Illustrado Magazine – Filipino Abroad

Tag: uae

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: CADD for Kabayan

    COVER 3Most Influential Filipinos:

    CADD (Computer Aided Design and Drafting) for Kabayan

     

    CADD for Kabayan is one of those community organizations in the UAE that has changed the lives of Filipinos through skills education. Having trained over 7,000 individuals until December 2014, producing, 20 TESDA NCII Certified passers in Structural Drafting and developing 35 achievers, the group has facilitated a 360 turn in the professions of its trainees – transforming, for example, a salesman into a CADD draftsman, a secretary to draftswoman, a welder to a CADD technician, and a laborer into an Assistant Engineer.

     

    Established in 2002, CADD for Kabayan is a non-profit organization that conducts technical trainings for OFWs and their dependents in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, providing ample knowledge to people who want to learn more in the fields of Engineering and Architecture and other-related sectors. The organization was put up simply to give a chance for OFWs to compete in the world of Information Technology. “Our group is a family oriented organization,” says Founder Engineer Orandantes M. Delizo. “We are only concentrating in the group’s technical skills and expertise which we share. We make sure our students receive proper training and are certified in their chosen skills.”

     

    CADD which stands for Computer Aided Design and Drafting offers a wide range of courses: Basic AutoCAD, 3D Modelling, Studio Max, Sketchup, Photography and Video Editing, Drafting Courses, Revit and Microstation. These specialized trainings occur every Friday at POLO-OWWA in Al Ghusais from 8 am to 5 pm. “We are so fulfilled when we see our trainees become successful through the skills training we have shared with them,” he says.

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Christopher Trasmaño – The Dance Champ

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Christopher Trasmaño – The Dance Champ

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Christopher Trasmaño – The Dance Champ

     

    Filipino Dancer CHRISTOPHER TRASMAÑO
    Christopher Frostyle Trasmaño – Photo by Eros Goze for Illustrado Magazine

     

    Break dance, sure he could do. But, breaking records is also something Christopher Trasmaño had proven to achieve. Holding the Guinness Book of World Record title for the longest hours of dancing for a dance/rhythm videogame using Xbox 360 Kinect Dance Central 2 is only one among the long list of successes that Christopher, a.k.a. ‘CL Frostyle’, carries throughout the years.

     

    CHRISTOPHER TRASMAñO 2
    Christopher Frostyle Trasmaño – Photo by Eros Goze for Illustrado Magazine

    As a successful professional dancer, CL Frostyle has performed for many events in the hottest of venues in the emirates. He has also appeared in several commercials, music videos and concerts, managed three different dance studios in the Philippines, grooved with Gary Valenciano, Lani Misalucha, and had been the front act for Pussycat Dolls for the Manila tour. Also, he was featured in a music video of Philippine All-Stars.

     

    Not slowing down to rest from dancing, Christopher would still want to break the world record he had already set. Guinness record aside, he has also set his eyes on pursuing his dream – to be known one day for being the humble CLfrostyle, champion of the masses and underprivileged bboys and hiphop dancers who have huge dreams of making it big, and finally, to own a dance company that sponsors Filipino talents and sends them overseas for competitions.

     

     

     

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf – Charge d’ Affaires, en pied Adelio Cruz

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf – Charge d’Affaires en pied, Adelio Cruz

    AMBASSADOR ADELIO CRUZ IN LIBYA
    Charge d’ Affaires, en Pied Adelio Cruz – Photo by Eroz Goze for Illustrado Magazine

    It takes a rare breed of man to actually go willingly into a warzone to facilitate the rescue of others. Charge d’ Affaires, en Pied Adelio Cruz is one of those exceptional few. He has dodged bullets, been held at gunpoint, lived in challenging conditions, while providing leadership to a Filipino community located in one of the most politically-tense environs in the region.

     

    The Philippine diplomat to war-torn Libya – based in Tripoli, he arrived in the country in 2014 as Head of the Philippines’ Rapid Response Team (RRT) composed of different government branches including the Department of Interior and Local Government-Philippine National Police (DILG-PNP), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). His main responsibility is to lead the safe and efficient repatriation of Filipinos from the country. As Head of Post, he is also tasked to continue to enhance bilateral relations with Libya and seven other countries namely, Algeria, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger and Tunisia.

     

    To date, the Embassy has repatriated 5,498 Filipinos. Approximately 3,119 still remain in the country.

