Illustrado Magazine – Filipino Abroad

Tag: uae

  • It’s What I Do: Charles Cabaña and Anna Asistio

    It’s What I Do: Charles Cabaña and Anna Asistio

    Charles Edward Cabaña – Business Development Manager, Virtuzone UAE

    Follow Charles: LinkedIn

    Tell us about your work. Describe your job and how you contribute to the workplace.

    As a Business Development Manager at Virtuzone, I guide my clients into choosing the most appropriate licensing option, jurisdiction and activity, depending on their requirements. I have more than 14 years of experience in advising startups on business structure from a corporate and legal perspective. As the industry is flooded with information, you need someone well-versed in this kind of subject.

    I believe it is a part of my job to encourage Filipinos to look more into entrepreneurship. It’s sad to know that there are many Filipino brands owned by other nationalities. Since I’ve started in this field in 2008 though, I have seen plenty of Filipinos making a name for themselves.

    Have you always had a passion for what you do?

    I have always loved my job and I am proud to be in a position where I can empower. Even more than a decade later, it still gives me a sense of fulfillment knowing that my advice/assistance helps my clients achieve their goals.

    Tell us about the company. What’s the story behind it? What does it contribute to the market? 

    Virtuzone is a pioneer in the UAE’s business setup industry. Since 2009, our company has helped more than 45,000 entrepreneurs establish their businesses in the UAE and build a presence in the MENA region.

    We make it easier for individuals/corporations to set up shop here in the UAE trough a broad range of business support services. We also help promote the spirit of entrepreneurship through our unique referral program (https://referral.vz.ae/).

    What’s your proudest career moment so far? Are there any special stories that you might want to share?

    Being the only Filipino consultant at Virtuzone is one of my most significant milestones. The business setup industry is extremely competitive and fast-paced. So, having a thriving and enduring career is an achievement in itself!

    One memorable story I have: there was one client who came to me after consulting different firms that couldn’t pull off what he needed. We helped him successfully establish an office in DMCC and open a bank account, which is difficult especially for those who are new in the UAE. Now, they are a thriving business.

    How has the pandemic changed your routine? Please describe a typical day in the life of your work.  

    Many people were taking advantage of the opportunity that the pandemic brought – the setup costs were lower, new market segments were opening, and the resources were generally more affordable. Even if some clients were based overseas, I assisted them in establishing their companies remotely. Though face-to-face meetings were limited as we went online more, we made sure to keep the lines of communication open, since there was still a huge demand for company registration at the time.  The pandemic has also taught me to be grateful that I am a part of a solid organization like Virtuzone. Our company has really strived to inspire all of us to unite and overcome the pandemic’s challenges as one.

    A typical day in my life? I start my mornings by keeping a positive mindset and a grateful attitude, which help me be productive and have a can-do attitude.

    How do you unwind and destress from the demands of your work?

    I like spending my free time playing golf. Just being there in the fairway relaxes me, but more so when I hit the ball right and it goes where I want it to go. I do like analyzing the stock market, since investing challenges me and gives me satisfaction. I also enjoy traveling and learning about different cultures and histories.

    What’s your advice to Filipinos out there?  

    Be more aggressive, confident and take risks. Don’t always play safe. The moment we think as entrepreneurs is the moment we will be financially independent. I also encourage Filipinos to have another source of income, aside from their day jobs. We should have multiple streams of income – and one of them could be your business. Don’t just dream about it, start it. And you can always talk to me about it. #BeYourOwnBoss #LegendaryWink

     

    Anna Luisa Asistio – Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications, JannahHotels and Resorts UAE

    Follow Anna: FB, IG

    Tell us about your work. Describe your job and how you contribute to the workplace.

    I am in charge of the overall management of the marketing department as Assistant Director of Marketing Communications at Jannah Hotels & Resorts. My main responsibilities include development of marketing campaigns, alignment of corporate and hotel communication strategies, branding, social media, digital, PR, advertising, collaborations and partnerships.

     

    Have you always had a passion for what you do?

    I always love to study different types of people and their habits, which is why I choose marketing. It is perfect for people who are up to date with trends, result-oriented, efficient, decisive, and strategic.

     

     Tell us about the company. What’s the story behind it? What does it contribute to the market?  

    Jannah Hotels & Resorts was founded in the spirit of noble Bedouin hospitality and is a pioneer among hotel groups that specialise in the affordable luxury Halal segment. We have properties in Dubai, RAK, and (soon) Sharjah.

    Begin your journey at https://www.jannah-hotels.com/ and by following Jannah Hotels & Resorts (FB, IG, Twitter). As well as http://www.edgehotels.com and social media (FB, IG, Twitter).

    What’s your most proud career moment so far? Are there any special stories that you might want to share? 

