Illustrado Magazine – Filipino Abroad

Tag: Tastemaker

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Danabelle Gutierrez – Tastemaker

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Danabelle Gutierrez – Tastemaker

    Danabelle Gutierrez

    Poet

     

    Danabelle Gutierrez is the author of two critically acclaimed books of poetry: “I Long to Be The River,” published in June 2014, and “& Until The Dreams Come,” published in September 2015. Her readership extends from Southeast Asia all the way to the Middle East, with her books selling consistently with little to no active representation or marketing, proving that in the world of literature, one’s work truly speaks for itself.

    In 2016, Danabelle had the opportunity of performing her poetry in the Emirates Literature Festival, making her the only Filipino in the festival’s long and impressive lineup of wordsmiths. She considers the launch and exhibit of ‘& Until The Dreams Come’ at FN Designs Gallery last November 2015 as her proudest moment. Danabelle says, “I’m proud of how the show and the book was received, but moreover, I am proud of how we were even able to do it at all.”

    A consummate writer, Danabelle puts her work above her own self-interests. She elaborates: “I hope the work is remembered more than me. I would love for people to recognize the work first of all and most of all. Then they can recognize, Danabelle, the writer, the persona, as a mere afterthought.

     

    Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Pauline Moreno Craig – Tastemaker

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Pauline Moreno Craig – Tastemaker

    PAULINE M. CRAIG

    DJ

     

    It ain’t easy being a female DJ – what’s even harder is being a female DJ who is a non-Western. But despite the odds, Pauline has emerged as a prominent figure in Dubai’s dynamic club scene, with gigs that put her at par with the most successful electronic dance music acts in the region. Hers is a story of sticking to one’s guns in pursuit of passion and recognition. The odds may not always be in her favor, but Pauline makes sweet music with it anyway.

    Her list of achievements is certainly one for the books. Spinning since 2009, Pauline has played at the most prestigious venues in Dubai. In 2016, Pauline performed at major music festivals such as the DXBeach Festival, The Grass Festival and Corona Sunsets Festival. On top of her well-received gigs, she also signed a contract for her very own radio show at Dance FM 97.8, the UAE’s first dance music radio station.

    Of the legacy that she wishes to impart to the Filipino community, Pauline says, “I would love to be known as a person who constantly marches to the beat of her own drum. My advice to aspiring artists out there is to always follow your passion and be your unique self. Work hard and never let ego be the motivation to succeed.”

     

    Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Cholo Juan – Tastemaker

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Cholo Juan – Tastemaker

    Cholo Juan

    Visual Artist, Art Curator

     

    An individual who virtually lives and breathes art, full-time Graphic Designer Cholo has forever been surrounded by a multitude of creative minds. Originally starting off in his career as an illustrator, including his collaboration with the famous Brownmonkeys, he has accomplished many noteworthy tasks since his venture into the realms of both commercial and fine art.

     

    In 2016 alone, Cholo has contributed his artwork to food writer Rosan Reodica’s “The Practicing Misis” cookbook, as well as participated in several commissioned events such as live art for Breast Cancer Awareness in Al Qasba, Sharjah, and during the celebration of the U.A.E.’s 45th National Day. He also conceptualized and co-curated a group art exhibition called “Our Minds, Our Playground.”

     

    As prolific as he is creative, Cholo continues to develop new, imaginative projects and installations, but in addition to his contributions to the local art scene, he strives to be recognized for his contributions to the Filipino community. A patriot at heart, Cholo attests: “I am always willing to contribute more to promoting Pinoy pride and represent the Filipinos abroad, voicing the fact that no limits should dissuade us from achieving our dreams.”

     

    Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: SONIQ – Tastemaker

    SONIQ

    EDM Collective

     

    In the pulsating, Western culture-dominated club scene of the UAE, Soniq stands as a uniquely Filipino voice – a group of young, musically gifted DJ’s on a quest to infuse the Middle East’s audio landscape with Pinoy soul. Having formed only 2 years ago, Soniq has quickly climbed the ranks of Dubai’s EDM intelligentsia, with gigs in renowned clubs such as Warehouse in Le Meridien Garhoud and Mint Leaf London. Of their swift rise to fame, Jay Carpio, one of Soniq’s founding members, attests: “As a group, we have a learner’s mindset. We strive to get better everyday by sharing new ideas & techniques. We enjoy being mentored by other DJ’s that have been in the industry longer than we have. We believe that a positive and humble character is key to becoming great.”

