Community Patron

Adored by many, Madame Yasmine Balajadia Cortes, supportive diplomatic spouse to Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes, has, through the years, given proof to the invaluable capacity of women as effective ambassadors of culture and understanding.

Representing the hard-working, optimistic and inspirational contemporary Filipina, she has been a leader within the Filipino community and the diplomatic corps as the head of the Filipino Ladies of Dubai, and the Vice President of the Diplomatic Ladies Group in Dubai.  Serving under the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) of Dubai and the Northern Emirates, she has dedicated her time initiating and spearheading many cultural initiatives that cultivate and introduce Filipino talent to the rest of the multicultural community in the emirates, in turn also continuing to elevate Filipino presence and morale. Among the notable events, she has espoused art exhibits and stage plays at the PCG, Dubai Dubai Musikahan, the Interschool Debate Competition and other community events.

A proponent of Filipino excellence, Mme Yasmin Cortes constantly encourages her kababayans to pursue individual growth, stating that “One’s development should never be in comparison to other individuals are but more on how they’re able to rise from their previous benchmarks.”

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

Mme. Yasmin Balajadia Cortes

Diplomatic Spouse

“I gauge every duty based on whether or not I can proudly defend it before my children, and how they can perceive these as beneficial to humanity or not.” Spouse of Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes, Mme Yasmin Balajadia Cortes is not only a doting mother of three, but in a broader sense, the genteel nurturing figure serving as a patron endeavoring to constantly uplift and unite the local community with her initiatives under the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) of Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

Leading the Filipino Ladies of Dubai, Mme Yasmin and her team play a crucial role in organizing, planning, and executing cultural diplomacy projects that give voice to the brilliance of Pinoys in the UAE. Having worked tirelessly in the last couple of years, Mme Yasmin and her team have spearheaded some notable endeavors in 2018 as well, including quarterly art exhibits at the PCG, Dubai Dubai Musikahan 4, the staging of the play “Ang Pambansang Litanya ng mga Inang Wala sa Bayan”, Inter School Debate Competition, and other activities which showcase local Filipino artists. All these, on top of supporting the other community initiatives.

Mme Yasmin lives and breathes Filipino excellence and urges her countrymen to do the same.

“Continue improving yourself not on the basis of how one compares to other people or other races, but with the standards and milestones you have set for yourself. One’s development should never be in comparison with how other individuals are, but more on how they’re able to rise from their previous benchmarks.”

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Special thanks to our sponsors: Emirates Airline, Stars n Bars La Mer, Liali, Instax – Grandstores UAE, Dusit Thani Dubai, Gver – Your Friendly Marketplace for Sharing, Meeting Dancewear , MPQ, CMG, Filbrit, and our partners Rozen Antonio Photography,  Alex Callueng Photography, Jef Anog Photography, and Ethereal Photography.

Browse the digital issue of Illustrado 100 Most Influential Filipinos of the Gulf 2018

100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Mme Yasmin Balajadia Cortes – Trailblazer

Leading the Filipino Ladies of Dubai, Madame Yasmin Balajadia Cortes plays a pivotal role with her team in organizing, planning and executing most of the cultural diplomacy initiatives of the Philippine Consulate of Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

The charming and hard working spouse of the Consul General together with her team has held numerous successful projects last year, the most prominent of which were Dubai Dubai Musikahan, Ulirang Ama and Ina, painting and photography exhibits, as well as filmmaking workshops for Filipino students which brought often overlooked Filipino talents into the limelight.  Madame Yasmin reflects, “These programs allowed us to reach out to sectors of the community that seem outside the margins of the Filcom’s consciousness.”  She also “Through our programs, we have allowed Overseas Filipinos to bear greater pride in their culture, music, dance, film, photography, and visual art.”

A testament to the modern global Filipina, who is empowered and independent. Madame Yasmin shares her belief in doing her part in nurturing the Filipino community.  She remarks, “The Filipino diaspora is unique in the sense that not only are we spreading the caring reputation of the Filipino people, we are also raising the next generation of global citizens. For this, Filipinos must be proud of themselves, assured that they have a special role in the history of man.”

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Photography by: Alex Callueng

Illustrado 100 was made possible by sponsors: Giordano, Liali Jewellery, Mitsubishi UAE- Al Habtoor Motors, Michael Cinco Couture, Mapúa Institute of Technology, Centro – Amwaj Rotana Hotel , Max’s Restaurant Middle East and GVER – Your Friendly MarketPlace for Sharing

Co-Sponsors: Herschel Supply Co., Rove Hotels, The Medical City – Dubai , Filipino Institute UAE, MPQ Tourism, JAMES Travel and Tours Dubai, Off the Hook Seafood Restaurant, The Original Barrio Fiesta Restaurant – Dubai and Tapa King UAE.

