Journalist 

Award-winning veteran journalist, Christian ‘Jay’ B. Hilotin considers his present role as senior web news editor of gulfnews.com, the leading English-language digital site in the Gulf, as both a tough and fulfilling one. “Keeping readers happy is a source of great satisfaction at the end of each working day,” he says.

“For me, storytelling in the digital era requires the same amount of passion as, if not more than, the “old media,” he says. “Whether it’s breaking news, doing explainers and long-form narratives, we constantly question our story judgment. I’m honored to work with a great team that’s pushing innovation forward, guided by tools that keep our feet firmly on the ground, connected to our readers.”

Serving up news and information to different communities in the UAE, and outside the country, he takes pride in delighting its readers. Then there is also the challenge of delivering properly-curated content relevant to the Filipino community.  Of his countrymen, Jay notes, “We have distinct qualities. As a people, we muster admirable resilience against terrible natural disasters. We willingly face great odds for the love of family. Our passion for music and enduring faith form part of our collective hallmark. There are many good things going for us right now. But we all fall short, too.”  He adds, “Punctuality, a drive to continuously improve our lot, combining hard work with mutual encouragement, instead of pulling each other down, a.k.a. ‘crab mentality,’ these are the things that would greatly help us.” 

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

Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Jay Hilotin – Media’s Filipino Custodians

“To be a Filipino is to be hopeful.”

Jay Hilotin is the current Tablet Editor of Gulf News, the biggest English-language daily in the region. He belongs to that select group of journalists who occupies a special threshold between the old and the new. He is a veteran of print journalism whose biggest challenge today lies in tooling up for new media and being able to engage one’s audience through various forms of interaction.

Needless to say, the award-winning writer has nothing more to prove, what with a successful career as a professional in the global city of Dubai. But he chooses to expand his already impressive repertoire with new challenges, including his advocacies. He supports Ancop, which helps build shelter for poor Filipinos. It also sends deserving students from poor families to school and coaches the bottom 30 per cent of slow learners in some public schools. As a writer and as a Filipino who believes in that bright future, Jay is certainly an inspiration.

“Doing our part, no matter how small, in helping those who are in the margins – one child, one family at a time – can make a massive impact. I’ll probably try to do this kind of work till I breathe my last.”

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Public Speaker

Rowena Niduaza discovered the beauty and power of public speaking when she joined Toastmasters International in 2004, and through this group, she was able to bring out her other strengths and provide a voice to the Filipino community in the speaker’s circuit. This led to a slew of titles she has won for the country: the Division (UAE) championship and the District Championship (Middle East). In 2013, she won the Middle East Championship, becoming the first regional representative to reach the semi-finals of the Toastmasters International World Championship in Public Speaking in Canada.

Rowena also utilized her communication prowess and unique brand of humor and charisma to speak on female empowerment at conferences such as the Dubai Women’s Summit in 2017 and 2018, sharing the stage with other women leaders from the UK, France, Canada, etc. – inspiring audiences to bring out the best in themselves.

Originally from a creative background, heading the design department of a regional furniture retailer, she is currently looking to return back to fashion – her original calling.  She is set to launch her fashion line in the Philippines this 2020 and focus the project until she eventually retires from the emirates.

Nevertheless, even with her mic parked, for now, she will always be one of those rare people who successfully promoted the Filipino voice and wit, out there into the world, providing exceptional representation of our people on the global stage.

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

Rowena Niduaza

Public Speaker & Comedian

Public speaking powerhouse, Illustrado Woman of Substance Honoree and all-around lovable comedic personality, Rowena Niduaza occupies a unique position among many of Dubai’s charismatic personas. Well-known in the speaker circuit in the region, Rowena was a keynote speaker at the Dubai Women’s Summit 2017, and once again in 2018, sharing the stage with His Excellency Zulfiquar Z. Ghadiyali, CEO at the private office of His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Saeed Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, as well as other women leaders from the UK, France, Canada, etc. In 2019, She is slated to be a part of another Women Empowerment Summit, this time in Manila.

