Head – Marketing and Sales, Bareen Cluster – NMC Healthcare

What do you do for a living?

I work for NMC Healthcare, the largest private healthcare company in the UAE and third largest healthcare provider all over the world.  It is the first company from Abu Dhabi to list on the London Stock Exchange and is now part of the premium FTSE 100 Index, an elite club of top 100 blue-chip companies by market cap. I am currently posted as the Head of Marketing and Sales for the whole Bareen cluster.

Please describe your job:

I look after everything that is related to Marketing and Business Development of all the medical facilities under Bareen cluster – from brand positioning to increasing brand awareness and growing brand loyalty to the facility, from increasing footfall to generating revenue and raising profitability for each medical facility.  From strategic planning to overseeing execution, I spearhead all offline, thematic, and tactical communications such as print ads, radio ads, car ads, electronic ads, and SMS promotions. I manage all media-related activities including press releases, press conferences, media and public interviews, film shootings community research among others. I oversee business relationships with all external agencies including advertising creative, advertising placement, public relations, transit media, electronic media, mobile media, website, digital marketing; and with all printing vendors for below-the-line communication materials to ensure seamless delivery of functional requirements.  I plan and develop the brand’s digital presence which includes campaigns on website, social media, search engine optimization, online advertising, and mobile application.  I lead and guide the team in executing all community events including wellness camps, screening campaigns, health lectures, health-related world celebrations, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, and customer retention events.  I conceptualize and oversee corporate events including contract signing with new partners, unveiling/opening of new facilities, recognition gatherings for physicians, annual day celebrations for staff members.  I spearhead all medical events including medical conferences and Continuing Medical Education (CME) lectures for Bareen physicians and community-based doctors.  I strategize and oversee the business development functions of the company as well, which generate business from community-based doctors and corporate segments.  I guide the team which generates referral business from leading corporates and captive medical centers; identify and review doctors in the community for empanelment for admission rights, complete the contract and onboarding formalities for selected community-based doctors; generate and manage the referral business from community-based doctors.

Describe your typical working day:

I start my day meeting my team members individually in order to make sure we’re aligned in our work.  Then, I touch base with lateral leadership – heads of departments, center heads, etc. to discuss strategic requirements and collaborate to achieve project goals. This also opens the door for them to raise specific requirements where they need Marketing support. Then, I meet with my direct superiors – the Chief Executive Officer and Director of Operations, to discuss strategic plans and tackle operational issues.  The day becomes busier as I oversee the team implement campaigns – alongside communication with internal stakeholders, business partners, and vendors.  What’s more, in between a busy running schedule, there are “fire-fighting” sessions along the way.

Please share with us an interesting story/anecdote or anything remarkable or uplifting that has happened to you on-the-job.

Bareen International Hospital began its operations in 2015 under the management of its original owners.  For the last 3 years, the hospital has not been gaining any profit and has been on the red.  In January 2018, NMC Healthcare acquired Bareen International Hospital.

I received a call from NMC Healthcare in January 2018 and was offered to join Bareen International Hospital as Marketing and Sales Manager. I was able to join Bareen International Hospital in April.  As soon as I got onboard, the Senior Management Team gave a tall order to turn-around the company in September 2018.  On my first week at work, I intensively studied the facility and its market, conceptualized and drafted a Marketing and Business Development strategy, presented and discussed the plan to Bareen Management.

I pushed internal units to work faster in order to implement the campaigns.  Come September 2018: Bareen International Hospital finally hit break-even.  And on the same month, Bareen hit the highest profitability since it started its operations in 2015.

The fact that we were able to turn-around in less than a year is a record-breaker and an outstanding feather on the hat of NMC Healthcare. Shortly after Bareen’s breakthrough, NMC healthcare has stepped up business expansion plans and acquired more medical centers in Abu Dhabi and winged each of the medical facilities under Bareen team – which is now known as Bareen Cluster. In less than two years, we have grown from managing 1 medical facility to 8 medical facilities and counting.  As the only Filipino in the leadership team, I am proud to play a significant role in this milestone.

