Illustrado Magazine – Filipino Abroad

Tag: Trailblazer

  • Nick Nadal – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Nick Nadal – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Gamechanger – Nick Nadal

    Photo by: Bethoven Filomeno

    Corporate Governance & Sustainable Finance Expert

    When talking about accomplishments, Nick Nadal will not run out of things to share.  But he is a man who would rather not discuss himself. A conversation with him will just be about the causes he’s involved with and how this can benefit many.

    A corporate expert who works for the government of Dubai, specifically the Dubai Sustainable Finance Working Group, he is one of the key persons behind making the emirate a global player in sustainable finance. He does this while working on advancing good governance practices in regional organizations, addressing boards and decision-makers, framing decisions related to environmental responsibility, fairness to labor and community, company stewardship, and relationship to society, among others.  He also has set-up a regional think tank on corporate governance driving research, company engagements, and program development.

    With all that he has learned through the years serving various causes, Nick encourages Filipinos to elevate themselves by embracing the greater community that they belong in. “We need to realize that human dignity, environmental responsibility, and the general need to be kind transcend our communities, and that despite differences in geographies, in how each one of us were raised, in our education, and in our general outlook in life, all of us have much more in common than there are differences. So, let’s all work to elevate the place we live, work, and play, by so doing, we also elevate our communities and ourselves.”

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  • Bong Guerrero – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Bong Guerrero – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Game Changer – Bong Guerrero

    Fashion Catalyst 

    Bong Guerrero - Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf
    @shotbylucasalves

    Bong Guerrero came to the UAE in 1990 with promising potential and an appetite to develop great projects and brands. He founded his first events company in 1999, initially producing and managing corporate events, product launches, as well as projects that helped catalyze the now booming fashion scene in Dubai. Today, Bong is the Managing Partner of BRAG – a prominent events agency in the region that also provides creative services – and CEO of Fashion Forward Dubai (FFWD) – the region’s seasonal landmark fashion event showcasing the industry’s best designers and creatives.

    Having worked alongside an impressive roster of high-profile clients like Kenzo, Jimmy Choo, Mercedes Benz, Netflix, as well as the best fashion houses in the region and beyond, Bong has developed an impressive body of work that will undeniably continue to grow and diversify. Some of the recent standout events organized by BRAG include Enrique Iglesias @ The Pointe, Dua Lipa @ The Pointe, and WASLA Music Festival 2019. Bong has also steered FFWD into the direction of managing turnkey events for the fashion, beauty, and luxury industries, as well as e-commerce – allowing fashion enthusiasts to buy clothes straight off the runway.

    Turning every challenging circumstance into a fruitful opportunity, Bong, like most entrepreneurs, has experienced the paralyzing fear of projects not succeeding – but has not let this fear inhibit him in any of his undertakings. He expresses that, despite the roadblocks along the way, when you have a great team, good ethics, and a focused vision that inspires you to work hard, then one can do anything.

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  • PBC Abu Dhabi – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    PBC Abu Dhabi – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Philippine Business Council Abu Dhabi

    Non-Profit Group

    Photo by: Ace Reyes

    The Philippine Business Council of Abu Dhabi, a non-profit organization registered with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, envisions a Filipino community of business leaders, constantly growing through supporting trade, commerce, and investment between the Philippines and the UAE.

    Having done many projects over the years, one of their flagship events is InfoRoom, a series of talks aimed at strengthening the ecosystem of Filipino SME’s within Abu Dhabi. Another notable project is BizTalk, a series of lectures by established and successful entrepreneurs and resource speakers.

    With the collective goal of linking Filipino entrepreneurs and partners, the PBC-AUH plays a key role in connecting entities to business opportunities whether in the Philippines through the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) or via the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and its attached service units and other supporting entrepreneurial organizations.

    The group believes that, with the innate Filipino resourcefulness and resilience, success in business is there for the taking. According to Chairman Deborah Gay Dayrit, “We global Filipinos are known for our remarkable adaptability and ingenuity. If these traits are augmented and backed up with a proper support system, we will produce more Filipino owned SMEs that will outshine the rest. To rise from the status quo, one needs to dare fearlessly, and yes, the PBC is here to support and see them compete globally.”

