CONSUL GENERAL PAUL RAYMUND CORTES

Dubai, UAE

Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes epitomizes the best of the Pinoy spirit as a leader who is optimistic, hardworking, compassionate, and selfless – and the UAE’s entire Filipino community can attest to this without hesitation. Beyond fulfilling his role in the diplomatic service, he has worked tirelessly to support the community through a diverse range of avenues.

In 2019, under his leadership the consulate was able to help over 6000 Filipinos in Dubai and the Northern Emirates from January to November alone, extending court assistance, facilitating hospital services, and police station and jail visits through assistance to national services. Beyond consular duties, and with the support of community volunteers, he has spearheaded initiatives in the areas of education, sports, arts, and culture, not only to foster a stronger sense of community camaraderie but also to uplift the status of the consulate is a venue for learning and Pinoy pride.

The year also saw some of the most memorable milestones for the local Filipino community.  One initiative that Consul General Cortes helped realize was the illumination of the Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building, as well as the Dubai Festival City, with the flag of the Philippines during the Phil Independence Day celebrations.  It was an occasion of sheer Pinoy Pride which stood to symbolize the UAE’s recognition of the Filipino people, as well as the strong ties between the two countries.   The same occasion also saw the biggest Filipino gathering in the history of the UAE, at the PID 2019 celebrations attended by some 50,000 kababayans from Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

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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

Check out our recent candid unfiltered interview with Con Gen Paul Raymund Cortes in Illustrado Talks:

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

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ILLUSTRADO MIFG 2018

Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes

Dubai & Northern Emirates

Juggling his time between improving services and operations at the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai and Northern Emirates, whilst performing his duties as the most hardworking supporter of the local Filipino populace, and inevitably playing the role of de facto problem solver for some of the most challenging expat issues, Consul General Paul Raymund Cortez has closed yet another productive year with a resounding vote of confidence from the people he so diligently serves.  UAE-based The National newspaper referred to him as the “The Filipino who will never leave a fellow kabayan behind” – in their feature entitled UAE Portrait of a Nation, published in November 2018.  And quite rightly so, because the Filipino community in Dubai and the Northern Emirates have been blessed with his kind of involvement and enthusiasm which has not been seen previously in these parts.

Con Gen Paul has always had a heart for supporting Pinoys across the country, and with the support of his leadership team composed of Vice Consul Marianne Bringas and Vice Consul Elizabeth Ramos, his beneficial programs barrel through to 2019.   These include more effective and efficient consular services; more proactive engagement with the community on sports, as well as revitalized programs for the youth via the Philippine schools;  the continuation of vigorous economic and cultural programs, as well as initiatives on business and entrepreneurship in coordination with the Philippine Business Council of Dubai; and a deeper engagement with the UAE government authorities.

Always pushing to serve and to underline Filipino excellence in the Emirates, he affirms, “Things always get better.” With the growing, dynamic Filipino presence in the region and on the international field, he views the current moment as the perfect vantage point from where we could all aim for even more progress.

He urges to “Continue working on improving your skills, talents, and knowledge and strategize the road towards entrepreneurship.”

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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

100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes – Trailblazer

He’s easily the busiest Filipino in the emirates.  With almost all of his waking moments spent in the service of the people, it’s typical to see him whizz through, albeit thoroughly, his duties as a diplomat, as well as pull in double, nay, triple, maybe even quadruple duty during the weekends to fulfill his obligations to the community.  He also finds the time to write a column to inspire Pinoys via Illustrado on a regular basis.  But for Consul Paul Raymund Cortes super public servant and all-around ‘rockstar,’ it’s just how he chooses to serve.

He reflects, “I would like to be a positive role model for my children, showing them in practice what it means to be a leader of the Filipinos here; what it means to be an inspiration for Overseas Filipinos to continually improve themselves and keep competitive in the global arena, and what it means to be a God-fearing soul in this sea of humanity.”

On top of his drive towards continually improving the Consulate General’s service to the community, Con Gen Cortes is most upbeat about other achievements in 2017.  These include the staging of Dubai Dubai Musikahan which opened doors for Filipino artists, the partnership with Filipino Educators in providing pyscho-social training and services to the PCG staff, as well as their enhanced partnership with the community in mounting events that focus on Filipino communal spirit in Dubai.

