Illustrado Magazine – Filipino Abroad

Tag: Pinoys in the UAE

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf – FRANCIS PEGA – The Prince Charming

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf – FRANCIS PEGA – The Prince Charming

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf – FRANCIS PEGA – The Prince Charming

    Francis PegaFrancis Pega Photo by Alfredo Bascones Jr.  for Illustrado Magazine

     

    With his contagiously upbeat personality, funny antics, charm, and lovable boy-next-door looks, Francis Pega has won the hearts of countless OFW’s in the Middle East.

     

    As a ‘Kaya Mo Ba To’ segment host and correspondent for TFC Connect, he often gets assigned to cover or host community events in various parts of Saudi Arabia, the country where he is currently based in. “My work is rewarding because in a simple way I get to bring fun and laughter to those who are lonely, or maybe suffering from homesickness,” he says. “I also enjoy how I am sort of an instrument for OFW’s to greet their loved ones back home via television.”

     

    On a more personal note, Francis’ work on TV has made him more confident and friendly. He considers himself as an introvert, but TFC Connect goaded him out of his shell and made him more personable and outgoing. “I learned so much from this show, such as getting the most out of simple things, being patient and inspiring others,” he says. “I hope that there would be more people I can help and inspire through this show. In the near future, I hope that I can earn much so that I can get back home to the Philippines and spend time with my family.”

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf – Susan Villanueva – Teacher with a Cause

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf – Susan Villanueva – Teacher with a Cause

    Susan Villaneuva - De Guzman

     

    Susan Villanueva takes pride in teaching simply because she helps develop skills in order to compete in a challenging global market. As a Faculty in Graphic Design at Higher Colleges of Technology in Sharjah Women’s College at the UAE, she says that the UAE is such a diverse country with different cultures that it’s so rewarding to see her students come out ready for the work force. “I create challenging projects for students to measure how much they can stretch their critical thinking process,” she says. “I keep them engaged from the beginning to final completion of their project. I make them understand their work with excellence! I also represent the United Arab Emirates at the WorldSkills Competition as an Expert in Graphic Design. I train nationals who is selected to compete for the international competition.”

     

    One of the challenges that she initially faced was asking herself how she can affect the Filipino Community in a positive way. Although she is not instructing Filipinos people directly, she believes that she is able to influence Emirati women to treat their Filipino employees as well as co-workers with respect – and to do this, she must understand. “While educating the Emirati Community, I learned that it is important to understand their culture, religion and traditions first so I can teach effectively,” she says. “I learned different learning styles from the many years of my teaching experience. I am also given a change to share to my students our people, country, art, culture and traditions.”

     

    In the near future she would like to embark in a PhD program in Curatorial Studies to help curate the Philippine art in the next coming years. She also wants to curate Philippine art shows and share art to the global art scene and want to continue teaching in a different form.

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf – RICA RODRIGUEZ AND DIVINE MASINSIN – Wonder Women

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf – RICA RODRIGUEZ AND DIVINE MASINSIN – Wonder Women

    WONDER WOMEN

     

    Rica Rodriguez and Divine Masinsin Photo by Eros Goze for Illustrado Magazine

    Rica Rodriguez and Divine Masinsin have a lot of things in common. Not only did both graduate from UP Diliman, both have always been fit and healthy, having engaged in different kinds of sports since childhood. “I was fit enough to play table tennis, fit enough to be in my high school’s dance troupe, fit enough to pass my classes in college which were physically demanding – an hour of gymnastics, volleyball, social dance and swimming all in one day,” says Divine.

     

    They also happen to be two of the most respected fitness professionals in the UAE.

     

    Both Rica and Divine enjoy the title of GEL Master Trainer. Simply put, they are the trainers of trainers, and thus have a direct hand in shaping the fitness movement in the UAE. Both women have also participated in various international competitions, such as the 2014 Muscle Mania in Las Vegas. Rica recounts, “It was certainly the most difficult and yet the most rewarding thing I’ve done in my career. It was a huge challenge to keep up with the diet and workout regimen especially on days when I just wanted to chill out and have an ice cream or when I seemed to have so much work to do with so little time.”