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  • Ateneo LSE – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Ateneo LSE – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Trailblazers – Ateneo LSE

    Social Entrepreneurship Program

    Over the years, the Ateneo LSE (Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship) program has transformed the lives of many overseas Filipinos across 27 countries, empowering them with the knowledge to become the next wave of entrepreneurs who have an advocacy in helping their community. The largest organization of its kind, their accredited programs have provided entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and leadership skills to thousands of Filipinos worldwide.

    Aside from the training and lessons, Ateneo LSE in the UAE is also helping the Ateneo School for Government to expand its reach across the Middle East, with their sights set on Oman and Bahrain. The organization has also helped students in Qatar begin their entrepreneurial education journey. Through their many deeds and accomplishments, the UAE Ateneo LSE has been selected to host the upcoming 2020 Global Ateneo LSE Homecoming summit in Dubai.

    Founding President JR Papel shares his thoughts, which align with the organization’s values and aspirations, “Filipinos should find their passion or interest that they think can add value to their community. They should consistently hone, push and develop themselves to be able to push this passion that it eventually becomes their identity and life’s mission. This gives us a deeper reason to wake up every single day.”

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  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Nathaniel Alapide – Trailblazer

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Nathaniel Alapide – Trailblazer

    Nathaniel Alapide

    Artist

     

    We live in an age of digitized aesthetics, where art can be churned out quickly, and online platforms can ensure that it lives forever. Hence, it’s rare to find artists like Nathaniel Alapide who are still willing to utilize a medium as difficult and fleeting as sand. Working for the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Nathaniel uses his unique talent and resourcefulness to create breathtaking sand-drawn art and large scale murals on the beaches of Dubai. In addition to creating artworks upon request of VIP hotel guests, he even hosts specialized classes on how individuals can tap into their inner creativity.

    Nathaniel credits his late grandmother Federica Alapide as his main source of inspiration. He recalls how his love affair with sand art began on the day he wanted to do something special for his grandma: “What I do now on sand started out as a tribute to my late ‘Lola.’ I created a massive tree for her on the beach as my way of letting her know how much she meant to me and my other siblings.” Since then, Nathaniel has evolved into one of the most recognized artists in the genre, until his work was recognized by Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Now, he resides in an artistic sweet spot where he gets paid to do what he loves.

    His advice to his fellow Filipinos: “Do more of the things that give you life, because our time here won’t last forever.”

     

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

  • Most Influential Filipino in the Gulf: Jacob Alcala – Trailblazer

    Jacob Alcala

    Film maker

     

    Jacob is a 15-year old film maker with an eye for imagery that belies his young age. In 2016, his film was nominated for Best Picture and won Best Editing at the 2016 Thimun Qatar Northwestern Film Festival. Entitled “Connectedly Disconnected” the film tackles the pitfalls of seeking comfort through temporary connections. With all the success that he has achieved at his age, he says that his father keeps him grounded by constantly reminding him that “It’s not enough to rely on talent alone, you have to have passion. You must love what you do and not treat it like it is ‘work.’ Most of all you have to treat yourself as an “amateur” because no matter how good you are, there is always room for improvement.” He adds that he wants to someday represent the Philippines internationally and lend his talent in raising the standards of quality film making in the country.

    His advice to his fellow, young Filipino artists: “Never let the fear of not being good enough stop you from trying something new. If I had let that fear stop me, then I would not be where I am and who I am today.”

     

    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: Collin Torres – Trailblazer

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Collin Torres – Trailblazer

    Collin Dayle Torres Photographer, Community Volunteer   “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” This adage applies to young photographer Collin Torres, son of renowned photographer and entrepreneur Milo Torres. A student of The Westminster School, two of Collin’s photos were shortlisted at the 2016 Expo2020xHIPA Photography Competition – an exceptional achievement that he credits to the loving guidance of his father. He recounts, “Since I was very young, my dad has been teaching me how to handle a camera. I didn’t take it seriously at first. It took me years to fully understand what the camera was capable of. It was only recently that I’ve started to pursue the photography scene. All it took was a lot of perseverance and the passion, and of course, a lot of patience from my dad.” Engineer Milo didn’t just teach Collin how to take good photos – he also taught him the value of volunteerism. Collin attests: “I’ve been a community volunteer ever since I was a toddler. I was influenced by my parents, who are community leaders. They have helped me to become a better humanitarian and a patron for the less-privileged. Along with that, I’ve been a part of the Youth for Christ community for four years now, acting as a leader, helping young people like me become better versions of themselves.” His advice to his fellow Filipinos: “You are your own person, you have the power over yourself, your choices, your feelings and your life. The only way that you’d ever feel that you’ve lost is if you didn’t take that first step, that you didn’t take the initiative – that you didn’t try. Have faith in yourself, believe that you are capable of doing amazing things, and I’m sure that you’re going to leave your mark on the world.”   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: Acena Sisters – Trailblazer

