The forum, entitled PHILx, featured a stellar list of speakers including Giordano Middle East CEO and Managing Director Ishwar Chugani, Owner of Kubyertos Cuisine and Kiesha Beauty Lounge Gina Valbuena, and International Fashion Icon and Designer Ezra Santos.

Philippine Consul General Paul Cortes opened the program by welcoming the multinational set of guests, many of whom were there at the Philippine Consulate in Dubai for the first time. Cortes shared some of the projects that he undertook in service of the Filipino business community and expressed his hopes that the initiatives would continue long after his official term of service in the UAE ends. It was previously announced that the Consul General has been recently promoted as Assistant Secretary for Migrant Workers and would be returning to Manila in November.

SandBox Middle East CEO Lito German then delivered his keynote address, which included his personal experience moving from the automotive industry to the import and distribution business. German questioned why he was often the first Filipino in the boardrooms of the multinational companies he worked for and challenged other businessmen who have climbed the corporate ladder to help other Filipinos follow their path.

Gina Valbuena, on the other hand, shared her inspiring journey from employee to entrepreneur, while Ishwar Chugani shared some tips on how to cultivate a people-focused corporate culture. Ezra Santos told the story of his transformation and growth from being an artist and designer to being a well-rounded business owner.

One of the highlights of the event was a touching tribute to Consul General Paul Cortes, in acknowledgement of his countless achievements as Head of the Philippine mission in Dubai and the neighbouring Northern Emirates for the past six years. The tribute was organized by the management board of SandBox Middle East led by CEO Lito German and COO Mark Mauricio.

Entertainment for the evening was performed by the Filipina diva and songstress, Shanice Michaels, who regaled the audience with jazz hits, as well as an impactful and memorable rendition of the Philippine National Anthem.

The event was well attended by an international group of businessmen from various industries such as Retail, Manufacturing, Finance, and F&B. It likewise aligned with the aims of the Expo 2020 in Dubai to increase foreign investments into the UAE and spur further economic growth in the region.

The post Filipino Business Leaders Share their Experiences at Philx Thought Leadership Forum appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Patrick Caldito

@thatguynamedpatrick

Debbie Fortes

@debbiefortes

Geny Baluyot

@genyvb

Gelo Santos

@iamdocgelo

Jay Jackson

@jonathanjackson

For more inspiring content like this check out Illustrado.

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The move sees Giordano continue its recent expansion in the African continent – adding to its portfolio which already includes Zambia, South Africa, Kenya and Mauritius, alongside its presence in over 30 other countries across Asia, the Middle East, Australia, Canada and Russia.

Mr Mark Loynd, Executive Director and Head of Overseas Market Development, commented, “Melcom is Ghana’s leading retail chain, with an extensive network of over 50 wholesale and department stores. We are both pleased and excited to commence our partnership with Melcom to bring Giordano to Ghana”.

Related: Giordano’s Newest Mega Flagship Store Opens in Jeddah, KSA

Ramesh M. Sadhwani, Joint Group Managing Director of Melcom, stated, “Giordano has a long, rich history in providing relevant, essential and timeless fashion for all. Ghana has witnessed a surge in demand for international fashion labels, and with Giordano having over 2,100 stores around the world, we are excited to bring the brand to Ghana and West Africa”. Mr Sadhwani continued, “We are extremely proud of our heritage, and will draw on our over 30 years of experience to create a new chapter in West Africa’s retail landscape with our new partner, Giordano”.

Commenting on the expansion, Mr Loynd added: “Giordano is strengthening its franchise business and remains steadfast in pursuing new markets – our recent ventures in the African continent lays testament to this”. He concluded, “Our global expansion continues. We have clear plans to open further new markets in Africa, and will also be looking to add to our existing store network in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and in South East Asia”.

About Giordano:
Giordano is a leading international retailer of men’s, women’s and children’s apparel under the brand names Giordano, Giordano Ladies, Giordano Junior, BSX and Beau Monde. Established in 1981, Giordano now operates over 2,100 stores and counters in Greater China, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Australia, India and the Middle East. Giordano is listed on the main board of Hong Kong Stock Exchange under stock code 709.