Read more Illustrado 100 on www.illustradolife.com

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Dakilang Bayani (translated to Noble Hero) is the highest award given to Overseas Filipinos by the Office of the Philippine Consulate General in the UAE. It honors the deeds of overseas Filipinos who’ve gone above and beyond to uplift the Filipino community, while showcasing exceptional talent along the way.

This year’s awardees were comprised of International Couturier Michael Cinco, CEO of Prime Group Dr Mary Jane Alvero Almahdi, Senior Gulf News Reporter Angel Tesorero, Entrepreneur Fevie Laurilla, Financial Consultant Ace Quijada, Community Leader Josie Conlu, and Editor in chief & Co Founder of Illustrado Magazine, Lalaine Chu Benitez.

“Dakilang Bayani is a Filipino who inspires the community not just locally but also in the international scene. It has been my passion to elevate our identity and redefine how Filipinos are known in the global fashion industry by the creations impalpably seen through my eyes. I have created and transformed the Filipino aesthetics by dressing up known celebrities, royalties, beauty queens and supported worthy causes that propel who we are: Filipinos who are proud of our artistic heritage and unfettered by challenges. It is with great humility and transparency that I am able to say that what I have done in the fashion industry and will continue to do, inspired and will inspire generations of young designers to follow their impalpable dreams.”

“From the simple desire for a more progressive representation for Filipinos in the media, my team and I created Illustrado Magazine in 2006. For the last 15 years, we have been championing the world-class Filipino through aspirational and empowering content. We have not only supported thousands of talents, but also inspired millions of our compatriots across the globe to aspire for advancement. Most importantly, we have elevated the way our community is seen, while setting the gold standard for Filipino communications in the region. We have done this despite many sacrifices, commercial challenges, and limited resources — because this is our calling.”

“To be a Dakilang Bayani means creating a difference, making invaluable contributions to society and to helping other people realise their worth. Receiving a recognition from a reputed institution means a validation of one’s works. I’m honoured and I vow to continue to take responsibility for every choice and decision I make, and commit to continually improve myself to do more.”

“As a journalist, I deliver the news to my kababayans (compatriots) truthfully and with urgency. The pandemic has brought disinformation in mass media and I would like to believe I did my role in battling the ‘infodemic’ by providing the public — through Gulf News — with accurate information they needed to make informed decisions.”

“I’ve served the Filipino community by organising various community outreach programmes, medical missions, job fairs, and others. I’ve also showcased the strength of every successful Filipino in various social media platforms and spent time helping distressed overseas Filipinos by seeking assistance from government, semi-government and private organisations.”

“Helping anyone without any reservation, willing to take risks to fight for what is right, preserving integrity and personal values at any circumstance, being determined and committed to accomplish an endeavour for a good cause; even at the expense of sacrificing own time, goals and personal priorities. These have been my guiding principles over the years, and if these were the same parameters used in the evaluation for Dakilang Bayani, then perhaps these were the primary reasons why I was considered for the award by the selection committee and our beloved consul-general.”

“I am an ordinary Filipina who consistently helps my kababayans (compatriots) in my own little way. Others may think it’s a cliché, but when I help my kababayans who are in need, I also feel blessed. Helping others bring me joy and blessings come back a hundred-fold. And when you do good with a clean heart and sincere intention, I think that qualifies you to become an exemplary Dakilang Bayani.”

Taking on the immense task of shortlisting awardees, this year’s selection committee was composed of Consul General Paul Cortes, Mme. Yasmin Balajadia Cortes, Vice consul Aleah Gica, and Drs. Rommel Sergio Pilapil, Nino Decenorio, Rex Bacara and Ben Lebig. Five community leaders were also selected as runner-up candidates for the award: Francisco Boton, Emelina Parcia, Richard Zulueta, Ion Gonzaga and Lou Parocco.

Members of the committee and attendees of the event also paid special tribute to Consul General Paul Cortes, who is set to finish his Tour of Duty soon.

Under his leadership as the top Filipino diplomat to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, the consulate has received a number of awards and recognitions through its outstanding service.

The post Illustrado Editor-In-Chief among 7 Dakilang Bayani Recipients appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

By Lalaine Chu-Benitez

The ultimate challenge of our generation of Filipinas is to realize our shared destiny, and with that, our intrinsic duty to contribute to narrowing the disparity between our achievements and struggles by propelling each other upwards and onwards.

Head of State.  Prima Ballerina.  Chief Justice.  Captain of Business.  Fighter Pilot.  Tony Awardee. Scientist. Diplomat. Athlete. Artist. Activist. Soldier. Miss Universe.