     

    Cruz, a well-loved figure who served for four years in the emirates as former Consul General at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi reflects on his experiences and shares, “Retired Ambassador Libran Cabactulan, my former boss in Abu Dhabi once said, ‘In any organization, you are only as strong as your weakest link.’ As soon as I arrived in Libya, I hit the ground running. My learning curve about the country’s history and ongoing internal conflict went vertical. I was blessed because my RRT colleagues, who remained in the country until the end of 2014 were instrumental in helping the Embassy plan, organize and mobilize multiple repatriations throughout Libya, often in the line of fire or possible harm while rescuing Filipinos in distress.” He furthers, “The continued success of our repatriation is due mainly to the team effort from my colleagues at the Embassy. We also have the full support of the DFA, DOLE, OWWA and the POEA.”

     

    Asked how he was able to take such a post that puts his personal safety at risk, he says, “I am sure the rest of my colleagues share the same sentiment when I say our families constantly worry about our safety.” He adds, “But in life, there are few occasions when civil servants are given the rare honor and privilege to serve their country and their fellowmen under ‘very challenging’ conditions. Ensuring the safety and welfare of our kababayans abroad, after all, is one of the three pillars of the Philippine Foreign Service.”

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: YEN AB – The Couture Polymath

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: YEN AB – The Couture Polymath

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: YEN AB – The Couture Polymath

    fashion designer YEN AB

     

    Name a fashion designer who could talk to you about nuclear medicine, comic books, and haute couture in equal measure and gusto. This designer will likely be Yen Ab. It will not be far-wrong to call him a polymath, because everything that he does, he does astonishingly well. His designs are noted for their originality, timelessness, and attention to detail that is nothing short of nerd-level.

     

    Yen credits his success to the loving guidance of his mentors Alfred Osting, Sylver Custorio and Francis “Izhcka” Zeta, who took him under his wing and taught him all that he needed to learn to create his own brand. Et voila, the House of Yen is now a full-fledged couture powerhouse with headquarters in the Abu Dhabi, Tokyo, London, and Los Angeles. His work has been featured in music videos, movies, TV, and red carpet appearances in Hollywood. His collections have been featured at the finale at the House of Ikons – London Fashion Week for 3 years, as well as in glamorous gala exhibits held at the Emirates Palace among other prestigious venues.

     

    As much as he is dedicated to being at the cutting edge of style, Yen understands that the right business acumen is required to ensure that the House that he has built stays strong and sturdy, amidst the rapidly changing economic climates. He is an entrepreneur, as he is a fashion visionary.

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: ROCKY GATHERCOLE – Fashion’s Mad Avant Gardiste

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: ROCKY GATHERCOLE – Fashion’s Mad Avant Gardiste

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: ROCKY GATHERCOLE – Fashion’s Mad Avant Gardiste

    Rocky Gathercole Fashion Designer

     

    Rocky Gathercole has since left the Middle East to replant his roots back into Philippine soil, but it won’t be right to do this list without the eccentric designer – especially since he has left such a controversial and divisive mark on the face of fashion in the UAE.

     

    Known for his eye-popping, astonishing and sometimes disturbing creations, Rocky Gathercole has always had the knack to elicit shock and awe on the runway for his signature brand of fashion. From 20 years spent working for various fashion houses in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, to wildly lauded shows in London, Los Angeles, Miami, Phoenix and New York, Rocky’s creations have not only wowed audiences, but also stopped traffic in the Big Apple and created a paparazzi commotion in the City of Angels. His clothes which demand bravery have been worn by celebrities like Katy Perry, Paris Hilton, JLO, Britney Spears, as well as other Hollywood celebrities and international beauty queens.

     

    Never one to rest on his laurels, the irreverent designer is also cooking up a major collaboration with iconic singer Paula Abdul and a back-to-back fashion show with the renowned Filipino designer and make-up artist Fanny Serrano.

     

    Believing that “all things are attainable, with strength and perseverance”, Rocky Gathercole knows in his heart of hearts that he is in fashion to stay, and to achieve even greater heights.

