Illustrado Magazine – Filipino Abroad

Tag: Trailblazer

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Philippine Business Council – Trailblazer

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Philippine Business Council – Trailblazer

    PHILIPPINE BUSINESS COUNCIL DUBAI & NORTHERN EMIRATES

     

    The Philippine Business Council of Dubai and the Northern Emirates (PBC Dubai), is a non-profit organization established in 2001 under the patronage of the Philippine Embassy and Consulate General of Dubai and the Northern Emirates. It is the only Filipino organization recognized by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry with the role of facilitating business opportunities for the Filipino community and their commercial partners in the country. 

    As vanguards of Philippine entrepreneurship, the council provides avenues for business exchange among Filipino entrepreneurs, and other parties with an interest in the Filipino market. In 2016, in keeping with the group’s mandate, the PBC hosted a Franchising Seminar, Stock Market Seminar, participation in Art Dubai, as well as networking events. PBC also serves as the parent organization supporting the Ateneo LSE (Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship) School overseeing their annual education program.

    Most significantly, 2016 saw the PBC cementing its ties with the councils of Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, to form the ABCA (ASEAN Business Councils Alliance), formally launched in September 2016 in an event that featured a briefing for entrepreneurs from the EXPO 2020 Leadership.

    PBC Dubai is led by Chairman Bobbie Carella, and Executive Committee members (from left to right): Leo Barrameda (Secretary), Lalaine Chu-Benitez (Vice Chairman), Martina Plumley (Outgoing Head of Membership).  Not included in the picture are Andy Minodin (Head of Projects) and Eden Borja (Outgoing Treasurer), as well as newly-elected Execom members – Dr. Becky Desiderio, Ken Peralta, Annabel Ramirez and Sharon Magsino. 

    PBC’s corporate partners include –Western Union, The Medical City,  llustrado, Tara Kabayan, Chestertons International Real Estate and Brokerage, Startup Business Set-up, Little Manila, Pentaglobal HR Solutions, Cresco Chartered Accountants FZE, CMG

     

    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: Iman and Luchi Suguitan – Trailblazer

    Iman & Luchie Suguitan

     

    Sister power duo, Iman and Luchie Suguitan have been working altruistically on bringing positive social and economic change in the lives of Philippine farmers through their co-founded Mindanao-based enterprise known as “OFW para sa Magsasaka”, or OPM. Their advocacy stems from the frustrating reality that the farmers who grow the nation’s staple food end up not being able to afford their own crops. They elaborate: “In every community we  enter we should be able to increase farmers’ crop prices and stabilize their income, invest or link farmers with public goods, as well as create incentives and deliver training required to sustain farmers’ ecosystems.”

    2016 has been particularly productive for their endeavours. In addition to legally setting up their social enterprise, Iman and Luchie, along with their sixty-eight year old mother, completed their cacao doctors training in Davao. Concerning the success and influence of their social enterprise, Iman and Luchie shares: “As of November 24, we have already taught more than 150 farmers on proper cacao farming and harvest. That’s a potential 150 families with better livelihoods in the next three years. For the future, we envision being able to create products that will serve not just our farmers, but our fisherfolk and going into agri-tourism.”

    Hoping to pave the way for a brighter fate for those at home, Iman and Luchie elaborate: “As Filipino Muslims, we want to be recognized as influential sisters who tried our best to help our fellow Filipinos regardless of religion, politics and distance.”

     

    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: Furne One – Trailblazer

     

    FURNE ONE

    Fashion Designer

     

    Head over to the fabulous Dubai Design District and you will be pleased to note that one of the most prominent fashion spaces is owned and headed by a Filipino – the “One and Only” Furne One, he of the Dubai fashion rock star stature, whose dramatic haute couture extravaganzas are the hottest tickets come fashion season in the city of bling.

    From being a Fine Arts student, to winning a fashion design competition in the Philippines, to becoming a mentee of Josie Natori, to having his own haute couture brand worn by international A-list celebrities, and receiving numerous awards, Furne One has steadily built his haute couture career with exacting precision, dogged determination and pure discipline.  He offers advice to would-be designers, “A lot of young designers think that the fashion industry is just about pretty dresses, fabulous parties and being famous. They often forget about the responsibilities that go along with it. The truth is, it’s all about having a clear vision of your aesthetic, good business acumen, hard work and perseverance”.

    With his diligence paying off in aces, Furne continues to grow his renowned brand Amato Couture, opening two new spaces at the Dubai Design District this year, while officially launching his pret-a-porter line to provide a more accessible fashion collection for the younger sartorially savvy audience. 

