Blogging Pioneer

Known as ‘Boy Dubai,’ Ion Gonzaga has been one of the earliest bloggers in the UAE scene and has now gone on to reinvent himself and his career. Currently, the Lead Digital Transformation Consultant of Accenture Middle East, Ion, leads the UX design of the region’s would-be first highly interactive B2B platform. This year, he also formed BXDNOW.COM, a network of content co-creators and writers around the world committed to empowering GLOCAL communities through stories shaped in a meaningful perspective and encouraging context.

At present, the website has contributors from UAE, KSA, Kuwait, Qatar, Philippines, Singapore, and New Zealand. “We have just started bi-monthly workshops about blogging, vlogging and about online tools to use in creating digital content,” he says.

Ion has represented the UAE in different blogging events, written for magazines and dailies, spoken at blogging conferences, and partnered with major brands for commercial collaborations – earning several awards in the process such as the Rotary Youth Leadership Award.

Always the storyteller, he encourages his peers to reach out and share people’s stories with the world. “I believe it’s about time to ‘unlimit’ ourselves when it comes to our concept of community,” he says.

Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf is Supported by: Kaya Skin Clinic,  Emirates Airline, and Unilever.

Special Thanks to Michael Cinco, Ezra Couture , Giordano, Darcey Flowers, IKON Solutions, Victors Freight, MPQ Tourism, Asia Gulf Companies –La Carne & Filfood, WOL Water

Get a copy of Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf Legacy Edition

ION GONZAGA

Blogger

Ion is amongst the most prolific and truly relevant Filipino bloggers in UAE. As Boy Dubai, he is able to write about his experiences, share his most powerful life principles, and be the voice of many overseas Filipinos. In the OFW community, Ion covers the untapped areas he believes will inspire and empower his fellow expats to look at life abroad a little lighter. Most of the subjects he covers reflects happiness and fun in mostly simple ways.

2016 has been a transformative year for Ion. He has been able to evolve his platform from a mere lifestyle blog into a true bastion of Filipino empowerment, covering topics that both inspire and challenge in an approachable, relatable manner. He believes that Filipinos can do far more than just eat out or go places to cope up homesickness. Ion convinces his readers to live and enjoy the present while still planning for the future.
Understanding the full scale of his responsibility as a mass communicator, Ion operates under the principle that if something is to go viral, it should be positively influential. He ensures that his material is proactive and has a positive social impact to the readers and their circles. Changing lives, changing mindsets through the spiritual perspective, one blog post at a time.

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

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When it comes to vacations and trips, this rule applies: “If it’s not on social media, it didn’t happen.” You’re going to be taking pictures of the places and yourself, so of course, the framing has to be good.  And if you’re putting the images online, they better be IG-worthy!

Hannah Magsayo

@hannahmagsayo

Benj Ramos

@benjlramos

Gelo Santos

@iamdocgelo

Michael Emlano

@ikeng

On another note, separation anxiety is real. You’ll somehow get attached to the place, the people and everything you have experienced when you were visiting. And these “sepanx” thoughts will not leave you for a while, so you’ll find yourself scrolling through

your camera roll thinking about all the fun you had on your last trip. But hey, at least you had an amazing trip!

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Check out more Pinoy Instagrammers on Illustrado Life!

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There are photos of you that go to Facebook and there are some that fail to meet the standard so they stay in your camera roll for “remembrance” purposes. Then you have your “ugly-pretty” selfies that has a shelf life of 24 hours on Snapchat; and let us not forget the photos of you in your group chat that was taken from a night when you got tipsy and looked like a #wastedyouth. But the photos that get to Instagram are a different story. Because “Instagram is supposed to be well-thought of” and should follow a specific #gridgoal.

We are living in an era where if it’s not Instagram-able, it’s not cool. This is an era that highlights style and aesthetics and being behind the race is a thumbs-down. Make your IG-gaming strong with these social media forces who are too cool to be missed!

Ida Anduyan – @idaandu

Philippines

Do not be fooled by this girl’s pretty face and quirky style. She is definitely a force to be reckoned with.