Indeed, the Filipina has gone a long way in recent years to rise above the stereotypical role of traditional women. Not just the pleasant, alluring and sun-kissed presence on Amorsolo’s canvas, our womenfolk have advanced to become strong, intelligent, capable modern women, whose resolve and ability to accomplish and prevail is undeniable.

We are more fortunate than a lot of our counterparts around the world. Belonging to a country which ranks 7^th among 145 in gender equality according to the most recent World Economic Forum Report, and 2^nd among all nations with the most female senior business leaders according to Grant Thornton’s Women in Business Report of 2016, we are surrounded by females who not only take care of the family and home, but also keep the wheels of business and government turning. We have Filipinas in virtually all fields of endeavor and we have heroines in our history, as well as everyday heroes who toil in faraway lands to provide for their loved ones.

Despite the progress, however, the Filipina continues to grapple with the intriguing contradictions of her bipolar public persona, and her less than perfect circumstances.

The Filipina Dichotomy

We’ve seen her in her various incarnations – as the soft and yielding, “easily fainting” Maria Clara of Noli Me Tangere, as well as the bolo-wielding revolutionary leader and babaylan Gabriela Silang.  We’ve glimpsed her donning the habit as the devout nuns of People Power in EDSA, and then barely-clothed as the bar girls of Ermita.  She has held the most powerful position in the land – that of President, twice over with Cory Aquino, and then Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, but she is also the pained face of abused domestic helpers scattered all over the globe.

Even with the robust representation of Filipinas in our country, our women’s health, by and large, continues to be denied proper protection with our government’s failure to enable the proper implementation of the reproductive health bill – a law that has been contested for the last 14 years, and until recently, eviscerated and clipped before it could hit the ground, with the removal of key provisions as well as funding.

For each single content online devoted to Filipina achievers, there are over 50 on those in the flesh trade.  And then, against the millions of progressive female OFWs, who have braved venturing abroad and who have succeeded, we also have millions of underprivileged sisters back home who live in abject poverty and disadvantage.

Curiously enough, Filipinas have come to represent, some of the most powerful people in our country, as well as the most vulnerable.

Filipina Empowerment:  Onwards, 21^st Century Filipina.

Bridging the Disparity

So, as women of the Philippines, what should we make of this gap, this contradiction?  To acknowledge the disparity is not enough.  Far from encouraging breast-beating on account of our inadequacies and struggles, or for that matter, saying that we should merely be giving ourselves a pat on the back for the strides we have made so far, we should understand instead – how far we have gone, and how much farther we NEED to go.

For those of us who are lucky enough to belong to the fortunate set of women who are educated, economically independent, who are progressive and have the liberty and the wherewithal to pursue dreams and ambitions, and who understand that they have a choice on everything in life – be it concerning their bodies, their careers, their relationships, their families, the larger community and the world they belong to, a new frontier lies there for the conquering.

The next summit the empowered Filipina has to scale does not simply lie in the pursuit of further education, or higher positions in the career ladder, more investments or financial liquidity, greater awards or recognition, nor even more seats in the government.  The latter are merely useful stepping stones that will help boost us to meet the demands of the real endeavor that lies ahead.

The ultimate challenge of our generation of Filipinas is to realize our shared destiny, and with that, our intrinsic duty to contribute to narrowing the disparity between our achievements and struggles by propelling each other upwards and onwards.

As empowered women of the 21^st century who have the privilege of understanding and personal choice, we should take interest in the welfare of our womenfolk and leverage the advantages we have earned through the years to pull fellow Pinays into better circumstances.  And the opportunities to help are limitless – whether it is by sharing knowledge, providing opportunities, contributing to provide a better representation of Filipinas online and around the world, among others, we only need to tap what we already have – that innate Filipina quality of being an emphatic nurturer with the talent, the resolve and the ability to conquer everything we set our hearts and minds to.

In the end, it is not just about celebrating our successes and landmarks; it is also about putting our hands together for the work that needs to be done. Because we can only really go as far as the poorest, the most oppressed and the least privileged of our women can go.

Filipina para sa Filipina.

Filipina Empowerment:  Onwards, 21^st Century Filipina.

OPINION

What is a 21^st Century Filipina?

Empowered women weigh in on what makes for a truly contemporary Filipina in this age of technological advances and globalization.

Spouse of the Philippine Consul General – Dubai, UAE

A 21st century Filipina is an empowered human attuned to the privileges and capabilities of the advances of science and technology available to all. An empowered Filipina is aware of her rights as a human being, within the bounds of the laws and policies of the state or country where she resides, and within the bounds of moral laws. She is confident of what she can contribute to global society, aware of what role she plays in the development of the community she has adopted and the motherland she continues to call home.