    He adds, “You need to focus on your goal, work hard and persevere. The only person you have to prove yourself to, is yourself.

    Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Ivy Grace Paredes – Trailblazer

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Ivy Grace Paredes – Trailblazer

    IVY GRACE PAREDES AKA AYEGEE

    Singer

     

    The Middle East will never lack for fantastic Filipino singers, but amongst their ranks stands Ivy Grace as one of the most exceptional. A seasoned vocalist who started her career in amateur singing competitions in the Philippines, Ivy is a “singer’s singer” – an artist of such prodigious skill that she has become a true benchmark in her field.

    Ivy’s immense talent has taken her career far and wide – even more so in 2016, when she had the chance to have a short stint at X Factor UK, where she wowed the judges and earned legions of fans with her powerful vocal stylings. But even with her remarkable accomplishments as an international artist, Ivy’s source of pride stays closer to home. “One of my proudest moments is when I gave birth to my daughter, the love of my life! I never knew that one person could hold so much love for another, until I became a mother. I must admit that in the beginning, when I figured that I was going to raise my child as a single mother, I had a lot of doubts and apprehensions as to whether I was capable. But once I laid my eyes on my ‘Budang’ as I fondly call her, everything just fell into place. It’s as though I was made for this!”

     

    Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Ezra Santos – Trailblazer

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Ezra Santos – Trailblazer

    EZRA SANTOS

    Fashion Designer

     

    If there is one designer in the region who has utilized and championed Filipino design aesthetics to great effect, it is the divine Ezra Santos.  His offering at Fashion Forward’s October 2016 edition with the haute couture reincarnation of the humble ‘banig’ as ‘piece de resistance’ was not only a feat in fashion design and fabrication, but also a triumph of indigenous Filipino artistic sense re-interpreted for the world.

    The collection which consisted of stunning, painstakingly hand-woven Filipiniana-esque pieces was an astonishing follow-up to Ezra’s past assemblages featuring refined contemporary creations inspired by the Maria-Clara and terno dresses, not to mention the iconic ‘Imeldific’ butterfly sleeves.

    This time around, apart from promoting Filipino culture, which he believes is part of his calling, the designer has also dedicated his show to his artisans, commemorating his atelier’s 12th year anniversary and sharing the glory especially with those who have been there with him from the very beginning.  2016 not only marks a special birthday for his business.  It is also the year when he has finally become sole proprietor for his brand, quite a rare privilege for very few fashion entrepreneurs in the country.

    Ezra who is deeply spiritual reflects “This was a year of blessings and breakthroughs and I am very thankful. One reason that has always kept me strong and courageous is knowing that I was never alone in my journey. My best friend, confidant and adviser, our Lord, has always been there.”

     

    Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Charles Marelid – Trailblazer

    Charles Marelid

    Youngblood

     

    Having accomplished scores of noteworthy milestones and bagged various medals in the world of athletics, Charles Marelid continues to make his mark and carve out a name for himself as one of the youngest, most esteemed short distance sprinters in the U.A.E. A student of the American Community School of Abu Dhabi, Charles balances studies with training, with most of his free time spent towards his honing craft.

    This year, Charles’ central focus has been specifically on running the 100 meter sprint below 11 seconds: “For a young athlete running the 100m, most of us hover around 11 seconds and above. My personal best last year was 11.03 seconds last October 2015.” However, regarding the relentless time and effort he has invested, Charles was successfully able to do so. Running his first ever “sub 11” this May, Charles proudly bagged gold for the league’s best under 17 sprinter, and achieved a record-breaking 10.94 seconds under the watchful eye of Olympian Said Aouita. He has since improved, now with a personal best of 10.81 for the 100m.

    As for what the future holds, Charles plans to study in the US under one of the most prestigious sports academies. But for now, along with conquering the 200 and the 400 meter sprint, he intends to work on his versatility as a sportsman. For anyone out there who plans on pursuing athletics in the future, Charles attests: “Start young. Try as many sports as possible. And value sportsmanship.”

     

    Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Michael Cinco – Trailblazer

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Michael Cinco – Trailblazer

    MICHAEL CINCO

    Fashion Designer

     

    2016 saw Michael Cinco shedding tears at the Jardin de Tuileries after mounting his very first show at the Paris Haute Couture Week – a dream fulfilled, with the support of the Asian Couture Federation where the designer is a founding member.  It was not just another milestone.  It was THE milestone – the achievement of the ultimate aspiration, within the stellar career of this world-renowned designer.