My journey in the organization was, and is not, a walk in the park.  The struggles are real and are most of the time, daunting. Breaking stereotypes of nationality and gender in the workplace is still an existing challenge, but with Filipino core values of faith, hard work, dedication, passion, and resilience, the Pinoy talent will always rise to break glass ceilings and wave the flag in the international arena.

Your message to Filipinos out there:

 Life is never easy. That is why I urge all Filipinos – whether in our home country or overseas, to champion life with grit and resilience.  No matter how big or small our failures are, it is how we deal with these failures and choose to move forward that defines our character. More than winning, we must not be afraid of failing, because failures make us wiser, bolder, and stronger. The challenges make our breakthroughs more meaningful and make our achievements more rewarding. And if we do make mistakes, we should push with tenacity, learn from experience, bounce back, and move forward knowing that we are one step closer to our victory.

Rosalle Macaspac

Marketing and Communications Manager

Customer Experience Group

Dubai, UAE

What do you do for a living? Please describe your job briefly:

 I’m the Global Marketing and Communications Manager of Customer Experience Group (CXG), a strategic alliance of five leading agencies, offering together a platform that elevates the customer experience of the luxury industry. CXG caters to 200 of the world’s most iconic premium and luxury brands and we help them transition from a transactional model towards a personalized relationship and emotional model. I have a global role, and this allows me to serve our teams spread out in our 14 offices worldwide.

I oversee the development and implementation of long-term plans for CXG and its agencies, aligning the communications and marketing activities of Customer Experience Group across Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa. I have over a decade of experience in the field of public relations, marketing and events, where I spent nearly 12 years in Dubai.

I have led the rebranding of one of CXG’s agencies, Albatross CX, when it reorganized and refocused its strategy towards ‘customer experience’. I was also responsible for the brand creation and launch of the Customer Experience Group, as well as two of its agencies: Wisely Insights and SmartCX.

My job requires me to be fully informed and updated in digital marketing, and I’ve been fortunate to have attended a two-day marketing event in London this year, where I got the chance to meet with fellow marketers and learned to navigate the modern marketing landscape.

Part of my communications role is to drive our internal social media ‘Yammer’, and this enables me to think of exciting campaigns to enhance our employee engagements. One of the most memorable campaigns I’ve led is “#GoodDayCXG” – this allowed our teams to post a photo/video for one month about their business unit (i.e. team brainstorming session, amazing office view, client meetings etc.) or just about anything that’s good during their day. The campaign generated 127 posts accumulating 1,457 likes and 206 comments, involving 220 team members based in 10 cities including Paris, Dubai, London, Taipei, Shanghai, Tokyo, Moscow, Hong Kong, Singapore, and New York.

Earlier this year, I have been appointed as a member of the Executive Committee, enabling me to share ideas, raise issues and support our Group CEO in decision making to implement the Board’s strategy, aligned with the company’s vision, mission and guiding principles.

Please describe your typical working day:

I wake up every day at around 6:30 in the morning, and the first thing that I do is grab my phone to read the daily pick of my ‘Blinkist’ app – usually about management, leadership, and marketing topics. After which, I meditate for about 15 minutes. I arrive at the office, usually 20-30 minutes early, and proceed to read the news, typically Gulf News, CNN, BBC and New York Times, and industry publications including Luxury Daily and Business of Fashion. Before I start working, I look at my project calendar, and organize my priorities. I usually pick six essential deliverables and aim to accomplish these within the day.

One of the best parts of my job is that I get to work with a global team. A day won’t go by without a conference call with our teams (except on Sundays when the Dubai office is the only one working). I get to exchange ideas with team members, and I am always challenged to keep thinking of new and engaging initiatives that are important for the growth of our organization.

Please share with us an interesting story/anecdote or anything remarkable or uplifting that has happened to you on-the-job.