    During the most challenging time of the year in the hospitality industry, I launched the brand new Edge Creekside Hotel in Dubai Creek and Halo Halo Restaurant in Deira and Dubai Marina. My key roles during launch included naming of the hotel and restaurant, brand creation and organizing a launch event which was extremely successful. As part of the new restaurant’s launch strategy, together with my team we created a series of successful food festivals and hosting different celebrity chefs.

    I am also blessed to be part of the Hotelier Middle East Power 50 Best Marketeers and 30 Under 30 Most Talented Young Hoteliers in the region, as well as being nominated for multiple other prestigious marketing awards.

    How has the pandemic changed your routine? Please describe a typical day in the life of your work. 

    With my work there is no typical routine or usual day. We marketeers have to be flexible and ready for challenges according to our daily and weekly tasks. We monitor the current campaigns, check trends, look at what our competitor’s are doing, see what’s new in the market, and network with people. With the pandemic, we switched our interaction to digital, spending more time on our devices and meeting via video calls.

    How do you unwind and destress from the demands of your work?

    In a world without COVID-19, travelling used to be one of the things I loved to do. In this pandemic, I realized that I am super blessed to have visited almost 30 countries, and once we are in more precendented times I can’t wait to fly towards my next dream destination. On a regular day, to destress, I do love catching up with friends, relaxing on the beach, and sometimes pampering myself with shopping, girly treatment, and Netflix and chill at home.

    What’s your advice to Filipinos out there? 

    We Filipinos are well-known for our hospitality, optimistic attitude towards life and courage in facing difficult times with a strong faith and never fails to put a smile on our face. We show to the world that we are most compassionate, selflessly eager and are always ready to help anyone in need.

    Filipinos are world-class as we can communicate with everyone. We have so much to give as we strive to succeed and share our values, skills, and hard work.

    Great things are coming so step out of your comfort zone. Allow yourself to learn something new with no limits, do not be afraid to fail, enjoy the process of growing and use it to move forward. Start conquering the world. I am proud to be a Filipino working abroad.

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  • Ishwar Chugani – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Ishwar Chugani – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Gamechanger – Ishwar Chugani

    Business Leader

    With over 40 years of retail experience within the region alone, CEO and Managing Director of Giordano Middle East Ishwar Chugani has truly consolidated his presence as an industry legend with his steely Indian business acumen, complemented by a commitment to service that’s unmistakably Pinoy. A De La Salle University graduate, he was born and raised in the Philippines, where three generations of his family lived. Imbued with distinctly Filipino values, Ishwar, who often refers to himself as “Dugong Bumbay, pusong Pinoy” (of Indian blood, and a Filipino heart) partly credits his Bacoleño upbringing for helping him get to where he is today: “Like every fun-loving Pinoy, I like to enjoy life and meet new people. Due to this, I am able to manage different nationalities well, and I am easy to get along with.”

    Being included in Forbes Magazine’s Top 20 Indian CEOs in the Arab World for three consecutive years (2015, 2016, and 2017), as well as speaking at the MAPIC Conference in Cannes France – the most prominent international property retail event – are among his top achievements. Alongside these accolades, Ishwar’s steadfast work ethic and constant support have won many hearts within the Filipino community in the UAE.  He was also appointed by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce (Philippines) as the first Global Ambassador of Goodwill for the UAE.

    In 2019, Ishwar bagged the title of Retail Professional of the Year at the Middle East Retail Awards for his work in steering Giordano to enter and thrive in markets that span beyond the Middle East. Now, he has begun planting seeds of Giordano’s franchise in Mauritius.

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  • De La Salle Montessori International – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    De La Salle Montessori International – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    De La Salle Montessori International 

    Educators

    Photo by: Ace Reyes

    De la Salle Montessori International’s lasting legacy will always be providing a bright start for many children in Dubai. For over two decades, the Filipino-founded nursery has provided exceptional early learning to a community of multi-cultural students, shaping their young minds towards academic excellence and nurturing them with the tender-loving-care Filipinos are known for.

    The school has produced over 4,000 young achievers to date. For years, DLSM has been running its recurring Bright Start program which provides scholarships to students that need financial help.  They also have an annual “I Care” charity drive, which benefits orphans in Baliuag, Bulacan. This year, they have also partnered with the Dubai Police and Dubai Immigration in their employee happiness initiative.