Away from the gravitas of the female empowerment summits, Rowena is also a comedic talent, performing stand-up at the wildly successful “Comedy Cocktails” with well-known personalities from India, and Saudi Arabia.  Her comic routine centers on the humor of the mundane, the amusing points of motherhood and family – something Rowena relishes talking about.

Always grounded and comfortable in her skin own skin, Rowena swears by honesty and faith as her guiding light in life.  “If we can be honest with ourselves about who we are, our relationship with others will be deeper and stronger.  Then we seal it with faith. The same goes for improving ourselves; we need to be honest about what we can and cannot do because it’s only through this process we can take in the right learnings to improve ourselves. After that, all we need is the faith that we can do it.”

……………………….

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.

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Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf – Rowena Niduaza – The Storyteller

Rowena Niduaza has gained the respect and admiration of the Filipino community in the UAE for her magnificent strides with Toastmasters International – a non-profit organization that conducts communication and leadership training worldwide. After winning the Toastmasters Competition in the UAE in 2005, she won the regional leg of the competition and subsequently became the first Middle East representative to the 2005 Toastmasters International Convention for World Championship in Public Speaking held in Toronto, Canada. She is heralded as a master communicator, debator, and public speaker, and community leader, but there is one other title that gives her immense pride: survivor.

Rowena was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2005, but in a twist of fate that could only be described as “miraculous,” she was eventually declared cancer-free by her doctors. This event led to a new awakening for Rowena Niduaza. “It was like a fresh new canvass but this time instead of using my brush right away and paint the colours directly on the canvass, I learned that it’s worthwhile to sketch my thoughts first before the final touch of colours and signatures,” she says. “I learned to look at life at a different angle. If one angle doesn’t satisfy my questions then I will try looking at it at another angle until I find the right answer and purpose in the situations around me. Life after cancer is like living with a better view finder.”

She felt a great desire to present her testimony to the world, and Toastmasters International gave her the perfect platform. For her, it wasn’t only about winning anymore, but also letting everyone know that hope can still thrive in the face of such a debilitating disease. “My speech was all about my life with cancer and I just kept on revising it in every level of the contest, but the story and the message were always the same,” she says. “We don’t need to wait until we experience the fear of dying before we appreciate living because we should fear what is dying inside us while we are still living.”

Despite the accolades that she has acquired through the years, Rowena Niduaza considers her family her greatest achievement. “I am proud of how my three kids have grown and how they have achieved much,” she says. “It’s not only about their success in their field but how they both treat people and animals with great care.”

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Broadcast Journalist

A Filipino news presenter, reporter, and now a producer for Dubai Eye 103.8 FM, Zeena Zalamea-Turner is proud to be the first few broadcast journalists to read the news in Tagalog, a welcome development in the local broadcast industry reflecting the increasing importance of the Filipino population in the country.

Since then, she has been covering breaking local news for ARN, with a focus on the Filipino diaspora in the UAE, from the ARN News Centre. She has taken stories concerning her community to the airwaves, not only to Filipino station Tag91.1 but other avenues as well, such as ARN stations Virgin, Dubai 92 and City 101.6.

In 2017, she moved to Dubai Eye programming, producing the drive time program until she went on maternity leave. She came back late last year to produce The Agenda with Tom Urquhart, and a weekly program called Starting Up, a 2-hour show dedicated to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.

“To borrow Illustrado’s tagline, I would like to keep ‘championing the world-class Filipino’ by giving them the media exposure they deserve, not only on a Filipino station but on an English-language station, so that more nationalities can learn about the awesome things we’re doing, helping dispel the notion that we are only capable of working in certain sectors, on certain levels,” she says.

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

Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Zeena Zalamea – A Pinay with a Nose for News

Broadcast journalist Zeena Zalamea was one of the first few Filipinos who have been able to make it on mainstream TV in the UAE.  This former City 7 News Reporter who covered local breaking news, produced and presented feature programmes, was one of the only two Filipina faces on local TV together with colleague Khadijah Sali.

