Executive Chef

Mostly working behind the scenes, Filipino talents in the fiercely competitive culinary sector in the region were largely “invisible” to the mainstream.  Chef Andrew Paderes broke through the glass ceiling, stamping not only Filipino representation but also leadership in the field.

Having honed his skills at Chef Gordon Ramsay’s Maze in Qatar and Nobu in London – Chef Andrew has been thriving in Dubai’s cutthroat food scene, carving a path in the industry for many Filipino culinary professionals to follow. The first Filipino to be recognized alongside celebrity chefs from all over the globe at the annual Taste of Dubai – the country’s most renowned culinary event for gourmands, Chef Andrew has also served as Executive Chef at The Gramercy at swanky DIFC, then Claw BBQ Crabshack and Grill, and as Group Executive Chef for hip brand Stars and Bars.  He currently works as Executive Chef at Catch 22 – a multi-cuisine foodie hotspot with branches in the UAE and KSA, leading a multicultural team.

Continuing to serve as a role model not only for Filipinos but also for aspirants from other countries, he has helped shape the careers of many: “For me, success is being able to impact those you work with. I was able to train both Filipino and non-Filipino talents from the lowest positions in the kitchen into leading forces in their work environments. Being true and fair with the people I work with has had a positive influence in all the workplaces I have been in.”

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

Chef Andrew Paderes

It’s not every day that you hear of a Pinoy chef with the success and leadership forte of Chef Andrew Paderes. Group Executive Chef at wildly successful Stars N Bars at Jumeirah’s hip and happening shorefront venue, La Mer, Andrew brings to the table a fresh take on American cuisine, peppered by influences from around the world.

With a perpetual hunger for excellence, Andrew says his assertiveness stems from his experience working at Nobu in London, and then at Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant Maze in Doha.  Thereon, Chef Andrew became Executive Chef at The Gramercy at swanky DIFC, and then Claw BBQ Crabshack and Grill, and was the only Filipino featured in the city’s definitive annual foodie event – The Taste of Dubai.  According to him, positivity, ambition, and humility are the qualities which determine success.

 “Deliver beyond the expected.  Keep yourself grounded and humble. No matter how high you soar in your field, make sure you can be a model for others by leading them closely and not from a distance.”

Endeavoring to exemplify Filipino talent on a global scale, Andrew is working on a collaboration with European contemporaries on a project known as 13 Chefs – the launch of which, he hosted in the UAE. He was also given the opportunity to do heritage cooking in Ukraine, sharing Filipino cuisine with the fraternity of chefs there. Of the project, he says, “I’m so excited as I get the chance to promote the food from my home, the food I grew up with, in a country where our culinary identity is not yet recognized.”

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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

Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf – Chef Andrew Paderes – The Gourmet Guru

                                                          Chef Andrew Paderes Photo by Eros Goze for Illustrado Magazine

When Chef Andrew Paderes was offered the role of Executive Chef by his first employer in Dubai, he had to ask himself if he could truly step up to the plate. From working at Nobu in London, then Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant Maze in Qatar, Chef Andrew found his way to Dubai as the Executive Chef at the swanky The Gramercy, located at the DIFC, Dubai’s bustling financial district, alongside international brands.  The restaurant had a famously distinguished clientele, and for a while, Chef Andrew doubted if he had the skills to live up to its high profile reputation.

But with sheer determination and perseverance, as well as his popular signature dish of seared scallops and jumbo prawns, not only was he able to meet expectations, but surpass them and move on to become a key figure in Dubai’s gastronomic scene.

Currently, Chef Andrew, who has been the only Filipino featured in the city’s definitive annual foodie event – The Taste of Dubai, is the Executive Chef for Claw BBQ Crabshack and Grill. “On few occasions when I had to go out of the kitchen and present myself as The Chef, I can’t help but notice the tone of surprise from customers,” he says. “I bet they are gladly surprised to learn I am a Filipino.”