    “We help bring up consciously evolved children who will work hard to achieve their highest potential and become successful global citizens of the future who have a life-long love of learning, a strong sense of family values, who lead with dignity, follow with discernment, value diversity, think independently, care about the environment and the world at large and foster peace and harmony,” says school Director Ian Chu-Guerrero. (more…)

  • Rowena Niduaza – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Rowena Niduaza – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Rowena Niduaza

    Public Speaker

    Photo by: Chris Calumberan

    Rowena Niduaza discovered the beauty and power of public speaking when she joined Toastmasters International in 2004, and through this group, she was able to bring out her other strengths and provide a voice to the Filipino community in the speaker’s circuit. This led to a slew of titles she has won for the country: the Division (UAE) championship and the District Championship (Middle East). In 2013, she won the Middle East Championship, becoming the first regional representative to reach the semi-finals of the Toastmasters International World Championship in Public Speaking in Canada.

    Rowena also utilized her communication prowess and unique brand of humor and charisma to speak on female empowerment at conferences such as the Dubai Women’s Summit in 2017 and 2018, sharing the stage with other women leaders from the UK, France, Canada, etc. – inspiring audiences to bring out the best in themselves.

    Originally from a creative background, heading the design department of a regional furniture retailer, she is currently looking to return back to fashion – her original calling.  She is set to launch her fashion line in the Philippines this 2020 and focus the project until she eventually retires from the emirates.

    Nevertheless, even with her mic parked, for now, she will always be one of those rare people who successfully promoted the Filipino voice and wit, out there into the world, providing exceptional representation of our people on the global stage.

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  • Roman Guevara – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Roman Guevara – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Thoughtleader: Roman Guevara

    Life Coach

    Photo by: Mox Santos

    For many life coaches, their only focus is to help the physical and mental well-being of an individual. Roman Guevarra, however, aims to bring out the mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness of his peers, especially Overseas Filipinos, who are away from their families.

    Inspirational life coach Roman leads Rise Up in the region, helping and motivating Filipinos to live their best lives and providing them worthwhile counsel easing them through the sometimes challenging experiences of an expat Filipino. “I do a lot of counseling, group activities, and retreats that aim to help OF’s, especially those who are facing depression,” he says. “Besides our existing spiritual wellness programs in the UAE and other parts of the Middle East, we have also established similar programs such as those in Canada, Libya, Hong Kong, Japan, and the Philippines.”

    He adds that helping people who are struggling with depression is his life-long legacy and achievement. He not only helps those who have mental concerns and problems, but through his work, he was also able to pay it forward by training others who would continue to do the same.

    For those who want to get in on the action by helping others to be physically, mentally, and spiritually fit, Roman Guevarra says to have more professional and academic training. “This is our lifeblood after all, and I believe that I am born to serve this way.”  (more…)

  • Steve Patrick Moore – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Steve Patrick Moore – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Tastemaker: Steve Patrick Moore

    Sports Announcer, Host and Commentator 

    Photo by: Faisal Al Hiwani

    Although Steve Patrick Moore has achieved so much within the sports and entertainment industry in the region having hosted numerous prestigious events in and out of the country, he is not one to rest on his laurels and says the journey still continues.

    The sports announcer, host and commentator, who takes pride in his roots of being a Filipino-American, has become an entertainment powerhouse in recent years.  In 2019 his wins kept pouring in with his involvement in numerous World Cup-related sports events in various countries while being part of initiatives like the 24-Hour Walkathon for Cancer Society and Walk for Diabetes. He has also worked for projects such as the Urbanation music concert series in Abu Dhabi, World Beach Games 2019, Intercontinental Beach Soccer, Dubai 30×30 Fitness Challenge, ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, and UAE Warriors Fighting Championship.

    On his success mindset, Steve shares that gaining fame and success doesn’t happen overnight.  He says, “Always think ahead, dream big and never tell anyone of your next move.” (more…)

  • Renuel Sanchez – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Renuel Sanchez – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Thoughtleader: Renuel Sanchez

    Fitness Professional

    Photo by: Bethoven Filomeno

    Much like his attitude towards fitness as an expert in the field, Renuel Sanchez is a success-driven individual who works with consistent dedication to achieve and help others achieve every goal. As a leading personal trainer in the UAE armed with a diverse set of qualifications, Renuel has served as the General Manager of MMA Fitness Center for the past 8 years. Alongside training others to be the best versions of themselves, Renuel has put his athletic abilities and his passion for fitness to good use, having spearheaded numerous charity initiatives which include Charity Fight Nights for the benefit of orphanages, laborers, as well as a Breast Cancer Awareness campaign.

    While being a General Manager is no easy task, Renuel regards this as one of his greatest career achievements. Having started out in the fitness industry with little to no experience, he has admirably worked his way up within the highly competitive space, cementing his presence as a top instructor in the field.  Wanting his journey to embolden fellow Filipinos to be hungry and ambitious, Renuel expresses: “Filipinos can significantly progress in their line of work, and reach leadership positions if they work hard. I used to work 12 to 15 hours in my first few years here in Dubai because I wanted to earn a lot and learn more about the fitness industry. It’s no surprise, but hard work really pays off.”