Popping with some colors every now and then mixed with a retro 90s vibe, she walks the streets of Manila fearless. The way she presents herself is what makes her uniquely cool. Give her an oversized shirt and she’ll nail it! Because fashion is 20% clothes and 80% personality (not an actual data, but you get our point, right?)

Francis William Cagayat – @kikocagayat

Japan

 With a glowing nightlife, huge variety of places to eat at and tons of #OOTD spots that will totally bring your feed to life; it is a no-brainer to consider Japan a dream travel destination not just for wanderers but also for the fashion enthusiasts out there. And for Kiko, this is the city where he thrives as a fashion blogger and content curator. Yes, even with an outflow of fashionphile in this place, he refuses to swim along the current. If that’s not cool enough, we don’t know what is.

Melissa Gatchalian – @sartorialpanda

Philippines

 Melissa is your typical millennial who has a natural knack for social media savviness. But she is more than that. Having something that is natural to you and doing something to make it work to your advantage are two different situations. She did not wake up one day and already have 43.6k followers (it grows fast!) on Instagram. She had to put in some real good effort to achieve those double tap-worthy photos.  This, on top of being a dog parent and a graphic designer.

Jay Jackson – @jonathonjackson

NOMAD

For he is a free-spirited soul who happened to have a DNA that fits the glossy pages of a high-fashion magazine and the runways of New York, Paris and Milan; he is never in the same place for a long time! Check out this model’s off-duty moments on Instagram and be inspired on how to make the world your work place! We envy you Jay, we envy you!

Check out more bloggers on Illustrado Life here!

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ILLUSTRAGRAMMERS

When you check your Instagram feed now, we bet you’ll see a food photo, someone’s recent travel, or a photo of your friend’s #ootd with a questionable angle or maybe even a badly filtered selfie! So what does it take to score that Insta-like? Take it from our folks from Instagram who have been killing it as if they were born to do this. Their feed will make you double-tap those photos in a heartbeat. It’s time to level up our Instagram posts dear friends!

LA Aguinaldo

@la

He is the “boy wonder” and an ultimate head turner and you’ll understand why when you check his Instagram account. He will give you a dose of “model off duty” pegs, travel shots and even casual #selfie (s). Believe us when we say this, he will not disappoint!

Gela Munoz

@thegelabeef

Stylish but relatable. That’s the kind of self-branding this girl embraced. Be warned, this girl should be taken seriously. And if you are looking for ideas on how to be Instagram-ready 24/7 (Well not 24/7 but you get what we mean, right?) , she is your friend.

Find her website here:
http://gelabeef.com/

Filipino Bloggers

Kevin Redder

@mistersenpai

How do we make not-so-cool things cool? Scroll and learn guys, scroll and learn. This guy’s feed looks like a feed of a normal person. And by normal, we mean it’s the usual things we all post but cooler. Just check him out, will you?

Pilar Cruz

@pilarcrz

We saw, we liked and we followed! With her sun-kissed skin, island girl shots, it seems like she’s been living in Cape Town for a long time but honestly, she makes it anything but basic and to that, we say.. You go girl!

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A roundup of instagrammers we love! This edition featuring Chessy Mirasol, Miko Carreon, Anjo Mercado, and Abeer. They are so good we could literally spend our entire day just looking at their feeds!

Filipino Bloggers:

CHESSY MIRASOL

@chesymirasol

Beauty and lifestyle blogger from Manila, Chessica is a total chicspiration, meaning, she is the kind of chick that most girls want to be like. If you’re looking for an inspiration for your next OOTD or a new shade of lipstick you should try, check this girl’s feed!

Filipino Bloggers:

MIKO CARREON

@mikocarreon

A blogger, dancer and a soon to be architect, this guy’s Instagram feed is totally worth checking out! Feast on the urban and stylish feed Miko creates. Make sure to check out his travel photos!