About Melcom:
Melcom Limited is West Africa’s leading organized retail chain and is a true local home-grown Retail Super Brand. Established in 1989, it has footprints across Ghana with over 50 department stores and wholesale stores. Melcom has been adjudged a SUPER BRAND and rated as one of the Top Business Houses in Ghana year after year.

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TNK is a DTI initiative that aims to promote entrepreneurship as a response to unemployment, job-seeking, and migration. The webinars are dedicated to helping OFs and returning OFs from ASEAN, Middle East, South Asia, and ANZ launch and grow their agribusiness ventures. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Cheryl Marie Caballero will discuss lucrative agribusiness opportunities to kick off the four-part webinar series.  

The agriculture sector showed resilience even during the height of the lockdowns. In Q2 2020, the sector expanded by 1.6%, bucking a downward trend that dragged all other sectors.  

Usec. Caballero will explain how overseas Filipinos can take advantage of this trend while contributing to the country’s food security efforts.  

Agricultural Credit Policy Council Executive Director Jocelyn Badiola will go over the agency’s financial assistance programs designed to finance the livelihood activities of qualified entrepreneurs.  

Lastly, Agricultural Training Institute Director Alfredo Aton will discuss the agency’s capacity building and training programs to equip agri-entrepreneurs with the tools they need to build and scale successful agri-enterprises.  

DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez is set to deliver the opening remarks. The session will be hosted by PTIC-New Delhi commercial counsellor Eugenio Elevado Jr.  

The episode on agribusiness will be followed by sessions exploring Philippine-denominated investments, franchising opportunities, and the local startup ecosystem.  

The TNK webinar series will run for the whole year and feature high-level speakers from the government and private sector as part of a dedicated effort to capacitate overseas Filipinos in key areas of entrepreneurship. END

*For more information about the TNK Webinar Series, please follow DTI-Middle East and Africa Facebook page.

Related article: Team Pilipinas – DTI Expo 2020 Dubai Illustrado 300MIFG

Related article: Manila listed as one of the world’s top emerging startup ecosystems

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Having worked on a range of media over the years, from acrylic and oil to pen & ink and on to digital art and photography, he developed a personal affinity with human connections and emotions and the oftentimes overlooked beauty in reality, which all of this has greatly inspired and reflected in his work.

“My goal is to inspire those who see my work to look more carefully at the world around them, the mundane experiences that bring us joy and to discover that there is beauty in unusual places.”

His recent painting style has also evolved to mimic nature, from strong overlapping contrast of vivid colors to vine-like and continuous lines interconnecting the subject to its environment. “A clear statement that all things in life are connected in one way or another and that every twist and turn of our decisions will lead us into something new. The narrative has always been about humanity, the challenges and triumph, the suffering and success and the belief that all good things will come to those who seek and strive.”

Romeo’s works have been exhibited in World Art Dubai recently. Recounting his experience, he shares “It is definitely a learning experience and a combination of an exhilarating adventure topped with exhaustion. Four months of sleepless nights urned into 4 days of non-stop communication and engagement with other people of different nationalities, from all walks of life.

“At one point I felt like an instructor and a lecturer more than an exhibitor, but the idea that my art has inspired them in so many ways makes it worthwhile. It validates that tick mark on my bucket list, and a reminder to myself that everything is all worth it.”

On uplifting other Filipinos, Romeo emphasizes on seizing the opportunity to make the most out of something. “One thing this pandemic has taught us is that there is really nothing certain in this world. We should always seize the moment and not squander it. Carpe Diem! Don’t wait for things to happen, we make it happen – it is that simple. Procrastination is the enemy of success.”

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• “Wheel Power Yoga” – Yoga for wheelchair users
• “Adapted Yoga” – Yoga for people with special needs or disabilities

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Inspired by her bedridden mother, Nerry Toledo, Dubai-based yoga instructor, is launching “Yoga For ALL” – an inclusive approach to yoga to empower everyone to practice regardless of age, shape, size, ethnicity, level of ability or circumstances. 