    Read about Rocky Gathercole’s fashion Insanity here

     

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf – Patrick Fronda – Film Maker

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf – Patrick Fronda – Film Maker

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf – Patrick Fronda – Film Maker Patrick Fronda - Film Maker Dubai   Patrick Fronda is a multi-awarded filmmaker based in the United Arab Emirates. He started his career as a visual artist and later became a film editor and an educator teaching college students about the nuts and bolts of film-making at the Murdoch University in Dubai.   His notable works in directing include ‘Pump It’ and ‘I am a Star’. In 2013, Patrick dominated at the 48 Hour Film Competition sweeping 5 major awards including Best Film and Best Director for his wacky short – ‘Pump It.’ The film then represented Dubai at the Filmapalooza in the USA in 2014. In the same year, Patrick won 3rd Best Film for his entry at the Nikon Film Festival in Dubai. He was also a finalist at the Samsung Video Competition, where his work ended up being screened in Dubai International Film Festival.   Although there is little support to aspiring filmmakers in the country, Patrick remains steadfast in pursuing his passion. “Maybe we are lacking in resources but we have dedicated people who believe in film making. They are my strength, and without them I can’t do it alone. People like my students and some followers help me whenever I need a workforce. As long as there are audiences and people believing in my works, I’ll be doing what I love.” As for the absence of an industry here, he shares enthusiastically, “The UAE might not have an interest or plan to have a real platform here, but I am here to build that. My dream as a filmmaker is to establish a platform for Filipino film makers here – to build a name that we can compete with foreign and local directors.” He adds, “We are natural story tellers’ marami tayung pwede ikwento. I want to show more of our positive side rather than negative. Sa atin kasi, they mostly show only third world problems dahil patok sa first world countries yung ganung plot. But for me, gusto kong maiangat yung level ng thingking ng ibang lahi about us, and I want to tell that visually on film.”      
  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Michael Cinco – The ‘Impalpable’ Celebrity Designer

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Michael Cinco – The ‘Impalpable’ Celebrity Designer

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Michael Cinco – The ‘Impalpable’ Celebrity Designer

    Michael Cinco Fashion Designer
    Michael Cinco -Photo by Eros Goze for Illustrado

    Dubbed as one of the hottest Filipino personalities in the fashion industry, Michael Cinco shines brightly with an amazing array of achievements. From dressing royalties to celebrities, Michael Cinco has made it to THE list as one of the most influential Asians in the global fashion industry. The Dubai-based couturier has risen to fame as a string of Hollywood’s biggest names – Lady Gaga, Paris Hilton, Sofia Vergara, Mila Kunis, Britney Spears, Tyra Banks – chose to wear his stunning creations. Add to that, royals, celebrities and socialites from the Middle East, to the US, even China and Western to Eastern Europe.

     

    A celebrity in his own right featured in America’s Next Top Model, he also has received accolades in both regional and international fashion circuits, from winning his People’s Choice Award at the Dubai Fashion Week in 2010, Breakthrough Designer Award at the WGSN Global Fashion Awards in New York in 2011, to earning a seat as a senior member of the esteemed Asian Couture Federation and receiving a Pamana ng Pilipino Award under the most distinguished 2014 Presidential Awards for Filipinos Overseas, Michael wears is one UAE Couture King who has made it, truly, on a global scale.

     

    Highly regarded in the fashion industry as a genius creative who designs lavish ethereal gowns that perfectly embrace the feminine form (now, also the masculine), with his display of flamboyance and extravagance in his fashion shows perfectly suited to the haute couture world, the ‘impalpable’ M5 states, “To say that it is a steady, unfettered climb to my goals is an understatement. I simply work hard, keep abreast and strive to be on top of my game. It is very challenging and yet, it certainly is a charmed life.”

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Furne One – The ‘One’ and Only

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Furne One – The ‘One’ and Only

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Furne One – The ‘One’ and Only

    Furne One Fashion Designer in Dubai
    Furne One – Photo by Eros Goze for Illustrado

    The Cebu-born talent, whose career in fashion began in winning MEGA Magazine Young Designer of the Philippines Award in 1994, has certainly gone a long way from being an intern at Josie Natorie’s atelier. Now, Furne One co-sits in the triumvirate royalty of couture designers in the UAE through his very own fashion house: ‘Amato Haute Couture’.

     

    Since its establishment in 2002, Amato’s avant-garde designs have continuously pushed the boundaries in the style stakes. Combining the classic, the unconventional, the east and the west, the dramatic and the edgy, the couture brand has sky rocketed up the fashion barometer in Dubai and globally. With well-received shows in LA, Dubai, London and Miami, Amato has morphed from a local fashion favorite to a respected global player.

     

    Quite famous for his golden locks, Furne One is further renowned for his creativity and uses his natural panache to elevate everyday trends into works of art. He is well known for his signature flair that uses an enchanting mix of rich textures and lavish materials with a heavy emphasis on luxurious detailing and embellishment as well as inspirations that range from romantic Shakespearean tales, vintage postcards to the vibrancy of new-age, even alien, imagery and the dark dramatics of a corpse bride. Furne One’s shows are also known to be the hottest of runway spectacles to which passionate passion fans throng to during Dubai’s style season.