Formerly a correspondent at Dutch broadcaster VPRO and concept developer/scriptwriter and segment producer at ABS-CBN, Zeena left the world of TV to be a presenter/reporter for the Arabian Radio Network where she reads the news at Dubai Eye 103.8, Dubai 92 and Virgin Radio. She shares, “Sometimes I’m on the reporting shift and I get sent out to do stories, and that can be very exciting. One day I’m on the Metro asking people about their pet peeves on the train, the next day I’m interviewing a high-ranking official about a huge government initiative. Every day is so different and that keeps me on my toes and keeps me from getting bored.”

One of her jobs that she enjoys the most is reading the news at Tag Radio’s “Gandang U-maga” breakfast show with Louie Da Costa and Bluebird.  She says she loves her job and is proud of being a part of a team that not only entertains but also provides much-needed information and advice to the general public.

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Broadcaster

Anna Louise da Costa is one petite Filipina who’s had a massive impact on the UAE Filipino media scene.  Known to her fans as Louie da Costa, her career has come a long way. She started as a traffic reporter in the Philippines, then shifted to radio broadcasting.  Taking a leap of faith in Dubai, she began as a freelancer, who then clinched the senior presenter role. In 2017, she became the Content Director of Tag 91.1 and hosts the station’s most popular show, “Gandang Umaga,” as well as “Bandang Hapon.”

Louie considers herself privileged to have played a hand in launching the station’s new platform that shares local Filipino talent online and on air. She was also able to help Filipinos achieve their travel goals, give financial aid, and even reunite families with various station promotions – all while refreshing Tag 91.1’s music line-up to reflect the everchanging Filipino trends and tastes.

By leading a team that creates quality radio content that informs and uplifts the Filipino community, Louise hopes that it can inspire her fellow kababayans to put their best foot forward in representing the community in UAE. In the future, she also wants to spend more time supporting her family’s Share A Blessing program, a cause geared to help children in impoverished communities in Leyte, Philippines.

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

Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Louie Da Costa – Radio’s Super Cool Pinay

Supermom and wife, and super cool announcer at Tag Radio 91.1, Louie Da Costa juggles family life and career with an aplomb that is a testament to her super woman status.

Formerly, the other half of the Mak and da Costa on Virgin Radio, she now works alongside fun partner “Daddy Bluebird” in Tag Radio.  But having it all also entails responsibilities which are challenging. Louie handles it all though with a bright and bubbly personality that earned her nominations for Best Radio DJ and a win for Best Female Presenter.

Having grown up in Dubai, it is obvious to anyone who has listened to her on the airwaves that she is very familiar with the pulse of the locale. This affinity together with her very own Filipino humor is an unbeatable combination on air, exuding charm and providing comfort to all her listeners. Her decade long career in the radio industry is a testament to her awesomeness. She is indeed a perfect model for the modern Filipina.

“As OFWs in a country filled with different nationalities, we have to be mindful that everything we do is a reflection of not just ourselves as individuals, but of who we are as Filipinos. We can erase all the negative preconceptions about us. We are much much more than what others see us to be. Let’s show them who we Pinoys really are.”

The post Louise Da Costa – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Sports TV Executive

In a male-dominated industry, Mylene Escano De Guzman stands out as a shining gem.  Head of the Sports Acquisition Unit of Abu Dhabi Sports TV, and an industry professional with over two decades of experience in the field, Mylene wields confident female power that is one part feminine, and two parts tough, allowing her to succeed and add significant value to her station’s growth through the years.

Mylene’s work has also given her a unique opportunity to help Filipino athletes. When the UAE hosted the AFC 2019, it also paved the way for her to create interesting content that showcased Pinoys in various fields of expertise – e.g., health and medical field, arts and culture, as well as fashion and entrepreneurship. This exposure has given the community greater mileage not only in the UAE but in the entire Middle East and North Africa region.

