ILLUSTRADO Q2 2018

QUARTER 3 2018

FIND YOUR DARING ADVENTURE IN BUSINESS OR IN TRAVEL

Photo by Rozen Antonio

EDITOR’S NOTE

Here’s to Work and Play

It’s mid-year travel time in the emirates, as we downshift to a slower pace with the incoming summer hiatus.

For those who are not in a holiday mood, especially entrepreneurs like me, the quieter season is a welcome respite giving us time to review and plan for the busy months ahead.

So, just like our month of contrast where one foot’s into rest and recreation, and the other one’s on staying put and continuing the hustle, here’s our issue about travel and business.

In this issue, we reveal how Filipino business organizations are paving the way for Pinoys in the marketplace by facilitating collaboration and providing guidance. For those who are planning to go home for good, we have advice on how to transform from an Overseas Filipino to a Philippine-based entrepreneur.

Then there’s a story on the truth about being selfemployed.

We introduce over 30 entrepreneurs from the UAE and the GCC, and put a spotlight on 10 awesome Filipino-

founded startups that are making a difference back home and around the world.

On the adventure front, forget about last year’s most popular travel haunts, as we take you to 10 under the radar destinations that Filipinos should visit, through the eyes of some certified Filipino wanderlusters. We also bring you on a foodie trip, to Filipino restaurants that are putting the Pinoy taste on the world map. If that wasn’t enough, we’re also showing you daydreaminducing AirBNB listings that will make you to want to book a trip, right at this very moment.

So business or travel? Work or play?

Whatever you choose, do not forget to apply Helen Keller’s inspiring words – “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”

Here’s to a gentle summer…

Taas Noo, Filipino.

LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ Editor-in-Chief

Illustrado Magazine is a publication licensed under the Creative City Fujairah - License No.: 11199/2017 BVZ ILLUSTRADO 3

BUSINESS BAYANIHAN

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ CREATIVE DIRECTOR MON BENITEZ FEATURES EDITOR ALWEE VILLAROSA

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EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS ANTONINO BENITEZ PAOLO GABRIEL BENITEZ

10 FILIPINO-FOUNDED STARTUPS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS UAE, PHILIPPINES, CANADA ABY YAP AL MANLANGIT ALFRED ‘KRIP’ YUSON ANNA DE LEON BARNEY ALMAZAR EXCEL DYQUIANCO FRANCISCO COLAYCO ION GONZAGA KC ABALOS-ORENDAIN KENNETH EHPRAIM SURATH KRISTINE ABANTE LESLIE FIESTAN LORRAINE BALITA MAI BAUTISTA NINA PENALOSA-CARPIO PAUL RAYMUND CORTES (CON. GEN.) QUAY EVANO RACHE HERNANDEZ REX BACARRA RIAN MIRANDA ROMAN GUEVARRA ROSAN KATLEA REODICA CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS UAE, PHILIPPINES, USA ALEX CALLUENG AVERY RANDALL CEFRE BETHOVEN FILOMENO EROS GOZE FLARIDEN DELA TORRE IRVIN RIVERA JEF ANOG ROZEN ANTONIO MOX SANTOS RAEN BADUA RUBEN MIRABEL CONTRIBUTING FASHION CREW UAE JHOANNA NELISSEN RACQUEL ANOG SUYEN VERGARA PUBLISHER ILLUSTRADO FZ-LLC P.O. BOX 6791 DUBAI, UAE TEL: +971 4 311 6744 WEB: ILLUSTRADOLIFE.COM FACEBOOK: ILUSTRADO MAGAZINE INSTAGRAM: @illustradomagazine PRINTERS P EARL PRINTING PRESS WWW.PEARLPP.COM COPYRIGHT ILLUSTRADO FZ-LLC 2006 – 2018 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF THIS MAGAZINE MAY BE USED OR REPRODUCED IN ANY MANNER WHATSOEVER, WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF ILLUSTRADO FZ-LLC.

Getting a Headstart Through Filipino Business Organizations

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Filipino Entrepreneurship set to change the world

FILIPINO ENTREPRENEURS IN THE UAE AND GCC Brave Filipino entrepreneurs who represent us in the frontlines of business

BUSINESS BUSINESS BAYANIHAN: GETTING A HEADSTART THROUGH FILIPINO BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS 8 10 FILIPINO-FOUNDED STARTUPS MAKING A DIFFERENCE 12 FROM OVERSEAS FILIPINO TO ENTREPRENEUR 22 TURNING CHALLENGE INTO BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY 24 FILIPINO ENTREPRENEURS IN THE UAE AND GCC 26 HELLO, I’M A FREELANCER: THE UPS AND DOWNS OF BEING SELF-EMPLOYED 48 TRAVEL A DIFFERENT TAKE ON TRAVEL 50 TOP 10 UNDER THE RADAR DESTINATIONS FILIPINOS SHOULD VISIT VIENNA 56

INDIA 60 BERLIN 63 COLOMBO 66 NEW YORK 69 CAIRO 72 ADELAIDE 75 BALI 78 KUWAIT 82 MANILA 84 10 BOOKS TO TAKE WITH YOU ON YOUR NEXT ESCAPE 86 THE 10 COMMANDMENTS OF TRAVELING 88 AIRBNB LISTINGS THAT WILL TAKE YOUR TRAVEL EXPERIENCE TO THE NEXT LEVEL 90 FILIPINO RESTAURANTS TAKING THE WORLD CENTER STAGE 96 ILLUSTRADO TRAVEL PLAYLIST 102 BLOGGER-APPROVED TRAVEL APPS 104

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FILIPINO RESTAURANTS TAKING THE WORLD CENTER STAGE

TURNING CHALLENGE INTO BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY How one Pinay OF grew from dishwasher to business owner

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A taste of home no matter what country you are in because Filipino food is love.

88 THE 10 COMMANDMENTS OF TRAVELING Enjoy the journey but thread mindfully

56 TOP 10 UNDER THE RADAR DESTINATIONS FILIPINOS SHOULD VISIT Book your tickets now!

ILLUSTRADO Q3 2018

CONTRIBUTORS LALAINE CHUBENITEZ Editor-inChief “almost superwoman” Lalaine has been driving Illustrado’s mission to uplift Filipinos in the region for over a decade now. A former corporate dynamo living in Dubai for over 20 years, her natural knack for marketing and mass communications makes her a formidable authority in any dialogue regarding the re-branding of the Filipino image on a global scale.

PAOLO GABRIEL BENITEZ A visual communications student, junior contributor Paolo is an aspiring artist, seeking to make his mark in the world of cinematography and the performance arts someday. When not dancing in the living room in the middle of the night, he functions as a perceptive young man, seeking to learn how things are the way they are and providing insight on the various issues that plague his generation. Every month, Paolo entertains Illustrado fans with Filipino music from around the world and his Gen Z bravado in LISTD - Illustrado’s music show on Facebook.

ALWEE VILLAROSA Savage PR savant.

Social Media guy. Bangkok advocate. Hoarder of 3AM songs that are too cool for anyone. Strongest proponent of the #WastedYouth campaign on Instagram.

Alwee Villarosa could be your typical, garden variety switched-on millennial internaut, except that he’s infinitely more. He is also a cunning marketing strategist, a burgeoning writer, and an account manager and leader with an unshakeable sense of integrity and work ethic that belies his young age. See more of his POV at his IG: @alweevillarosa

THUYMI DO & MITCH HYDE - ADVENTURE FAKTORY Thuymi is a proud Quebecer with over twelve years of experience in marketing and strategy. A nomad at heart, she’s always had a profound obsession over traveling and photography, among other things creative and liberating. When not in Dubai, you’ll probably find her abroad in places like Montreal, New York, and Vietnam. Mitch hails from the remote Western Australia desert and grew up a nomad finally settling down in Brisbane, Queensland. He played semiprofessional Australian Football in his early 20’s, and also obtained a degree in Secondary Education, graduating with Honors. Mitch lived in Shanghai, Saigon, and is now based in Dubai and spends all of his time planning trips and writing about them.

ANABEL RAMIREZ Former Overseas Filipino and Dubairesident, management professional Anabel Ramirez is now based in Manila and is the founder of ABBR Business Consultancy. As a driven result oriented person, her core advocacy is to help OFs create their own dream businesses back in the homeland.

ANTONINO BENITEZ Junior contributor Antonino is a straight-A student and TedX speaker who has accomplished more than most young adults. A quirky character, exceptionally versed in both the academics and the arts, he never strays away from the thought of individuality.

As he (not so) secretly fulfills his dream of becoming an astronaut, Antonino continues to walk through life hungry for new knowledge and in search of all things epic. Beyond his deceptively young age, he acts as junior custodian and co-producer for Illustrado’s Filipino-empowering content.

KRISTINE ABANTE Backed with over 10 years of entertainment industry know-how, Kristine currently leads a team of creative content freelancers at SandboxDXB. And when she’s not busy fueling conceptually innovative projects, she works as a contributing writer to various publications, including Illustrado Magazine.

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Need stuff? Get it free Have useful stuff you don’t need? Give it away

Give and Take for a Better World www.gver.net > Your Friendly Marketplace For Sharing

F E AT U R E

BUSINESS BAYANIHAN Getting a headstart through Filipino business organizations

By LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ

Nowhere is the adage “no man is an island” more true, and in fact even critical, but in the world business – where relationships and the ability (or inability) to work with others can make or break a venture.

T

The talent to collaborate however is not an innate skill for all entrepreneurs, regardless whether they are aspiring business owners or if they have been at it for a long time. This becomes even more challenging in markets beyond the homeland where you have to deal with people from different cultures that have different values and ways of doing things.

This is where one’s immediate community becomes a very valuable resource. And where harnessing the power of your own people can help you and your business get ahead.