     

    With his clothes earning the love of top global performers like Beyonce, Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Sherzinger, Kelly Rowland, Rita Ora and Shakira among others, one wonders what else is next for the One and Only.

  • Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Ezra Santos – The Divine Style Createur

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Ezra Santos – The Divine Style Createur

    Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Ezra Santos – The Divine Style Createur

    Ezra Santos Fashion Designers

    From lending his sartorial talent to top fashion houses in Saudi Arabia and Dubai to establishing his very own haute couture brand EZRA that is now considered as one of the most esteemed high fashion labels in the region, Ezra Santos has indeed made an illustrious name for himself.

     

    Known for his signature style nestled on a foundation of clean elegant lines, which consistently pushes boundaries with a fresh point-of-view, and blessed with just the right touch of dainty, as well as mindful and measured use of embellishments and detailing, Ezra’s masterpieces are coveted by the region’s gliteratti.

     

    Looking back, the designer attributes the start of his ascent to his first gala show, “In the Beginning” which claimed roaring applause during its staging at the Madinat Jumeirah. Then months after, his remarkable ‘Afrique d’Or’ collection made it to New York where he earned a standing ovation from the world’s fashion critics and gurus at his show that at the Couture Fashion Week. Thereafter, a string of successful shows in the UAE and the Philippines, and just recently, Vietnam under the banner of the Asian Couture Federation, and the rest is history. Now, Ezra shares a position of distinction with fellow Filipinos Furne One and Michael Cinco as the UAE’s Kings of Couture.

     

    Having dressed beautiful Arab women from the elite and royal families, Ezra’s divine creations have also adorned A-list celebrities such as the Middle Eastern star Haifa Wehbe, international pop superstar Britney Spears and Hollywood actress Michelle Rodriguez among many glamorous others.

  • Most Influential Filipinos: Philippine Business Council – Dubai and Northern Emirates

    Most Influential Filipinos: Philippine Business Council – Dubai and Northern Emirates

    Most Influential Filipinos: Philippine Business Council – Dubai and Northern Emirates

    PHILIPPINE BUSINESS COUNCIL DUBAI & NORTHERN EMIRATES
    Philippine Business Council Execom – L-R: Lalaine Chu-Benitez, Bobbie Carella, Christine Gonzales, Caloy Serrano, Leo Barrameda, Eden Borja, Andy Minodin and Marty Plumley Photo by Eros Goze for Illustrado Magazine

    Philippine Business Council of Dubai and the Northern Emirates Photo by Eros Goze for Illustrado Magazine

    With the mantra “Connecting People, Bridging Businesses” the Philippine Business Council of Dubai and the Northern Emirates plays an integral role in bolstering the presence of Filipino businesses and assisting entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners in the UAE. 

     

    The group is the only Filipino organization officially recognized by the Dubai government and licensed by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industries. According to Chairman Bobbie Carella, “PBC is a platform, an avenue to promote and create an environment of active cooperation and goodwill amongst its members and the business community in Dubai, the Northern Emirates and the Philippines. Since we re-launched the group this year, we have come to define our role in the Filipino community as a repository of information – a knowledge distribution node. Another critical function of PBC is to act as ‘connector’ between Filipinos and other business communities in the UAE and beyond.”

     

    The PBC has spearheaded a number of projects in the past both educational, as well as in support to various Philippine-causes, the most prominent of which is the very successful Ateneo de Manila University Leadership and Entrepreneurship Programme (LSE) which is now in its third year. This year, the PBC has also started running seminars and workshops on management topics for the continued development of both entrepreneurs and professionals.

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    PBC Chairman – Bobbie Carella – Photo by Eros Goze for Illustrado Magazine

     

    Set to celebrate its 15th anniversary in 2016, Bobbie shares that the group is gearing to facilitate a Regional Trade Show that will showcase industries from around the Philippines. She also adds, “Moving forward we would like to see PBC with a very healthy membership of committed and engaged individuals who will deliver. There is strength in numbers – we are now the 3rd biggest ethnic group in the emirates. Once we increase our membership size, with PBC acting as a collective overseeing body, this council will have the clout and be the vox populi of our community. Finally, we would also like to see more presence of big Philippine brands in the country.”

     

     

    The PBC Executive Committee consists of – Bobbie Carella (Chairman), Red Vargas (Vice Chairman), Eden Borja (Treasurer), Caloy Serrano and Marty Plumley (Membership), Lalaine Chu-Benitez (Marketing), Andy Minodin (Projects), Christine Gonzales and Leo Barrameda (Secretariat).