Corporate Governance & Sustainable Finance Expert

When talking about accomplishments, Nick Nadal will not run out of things to share.  But he is a man who would rather not discuss himself. A conversation with him will just be about the causes he’s involved with and how this can benefit many.

A corporate expert who works for the government of Dubai, specifically the Dubai Sustainable Finance Working Group, he is one of the key persons behind making the emirate a global player in sustainable finance. He does this while working on advancing good governance practices in regional organizations, addressing boards and decision-makers, framing decisions related to environmental responsibility, fairness to labor and community, company stewardship, and relationship to society, among others.  He also has set-up a regional think tank on corporate governance driving research, company engagements, and program development.

With all that he has learned through the years serving various causes, Nick encourages Filipinos to elevate themselves by embracing the greater community that they belong in. “We need to realize that human dignity, environmental responsibility, and the general need to be kind transcend our communities, and that despite differences in geographies, in how each one of us were raised, in our education, and in our general outlook in life, all of us have much more in common than there are differences. So, let’s all work to elevate the place we live, work, and play, by so doing, we also elevate our communities and ourselves.”

Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf is Supported by: Kaya Skin Clinic,  Emirates Airline, and Unilever.

Special Thanks to Michael Cinco, Ezra Couture , Giordano, Darcey Flowers, IKON Solutions, Victors Freight, MPQ Tourism, Asia Gulf Companies –La Carne & Filfood, WOL Water

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

NICK NADAL

Advisor at the Executive Council, Government of Dubai

Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno

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

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

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

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

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

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Related Article:

Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Kenneth Surath – Tastemaker

Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Bong Guerrero – Trailblazer

Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Izhcka Zeta –Tastemaker

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Hair and Make-Up Artist

Working in the region as a Filipino make-up artist is a challenging yet rewarding experience for Arulfo “Bobby” Caparas.  A veteran in the industry known for his unapparelled professionalism at work, Bobby worked with many celebrity clients, publications, models and designers in the region over the years.

In 2019, he was involved in the wedding of renowned luxury real estate developers in the Gulf. He has also been the hair and make-up artist for Nat Geo TV Kids in Abu Dhabi, and has worked on projects for FRAMESI (Italy), Citizen K Arabia 100 Magazine, Gucci, Dior, Louis Vuitton and more.

While doing the things he loves, Bobby aspires to bring home his learnings, eventually establishing his own hair and make-up seminars through Kawit Tourism in Cavite. He shares, “Through volunteering and getting involved I’ve expanded the quality of my life in ways I never once thought possible.”

Bobby is also gearing to launch his own make-up line this year.

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

BOBBY CAPARAS

Make Up Mogul

Widely considered as the Gulf’s top Glam Guru, Bobby has a career that extends 36 years as one of the most admired make up artists in the Asia Pacific. Two years ago, he won the Asian Trend award for Make Up Artist Of The Year in Chengdu, China – proof positive of Bobby’s ability to transcend trends and stay relevant amidst the ever-evolving standards of beauty.  Bobby elaborates: “They say experience is gold, but I’d say perseverance is platinum! I always push myself each time I do a project motivated not only by financial reward, but mostly by my love for the art of makeup and style. Passion ignites creativity. It is the impetus that propels us to greater heights. You don’t influence or rock the status quo with familiarity. You do so with a spirit of adventure and curiosity.”

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

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Educator

Education is power. And to Dr. Rex Bacarra, bestowing that power upon his students and emboldening them to become independent thinkers has always been at the forefront of his work as an educator. Adding to his many accolades, Rex has garnered further acclaim this year having been recognized as Outstanding International Educator for 2020 by the United Federation of Filipino-American Educators.  He was also interviewed by Abu Dhabi TV (ADTV) for excellence in teaching and his contribution to the UAE’s educational landscape. His achievements, however, are not limited to academia.  It is also evident in the love and praise his students all have for him.

Alongside being the Dean of General Education at the American College of Dubai and a recurring Digital Faculty consultant at the prestigious McGraw Hill – an international educational publisher – Rex has given several talks on leadership and innovation to professionals in the emirates, and abroad. He was recently invited by the UAE government as the sole speaker at the Joint Aviation Command of Armed Forces in Abu Dhabi – quite a significant feat.

When asked how one can achieve success as an educator, or as any professional for that matter, Rex attests: “Filipino educators should examine why we do what we do. When we are able to answer the why of our existence, then we demand excellence from ourselves. This mindset propels one to do things in a manner that is distinctive, refined, and quality-laden. People notice that what you do, the output that you yield, is of high quality and that should be globally appreciated.”

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

Rex Venard Bacarra

To call this man, a ‘teacher’ does not fully encompass how he has brought enlightenment to the lives of his students, not to mention to the Filipino community as a servant leader.  On the surface, thought leader Dr. Rex Venard Bacarra is an educator at the esteemed American College of Dubai, and a Digital Faculty Consultant for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa for international educational publisher, McGraw Hill. Beneath all this, he is a man who has inspired many to make their own lives extraordinary.

This year, Rex has spoken at various events, and media features shedding light on topics ranging from digital innovation in the classroom, disruption, and innovation in business, as well as leadership.  On the academic front, his recognition continues with yet another standing ovation at the 2018 Graduation Ceremony at the American College.  Grateful for the accolades he is receiving, Rex humbly credits his success to those who have aided and encouraged him along the way: “Many hands toiled for what I have achieved through the years – teachers, friends, family, those who inspired me. Treating them with respect and consciously reminding myself that I am not first, is the guiding light that has helped me achieve meaningfully all that I have done.”