In various Filipino communities around the world, the spirit of communal work is alive and kicking in the entrepreneurial sector, with veritable “business bayanihan” providing a boost to Pinoy

entrepreneurs in so many ways. We have spoken to three Filipino business organizations to find out how they are adding value to the Philippine business community.

Facilitating Linkages and Education In the UAE, the Philippine Business Council of Dubai and Northern Emirates (PBC DNE) has played a leadership role for Philippine business in the country since 2001. A non-profit organization established under the patronage of the Embassy of the Philippines and the Philippine Consulate General of Dubai and the Northern Emirates. PBC - DNE is recognized by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and is also a member of the ASEAN Business Councils Alliance (ABCA).

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As vanguards of Philippine entrepreneurship in the UAE, the council provides avenues for business exchange among Filipino entrepreneurs, and other parties with a commercial interest in the Filipino market in the emirates. The PBC Dubai also endeavors to build and grow business ties with organizations in the Philippines and the UAE; promote the development of bilateral trade, investment, tourism, the exchange of business delegations and improve the overall Philippine-UAE commercial scene. Furthermore, the council also offers assistance to Philippine start-ups setting up in the country.

Similarly, in the capital, counterparts Philippine Business Council of Abu Dhabi, a member of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) has been operating since 2003 with the same objectives. The council

F E AT U R E

provides a forum for exchange of knowledge and resources beneficial to the common business interest of its members, and constantly endeavors to establish a strong relationship with government agencies, and the international business community for the development of bilateral trade, investment and tourism.

The PBC Abu Dhabi is also actively promoting entrepreneurship amongst Filipinos in Abu Dhabi.

On the other side of the world, set against a totally different business environment, the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Hollywood (FACCHO) was started out of a need to help organize the businesses and its business supporters within the growing FilAm Entertainment

industry. As a newly formed Filipino organization, FACCHO has huge ambitions to not only educate entertainers on how to think like an entrepreneur but to also instigate partnerships between businesses/brands and entertainers. The group aims to create a financial system within their community that supports both its entertainers and businesses.

According to incoming FACCHO President Ave Jacinto, “The Filipino American Entertainment industry has yet to be organized. As FACCHO we are doing just that. By reaching out to leaders within each creative field, we are beginning to establish a new board of directors that can give a voice to the Fil-Ams in their respective field. We are also starting

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to establish relationships with various Filipino organizations by sharing resources and growing our community together.”

FACCHO Incoming President Ave Jacinto

F E AT U R E

FACCHO hosts quarterly workshops, monthly mixers, provides social media support and promotional support to member businesses and entertainers.

“Our plan is to directly introduce established businesses with Fil-Am entertainers to inspire a relationship that can grow into a business. We want to educate our members on the power of product placement, branding, marketing, and sponsorships. With membership benefits like advertising on podcasts, directly paid to advertise on their project/ event/website becoming a member not only directly benefits the member, it directly helps to grow the community as a whole,” shares Jacinto.

Likewise, the PBC DNE and PBC Abu Dhabi also host mixers to connect entrepreneurs in the community, as well as companies who have interest in the Filipino sector. Both organizations

also join networking events with the business councils of other countries to expand their members’ contact network.

In recent years, the PBC DNE has also established “Interface” – a landmark gala event held every two years which brings not only Filipino entrepreneurs, but

also captains of businesses as well as key government officials – a forum to discuss the business trends driving the country and the region.

More than just networking activities the PBC DNE also facilitates workshops under its ‘EduBiz’ banner providing continued professional education to its members and other attendees. Moreover, the PBC DNE was the parent organization for the hugely successful Ateneo Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (LSE) program which has trained hundreds of aspiring entrepreneurs. Many LSE graduates have now moved on to establish their own businesses.

Harnessing the spirit of community for business

PBC DNE Chairman Bobbie Carella

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In essence, these Filipino organizations play an important role in assisting

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Filipino entrepreneurs and professionals in making beneficial connections in the market, as well as providing guidance and education on relevant business issues.

PBC DNE Chairman Bobbie Carella spells out the group’s role succinctly, “We provide an environment of active cooperation and goodwill among members and the business community. We act as ‘connectors’ between Filipinos and other business communities in the UAE and beyond. Hence our slogan, “Connecting People, Bridging Businesses.’”

For Filipino entrepreneurs, it is well worth the time and effort to be part of such prolific groups and participate in “business bayanihan.”

PHILIPPINE BUSINES COUNCIL OF DUBAI & NORTHERN EMIRATES www.philippinebusinesscouncildubai. com

PHILIPPINE BUSINESS COUNCIL ABU DHABI www.facebook.com/PBCAbuDhabi/

LEADERSHIP: Bobbie Carella – Chairman, Lalaine Chu-Benitez – Vice Chairman, Andy Minodin – Director, Projects, Allan Bautista – Director, Membership, Enrique Yamzon – Director, Events, Marlene Murphy – Director, Education, Ken Peralta – Director, PR and Media

FACCHO’s Ave Jacinto explains how Filipinos have this built-in advantage and how our community groups’ have an invaluable and innate capacity to synergize and provide support to each other, “Filipinos around the world are renowned for their community-based thinking and the family atmosphere they

LEADERSHIP: Deborah Gay Aragon Dayrit – Chairman, Mariano Roque Senga - Vice Chairman, Christian Jay Redual - Corporate Secretary, Dra. Rose Bandola – Treasurer, Gau Raganit - Director for Trade, Industry and Entrepreneurship, Esmeraldo Pangilinan - Director for Events, Rolly Brucales - Director for Membership, Paolo Rivera - Director for Sponsorship, Flariden Dela Torre - Director for Marketing and

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create within their own communities. This unselfish mindset creates the opportunity to unite as one voice and grow our organizations together. If you want to grow your respective organization, use what is naturally within us, the sense of family. Strengthen bonds by supporting each other’s organizations through sharing resources or simply sharing each other’s posts.”

Communication FILIPINO AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF HOLLYWOOD (FACCHO) www.facchollywood.com LEADERSHIP: Craig Obligacion Wilson - President, Paul Mirador, Vice President, Edwin A. Santos, Vice President, Tammy Apana-Dianda - Treasurer, Jacky Carter - Secretary, Jush Andowitt - Director, Jeffrey Bautista - Director, Thelma Sugay - Director

FILIPINO-FOUNDED STARTUPS

10 FILIPINO-FOUNDED STARTUPS that are making a DIFFERENCE B y A N T O N I N O B E N I T E Z & PA O L O G A B R I E L B E N I T E Z

SOFTWARE : Building software that will put the Philippines in the global tech map

ingenuity.ph Philippines Since 2010 Founder: John Naranjo Sector: Software/Outsourcing/BPO

“I named the company ‘Ingenuity’ because if there’s one positive word most associated with us worldwide it is that, ‘the Filipino’s ingenuity’”, says John Naranjo, Founder and CEO. According to him, “By leveraging the use of technology, Ingenuity aspires to make a difference – for ourselves, for our customers, and for the world. We make this happen in several ways -- by building software that makes an impact in the community, and doing stuff that will put the Philippines in the global tech scene; by empowering businesses to leverage technology to deliver a competitive edge; and by encouraging and training kids to take up programming or computer science and equipping them with skills that will make them more successful and relevant in the digital age.”

Ingenuity is an award-winning homegrown software company engaged in providing software outsourcing services, technology consulting, and enterprise solutions to clients worldwide. The company partners with startups, creative agencies, and established businesses to create defining solutions that transform brands, grow businesses, and make people’s lives better.

John shares, “Our mission is to create great software that makes a difference - for ourselves, for our customers, and for the world.”

Since the company’s founding in 2010, they have already successfully delivered over 100 projects mainly for the international market. For the Philippines, they have developed an enterprise-ready cloudbased solution we named ‘Flyt’ to empower

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local SMEs to leverage technology to make their businesses more competitive. Since its launch in 2018, Ingenuity has already helped over 10 businesses with multiple stores and franchisees “go digital”.

John, who was exposed to programming by his dad at the age of 13, and then later on became an electronics engineer passionate about how technology can improve lives, says that his education has always inculcated within him the values of hardwork and using one’s talents to give back to the community. Hence, he founded Ingenuity with the mission to build software that makes a difference and that will put the Philippines in the global tech scene.

FILIPINO-FOUNDED STARTUPS

The startups sector in the Philippines is still very much in its infancy stage, especially in comparison to our Southeast Asian neighbors, especially in China and Singapore where the field is bolstered by government support, advanced technology, as well as available venture capital.

As of 2017, The Trade and Industry Department estimates that there were over 300 of these innovative and potentially scalable businesses established in the country. Interest in entrepreneurship, however, has been growing in recent years with more and more millennials opting to create their own

ventures, and while the numbers of investors and incubators are seeing a promising increase. Interestingly enough, the Philippines’ also hit an important milestone in 2017 with its first ‘unicorn’ - Revolution Precrafted, developers of prefabricated designer homes founded by Robbie Antonio, raising its series B funding valued at over US$1B. With all indicators pointing to a promising future, and Filipino entrepreneurs rolling up their sleeves to push out the next big thing, here are 10 Filipino-founded startups from the homeland and elsewhere, which are making a difference in their fields.

IMPACT : Converting excess food into healthy lunches for the homeless

refood.ca Canada Since 2015 Founder: Dansion Buan Sector: Food Waste Reduction

In 2015, entrepreneur Dansion Buan Reefood – a provider that helps food vendors redirect surplus food that would have been thrown out to charitable associations in need. Operating from Vancouver, Canada, in the mere span of three years since its launch, Reefood has been able to supply 10,000 meals per day, preventing over 3,000,000 kgs of food from directly entering the waste stream.

him to where he stands today.