Being in this industry for over twenty years, Mylene has met and worked with many influencers, dignitaries, federation, rights owners, producers and other key opinion leaders. Paying forward the privileges she has been given, she passes on the opportunity by connecting kababayans with her network for possible collaborations.  She shares, “I believe in collaboration to achieve and sustain success.”  She adds, “Collaboration has no hierarchy. We have to act as a unified team and treat each other equally regardless of position and benefits . We also need to help the rookies. As they say, every master was once a beginner.”

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

Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Mylene Escano-De Guzman – Sports TV’s Pinay Boss

If you’re a sports fan glued to Abu Dhabi TV, chances are you’re watching your favorite adrenaline packed show thanks to the work of one formidable Filipina.

Meet Mylene Escano-De Guzman Head of Programming, Sports Channel – Abu Dhabi Media (Abu Dhabi TV).  Mylene is in-charge of acquisition and sourcing of international and local sports content for FTA and Abu Dhabi TV’s Pay TV Channels, as well as new channel development.  Her work involves traveling and maintaining good relationships with international sports suppliers and being part of sports market trade shows in Europe, Asia and America.  She also deals with local sports institutions/ federations in the United Arab Emirates and other GCC countries. Such responsibilities mean a hectic life but she handles it all with charm and smarts.

A self-confessed workaholics who has mastered the art of multi-tasking, this professional with over 2 decades of experience in media and setting up channels in the emirates credits good old hard work for her career achievements.  She says, “Every job is a new challenge that once accomplished gives a deep feeling of pride and achievement. I find myself, on occasion, being a consultant-on-the-job when I share my expertise and knowledge the different aspects of the business and business operations.”  The soft-spoken pro also emphasizes, “Honesty is the main foundation of trust at work. Once it is established then you will be on top of everything. Lastly, hard work, work without limits!”

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Musician   – Model

Even with so many achievements over the years such as coming out with two number one albums in the UAE and serving as a support act for Sir Elton John, Macy Gray and Kelly Rowland among other, singer, musician, commercial model, and actress, Clarita de Quiroz considers her development as a woman her most significant success.

“It is coming out of my journey of depression and anxiety and doing it with flying colors and pride,” she says. “We live in a very materialistic, open, social-media oriented environment, and I do think my place as an influencer will be more focused on the real elements of life.”

Given her impact on the real world as the face of Craft AC Commercials UAE, Guerlain UAE, Ultimo Lingerie, MAC cosmetic UAE, Men’s Fitness Magazine, and Val Saint Lambert Belgium crystal and Lux, Clarita has become a solid fixture within the ever-evolving regional mediascape. More than just her beauty, Clarita boasts a strong voice beyond her already powerful visage – serving as a role model and inspiration to many out there.

“The moment you fully accept who you are as a person, stop comparing yourself to others, embrace who you are, and own all your flaws and use them to your advantage.”

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

Most Influential Filipinos:

CLARITA DE QUIROZ

Clarita de Quiroz is one woman who’s got everything. She’s a gorgeous, absolutely talented, and a charming sweetheart at that.

A classically trained pianist, percussionist, vocalist, commercial actress and fashion/beauty model – this multi-talented artist raised in Scotland by Filipino/Spanish and Dutch/Irish parents is a constant face within the emirates’ entertainment scene. Seen in the locally produced film ‘City of Life’ and Dubai Global Tourism Commercials, she has been touted as one of Dubai’s hot 100 personalities, as an Illustrado Woman of Substance, and has been a brand ambassador to a number of key international brands including Dove. Clarita has also been the face of Craft AC Commercials UAE, Guerlain UAE, Ultimo Lingerie, MAC cosmetic UAE, Men’s Fitness Magazine, and Val Saint Lambert Belgium crystal and Lux.