     

    In the near future Rica, wants to establish a more active career in fitness consultancy and to conduct workshops and courses. Divine on the other hand wants to compete in a bikini category for bodybuilding in Hong Kong and wants to be an international respected fitness consultant.

    RICA RODRIGUEZ
    Rica Rodriguez – Photo by Eros Goze for Illustrado Magazine
    DIVINE MASINSIN
    Divine Masinsin – Photo by Eros Goze for Illustrado Magazine

     

     

     

     

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf – CHARLES MARELID – The Speedster

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf – CHARLES MARELID – The Speedster

    CHARLES MARELID

    Charles Marelid Photo by Eros Goze for Illustrado Magazine

    At the tender age of 16, Filipino-Swedish sprinter Charles Marelid has already carved an indelible name as a premier athlete in the UAE. In April of 2015, he won five gold medals at Middle East and South Asia Athletics Conference in Doha, Qatar, breaking three records for the 100m/200m/400m dash and anchoring two gold medals in the team relays. Just recently, he won at the Dubai Ultimate Racenight in the 100m and 400m categories.

     

    Originally a soccer player, Charles tried out for his school’s track and field team upon the urging of his Physical Education teacher. That he could outrun everyone else in the team came as a bit of a shock, as he had always pegged himself as a football player. With discipline, perseverance, and a regimen that consisted of a highly specialized diet and gruelling training, he eventually developed the skills, mindset, and the right physique to represent the UAE on the regional arena. He also claims that developing mental focus is key to his training. Of his biggest challenges, he says, “Running 400m is the most difficult thing I have done because it is the toughest for a short distance sprinter. I have to run a 100m pace 4 times.” Charles aims to get a college scholarship through his achievements in track and field.

     

    His advice to aspiring track and fielders: “Keep trying.” He adds, “When I was in 8th grade, I only got bronze at the 100m dash. I tried harder, showed up on all the trainings and never gave up.  Today, I have improved tremendously, but I still keep trying. You are your own limit. In track and field, you have to set your own goals and be the best that you can be.”

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf – Agnes Stott-Briggs – A Woman Who Wears Many Hats

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf – Agnes Stott-Briggs – A Woman Who Wears Many Hats

    AGNESS AQUINO-BRIGGS
    Agnes Stott-Briggs Photo by Eros Goze for Illustrado Magazine

     

    Multi-tasking is her middle name and she wears many hats. A loving wife and a doting mother to three, Agnes Stott-Briggs has a successful career in real estate, is a Certified Image and Style Consultant who helps empower Filipinas through grooming and styling, and the Chairman of the Philippine Business Council (PBC) – Abu Dhabi. She also launched the Philippine Women’s International Network (PWIN) to help connect Filipina professionals. “I have a demanding but interesting work being in the Talent Management Department of a government company handling all new joiners from around the world,” she says. “It is multi-cultural and diverse and you get to interact with different cultures but with all of the work, prioritizing is still the key. I learned to value time and that even ten or fifteen minutes are crucial. If you know what you want and you know how to prioritize, you can accomplish things on time.”

     

    Her favourite hat to wear, though, is that of taking care of her family. She remembers when her husband was involved in a sports accident and became paralyzed from the waist down and was told that he would never walk again. After six weeks, he moved his feet and wiggled his toes which brought her hope. After doing physiotherapy with so much perseverance, he is now walking in crutches. “I survived it all but looking back, I have no idea how,” she says. “People ask me how I did it. I say you just have to do the right thing each day and believe in yourself you can do it. Each day is a journey.”

     

    She says it is important to build relationships and alliances with people – both in business and personal life.

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Art and Rachel Los Banos – Champions of Filipino Excellence

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Art and Rachel Los Banos – Champions of Filipino Excellence

    Rachel and Art Los Banos - Photo by Eros Goze for Illustrado Magazine
    Rachel and Art Los Banos – Photo by Eros Goze for Illustrado Magazine

     

    This power couple’s weapon of choice: words. And Rachel and Art Los Banos wield it so well that, together, they truly are a force to be reckoned with.