With a track record of participation in several non-profit organizations, Dansion has too worked within numerous business sectors including food, micro finance, tourism, and alternative medicine.

Eventually, his business acumen and passion for helping those less fortunate led

Every single year, roughly one third of food produced globally is either lost or wasted – a fair majority of which is still consumable.

It’s been Dansion’s core advocacy to reduce this daunting number to the utmost of his abilities, as well as nourish the lives of those in need.

Functioning within a double-sided market, Reefood has been able to benefit both food vendors and charitable organizations in a myriad of ways. However, more than just helping others benefit through their endeavors, Dansion ultimately hopes that the company’s actions will inspire others to carry out goodwill.

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FILIPINO-FOUNDED STARTUPS

IMPACT : Empowering the disadvantaged with digital work

Philippines Since 2015 Sector: Technology Social Enterprise focused on People with Disabilities Founder: Ryan Gersava Virtualahan.com

Virtualahan is a tech social enterprise that empowers disadvantaged individuals, starting with people with disabilities, indigenous people, and former drug addicts by training them, so that they are equipped with the knowledge to carry out digital work. “We help businesses grow with both our specialization in technology and the human touch,” says founder Ryan Gersava. He further attests: “We provide highly skilled human workforce who can deliver quality output despite their limitations.”

So far, Virtualahan has successfully trained 161 people, who have had a 74% employment rate in 53 cities

nationwide - not to mention positively impacted many others through their community building programs. Amidst their numerous achievements, the most significant testament to their success and commendable endeavors was when they were chosen as the 2017 winner of the Google Business Group Stories contest – bagging a momentous first for the Philippines.

At only 25 years old, what Ryan has been able to achieve is nothing short of amazing.

As a medical laboratory scientist with extensive training in business, He has prior represented The Philippines at the 20th Youth Assembly at the United Nations in

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New York as well as the Social Enterprise World Forum in Hong Kong. Ryan is set to attend future global forums regarding pressing international matters relevant to what he stands for.

Having accomplished so much already, the goal remains unfettered for Ryan: “The dream is to create an ecosystem for disadvantaged people to thrive and become leaders of our society in our effort to contribute to building the future of work where no one is left behind. We believe that we can be a force for positive change, capable of moving both our clients’ business and our social mission to create tangible impact.”

FILIPINO-FOUNDED STARTUPS

IMPACT : Giving the world an alternative to shopping that’s all about sharing

Your Friendly Marketplace for Sharing

gver.net United Arab Emirates Since September 2017 Founders: Lalaine Chu-Benitez & Mon Benitez Sector: E-Commerce

“Life has become so hard these days. With the global rise of the cost of living, people find it hard to afford their needs, let alone their wants. We want to give people the alternative of shopping for free, just pay for delivery, utilizing unwanted reusable goods which often end up in landfills, while removing the pains of dealing in second hand markets,” shares Founder Lalaine Chu-Benitez of their early stage startup Gver – Your Friendly Marketplace for sharing.

She adds, “Our aim is to give the world an alternative to consumption that’s not only good for the wallet and the heart, but also the planet, by building a thriving global business based on sharing which will serve

both individuals and companies; offer not only products, but also services; and that will also allow people to give and take from beyond their local communities.”

Gver, a peer-to-peer platform is a marketplace where people can give-away items which they don’t need to those who want it. Members can also receive items for free. All they have to do is make a request and once it is approved, pay for a nominal delivery charge. “Most of us have some stuff just gathering dust in our closets.

And not all of us want to sell in the second hand markets or meet-up with strangers.

Gver solves that issue as it makes getting rid of stuff and acquiring new stuff cheap and easy. We just simplified the equation.

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Why give? Because giving is good, and when you give, you will also receive,” says Lalaine.

Since its soft launch in September 2017, the platform has already 2,500 members and has facilitated the giving-away of hundreds of items ranging from designer bags and clothes, to household goods, baby items, furniture, as well as books, CDs and sporting equipment. Currently serving the UAE, the platform is also set to cover the Philippines shortly. Soon, members will also be able to give and receive free services. In July, Gver is also set to exhibit at Rise Hong Kong, Asia’s biggest tech conference which will showcase some of the world’s most promising startups.

FILIPINO-FOUNDED STARTUPS

COMMUNITY : Giving Filipinos much-needed tax assistance service

Taxumo.com Philippines Since 2016 Sector: Tax Preparation Services Founder: Ej Arboleda

Dealing with taxes can be quite the headache – especially atop an overwhelming schedule. In the pursuit of solving said inconvenience, Taxumo was born.

Spearheaded by Ej Arboleda, Taxumo is an end-to-end web-based tax assistance platform that allows Philippine based freelancers, SMEs and self-employed licensed professionals to file and track their tax requirements. In a matter of minutes, taxes can be filed and paid online anytime and anywhere on computer or mobile device. Ej elaborates: By simply entering one’s income and expense in the app, tax

dues are calculated real-time and tax forms are auto-generated and auto-filled. With a click of a button, taxes are filed online. The app also auto-generates accounting entries for easy transfer to one’s manual books of accounts.”

EJ Arboleda is backed with twelve years of experience managing Enterprise Resource Planning Software systems, and four years of innovation experience as Chief Technology Officer at a WPP Digital Advertising Agency.

Since the business’ inception in 2016, Taxumo has accumulated over 4,000 users, and has collected more than PHP 1.2 million worth of taxes since 2017.

Moreover, the business was actually the first startup to be included in the Philippine Board of Investment’s Investment Priority Plan.

As for their main goals as a brand, EJ Arboleda shares: “We aspire to empower SMEs and make their lives and business operations easier. By helping SMEs, we help this ecosystem grow and thus create real inclusive growth. Ultimately, the vision is to help 100 million Filipinos to become empowered entrepreneurs and better taxpayers.”

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FILIPINO-FOUNDED STARTUPS

COMMUNITY : Easing the lives of Overseas Filipinos in the UAE and beyond

souqpinoy.com United Arab Emirates Since 2016 Sector: E-Commerce / Events Co Founder: Enrique H. Yamzon

Originally initiated to aid Overseas Filipinos in the region, souqpinoy.com is an online ecommerce platform that allows customers to shop in the UAE, and send the goods directly to their homes back in the Philippines. Just recently, the ability to pay utility bills and multiple other bills back home was implemented on their website. “Through our business, our goal is to provide OFs around the world with ease in supporting their families,” says founder Enrique Yamzon.

In less than two years, Souq Pinoy was has earned over 20,000 registered users.

Through the success of their ‘souqpinoy. com Slim Down Challenge’, a social media based reality competition, they have also garnered audience interest from more than a dozen other countries. Whilst services are currently available only in the UAE, souqpinoy.com aims to expand throughout the Middle East region, as well as Asia Pacific, where millions of Filipinoexpats are based.

Founder Enrique is a seasoned real estate expert in UAE, with his experience in the industry spanning over twelve years. He is now the general manager at Al Seeb Real

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Estate Development, a prestigious group in the region.

With plans of future business expansion, Enrique voices that the motivator behind his future corporate endeavors lies in the desire for his fellow countrymen to succeed: “I would like to encourage Filipinos globally to continuously strive – learn and always set the standard above the common level. As a Filipino, our people have continuously earned respect as we are gifted with talent, skills and an innate dedication for what we do. Let us keep ourselves equipped with knowledge, knowledge that will set us above everyone.”

FILIPINO-FOUNDED STARTUPS

COMMUNITY : Connecting Filipinos around the world on a more creative level

KUMU - PHILIPPINES kumu.ph Philippines Since 2018 Sector: Media/Technology Founder: Roland Ros

“To change the conversation on storytelling and creativity for Filipinos,” is precisely what founder Roland Ros seeks to do with Kumu - a new livestreaming platform where Filipinos can connect globally.

Despite being armed with a background in performance marketing and advertising technology, Roland’s unwavering love for the Philippines has led him to use his talent for the benefit of his fellow countrymen.

Having garnered over 10,000 users in the beta testing stage, Roland attests: “Our mission is to build stronger communities for the global Pinoy, whilst building a technology foundation that will develop a solid digital ecosystem and economy.”

Looking to officially launch very soon, Roland shares: “We are currently refining our product by listening to the feedback of our users. Once we have achieved “must

have” status with our community, through a sophisticated set of key performance metrics that we use as a benchmark, we will proceed to move forward with a big public launch.”

Roland endeavors to inspire a new breed of Filipino purpose driven leaders, as well as self-sustaining content creators. Kumu can be downloaded from Google Play and App Store.

HERE ARE SOME MORE PROMISING STARTUPS YOU SHOULD WATCH OUT FOR:

EXOPLANET APP – UAE exoplanetappuae.com Exoplanet app allows people to enjoy the pleasures of good food combined with good company. For individuals who like connecting over a good meal, the app allows you to find and meet up people nearby.

Founder Rafael Galing shares: “We want to foster an amiable community built on positivity, because a sense of camaraderie is something everyone should experience.” Exoplanet has recently been made available at Apple for IOS and Play Store for Android version.

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FILIPINO-FOUNDED STARTUPS

HOSPITALITY : Creating a niche for eco-sustainability in the Philippines’ hospitality industry

thebirdhouseelnido.com Philippines Since September 2016 Sector: Hotel/Hospitality Industry Founder: Camille and Mark-Anthony Villaflor The Birdhouse is an island exclusive boutique glamping site on the Maremegmeg beach in El Nido.

“Nestled in the side of a ridge, this offthe-beaten-path gives activities true to the nature of experiential tourism and slow travel. Whether that’s the hike up the 200 bamboo steps, a long coffee session at The Nesting Table (in-house restaurant), or a yoga session up in the mother nest, this is a place to recharge.”