    Soniq is Jay, Carl, Erix, Jedd, Mika, and Angela.

     

    Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Tracy Ley – Tastemaker

    Tracy Ley

    Starting from a humble obsession for all things make-up and skincare, Tracy Ley has become a true social media force of nature over the years. She has always emphasized how one can make a career out of what they love, if they have the willpower and the perseverance to do so. With her powerful online presence, Tracy continues to give pride to the Filipino community by presenting herself as a strong, empowered Pinay who is in control not only of her style, but of her destiny.  She advices, “Dream big and work hard towards your goals, Support the people who support you and love the people who love you.”

     

    Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.

  • Most Influential Filpinos in the Gulf: Twisted Martinez – Tastemaker

    Twisted Martinez

    Hip Hop Artist, Advertising Professional

     

    Vinn Albert, more commonly known as Twisted, is a multi-award winning advertising professional who also happens to be an authority in the Middle East’s emerging Filipino hip hop community.  An artist by heart with a 20-year track record of success in the advertising industry, Twisted uses his creativity, ingenuity, and good ol’ fashioned Pinoy “tiyaga” in nurturing the hip hop movement in the UAE, putting Filipino talents on the spotlight at every possible opportunity.

     

    In 2016, Twisted starred in and penned the jingle for a Du TV commercial, which was shortlisted at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity for Music. Together with his contemporaries, he celebrated the 1st year anniversary of Bar4Battle – a Filipino hip hop collective that he helped establish.
    His advice to his fellow kabayans: “Don’t underestimate your capabilities. Never take small things for granted.  And most importantly don’t do drugs!” And of the legacy that he wishes to impart, he says, “I want to be recognized as a family man, an artist, hip hop by heart and soul, and a proud Pinoy. I want to be remembered as a pioneer, a mentor and a legendary MC that helped guide the Filipino hip hop community into have common spot where they could showcase their talents.”

     

    Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Christopher Transmano – Tastemaker

    CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE TRANSMANO

    Dancer, Brand Ambassador

     

    A professional Hip-hop dancer and choreographer, Christopher is one of the most sought after talents in the UAE. He is a trainer and choreographer to the stars like Aseel Omran and Abed el Fetah Grini and an ambassador to major brands like McQ by Alexander McQueen. But the huge breaks weren’t an instant playlist; he had to go through many bumps and offbeat tracks before he became who he is right now.

    Passion and dedication to his work is noticeable in every move and step he creates and it is only fair to say that he is at par, or maybe even better than most talents from other countries who are here in UAE. Christopher says his Filipino values really helped him shape his craft. He says, “Pour your heart out on it. Always try to learn new ways to dance and be versatile and always be humble.”

    More than just an ambassador of brands, he is an ambassador of his Filipino heritage. Christopher explains: “I’ve always had the need to mention that I’m a pure blooded Filipino dance artist whenever I introduce myself and I can’t wait to go back to the Philippines and share the hip-hop culture.” He believes that achieving your dreams is helping others achieve theirs. He also wants to leave a legacy and let others know that he lived his life as meaningfully and as hip-hop as possible.

     

    Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Phio Enaje – Tastemaker

    Phio Enaje

    Fashion & Make Up – Tastemaker

     

    Opening his own atelier and releasing his very first couture label, Enaje Couture, at the age of just twenty-five, Phio Enaje has forever been dressing his clients with awe-inspiring fashion masterpieces. Using his skills learnt from a background of Fashion merchandising and Brand management, Phio brings a fresh take to the world of bridal fashion as the Head Designer for Roxx.  As he seeks more innovation, he broadens the business direction by providing pieces that range from couture to prêt a porter.

    Phio attests that despite going to design school, the lion’s share of what he knows today came from self-studies. He says, “Having Yves Saint Laurent and Coco Chanel as teachers who have influenced my creative heart and mind has aided me in elevating my taste and critical eye in fashion.” Not only that, but Phio also reiterates that having the knowledge of classically great designs  has allowed him to continually set the bar higher for his own work. He adds,  “I’m not a fan of mediocrity.”

    Designing since the age of 16, all Phio wished for was to create beautiful dresses and to see his fantasies come to life. Only later on in his career did he realize that the true splendor of his job was seeing how his work makes a positive impact on the lives of his clients.

     

    Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno
    Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.