other Filipino expatriates who are diagnosed with other life-threatening diseases such as diabetes, heart-related diseases, etc. Imagine what the actual figure look like. Apart from the Filipino Times, Emirates 24/7 News also wrote an article talking about Filipinos and cancer whilst the Burj Khalifa was lit in pink in October 2016 to raise breast cancer awareness.
So with the aforementioned put into account, why is protection planning still constantly being thrown into the backseat?
If we can afford to sit at Starbucks or Costa coffee a number of times per week, or go to the cinema on a weekend, or dine out with friends, or buy a number of things that may not be an urgent necessity such as the latest gadgets and gizmos, or signature hand bags, Nike trainers, etc., why can’t we spare a part of our income and put it into something that has way more value than any of that I have just mentioned? It could be one of only 2 things – it’s either that we do not have the innate sense of urgency (which is human nature) or, perhaps because we have not been exposed to a variety of protection products available in the market that actually fit our needs.
There is a number of international insurance companies where you can get a comprehensive life insurance policy with options of taking additional riders such as critical illness cover, permanent and total disability, etc. for as low as AED 80 per month – of course premiums may be higher based on the individual’s personal circumstances, i.e. age, health condition, smoking status, etc.
Protection Planning for me is one of the 2 main pillars of a successful personal financial planning – the other one being Retirement Planning. Having both provisions in place will definitely put you into a strong financial position that even when financial storms come knocking down homes, your home won’t sway, these pillars will support you through it all.
The insurance industry provides a variety of products to meet many potential scenarios allowing risks to be managed more effectively.
Don’t let the bigger earthquakes of like shake you to the point where you are down on your knees. Pave yourself a more concrete ground to stand on and make it unshakeable. Look into a wide range of insurance products available in the market today. Find out what suits you best. Speak to a qualified financial professional and LEVERAGE YOUR PERSONAL RISKS to a Life Company.
“Marhaba from Egypt! The moment I saw The Great Pyramids of Giza, I can’t believe I’m seeing the real thing that I could only get read about in the encyclopedia when I was a kid. This place was unbelievable and utterly surreal. I don’t know how to begin to tell you how beautiful this country is, despite how media paints it to be unsafe! Most of my friends and family warned me that it was dangerous, risky and not safe for women to travel to Egypt. I’m so glad I followed my instincts and left my doubts and fears before the plane took off.
Three days is not enough to explore the wonders of this magical ancient city! I couldn’t even fathom how they preserve the relics and the hieroglyphics on walls. My itinerary included sightseeing in Cairo and Alexandria. I was really in awe seeing the amazing spots, especially the Pyramids of Giza and Saqqara, the tombs in Memphis and the pristine beach in Alexandria.
Aside from crazy drivers along the highway, in general, expenses are reasonably cheap compared to Dubai. Uber is just a call away. Food is delicious, and people are friendly. Sometimes, It’s hard to judge a place from afar. You need to be there to feel the vibes of the city. I’m forever grateful that I ticked off this great city from my bucket list!”
Because of the Pyramids of Giza, it’s no wonder that Cairo will always be an appealing African metropolis constantly drawing the crowds. And for those wishing to explore the city off the beaten path, the vivacious Egyptian capital is home to a thriving hidden artsy scene with cozy book shops, colorful markets, authentic Arabic restaurants and compelling art galleries abound. Here are other things you can do after seeing the world’s remaining classic wonder:
Fashet Sumaya
Open from only 5-7pm every evening, this quaint, three-tabled restaurant is just the right amount of exclusive, and is one of the most authentic Egyptian culinary destinations in Cairo. Hidden down a quiet lane in downtown Bab El Louk, diners here can enjoy traditional home cooked meals served by Sumaya herself, the friendly owner of the establishment. It is so intimate that it is impossible not to chat with fellow diners, Fashet Sumaya is a true taste of Arab hospitality and society, and is an enjoyable, original culinary experience in the city.
Khan el Khalili Bazaar
A stroll through Cairo’s most eclectic souk is a walk which engages all of the senses, with the smell of exotic spices wafting through the stalls and the intricate stained glass lamps casting a kaleidoscope of light onto the streets. Here local vendors sell a variety of wonders, from clothing to hookah pipes and regional foodstuff, making it the best place to pick up authentic souvenirs. Visitors should be sure to haggle, with bartering being a local tradition of which a failure to take part is considered almost disrespectful.