The label was founded by former international school teacher Mark Anthony Villaflor and interior designer Camille. Since their opening almost two years ago, in September 2016, The Birdhouse has had a high occupancy rate of 97% and has received Trip Advisor’s #1 Specialty Lodging in El Nido. Their success has resulted into receiving a grant in moving towards sustainable solar energy from the United Nations, expansion from three to five luxury glamping units (seven very soon), and the building of a network to connect like-minded business partners

and entrepreneurs.

Birdhouse’s vision for the future revolves around making eco–sustainable glamping a stand-out niche among Filipino hotel and hospitality brands. “We want to show that low-impact eco-friendly hotels have a huge place in the hotel game in the Philippines.

We seek to prove that eco should be both ecological and economical. We believe that balancing aesthetic through great design and nature are essential in our hospitality approach. The lifestyle we seek is the lifestyle we will present.”

SHOENVIOUS – UNITED ARAB EMIRATES shoenvious.com

IT’S THE HY - AUSTRALIA itsthehy.com.au

Shoenvious is an online platform where ladies can design handmade, bespoke and luxury footwear. Developed in the UAE by Co-founder Sau Noddings, Shoenvious uses cutting-edge 3D technology to bring your shoe designs to life with an extensive range of customizations. “As a shoe lover, it’s important to wear shoes that are aligned with my style as well as suit the occasion. We want to change the way women shop for shoes by giving them the opportunity to put their best foot forward every day in a bespoke pair that represents the best version of herself.”

It’s The HY is an up and coming Australian fashion and textiles company based in Melbourne that create fashion art kits so people can learn how to make their own clothes. Set to launch next month, founders - Filipino Yavi Bermejo and Australian Hugh Reed aspire to change the collective perception on clothing as a whole: “We want people to approach fashion in their own way.

We want a future where we have a better relationship with fashion and the way that people purchase clothing.”

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FILIPINO-FOUNDED STARTUPS

FASHION : Bringing style confidence to men and women one box at a time

stylegenie.ph Philippines Since August 2016 Sector: E-Commerce / Retail Services Founder: Abbie Victorino

StyleGenie is a fashiontech company with a mission to empower men and women with confidence through data-driven style services, one box at a time. Their simple subscription methods and customer packages have served many women of all shapes, sizes and ages across the world.

As a startup brand entrepreneur, Abbie Victorino has been bootstrapping and using organic marketing for the last 21 months. Within 6 months of field operation, they won their first startup

competition, and they now cater to over 2,000 active subscribers and a growing social media presence.

also the first Filipina representative at the recent Alibaba eFounders Fellowship Program- Asia Class 1.

Abbie Victorino’s entrepreneurial skills can be traced from her background in e-commerce. She has had 6 years of experience in international fashion buying and e-commerce consultancy and has worked with companies like PLDTSMART Voyager Innovations, Zalora Philippines and CashCashPinoy. She was

Her dream for StyleGenie is to be the number one fashion tech company in Southeast Asia. “I believe that with the right culture within the team, plus the data that we gather from our loyal subscribers will help drive the success of the company in delivering StyleBoxes across different countries and various categories.”

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FILIPINO-FOUNDED STARTUPS

FASHION : Representing Filipino-style in Canada FASHION

lovepustura.com Canada Since July 2016 Sector: Clothing line Founder: Jenefer Ayunan Padilla and Hanes Marasigan-Anotado

Named after the Filipino word meaning ‘well dressed’, Pustura is a startup brand that combines uncompromising elegance, comfort and quality. The company which celebrates Filipino style inspirations and craftsmanship was created by Filipino Canadians Jenefer Ayunan Padilla and Hanes Marasigan-Anotado.

Pustura currently has five sub categories under its brand, catering to different occasions and audiences from their global online clientele: Royals by Pustura (quality cotton shirts), Pustura Premium (luxe clothing sourced from fine silk), Squad

by Pustura (garments catered towards medical professionals), Pustura Design (customized outfits for various black tie occasions), and Street by Pustura (trendy, high quality affordable street wear).

Established in 2016, Pustura is well on its way to making US$3 million in sales by the end of 2018.

As one of the founders, Jenefer dreams of Pustura fully evolving beyond a series of clothing lines and into that of a fashion school in the future. She currently works towards its creation in Ozamis, Mindanao

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in the hopes of creating an institution that can offer free fashion education to kids, stay at home moms and more.

Hanes on the other hand travels back and forth from Canada to the Philippines and works towards elevating Pustura to new heights, utilizing the brand’s potential towards becoming a well-known global brand that all Filipinos would be proud of. She envisions Pustura to be a breeding ground for all the best and most talented creative Filipino minds out there.

F E AT U R E

From OF to Entrepreneur in the Philippines A D J U S T I N G YOU R M I N D S E T T O G E T C L O S E R T O YOU R D R E A M

By BEL RAMIREZ

For most Overseas Filipinos, apart from owning a home, having a sustainable business back home that will support the family is the ultimate dream – an aspiration our kababayans want to achieve before they eventually settle back home for good in the Philippines.

B

But there are so many questions and fears that linger in our heads that seem to make the journey from OF to entrepreneur a daunting one. “Will I be able to survive in the world that I left long ago?”

“Will I be able to reintegrate?” Or even the simple question - “Will I survive?”

These fears are enough to hold us back from coming home for good. And that is a bit ironic, especially since “home” should be our comfort zone.

So how does one overcome this feeling of “alienness” in his/her own homeland? It’s easy to set-up a business with all the rules written out. All you have to do is follow.

But it is harder to change our mindsets that have been shaped by staying all those years abroad in foreign lands.

Fret not! All you need is to utilize whatever you have learned as a resilient

OF, apply some flexibility and openmindedness, and before you know it, you will be adjusting well to life in the Philippines and getting closer to your dream of having your own business back home.

Here are some tips learned from my own tough personal experiences that OFs can benefit from: Be observant - As an OF returnee you have to understand that the country you have left a long time ago has experienced many changes through the years. So it’s not useful to only be referring to the things you were used to “back in the day.”

Study the new lay of the land.

Get up to speed with how things work.

Observe your surroundings and the people and learn from them. Find out the new way of doing things.

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Be the people – A lot of OFs have a hard time adjusting to the lifestyle back home because their expectations and actions are stuck to the life abroad that they left behind. If you want to be successful in building a business in the Philippines, you need to make an effort to start acting like you are truly part of the community.

For how will your business serve the people, if you don’t even understand them?

Be a problem solver - Look for unique, urgent requirements or anomalies within the community that need resolution and where you can contribute your talent and skills. This is how you can come up with a business, a product and/or a service that, will address existing needs in the market. OFs are very skillful in finding ways to solve problems, even beyond our professions. We’ve learned to be inventive with our exposure to different cultures

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and workplaces. Use this strength and let your ingenuity shine!

Be an explorer - OFs are innately adventurous. Our spirit for challenge has brought us to distant seas. We don’t want to be kept stagnant in one place. So why not try new ways of addressing market needs back home with inventive new business solutions that would help a lot of kababayans.

Be experimental - OFs are not afraid to try and fail, and relearn and apply what we have learned, whenever we get a chance. This is a special skill of an OF. Trial and error leads us to success and it’s proven. We just have to be more courageous and not be discouraged by failure, as each one of them is an opportunity to learn that brings us closer to success.

Be open minded – Not all business succeed on first attempts. 80% to 90% of startups fail. So you have to have an open mind and accept whatever happens.

By having the right perspective only are we able to move on, start over again and pursue that dream until we make it. But in starting anew, we have to understand what did not work in the first place. Our strong OF will which we developed while working abroad will help us to carry on, despite the failures we may face.

And lastly, be a doer – An idea is useless, unless you implement it. A business plan is nothing until you establish the company and get started. And being an entrepreneur back home can only

become reality if you start working on it today. Be a doer to get the result that you desire, to achieve the dream that you hold dear. Most of us think that we don’t have enough skills, and get paralyzed by fear.

But those skills exist deep inside us, so we must not be afraid of trying until we get it right.

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Each of us may have different ways of applying these guidelines on adjusting our expat mindset to achieve our dream business back home. But the most important thing of all is to start doing something to move towards success.

There’s no better time but now!

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TURNING CHALLENGE into BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY H O W O N E P I NA Y O F GR E W F RO M D I S H WA S H E R T O B USI N E S S O WN E R Having a flourishing business with a growing clientele who have given Cofficina rave reviews, Bianca is still at an early stage in her journey as an entrepreneur, but she is bolstered by a positive outlook and the knowledge that she does not have to depend on being employed by a company as her only recourse to survive and thrive.

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For young entrepreneur Emileen Bianca Tolentino, being an Overseas Filipino was one tough ride marked with grueling hard work, heartache and disappointments, not to mention the loss of self-esteem. But just like the adage ‘pain is the mother of all inventions’, Bianca was able to use her challenges as her motivation to become the entrepreneur she was meant to be. Her story, which a lot of OFs can relate to, is a simple one, but is also nonetheless inspiring.

Bianca started out her work life in Singapore after earning a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management at the De La Salle Colege of Saint Benilde. “I worked for 12 hours in a kitchen, with a two-hour commute from work to my place and it became my daily routine for the first six months; I was a dishwasher and cook at the same time,” a fact that she kept from her parents so as not to dampen their high hopes especially since she graduated from one of the prestigious universities in the Philippines.

Learning the hard way and managing every curveball thrown to her with aplomb, including being belittled by colleagues, Bianca became the head of kitchen after a year. She stayed in the restaurant for another two years, changing the menu, training the staff and managing inventories, but lost her job after the business moved location. She then worked part time at a clothing store just to get by.

Thereafter, she received an offer from a popular American café franchise Central Perk. She helped them with the menu and training. Then the unexpected happened.

Her new visa application was denied. The company took her recipes and let her go refusing to pay her salary.

a kid. I’ve always had this mantra – ‘I live to cook,’ to keep me motivated.”

