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.”

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

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NICK NADAL

Advisor at the Executive Council, Government of Dubai

Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno

Most often in modern society, those who deserve recognition are the ones who desire it the least. Such is the case with the elusive Nick Nadal – a corporate governance and policy-making powerhouse who, in his capacity as Advisor at the Executive Council of the Government of Dubai, is quite possibly the most influential Filipino in the UAE outside of public office.

Nick’s work is so important, most of it is unprintable – which is no skin off of his nose, as he is always very hesitant to participate in any conversation about his immense achievements in the region. That’s just how Nick rolls: he gets the job done, and then he lets the results speak for themselves. And what amazing things this man has been ticking off his to-do list. Case in point: he is part of the core team that helped develop, articulate, cascade, and implement arguably one of the UAE’s more consequential government plans, particularly in the area of government services improvement and innovation, urban governance, and affordable housing. Through a corporate governance institute that he helped set up in the UAE a decade ago, he spearheaded the enhancements of a number of initiatives related to advocating for greater gender diversity in the workplace, thereby helping put more women in positions of top management decision-making and innovation-enabling.

But perhaps what’s really impressive about Nick is how he manages to remain resolutely grounded and centered despite his sky-high list of accomplishments and frenetic whirlwind of responsibilities. In lieu of his many triumphs in the corporate and government sector, he would much rather talk about the fancy raclette that he whips out during dinner parties at home, or how he – above and beyond being one of the most influential Filipinos in the Gulf – is first and foremost a loving son, a loyal friend, and a dutiful husband.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

Special thanks to Illustrado 100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf 2016 sponsors – Giordano, Nikon, Liali Jewellery, Lulu, Mitsubishi and Western Union.

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Urban Art Instigator

Before urban art became popular and Dubai started showcasing graffiti with pride in its buildings, before the city’s hip art spaces came to be, one Filipino spearheaded the lowbrow art movement in the country.

Rollan Rodriguez, the founder of the art collective BrownMonkeys, can be credited for popularizing accessible street art, first through the group’s exhibitions in alternative spaces, eventually growing into commercial features on billboards, commissioned murals for creative agencies, and showcases for the Middle East Film and Comic-Con, StreetCon, the Sharjah Biennial, among others.  Rollan says of their impact, “In some little way, somehow it made a contribution to the art world in the UAE, empowering and influencing the area of art and design.”

Respected as well in the commercial design world, though his work within his own agency, Ape Creatives, Rollan has been involved in numerous projects and has also bagged two international honors from the Indigo Design Awards held in Tokyo, Japan.

Rollan professes that he is most proud of being able to usher in a new wave of thinking in the UAE, “A brand new attitude on how we intermingle with varied cultures, and also, making our community realize that it is possible to make it – that it’s okay to be different, to be weird brown and proud.”

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

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Rollan Rodriguez

Visual Artist, Community Leader

To paraphrase a certain pop star, “Art makes the people come together.” That’s exactly what Rollan’s art has been doing. His talent is so immense that it has become contagious – infecting those around him with an irrepressible spirit of creativity that compels them to do bigger, better things with their talent. He has built communities around his media, and has inspired movements towards a higher appreciation of Pinoy aesthetics.

His career has certainly been exemplary: 10 years of experience in graphic design and advertising; instigator of The Brownmonkeys – a design collective that has taken Dubai’s art scene by storm; founder of Ape Collective – a graphic design studio that specializes in brand identity, illustration, art direction and event curation. Recently, Ape Collective held an exhibit at AlSerkal. Entitled “Byahe,” the exhibit drew inspiration from the hand-painted signage found mostly in the side streets and on public transportation in the Philippines, such as the iconic Jeepney.

Through the elements of typography and design on signage, the artists of Ape Creative dared to examine how people connect through their stories, their travels and experiences.

Of the highly successful, distinctly Pinoy exhibit, Rollan professes: “The core inspiration for Byahe arose out of our interest in hand-painted signage and the traditional art of lettering. We wanted to explore this dying art and its connection to our own personal histories  – a  lot of us here in Dubai came from somewhere, and a lot of us are also moving about from place to place. We wanted to take out these unique elements from our own backyard and see how these signs would speak to people from different parts of the world, from different backgrounds and point of view.”