When her mother was left paralysed after having a stroke, her path truly came into focus. Nerry decided to be more intentional with her teaching and commit herself to learning how to serve the most under-represented people. 

“The UAE’s yoga scene is thriving, but people with disabilities and long-term illnesses have limited opportunities to learn yoga and benefit from its practice.  I want to address this gap by making yoga for all,” said Nerry Toledo.

 Life has come in so many forms, but beyond the psychological and physiological dimensions, all life is the same.

 “I believe that people, regardless of their age, ability or background, should have access to yoga.  I want to see a woman with a wooden leg to walk into a yoga class. I want to see people in wheelchairs, children and young adult with mental health challenges, people in prisons to practice yoga,” she added.

This Dubai Fitness Challenge, Nerry will run inclusive yoga classes for People of Determination.

WHY SHOULD PEOPLE OF DETERMINATION DO YOGA?

Yoga is an ancient practice which involves body and mind to achieve balance and well-being. Practicing yoga can be beneficial for individuals with disabilities or long-term health conditions through both the physical postures and breathwork. Each pose can be modified or adapted to meet the needs of the student.

Yoga for People of Determination is a great opportunity to build a community and meet new friends with similar objectives and progress as a group.

As with any new exercise routine, it is advisable that parent / student should consult with a medical professional first before practicing yoga.

Where: Kite Beach, Astral Space 

“Wheel Power” – Yoga for people in wheelchairs
Saturday 14th November, 9:30am to 10am 

The focus of wheelchair yoga sequences is the upper body. The twists and bends of the various wheelchair yoga pose work the upper body and core, improving blood flow and stimulating the internal organs.

Getting Started with Wheelchair Yoga

After you have received the ‘all clear’ from your doctor, keep a few safety rules in mind:

• Always have someone else around, such as a friend, family member or caregiver.
• Breath normally and steadily throughout your yoga session.
• Challenge yourself to stretch as much as you can. But only stretch to the point that it is a little uncomfortable, not to the point of pain.
• If you do feel pain, stop, and consult your doctor.

Space is limited. Those interested in signing up for the free event must register in advance, connect with Nerry by visiting www.nerryfit.com or call +971507478066.

Yoga For Young Adults With Special Needs
Saturday 21st November, 9:30am to 10am

“Adapted Yoga” for young adults with special needs is a gentle and therapeutic class. Simple and fun programme designed to increase cognitive and motor skills, improve concentration, strength, balance, and posture as well as provide the joy of being in a social but non-competitive class. The stretching, breathwork and singing help promote focus and help students to feel more connected and comfortable within their bodies.  Poses are adapted to meet each student’s needs and capabilities, to meet them where they are, and not focusing on their disabilities but their abilities.

Getting Started with Special Yoga

• Always have someone else around, such as a family member or caregiver.
• Breath normally and steadily throughout your yoga session
• If you do feel pain, stop, and consult your doctor.
• Bring your own yoga mat, water bottle and towels

Space is limited. Those interested in signing up for the free event must register in advance, connect with Nerry by visiting www.nerryfit.com or call +971507478066.

The post Filipina Yoga Teacher Launches Yoga for People of Determination appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Featuring the works of Filipino photographers across the world, the Illustrado Scrapbook is a curated selection of photography and art.

To submit your works, send an email to paolo.benitez@illustrado.co

Allan Borebor

Allan Borebor, Manila 

www.behance.net/allanborebor 

Tawpee Comeso

Tawpee Comeso

Dubai, UAE 

@tawpee.comeso 

Archielou Romero

Archielou Romero

Pampanga, Philippines

@archielou.dr

Jomar Torrecampo

John Marciel Torrecampo

Macau, China

@torks_works

The post Filipino photographers across the world: Illustrado Scrapbook – June 2020 appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

For most Overseas Filipinos, apart from owning a home, having a sustainable business back home that will support the family is the ultimate dream – an aspiration our kababayans want to achieve before they eventually settle back home for good in the Philippines.