That’s when she decided it’s time to go home.

Having a flourishing business with a growing clientele who have given Cofficina rave reviews, Bianca is still at an early stage in her journey as an entrepreneur, but she is bolstered by a positive outlook and the knowledge that she does not have to depend on being employed by a company as her only recourse to survive and thrive.

“From that experience, I decided to put up my own (café). Since I know how to create recipes, train staff; to manage a kitchen and start a business. I knew that this was what God wanted me to be, and this is where I’ve always wanted to be since I was

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With what little she has saved and an emergency fund which she kept in her three years of working as an OF, and with the help and some equipment and furniture donations from her family and friends, Bianca was able to open her own café – Marikina’s first co-working space. Cofficina Café + CoWork is now home to a variety of startups, freelancers, entrepreneurs and influencers in the city offering not only creative spaces, lots of coffee and good eats, but also a sense of community that encourages people to collaborate and learn together.

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She shares, “I want to educate young Filipino entrepreneurs to feel secure enough to build a future for themselves and their families.”

Bianca names her essential must-haves for starting a business: Dedication – Having a business is timeconsuming. Let people know who you are and stay focused. Be confident about your idea and be committed to making your business successful. Know that you are never really able to be your own boss even when you own the business. You must still answer to your employees, your customers, and the community.

Patience – Knowing when to take action and when to pause is the difference

between success and failure, and is a skill that can’t be taught. Patience develops excellence.

Creativity – Creativity improves the process of solving problems. It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about a new strategy or a way to stay ahead of the competition.

Creativity gives that competitive edge that any business is striving to achieve.

Consistency – Being consistent is one of the most dynamic and reliable ways to continually grow a successful business, but it is also something that is often ignored. It is maintaining a high-performance quality that will help the business build and achieve the goals that you are striving for.

Experience – There are no rules about how much experience you should have when

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you start a business. Experience can also give you more confidence in a certain area than if you’ve never done anything like it before - you have a better idea of what to expect. Talk to as many people as you can in that industry, read books, study courses online, and anything else you can get your hands on to give you a deeper understanding of doing business.

“Take these tips into consideration, and if you decide that you are set to make the commitment to entrepreneurship, you will be ready to take the first steps toward starting your business.” …………….

Check out and support Bianca’s business: Cofficina Café + Co Work www.facebook.com/pg/cofficinacowork/

FILIPINO ENTREPRENEURS in the UAE and GCC

FILIPINO ENTREPRENEURS in the UAE and GCC Filipinos are not particularly known as business-owners abroad.

However, that notion is changing quickly with the escalation of entrepreneurship within Philippine communities all over the globe.

In the UAE and Gulf region where the Pinoy consumer segment and buying power wields an undeniable presence, locally-grown Filipinoowned businesses are flourishing, with new ventures being registered each month. These businesses not only serve the traditional “kabayan segment,” but are becoming increasingly prominent in their own sectors catering to various nationalities and companies. Here are some of the brave Filipino entrepreneurs who represent us in the frontlines of business and the ventures they have created.

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FILIPINO ENTREPRENEURS in the UAE and GCC

ADVERTISING, MARKETING & PRODUCTION

LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ Founder & Managing Director MON BENITEZ Co-Founder & Creative Director ILLUSTRADO FZ LLC - UAE illustradolife.com creomad.com gver.net

Business and real life partners Lalaine and Mon Benitez have been building brands in the Middle East for multinational and local companies for the last 20 years, originally from the corporate side, and in the last decade as entrepreneurs running their own agency. Typically known in the market for Illustrado Magazine, their company also provides advertising and marketing services including strategy, campaign creative and design, to social media, content marketing, production, web development, digital marketing, and etc. Drawing from the rich multinational experience of its core team, as well as its top-notch talent network in the UAE

and beyond, Illustrado has the ability to deliver big strategic and creative edge, typically the domain of multinational agencies and mega-budget brands.

The company has worked businesses in fields as diverse as consumer goods, electronics, fashion and luxury, pharmaceuticals, food, hospitality and tourism, B2B, real estate, CSR, advocacy marketing, furniture and banking, etc.

Their client portfolio includes Bayer, Nikon, Giordano, Casio, Private Collection, Swiss Arabian Perfumes, Horizon Foot Cone Belding, Apparel

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Group, Landmark Zenath Group, Ayala Land International, Global Hotel Alliances, InterCon Hotel Group, among others. The company is also nurturing its own early stage startup-Gver-Your Friendly Marketplace for Sharing.

Multi-awarded ad man Mon Benitez shares, “To remain competitive and relevant in the market, we need to be, not only aware and equipped with new technologies and trends, but we also need to truly live in today’s world.

Communication is changing so quick these days, professionals cannot afford not to learn new things.”

FILIPINO ENTREPRENEURS in the UAE and GCC

ADVERTISING, MARKETING & PRODUCTION

MARCUS DELA PEÑA Founder WJACOB - UAE wjacob.ae

ROLLAN RODRIGUEZ Founder & Design Director APE CREATIVE - UAE theape.co

Initially starting out as a boutique design studio in 2012, advertising agency Wjacob has expanded over the years offering below the line creative solutions such as graphic design, corporate branding and identity, and more recently integrating web design and development.

Pushing the prolific boundaries, as well as innovation by art, is what Ape Creative is all about.

Avidly purveying a perspective that is dynamic and vibrant to the lowbrow art movement in the region, Rollan Rodriguez is the founder and creative director of Ape Creative – a UAE based full-service studio specializing in design concepts, brand identity, illustration, and experiential design, driven by a team of fearless creatives.

Armed with more than a decade of experience in graphic design, advertising, and the visual arts, Rollan has also spearheaded the Dubai based art collective, The Brownmonkeys.

Having worked alongside big brands like Nike, Nandos, and Red Bull to name a few, Rollan and his team have discovered that discipline, creativity, and vision are what principally constitute the foundation for an outstanding outcome.

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For founder Marcus dela Peña, continually innovating and evolving with the ever-changing times remains central to the brand. As for their formula for success, Marcus attests: “Collaborate. Most of our big and successful projects stemmed from the willingness to accept the help of others and help others in return. Innovate.

Re-invent yourself. Learn new things.

Develop and explore new ventures.

Have faith. Have faith in God; in what He can do through you to help others.

Have faith in yourself. Believe in the product you are selling.”

FILIPINO ENTREPRENEURS in the UAE and GCC

ADVERTISING, MARKETING & PRODUCTION

OLIVER SERRANO & ERNESTO FLORES Founders ALPHA MEDIA - UAE alphamediaproduction.com

For over 15 years now, Alpha Media Production has been creating quality audio-visual content for the region.

Headed by entrepreneurs Oliver Serrano and Ernesto Flores, this full-service media production company has made

it a core priority to provide clients with compelling visuals that leave a lasting impact. Catering to several productionoriented needs, including photography, videography, and event coverage, Alpha Media Production, with their team of creatives and producers, seamlessly take any project from concept to completion.

and unique approach that aids in elevating their brand. It is our task and mission to show the world what your brand or event is about.”

JRUZZ MERCA Founder CREATIVE COMIC- UAE creativecomic.ae Catering to both businesses and individuals alike, Creative Comic, founded and run

by Jruzz Merca, specializes in providing top-notch photography and videography services. Jruzz shares: “We aim to help our clients to express a meaningful message or represent themselves through a creative

Since coming to Dubai back in 2007, Jruzz has worked alongside numerous companies as a photographer and videographer until ultimately choosing to set up an enterprise of his own.

Establishing as well as sustaining a business here in the UAE, as multifaceted as that sounds, starts from a mere vision, says Jruzz: “Coming to Dubai with nothing, all I had then was a dream to someday put up my own company. From that thought, I became persistent in doing everything possible to achieve my goal.

My advice: don’t just dream, work for it!

Always find ways to improve yourself by learning new skills that will eventually pay off in the grand scheme of things.”

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Operating in the media and entertainment sector, Oliver and Ernesto share that continually striving for excellence on a daily basis, forging and consolidating relationships, as well as resilience when it comes to growing from our shortcomings, are all vital to success.

FILIPINO ENTREPRENEURS in the UAE and GCC

ADVERTISING, MARKETING & PRODUCTION

CHRIS CALUMBERAN Founder CHRIS CALUMBERAN FZE - UAE chriscalumberan.com

Chris Calumberan FZE provides professional imaging production for commercial, retail and corporate clients.

Their specialties include editorial photography for and videos for various campaigns, from marketing collaterals and catalogues, tailor made for various client needs. Since marketing is an increasingly diverse field, Chris Calumberan FZE has continued to provide event coverage for various occasions on different platforms.

“The UAE market is so diverse that there is a lot of space for improvement for ourselves in the business,” Chris notes. His approach to success centers around the principles of focus, solution, and abundance.

info@milotorres.com | 050-4961650

MILO TORRES Founder MILO TORRES PHOTOGRAPHY milotorres.com There is no deficit in talented Filipino photographers and visual artists in the Gulf, but few have reached the level of success and relevance that Eng. Milo Torres currently has.

As a freelance digital media creative under the Dubai Creative Cluster Authority, Milo offers services of which include commercial photography, event coverage, company profile design and

development, and web development, among other things. He has had over 13 years of success in designing various materials for an impressive lineup of clients, including EMAAR, Dubai Duty Free, and Air France to name a few.

Acknowledging how becoming a thriving businessman is no easy feat, Milo shares that it is universally achievable: “To start and run a successful business entails many complexities, yet the fundamentals are simple – maintain a positive attitude, stay informed with the current market, know your customers, and keep monitoring all monetary transactions.

More importantly, give your best shot in everything that you do. If you can take this simple advice, you can be a successful entrepreneur.”