She should also know that despite categories labelled upon people, everyone is a human being, whose wants, needs, dreams, and hopes are universal and hold no difference despite nationality, citizenship, or economic class.

Filipinas of the 21st century must be aware of the advances of science and information technology and how these could make them better informed. They must use these to better their knowledge of how the world can work for mankind’s benefit, and to ease living conditions, at the same time, to make themselves better people. The information available to everyone at the touch of their fingertips should make Filipinas gain an even more balanced perspective on issues and concerns that matter to society.  The ability to understand our world through greater information must make our 21st century women more open to new and even radically different viewpoints. She must, at no point, be closed to previously held truths.

LIEUTENANT COMMANDER MARIA CRISOLOGO-ESPIRITU COON

United States Navy, Medical Service Corps

Health Care Administrator – Stafford, Virginia

A generation of women destined for greatness! That is what comes to my mind when I hear the phrase “21^st century Filipina woman”.

To fulfill greatness in this generation, Filipinas should first have a strong sense of spirituality.  Regardless of religion, a sense of spirituality provides us a deeper source of strength that this physical world cannot supply. This source of strength has kept many Filipina women resilient today and throughout history.

Filipinas already possess the characteristics and attributes for greatness; intelligence, resilience, compassion, industriousness, perseverance, hospitality, passion, strength, courage, and family values. Many times over, Filipinas have overcome adversity, however, Filipinas should not merely survive life but rather, they should strive to always better themselves, uplift others, and make a positive difference in the world. We all have different strengths and weaknesses, Filipina women should leverage them and work together towards ensuring the success of future Filipinas. To thrive in these times, Filipinas should constantly thirst for knowledge, magnify their talents, cherish relationships, respect tradition (but don’t be limited by it), embrace modern times (but don’t be corrupted by it), uphold their integrity, and strive for a better future.

Filipinas should also embrace being Filipina and do their part in bringing honor and pride to our people, communities, and culture.  We play a big role in shaping future generations by instilling strong morals and values of integrity, honor, courage and sacrifice.  As members of society, Filipinas should exercise their right to vote and elect government leaders not for their popularity but for how they would represent, serve, secure safety, progress, and relevance of the country and its people at national and global levels.

ATTY. ELEANOR LUCAS ROQUE

Tax Lawyer – Makati, Philippines

The 21st Filipina is the best of both worlds. She is old world because she keeps her traditional values like respect for parents, importance of family, and fear of God. She is new world because she is innovative, brave and ambitious. She is not afraid of change and would in fact welcome it. We see Filipinas all over the world, leading strong organizations and nurturing strong families.

Filipinas should be proud of their heritage. We should not pretend to be anything else. We should be comfortable in our own skin. In most places I go to, I proudly proclaim that I am a Filipina. I see a lot of positive reactions. We should all be ambassadors of the Philippines.

It is important to be innovative and adaptable. Everything is changing at a very fast phase. Your ability to change and adapt can decide whether you will be successful in life or in business. A few years ago, hard work was valued the most. Now, no matter how hard you work if you cannot outrun the competition, you will not survive in business. Previous established corporate practices are being questioned by millennials joining the work force. The world is changing and we have to change with it. After all, any disruption is an opportunity.

We should always have a continuous thirst for knowledge. Never stop studying. No one can educate herself too much. If you are interested in something, learn it. If you cannot spend the time or money for formal education, there is always the internet and YouTube. For example, I have learned acrylic landscape painting through YouTube. Before that, I had no artistic training and I can only draw stick figures. Now, my mom is running out of walls to hang my paintings.

It is very Filipina to ignore or negate a compliment thinking that doing so is being humble. There is a difference between humility and self deprecation. We are not known for promoting ourselves and making sure that we get the recognition we deserve. It is about time we learn to accept the limelight when we deserve it. But probably more important is the ability to identify when the limelight has to be directed to us. We are the queen of our court and it’s high time our subjects learn it.

JOAN FATIMA M. TUANO

Assistant Guest Relations Manager at Amanyara – Turks & Caicos Islands, British West Indies

For me in my early twenties, it means it is time to pave my way to success. It is time to figure out who I am, and think about how I plan to go forward. Shall I open a business? Change specialties? What exactly makes me happy? Bake cupcakes for a living? Being a Filipina in general, I am an excited chameleon looking forward to wherever life takes me. Given our vibrant history, being colonized and fighting for our independence, along with the fact that the country is a stunningly unique archipelago in South East Asia, we are destined to be global acrobats. Opportunists hungry for all life have to offer.