But there are so many questions and fears that linger in our heads that seem to make the journey from OF to entrepreneur a daunting one.  “Will I be able to survive in the world that I left long ago?” “Will I be able to reintegrate?” Or even the simple question – “Will I survive?”  These fears are enough to hold us back from coming home for good.  And that is a bit ironic, especially since “home” should be our comfort zone.

So how does one overcome this feeling of “alienness” in his/her own homeland?  It’s easy to set-up a business with all the rules written out.  All you have to do is follow.  But it is harder to change our mindsets that have been shaped by staying all those years abroad in foreign land.

Fret not!  All you need is to utilize whatever you have learned as a resilient OF, apply some flexibility and open-mindedness, and before you know it, you will be adjusting well to life in the Philippines and getting closer to your dream of having your own business back home.  Here are some tips learned from my own tough personal experiences that OFs can benefit from:

Be observant

As an OF returnee you have to understand that the country you have left a long time ago has experienced many changes through the years.  So it’s not useful to only be referring to the things you were used to “back in the day.”  Study the new lay of the land.  Get up to speed with how things work.  Observe your surroundings and the people and learn from them.  Find out the new way of doing things.

Be the people 

A lot of OFs have a hard time adjusting to the lifestyle back home because their expectations and actions are stuck to the life abroad that they left behind.  If you want to be successful in building a business in the Philippines, you need to make an effort to start acting like you are truly part of the community.  For how will your business serve the people, if you don’t even understand them?

Be a problem solver

Look for unique, urgent requirements or anomalies within the community that need resolution and where you can contribute your talent and skills. This is how you can come up with a business, a product and/or a service that, will address existing needs in the market.   OFs are very skillful in finding ways to solve problems, even beyond our professions. We’ve learned to be inventive with our exposure to different cultures and workplaces.  Use this strength and let your ingenuity shine!

Be an explorer

OFs are innately adventurous.  Our spirit for challenge has brought us to distant seas. We don’t want to be kept stagnant in one place.  So why not try new ways of addressing market needs back home with inventive new business solutions that would help a lot of kababayans.

Be experimental 

OFs are not afraid to try and fail, and relearn and apply what we have learned, whenever we get a chance. This is a special skill of an OF. Trial and error leads us to success and it’s proven. We just have to be more courageous and not be discouraged by failure, as each one of them is an opportunity to learn that brings us closer to success.

Be open minded

Not all business succeed on first attempts. 80% to 90% of startups fail.  So you have to have an open mind and accept whatever happens. By having the right perspective only are we able to move on, start over again and pursue that dream until we make it. But in starting anew, we have to understand what did not work in the first place. Our strong OF will which we developed while working abroad will help us to carry on, despite the failures we may face.

And lastly, be a doer

An idea is useless, unless you implement it.  A business plan is nothing until you establish the company and get started.  And being an entrepreneur back home can only become reality if you start working on it today.  Be a doer to get the result that you desire, to achieve the dream that you hold dear. Most of us think that we don’t have enough skills, and get paralyzed by fear.  But those skills exist deep inside us, so we must not be afraid of trying until we get it right.

Each of us may have different ways of applying these guidelines on adjusting our expat mindset to achieve our dream business back home.  But the most important thing of all is to start doing something to move towards success. There’s no better time but now!

Bel Ramirez

Former Overseas Filipino and Dubai-resident, management professional Anabel Ramirez is now based in Manila and is the founder of ABBR BUSINESS CONSULTANCY. As a driven result oriented person, her core advocacy is to help OFs create their own dream businesses back in the homeland.

Read more articles like these on Illustrado.

The post From OF to Entrepreneur in the Philippines: Adjusting Your Mindset To Get Closer To Your Dream appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

At the show, Ann Ong attracted a lot of attention with key profiles like Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, stopping by her booth during the opening; and Honorable Paul Raymund Cortes, Consul General of the Philippines in the UAE, along with Dr. Yasmin Balajadia Cortes, his wife, attending her fashion show.