The City of the Dead
Also known as Cairo Necropolis, this Islamic cemetery stretches over an impressive area of four miles, with entire streets dedicated to the tombs of civilizations of the past. A largely inhabited area where people live amongst the remains of their ancestors, this historic region exudes a unique atmosphere which combines life and death in a truly fascinating way. With intricate shrines inscribed with phrases from the Qur’an, exploring the City of the Dead promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Kuwait – Fahad Alobaidly
“Kuwait is one of the two countries in the Middle East that still preserves its culture and traditions up to this day. It is not your regular tourist destination, but there are a lot of beautiful places to visit, ranging from preserved old buildings turned to souks or tourists spots, to new modern architectural ones like malls and museums. There’s food ranging from traditionally cooked to local cuisines with a modern twist, and mocktails and fruit juices are served instead of alcoholic beverages, since it is not allowed throughout the country.”
Kuwait, as with many oil rich countries in the Middle East, has undergone an explosion in contemporary culture in recent decades and is packed with art exhibitions, festivals, music performances and more. Although the heat makes Kuwait an ideal poolside destination, the country also has plenty to offer culture and art enthusiasts. Here are some unmissable Kuwaiti destinations!
House of Mirrors
In the Qadisiya residential quartier of Kuwait City stands a unique house that epitomizes art right down to its last brick. Owner and designer Lidid al-Qattan, who has Italian origins, has long been Kuwait’s prominent artist; she used an accidently broken mirror as inspiration to create a house that is now referred to as the House of Mirrors. It is an exclusive art-in-action visit while in Kuwait.
Kuwait Grand Mosque
Being the world’s 7th largest mosque, the Al-Masjid Al-Kabir, or Grand Mosque, is definitely worth visiting. Though prior appointment is needed, once there, visitors can expect an hour and half, free, informative guided tour that introduces this historically and spiritually rich landmark building. The Mosque can host up to 10,000 men and 950 women for prayers, and includes an Islamic Library under its exceptionally designed halls. It is a must-see cultural venue for all architecture-lovers.
Sadu House
A passageway between past and present, Sadu House is one of the most visited venues in Kuwait. An old Kuwaiti house from the 1930s, today it is a cultural centre with a wide range of activities, from workshops, lectures, children’s programmes and textile designer exhibitions, all aiming to preserve Kuwaiti weaving traditions. This unique textile-art venue is adjacent to the National Museum and also offers a traditional cafeteria with handmade authentically patterned interior design.
Adelaide – Carlz Libo-on
“Among all the cities in Australia I visited, nothing compares to the quaint city of Adelaide. From the scenic beaches of Glenelg or Henley and Maslins (though not in Adelaide but in South Australia) to the carefully-manicured vineyards of Barossa Valley or Adelaide Hills, Adelaide is a must-visit in the Land Down Under. It’s hard to really crunch in great detail what makes the city so beautiful, because you have to be there to experience it. It’s a place where creativity is unassuming as seen in their annual Fringe Festival, and where food is diverse (Central Market is the place to go to; name the cuisine and they have it). It reminds me so much of the city-meets-province vibe where there are lots of spaces to breathe, but you’re still in tune with city life.”
Adelaide is one of Australia’s hottest destinations, offering a cocktail of sophisticated culture, heritage, architecture, abundant natural delights and a vibrant food and drink scene. With so much places to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down to a few.
Adelaide Central Market
Continue the celebration of local food and drink at the Adelaide Central Market, the most-visited attraction in the state. More than eight million visitors a year flock to the market, which has been the buzzing hub of Adelaide’s culinary culture since it opened way back in 1869. The 80 stalls make it one of the largest undercover markets in the Southern Hemisphere.
Victoria Square
The name sounds very British, but Victoria Square’s history dates back a lot further than European settlement. The local indigenous people used ‘Tarndanyangga’ as a meeting place for centuries before colonization. The British then converted the space into a focal point of the newly created city in the 1850s, and the square was upgraded in 2014, adding new lighting and revamping the historic fountain.
Glenelg Beach
Adelaide’s most popular city beach is just a 25-minute tram ride from the city center, which drops you off meters from the sand at Moseley Square. It’s not just the miles of golden sand, the picturesque jetty and the stunning sunsets that pull huge crowds to Glenelg — it’s the trendy boutiques, heritage hotels and dozens of cafes and eateries along Jetty Road, too.
Art Gallery of South Australia
Right next door on North Terrace’s leafy boulevard of classical sandstone buildings sits the Art Gallery of South Australia, one of the country’s finest collections of artworks from every corner of the globe. Every year it welcomes more than 700,000 visitors to admire the collection of 38,000 pieces. The grounds of the University of Adelaide, the State Library of South Australia, the National War Memorial and the Parliament of South Australia are also all worth visiting on North Terrace.
Fly to these destinations through Emirates Airline.