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By focusing on what really matters, clients become loyal, guaranteeing sustained business and growth. “Loyalty produces referrals and creates revenue.

Having the resources to study our competitors is ok in exchange of cost, but focusing in what matters can create more income for the business.”

Staying humble and having reasonable expectations is another core quality that Chris encourages, as company growth is all about setting achievable goals and visions. Sticking to your goals also helps you practice practicality, he adds: “There are plenty of jobs for everyone.

Think abundantly and try to avoid lavish expansion because it is an overhead that you may not afford in the future.”

FILIPINO ENTREPRENEURS in the UAE and GCC

ADVERTISING, MARKETING & PRODUCTION

HYKU DESESTO Founder HYKU D PHOTOGRAPHY/ SOULTRAP STUDIO - UAE hykudphotography.com Hyku Desesto is a renowned commercial photographer in Dubai, with two brands under her name. The first company

FLARIDEN DELA TORRE Founder GREAT IMAGE MIDDLE EAST FZ LLC - UAE greatimageme.com According to Flariden Dela Torre, “ Your passion and whatever is in your heart should be your type of your business.

Business is not all about the money, but it is more of what you love to do. You will not succeed in business if your main goal is only to gain profit and money. Business should be balanced. It should be the thing you always wanted to do and always wanted to improve upon. It is your partner as well in having a happy personal family life.”

Since its establishment in 2014, Flariden’s company Great Image Middle East LLC has become a trusted and reputable company in the UAE for wedding and corporate

photography, with their specialization including advertising, food, lifestyle and corporate portraits, to architectural and interiors. The company has also added videography to its portfolio of services.

With their roster of clients including corporations and government departments in the Middle East, as well as companies from the UK, Germany and Singapore, the company endeavors not only to capture, but to present images at its very best as they believe in elevating photos from a piece that you can hang on a wall, to an impressive picture that’s worthy of inclusion in a website or social media page.

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is Hyku D Photography, a multi– specialty photography house that covers campaigns, events, interior, lifestyle, fashion, food, weddings, portraiture and nightlife photography. The second is Soultrap Studio, her professional video production team.

Both companies exceed in producing high quality photo and video content for brands, businesses and individuals.

“Clients love working with us because we have the experience and foresight to devise from start to finish the output our clients really need. We also always give them more, without having to ask for it.”

FILIPINO ENTREPRENEURS in the UAE and GCC

ADVERTISING, MARKETING & PRODUCTION

RENELYN “GLITZY” ROBLES Founder & CEO NICHE MODELING AGENCY - UAE nichemodels.co The UAE’s first fully Filipino-owned modeling, production, and events agency, Niche Modeling Agency, was founded in 2017 both with the ambition to provide the market with local high caliber models and talents, and to challenge the negative generalizations associated with the industry and women in general.

CEO Glitzy Al Banna, alongside her team, aspires to introduce a new breed of modelling agency that redefines industry norms. With Dubai being the multi-cultural melting pot it is, Niche Modeling Agency not only provides its clients with top-notch models for print, editorial, and video campaigns, they too promise to deliver a highly diverse selection of talents that wholly represent the UAE in a global arena.

Not only have their endeavors as a company given many models opportunities, but they too have empowered other talents in the industry, including photographers, stylists, hairstylists, makeup artists, many of whom are Filipino.

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FILIPINO ENTREPRENEURS in the UAE and GCC

ADVERTISING, MARKETING & PRODUCTION

ANNA LIZA LLAGAS Founder & CEO ANNA MODEL MANAGEMENT - UAE annamodels.com Anna Model Management, established in 2016, was founded by seasoned Filipina model, Anna Liza Llagas. Having graced several runways and fashion spreads in the past, Anna’s transition towards the more commercial side of the industry was fueled by her advocacy to provide both models and clients with respect and professionalism, taking into consideration their needs and goals.

Anna Model Management offers a unique range of models for commercial, runway, and editorial projects.

As for what it takes to run and sustain a business, Anna shares: “Setting up a business is like going back to school – you have to be knowledgeable in every field – management, accounting, marketing etc. – even if it means studying the basics. But ultimately, passion and hard work are what determines success. The most essential lesson I’ve learned from running my own business is that almost everyone encounters failure. But for those who choose to persevere and achieve their goals, a failure is nothing but a learning experience that helps one grow.”

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FILIPINO ENTREPRENEURS in the UAE and GCC

EDUCATION

GABRIEL JOHN D. RIMANDO Founder & President FILIPINO INSTITUTE - UAE filipinoinstitute.ae

MAYET G MALANG Founder & CEO FILBRIT TRAINING CENTER - UAE filbrittrainingcentre.ae sampaguitaladiessalon.ae

More than just a school for the people, the Filipino Institute is committed to providing uniquely designed professional programs that equip Filipinos in the UAE and Middle East with the tools, as well as the enthusiasm, to succeed in a chosen field.

Offering short courses in photography, accounting, human resources and office administration, caregiving, IT, and Arabic language classes, students can choose from basic, intermediate, and advanced courses designed to update their skills and knowledge, help them advance in their careers, or give them a competitive edge in the job market. In a span of two years, Filipino Institute has produced 40,000 graduates in the UAE and other countries within the GCC. “It started from the thought of wanting to help others and our economy. A notion that through the ripple effect of changing lives one student at a time, I’d be changing the world,” – says founder and president Gabriel John D. Rimando.

On the journey to where they stand today, Gabriel expresses that failing, and continuously learning from one’s mistakes, is an integral part of success: “Do not be discouraged by failure. Through the mistakes we make, we grow, we find strength, and character is built. Failing will always be a part of success. We just have to embrace it and learn to change for the better.”

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Filbrit Training Center founded and led by Mayet Malang is a KHDA and DED licensed training center located in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. They specialize in shadow teaching and educational support for children with special needs. Mayet is also the owner of Sampaguita Salon, which is known for providing high quality beauty services with European hair products at a reasonable price.

Through her experience, Mayet swears by her formula for success: “Strategic planning stands at the core of every successful entrepreneur.

Having many options is the secret of being successful. Finding the balance between

FILIPINO ENTREPRENEURS in the UAE and GCC

TRAVEL SERVICES

planning carefully and being flexible is what will turn your business into a triumph. I also try very hard to listen to what my staff, my clients and others in the community are saying to me. Sometimes other people are the ones who can see things clearly.” She also mentions that passion is a driving force, that will keep one committed, and lastly, that being an entrepreneur comes with its own challenges as well.

“Being an entrepreneur is tough, but never give up – keep going, follow your dreams with enthusiasm and strength: and you will make it for sure.”

CHRISTINE TILJA Founder & Managing Director JAMES TRAVEL- UAE .jamestravelandtours.com

Backed with over 20 years in experience, and having worked with over 500,000 clients within the Middle East and back home, James Travel tirelessly strives to bridge the gap between the UAE and the Philippines, and the rest of the world. Enriching lives through travel, the company, with offices in both UAE and the Philippines, inspires and encourages people around the world to step out from what’s familiar through offering enticing services including: corporate travel, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events), educational/pilgrimage tours, worldwide holiday packages, visa processing, flight & hotel booking, as well as travel insurance.

Christine Tilja established the company in 2014, naming it after her eldest child. Since then, the company now has branches in Dubai, Makati and General Santos City. The entrepreneur shares what she likes the most about being her own boss, “To build a brand that adds value to the community and at the same time I get to spend more quality-time with James while growing up,” she says. “Success is a process – each experience, each mistake, each failure that I had made allows me to learn, be better and prepares me for the next chapter of my life.”

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FILIPINO ENTREPRENEURS in the UAE and GCC

TRAVEL SERVICES

SALON SERVICES

MALOU QUINTO PRADO Founder & CEO MPQ TOURISM - UAE filipinoinstitute.ae

ROY CRUZ & ABBI GADDI CRUZ Co-Founders MALU GALLARDO & ALGENE SURIA Partners BRUSKO BARBERS - UAE bruskobarbers.com

Spearheaded by Malou Quinto Prado, MPQ tourism is a fully Filipinoowned travel agency that aims to create unique and affordable travel experiences. As a leader among many travel agencies in Dubai, MPQ tourism specializes in visa organization, document assistance, travel arrangement and providing a wide variety of travel packages to customers.

Malou’s secret to success starts with acknowledging and planning for the problems that lie ahead. “As an entrepreneur I can say it’s not easy running a business. You should always be positive and motivate yourself away from negative energy to strength and confidence.”

Her next secret to success lies within teamwork – always applying good leadership skills and nurturing employee relationships in order to ensure a happy and efficient work flow. “Investing more and more of your heart into your work the higher you go up is beneficial to the company and yourself. The results show as you put more effort into these things.”

According to Malou, analyzing and adopting the traits of a great entrepreneur improves one’s abilities immensely. She also puts emphasis on especially being goal oriented. She says, “By setting short-term and long-term goals, your business will be able to achieve more in the long run, and you’ll have a quicker read on the situation when things inevitably go wrong.”

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These days, looking sharp is on every guy’s mind. Brusko Barbers is a Dubai-based concept barbershop that offers classic and edgy haircuts, clean shaves, top-notch grooming services, as well as treatments provided by professional barbers and hairstylists – all in one urban warehouse styled hideaway for men in JLT. Lead by co-founders Roy Cruz and Abbi Gaddi Cruz, with partners Malu Gallardo and Algene Suria, Brusko Barbers was born out of the desire to address a gap in the market between exclusive men’s salons and the run-of-the-mill type.

No stranger to hustling, these entrepreneurs share what it takes to successfully build a brand:

FILIPINO ENTREPRENEURS in the UAE and GCC

SALON SERVICES

“To start up a business, you must have the skills to hustle, research-based insights, and a foolproof perspective on how good your service/product is.