My advice for Filipinas today is to be strong and confident about who they are and what they want to achieve in life. If in doubt, travel the Philippines or even volunteer to disconnect and rediscover yourself. Plan your day, weeks or months with a goal in mind and go for it. Open up your minds and take chances. Live life, it is extremely short. It is never too late to follow your dreams, try something you never had time to do and most importantly, believe in yourself. Most of the incredible things in my life have happened because of luck and simply putting myself out there.

Be interested and be interesting. Read the news. Follow fascinating people in your industry, stalk them and ask them to mentor you (like I did). Fill up your profile with experience and achieve all-star profile status on Linkedin. Ask questions, never leave doubts unanswered. Listen, listen and then talk. Improve your cultural intelligence and strive to be one with your colleagues especially when away from our ‘kababayans’. Don’t be afraid to try something new, and always strive for continuous improvement. Work hard, play hard, and then save even more.

OLGA BARCELONA

Head of Operations – Brash Brands; Project Leader – Philanthropilipino

Dubai, UAE

A 21st Filipina is someone who is successful in their chosen careers whilst giving hope to the younger women who are just starting their careers. These are the women who are proud of what they do and who continuously thrive to move with the times and challenge conventional views. These are the Filipinas who support other Filipinas and inspire others to give back and pay it forward. It’s not just being able to provide for their families, it’s also about being able to succeed in what they do, not just locally, but globally. 21st century Filipinas are industry leaders, they are powerful, they know what they want and they do it and they never forget to give back to society.

Filipinas in this day and age should let go of timidity. We should be more confident because we have it takes to be leaders. We can be powerful and we should be empowering other women, instead of just competing with them. Filipinas should be brave enough to challenge themselves to better. Filipinas should be tenacious and go the extra mile to reach their goals. Filipinas should be ambitious, have goals and know that they deserve only the best. Filipinas should be global citizens. This doesn’t mean letting go of being a Filipina, but understanding that we have an added responsibility of belonging to a world-wide community of people.

Filipinas should stop thinking too low of themselves. This is one trait that most Filipinas have which I dislike the most – the lack of self-confidence that hinders most Filipinas to do more than what they are capable of. One can never be more than what they are if they don’t even try.

PERLA RAMOS PAREDES DALY

Life Coach, Volunteer, Writer and Artist; Publisher of Pinay.com

Austin, Texas

21st century Filipinas can dream bigger than their 19th century counterparts because they have more opportunities for growth and potential, and there are more resources today that empower people. Now, it is increasingly acceptable for women to be educated, successful, financially independent and happy. And it is great that she can contribute to society.

Today, because of travel and technology, Filipinas can be global citizens, experiencing multiple cultures and perspectives, interweaving them with Philippine heritage and traditional values. And what really makes a Filipina a global citizen is when she acts to make a difference for herself, her family, and also for her village, communities, and for the world.

Filipinas in this day and age should see different options for themselves; develop personal growth not just material growth; have a higher degree of self awareness, and a healthier self-worth; have a great attitude no matter what age they are. They also should be flexible, willing to hear feedback and to learn, change and grow and strive to be a better person for themselves, for others and the world.  Share their success by helping others grow and shine.

There are two attitudes that we can change. “That there isn’t enough and that we deserve so little”. And that “Bahala na” means we give up our power. These are limiting beliefs that reduce our happiness, successes and our light. The next change that we can make from inside is that we can see God, goodness, true happiness and success, as Light. If we can shift our thinking and beliefs that each of us has a divine light gifted within us, then things shift to “I can shine,” “everyone can shine” and when that happens then divine light is increased manyfold. That is why pinay.com’s tagline is “Shine, Pinay, shine” and it’s underlying theme is shine mentality and ‘liwanag’.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ

Editor-in-Chief/social advocate/aspiring urban farmer “almost superwoman” (almost but not quite) Lalaine Chu-Benitez has been driving Illustrado’s advocacy towards Filipina empowerment for almost a decade now.  She believes that the Filipina’s greatest challenge at this very moment lies beyond further education, skills improvement, recognition and financial might – something quite simpler than what we tend to expect.

More Filipina goodness here – Read a Love Letter to the Filipinas in the Middle East

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It’s our 12th year anniversary and what’s a more fitting way to celebrate than asking the fabulous fashion circle of UAE to come party with us in their own interpretation of our theme for the evening: “Dark Seduction”.

Spoiler alert? They did not disappoint! One thing we love about our parties is our attendees; because they don’t just show up — they come through in the most stylish way. So expect nothing but darkly seductive looks!