I was once called the ‘Best Lighthouse Ever’ in CXG. Let me share the story with you. Every January, our company holds our annual management seminar in the UAE – where every agency CEO, department head, country manager and managing director from different countries, spend a week together to strengthen work collaboration, discuss strategies and opportunities ahead. My innate love for events allowed me to organize this project year after year, from sourcing the venue, booking the flights and transfers of the attendees, preparing the itinerary and ensuring that everything has been arranged to make sure that each team member’s stay is as memorable and convenient as possible.

Part of the management seminar is to also hand out awards to exceptional managers, and in one event, I was surprisingly called at the very end of the awarding ceremony and was given the ‘Best Lighthouse Ever’ award. Our Group CEO has compared me to a ‘lighthouse’ – one that shines and guides everyone. It was a great honor and a humbling moment for me, a memory that will last for a lifetime.

 Your message to Filipinos out there:

Reports suggest that 85% of jobs are filled via networking, hence it’s very important to build genuine relationships. Always strive to have meaningful relationships as it is an important foundation of success.

We need personal connections not only to succeed in our workplace, but also for support, friendship or just plain happiness.

Maya Angelou once said: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

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Photos by Carl Ilio

Philippine Ambassador to the UAE H.E. Ambassador Hjayceeelyn M. Quintana hosted a Filipino-style Noche Buena at her residence on the 17^th December 2018.

The event held for an intimate group including Emirati-Filipino Ali AlBlooshi, meant to relive the revered Filipino tradition of the Noche Buena – a time when families and friends get together for dinner on the night before Christmas.

The sumptuous table, decorated with Christmas ornaments from the Philippines, featured a traditional spread of Filipino holiday favorites including, almondigas, embutido, fresh lumpia, lengua estofado, and roasted chicken. Desserts include bibingka, fruit salad, turon, biko with latik, macaroni salad, and Filipino-style spaghetti, while popular beverages such as tsokolate, soda, and fruit juices accompanied the feast.

The post Filipino Community: A Filipino-Style Noche Buena Spread in Abu Dhabi appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Sponsored by Liali Jewellery – Dubai

Voting is now on!  Visit Illustrado Magazine on Facebook to support your favorites!

Alross R. Almoguerra

Alross “Ots” Almoguerra is a 24-year-old Pinay based in Abu Dhabi. The youngest of two siblings, she has a knack for art, music and films.

Alvin Lauron Hawane

Alvin “Jae Lau” Hawane is just a simple guy who loves travelling and adventures! His many talents include cooking, singing, dancing and collecting authentic shoes. Wherever his feet may land, he dreams of being an inspiration to all through promoting uniqueness and individuality.

Anna Bernadette K. Presas

Anna Bernadette Presas, also known as Bea, is a half Cebuano half Illongo who has been living in Dubai for the last two years. She strives to be a model one day, and her hobbies include sports, outdoor activity and dancing.

Caren R. Braun

Graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Information technology, Caren R. Braun is a young lady of German-Filipina descent. She currently competes in many beauty contests in the Philippines.

Chatlotte Endaya

Philippine-born Charlotte Endaya has been studying in Saudi Arabia since 2013. 15 years old and studying in the Philippine School in Al Khobar, Charlotte has a newfound interest within the world of Modeling, and aims to learn more about it.

Cornell Anthony Inocente Tudio

Supreme Student Government president of Visayas State University and newly scouted model of DRD Creatives and Production, Cornell Anthony believes nothing is impossible through hard work, determination, patience and faith.

Dalia Varde Khattab

Known as “Laling” by her friends around the world, Dalia Varde Khattab is an Egyptian-Filipina girl who’s curious about the world of modelling. She enjoys her TV series and browsing the internet and dreams of being a plastic surgeon one day.

Ellinore Panlilio Dela Cruz

Elma Punsalang Villanueva

Emran Mansul Chua 

Zamboanga native Emran Mansul Chua has become a dream chaser through his career in Riyadh. He’s the jolly type who enjoys the limelight through modelling and photography.