Stepping away from full-time modeling, Clarita has been serenading the UAE with her equally enchanting voice. She has also been on the center stage, providing support as front act for the likes of Sir Elton John, Kelly Rowland, Macy Gray, Gabrielle and Akon. Clarita has more dreams in her wings but her list of amazing and inspiring achievements is surely growing. This year, the accomplished stunner has released her debut solo album ‘Speak. Delete. Repeat’ under Sony.

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Filmmaker

Over the last 5 years, Kamil Roxas has created short films and documentaries that were screened and have won awards at festivals including the Dubai International Film Festival, Singapore World International Film Festival and the Cannes Film Festival. He has also been honing his craft on the commercial front directing commercial spots and creating regional advertising campaigns for Tiffany & Co, Paco Rabanne, Cartier, Vacheron Constantin, Jeep, Vivo and more, under his own production company, Hello Project Space.

Known as one of the slickest storytellers of Dubai, Kamil is known to employ a strong cinematic approach to storytelling that creates visually striking and emotionally engaging work.  As one of the leading creatives in the community Kamil who has worked with multicultural teams and clients to great success, he attests to the abundance of Filipino talent in the country.  He says, “The Filipino community in the UAE is no short of talented artists in every creative field.” Advising future filmmakers, the artist recommends, “Surround yourself with people who are more creative than you.  Find time to collaborate with everyone. We are in a country that has over 200 nationalities. It is a missed opportunity if you only stick to a demographic that you are most familiar with. Don’t stop learning and try to veer away from the mindless telenovela and ‘noon-time show’ aesthetic. Think more globally.”

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

Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf – Kamil Roxas – Hipster Film Maker

A self-confessed movie junkie, Kamil Roxas has been drawn to the world of film-making even at a young age. His interest in films like Pulp Fiction has influenced him to pursue the art, and with stars aligning to his fate, he has been offered a scholarship to attend a the New York Film Academy after he won the Best Director award for ‘Celebrate Life’ at the first Middle East International Film Festival. And, that has signaled the beginning of a growing list of achievements that Kamil Roxas gained in the craft he so loves.

He has won the Best Documentary from the Commission on Overseas Filipino Media Awards for the film ‘The Filipina on Top’ that was produced in collaboration with Illustrado’s Women of Substance advocacy. He has also bagged awards from the Dubai 48 Film Project and Nikon Film and Video Festival, and last year, his short film ‘Shadows’ won the Best Cinematography category at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival.

His latest achievement is the grand prize award at The Reel Dubai Short Film Competition organized by the Dubai International Film Festival, Dubai Tourism and Samsung. Mentored by renowned local filmmakers Nayla Al Khaja, Mohammad Saeed Harib and Ali F Mostafa, Kamil Roxas’ entry of ‘Hello World’ has gained the critics’ nods to the poetic narrative of the rise of Dubai shown in his film. This winning short film has been screened at the 68^th Cannes Film Festival this year.

Now, Kamil Roxas continues to enjoy writing and directing for documentary work, commercial campaigns, TV series and occasional films and music videos. His most recognized commercial project would be the 30 episodes for a television series on Abu Dhabi TV documenting the work of Make-A-Wish Foundation UAE.

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Countless generations of Filipinos have grown up receiving a big box plastered with packaging tape from top to bottom, with the sender’s name boldly written along with the receiver’s Philippine address. Opening the Balikbayan Box was always an exciting event, a big gathering of family and friends eagerly awaiting imported chocolates, new pairs of shoes, imported corned beef, big bottles of shampoo, tubes of lotion, toothpaste and of course, the always popular “I <3 *insert country of origin here*” t-shirt.

But times have changed and the Overseas Filipino has evolved. They have become more global, more cosmopolitan, and more empowered. Their status, lifestyle and showcase of talents and capabilities in the cut-throat global arena have all taken a step up in recent years. They have ascended the corporate ladder and are dominating the creative world, the fashion industry, and even the business arena

One thing, however, has remained constant: Global Filipinos in every part of the world will always find a way to connect with their loved ones back home. Hence, the ubiquity of the Balikbayan Box – the ultimate symbol of the Global Filipino’s tie to home and family.