Ann Ong, an esteemed style purveyor who picked up the “Best Designer” award in February 2016 Winter show at New York Now for her Sustainability Clutch – continues to capture the imagination of stylephiles and delights the fashion elite with her keen eye for the details and proud Filipina roots by using humble materials such as the homely banig, bamboo, and even salvaged wood, elevating these into impressive obra maestras.

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Stockholm, Sweden

Although Stockholm may be known for its cool climate – as with most Scandinavian destinations – its atmosphere and people are undeniably warm and welcoming. Whether you plan on visiting Gamla Stan (the capital’s medieval urban core), having ‘fika’ at a cozy neighborhood café, or exploring the Stockholm archipelago traversing the city’s waters by boat – there’s plenty of things to experience. Agnes Pedrosa Mårelid, now based in Abu Dhabi, has lived in Sweden since 1997 until later relocating in 2008. Despite now living in the emirates, Agnes still feels a sense of home whenever she goes back to Sweden: “We still go back every summer to our red wooden house in a lakeside forest, about twenty minutes away from Stockholm city. Our village is situated near a nature reserve so summer is spent hiking around the forest, picking berries and mushrooms and swimming in the lake.” She shares tips for your next visit to Stockholm.

Before you go

Sweden has four beautiful seasons and each season is as beautiful as the other. Being far up North in Europe, Sweden is famous for the midnight sun during summer. It is when the sun never sets but come wintertime, daylight could be just a few hours. Winter guarantees plenty of snow and up in the North, the famous northern lights abound. One thing a traveler should know when visiting Sweden is that there is no such thing as bad weather, only wrong clothes. This means that every season is to be enjoyed with the proper attire or gear. If you come in the summer, be prepared to bring rain gear as it could rain anytime. And if you are visiting in winter, the proper winter wear that can withstand subzero temperatures should be at hand, the right winter shoes for walking on snow and not slipping on icy paths, and of course, one must be equipped with knowledge on the layering of garments to keep the body warm.

Must do’s and must see’s

Stockholm is called the Venice of the North. So, when visiting the capital try to take advantage of both city sightseeing and a visit to the islets out in the archipelago.  A visit to the Old Town (Gamla Stan) is a prerequisite to making your fairy tale dreams come to life. Apricot-colored buildings with black roofs line up along cobbled-stone pathways of Drottninggatan in the Old Town. Quaint, small and delightful Scandinavian shops huddle up all the way to the end of the street, the tempting waft of newly baked waffles in a nearby ice cream shop signals that the Royal Palace is not far. Upon reaching the end of the street, you find the majestic and imposing Royal Palace on top of the hill overlooking the lake and the National Museum across. A stone’s throw away from the palace is a boat terminal with cruises and boat sightseeing that will bring you around the Stockholm archipelago, I recommend a visit to Vaxholm, an idyllic island which is an hour boat from the city proper or check out culture, cuisine and history at Fjäderholm Islands.

Another landmark not to miss in Stockholm is the well-preserved Vasa warship from 1628 at the Vasa Museum located in Djurgården, a long walk or bus ride from the city proper. While at Djurgården, visit Skansen, the world’s oldest open-air museum that features Sweden’s Nordic animals (if you haven’t seen a reindeer or a moose or a bear – this is the place) but what makes Skansen unique are the very old houses and farmsteads that come from different parts of the country and moved to Skansen to create a mini-village teeming with life from the past. A visit to Skansen warps you to the time when Sweden was an agriculturally based country – experience village life in the Nordics by starting it out with a visit to the glass factory, then move on by grabbing a cinnamon bun at a local bakery, peek at a merchant’s house, and pass by the local printer then to the local grocery store.

What to be aware of

Travelers should be aware that most of Stockholm’s shops and restaurants prefer that you pay by card. The idea of carrying cash and paying cash will soon be a thing of the past.  Sweden in 2023 will be the first cashless city in the world.  The country that first introduced bank notes in Europe in 1661 will now be the first country to go cashless. If you happen to go to ABBA museum in Stockholm, you can only pay by card or pay online. IKEA and other stores are following the trend.