Filipino Bloggers:

ANJO MERCADO

@talesandwaves

It took us a while to gather these photos because his profile is truly a total hotspot for artsy and minimalist photos. Get some ideas on how to get the feel of his feed by going visiting his account.

Filipino Bloggers:

ABEER

@lookingforabura

Abeer is a certified book geek but fashion and style are two things she is not definitely missing out on! The books on her feed are not just Instagram props, she actually reads them all so if you’re scouting for a new book to read, check out her profile.

Check out these other Filipino bloggers!

Blogger-approved footwear for the summer

Some very stylish Filipino bloggers

The post Filipino Bloggers: Chessy Mirasol, Miko Carreon, Anjo Mercado, Abeer appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Get inspired by these fierce and playful fashion statements from some of the most style-savvy Filipino bloggers around the globe!   

TESSIE & JP SINGSON

JP SINGSON

Paris – France

jponfashionspeed.com

NINA PENALOSA-CARPIO

Dubai – UAE

smilelikenina.com

MAHRYSKA GASPACHO

Dubai – UAE

mahryska.com

ANDRE JUDD CHANG

Manila – Philippines

avantgardien.tumblr.com

RALEENE CABRERA

New York – USA

raleene.com

JEROME CENTENO

Milan – Italy

thechicstyler.com

CAMILLE CO

Manila – Philippines

itscamilleco.com

TINAYUMS LINAZA

Dubai – UAE

Iamtinayums.com

JIM PAOLO JOQUICO

Dubai – UAE

fashionchameleon.ae

PAUL RIYADH C

Manila – Philippines

paultheprguy.blogspot.com

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The post Real Style, Real People: Filipino Bloggers appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

It isn’t easy to stand out among the millions of bloggers who are posting daily feeds online and on social media. In the UAE alone, hundreds of fashion and lifestyle bloggers hog for share of virtual voice. So, it is indeed an astounding feat for a few Filipinos – Mahryska Gaspacho, Cristina Linaza, Ushi Sato and Paul Ramos – to have captured the interest of the international mix of discerning fashion enthusiasts that thrive in the Middle East.

One of the most influential Filipino fashion bloggers in the region is the Dubai-raised Mariyah Gaspacho, who is better known as Mahryska. She has been blogging about her personal style since 2009, and has taken serious responsibility in maintaining a quality blog for her massive audience that span the globe. Her wit and her love affair with photography help her create a captivating content and remarkable imagery. She has been chosen as brand ambassador by a number of international brands, but still her contentment boils down to the ability to inspire people through her blog.

Another Pinay who has a strong following is Cristina “Tinayums” Linaza. A passionate and dedicated person, she has left her corporate career to pursue her photography as a full time profession, which eventually led her to blogging. Now, as a successful ‘blogpreneur,’ Tina has  long list of fashion collaborations with world-class brands, as well as assignments as contributing fashion photographer to prestigious local and regional publications.

Blogging behind the wildly popular The Shades and Scarf is the half-Japanese, half-Filipino Ushi Sato. The well-known blogger hails from a family of tailors.  Hence, it is no surprise that he has become a fashion designer by profession. His start in an haute couture atelier in Dubai as well as his quirky personality and style, has been key to meeting the right people in the industry, landing him jobs with international retail giants, and eventually starting up his own fashion label. Continuing on “living, eating, breathing and sleeping with fashion”, the fashionista blogger is pushing ahead for the growth of his brand – ‘Ushi Sato’ which carries his own quirky, edgy approach to style.

Last but not the least on the list is The Style Choreo, and the dapper man behind the blog – Paul Ramos. He maintains a widely viewed blog but his reach extends through social media specifically on Instagram. With thousands upon thousands of followers, Paul has been chosen as brand ambassador to several big American fashion brands, and headhunted for a stylist role for a British name in apparel.

Paul Ramos – Illustrado 100

The post Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: The Style Arbiters – Mahryska Gaspacho, Cristina Linaza, Ushi Sato and Paul Ramos appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

“Blog about what?”  I said.

“Anything,” she said.  “Just blog.”