With his work intended to inspire, the Consul General says, “I hope Filipinos here can harmonize the visions of different organizations into a united one. I also hope we become more aggressive in showing the rest of the other ethnicities in the UAE the richness of our culture and our soul as a nation.”

________________________________________________________________________________Photography by: Alex Callueng

Read more Illustrado 100 on www.illustradolife.com

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World expos have forever been championing culture, innovation, and human ingenuity of all forms from all over. During these landmark events that only happen once every five years, countries gather to showcase their successes and game-changing ideas that rewrite history and foretell the future’s promise all at the same time. With Dubai Expo 2020 fast approaching, the Philippines is set to shine and elevate the collective image of its people in the global arena to end all global arenas – utilizing its landmark participation to tell a progressive yet unmistakably authentic narrative of our nation.

Spearheading this milestone initiative is the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) under the leadership of Secretary Ramon Lopez (Chairman and Commissioner-General of the Philippine Organizing Committee), together with Assistant Secretary Rosvi Gaetos, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Hijayceelyn Quintana, Architect Royal Pineda, and Curator Marian Pastor Roces.

Through participating at the expo, the team endeavors to highlight the Philippines’ best in terms of trade, tourism, and investment, as well as other facets that showcase the nation for what it is – a creative and compassionate changemaker with a burgeoning economy that is ready for business. Secretary Lopez shares: “With our participation, we hope to create more goodwill for the Philippines and to attract greater interest not only for our products but also investments, as well as our tourist destinations.” He adds, “Alongside forging relationships with potential investors and trade partners, it’s an opportunity to project the Philippines as a progressive and innovative nation – that is also rich in culture and heritage – of concerned and professionally active individuals that are connected worldwide.”

Asec Gaetos remarks, “The goal of our participation is 3-fold: country branding, trade tourism and investments, and consumer engagement.” She also adds that the participation is largely a branding exercise that empowers Filipinos to tell their own story – and not anyone else’s.  She affirms, “It’s a story, a narrative of what and who the Filipino is, and it’s something that is supposed to elevate and change mindsets not only on how Filipinos look at themselves, but also likewise how the whole world will look upon Filipinos.”

With over 700,000 Filipinos in the UAE, Ambassador Quintana expresses that OFs will play an instrumental role in shaping the Philippines’ run during the 6-month event, “The Filipino community here can play a very supportive role even if everything is prepared already by the Philippine organizing committee.  There are other things that we can do to reinforce the message to elaborate on whatever could be done to highlight the many things that are going to be presented and projected during the expo.“  She continues, “This is our chance to shine; this is a global stage that we are going to have. I hope that we will be ready for that.”

Architect Royal Pineda who designed the Philippine pavilion called “Bangkota” based on the coral reefs, shares the idea behind the most awaited structure. “The very essence of what we are doing is to reflect the real nature of the Philippines – our people being warm, sensitive, and caring.  We go the extra mile, and we are very soulful. That is what we are presenting and amplifying in this pavilion. We intend to showcase the beauty of our islands, our materials, our skills, and, most of all, our people. It is about collaborations – modern bayanihan, to show the world that we have something to offer – our gift to the world. And this, I believe, is important to find the identity, dignity, and honor of Filipinos.”

Curator Marian Pastor-Roces is excited to offer a new story of the Philippines through the pavilion – “That Filipinos are not just a product of that 500 years of history that we know of right now. That the Filipino has been in the making for thousands of years.”  She adds, “Most people do not know the story of our emergence into today. They will see a totally interconnected people, and this is an excellent platform for Filipinos because the whole expo is actually about connectivity. And we obviously are among the most connected, if not the most connected   people on earth.”

The image of the Philippines as a growing global force to be reckoned with, coupled with deep roots and a caring and connected people, is set to be highlighted at the forthcoming event, which is slated to be the ‘World’s, Greatest Show.’  With the leadership of the DTI at the Expo 2020 in Dubai, the community and the country is set not only to seize opportunities on many fronts, but it is also set to take another step towards its progressively evolving narrative.