In his years of working as the head of one of Dubai’s busiest kitchens, Chef Andrew has learned the value of being assertive. He has discovered that there is no room for being submissive – especially in the restaurant business. In fact he had to train himself to let go of the “Yes sir” and “Yes ma’am” culture that is deeply ingrained in the Filipino mindset. “We Filipinos are at par with different nationalities, if not better,” he says. “I have learned to present my accomplishments and abilities in a way that showcases my worth as a professional. It really pays off, and you gain trust and respect.”

His advice to those who want to become chefs in Dubai: “Be assertive in the workplace but remain respectful of others and their culture. Always remember that you gain respect if you give respect. Always keep your feet on the ground. It’s so easy to become overconfident and conceited as you climb the professional ladder. You have to be careful about that too.”

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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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Community Champion

As the main vanguard of MARCOM, the Maranao Community in UAE, Sahron ‘Roy’ Tamano has been passionately promoting unity and mutual cultural understanding, while supporting the welfare of marginalized Filipino Muslims across the emirates, and in the Philippines.

A victim of the tragic 2017 Marawi Siege, Roy has since helped fuel various relief initiatives that bridge the cultural and religious gaps between Filipino Muslims and their fellow countrymen. On his legacy, he shares: “My wish is to be known as one who purveys Filipino idealism by standing for what is right and defending those who are weak and oppressed.”

Spending almost two decades leading the Filipino Muslim community, he has spearheaded initiatives like the Filipino Muslim Basketball Tournament which gathers different tribes to promote unity through sport, as well as cultural activities that preserve Islamic heritage for Filipinos.

On the political front, Roy has also supported the Philippine government’s peace efforts, and has campaigned for the plebiscite for the ratification of the new Bangamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) last January 2019. Furthermore, through MARCOM, he also recently sent 5000 Qurans, donated by Emiratis, back home for distribution in mosques and madrasahs in rural areas, as well as tons of dates as part of their decade-old Ramadan charity project to benefit Marawi Siege victims.

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: Sahron Tamano – The Voice of the Filipino Muslim Community

For Sahron Tamano, being a Filipino is a privilege and something to be proud of. This view has helped him achieve so many remarkable feats that is not only a testament to his character but also gives pride to his country.

As the former President for two consecutive terms and currently Senior Adviser of the Maranao Community in UAE, Roy is a much-respected leader in his community, serving his kababayans in many ways. Whether fostering togetherness within the Marcom family through social, sports and cultural activities, helping keep traditions and religious fervor alive, or providing a bridge by linking and supporting other Filipino community projects and Filipino organizations to aid victims of calamities back home, Roy demonstrates how one can provide live a fulfilling life, not only as an accomplished professional, but also as an active contributor to the community.

So it is no wonder that Sahron, who is largely acknowledged as the de facto spokesperson for his community who brings Filipino Muslims and non-Muslims together, has been bestowed various commendations for his advocacy including the Kabayan of the Year Award 2013 by the Kabayan Weekly News and recognized as an Ambassador of Goodwill and Peace by the Southern Philippines Muslim United for Development (SPMUDA-International) a UN accredited peace advocacy group.

He remarks, “Being raised and growing up in the land of promise, Mindanao, where peace is an elusive dream, and having witnessed the suffering of our own Bangsamoro people during the dark moments of Martial Law years, has given me the courage to stand for my principle that despite of our hardships and differences, we can achieve eternal peace.”

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Community Volunteer 

The Filipino community in Dubai is fortunate to have somebody like Juliet Solas looking after the welfare of some of our most distressed.

An exceptional nurse by profession who was the recipient of a Dubai Excellence Award, Juliet trains newly-hired nurses for NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) at Latifa Hospital in Dubai.  She says, “As a nurse, I feel I am at the peak of my career; I am able to impart my knowledge and skills to new staff, being their trainer and mentor.”

Juliet’s success and the respect that she has garnered at the workplace, however, is only eclipsed by the volunteer work she has done for the Filipino community through the years.  Serving as the coordinator between the authorities and the community, she helps in Filipino cases, especially in the repatriation of Filipino patients.  Moreover, as part of her work for the Legion of Mary, she has conducted hospital and prison visits, extending warmth and a listening ear to Filipinos who are in dire need of hope.  Together with other community volunteers, she has also actively participated in initiatives to help distressed Filipinos back home, especially in times of calamities.