    Now, pursuing his life calling, Renuel works as CEO of Shield Ezentials, a health product and lifestyle business that, not only helps strengthen the immune system, but gives income opportunities back to a growing number of Filipinos in his community back home amidst these challenging times.  (more…)

  • Entrepinoy – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Entrepinoy – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Thoughtleaders – Entrepinoy

    Social Entrepreneurs

    Photo by: Rozen Antonio

    At the heart of their enterprise is the intent to be agents of positive change. Entrepinoy’s story is a compelling mix of extraordinary pro-people environmentally sustainable products, coupled with the mission to help solve a significant societal issue.

    Established by Chairman Sheryll Bacay Agbing and partners Jessie Quintilla, Gertie Quebral, Hyden Restificar, and Chito Hernandez, Entrepinoy utilizes the entrepreneurial spirit to realize initiatives and collaborations that will support farmers in the Philippines. Their pilot product, Organic Rice, is part of their larger advocacy to help agricultural workers in impoverished towns back home while at the same time providing consumers the new generation of sustainable, socially-responsible high-quality products from the Philippines.

    As a social enterprise, Entrepinoy strives to thrive within a unique business model that is both profitable and transformative.  The founders believe in the ability and potential of businesses to accomplish commercial success whilst providing invaluable support for people.  In line with the recent launch of Barako Coffee, Entrepinoy augmented its operational strategy, focusing more on creating a unique customer experience and work-for-purpose approach. While the team is focusing on environmentally friendly and ethical products to add to their portfolio, they also continue building relationships within the community in order to grow their customer base sharing the story of their advocacy.

    “Through this, we hope to achieve our mission of creating a positive impact within the community and make the world a better place, while at the same time accomplishing our entrepreneurial goals,” says Chairman Agbing.

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  • Christopher Lawrence Frostyle Trasmaño – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Christopher Lawrence Frostyle Trasmaño – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Christopher Lawrence ‘Frostyle’ Trasmaño

    Entertainer & Guinness World Record Holder

    Photography by: Ace Reyes

    One cannot simply talk about the UAE’s dynamic dance scene without mentioning seasoned breakdancer Christopher Lawrence Frostyle Trasmaño – who has undeniably brought the underground culture to a greater arena with his unique flair. Besides empowering several budding dance professionals through mentorship, as well as having spearheaded one of the most prominent hip hop competitions in the region (Titan Dance DXB), Christopher has given voice to much of the untapped talent synonymous with Dubai’s dance community through serving as a brand ambassador for companies like Nike. He even has a Guinness World Record to his name, dancing for the longest time at a motion-sensing dance game marathon. If you haven’t seen him, or his hair, in events, concerts, or music videos, you’ve perhaps seen his work choreographing for and collaborating with international artists. Adding to his repertoire of industry work, he has recently danced on stage with well known Bahraini Platinum Records artist, Hala Al Turk, and he too has worked alongside LA Music Records choreographing a music video for Ada Satka and Dmadd – which, was aired across Europe, the Middle East, and the USA.

    As a Filipino who has advanced as well as elevated his craft, Christopher shares that for other Filipinos who aspire to the same that making relationships is instrumental: “Based on my experience, it’s always important to be professional with every single one of your projects, agents, and clients because your longevity in the scene will be largely determined by how you have positively impacted others.”

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  • Nathaniel Alapide – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Nathaniel Alapide – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

    Trailblazer – Nathaniel Alapide

    Artist

    Photo by: Ace Reyes

    The pursuit of what he loves has brought Nathaniel Alapide to where he is now — a comfortable and scenic work spot where he gets to do what he does best, topped with the reputation of an artist who has added to Dubai’s unique imagery to the world.

    A prominent sand artist in the UAE, Nathaniel first got interested in the art when he created a grand display of love for his grandmother – which soon paved the way for opportunities outside of the Philippines.

    Having found a home at Dubai’s Rixos Premium, JBR, where he transferred after a prolific stint at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Nathaniel creates ephemeral sand art pieces that have gained international recognition and have contributed to the city’s points of interest. This year saw him being commissioned to do art for Hazza Almansoori, UAE’s first astronaut. He was also featured on Italian National Television, the UAE national news agency WAM, Gulf News and Khaleej Times among other platforms. Nathaniel also created an art installation for DIFC Art Night.

    The Filipino creative community takes pride in having Nathaniel as a representative of an art form that is far from the usual. The humble artist says he takes comfort in knowing that he made a contribution in his own way, “That somehow I was able to enrich the art community and the culture here even just for a little bit.”

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