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

Related Article: Bangkota – The Philippines at Dubai Expo 2020

Learn more about the DTI in Dubai

Related Article: The Making of the Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf 

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Jimi Buenconsejo – Illustrado 300 Most influential Filipinos in the Gulf -Legacy Edition 2020

JIMI BUENCONSEJO

Royal Designer

Dressing up celebrities is one thing.  But creating lavish couture pieces in the royal atelier, for Dubai’s most prominent family, is quite a league on its own. Indeed, most people can only dream of how it is to be like Jimi Buenconsejo, Chief Designer for the emirate’s Royal Family. His days are filled with creativity and couture, leading a team of 22 designers, pattern makers, tailors, beaders, and embroiderers.  With tremendous resources, the royal atelier creates up to five intricate and lavish pieces in a single day.

Beyond the glamor that has marked Jimi’s 20-year career in the Middle East, however, the designer says that he relishes having the capacity of bolstering others towards having a better life. “Being able to elevate the standard of living for most of our staff, as well as provide jobs to our fellow kababayans as part of my creative team, gives me a great sense of purpose and happiness,” he shares.

He also hopes to inspire other aspiring fashion designers with what he has learned from working with the best in the region. “In every design and idea, the willingness to learn new things will be one’s tool to move forward.”

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

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Jimi Buenconsejo – Illustrado 100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf 2018

Fashion Designer for Dubai’s Royal Family

One of the greatest compliments a designer can ever earn in their career is being asked to exclusively design for one of the most prominent families not only in Dubai, but also in the world, and Jimi Buenconsejo has had that pleasure as a royal designer for over twenty years.

The creative force behind La Donna Couture for nearly two decades, before he joined the palace, the incomparable Jimi Buenconsejo was a graduate of the Philippines’ Slim’s fashion school, and was one of the youngest members of the Isetann Board of designers, before he moved to the Middle East.  His extensive industry background coupled with his eye for timeless glamor has cultivated expertise for creating pieces fit for the most discerning.

With him leading a team of 22 composed of designers, pattern makers, tailors, beaders, and embroiderers, the royal atelier creates up to five intricate pieces in a single day.  Of what may seem like a demanding profession, he shares: “I guess you simply have to love what you’re doing. If you love it, you can overcome any difficulties that may come your way, and continue to do so for a long, long time. The best part is, we don’t have to work on a budget – so creativity is endless”.

As for his hopes for his fellow countrymen, he shares: “The Philippines has a lot of young, creative, and talented individuals. I want to share the learnings from my experiences to prepare aspiring designers for a career, and how to sustain one.”

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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

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As the countdown begins to the 122nd anniversary of Philippine Independence, this year’s celebration will pay tribute to the heroic patriotism that binds expatriate Filipinos of the UAE together in an exceptional ‘by the community, for the community’ celebration on June 5, 2020 (Friday) at Rashid Hall, Dubai World Trade Center at 9 am onwards.

Respected and dedicated members of the Filipino community in the UAE showed their compassion towards the beloved Philippines’ sovereignty with unity to create a memorable, inclusive, and community led Kalayaan festival. Together in this most anticipated celebration are the presenting sponsors, BDO Unibank, the Philippines’ largest bank and its key remittance partner in the UAE, Emirates NBD, the region’s leading bank, supported by other business icons like LBC Express, Kabayan Jewelry, The league of Freight Forwarders- a sub-committee of The Philippine Business Council Dubai and Northern Emirates, DuBlog Power Card and many others.

Bringing together the UAE’s overseas Filipinos, the celebration will be flooded with performances from participating communities across Dubai and the Northern Emirates

– Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah with exceptional performances on-stage that will add more colors to our cultural and spectacular Philippine Folk Dances such as Tinikling, Pandanggo sa Ilaw, Cariñosa, Itik-Itik, Sayaw sa Bangko, Maglalatik, and many more. These communities from the Northern Emirates have long been masters of these types of performances and are now anticipated for the event’s highlight on Mga Sayaw Natin.

Further supporting the inclusive nature of this event will be performances by the most inspiring and talented members of the community – the children and youth. Performances from students of different year levels from participating schools including from Al Alfiah Private School, Far Eastern Private Schools, New Filipino Private School, United International Private School and The Philippine School, are on the must-see list with their take on Philippine Festivals. Sinulog, Kadayawan, Pista sa Nayon, Karakol, and Igorot festival are some of the performances that will bring nostalgia in honour of the Philippine festivals highlighting Piyestang Pilipino.