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

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Photographer, Entrepreneur & Brand Ambassador

In her career as an entrepreneur and photographer, Hyku Desesto has represented and now championed the new wave of empowered Filipino media personalities across the UAE.

Having founded Soul Trap Studio, she also holds personal brand ambassadorships and features with Tag Heuer for Marie Claire Arabia, Stylist Arabia, Huawei, Puma, Timberland, Nestle and Nisnass, and worked with global brands and celebrities such as Netflix, Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue Arabia, Tory Burch, Van Cleef & Arpels, Ciara, Christian Louboutin, Elsa Hosk, Ashley Graham, Lewis Hamilton, Mario Dedivanovic, Maria Tash and many more. She was also listed on Harper’s Bazaar’s top 5 coolest female entrepreneurs in Dubai published last April 2019, and was featured on Tommy Hilfiger and Puma Women’s Instagram platforms, apart from other wins during the year.

A self-made woman, Hyku says, “You are the driver of your career and the creator of your own destiny.” She now uses her platforms to help fellow Filipinos secure jobs there while continuing to collaborate with big names within the region and beyond. “I want to be remembered as someone who did not just influence but inspired and helped others.” She 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

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Hyku Desesto

Two thousand eighteen has been a monumental year for photographer turned entrepreneur Hyku Desesto. She has brought some collaborations to life, executing creative direction for luxury and fashion brands and delivering a new level of Filipino presence to international marketing campaigns in the region.

Having founded Soul Trap Studio, Hyku and her team have worked with the biggest names in the region including Vogue Arabia, Burberry, Dolce and Gabbana, Adidas and more. Hyku herself has become a brand ambassador for Nisnass and has made appearances on OSN’s ASLI show and Netflix’s Girl Boss campaign. She was also featured on the Women’s Health Middle East list of game changers and Tag Heuer’s campaign on Marie Claire middle east.

On empowering and elevating Filipinos, Hyku strongly emphasizes learning and bridging passion with work. “Never stop learning, to always be innovative and lastly, you have to love what you, because working hard and being a go-getter will come naturally.”

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Special thanks to our sponsors: Emirates Airline, Stars n Bars La Mer, Liali, Instax – Grandstores UAE, Dusit Thani Dubai, Gver – Your Friendly Marketplace for Sharing, Meeting Dancewear , MPQ, CMG, Filbrit, and our partners Rozen Antonio Photography,  Alex Callueng Photography, Jef Anog Photography, and Ethereal Photography.

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Hyku Desesto

Photographer, Entrepreneur

Hyku arrived in Dubai with practically zero connections in the photography industry. She started of what has turned out to be a remarkable career by working in a portrait studio. Eventually, she decided to pursue freelance photography, armed with just one camera body, a flash and two lenses. And by virtue of her hard work, sleepless nights, and ability to market her work, she was able to nurture her career and launch her own company: Hyku D Photography.

With a strong track record of success that spans 4 years, Hyku decided to expand her business in 2016 by setting up an office and hiring full time employees, with the objective of attracting larger, more multinational clients.  As a result of this expansion, Hyku’s company was chosen as the official photographer of the recent Tommy Hilfiger ad campaign, featuring a-list model Gigi Hadid. Additionally, Hyku was also elected as the brand ambassador for companies Huawei and Timberland.

Of her struggles and hustles as a photographer, Hyku elaborates: “The biggest lesson that I learned is no one else can make it happen for you but yourself. Be a go getter. Do whatever it takes and never settle. Be ambitious without stepping on other people’s toes. And always give back.”

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

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Journalist

UAE-based veteran journalist Mariecar Blanco Jara is known in the local media circle for being a fearless and straightforward journalist, who doesn’t shy away from asking tough questions.  A senior reporter at Gulf Today, Mariecar, who has been a working journalist since 1983, covers everything and anything about the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member-countries in the UAE, health, and women’s issues.  Lately, Mariecar has also been reporting on developments surrounding the Dubai World Expo 2020.