Well, I’m not exactly new to blogging.  Had an active blog some 7 odd years ago, before Multiply became a shopping site, pre-Facebook and Tumblr.  (Yes, that makes me sound so ancient and uncool, right?)

But I’ve stopped, since I got busy with Illustrado.  That, and suddenly feeling overly conscious that me and my sometimes “big mouth” might get the better of me vis-a-vis work.

And what exactly should I blog about?

• My (sometimes complicated) musings on the Filipino life outside the homeland?

• The complicated/stressful/neurotic/fulfilling/happy/interesting/normal life of a lifestyle glossy editor-in-chief/social entrepreneur/closet activist/proud Pinoy/doting mom and wife/little girl pretending to be a big girl kind of a person?

• Or the guilty pleasure of playing spectator to the bitchy exchanges in the local fashion industry in glitzy Dubai (bring out the popcorn!  I bet you’d like to watch too )

• My fear of aging (hmmmnnn)? Insomnia? The growing potbelly I’ve acquired since last summer (which has a life of its own and thinks it’s here to stay) and how I’ve always wanted to learn to dance hip-hop but never got the nerve to join the teens in the local dance studio?

• Even better, my affinity for Steve Jobs, Delivering Happiness, hope and optimism, cake (?), the environment and how I just might be turning Taoist or Buddhist sometime in the future?

There are so many different things to talk about,

Perhaps, even against my better judgment

But what the heck.

And so, here goes …

Hello world.  Is anybody out there?

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Krystle Gail Uy

Creative Director for WAGW (What a Girl Wants) Boutique

Freelance stylist, model, writer and blogger

Manila and Cebu, Philippines

http://kryzuy.com/ and http://lookbook.nu/kryz

Fashion in my life

Fashion is self expression- it’s an art.  I love fashion, but I’m not controlled by it.
Blogging bio

I started blogging as an activity for 3^rd year college.  I started blogging about random Ateneo things and my first readers were Atenistas. I guess they noticed that I love dressing up so I got crazy hits unexpectedly and numerous emails requesting me to post outfit shots. That’s when my blog transformed into a fashion blog. I love writing, dressing up (and getting photographed haha), so why not continue?

I blog because I just doing it. Plus, the opportunities (features, billboards, magazine covers, TV interviews, fashion shows both local and international) it has given me are priceless. I am also able to network, get “free swag,” and have the ability to inspire others by doing what I love.

Fashion inclination

I dress however I feel like dressing on a certain day. It’s all about mood and what inspires me. I’m always randomly inspired and I see the beauty in almost everything!

Scoring fashion finds

I get my stuff from everywhere! From big department stores to high street brands, designer pieces to thrift items – everything! I don’t choose brands or set a budget. I just buy what inspires me.

Fashion inspiration

I love Miroslava Duma for her effortlessly chic appeal and petite frame. I love Anna Dello Russo for her eccentric style and confidence. I love Karla Deras for her vintage love affair- I can totally relate!

Dennis Robles

Designer, Hand Bag Trader and Photography Hobbyist

Manila, Philippines

http://lookbook.nu/dennisrobles

Fashion in my life

My fashion obsession started four years ago, but my love for designer bags began in the heyday of the Ralph Lauren plaid bags. I remember owning a clutch in plaid green, and then moved on to a Prada backpack when I reached college. It’s also what motivated me to start my business trading designer hand bags.

Blogging Bio

A friend introduced me to Lookbook.nu. At first, my raw photos didn’t get enough ‘hypes’ due to poor quality and lack of editing. Then I decided to learn Photoshop and also studied basic photography so I can improve my images. My photos changed tremendously so I earned more ‘hypes,’ followers, and eventually features in magazines like Mega and L’Officiel Hommes, as well as online blogs. I also won a Jeffrey Campbell competition and got a pair of combat boots named after me. I became so addicted to blogging that my friends, secretary and even my driver would take my photos whenever I felt my outfit was “Lookbook worthy.”