With the theme of togetherness on full display, other highlights of this year’s celebration will be various activities showcasing superb and overflowing talents of this nation on Singing Champion Showdowns, Hiphop Dance, Contemporary Dance, Spoken Word Poetry, and Fashion Show. Notable recognition for the unrivalled dedication and heart for community service in their own platforms of this age’s modern heroes are also commended on Dakilang Bayani Award 2020.

The family-friendly event also welcomes members across age groups with activities for all. A kids’ activity corner is set up to engage artistic minds with face painting, and arts and craft activities while everyone is encouraged to join and engage in various games and raffles with exciting prizes courtesy of the event sponsors.

As the celebration of Kalayaan 2020 draws near, participating organizations and corporate groups are also reminded to be at the venue before 9am in preparation for the fabulous parade which is expected to be gathered by thousands of Filipinos. Already being a big event with an expected huge crowd, everyone can enjoy the entire day without having to worry about food and drinks as a variety of food kiosks have been prepared for everyone’s convenience.

Kalayaan 2020 PID celebrations have been made possible through the united efforts of dedicated community leaders like Jason Roi Bucton, Lance Japor, Conrado Quizon, and social entrepreneur Josie Conlu, Managing Director of Red & Beryl Events, along with hundreds of dedicated community champions.

Related Article – Keeping up with Congen: Musings on Filipino Independence

Read more on www.illustradolife.com

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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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Consul General PAUL RAYMUND CORTES

Dubai and the Northern Emirates

Curious thing about Philippine Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes – he doesn’t exactly fit the mold of what most people would construe as a “quintessential diplomat.” Yes, he is diplomatic, well-tempered, and in touch. Yes, he carries himself with the gravitas and dignity that befit his position. But what makes him truly exceptional is his palpable sense of openness and inclusivity – even outright friendliness. Where most people would expect a diplomat to be guarded and measured, Consul General Paul Raymund is charming, approachable, and pleasantly spontaneous. But make no mistake – these amiable qualities do not, in any way, make him lightweight. This man gets the job done. And he gets it done well.

2016 has been an inordinately hectic year for the Philippine Consulate, as Consul General Paul Raymund endeavors to expand the reach of the institution, two-ways: by making tangible and lasting improvements in the Consulate’s administrative capabilities, and by opening its doors to the community as a true hub for celebrating Filipino culture. This year, the Consulate launched Monthly Town Hall meetings to provide Filipinos in Dubai a clearer understanding of public policy issues. It also hosted several health awareness campaign forums and gender and development projects, and initiated an aggressive campaign to encourage overseas Filipino voters to participate in the 2016 Presidential election. 2016 also saw the first ever songwriting competition organized by the Consulate: the Dubai Dubai Musikahan.

The Consulate’s list of achievements this year could very well necessitate a double-page spread, and yet for Consul General Paul Raymund, 2016 has only been a warm-up. He sees 2017 as a year of even greater expansion, buoyed by enhanced community participation. He attests: “By understanding that government is not the repository of all answers, theories, and solutions to public policy issues and concerns, I strove to seek the opinion and studies of technical experts and the community and from there, craft policy issues that would address these concerns. I provided more avenues for stakeholder engagement, making overseas Filipinos understand that they are part of the policy process and that their views are important and meaningful.”

My duties include protecting and promoting the welfare of Filipinos in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, promoting the Philippines as a trade and investment, tourism and finance destination, ensuring that Philippine political interests in Dubai and the Northern Emirates are adequately protected, and encouraging overseas Filipinos to take pride in their culture through arts, sports, community activities, and building on to the excellent repute of the global Filipino.

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Created as a platform for connecting foreign and Philippine businesses towards mutual development and growth, the event hosted some 200 top executives from the Filipino community, as well as other key expatriate groups, who have converged to discuss and explore opportunities for engaging and leveraging on the Filipino market in the Gulf.

The event which was graced by H.E. Ambassador Grace Relucio Princesa – Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, Hon. Consul Giovanni Palec of the Philippine Consulate General, and Mr. Rashid Hussain Al Meeza, Senior Executive-Member Relations of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry also featured esteemed speakers who shared best business and leadership practices to inspire guests.  Nisha Jagtiani, the youngest director of the Landmark Group instrumental in developing successful local fashion brands Splash and Iconic, among others, shared her experiences and insights in growing local brands, while multi-awarded Ishwar Chugani, CEO and Managing Director of Giordano Middle East and Executive Director and Board Member at Giordano HQ in Hong Kong, emphasized on the increasing need for companies to give back to society as a matter of good governance.  Guests were also provided valuable information on the benefits of operating via free zones, as facilitated by RAK Free Trade Zone’s Business Development Director – Tomas Csobonyei.