Juliet fervently hopes for the upliftment of Filipinos who are challenged in life.  She says, “I hope that despite all the challenges that we are usually facing, that we remain strong to hold on to our values as Filipino people, to choose the right path. I believe in the goodness of Filipino and the beauty of our country.”

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 – JULIET SOLAS – Modern-day Florence Nightingale

Juliet Solas Photo by Eros Goze for Illustrado Magazine

A Dubai Excellence awardee and a respected figure in the Filipino Community in Dubai, nurse Juliet Solas is involved in socio-civic work as part of the Legion of Mary, a worldwide organization conducting different apostolate missions such as hospital and prison visits. Of what continues to inspire and inform her strong sense of volunteerism, Juliet says, “The death of my mother many years ago inspired me to extend my hand to those in need and to volunteer – that even if I am working away from home, and I may not be able to help my family physically, there are so many people in front of me that needs help.”

To Juliet, volunteer work nurtures both ways. She is able to utilize her knowledge and skills to offer healthcare to the needy, and in turn, their stories and gratitude inspire her to do more. “The warm smiles and appreciation from the people I have shared my time with are priceless,” she says. “This energized me more and I am so eager to do more even with my tight schedule. The endless stories they share make me realize a lot of things, and it inspires and enriches me in different ways.”

Her fulfilment comes from being a continuing source of inspiration for others. “I want to at least touch the hearts of many people I have worked with,” she says. “I try to make it a daily task to inspire, and even share a warm smile to people to give them the strength and brighten their day. And I hope, through this, they would also share this to others. Like the saying goes, “A simple act of caring creates an endless ripple.”

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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.”

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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

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!”

The post Mylene Escano De Guzman – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Cyber Security Expert

An acknowledged authority in the region in the area of Information Security, specifically Cyber Security, Irene Corpuz has worked for the government’s Western Region Municipality planning and implementing strategies to achieve the organization’s objectives. She has also spoken about Cyber and Information security at conferences in Singapore, Oman and the United Kingdom.

Of late, Irene has been working on a new initiative – Women in Cyber Security in the Middle East (WICSME), which she has co-founded with four other members from the UAE, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.  The group’s objective is to create awareness and promote the increase of women in the sector.  At the moment, the group has 400 members and participates in a number of conferences, as well as facilitates the daily sharing of information and trends.  Apart from bolstering the representation of women in her industry, Irene is also working to increase Filipino presence within her field and advises kababayans to get certified and take full advantage of available online training.

Taking best practices from her government background, she shares, “Working in government and federal entities show how good governance and leadership can lead to a progressive country.” she says. “I hope that we can replicate this within our country.  It’s not a one-man team, but it’s about a visionary leadership that drives the change.”

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

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Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf – IRENE CORPUZ – The Cyber Authority

Irene Corpuz is widely recognized as one of the Gulf region’s leading figures in the field of Information Technology. As Head of Planning and IT Security for the Western Region Municipality, she is responsible for planning and implementing key IT strategies to achieve the government organization’s overall KPI’s. She is also a celebrated authority in various Cyber and Information Security conferences all over the globe, with regular speaking engagements in the world’s premier IT epicenters such as Singapore, Oman, and the UK.

Irene regards strategy and technical efficiency in equal measure – a fundamental tenet that has earned her the respect and admiration of her peers, and the monicker “The Iron Lady of Technology.” In an IT conference in London, her riveting case study about Cyber Security earned her a place in the panel discussion and eventually won her the Award for Innovation in Cyber Security.

Of what challenges her the most in her bustling career, Irene says “All official communications in terms of memos, circulars, minutes of the meeting, and even the meetings itself are conducted in Arabic. Everyone is kind enough to speak to me in English, but anytime I need to make a presentation or release a communication about Security, it has to be translated to Arabic.  It’s a challenge, but not an impossible one. After all, I am in IT – if anyone can find a way, it should be me.”

She hopes that one day she can speak in her own country about IT Security. “I want to share the lessons I learned from this country and see how the Philippines can implement it,” she says

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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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