And it goes without saying that the Balikbayan Box will always be associated with LBC. For the past 70 years, LBC has been moving millions of symbols of love and care between Filipinos separated by distance and continues to innovate its products and services to meet the Global Filipino’s evolving needs.

With the new breed of Global Filipinos, LBC understands that sending love in the form of gifts to family back home doesn’t have to be only once a year. Every special occasion requires a celebration – whether it be school graduation, Mother’s Day, a monthsary, or even just an A+ in a final exam – and every celebration isn’t complete without a little something to mark the day.

With its Air Cargo service, LBC gives Global Filipinos a way to send an extra gift to loved ones on their special day. Below, four Global Filipinos who have decided to give a little extra to those who are close to their hearts:

Faith Rodriguez who has a baby girl on the way sends the clothes of her first born son (mostly worn once) to her cousin in the Philippines. “For the past four years I’ve been hoarding my son’s clothes and shoes in case the next one is a boy too, but now that the mystery has been unfolded, it’s time to find a new home for them.”

Kier Pascual who wants to help their family nanny with her pasalubongs back home. “Meet our nanny Ate Clarita. She has been with our family for years now and she’s very excited to go home and spend time with her own family back in the Philippines. But like all of us Filipino expats, we usually can’t bring everything home and there’s not enough space in our luggage for our “pasalubongs.” So I’ve decided to #GiveALittleExtra and call our friends at  #LBCUAE!”

Paul Ramos who is excited that he can send stuff to his loved ones spontaneously.“Giving a little extra to my loved ones in the Philippines! Thanks to #LBCUAE Air Cargo, my family will receive this within less than a week and what’s best is they do not have kilometer and airway bill charges! How great is that?

Nina Carpio who wants to lend her sister some clothes. “Sizzy in the Philippines wants to borrow some stuff from me, so here I am, sending them over via #LBCUAE Air Cargo to make sure it’ll reach her next week! No km and airway bill charges! It’s always nice to  #GiveALittleExtra so I’ll probably throw in some makeup in there too!”?

Times change, and so have we. Even the way we make our families or friends back home feel loved. So go, seal that box with love and just #GiveALittleExtra with LBC Express’Air Cargo.

LBC Express’ Air Cargo service is the best way to send a gift to your loved ones on their special day. Because delivery time only takes 3 to 5 days in Metro Manila and 5 to 7 days in provincial areas, it’s the easiest, fastest, and most convenient way for you to celebrate their day. With box sizes that range from 5 kilograms, 8 kilograms, and 10 kilograms, you can choose to send the perfect gift- chocolates,a toy, a dress, a pair of shoes, or even a new gadget – safely and securely.

Mark milestones and special celebrations with your loved ones with a little extra gift now! To know more about the air cargo services, visit www.lbcexpress.com.

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Gee, Your Kabayan Smells Terrific!

Why Filipinos Smell Good

By Nicholo Jallores

It is an accepted dictum in modern medicine that the strongest mnemonic device out of all the 5 senses is the sense of smell. A whiff of the known and familiar could bring back a greater flood of memories than any sight, sound, taste, or tactile experience ever could. Warm pineapple and sugar reminds us of holidays back home. Grilled fish takes us back to barbecues by the sea with the family. The nose knows, it is said. Human beings in general are tenderly susceptible to the visceral and often jarring impacts of nose-stalgia.

Filipinos in particular are an olfactory sort. We spend a lot of time and money on ensuring that we smell good, or at the very least, that we don’t smell bad. According to Eden Strategy Institute’s Emerging Middle Class 2014 Survey, 4 out of 10 Filipinos cannot live without soap and shampoo. Personal hygiene figures highly in the Filipinos’ list of priorities, along with mobile phones and internet access. According to the report, most of us would rather forego health insurance and job security than lose our toiletries – in other words, it’s perfectly fine to be in the dirt, as long as our dirt doesn’t stink.