It sounds tough because it really is. If you’ve got that hard-core will to learn and to do all the above then you are ready to become an entrepreneur and it’s time for you to find the most suitable type of funding, partners or investors.”

DAWN ALMARIO, OLGA BARCELONA, LOT QUILATAN & SHEENA JONES Co-Founders STRAWBERRY NAILS - UAE strawberrysalondubai.com

Just like the hair and nail treatments they offer, bold and brave are Dawn Almario, Olga Barcelona, Lot Quilatan, and Sheena Jones – founders of Strawberry Nails. Recognizing Dubai’s fast paced lifestyle, Strawberry Nails caters to the edgy girl on-the-go.

Having been open for three years now, these ladies express that despite having developed immensely as both a team and a brand, they too elaborate that every aspect of any business can always be further enriched.

From one entrepreneur to another who aspires, they share: “No matter how perfectly planned things are, you have to be flexible and constantly open to new ideas for each challenge. Be patient. Return of investment doesn’t happen overnight. Even a baby needs nine months to be fully developed and yet once born it’s just the beginning. Finally, believe in your idea and be brave. When things don’t go as planned, remember why you started the business, and just go for it. It’s always better to try and fail, than to fail because you never tried.”

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FILIPINO ENTREPRENEURS in the UAE and GCC

FOOD & BEVARAGE

JOHN BUENAVENTURA Founder & CEO

JOAN TUAÑO Co-Founder & Culinary Business Manager

CUISINERO UNO URBAN TAPAS BAR - UAE cusinero-uno.com

LA CARNE PREMIUM MEAT - UAE lacarne.com

As Abu Dhabi’s premium meat retailer, La Carne bridges the gap between people and meat with high quality eating. Specializing in grass-fed Wagyu and Angus beef, as well as lamb, the family-run joint has garnered great trust from customers, carving out a reputation for providing meat that is not only excellent, but traceable.

Established in 2014, entrepreneur Joan Tuaño shares that the success of a business is rooted in numerous facets. She elaborates: “Be transparent.

Be honest and clear with those you work with every day, as it plants good business relationships. Listen to your team and customers; they have the answers! Be prepared to continuously change. We have changed our business model so many times and that’s okay. Your business is your story, so don’t be afraid to edit the chapters. Fourth is to understand your team, their capabilities and potential. Appreciate good work and constructively criticize mistakes to encourage your team to do better next time. Last but not least, know the numbers that matter to sustain your business!”

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Cuisinero Uno is a Filipino–owned contemporary urban tapas and cocktail bar which caters to residents, professionals and tourists that flock to the swanky Dubai Business Bay area. It is the place for upscale and straightforward, yet ‘moreish’ dishes partnered with ultra-creative cocktails. Created by ‘Rockstar Chef ’ John Martho Buenaventura, Cuisinero Uno is one of the few pioneer homegrown concepts in Dubai that now caters to a growing market of increasingly progressive expats in the country.

Chef John’s fear of mediocrity and desire to embolden Filipinos were key in the birthing of this restaurant. His work challenges the notion of many Filipinos within the field, choosing not to stay within boundaries and constantly

FILIPINO ENTREPRENEURS in the UAE and GCC

FOOD & BEVARAGE

pushing the limits of how modern Filipinos are perceived.

The restobar is known for its deviant approach to preparing food, redefining the modern dining experience with tapas that represent hip and funky takes on Emarati, Asian and Spanish flavor.

Their food is also delivered on a personal level of customer–chef experience, being served directly by the chefs as they explain about the food and the uniqueness behind it.

“We are not pretentious and over-priced, however, we provide service with personal connectivity. We are all about the character and passion of our people behind the brand, as well as the clientele we love to welcome.”

ALBERTO OPENA Co-Founders OUNCE FACILITIES MANAGEMENT - UAE facebook.com/ouncedxb Ounce is a leading event management service that excels in providing food and beverage. Based in the UAE and opened by Alberto Opena, Ounce has been providing its services to many well-known companies such as MMI, Spinneys Abu Dhabi, Flash Entertainment Concert Events, Horeca, and more. They have also been actively involved in prestigious events like F1, the Meydan Cup and various concerts across the UAE. Founder Alberto Opena has been working from an early age. He believes that being an entrepreneur is a privilege, one determined by hard work and perseverance: “Success is hard work paid off. In other words, there is no shortcut for your goals.” Further elaborating he shares: “Self-motivation is important, but this is also the part where my family played a huge role in reminding me that I can make anything possible. My family has always been my driving force to success.” With passion, determination and hard work, Alberto insists that, despite the problems that come along the way, success is only within arm’s reach.

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FILIPINO ENTREPRENEURS in the UAE and GCC

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sumptuous meals in their most natural form possible.

ROLLY BRUCALES Founder OFF THE HOOK - UAE othrestaurant.com Off The Hook seafood restaurant is a homegrown casual dining restaurant that first opened its doors in Abu Dhabi, and has opened a second branch in Deira, Dubai towards the late end of 2017. Its specialty comes in the form of seafood boils made from only the freshest ingredients around, complemented by their chef ’s expertise and distinctive blend of sauces. They follow the Filipino food philosophy “simplicity and flavor is key.” Louisiana style, Off the Hook takes pride in preparing

Off The Hook’s focus has always been on the people, aiming to provide the best service combined with family fun style dining. Proprietor Rolly Brucares shares, “Our mission is simple and sincere. We are genuinely committed to delivering exactly what we believe in - food that will make your palate and body happy.”

Community has been essential to the founding and growth of the business, as it has provided them with all the goals and markers to push towards. “We focus on maintaining high quality – both in service and products thereby establishing a strong identity within our community. With this in mind, the management invests heavily in team trainings and development to sustain the growth of each individual inside the organization.”

Established in March 2014, Adobo is an Oman based restaurant that specializes in authentic Filipino cuisines, introducing and pushing the influence of Filipino food to a growing OF market in the Sultanate. The restaurant is characterized first by its native Filipino décor, emulating the experience of dining in a bahay kubo, and the kamayan method of eating.

Dowel Deligos is the brains behind Adobo, and his goal is to bring back the nostalgia of family– style home-cooked food with a high culinary standard. In an increasingly competitive market, bringing Filipino food to his fellow kababayans

DOWEL DELIGOS Founder ADOBO RESTAURANT - OMAN facebook.com/adoboresto

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FILIPINO ENTREPRENEURS in the UAE and GCC

FOOD & BEVARAGE

does not come easy. Dowel says that as an entrepreneur, he faced a great deal of uncertainty when for planning his operations in the long term. “For those who are willing to take a calculated risk and run the bureaucratic gauntlet, the rewards are great. The order of the day is diligence, sheer dedication, and perseverance and of course prayers and faith in God.”

JEFFREY PONCE TORRES Managing Director DONNEL JEFF M. PAULINO Managing Partner TALK HANG RESTAURANT - UAE Talk Hang Restaurant lives exactly up to its name! Located within the bustling heart of Deira, Dubai, Talk Hang is a go-to spot for Filipino food, as well as a popular place to hang out and chill. They specialize in all Filipino favorites from lumpia to seafood, and the restaurant has been designed with socializing and guest interaction in mind.

For entrepreneurs Jeffrey Ponce Torres and Donnel Jeff M. Paulino,

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there is no linear method to success; however they explain that there are three main elements that are vital to maintaining a successful business – planning, passion and love. According to them, everything starts with an effective plan of action which should be elaborated upon into an effective business strategy.

Thereafter, passion lies in the mindset, with a happy mind and a positive outlook as the best drivers for growth and progress.

Lastly, in doing what you love, the path to success will be all the more fulfilling.

“Success does not go by its definition, it is the return of the actions that we do. With action, things happen and whatever we get is the return to what we do.

Without doing: everything stops, nothing moves. Success is the motion of action.”

FILIPINO ENTREPRENEURS in the UAE and GCC

FOOD & BEVARAGE

RICHELLE ORTIZ Founder & CEO CARINDERIA NI TANDANG SORA, ULING AT PARILYA & CRO RESTOBAR - UAE carinderianitandangsora.com Chef Richelle Ortiz (CRO) has three brands under his name. The first being Carinderia ni Tandang Sora, a Filipino restaurant chain which serves authentic homestyle food from the Philippines. Chef Richelle’s Second brand is Uling at Parilya – a fast casual dining restaurant serves street food and comfort food to the increasingly populous Filipino community within Al Satwa. On the other hand, CRO Restobar is a signature restaurant and bar which offers a unique take on familiar Filipino food and drinks.

Chef Richelle’s formula for success lies within his 15 yeas of culinary experience. He believes in the success of his business through effective communication within the kitchen. His culinary expertise in Filipino, Italian, French and international cuisine, has proven his given him a remarkable palate and passion for food, as reflected in his unforgettable dishes. He believes in turning one’s expertise into passion and using it to fuel the drive towards success.

“If you like what you do, you will not think that is hard work and will give your all to succeed. Just make sure a system is in place – to be logical in executing your passion and never lose sight of the goal.”

ALDO AGUILAR Co-Founder ESKINITA - UAE facebook.com/ESKINITADXB

Eskinita Restaurant – Street Food Factory is a hotspot for Pinoy streetfood lovers in the UAE with all the fun and chill elements that defines the authentic Filipino street food experience.

They specialize in fusion juices, grills and sizzlers reminiscent of the turo-turo back home.

Eskinita is also known for hosting a variety of Filipino talents, accommodating “Eskinita Jammers” comprised of singers, musicians, poets and many other artists.

“We also wanted our kabayans to experience the ambience of Pinoy hospitality where they can just come and enjoy our ‘Tambayan sa Eskinita’.

Just chilling and relaxing after a stressful and tiring day at work.”