Filipinos in Dubai: PBC DUBAI’s LANDMARK INTERFACE 2015

The event, the first of its kind for the local Philippine business community in the Emirates, signals the PBC Dubai’s renewed thrust in playing an integral role in bolstering the presence of Filipino businesses and assisting entrepreneurs in the UAE. According to PBC Dubai Chairman Bobbie Carella, “Since its creation in 2001, the PBC Dubai has always supported the Filipino business community through its educational, charitable as well as social endeavors. We continue that tradition and this time, we renew our commitment and go about our mission with renewed vigor to assist Filipino entrepreneurs in developing relationships in the market, while developing business opportunities in the process.”

The PBC Dubai Interface 2015 was held with the support of sponsors – RAK Free Trade Zone, Ayala Land International, Landmark Group (Max Fashion and Emax), as well as Western Union and Illustrado Magazine, and was organized by the PBC Executive Committee consisting of – Bobbie Carella (Chairman), Red Vargas (Vice Chairman), Eden Borja (Treasurer), Caloy Serrano and Marty Plumley (Membership), Lalaine Chu-Benitez (Marketing), Andy Minodin (Projects), Christine Gonzales and Leo Barrameda (Secretariat).   The program was hosted by Mike Ortega and Lalaine Chu-Benitez, with entertainment provided by Danilo, a tenor who was flown in from Qatar with the accompaniment of keyboard artist Angelo. There was also an art exhibit by the UST Alumni.

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A look at the professional lives of Filipinos in the UAE

MIA CACHERO

Business Development Director

Gulf Publishing, Dubai

I work as a business development director for Food and Travel Arabia. My job as a director can be very stressful, with monthly sales targets that I need to achieve, weekly sales reports, having to explore creative ideas to offer clients and of course, to say the least, one-on-one meetings with the owners of the company. However, it is also very rewarding and uplifting especially after finishing another month’s issue of the magazine and knowing that I have contributed something to the company and that I have achieved my sales targets.

My typical work week routine comprise of meetings with advertisers – hotels, tourist board authorities and advertising agencies; attending hotel events; and traveling to other GCC countries to meet with potential clients and present the magazine. Being in this industry gives me so many opportunities such as meeting interesting people and building relationships with them, career growth and learning experiences.

I started as a client servicing agent for Gulf News back in 2005 and climbed up to account group manager in 2009.

The road leading to where I am now was far from easy, but every tiny bit of experience, good or bad, is worth it.

To my fellow Filipinos out there who are aspiring to achieve their goals, just remember – hard work and dedication. Whatever it is that you are tasked to do, always give it your best!  Confidence, in this day and age, is very important especially in an environment of mixed cultures, with different points of view. You need to be able to speak up and do not be afraid to voice your opinions or ask for what you think you deserve. Finally, be grateful to those people who have helped you. Be grateful to HIM and believe that HE will guide you to through.

ARNOLD MARQUEZ BAILING

Art Director for Grey Group

Riyadh

As an art director, I give life to creative concepts and develop the look and feel of the “big idea” for broadcast, print and online media applications. My work is far beyond design, as part of my role is also to inspire the team, mentor designers, interns and actively participate in building strong bonding between the creatives in our agency.

Work is fun. I get to meet lots of people, from clients, photographers, models, suppliers, artists and the likes. No dress codes. My work environment is like a big playground where everyone is young at heart.

There is no typical day at work. It always varies, depending on the project or phase of the project were in. But as the day goes by, bunch of work comes in. Life in an advertising agency is way different than life in other industries. It is not the usual 9 to 6 job. There is no idle time. It’s work and fun at the same time. You have to learn how to juggle between projects, and between clients while doing the daily nurturing of your creative side.

Having worked on the same office environment for almost 12 years now has taught me to love my job. I have learned good work ethic, patience and the value of hard work.