Renowned in her own right, the daughter of celebrated former Managing Editor of The Evening News in the Philippines, Manolo Francisco Briones Jara, has carved a name for herself in the country even earning a journalism award in recent years, upholding her belief that journalists have a responsibility to dig deeper into the news, going beyond presenting merely necessary information.  She is also a very spiritual person who takes pride in sharing the good news within her community.  “I hope my writings have inspired and opened breakthroughs.” she says.” But I also want to be remembered as a woman who has learned to trust God totally fully.”

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

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Mariecar Jara

Journalist

Mariecar Jara is your quintessential journalist – ever-curious, resourceful, resilient, and with a level of integrity that has become an inspiration to the Filipino community in the Middle East. Coming from a family of media men, Mariecar Jara has always displayed a natural propensity for story-telling, having started her career in her teens as a reporter for the Pauliteen, the campus paper of St. Paul College of Manila-High School Department. Since then, her beat has taken her far and wide and has earned her various recognition, such as the The Journalist Award that she received this year from a well-known Gulf-based publication.
Asked about what fuels her success, Mariecar points upwards. She says, “I would not enjoy a life of sufficiency, contentment, happiness and forgiveness if I had not realized that in the midst of all my accomplishments and failures, God is up there guiding me every step of the way. I would not enjoy life had I not known that despite all trials and tribulations, God is there with a grand design for my destiny.”

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

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Non-Profit Group

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.”

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

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PHILIPPINE BUSINESS COUNCIL-ABU DHABI

The Philippine Business Council – Abu Dhabi continues to grow and enables high quality business interactions among Filipino businessmen and professionals at par with international business/local community. Their work involves promoting private sector trade and investment between the Philippines and the UAE; providing assistance, advice and promotional support to all members and sponsors.

Being nonprofit organization, PBC – Abu Dhabi has established a reputation for providing service to Filipino and international business communities and has thereby positioned itself as an important member of Abu Dhabi’s private sector business community. , PBC – Abu Dhabi has been particularly active this year, with internal and external events designed to foster unity amongst its members and expand the groups local and regional footprint.

The PBC Abu Dhabi’s Execom and Coordinators for 2016.  In this photo (left to right): Elham Ali Al Tunaiji – Vice Chairman, Agnes Marelid – Membership Coordinator, Janet Tuano (member), Jan Barlow – Chairman, Yen AB (member), Ms. Agnes Stott-Briggs – Head of Special Projects, Angela Muir – Communications Coordinator, Jovy Tuaño – Director of Trade, Industry and Entrepreneurship, Ms. Teresa Keating – Director of Events/Sponsorship.  Not included in the picture are Atty. Michael Barney Almazar – Corporate Secretary, Dr. Joey Villanueva – Director of Healthcare and Well-being and Vicky Mikkelsen – Events Coordinator

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

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Artist & Musician

Cromwell Ojeda balances two passions at the same time. By day, he is a senior graphic designer for the first nuclear energy power plant in the region. At night, he turns into a passionate artist pushing the boundaries of locally-produced music and elevating the Filipino brand in the process.

His passion project, the Blacksheep Production which started in 2008, gave birth to the Filipino underground music scene in the emirates. With him at the helm, Blacksheep provided a platform for Filipino bands to play original music, shunning the stereotypical notion of Pinoy groups doing only covers. Blacksheep gave birth to its spin off – the Rocktoberfest, which is the longest running Filipino rock event in the Middle East.

Under his own brand, Muhaisnah Four Cromwell produces synth pop and chill wave music. He has performed with the region’s top artist from Lebanon, Egypt and Bahrain, and has played with international artist Princess Nokia, Daedelus, Dam Funk, Knxwledge, Jessy Lanza, Earl Switshirt to name a few. Cromwell has also worked with top brands such as RedBull, AlexanderMcqueen, Moscot, and Palladium Shoes among others, and was chosen as one of the first Adidas Original ambassadors in the Middle East.