Our innate obsession with smelling good is hugely evident in Filipinos living in Middle Eastern countries. The sweltering heat of the Arabian peninsula offers the perfect environment for cultivating all sorts of maleficent odors, but amidst the stink clouds of hot acid and sulfur that urbanites have to contend with on a daily basis, the Filipinos manage to smell as fresh and dainty as young roses.

But what exactly is behind our propensity and dedication towards smelling good? What are the factors that define our relentlessly systemic approach to personal hygiene?

We have a few working theories.

1.) Filipinos generally don’t eat a lot of red meat.
Back home, beef is considered a premium item. Most of us grew up subsisting mostly on vegetables and white meats, with calderata and bulaloappearing only on the weekends or special occasions. Red meat is notoriously difficult to digest. Too much of it is likely to cause excessive perspiration and overproduction of surplus proteins and lipids, which can ultimately lead to body odor.

2.) Our food is not really all that spicy.
Compared to other cuisines, Filipino food is relatively rudimentary in terms of flavor compositions. We are comfort eaters, more than anything – we appreciate simplicity, heartiness, and sheer abundance in our food, with very little to almost no regard for flavor sets and textural diversity. Overloading on spices leads to excess sulfur in the body, which will eventually be eliminated through sweat and the breath.

3.) We’re all just water babies, really
The Filipinos come from a land that offers plenty of access to bodies of water. We have 7,107 islands – it would be safe to surmise that we also have around the same number of beaches, in addition to a stunning multitude lakes, rivers, brooks, and waterfalls. A typical Filipino family weekend getaway would be an afternoon outing at the beach. Filipinos just love water – a natural extension of which is that we love bathing. Other nationalities are even known to scoff at our insistence on taking daily baths. Imagine their consternation when they find out that some of us bathe twice a day – with plenty of “hilamos” and touch-ups in between.

4.) We tend to be overly conscious of other people’s opinions
Filipinos are very considerate and thoughtful – flip side of which is that we sometimes take self-consciousness to a ridiculous extreme. As a rule, we do not air our dirty laundry in public. We keep them locked up inside, and smother it with fragrances so the neighbors don’t notice. Our self-esteem tends to be heavily reliant on the opinion of others, so we go the extra length to make sure that we are pleasing in all respects, including the way we smell.

5.) We are sensitive of other people’s needs and comfort levels
It is often mentioned that we Filipinos are the preferred employees because of the level of loyalty and compassion that we are able to display through our diligence and hard work. The same can be said about our commitment towards maintaining a high degree of personal hygiene. It would be a matter of great tragedy for us to ruin another person’s day by walking into the room reeking of warm garbage. We take care of the way we smell mostly because it pleases us to please others.

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The post Gee, Your Kabayan Smells Terrific! Why Filipinos Smell Good appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

PAUL RAMOS

Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger

What role does fashion play in your daily life?

Fashion is my passion. I am live with it as I work full time as Visual Merchandizer for British brand F&F, and at the same time running The Style Choreo – a fashion and lifestyle blog based in the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi. Fashion is absolutely important to me and for my full time job, as I need to be updated in the latest trends – what’s in and what’s not.  And of course for the blog, as well.

Do you consider the ‘regular you’ a fashionable person?

Well, I don’t really consider myself a ‘fashionable person.’  I would like to think of myself as ‘stylish’ instead. I incorporate fashion into my daily life.  Although probably having a unique style that stands out, I guess, doesn’t make me a ‘regular person’ anymore.

What do you typically wear daily?

My go to pieces – slim trouser in navy blue or khaki/ brown, a plain white shirt and a blazer with a pocket square.  And then I’ll just throw on a good pair of loafers.

What can’t you live without?

Well, as a blogger, I guess, I can’t live without my phone.

What is your fashion philosophy?

“Dressing well is a form of good manners,” according to Tom Ford.  “Style is a way to show who you are without having to speak,” said Rachel Zoe.  I say: dressing-up is like dance choreography, everything should be synchronized.

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The post Wearing It Well: Paul Ramos Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.