     

    Art is in Public Relations and Corporate Communications with an impressive portfolio which includes the 2008 Philippine Independence Day event as well as the Bayanihan Festival. Rachel is a freelance journalist for The Filipino Channel, Arab News, abs-cbnnews.com, and Kabayan News. Recently, Rachel was hailed as Journalist of the Year of The Filipino Times Awards.

     

    Separately, they are each a success. But together, they are unstoppable. They proved this when Art and Elle co-hosted a fortnightly radio talk show on 103.8FM called FEME (Filipino Excellence in the Middle East) which went on air from October 2010 to March 2013 in Dubai. The show discussed the trials, victories and best practices of a diverse group of guests from Filipino diplomats, entrepreneurs, professionals to household service workers – all in all celebrating the achievements of “kababayans” in the country.  With a new FEME project soon to be launched, the couple looks forward to furthering their efforts to contribute to the local community. “As we continue to promote our advocacy in highlighting the excellence of the Filipinos in the Middle East, we believe that when you make your life worthy of God’s calling then you give honor to Him who is the source of everything.“

     

     

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Vagelyn Federico – The Success Story

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Vagelyn Federico – The Success Story

    Vagelyn Federico - Photo by Eros Goze for Illustrado Magazine

     

    Vagelyn Federico, Director of Human Resources in Dusit Thani, Dubai, has had to remind herself many times that events do not shape her life. Her first few months – even years- in the UAE were wrought with challenges and difficulties that almost drew her to the point of giving up. But ever the positive thinker, Vagelyn forged onwards, and eventually, she realized that even negative experiences can have a positive impact on her life. “Such experiences even made me say that Dubai is the best place for me and my family,” she says. “I have so much respect and gratitude toward the leaders of this country who gave opportunities for us expats to share our talents and to be recognized here in this large, multicultural platform.”

     

    Now, from being a humble farm girl, to a secretary who had to make 13 exits in Kish, to being the youngest General Manager (at 28 years of age then) of a 4-star hotel able to participate in the prestigious Great GM Debate, this resilient Filipina has come a long way. Not only has Vagelyn established a name for herself in the emirates, she also continues to extend her helping hand graciously to her kababayans, especially the underprivileged. She is the founder of “HeavenLyn’s Foundation”, a non-profit group that organizes fundraising activities for the benefit of children in need of healthcare assistance. As the current president of FIL-HR, Vagelyn also volunteers during her spare time to help facilitate job placements for Filipinos in the UAE.

     

    With such programs, Vagelyn aims to help and inspire people and make their lives more meaningful, all for the Glory of God. “Don’t give up when things get hard, but work harder when you think of giving up,” she proclaims. “I didn’t have an easy start, but I remained steadfast, and kept dreaming and moving forward. Have a career that you are passionate about, enjoy it, and make the most out of it. Once you are on top, always keep your feet on the ground and remain humble.”

     

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Matilyn Bagunu – A Leader’s Leader

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Matilyn Bagunu – A Leader’s Leader

    Matilyn Bagunu - Photo by Eros Goze for Illustrado Magazine

     

     

    Equipped with a strong, bold, and cool management approach, Matilyn enjoys a reputation as a paragon of leadership virtues. As Director for the St. Mary’s Filipino Community Choir, she has elevated the organization’s role from church singers to full-fledged advocacy group, with outreach programs aimed at providing education for several scholars in the Philippines. As Former President of the Filipino Community in Dubai and the Northern Emirates under the auspices of the Philippine Consulate General, she consolidated the strength of over 100 pro and non-pro Filipino groups spread across the UAE. Her time as FilComm president is marked with an unprecedented level of unity, and a steady focus on volunteerism and civic mindedness. She is known for her ability to bring people together despite their differing interests, and having them operate within a standard of excellence that offers no room for petty politics or one-upmanship. She says, “I truly value this life that God has given me so no amount of criticism nor politicking can bend me.  The love of family and the trust and care of friends is more than enough to keep me going and tell myself that I’m here to stay with a purpose.”