“India happens to be one of those special places that embody different things, to different people. After having visited Udaipur (City of Lakes) and Goa (Ibiza of the East), I’ve come to realize that India is a place where contemporary modernity is fused with ancient wisdom. It is a place where magic exists, as well as a healthy dose of realism. Some get lost in the bowels of its chaos, only to find their inner voice. Others stray on the path of mysticism, but end up finding spirituality. To a certain extent, and without romanticizing the thought – travel to India, is a calling; and the only way to truly experience the land, is to immerse yourself body, mind and soul.”
India is a pretty big country and it is a real challenge to choose which city should be your top destination. But do not fret, we’ve listed down 4 cities that are truly worth your time and money!
Jaipur
Jaipur is commonly known as the ‘Pink City’ due to its stunning buildings which were painted pink in 1876 to welcome the Prince of Wales and Queen Victoria. Jaipur is also the biggest city in the state of Rajasthan, and its capital. Together with Agra and Delhi, it is part of the famous Golden “Triangle” which attracts thousands of Indian and international tourists every year. The most-visited sites include the mesmerizing City Palace, a couple of impressive Rajput forts and the many temples.
Varanasi
Varanasi is one of the most beautiful, historical and spiritual cities in northern India. The first settlements date back to the 11th century BC, making it one of the oldest inhabited places in the world. A sacred place for both Hindus and Jains, it is also home to a varied range of vendors, sadhus, entrepreneurs, priests, pilgrims and families. The scenes of devotion in the river, set against the backdrop of stunning temples, are certainly some of the most impressive in the world.
Udaipur
Most famous for its stunning lakes, forts, temples and palaces, Udaipur is another city located in the state of Rajasthan, and is certainly not to be missed. Lovers will be delighted to hear that this is a city filled with romantic spots, as well as beautiful gardens. Over the years, it has been a favorite setting for many movies, including James Bond-title Octopussy (1983). The city is filled with color, as locals opt to wear vibrant clothes, and fairs and festivals happen year-round.
Bangalore
In one of the latest surveys, Bangalore was established as India’s most livable city. In the past, it used to be referred to as the “Pensioner’s Paradise” and the “Garden City of India” because of its large, green spaces. While in recent years, development has meant that the city’s green areas have been affected and reduced, it still has enough to make it one of the most beautiful cities in India, and lush green forests can still be found in the outskirts. Bangalore is also the main center of the IT industry, commonly known as the “Silicon Valley of India”.
Colombo – Daryll Borja
“If you’re a tropical person at heart, well Sri Lanka is just the perfect place for you! From sandy beaches with palms leaning over the sea to high mountains perfect for adventure hikes, this country never ceases to amaze. One of its unique advantages over other tropical paradise is that it’s a compact island where every place is just accessible by land. With my six day trip, I was able to travel from North to South via tuktuk, bus, and train, and along the way, I’ve met the most hospitable locals and the friendliest travelers that made my trip very memorable, enough to have a special place in my heart.”
Colombo, the coastal capital of Sri Lanka is an often avoided stop when visiting the spice island. But as more entrepreneurs of the newer generation open more businesses and create interesting things to do, Colombo is fast becoming an unmissable stop. Here’s a day by day guide on what to see and what to do to spice up your visit:
Day 1
Check in at a nice city hotel like the Jetwing Colombo Seven with a rooftop pool so you can see the city from above. The first area to check out is the Colombo Fort, and there are two really cool ways to do that, either with Mark Forbes and his Colombo City Walk or with a Tuk-Tuk Safari. If you can’t pick then do one on one day and the other on another day! There are different times of day for each option so it’s easy to find the right one for you.
After a day of exploring, have dinner at Kaema Sutra in the new Shangri La Hotel for some authentic Sri Lankan food.
Day 2
For your second day, why not have a yummy breakfast at the Black Cat Cafe before taking a stroll around the Cinnamon Gardens neighborhood and visiting some of the temples in the city like the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple at Beira Lake and the Temple of Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil.
You should also visit the National Colombo Museum to see lots of ancient artifacts and learn more about Sri Lankan culture and history. For a night cap or maybe a night out, go check Park Street Mews for some drinks and Colombo nightlife.
Day 3
Have breakfast at Barefoot Garden Cafe and do some unbeatable shopping for handmade crafts and woven sarongs for yourself or friends and family back home. After some gorgeous gift collecting, move hotels to the Galle Face Hotel for a historic Colombo experience.
After checking in, take a tour of the hotel and then spend the afternoon poolside until the sunset bagpipe show and have cocktails seaside. If you are into some sightseeing, take a stroll along the Galle Face Green.
Day 4
For the last day why not go for a spa treatment in your hotel or at the White Spa by Spa Ceylon. Treat yourself to Ayurvedic massages and a facial. Load up on marvelous Ayurvedic products manufactured here on the island and take it easy exploring the parts of the city you still haven’t seen. Have lunch at the yummy Cafe Kumbuk or go for some incredible crab curry at the Ministry of Crab.