Cromwell hopes that through his initiatives, he can push to better the platform for Filipino talents in the region.  He says, “I hope to keep inspiring and pushing Filipinos to rise as world-class top acts in the creative and music industry.” 

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

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CROMWELL OJEDA

Musician

“A regular kabayan who is passionate on promoting original Filipino music, a struggling artist, and a fan and forever student of music.” This is how musician Cromwell Ojeda wants to be known and remembered for. But with his relentless dedication and long list of achievements, one would be hard-pressed to put Cromwell anywhere near the word “regular.” In addition to having a day job as a design specialist and being a working musician, Cromwell is the founder of Blacksheep Production – a non-profit production group and artists’ collective that provides platform for progressive Filipino musicians and artists in the UAE who want to take their craft to the highest level.

This year, Cromwell led the launch of Blacksheep Production’s newest department, Blacksheep Records, which recently released two amazing records from Dubai-based Filipino bands, Verdad and We Left As Humans. As part of the indie electro and synth-pop group Muhaisnah Four, Cromwell was amongst the few artists in the Middle East who were chosen to participate in the Red Bull Music Academy Bass Camp in Dubai.

His words of wisdom for his fellow kabayan musicians: “If youre going to do it, put your 100% heart, mind, and soul into it. Practice even though you’re not playing any gig. Keep on creating new music. Write your own song. It doesn’t have to be great – strive for at the very least something you can call your own. Don’t’ focus on playing the same cover song again and again. Madaling mag banda pero mahirap maging musikero.”

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

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HR Professional & Lifestyle Influencer 

Proudly kayumanggi beauty Nina Peňalosa-Carpio is one lifestyle influencer who is using the power of social media to make a positive change in the narrative on Filipinas in the digital space.

Nina’s goal is to elevate the image of Filipinas by highlighting success stories of those who have broken virtual barriers to become leaders and influencers in their respective fields.  She also promotes the celebration of Filipina beauty, providing a great representation for kayumanggi-skinned Pinays, through her platforms.

Prominent as a lifestyle influencer in the UAE, Nina is currently the Human Resources Director at Jollibee in the emirates.  Recently, she has also taken on a new role as TFC’s regional host in the online show KWorld, covering different community events and featuring Filipino achievers in the country. She had interviewed a roster of Filipino talents, including Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray.

Nina shares, “One of the reasons why I’m doing what I’m doing is to change the narrative about Filipina beauty and being a Filipina in general. I believe that through my works, I have encouraged many Filipino women to celebrate the kind of beauty they have. I wish that I have also inspired them to elevate the image of a Filipina and embrace the idea that it’s not uncommon for Filipino women to be CEOs, presidents, directors, and country managers in companies.”  She adds, “I want the world to know the Filipinas through their beauty, intelligence, and passion in pursuing positive change. We can blaze the trail – not just for ourselves, but for generations of other women.”

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

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Nina Peñalosa-Carpio

www.smilelikenina.com

Amidst Dubai’s ocean of social media personalities, Nina shines like a dazzling pearl – a truly chic and clever lady with an inimitable talent and passion for creating beautiful content, be it through her blog posts or Youtube videos. In her own words: “As a lifestyle blogger and vlogger I try to create content that highlights my daily life but is also significant to others. I do my best to share my travel adventures in my blog and youtube channel “SmilelikeNina” in hopes that it will encourage others to go and experience different countries and cultures. Additionally, I aim to motivate people to try healthy living by imparting neat tips on how to do it. Moreover, as a lover of fashion and beauty, I dish out the latest on new fashion trends and makeup as well.”

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

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@thestylechoreo

Fashion and lifestyle blogger Paul Ramos of “The Style Choreo” has been a very prominent fixture in Dubai’s fashion scene as well as the digital landscape.  His commitment to the dapper sartorial style is memorable and hard to miss.