Francis Noc’es

A multi-faceted entrepreneur who dreams big, Francis Noc’es works as a marketing communication strategist for Virgin Mobile KSA. He sports an active lifestyle away from work through his love for badminton and is a toastmaster at heart!

Irene Benn Lascuna

Irene Benn Lacuna is a 28 year old Dabawenya based in Dubai. Irene’s love for acting, modeling and hosting has driven her to become the outgoing, optimistic and intrepid woman that she is today! She loves reading, poetry and watching netflix series, occasionally indulging in K drama.

Jay Arvin R. Mendoza

Jay Mendoza has been involved in the fashion industry for over a decade! A far cry from his childhood ambition to be a civil engineer. His family is his rock, and he constantly stays strong no matter where his feet land.

Jed Exconde

Jhoana Marcia Paras 

John Michael E. Manjares

Dubai based John Michael E. Manjares has been modelling since the age of 18, having done many shows in malls and schools. He currently works in the Carlton Hotel.

John Nico B. Ronquillo 

John Ronquillo is an all-round family guy! Having finished Meds School, he aspires to be a Neurologist through his dream of being able to help those in need.

Kaiser Milasky Silvestre

Kaizer Milasky Silvestre is a Pinoy OFW based in Saudi Arabia, currently working in a boutique Spa.

Larry Hilarion Oliver

Aside from working as a full time Sales and Marketing Executive, Larry Hilarion Oliver is a Philanthropist, managing his own charity organization that provides education for the poor. He is also a freelance model, programmer and fitness enthusiast.

Liam Dan Francis

Maria Jeddah Diaz

Maria Jeddah Diaz works as a nurse in Kuwait. A modern Pinay Heroine in her own right, she believes she can withstand any difficulty and carries herself with a heart that depicts a true Filipina.

Maybelene D. Dela Cruz

Maybelene Dela Cruz dreams of being be a top model in the Philippines while pursuing her creative interests in the fashion industry.

Mayenne Geroy 

Nina Erica Guilas

Nina Erica Guilas is a dream chaser. Jolly and strong at heart, she believes that all hard work and resilience will bring you closer to achieving success.

Pattrice Daiz Garcia

Princess Ecel M. Cabornay 

Princess Ecel M. Cabornay is an ambivert with a passion for the arts. Her young soul seeks to go out on many adventures to find out where she truly belongs.

Ralph Anthony Ricablanca 

A representative of the free spirited, modern Filipino, Ralph Anthony Ricablanca is an active supporter of education in the Philippines. He constantly surrounds himself with positive and influential people, never running out of inspiration and the drive to become the best he can be!

Raphael George Durmiendo 

The outgoing Raphael George Durmiendo graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Hotel and Restaurant management and is currently working at the Raffles, Makati. He seeks to travel the world and aims to constantly learn about new cultures.

Rico John Guevarra 

Hailing from the province of Negros Occidental, Rico John Guevarra has come a long way! At 32, He has made several appearances on TV and became an advocate for children’s rights. He aims to be an advocate for life and continues to sharpen his skills and talent.

Robert Gratuito 

Robert Gratuito is a Certified Public accountant currently working as a tax manager in a big accounting firm.

Scott Glenmark Fadri Remorin

The 26-year-old Scott Fadri Remorin loves to sing and workout! His favorite ways to kill time include being an internet surfer and watching project runway.

Toto Glenn Malaga

While not working as an HR specialist in Riyadh, Toto Glenn Malaga is an aspiring artist delving into his newfound passion for photography.

Wally Cadag

Xelle Reyes

WINNERS:

Illustrado’s Choice & People’s Choice

Models – Diamond Heart Pendant in 18K white gold

Photographers – ‘Regalo’ Diamond Pendant with chain in 18K yellow gold

Want to send your entry to Illustrado Faces?  Click here to submit.

Check out previous Illustrado Faces winners!

The post Illustrado Faces Batch 11: Celebrating Filipino beauty and charm appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

A peek at the lives of Filipino professionals in the UAE

GEOFFREY SALATAN

Business Travel Consultant

Airlink International U.A.E.