     

    In addition to her achievements as a community leader, Matilyn is also a seasoned financial consultant. She has given countless clients the management skills they need to protect their finances and ensure a stable future for themselves and their dependents. Of her future plans, Matilyn elaborates, “I want to retire early (maximum 10 years), tour the world, write inspirational stories and launch an album with my original compositions to be interpreted by my singer friends,” she says.

     

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: OPPPS – Overseas Pinoy Professional Photographers Society

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: OPPPS – Overseas Pinoy Professional Photographers Society

    Overseas Pinoy Professional Photographers Society (OPPPS)
    OPPPS – Overseas Pinoy Professional Photographers Society – Photo Credits – Milo Torres

     

    The Overseas Pinoy Professional Photographers Society (OPPPS) was established to share photography ideas and techniques to both amateurs and professionals in the field. But apart from merely fostering the love for the art of photography, the group has also equipped many a budding artists to venture into the field as freelancers, giving some of them a veritable alternative career option.

     

    Founded in January 2003 with a clear vision and purpose of mapping out training workshops to photography enthusiasts, the organization provides courses on Digital Photography, Digital Darkroom (Post Processing), Studio Portrait and Fashion Photography (Indoor and Outdoor), Going Places with Camera and OPPPS (Field Trips), Simplified Photo Journalism, Photo Essay and other Photography related topics. Part of the learning also includes slide shows, photo contests, member critiques, field trips, among others. “The first few months of the organization is about building up the camaraderie of the founders, knowing each other’s strength and how we can utilize that strength in the organization,” says Co-Founder Milo Torres. “We have had few workshops amongst us then we invited other enthusiasts to attend our mini-workshops until we started the short 10-session course in Digital Photography that we offer for beginners.”

     

    When word got out, the group increased in number. “We feel happy when the effort and the time we had invested were never wasted or ill-consumed,” he says. “We feel blessed when we were able to pursue the noble path of community service reaching out to share and be able to offer oneself for the betterment of our fellow kababayans.”

     

    The group is both open to members and non-members but the former has advantages such as advanced photography workshops, discussion and meetings facilitated by professionals with unquestionable expertise, chance to submit shots for comments and reviews, being part of competitions, among others.

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: (FCC) Filipino Computer Club

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: (FCC) Filipino Computer Club

    FCC - Filipino Computer Club
    (FCC) Filipino Computer Club – Photo by Eros Goze for Illustrado Magazine

     

    FCC or the Filipino Computer Club, a non-profit organization, provides free computer training classes – and even facilities – to the underprivileged society in Dubai and the Northern Emirates in the hopes of their students securing higher-paying jobs in the future. The FCC is also the first and only Filipino Club that conducts Speech Craft Workshop in cooperation with Toastmasters International. “The series of interactive workshops help individuals build their confidence and sharpen their communication and leadership skills,” says FCC President and Head Trainer Cherry Pye Zablan-Torres. “This is the first step to overcoming their fear of Public Speaking. FCC delivers quality result-driven training solutions in the UAE. We focus on the end-result – the win for our students. With a proven track record, our main strength is our ability to work in tandem with our students as this is the only way to fully understand the practical and realistic solutions that aims to create a stimulating environment. Poised to provide the necessary skills and flexibility, we strongly believe that we will meet and exceed the expectations and objectives we have set for ourselves.”

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    FCC President – Engr. Cherry Pye Zablan – Photo by Eros Goze for Illustrado Magazine

    Of course like any other organizations there are challenges – the biggest of which was the lack of funding and manpower. “But with the magnanimous dedication, commitment and hard work of the officers, members and students along with the support extended by the Philippine Embassy, POLO/OWWA in Dubai, community leaders, volunteers and private companies that help keep our noble project, we go from strength to strength,” she says.

     

    As of the moment, FCC has trained more than 33,000 and the club’s future plans include conducting web-related seminars and workshops, putting up their own library of books and CD-ROMs and installing a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL).