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

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

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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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

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

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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Marketing Professional

Marketing maven Rosemarie Tacorda has led the communications initiatives of some of the most impressive world-renowned hotel brands in the emirates including the Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Madinat Jumeirah, The Address Hotel, Intercon Hotel Group, Jumeirah Creekside, and the Palazzo Versace – undeniably raising the bar for marketing in the luxury hospitality industry in the region.   A professional who “walks the talk”, she is a proponent of the mindset that in order to elevate Filipino branding, we must think and act as world-class citizens.

With her definitive contributions as the Director of PR and Marketing at Palazzo Versace Dubai’s since its opening, paying off – now the hotel ranks as number two, behind the illustrious Burj Al Arab, on the Best Hotels in the Middle East list published by leading luxury and lifestyle travel magazine, Condé Nast Traveler – Rosemarie just recently moved on, leaving the brilliant team that she has built, to her next adventure.  She joined the Park Hyatt as Director of Marketing and PR, in late 2019, and is looking forward to taking part in the hotel’s future growth.

On how Filipinos can excel in their chosen sector, Rosemarie advises, “I believe that we should just live authentically, free of pretensions. It is also important to always be a good person, free of judgments.  Be someone who strives to give the best always, and leave mediocrity behind.”

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

Rosemarie Tacorda

Brand Builder

Conceiving creative strategies and bringing them to life has always been at the core of marketing professional, Rosemarie Tacorda’s life. With an impressive career background and shining credentials in luxury hospitality, Rosemarie has built herself into a formidable professional in her industry through the years.

Rose has had the privilege of working for some of the region’s most admired luxury hotel brands – from the Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, the Madinat Jumeirah, the Burj Al Arab, the Dusit Thani, The Address Hotel, InterCon Hotel Group, and the Jumeirah Creek side.  Currently Director of PR and Marketing at the Palazzo Versace, where she joined in 2015, she takes pride in her work and is grateful for having the opportunity of growing and leading a ‘procrealligent’ team within a highly regarded brand

Of her constant pursuit for self-development, Rose says, “It’s not the most intelligent or the strongest of the species that survives, it’s the one that’s most adaptable to change.”

When asked about her ambitions and dreams for the Filipino people, she notes, “We have to be dream builders and be happy for our fellowmen’s success. Genuinely listen. Everyone wants to be heard, and sometimes this is all that a person needs. My favorite literary piece of all time ‘Desiderata’ says “… listen to others, for even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.” Let’s exercise compassion, never take for granted and take advantage one’s kindness. Each of us can contribute to the healing of our nation (and the world).

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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.

Browse the digital issue of Illustrado 100 Most Influential Filipinos of the Gulf 2018

Rosemarie Tacorda

Marketing and PR Professional

Rosemarie is in the field of Marketing and Public Relations, which she very succinctly describes as “a way of solving challenges creatively and making sure that the communication reaches the target audience in its simplest and most elegant form – either by way of creative visuals that convey a specific message or forging business relationships with strategic partners.” Through her experience in a craft that requires meticulous attention to detail, patience, and belief in both the people and the product, she has come to grasp the effect of having a love for what you do; that without it, success would be unachievable.

Previously fueling all of the PR and Marketing strategies of some of the most iconic and sought after hotels in Dubai, of which include – the Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, the Madinat Jumeirah, the Burj Al Arab, the Dusit Thani, The Address Hotel, IHG, and Jumeirah Creek side, she now currently heads the Marketing and PR Department of Palazzo Versace Dubai.

Her advice to her fellow kabayans in the Middle East: “Do what you love and find your core genius, because this where you will ultimately get your job satisfaction. Try to always see the big picture, as this will be your guide when things go wrong along the way. Most importantly, be fair to the people around you.”

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

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Marketing Professional

A Filipina at the forefront of marketing communications efforts at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Dubai, Danelle Ruth Palang has been championing the brand’s sustained success in the last decade.  As Director of Marketing Communications, she has been the backbone of the hotel’s launch projects as well as campaigns through the years.

In 2019, Danelle proudly notes that she has brought three of their F&B outlets to TripAdvisor’s top 50 and 100 restaurants in Dubai out of over 10,000 competitors. She has also launched two more outlets in 2018 and 2019.

An innovator within her field, she works in order to inspire her peers, as well as contribute to the progressive representation of Filipinos in the region.  She shares, “I sincerely believe that if we remind ourselves that we are only as good as our last performance, and aim to outclass our most recent one, then our achievements would be boundless, competition will be healthier because there is no person greater than the other – only one’s self becoming better and better each time.”

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

Danelle Ruth Palang

For most, Danelle Ruth Palang, Director of Marketing Communications at the Dusit Thani Hotel Dubai, is responsible for promoting and upholding the iconic Dusit lifestyle, but to her peers, she is a formidable thought leader and innovator, the skillful intermediary between one of the world’s finest luxury brands and the ever-changing market dynamics.

Having spent nearly a decade in Dubai, moving here as a transplant from Dusit Thani Manila four years ago, Danelle professes that she finally found a place to call home. Regarding the Dusit as a company that has provided her a “stage to shine,” Danelle has played her role with the utmost aplomb and has been at the forefront of innovative communication that has reinforced the Dusit’s brand visibility, as well as relevance across platforms in recent the years.  Her initiatives and depth of insight into the market have helped the company to produce not only campaigns but also contemporary outlets that have breathed new life to the business.  Just recently, Dubai has seen the launch of two exciting outlets under Dusit – namely, 24^th Street – Asian Street Food, and Another Bar – bringing a new hip and quirky dimension to hotel customers and guests.

Always open to new ideas, experiences, as well as people, Danelle feeds off the energy of being surrounded by high-performing professionals.  She says, “Being around accomplished people keeps you grounded but ambitious.”  She also advises, “Stop thinking about yourselves. You accomplish more when not focusing only on you.  Focus on the bigger picture.”

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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.

Browse the digital issue of Illustrado 100 Most Influential Filipinos of the Gulf 2018

DANELLE RUTH PALANG

Marketing and Communications Director

Danelle is one of the most authoritative Filipino figures in the UAE’s MarComms scene, but you will never hear this from her. In fact, you will be hard-pressed to engage Danelle in any conversation about her many achievements, as she is decidedly, resolutely low profile. As Director of Marketing and Communications, Danelle has been responsible for expanding the reach of the Dusit Thani Dubai brand and helping it assert a stronger presence on the digital space. She has also been a formidable force for corporate social responsibility, spearheading many projects that aim to raise environmental awareness and foster unity amongst Dusit Thani Dubai’s internal and external stakeholders. But amidst her stunning range of accomplishments and responsibilities, Danelle is most fond of her role as a mom. She says, “I am proud to know that my son understands and grasps the balance of struggling in life and working his way up. This beats any award, any day.”

Of the legacy she wishes to impart, she says: “I want to be remembered for the good and blessed lives left for my son and my sister, who are my principal source of inspiration in giving my best foot forward, in anything that I 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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Illustrado spoke recently to Architect Royal Pineda – Team Leader and Designer of Bangkota, and shed light on the significance of the pavilion, as well as the Philippine National Day scheduled for March 16, 2021 to the Filipino community across the world.

Watch his interview here:

__________

16th June 2019

DTI Hosts Sneak Preview of the Philippines participation in Expo 2020 Dubai

The Department of Trade and Industry hosted a select group of lifestyle editors and writers in a round table lunch for a Sneak Preview of the PHILIPPINES participation in Expo 2020 Dubai last 11 June 2019. The DTI revealed “Bangkota”, the ancient Tagalog word for coral reef, as the theme of the Philippines’ (PH) participation at the Expo 2020 Dubai in October 2020 to April 2021.

The theme highlights not only the country’s natural resources but the similarities between the coral reef and Filipinos: both grow into colonies that thrive throughout the world. Expo 2020 Dubai is the latest edition of the World Expo that started in London in 1851. Dubai’s 428-hectare Expo will feature 190 country pavilions to be visited by 25 million tourists.

The Philippine pavilion will be a 3,000 square-meter space with a 1,300 square-meter enclosed area, designed by Budji+Royal Architecture+Design and curated by Marian Roces. It will feature five exhibits, an artisanal café, and Go Lokal! stores.  After the Expo, the exhibit will be installed permanently in New Clark City.

“Our most important goal in participating at the Expo is to present a country brand that reflects our rich history and our values as caring, compassionate, and creative people,” said DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez.

Although the Expo is not a trade fair, Secretary Lopez said that the government’s budget of just under PHP1 billion will be earned back through tourism, trade, services, and investments, as the DTI will also organize an investment mission to maximize the opportunity.

He added that the interest to join the Expo came from President Rodrigo Duterte because there are around 700,000 Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates. The President since issued Administrative Order 17 assigning DTI to lead the Philippine Organizing Committee (POC) for Expo 2020 Dubai. The POC is also composed of the Departments of Tourism, Foreign Affairs, Budget, Labor, Science and Technology, and Information and Communications Technology.

HONEST YET PROGRESSIVE DESIGN

DTI Assistant Secretary Rosvi Gaetos shared that Expo 2020 Dubai organizers thought that the PH pavilion is “humble, honest, yet progressive.”

Architect Royal Pineda of Budji+Royal Architecture+Design said they used mesh instead of concrete as the primary material as a way to present ourselves truthfully, rather than compete with other countries.

RESET THE FILIPINO MINDSET

Curator Marian Roces curated five main exhibits, namely 4,000 Years Young, Modern Becomes Filipino, The Muslims of the Philippines, The Coraline People, and Oceans Pacific, to illustrate the country’s history even before the arrival of the Spaniards. The exhibits endeavors to change the world’s mindset about the Philippines and the Filipinos’ mindsets about themselves.

In line with this, the POC chose March 16, 2021 as the Philippine National Day to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Ferdinand Magellan’s arrival in PH. The celebration aims to shift the mindset of this being the day that Magellan discovered the Philippines, to the day we discovered Magellan.

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Dubai –DuBlog Power Card has officially been launched last August 8, 2019, at 8 PM, hence the iconic 08.08.08 theme at Burjuman Arjaan Rotana Hotel. The event was attended by various social media personalities, community leaders, press representatives, and his excellency, Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes and spouse Dra. Yasmin Balajadia-Cortes.

Founded and headed by DuBlog CEO, Lance Japor, DuBlog Power Card was formulated for its advocacy to reach out to the Filipino community with the means of letting them experience more, by paying less. DuBlog Power Card, by the name suggests, is a discount card that entitles the cardholder a POWER to enjoy a huge range of hot deals on food, special services, beauty and lifestyle, training centres, cargo, travel, and a lot more! The card’s one-year validity from the launching month provides discounts ranging from 10 to 25% off on the total purchase, offers such as buy 1 get 1 free scheme, installments on different products, and free items and services. The card demonstrates a win-win result as the card is fully packed with favourable deals for the price of 50 AED only. It will also showcase and introduce different kinds of businesses in the market while making it accessible to everyone to experience.

The cardholder will have the power to explore the city’s bests and indulge in your guilty pleasures without breaking their pockets. With over 750,000 Filipinos all over UAE, the power card targets to empower all OFWs of any status, while making sure that they get the most out of their needs and interests with the power brought by the DuBlog Power Card.

As DuBlog is known for its advocacies in every event that they do for the community, the idea of coming up with this unique discount card was created in dedication to those whose monthly incomes are between below the minimum to average. By means of these special savings, Filipinos of different social status can avail and enjoy what everyone else is experiencing.

DuBlog Power Card can be availed in 4 ways: online orders, direct purchase from partner merchants, dedicated sales team, and through resellers. More details are provided on their official Facebook page and website for the list of partner merchants and their respective discounts and offers.

With this unique project launched and made for the Filipino community, the team aspires to continue touching lives and bring more valuable experiences to everyone in the community by using smarter ways of spending their money.

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Before launching the 70^th Edition of Manila FAMEth is October, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions(CITEM),will showcase some of the most promising brands in the home accessories and furniture industry at the upcoming INDEX Dubai 2019this September 17-19 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, United Arab Emirates.

INDEX Dubai is reputed as the largest gathering for the design community in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region and is part of the Middle East Design and Hospitality Week (MEDHW) 2019. MEDHW is one of the largest celebrations of all things design and hospitality. Six other design shows are set to take place alongside INDEX Dubai, bringing with them around 1,000 exhibitors and an expected turn out of more than50,000 visitors from all over the world. These visitors include architects, developers, interior designers, procurement professionals and retailers.

The Philippine participation in last year’s INDEX Dubai was a successful return to the show after nine years. CITEM brought a delegation of 10 companies, which generated US$2.766M in export sales, double the initial sales target. In addition, the almost 1,000 buyer inquiries received during the show were more than four times the initial target, indicating a positive turnout and reception of Philippine furniture and accessories design in the Middle East.

According to a study by Ken Research on the UAE’s furniture market outlook through 2022, the highly-competitive furniture industry in the UAE is forecasted to expand in the near future leading up to the launch of the year-long World Expo 2020 to be held in Dubai. One of the largest events in the world, EXPO 2020 will significantly grow the demand for furniture in Dubai as the event is expected to bring a huge influx of tourists that will create a surge in the demand for tourism products and services in the city. Local and international furniture manufacturers will have their hands full as they try to supply the demand generated by the hotel inventory of140,000 rooms and apartments required to meet the number of tourists and expatriates expected to arrive.

“This is the perfect opportunity for our furniture designers and craftsmen to capture the attention of the Middle Eastern market and show the world the level of creativity and sophistication that the Philippines has to offer,” said DTI-CITEM Executive Director Pauline Suaco-Juan.“This year’s Philippine participation will focus on innovative and sustainable furniture and home accessories which involve design materials and techniques that showcase the distinct talents and skills of Filipino designers,” she added.

Six exhibitors from the country’s furniture and accessories sectors make up the delegation this year. Most of these companies are first-time exhibitors including Furniture Doctor, James Doran-Webb, Coast Pacific and Kit Silver. Joining them are returning exhibitors Arden Classic and Mele + Marie.

These exhibitors will feature their newest and most innovative designs that highlight how they translate local materials and crafting techniques to create functional and eco-sustainable products that are proudly and truly Filipino.

See the latest from these exhibitors and more at the Dubai World Trade Centre, United Arab Emirates, this 17-19 September 2019 as they bring their signature designs to the Middle East and further promote uniquely Filipino craftsmanship in the global market.

For more information, visit www.citem.com.ph/index.

Tel: (+632) 831 2201 local 253

Email: rabeledo@citem.com.ph

Website: www.citem.gov.ph

Twitter: @CITEMPh

Facebook: @DTI.CITEM

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Largest Filipino-owned technical school in the UAE  

Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Hjayceelyn Quintana and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General and Secretary Isidro Lapena inaugurated the POWER Technical Training Center in Dubai on March 8th.  Also present were Deputy Consul General Renato Dueñas, Labor Attache Felicitas Bay, and Executive Director of WorldSkills Asia Fahar Al Suwaidi.

The centre is the largest Filipino-owned technical school in the UAE and is ISO Certified 9001:2015, as well as accredited by the Knowledge & Human Development Authority or KHDA. The centre has its own equipment and facilities related to the Construction, Engineering, Hospitality and Healthcare sectors.

“I am optimistic that POWER Technical Center will empower our ‘kababayans’ here in Dubai and will serve as a bridge in making our OFWS more globally competitive because this is the very purpose of technical vocational education and training,” commended Secretary Lapena.

Engr. Jim Mahan, POWER Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Dexter De Castro, POWER Chief Healthcare Officer, and Paolo Arao, President of the Association of Filipino TESDA Trainers and Assessors or AFTTA, toured the government officials around the 12,000 square feet compound.

“Our engineering and construction sector training programs are aligned with the training regulations of TESDA and internationally-related standards,” said Engr. Mahan. He added that the centre will offer the following programs, among others: Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II, Industrial Motor Control NC III, Solar Panel Installation Business, Fire Alarm System, CCTV Installation, Building Management System, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC), Plumbing NC II, Diploma in Electronics, and Industrial Engineering.

“Our Caregiving program is an internationally recognized training and certification program developed to equip students with the knowledge and skills of caregiving.   The program includes care and support to infants, toddlers, children, people with special needs, and the elderly.  It also teaches students on the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills on preparing hot and cold meals, cleaning, laundering, ironing, health and safety, and responding to an emergency.  In addition, our caregiving program involves on-the-job training in a hospital and hotel, as well as basic life support training. It is aligned with the TESDA and American Caregiver Association curricula,” added Dr. De Castro.

On his part Arao said that the POWER Technical Training Center addresses the demand for skilled workers in countries such as Canada, New Zealand, Poland and Japan.

“With demands for technical skilled workers, expatriates particularly Filipinos must equip themselves with up-to-date technical skills in order to remain globally competitive and possibly open doors of opportunities overseas,” he explained.

Read more on www.illustradolife.com

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By Roman Guevara

Christmas is a time for parties.

Yes. It’s that season of the year that you will hear of parties being organized left and right. Everyone just got to have one. There is the company Christmas party. There is the school Christmas party. There is the church Christmas party. There is the Filipino Organization Christmas party. There is even the “accommodation” Christmas party. The “flat” Christmas party. The “villa” Christmas party. And who knows, there may even be a “partition” Christmas party. It’s the UAE; it’s the Middle East, so who knows, right?

And you should go to all of them if you can. It’s the next best thing to going home in the Philippines – which, obviously, some of us can’t do right now. However, some people have developed the habit of just staying at home during Christmas eve, or Christmas day itself, especially, if in the UAE, or in other parts of the Middle East.

That could be very lonely. So don’t be a killjoy. Don’t make your life even more miserable. Join these parties. Or better yet, host one yourself. It doesn’t have to cost much. Contact close friends and family to join you, and you can have a potluck. However, just in case you can’t host one, still, go to these parties, specially the ones where your closest friends are.

And, since you are already there, linger. Yes. Linger.