Set in the ultra Insta-worthy naughty Barbary Deli + Cocktail, people took advantage of the 1930’s vibe of the place to pose, snap and dance the night away! Headlining our guest list are fashion industry’s iconic “Holy Trinity” Michael Cinco, Ezra Santos, and Furne One Amato and since it’s also our Big Fashion Issue, top designers in the UAE were also present at the party! Statuesque Phio Enaje came in his mysterious version of the dandy look, Yen AB showcased his impressive signature stone studded cap. Casting Director of Fashion Forward Dubai, the svelte Michael Amazona was present along with Dubai’s fashionphiles. Notable fashion photographers Rozen Antonio and Jef Anog also did not miss out while make-up maven Valentino Montuerto and dazzlingly skilled stylists Joe Dark and The Style Curators Dubai served us with some fashion extravaganza!

Philippine Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes also clocked in with his wife Madame Yasmin Balajadia – Cortes who stunned everyone with her elegant beaded black dress. CEO and Managing Director of Giordano Middle East Ishwar Chugani also joined us as well as remarkable personalities from the business industry like Philippine Business Council Dubai Chairman Bobbie Carella.

We can go on with the name dropping but we think we should just show you:

https://www.facebook.com/illustradomagazine/photos/ms.c.eJxlk8ltBUAMQjuKvIy3~;huL8g9R8rgiBozNuHm7xZsZs7LyL~;9FeoiM~_1~_kotbK~_CqAVDwgzw7KZSVe5KzLhJfkBHUqE~_5xVE4jJ83JCXqlM3u~_IeJLJASpJpJMmi~_Yqzhzic4E59kkUiWcJ8pD9~_3jq2Wulkbl59D~;lFc4Jd04es0zmVBucbzgPHYjRzZW7Gobsz~;pxjQ7v9KxXm61gzOvzix77uSeZ5FrzRycWya9pvvVg~;slX7X8pktmv~_KVf5bBvyxeT7JrW~;JznW9T~;e70.bps.a.10161024772900051/10161024777005051/?type=3&theater

Take a peek at our livestream before the event:

So for those of us who have fun in fashion, it’s a Monday night that is worth remembering – not only because of the music, the naughty vibe and everybody’s love for dressing up, but most importantly, it was an occasion when we all came together to celebrate a community overflowing with so much talent, passion and respect for one another.

Special thanks to: Emirates Airline and Barbary Deli + Cocktail

The post WHO WORE WHAT?! ‘Dark Seduction’ at Illustrado’s Intimate 12th Anniversary Fashion Bash appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

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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PHL Consulate General in Dubai Holds Photo “Chiaroscuro Art & Style” Photo Exhibit of Filipino Fashion Photographer, Eros Goze

The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai, in collaboration with the Filipino Ladies of Dubai, successfully held a Photography Exhibit titled “Chiaroscuro Art & Style” featuring Eros Goze at the Rizal Hall, Philippine Consulate on September 01. Over 150 members of the Filipino Community, media, academe, and Dubai’s art enthusiasts attended the Opening Event and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, led by Philippine Consul General Paul Raymund P. Cortes and Dr. Yasmin Balajadia-Cortes, Chairperson of the Filipino Ladies of Dubai.

Chiaroscuro, an Italian word which means light and dark, is the theme of the photography of Mr. Eros Goze. The 17 black and white photographs, filled with dramatic beauty and life, featured prominent personalities, such as Consul General and Mme. Cortes. For the exhibit, the Consulate chose a talent from Baguio City in view as well of the 107^thFoundation Day of the City of Baguio.

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By Loraine Balita-Centeno

It’s not always a bed of roses. Being a diplomat’s wife is not all pomp and pageantry in diplomatic events, or jetting-off and getting to live the privileged life in exotic locations around the world.  For most, it involves significant sacrifice, a dash of homesickness, a tinge of loneliness, lots of unconditional support for their husbands, and a great big balancing act between family and responsibility to country and community.

Most diplomatic spouses had to give up fulfilling personal careers and trade it in for a life of living around the world, of adjustments and voluntary uprooting the entire family repeatedly, of resettling from one foreign country to another.

Author and journalist Brigid Keenan, in her best-selling book ‘Diplomatic Baggage: The Adventures of a Trailing Spouse,’ talks about giving up her career as a fashion editor for The Sunday Times to support her husband’s diplomatic career. “One minute, I was sitting on a gilt chair at Dior in Paris in my high heels. The next, I was living in what looked like a wooden chicken shed in a snake-infested forest clearing in Nepal,” she shares.

Keenan, who lived the life of a diplomat’s wife for more than 30 years says “it can be very hard”. In an article for the UK’s The Independent and The Telegraph she talks of the different trials of being a diplomat’s wife. “My mother died while I was abroad,” she shares.

She also believes that the life away from friends, family, and relatives can, sometimes, take its toll on the marriage. “You have to have a very good marriage to be a diplomat’s wife,” she declares. “Because it can be very lonely.”