    The last decade has seen Michael Cinco’s unstoppable rise into both local, regional and international prominence, with his brand of haute couture gracing runways and red carpets around the world, his extravagant creations worn and sought-after by royalty, the elite and Hollywood A-listers.  His involvement with America’s Next Top Model, as well as Asia’s and China’s Next Top Model has also made Michael a household name adored by fashion fans across the globe.  The awards he’s received through the years, including one for Breakthrough Designer at the WGSN Global Fashion Award in New York and the Philippine Presidential Medal of Honor, well, those are just the proverbial icing on his already uber rich cake.  He says of his ride to success so far, “My career journey is at times giddy, other times calculated. But mostly impalpable and beautiful.”

    Looking back on his wins, the hardworking designer shares thoughtfully, “Being a Filipino in the international fashion arena is a challenge, though a little clichéd. But I made it work for me.  So, be the best that you can. I can, therefore, you can. We can.”

     

    Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Mike Fillion – Trailblazer

    Mike Fillion

    Artist

     

    In Dubai’s thriving community of artists, Mike Fillion has distinguished himself as a renaissance man: he seems to be able to do anything, and he is great at everything he does. Music composer, filmmaker, writer, a now a creator of a sci-fi series called “Deciders.” Mike elaborates: Deciders is a multi-tiered project that is meant to begin as a toy franchise – but with a universe attached that opens it up to comics, and even movies. The basic gist is that a colonised Mars of the future develops a justice system where disputes are solved by Mecha battles. Sci-Fi gold. The project is in development and looking for funding.”

    In 2016, Mike played a crucial role in the development du’s Tropa For Life campaign, which was specifically geared towards the Filipinos in the UAE. The campaign was so successful, it won the Gold Award for Branded Entertainment at both the Dubai Lynx and Mid East Effies Awards. Mike recounts: “The brief was simple: win the hearts of Pinoys in the UAE, and that’s exactly what we did through humor and music. What made the campaign particularly memorable was the soundtrack. The idea for it came from the director Richard Ang, who wanted a hip hop track for the “hero walk” in the commercial. The lead actor, Twizted Martines, was practically made to perform that track. Twizted and I wrote the lyrics, and my friend Lucky Schild from The Recipe laid down the beats. We wrote and recorded that song in a burst of inspiration. The whole thing was done in two hours. It was a lot of fun. And the sheer joy of putting this campaign together was evident in the final outcome.”

    Mike may be a rain man, but he is decidedly clear on the legacy he wishes to impart to his fellow kabayans: that of a story teller. “I’ve always believed that great art stems from great storytelling. Whether it’s design or music, film or video games, when there’s a great story at the heart of it, audiences will be helplessly lured in. It’s something I learned from people like Steve Jobs, J.J. Abrams and Hideo Kojima. I’d be delighted if one day, the younger generation can learn it from me.”

     

    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: Capt. Frank Desiderio – Trailblazer

    Captain Frank Desiderio

    Pilot

     

    Capt. Frank Desiderio was all over the news when he was named the first ever Filipino to pilot the A380 bus, the biggest commercial aircraft in the world, in 2014. As the aircraft commander, he is responsible for the safety of hundred people on board in the entire duration of the flight. His career did not start well in the beginning like what most would dream of and he had to prove himself before getting the big break in 1994 – the start of his work as a flight instructor.

    “The first A380 commercial flight that I did was the most memorable of all my experiences in life as a Pilot. I have proven not only to myself, but to many young boys and girls who loves aviation that they have a place in this career, and a Filipino can be successful in one of the world’s biggest airline.” He adds that success is imminent, but we have to make those steps forward to reach it.

     

    Photo by: Jim Guiao Punzalan

    Special thanks to – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Madame Yoko Ramos – Vingno – Trailblazer

    Madame Yoko Ramos – Vingno

    Wife of the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE

     

    Madame Yoko had a thriving career in public service back home before she took on the challenging role of wife to the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE. As a diplomat’s spouse, she sees her position as that of a cultural representative, and a mother to the hundreds of thousands of OFW’s in her host country. She attests: “The role of a diplomat’s spouse should be quite simple to many – provide support to your husband, move with him to his various countries of assignment, and help him promote your country.  This is, however, easier said than done because most of the time, you have to give up your own career and shift your focus to something that you are not used to at all.”

     

    Aiding her husband in carrying out diplomatic duties is a full-time job – one that she takes in great stride, as she continues to conduct various events and activities aimed at promoting Filipino culture and building strong connections with key leaders of other nationalities.  Madame Yoko expounds: ““I believe that the tolerance and understanding which developed from these interactions will, indirectly, help the Ambassador in his formal duties of forging closer ties and cooperation with the UAE and other countries as well.  The activities also contributed to developing more coherence and unity among members of the Filipino community (FilCom) in Abu Dhabi.”

     

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