Paul’s feed has been peppered with numerous exciting projects with an enviable roster of brand collaborations.  2019 was equally jampacked with initiatives that cement his name as a top blogger in the region.  The year’s highlights include his interview with 50’s Inside, a French TV show in Paris about Zaya Nurai Island, the most Instagrammable place in the UAE.  He has also worked with international fashion brands, hotels, restaurants, malls, supermarkets, and barbershops.  One of his recent fave gigs is his partnership with Coach on their latest Naruto–inspired collection.

For Filipinos aspiring to make an impact out there, Paul has this to say, “Focus on your passion and be determined to achieve your goals.  Most importantly, do what you love and love what you do.”

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

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PAUL RAMOS

Blogger

Paul Ramos’ sartorial style and sensibilities can be summed up in one word: Commitment. In the searing blaze of a Dubai summer afternoon, Paul can be seen walking the cosmopolitan concrete in full dapper suit and tie, his hair slicked to perfection, his shoes spic and shiny. This uncompromising devotion to fashion is at the core of Paul’s success as a blogger and has made him one of the UAE’s most sought-after brand ambassadors. This year, he was chosen to represent Huawei and Bachelor Shoes, and even led and hosted a flatlay photography workshop in the Mall of the Emirates, in collaboration with Harvey Nichols.

Of his not-so secret to success, Paul attests: “Be yourself and put your heart in everything that you do. Be consistent and focus on things that you care and enjoy the most. Do what you love and love what you do.”

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

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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

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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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Pioneering Vlogger

Junie Sorsano is a pioneering vlogger who gave representation to ‘everyman Juan de la Cruz’ on the web since he debuted on his Youtube channel in 2011.  His wholesome and down-to-earth blog, has since become an invaluable source of information and advice, and sometimes comfort, for Filipinos in the UAE and beyond.

Now, as the head of Megaworld International in the UAE, Junie, who started as a vlogger in the UAE, gives credit to the experiences he had as an influencer on social media.  Considered as one of the earliest personalities in the region, Junie has received numerous accolades.  The most recent once being his inclusion in as a Finalist for Hospitality Excellence Food/Travel Blogger of the Year for the Middle East Excellence Awards 2019.  He also landed a gig at GMA Pinoy TV as a host for the show Trending Pinoy which is now in its second season.

Having worked with brands such as LBC Express, UAE Exchange, The Visa Center, Style MNL, MPQ Travel and Tourism and others as a brand ambassador, Junie believes that his professional ethics and integrity have been vital in gaining trust in the sector.  He also gets inspiration from people who send him words of inspiration and gratitude for promoting Filipino presence in the multicultural scene.

As a message to aspiring Filipino vloggers, Junie says, “If you love what you are doing, you will definitely elevate everything that you do, and become better and become successful.”

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

JUNIE FRANCISCO SORSANO

Blogger, Social Media Personality

Buoyed by the massive technological advancements of the recent decades, a lot of what happens in life today is accessible online. As the most predominant Filipino Vlogger in Dubai, YouTube personality Junie Francisco Sorsano is one step ahead of current trends with his videos sharing useful content and advice about his “Buhay sa Dubai” with fellow OFW’s.  Junie is an inspiration to the community, representing the typical Juan Dela Cruz with great gusto and style.His vlog post, “Hindi Bobo AngMga OFW,” reached almost a million views on Facebook.

With a formidable background Social Media, Junie has been accredited with several recognitions acknowledging his positive, infectious presence in the Internet. This year, he was featured in some of the most prominent Filipino publications in the UAE, and was awarded the Best Media Personality by the DDS Humanitarian Group, U.A.E. He even appeared in a TVC for a popular, UAE-based retail brand. Beyond Junie’s accomplishments, it is the genuine influence he has over society through his online platforms that makes him such an important force in the community.

Knowing how different institutions have taken note of his efforts, and how Filipino students all over Dubai have used his vlogs as a basis of their projects and theses, Junie ensures that his every piece of content he puts out is armed with positive values. He says, “I want to serve as an inspiration for all OFW’s. Just as I took an extreme career shift to do what I love, I would like to encourage everyone to never stop dreaming.”

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

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