    THE ACENA SISTERS

    Tennis Players

     

    Watch out, Venus and Serena! A new breed of sibling tennis champs is on the rise, and it goes by the name of The Acena Sisters. Renee and Bea have been displaying prodigious skill in tennis from a very young age, and through hard work and discipline, they have individually become exemplary champions in their sport. In 2016, Renee reached the seminals of both the singles and doubles categories of the Asian U14 Tennis Tournament held in Dhaka, Bangladesh in November. She also reached the semifinals of girls’ U14 category of the PCA Open 2016, held in the Philippines. On the other hand, Bea won the Masters Finals in the Clark Francis Tennis Academy for the girls’ U14 and U18 categories last May. For her victory, she was given an all-expense paid trip to watch the French Open 2016 at Roland Garros in Paris.

    In addition to their impressive skill and talent, Renee and Bea exhibit a level of dedication and professionalism that belies their young age.  Of the secret to her success, Bea professes: “The saying ‘There is no substitute for hard work’ is actually what has propelled me to where I am today as far as my fledging tennis career is concerned. I am not the most athletically gifted girl out there, but I make up for it with hard work. My practices are marked by fierce intensity, which I also bring to my matches. I believe that winning is a direct consequence of the amount of work one puts in.”

    Renee offers a more intense point of view: “I hate to lose. In every match, I always come in with the mindset of winning it. And because of that, I never give up, and play each point as if it were my last. Of course, I do lose matches, but I always treat each loss as a learning experience, which helps me improve on my game going forward. For anyone aspiring to be good at any sport, and in life for that matter, work hard and believe in yourself. I am a firm believer that if one works hard, dreams do come true.”

     

    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: Teng Roma – Trailblazer

    TENG ROMA

     

    Salons are said to be haven for loose talks, rumors, and gossips but Teng Roma is serious about this business. It is his duty to make people look and feel good through world-class grooming and a luxurious salon experience. He is a co-owner manager of his flagship Emphasis Salon in Rockwell – an institution of style and beauty in the Philippines, with a 15-year track record of providing “opulent salon” experience to Manila’s crème dela crème.  Teng has also launched two eponymous branches in swanky Fairmont Hotel and Alabang.  Recently, he opened the Teng Roma salon in the luxurious Desert Palm in Dubai, with another branch opening soon at the Conrad Hotel bringing his well-respected Philippine-grown brand and signature service to the well-heeled of the emirates.

     

    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: Antonino Benitez – Trailblazer

    Antonino Benitez

    Exemplary Overseas Filipino Student

     

    His name is Antonino. His colleagues also lovingly refer to him as “astronaut,” as he is so good at everything at he does, he is not even limited by outer space. You see the track record of success that he has managed to generate, the languages that he can speak (3, and still counting!), and the tasks that he can surmount with almost alarming ease at such a young age, and you just have to ask, “Really? Why not an astronaut?” In many ways, he is the exemplary overseas Filipino student – resourceful, unbending in his commitment to higher learning, but imbued with the unmistakably Pinoy values that brings great pride to his motherland.

    Despite being only 15, Antonino is already a published writer, serving as a junior contributor for Illustrado GO. Through his unique style of writing, he provides a fresh take on a variety of subjects from a fascinating perspective. 2016 has been a particularly momentous year for this wunderkind, as he was chosen as one of the 5 students out of hundreds to win an essay competition hosted by Western Union in the UAE.  Under the topic of ‘Delivering education, facilitated by technology, to the refugee children in Syria,’ Antonino was also able to read and elaborate on his essay at a global financial leadership summit attended by dignitaries, entrepreneurs, academics, and community leaders of various nationalities. Of this triumph, he attests: “The most rewarding aspect of the experience was discovering that I was the only Filipino winner. I consider it a truly a pivotal moment in my life. It galvanized my belief that Filipinos, regardless of age, can excel in a myriad of fields.”

     

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