Pack your bags to go back home or keep on exploring Sri Lanka!
Bali – Casey Esguerra
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“Beyond the beautiful beaches of Bali, their culture astonished me. Bali’s people are very hospitable and undoubtedly respectful to tourists. But the real purpose of my trip is to taste their food and nasi goreng sure did capture my heart more than anything else. And it was cheap too! What’s not like about Bali?”
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never been to Bali, or you’re a regular visitor looking for something else to do. There’s just tons of things to do and one trip is never enough, so read on my friend, below are other things that will keep you relaxingly occupied in Bali aside from hitting the beach:
Drink from the fountain of youth at Goa Gajah
Once you enter Goa Gajah, you’ll see 6 statues of women with water streaming out of a pot held at their bellies. There were originally 7 of them, but an earthquake caused the middle one to collapse. Even so, its meaning remains unchanged, and the water is safe to drink, so why not take a shot at eternal youth?
If drinking from a fountain of youth doesn’t appeal to you, then you could always just visit because it’s a gorgeous place. It’s got a little waterfall, beautiful green terrain, fascinating temple ruins and is an overall peaceful, spiritual place.
Watch the sunrise from the top of Mount Batur
You’ll have to wake up extra early for this, possibly as early as 3AM if you want to be at the top of the mountain before sunrise. But the view is definitely worth it.
Imagine watching a velvet sky dotted with sparkling lights slowly fade into a sleepy lavender color before a warm orange glow pushes through. And as the sunlight lazily peeks out of the horizon, you’re suddenly aware of the ocean of clouds surrounding you. That’s when it hits you – you’re standing in the sky, waiting to greet the sun as it climbs out of its apparent slumber. That feeling is simply indescribable.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
This place, like many others on this list, is #instaperfect. The pictures speak for themselves. They’re like giant paddy field stairs, making this place look like some sort of paradise. This gorgeous terraced landscape definitely needs to be on everyone’s “pretty places to visit” list! If you make your way up to the top, you’ll get a magnificent view of the rice terraces sloping across the valley, peppered with coconut trees, with the water in the irrigation fields glistening in the sunlight. It’s also a generally cool and breezy area – all the more reason to love it!
Manila – Alwee Villarosa
For residents of Metro Manila, it’s easy to grow jaded about the place we call home. After all, there’s the ever-growing traffic, unreliable transport system, and pollution to contend with. But for me, there is still a lot to love about the “Pearl of the Orient.”
Of course, the soul of a city is in its people but the metropolis has a very colorful character. Manila can be chaotic and spiritual, dirty and divine, gritty and gorgeous all at once. If you don’t find beauty and poetry here, you will never find it anywhere.
On the surface, our plot of the world is everything it’s cracked up to be: a boiling stew of dust, noise, sweat, and congestion that’s as mean as it is messy. It shouldn’t be difficult to acknowledge the truth that our little urban jungle tends to come off as abrasive, even to its own inhabitants. But that’s only on the surface.
Falling in love with Metro Manila is an affair that demands your effort — if you really want to get to know this place, you have to draw the curtains and open it up yourself. You have to take the time to explore its arteries and dig into its endearing nooks and crannies. Start here –
Boutique shops in Kamagong Street
It’s a bit of a stretch to call these tiangges “secret” or even relatively obscure, but as far as upscale menswear stores go, these Kamagong Street boutiques may just be the best one that’s still on the down-low. Some stores even stock imported garments, and a lot of brands that the fashion set really seeks out.
Vinyl and old records stores
Vinyl record collectors and enthusiasts will point to Quezon City’s Cubao Expo, Kamias Road, and Maginhawa Street as the best places to go digging. The vinyl shops in those areas are a hotspot for the growing vinly community in the country. From rare records to more contemporary ones, these shops may have the right LPs for you.
Fred’s Revolution
You may already know Fred’s Revolution as the watering hole of yesteryear’s best-kept secret: Cubao X. But now that Cubao X is fair game for all, you might want to try moving to the new Fred’s Revolution in Escolta, the new of-the-moment district for artsy youths.
Fly to these destinations through Emirates Airline. For ticket booking visit
As an Exhibitions Sales Manager for Informa Exhibitions handing the BRIDE shows Dubai and Abu Dhabi, I deal mostly with fashion companies both Arabic and Bridal. My job also takes me around the world to see other shows of the same profile and find opportunities to partner with the shows and of course, do prospecting. With BRIDE it’s pretty exciting dealing with different profiles from Arabic fashions, Jewellery, Beauty and Wellness, and Bridal where I deal a lot with Filipino designers. On my part I make sure I give them extra love and open up opportunities for them such as fashion shows and participate in competitions as well.