But despite all the pitfalls, looking back she thinks “this curious, disjointed life was worth it.” She feels that it was an incredibly rich life. “I think we probably had the best of all worlds,” she concludes.

And like Keenan there are thousands more women around the world who are fulfilling the role of mother, wife, and de facto public servant. These are the women who wear numerous hats, not just to provide stable family support for their diplomat husbands and a consistent home life for the kids, but also to promote the interest of their country and help serve the needs of their countrymen living abroad.

Diplomatic spouses based in the UAE share about the exceptional life they lead.

Public Service

“I consider myself as the mother of the Filipino people abroad,” says Yoko Ramos-Vingno whose husband is currently the Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

This mother of seven juggles her responsibilities as a mother to her children, a wife to her ambassador husband and a public servant to her kababayans in the UAE.  Despite the rigors of raising seven kids, she tries her best to be active in “social and cultural promotion,” attending gatherings with social relevance sponsored by Filipino groups and the Diplomatic Corps. “This is the best way to connect with the people: interact with them to understand them better and to identify those who need help,” she says.

To her, being a diplomatic wife is both an honor and a responsibility. She understands fully that as the Ambassador’s other half she needs “to ensure that every Filipino who is in need of the services of the Embassy is catered to accordingly”. She uses her voice to inspire and motivate her kababayans, to “help them help themselves.”

And her passion for public service didn’t just start out after becoming a diplomatic wife. Even before joining her husband, she has had a fulfilling career back home: in the Senate, supporting one of country’s seasoned senators and then eventually, moving on to Malacaňang Palace to work as a Director under former President Gloria Arroyo.

To those who are considering a life as a diplomatic wife, she tells them to be ready because it’s definitely not an easy task. “It takes a lot of passion, perseverance, flexibility, adaptability and character to be able to fulfill what’s expected of you. If you love your husband, you will find yourself supporting him in any way, at any cost. If you care for your country, you will be amazed to see that you have become a catalyst of change.”

YOKO RAMOS-VINGNO

Philippines

“The life I live as a diplomatic spouse and as a regular citizen representing our country, the Philippines, to the rest of the world is not an easy task. It takes a lot of passion, perseverance, flexibility, adaptability and character to be able to fulfill what’s expected of you. To those who are new diplomatic wives and will be diplomatic wives, definitely use your heart and you will never go wrong. If you love your husband, you will find yourself supporting him in any way and at any cost. If you care for your country, you will be amazed to see that you have become a catalyst of change. Touch lives, make a difference.”

Giving up a Career

For some, the challenge comes with letting go of a fulfilling career back home.

Norzelah Zakaria has had to make this sacrifice. She had to leave her job as a Human Resource Manager for Malaysia’s national oil company, Petronas. She gave up her career in order to support her husband who is currently the Ambassador of Malaysia to the UAE, and who has also been previously assigned to Thailand, Austria, USA, Singapore, and Pakistan.

Norzelah, who was a student of Economics at The National University of Malaya when she first met her husband, says that she wasn’t aware at first that she will eventually be “globetrotting”.

She shares how difficult it was for her to adjust from being a career woman to a full-time housewife. “It was certainly a big change – from waking up to go to work to waking up to do wifely [domestic] duties,” she quips. And the life of moving to different countries one after another was a challenge to her four children as well. After every few years they’d have to move to a different place and make new friends again.

This former HR manager now spends her time helping her kids adjust to life abroad. “I help them by giving moral support, educating them about the culture of the new country, taking them [out] to visit places, museums, the countryside, to make them appreciate their new life,” she shares.

NORZELAH ZAKARIA

Malaysia

“Have a positive mind and enjoy each country that your husband has been sent to. Learn about their culture their norms, and language. Enjoy your stay there. If the country that your spouse has been sent to is not interesting, then it is your job to make it interesting – whether you work with the locals or with your own community. Then you can look back and say that it’s one of the best postings ever!”

Vivi Ruzylinanissmah Mamud the wife of the Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to UAE, shares the same sentiment.  “I was executive officer in the airline industry when I first met my husband. After five years, I shifted to being a technical instructor in technical institutes. I did my teaching practice in the University of Brunei Darussalam. For now, I’m taking my leave to follow my husband whose first posting as Ambassador is the UAE.”

She shares, “I found it a huge transition, especially since this is my first time to be away from Brunei.  The most difficult challenge is having to adjust my life from working full time to being a housewife cum spouse of the ambassador.”  She adds, “With the support of the staff in the embassy and Bruneians in the UAE, I easily adjusted.”