I have been working with Airlink International as a business travel consultant since 2006. As a business travel consultant, my typical day at work starts and ends with assisting passengers with their travel needs and booking queries. I’m often overwhelmed with calls till late midnight, but somehow at the end of the day, I know that I was able to genuinely assist others. I just don’t sell, I build. My job requires me to be an ear to people and that means I listen to not only their travel plans but their sentiments and OFW stories, working so hard to uplift the welfare of their loved ones back home.

Over time, the Filipino community in UAE grew and this led me to make a business decision and do a 360-degree business shift, from corporate to retail, targeting the Filipino market.  My valued cash clients greatly multiplied and kept growing through continuous referrals as a result of excellent service. I have gone to the extent of openly sharing my personal mobile number with anyone I came across to widen my network.

Every single penny really counts!  This motivated me to use my profession to help our kababayans to access the cheapest and most reasonable rate available. During emergency cases, I prioritize and ensure that my passengers are attended to.

I created awareness about my business by utilizing the most powerful tool in our generation now: social media.  I also keep on interacting and associating myself with different Filipino organizations to tap potential clients and to increase my contacts.  My best endorsers are my satisfied passengers who know they can trust me with their travel plans.

My dedication to the job paid off. In June 2013, Airlink International supported my vision to put up a Philippine Support Desk, which I have been entrusted to lead.

ROMMEL SERGIO

Associate Professor

Canadian University of Dubai (CUD)

 I am an Associate Professor at the Canadian University of Dubai (CUD). I am the Chair of the Human Resource Management Program under the auspices of the School of Business Administration.  I directly report to the Dean.  My teaching experience covers the areas of human resource management (going seven years here in Dubai, UAE) and organizational psychology (eight years in the Philippines).  Currently, I teach organizational behavior, organizational development and change, and business research; among other human resource management courses at the graduate (MBA) and undergraduate levels.

Not all people get the chance to travel.  I am blessed! I get the chance to travel outside UAE because most of my research presentations are funded by my current university.  Recently, I visited top-brass schools such as Harvard University, Oxford University, among other places in the US and UK as virtual part of my research endeavor.

Prior to university teaching, I served in various multinational companies as HR Manager then later on as Organizational Development Consultant in the Philippines and in the UAE.

My schedule is as a faculty and administrator always tedious! Crazy as it may seem, I always find reason to love what I do so that work does not become a toxic routine.  Essentially, I see to it that my research agenda in the year-long schedule is met.  So I do my research work almost on a weekly basis. We need to have a minimum of one refereed publication and at least an international conference per year to present our research findings.

A few months ago, my dream came true upon presenting a research paper in international business conferences at Harvard University in Boston, USA and at Sydney, Australia. I, together with some Filipino- and Puerto Rican co-authors were chosen as the recipient of the Best Research Paper Award.

Most recently, I was named the Most Outstanding Asian Faculty in Human Resource Management during the 2014 Asian Education Leadership Awards.   I am more than happy to know that I qualified for the screening criteria based on research publication, teaching effectiveness, awards received in the past, and media coverage obtained.

With these accolades, I only have these things in mind: I shall continue to teach minds and inspire hearts of my students.

The post Filipino UAE: It’s What I Do appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

A look at the lives of professional Filipinos in the UAE

MONA ASPRAH

Event Director

Being a people – person who is patient and a good problem-solver—that’s what it takes to be a goodevent organizer. In my line of work, I essentially act as the ambassador for client. I organize events to meet a certain objective such as organizing a conference or team building or to commemorate a life milestone. I like the opportunity that my work gives me to be part of something lasting.

Every day is different, every destination is different and every person you deal with is different, but my experience as an event organizer has taught me that while each new event is different, I can always tell myself, “You’ve done this before. You can make this happen.”

Proposal, contracts and long daily long occupy my day. I am a sociable, enthusiastic, resourceful and organized person. I like to think of myself as someone who has a lot of energy and stamina. I guess that’s why I enjoy being involved in arranging things and am always looking forward to attending special occasions and going out.