Being a Filipino, it gives me great pride to share our culture, and show how a Filipino worker is honest, humble, responsible, hardworking and has the ability to listen, think and adapt to any situation.

To our fellow OFs, keep the passion burning! Never stop dreaming. Don’t be afraid to take the risk. Remember that those who risk can possibly find out how far they can go.

LUISA SARSONAS

Application Engineer

Corodex Industries, Dubai

I work as an Application Engineer for Corodex Industries. My profession has allowed me to work with various different technologies and environments while making the world better for our future generations. Somehow, I can say that I have a bond with the environment. Choosing a path least travelled especially for a lady in a male-dominated field is very challenging.

As a woman, especially in the Middle East, sometimes you have to work harder to prove yourself. However, once you have proven that you are knowledgeable and hardworking, as a woman you may even have some advantages over men and this is what I like in my job.

My typical day consists of meeting with people and getting updates on existing projects specifically related to Odour Control System. Some days I need to go to the site and do some site survey in order to have a proper and appropriate design. Considering the weather here in Dubai during summer, it could get tough.

I would say that it’s not a fancy task – looking into wastewater treatment with all the waste and malodorous smells.  But there is such a joy in my heart knowing that I am designing a system that will treat all that waste and convert it into useful resources. Moreover, controlling and preventing pollution are the main goals of my job.

There are also days where I will be staying in my cubicle doing calculations to design biological reactors used in the wastewater treatment plant.

After a hard day’s work, I always make sure that fitness is always on my list. I am into sports such as, running, swimming and dragon boat. Belonging in a group of like-minded individuals who are passionate in sports will encourage you not only to do sports but to make it an integral part of your life.

I have always believed that everything can seem difficult at first; however, having the faith to step out of your comfort zone and not giving up can make it easier and makes you get better at it. It challenges me to learn something new every day, be it technical or leadership skills, such as decision-making, problem solving, communication and time management skills.

Working in the engineering field makes me realize that life is about learning and realizing that anything is possible if you have faith and put your mind to it. Once you realize that, everything else will follow. You will have courage to take the step towards your dream. On the one hand, mistakes and failures are inevitable, just part of being human, but learning from mistakes align yourself with your goals. There is a proverb that says sometimes the wind is against you, but remember, although you cannot change the wind, you can adjust your sail and as long as you persist you will succeed.

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Photos by Eros Goze

Filipino Culture showcased at prestigious Terno Ball in Dubai

Illustrado, under the patronage of the Diplomatic Ladies of the Philippine Consulate General together with the Ladies of the Filipino Community in the UAE hosted a unique and prestigious showcase of Filipino culture in the United Arab Emirates for a select group of VIPs.

The Terno Ball, attended by some 300 diplomatic dignitaries, as well as leading community figures, was held on the 7^th of November at The Atlantis Hotel – The Palm Jumeirah.  A highlight of the event is the “Rigodon de Honor” – a traditional Filipino-Spanish quadrille folk dance, performed by select Philippine Consulate General staff members.  Dancers from the United International Private School and the Filipino Dancesport Social Club performed folk dances “Sayaw sa Bangko” and “Tinikling.”  Filipino fashion designers, including Michael Cinco, Ezra Santos, Jimi Buenconsejo, Bandoix Flores, Carla Fuentes, Alberr Fontanilla, Bambi Alcantara and Nelson Buhain, also showcased one-of-a-kind Filipiniana-inspired couture gowns.

According to Mrs. Lucila Cimafranca, wife of Philippine Consul General Frank Cimafranca and main patron of the event, “It is our hope that through this event, we will able to share and champion the magnificent beauty of the Filipino culture on the world stage. Many Filipinos have experienced great triumph in the UAE. This momentous gathering is an opportunity to pay tribute to these trailblazing kabayans, and also a chance for us to show our gratitude to the country and community that has been a truly gracious and generous host to the Filipino people.”

The event is sponsored by BMW, Ghena Tourism, Ayala Land International, Al Saif Group of Companies, The Farm at San Benito, Ariel Weddings and Rotana Hotel.

Special thanks to: MODELS:  Ann Llagas, Glacy Marano, Benedickte Namia-Gamelgaard and FLC Models and Events; HAIR & MAKE-UP TEAM:  Jhoana Nelissen, Yhence Sioting, Maricel and Bobby Caparas.

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