Rex’s single most powerful piece of advice to those aspiring for greatness is sharing one’s story: “When you tell the story of pain and comfort, battles lost and won, you get to set a ripple of encouragement and inspiration. People become aware of what it takes to succeed and be accomplished – and collectively, no matter how small at first, follow the examples you set through the stories heard from you.”

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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

Rex Bacarra, PHD

University Professor

Photo by Alex Callueng; Photography Assistant – Bethoven Filomeno

A cut above your average college professor, Rex Bacarra exemplifies the Filipinos’ ability to excel in an environment of diversity and ambition. A teacher of Philosophy and Humanities at the American College of Dubai, Rex considers his work – shaping the impressionable minds of today’s youth – as the acme of his life’s purpose. He articulates: “I encourage critical thinking among the ubiquitously multicultural young about the fundamental questions of life, its meaning, truth and falsehood, belief, and the nature of reality, knowledge and society.”

Rex’s earnest desire to impart knowledge and affect positive change in the lives of the younger generation has proven to be a boon to his career. He is highly regarded as one of AUD’s top professors, and a clear favorite among the students.

During the graduation ceremony for the class of 2016, Rex was given a standing ovation by the entire hall when the Magna Cum Laude mentioned his name during his speech, and referred to him as “the most ideal professor.”

In Rex’s own words: “There is no legacy so rich as the gratitude of the young.”

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

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

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Related Article:

Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Kenneth Surath – Tastemaker

Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Bong Guerrero – Trailblazer

Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Izhcka Zeta –Tastemaker

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Jacob Alcala

Film maker

Jacob is a 15-year old film maker with an eye for imagery that belies his young age. In 2016, his film was nominated for Best Picture and won Best Editing at the 2016 Thimun Qatar Northwestern Film Festival. Entitled “Connectedly Disconnected” the film tackles the pitfalls of seeking comfort through temporary connections. With all the success that he has achieved at his age, he says that his father keeps him grounded by constantly reminding him that “It’s not enough to rely on talent alone, you have to have passion. You must love what you do and not treat it like it is ‘work.’ Most of all you have to treat yourself as an “amateur” because no matter how good you are, there is always room for improvement.” He adds that he wants to someday represent the Philippines internationally and lend his talent in raising the standards of quality film making in the country.

His advice to his fellow, young Filipino artists: “Never let the fear of not being good enough stop you from trying something new. If I had let that fear stop me, then I would not be where I am and who I am today.”

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

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MADAME YASMIN BALAJADIA CORTES

Grace. Beauty. Dignity. Commitment. These are the words that best epitomize Madame Yasmin B. Cortes, Spouse of the Philippine Consul General in Dubai and Chair of the Filipino Ladies of Dubai and Vice President of the Diplomatic Ladies Group in Dubai. Ever the empowered Filipina, Madame Yasmin has taken on the immense of responsibility of watching over the welfare of the Filipino community in Dubai with the same motherly eyes that she has for her own children. As leader of the Filipino ladies of Dubai, she has been at the forefront of conceptualizing and activating various initiatives that are aimed at uplifting the image of the Filipinos in the Middle East, as well as help communities in need back home.

This year, Madame Yasmin led the launch of the 1st Filipino Interschool Competition and helmed the Dubai Dubai Musikahan – a songwriting competition that was held in celebration of the Buwan Ng Wika in August. She also played a crucial role in launching the 1st Photography and Film Making Workshop, and the Breast Cancer Awareness Forum, which were both held at the Philippine Consulate in Dubai. Of how she hopes to be recognized and remembered by the kabayans in the UAE, Madame Yasmin says, “I hope that the community remembers me as one who actively promotes the Filipino by coming up with projects and programs that highlight who we are as a people. My focus as Chair of the Filipino Ladies of Dubai is to host activities that build on the already excellent repute of the Filipino. To me, this is both a serious responsibility and a source of great joy.”

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

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ERIC C. ELNAR

Commercial Attache
Philippine Trade and Investment Center I Philippine Consulate General

As the Department of Trade and Industry’s frontline mover in the Middle East and Africa Region, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center –Dubai  is primarily tasked to promote exports of Philippine products to the region, as well as encourage  investments to the Philippines from the Middle East and Africa. Leading this endeavor is Commercial Attache Eric C. Elnar. He is at the helm of promoting  Philippine exports to the Middle East and Africa by strengthening the  market access to key export sectors that were identified for their high potential for growth in the region: food products, franchising, furniture/furnishings, and health and wellness products. His office also promotes the Philippines as an investment destination by building business linkages with various entities to generate ventures into key sectors such as agribusiness and agriculture, energy, infrastructure projects, and tourism. They also make representations during negotiations  for market access and provide commercial intelligence reports and policy  recommendations.   
Of how they surmount the challenges of representing the Philippines in the creation of stronger economic ties, Commercial Attache Eric C. Elnar professes: “Despite the many obstacles we encounter as we strive to function effectively with the limitation of our resources, we also count the times we are heartened by words of encouragement  and  appreciation received from those we have assisted.  The recognition that we are doing things right makes the journey less arduous. Being recognized by our compatriots and our work being appreciated by our clientele are the rewards that we look forward to the most.”

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

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