Sweden adopts one of the world’s best policies: the right to roam. It is the freedom to roam, a general public’s right to access public and privately-owned land, lakes and rivers for recreation and exercise. You can go kayaking, pick berries and swim in any lakes or forests around Sweden. It means nature is accessible to the public!

Fika (coffee break) is a way of life.  You find plenty of Swedes in coffee shops with a cup of coffee in hand and a cinnamon bun.  At work, people take breaks to find time for “fika”.

Lagom is a word that defines what moderation is all about. It’s quite a helpful value because it allows you to appreciate the things you have and yearn for things that are not too little or too much.  Lagom means “just about right’.

Traveling on a budget

Although Sweden is known to be an expensive country to visit, there are many ways to save money and be on a budget. If you are visiting Stockholm for one, three or five days – I would recommend that you get the Stockholm Pass. It is a card that gets you access to 60 wonderful places of interest in Stockholm, including all of the aforementioned places I recommended earlier.  It gives access to cultural and historical places and museums and yes, the pass includes boat sightseeing in the archipelago.  My recommendation is that if you are in Stockholm for three days, get the 3-day Stockholm Pass for twelve major attractions and hop on hop off bus and boat sightseeing, all for a price of only USD133.

How to get around

Forget taxi and uber, Stockholm is a place where walking is highly needed to get around. But, for long distances, there are very punctual buses and similarly punctual trains that operate all over Stockholm. Avail of the SL card which is basically the train and bus card that can be bought as a day pass, a week pass, or a month’s pass – not for unlimited rides in buses and trains however.

Best food and places to eat

The best coffee shop to try fika is at Vete Katten in Kungsgatan near the Haymarket.

Try authentic Swedish fish and seafood dishes at Sturehof in Stureplan or if you want a feel of eating in an indoor marketplace, try Melanders Fisk at Soderhallarna at Medborgarplatsen. Toast Skagen is a national seafood delicacy.

Swedish meatballs is the national dish and must be tried while in Sweden. It is delectable with potatoes and lingonberry jam. Every Swede would claim that their grandmothers make the best Swedish meatballs but in the absence of a grandmother nearby, most restaurants along Old Town serve meatballs. The best one I ever had in Stockholm was at Restaurant Prinsen in Östermalm.

Hidden Gems 

Hermans Restaurant and Garden Café. Atop Sodermalm hill overlooking a panoramic view of the Stockholm inlet and the Old Town is a garden restaurant that serves the best vegetarian lunch buffet in town.

Mälarpaviljongen at Norr Mälarstrand is your garden pavilion restaurant and floating bar situated by the lake with a perfect view of the archbridge Västerbron.  It is romantic, it is unpretentious, and it is good food. Try the smoked salmon and their house rosé wine, and enjoy Stockholm summer by the lake – yes, right in the middle of the city.

Tyresö Slott. If you find a chance to get out of the city, try Tyresö town located South of Stockholm.  There you find the very romantic Tyresö Slott (Castle) and its sprawling English gardens with a connecting islet ideal for swimming and sailing.

Within Djurgården island (part of the city), just right behind Skansen is an organic garden called Rosendals Trädgård where you can enjoy walking around the rose gardens and follow the path to the aromatic herb gardens. It has a garden café that serves apple pies and rhubarb pies and wonderful Swedish desserts. You can freely picnic at the apple orchard.

Best time to visit

Summer is definitely the best time to visit. July to August is perfect for more activities outdoors.  But I have brought friends to Stockholm during the winter and it is lovely in the winter with all the snow around us. Walking on a frozen lake is an unforgettable adventure.

Kabayan Comforts

There are no Filipino restaurant in Stockholm, but there are Asian stores if you wish to buy Filipino ingredients. Mai-mai Asian Market is where Filipinos buy their ingredients and vegetables. The nearest comfort food would be to visit a Thai Restaurant or a Chinese restaurant but nothing beats knowing Filipino friends who cook and cater, they ease the homesickness and cravings.

Read the full edition of Illustrado Work & Play 2019 on www.issuu.com

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