Despite the trials, both Norzelah and Vivi have a very upbeat outlook about their situation.  Norzelah shares, “Have a positive mind and enjoy each country that your husband has been sent to. Learn about their culture their norms, and language. Enjoy your stay there. If the country that your spouse has been sent to is not interesting, then it is your job to make it interesting – whether you work with the locals or with your own community. Then you can look back and say that it’s one of the best postings ever!”  Vivi adds, “You take it as a new challenge in life, enjoy and be positive. Manage well by prioritizing what’s important. Family always comes first. “

VIVI RUZYLINANISSMAH MAMUD

Brunei

“Take it as a new challenge in life. Enjoy and be positive. Learn the cultures of the people of the country, and get along with the community and other spouses as they are doing the same as you. You [can] manage well by prioritizing what’s important. Family always comes first.”

Away From ‘Home’

For others, being a diplomatic wife can at times be painfully lonely. In the book Daughters of Britannia: The Lives and Times of Diplomatic Wives, author Katie Hickman encapsulates the various aspects of the lives of 100 diplomatic spouses. Through letters, memoirs, and diaries, Hickman paints a picture of the lives of the wives and daughters of diplomats assigned to “far-flung corners of the globe”. And homesickness is a common struggle for all of them.

Making the decision to follow and support the ‘love of your life’ as he pursues his passion, advances his career, and serves his country is tough, to say the least.  Other than leaving a job behind, diplomatic spouses also leave behind family and friends — basically their entire support system.

After a while, homesickness kicks in, and this could be very challenging for some of the spouses. Such is the case for Farida Abdullah, whose husband currently works as the Indonesian Ambassador in Abu Dhabi. She feels the biggest sacrifice she has made as a diplomatic wife was choosing to be away from her family back home. “It was difficult because I didn’t get to spend much time with my parents when they were getting old,” she laments.

She along with her husband and four children have spent six years in Egypt, four years in Japan and three years in UAE, where her husband is currently posted.

Diplomatic wives also tend to bond together to form their own support system. Farida expounds, “There were many other diplomats’ wives who quickly became my friends. So I got a lot of help from them. I guess after a while, you get used to it, so it (being away from your homeland) becomes the new normal.”  She continues, “It has been a great experience for me. I get to see different countries and learn from different cultures. So, enjoy the whole experience – the good and the bad. They make the whole story.”

FARIDA ABDULLAH

Indonesia

“It has been a great experience for me. I get to see different countries and learn from different cultures. Being a diplomatic wife has exposed me to people from different embassies too, and I have made some good friends.  Enjoy the whole experience – the good and the bad. They make the whole story.”

Our Family’s Career

To some, moving abroad to serve the needs of their countrymen is not just the job of the husband but the entire family as well. They see the diplomatic post as a career that involves the commitment of both husband and wife, and even their children.

“Our husband’s career does not simply become his but ours as a family,” says Yasmin Balajadia-Cortes, whose husband currently works as the Consul General for the Philippine Consulate in Dubai and Northern Emirates. “My husband’s career is mine as well,” she adds.

Yasmin, a licensed optometrist, worked for a family-owned clinic in Baguio prior to moving abroad with her husband. “He was not yet in Foreign Service when I met him. I met him while he was in the professional performing industry. He was a vocalist at a local jazz spot in Baguio,” she shares. After passing the Foreign Service exam, they got married and then had their first born. Soon after she says: “we got sent to our first assignment in Europe”.

The decision to pursue this career for her family was not a difficult one she says. As soon as they got their first posting, she knew that this was the life that she and her family would have to live. She has accepted playing co-star to her husband’s career, and family life as her priority.

She advices would-be diplomatic spouses to “review their goals in life and priorities,” and to make sure that they are willing to plan their lives within the parameters of a diplomatic life. To her, a diplomat’s career becomes his family’s career since they are the support system that will make sure that he represents and serves his country well.

YASMIN BALAJADIA-CORTES

Philippines

“Our husband’s career does not simply become his but ours as a family. Diplomatic spouses should review their goals in life and priorities, and make sure that they are willing to plan their lives within the parameters of a diplomatic life. A diplomat’s career becomes his family’s career since they are the support system that will make sure that he represents and serves his country well.”

Beyond the elegant official events and the globetrotting life, notwithstanding their sacrifices and the compromises they’ve had to make to support their husbands’ duties, diplomatic spouses are not only uniquely challenged.  They are also uniquely placed into a multi-faceted and excitingly rich role that offers an opportunity for self-realization unlike any other.

Read about the life of a Filipino Diplomat – Meet the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE

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LORAINE BALITA –CENTENO

Loraine Balita-Centeno has been writing and editing for magazines and newspapers based in Manila and abroad since 2005. A mother of two, she is currently the Director of the Student Media Office in DLSU-Manila and a part-time faculty in the university’s Department of Communication. She spends her days managing the media office, teaching college kids and scrubbing baby food, goo, and crayon marks off her work clothes.

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