Stay as long as you can.

Christmas Is A Time To Linger: Finding your true self as you make sense of the world. 

Genuinely and sincerely talk to as many people as you can. Enjoy the company of people. Talk. Listen. Hug. Cry. Laugh. Enjoy the people who matter most in your life. Even those who are with you abroad. Because, this is the truth, we cannot live our lives abroad alone. We need each other. And the Christmas season just totally emphasises this to perfection.

The people in our lives abroad can be an interesting mix of old and new friends. Meeting old friends since our time in the Philippines during Christmas parties can be a great time to reconnect, reminisce, and be totally nostalgic. And let me just remind you of this. That no matter what your past was, there will always be parts of it worth remembering. And old friends, there the ones we need to talk to about them.

So linger. Stay longer. Don’t rush to go home. Yes, there is work the next day. But it will still be there. Work will still be boring, stressful, ungrateful, frustrating, and all of that and more. But old friends in the party, that may be the only time you are going to see each other again in a long time.

And how about making new friends?

Staying longer during Christmas parties can be a great opportunity to meet someone new. Adding new people in our lives can be a great experience. It can even be therapeutic to some. Yes, it can be a little awkward at first, but once you’ve overcome the initial shyness, the rest can be an eye-opening experience.

The universe, naturally, has a way of bringing people together. Be authentic. Be yourself. You have to cooperate with forces of the galaxy. Don’t judge people all too quickly. One’s first impression may not necessarily be his best impression, so don’t be so guarded.

Just give it time.

Be nice.

Be kind.

Be your best.

Be loving.

The world needs more of that.

And it’s Christmas. That’s what we do. That’s who we are as a people. We are loving. So I say again. Linger. Stay longer.

Believe me, you won’t regret it that you did.

ROMAN GUEVARA

Spiritual advisor. Life Coach. Rockstar. Roman Guevara, better known as “Kuya Roman,” has made an indelible mark in the Filipino community in the GCC with his unique brand of empowerment. In this issue, he talks about how what people should do when they feel empty. Get in touch with him on Facebook: www.facebook.com/romanguevaraRU

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Our First White Christmas

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The Annie B. (Batobalani) Chronicles

The adventures and misadventures of a ‘not so average’ Pinay trying to make it in the cosmopolitan city of Dubai

Summer is here na talaga! Time to put my purr coat and velvet knee high boots to rest and increase my lotion’s SPF – 15 may not be enough for my bukid-bred skin – so the higher the fairier! But since I got here in Dubai, I noticed that I’ve added a lot of pounds already. Now how do I fit again into my summer skinny clothes without looking like a suman? This dilemma is the reason I decided to sign up and join the popular gym – Pitness Pirst.

Based on experience, I learned that to be able to stand out, you must be surrounded by oldies and the fatties.  That way, litaw ka sa iilan lang na bata and obese. Most of the people who visit the gym during the mornings are the wranglers (gu-wrang) and the fatness firsts – those who are serious about fitness, since they really dedicate time and effort into being healthy. While around 10am upto 3pm, the treadmills and aero classes because of their free time and boredom.

During the night, after office hours beginning at 5:30pm, the cute and physically fit guys start to arrive and display their hardworked bodies while flirting with girls of their same types. It is a big mistake to work out during this time if you don’t posses a Jennifer Lopez figure because all the guys around you already have their six-pack abs winking at all the sexy girls inside the gym.  You wouldn’t want to be seen sweating like a pig with your tongue out while gasping for your last breath among gorgeous guys habang nakikipag-patintero ka sa treadmill, div ah?

Therefore my Pitness Pirst schedule will be like this: super work out in the morning before coming to the office. This way I can take my shower at the gym – tipid sa tubig from my flat, wala pang pila-pila for my turn, di vah? And after office hours, go back to the gym para dumispley at mag-pa-cute sa mga boys –ahihihihihihihihi!

So dizzizit!!! To my spaghetti strapped tops, tube and mini skirt – see you in a few weeks as Annie B. goes back to the fashion scene with her summer outfits. May my fairy gadmadir help me in this battle of divulge – I hope that my workouts be fun-filled and pain-free. Not to worry though, as my other friends, Salonpas and Alaxan, are always on standby. And sana may bonus na one cute guy with this battle of divuldge. Pang-consuelo de bobo man lang – pero sana naman smart, funny and witty sya.  Please fairy gadmadir help me and I will do the rest.  As they say, “No fain, No Glory.”

So watch out Dubai, I’m bringing sexy (not siksik) baaaacckk!!!

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The post The Annie B. Chronicles: “Pitness Preak” appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.