In this business, it is important to always have a smile on your face, to think of and make each event your own, and put a personal touch when meeting new people. Of course, it goes without saying that I must maintain my appearance and image.

It happened over 20 years ago but I always remember the very first time I met His Highness the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and speaking with him alongside Sheikh Issa of Bahrain. Since I started working in the hotel industry, I have catered to the royal family of the UAE on many occasions. It is one of the reasons the UAE has become my second home.

HAZEL VINDA DECENA

Architect

As an architect, I bring over 25 years of experience within the architectural industry both in the Philippines and in the UAE. My market sector experience includes commercial, retail, residential, industrial, leisure and hospitality.

I started my career in the UAE in the late 2003 as an Interior Designer. During my first 2 months in this  company, I was given a task of designing a turn-key project through a design competition. I presented the project single-handedly to the CEO and managers of a very huge realty company (Damac Properties) in the UAE.

My company won the competition,my efforts were recognized and I gained the trust of my superiors.

As a Specification Consultant now, part of my work is to train people on how to create building specifications.

If there’s something I do not like about starting a workday, it is driving to work and coming to work late–and not being able to have a cup of coffee! I am fond of greeting my officemates and asking how their day.

During a light and not-so-stressful day, I would just take it easy going through my specification writing, communicating with clients, do some research, and from time to time, looking out the office window to admire the awe-inspiring beauty of the man-made jungle marked by skyscrapers that is Dubai. On a day when something is due, I always make sure that everything is under control and I make it sure that I will meet deadlines because I believe that time discipline is the key to productive work.

My message to my fellow Filipinos is to strike while the iron is hot! Let’s all make our stay in the UAE a meaningful one. Though away from our loved ones in the Philippines, let’s not forget that we are here because of our love for them. We must be strong for them.

Above all, let the Almighty God guide your life and His mercy will become one’s light.

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Daniel Francis Maningas, Network Engineer – PHD Network Solutions, UAE

Daniel Francis Maningas works as a network engineer for PHD Network Solutions UAE. To perform his job, he has to get his hands dirty, and probably his body, too.

“I deal with wireless devices, network switches, cabling and configuration of network devices,” he explains.

He spends most of his day crawling on all fours to reach inaccessible places to connect a cable link. The upside though is his “connections” take him to the most prestigious places like the JW Marriott Marquis.

His biggest dream is to have a project in the tallest of the them all – the Burj Khalifa, but Daniel is confident that this will come soon enough.

It’s not just the swanky places that Daniel likes about his job. Daniel says the work enabled him to visit the six emirates and he is now looking forward to visiting Fujairah for the seventh. “My job involves being in the field, where you have to drive long roads and bask in the sun,” says Daniel.

For Daniel, the most important thing is to complete his work, effectively and gracefully at that. Daniel emphasizes that by doing the job right, you know you are going to be well-equipped for anything: moving up the corporate ladder, your next employer or to set up your own business.

Michelle Mingi, Quality Surveyor – Khasaheb Civil Eng. LLC

Engineer Michelle Mingi currently works as quantity surveyor at the roads and infrastructure division of Khansaheb Civil Engineering LLC, one of the oldest construction companies in UAE. As quantity surveyor, she is responsible for project control, monitoring and technical coordination. She also conducts regular site visits to assess the progress of each project.

Michelle joined the company in the middle of a challenging construction market. Luckily for her, she was among the first applicants at the interview site and as the saying goes, the early bird catches the worm, or in this case, the position as the only female engineer in her team. “Now three years and counting, our team continues to contribute positive values to the business even through tough economic circumstances,” says Michelle.

Michelle’s message for her fellow Filipinos is that while it is true that the OFW’s remittances propel the growth of the Philippine economy, “It is our unwavering faith and courage to face any challenge in order to provide for our loved ones that make us true heroes.  Let us always strive to be the best in whatever we do and show to the world the exemplary qualities of the Filipino.”