I keep on looking back at my old looks and still giggle at them. There are some outfits I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing now but I retained them as part of my fashion history. I love receiving beautiful praises from my followers. I somehow feel they’re inspired by my looks so that validates my crazy purchases in a way.

Fashion inclination 

I’ve mellowed lately as I’ve realized I’m not a young kid anymore so I should start investing in more classic clothes. These days, I just wear whatever fits me or what’s in my mood. I don’t follow the latest trends anymore, unlike before when I would buy the latest iconic shoes by European designers, though I still lust over edgy pieces from Balenciaga, Givenchy, Lanvin, Comme des Garcons, Margiela and Versus. I have my own style – one day I could be wearing shorts, the next day I’m in my coat, and on other days I’d mix my coat with my short shorts. There are no rules. As long as I’m satisfied with the ensemble, then that’s it.

Scoring Fashion Finds

Most of the items I wear are from my travels. Hongkong is my number one source of clothing and shoes. There’s a good number of choices and brands available.  When shopping for basics, I always visit Zara, 5cm and H&M. At the height of my fashion obsession, I bought four pairs of designer shoes by Raf Simons, Trickers, Lanvin and Comme des Garcons. Do the math! That doesn’t even include the clothes and accessories yet!

Fashion inspiration and pet peeve

If there’s one person I need to name, it would have to be Carine Roitfeld, former Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Paris. I’ve seen a documentary about her and she’s effortless yet fierce. On the other hand, I hate Paris Hilton’s bags! They’re hideous!

Mariyah Gaspacho

Photographer

Dubai, UAE 

www.mahryska.com

Fashion in my life

Fashion is a big thing in my life, especially now that fashion blogging has taken a huge chunk of my time. I blog every single day and go to a ton of fashion events around the city.

Blogging bio

I have been blogging since 2005 but never really got serious about until recently. I am huge follower of fashion blogs internationally and I noticed that the Middle East lacked quality fashion blogs. I figured I could help kick start the movement. I think I have done pretty well so far – being featured several times in local magazines, internationally online plus voted for the recent Grazia Style Awards. I know that I am widely read out here in the Middle East, and have a pretty good standing with style followers. I mean, I go to an event and everyone pretty much knows who I am, it’s crazy!

With blogging I meet lots of interesting people and experience new things every single day. As a photographer and lover of fashion, being able to penetrate the industry is great. Not only do I talk about fashion, express myself and experience it, I also get a ton of clients because of it.  Hopefully, I will get more clients and more opportunities internationally. I would love to visit Paris, Milan and New York fashion week.

Fashion inclination

I follow trends and experiment a lot, but I mostly rely on my mood and comfort. I love the structured pieces and all the studs and mix of prints right now. My personal picks are from The Row, Stella McCartney, Chloe, Victoria Beckham and Alexander Wang. Also, my list won’t be complete without Oscar De La Renta, Gucci and Valentino – you need to get a little classic every now and then.

Scoring fashion finds

I usually shop in Dubai Mall and Burjuman but I also go to thrift stores around the city. Believe me, if you look hard enough, you find great things out there. I also shop online and the Philippines has got a huge number of online stores with amazing stuff.

Fashion inspiration

I absolutely adore the Olsen twins – they inspire me a lot. Oh, and Victoria Beckham…the woman rocks! My ultimate fashion inspiration is the character Carrie Bradshaw – she was never afraid to embrace fashion.

Cristina Linaza

Photographer

Dubai, UAE 

http://www.tinayums.com/

Fashion in my life

I think love for fashion is something my mother passed on to me. My twin and I grew up with wonderful things around us from clothes, shoes and accessories. I grew up playing and dressing up all kinds of Barbie dolls since my Mom and my Grandma, were the best makers of Barbie dresses and hair pieces for Matel Co. back in our home town. It’s everything a young girl could dream of.

Blogging bio

I love fashion in its very essence and the campaigns and editorials from magazines inspire me a lot. Landing into the field of fashion photography was never a coincidence but merely my choice, and my focus point. To be out there, I looked for another platform where I could showcase my photography works, and Mariyah Gaspacho, my photography partner/friend encouraged me to try out blogging. And so I did. Slowly, I began sharing my shoots from a behind-the-scenes perspective, as well as my inspirations to the public. Like my photography, it somehow picked up and I never realized that I was doing well until I was nominated in the “Best Style Bloggers” category of the Grazia Style Awards in May 2011. And, though I didn’t win, I vowed to become a better blogger ever since.

Presence in the local fashion scenes is extremely important for me. Not because of the popularity and the feature that I might get from some publications, but to be out there and meet important people that can help me out with my journey to fashion. At the moment, I am elated to be involved with international brands such as Lanvin, Longchamp, Kenneth Cole, Garage, Aldo and Nine West, Revlon, Rimmel, Une, Maxfactor, Benefit and Inglot.  I am also a proud online ambassador for United Colors of Benetton UAE.

Fashion inclination

According to Coco Chanel, “A girl should be two things, classy and fabulous!” For my own style, I always prefer classic. I am mostly minimalistic though it’s fun to wear or own things with lots of color just for a change. Yes, I follow trends most of the time but comfort is my priority.

I am a very practical person. I only buy things that I can afford. H&M, New Look and Forever 21 are the best brands if you want to be comfortable yet fashionable.  Fashion pet peeves? I may love looking at flat sandals’ and ballerina shoes but I can’t wear them. I prefer any kind of shoes as long as it has heels.

Fashion inspiration

Who wouldn’t love Sarah Jessica Parker’s style from Sex and the City? And how about Blake Lively and Leighton Meester who are complete trendsetters from Gossip girl?

Ushi Sato

Fashion Designer, Warda Haute Couture

Hobby stylist and budding shoe designer

Dubai, UAE 

www.theshadesandscarf.com

www.ushisato.carbonmade.com

www.lookbook.nu/ushisato

Fashion in my life

I have a love affair with fashion. I believe in what Coco Chanel said – “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only.” Fashion is in the sky, on the street; fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening. For me fashion is eternal, it never fades and there’s no end to it. That’s why when I was younger, I thought fashion is the best thing I could embrace, a career that would last even when I’m gone.

Blogging bio

I was always fascinated with fashion magazines and dreamt of becoming a style columnist. That brought me into blogging. Basically, I write about the things I like and from there share something original with my readers. I recently got into posting my Outfit Du Jour on Lookbook.nu, where we get a lot of attention from specific brands.  I have followers from networkeblog, IFB (Independent Fashion Blogger), BlogLovin, etc. Recently, my fellow bloggers voted me as one of the stylish bloggers and I got featured in different blogs. I was also chosen as one of the Community Founder in the UAE for Enstyle.dk. Also I was chosen as one of the United Colors of Benetton online brand ambassadors/bloggers.

Fashion inclination

I’m more into fusing the old with the new. I tend to grab the simplest and common thing and make it work fabulously as much as possible. I usually drool over shoes, sunglasses and scarves! Any brands as long as it looks unique, cool and has a wow effect! I don’t like to see people who style without the right proportions, or those who over-dress. That really turns me off! I hate fixing my hair and baggy clothes.

Scoring Fashion Finds

I get most of my stuff from online brands sales. I’m a very picky shopper and make sure that I get unique stuff that’s useful and of good quality. I don’t take items that are so obvious, the ones that everybody’s wearing. I want something different. I try to be smart with my budget. Fashion doesn’t mean you spend a lot. It’s about how creative and productive you are. Like me, I’m a designer creating something for myself – it’s not that hard anyway!

Fashion inspiration and pet peeves

I am fascinated by celebs that have made their own unique fashion statement. I love Michael Jackson’s style, for me he’s one avant garde  icon. There’s Lady Gaga who set high fashion in flames. She brought out style that no one had the guts to pull-off. I like Bill Kaulitz, he’s Germany’s pop icon who looks awesome in androgynous style. I hate Britney Spear’s fashion taste. Mutants evolve but her fashion did not!

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