Filipino in UAE: It’s What I Do

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With a mixture of electronic music, jazz, soul and indie vibe, Melisa Le Rue’s vocal prowess not only touches the soul, it ignites the spirit. Princes Nedamo discovers the refreshingly unique voice of the songstress who has the Gulf spellbound.

Describing herself as ‘loca-loca’ (meaning crazy), this half-British, half-Pinay singer/songwriter is proud of her quirks as she journeys in the realm of music in the Gulf and abroad. Her music is a mixture of eclectic tastes and styles, influenced by her upbringing and exposure to different cultures and backgrounds.

Early start

Like many aspiring singers, Melisa discovered her passion for music at a young age. “I’ve always loved music, especially writing and singing. It’s therapeutic for me. I feel strongly about something and start writing a song about it to express what I am feeling. It’s like [having] a massive weight lifted off my shoulders.” She relates that she started sharing her talent with the world way back her teenage years when some of her friends asked her to perform at small events. “Myspace really helped me launch myself online and I started performing with some indie artists in the UK and Europe and began to develop my own style.”

Today, Melisa Le Rue is now a familiar name in Dubai’s music scene. She has appeared on several TV and radio shows, among them is the MBC Dubai morning show Sabah Al-Khair Ya Arab last October 2011.

Back to her roots

Born from a mother who used to live in Leyte, Melisa says the Filipino trait she inherited is the ability to laugh in spite of problems. “It’s an attitude and a perspective in life. Why waste your time being sad or angry? Filipinos don’t take themselves or life too seriously and are grateful and appreciative of what we have. As a singer, you put yourself out there to receive a lot of criticism and rejection. People will judge you from the way you sing, to your choice of songs, to what you’re wearing, to the style of your hair. I would’ve given up a long time ago were it not for the love I have for music, and the attitude to just get on with it and keep smiling no matter what,” says Melisa.

And appreciate her, the Filipino audiences do! “I got most of my experience growing performing at fiestas in both the UK and the Philippines. Song and dance routines mainly, and of course, karaoke. The crowds were really supportive and into it–which was great! It’s always fun to perform for a Filipino crowd!”

The message of her music

Melisa makes sure that what she puts in her songs are positive and inspirational.  “My album is a mini-autobiography. It starts out with the story of a lost soul, someone who doesn’t quite know their place in the world and feels a bit different and alone, but full of heart and determination to be found! It’s exactly how I felt at the time when I wrote that song. It is about how I learned to let go of whatever it is in your life that is holding you back, to going on an unknown adventure, to appreciating the beauty of life. It’s about human issues, but expressed in a simple and fun way with some great eclectic beats produced by UK producers Adam Nicholas and Colin Emmanuel,” shares Melisa.

Melisa’s music is a melting pot of both new age and traditional sounds. “You will hear a lot of my main influences are jazz, soul, world and electronic music. I love percussion rhythms, jazzy melodies, soulful harmonies, and exotic tribal sounds. I also like the combination of live and electronic sounds. However, I’m an old soul really when it comes to most things, especially music. I love Pilita Corales and the old Cha-Cha style music. I love that period of music where Spanish music was mixed in with Filipino music. I also adore the tribal music from Filipino history and have heard some amazing Filipino choirs perform impressive renditions of famous tribal songs.”

Passion for passion

Aside from being a singer, Melisa is also passionate about helping people, especially when it comes to women’s rights. “A few years ago I organized a music event called ‘History is herstory, too’ which featured female singers, musicians, artists and poets, to raise money for some Filipino female migrant workers who needed some help to get home and be united with their families after having a rough time. I also try to support RISE ABOVE in Cebu with small fund raising projects. They do great work like the recyclable bag project that gives women a means of livelihood to support their families, as well as a daycare center for children, and dental care and education. I hope to do more and more in the future.”

To know more about Melisa Le Rue, you can check her via her website: melislerue.com.

The post Illustrado Profile: Unraveling Melisa Le Rue appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.