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FILIPINO ENTREPRENEURS in the UAE and GCC

FOOD & BEVARAGE

OTHERS

Eskinita’s key to success lies within the mindset of constant evolution. With Dubai’s citizens moving onto new levels of progression and modernity, Eskinita stays on top by adapting to the change.

As an entrepreneur, Aldo Aguilar highlights the importance of being able to see opportunity where others would see problems – braving through the struggle in order to give out the best service. “I’ve questioned myself whether I should pursue the business or lose out. Of course, I have to win. Eskinita Restaurant prides itself with people who have the passion to succeed. We are a people industry and these people are the key to our success.”

MA. JOSEPHINE PANAGSAGAN ABINA Managing Partner VANTAGE INTERNATIONAL - OMAN vantageinternational.com.ph

Vantage International which is in the direct marketing industry is a company that caters to the needs of growing enterprises, investing in and encouraging many young aspiring entrepreneurs and companies.

According to entrepreneur Ma. Josephine Panagsagan Abina, “Vantage is about empowering people to do business; for themselves and not by themselves. We harness the power of enterprise. We created a business environment, where you are not alone but rather a collective effort of likeminded individuals dedicated to change their lives.”

This Filipina entrepreneur shares her own insights on the journey to creating a business, saying that the hardest part entrepreneurship comes with launching a platform. “By making your entrepreneurial voice heard, you will cement yourself into the industry. Use your voice to carry out the message of your business on each and every single detail.” She adds, “Being an entrepreneur is all about the journey. “Treat your business as your own baby.” She says, as the many experiences that you go through (good and bad) will be the ones that define your future success.

Josephine is also a firm believer in the fact that Filipinos are a global workforce to be reckoned with – and that all Pinoy entrepreneurs must support their people in order to increase the presence of the Filipino image.

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FILIPINO ENTREPRENEURS in the UAE and GCC

OTHERS

SHERYL BACAY AGBING Chairman ENTREPINOY - UAE entrepinoyco.com

IMAN SUGUITAN Founder & Managing Director AHSANT DUBAI - UAE ahsantdubai.com

Endeavoring not only to inspire entrepreneurship, but also to bring change to impoverished communities back home, social enterprise EntrePINOY aspires to become the preferred global suppliers of socially responsible and high-quality Philippine products.

A catalyst for social change, Entrepinoy has been distributing – Bios Dynamis the breakthrough certified organic rice of the “Adopt a Farm” program. “By importing these products and introducing them into the Middle East market, we are thereby helping our local farmers,” says EntrePinoy Chairman Sheryll Bacay Agbing.

Sheryll, together with partners Jessie Quintilla, Gertie Quebral, Hyden Restificar, and Chito Hernandez, have created EntrePinoy as a business with a social purpose as its primary driver. “Knowing why you do business, how you do it, and what you do, we believe, is the formula to success. Regardless of how best great your business plan is, and how impeccable your marketing and sales strategies are, not knowing your purpose is like travelling without knowing your destination. EntrePinoy aims to bring high-quality Philippine products to the world while solving social dilemmas and creating a positive impact on the lives of people and the community they belong.”

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Ahsant premium hotel supplies and specialized gifts provides room, bathroom and restaurant accessories within the industry of hospitality.

Since 2009, Ahsant has partnered with many renowned hotel brands within the MEA region such as the Four Seasons, Burj Al Arab, Ritz Carlton, The Address Hotels and Resorts, Marriott, Hilton and many more. An award winning brand, Ahsant has won the 2015 Best Hotel Partner in MEHA (Middle East Hotel Awards), and the Best Luxury Hotel Supplies Company in the 2017 UAE Business Awards.

Founder and Managing Director Iman Suguitan’s rise to success has been one of humility and

FILIPINO ENTREPRENEURS in the UAE and GCC

OTHERS

learning. Books have always been a source of learning for Iman, providing her with many ideas and inspiration. “I read books for start-ups, for success, for change, and I have this one favorite, the book called “Built to Last”. It is both inspiring and pragmatic, good for entrepreneurs who’d like to build a company that will last.” Remaining inquisitive at all times is also essential to learning according to Iman: “Asking may give you a “yes” or a “no” but if you never ask, you will never have a chance for “yes”.”

Lastly, being humble stands at the core of Iman’s key to success. When dealing with problems, she quotes: “don’t let success run to your head nor should you let failure define you”.

LUCHIE SUGUITAN Co-Founder & COO OFW PARA SA MAGSASAKA - UAE ofwparamagsasaka.com Working altruistically to bring positive social and economic change in the lives of those less fortunate back home, OFW para sa Magsasaka (OPM) partners with the marginalized yet potentially profitable agricultural sector of the Philippines with the goal of alleviating poverty experienced

by Mindanao farmers. Led by COO and Head of Products Luchie Suguitan, OPM soon plan on producing fine cacao products to address the tremendous global demand.

Although no definitive formula for success exists for Luchie, she has learnt a lot from her journey as an entrepreneur. She elaborates: “You can hire the best people in your team, but at the end of the day, you cannot expect anyone to care more about your business, other than yourself – therefore, YOU must know the ins and outs of your business more than anyone else.

Learn what you can from mentors. They are well-intentioned people who have gone through the birth and growing pains of a business and they will not be afraid to suggest or advise you on how things could be done better.

But ultimately, my successes and failures will only be at the mercy of God’s wisdom.”

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FILIPINO ENTREPRENEURS in the UAE and GCC

OTHERS

Founded by Lillian Maria S. Bautista, Al Maher Sculpture bridges culture, environmental awareness, and handmade products by offering decoration services for weddings, birthdays, holidays and many other special locations. Their services are tailor made for a number of special occasions and uses, making pre-arranged bouquets, centerpieces and indoor/ outdoor arrangements.

Al Maher Sculpture also organizes, and hosts flower arrangement workshops targeted towards beginners within the particular field.

Entrepreneur Lillian Maria S. Bautista is not one to shy away from struggle in the pursuit of business. She encourages her peers to find different ways around different obstacles that stand in the way of growth on the long run. “To overcome the situation, one should be flexible.

When original plan won’t work, think of new strategies to

LILIAN MARIA S. BAUTISTA Founder AL MAHER SCULPTURES LLC UAE

implement.” Creativity is an added edge, as non-conventional methods often produce more interesting results.

Starting a business also means crafting out your own market and reaching out to a target niche within the audience. “If your market within your geographical location is limited, try to create your own.

Reinvent. Try to reach out as far as possible” Perseverance and patience are essential on the long run, she adds, as being a business owner requires serious amounts of time and effort in order to gain on the long run, as the fruits of hard work are at the end, not the start.

Being able to profoundly uplift others in the string of a few words is something Ion and Raquel Gonzaga strive towards. As managing partners of Eternitee – a unique label of statement t-shirts imprinted with spiritual wisdom – they aim to show how imparting positivity in the form of a mere sentence can leave such a huge impact.

ION GONZAGA & RAQUEL GONZAGA Co-Founders & Managing Partners

For Ion and Raquel, attaining success hasn’t been the easiest. However, they’ve realized that being in tune with one’s spirituality is integral to the path towards it: “Besides taking the time to learn

ETERNITEE - UAE weareternitee.com

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FILIPINO ENTREPRENEURS in the UAE and GCC

OTHERS

about digital resources that are currently available that allow for the growth of businesses (which is truly relevant), we are dependent on God’s wisdom above all. All decisions are prayed for, and sought for. Every action is assessed on if it is motivated by love, if it will inspire others, and if it will honor God.”

In addition to the extensive market research and studies that entrepreneur Regina MartinMarauta has undertaken, she insists that patience, perseverance and uniqueness. “It is crucial to have patience, perseverance, and, most importantly, a unique product/concept, or an everyday product that has been enhanced and altered in an innovative way.”

REGINA MARAUTA Founder MEETING GARMENTS TRADING - UAE meetingdancewear.com Fashion is a market that constantly grows day by day. New trends pop-up and an increasing demand for niche markets has been on the rise within the recent years – and that’s where Meeting Garments comes in.

Chic, comfortable, energetic and stylish, Meeting Garments specializes in ready-made clothes, shoes and accessories that cater to all performance art institutions in Dubai, representing well-known brands from across the world.

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Helpful staff and a pleasant customer experience are definitely a necessity as one of Regina’s crucial qualities within a brand is the ability to reciprocate.

Being able to give back to the community ensures a long lasting life within the market, as it builds relationships and guarantees customer loyalty. “Being an entrepreneur is all about being selfless and innovative, and reminding your customers why they should keep coming back.”

F E AT U R E

HELLO,

I’M A FREELANCER. THE UPS AND DOWNS OF BEING SELF-EMPLOYED You will hustle, and you will hustle hard. If you’re the type of person who likes to be in the backseat, or just conveniently go with the flow hide in the corner and just wait for instructions, the freelance life might not be for you.

By KRISTINE ABANTE

F

For more than a decade, I had a bit of both worlds, I was an employee on the daily grind receiving a reliable pay check every month, and I was a parttime freelancer pursuing my other passions on my free time.

All was well and good until one day, you realize you just want to be able to wake up without the alarm clock telling you that it’s time to go, or have a longer vacation without having to explain to your boss and begging for an NOC. And so, after 15 long years of having my one foot out the door, I finally bid goodbye to the old comfort zone, and stepped into the crazy, exciting world of being a full-time freelancer.

Here are the top things I have learned from becoming a full time freelancer:

All you need is WiFi Forget the Beatles, you can do for periods of time without love, but you can’t as a freelancer, do without WiFi. It is the Holy Grail.

Technology has completely redefined the way we live, work and play. With everything becoming more and more accessible on mobile, people now have the option to leave the boring confines of an office cubicle and a work wherever there is a good internet connection – this includes your favorite café, your kitchen, your bed, your hometown, or if you’re lucky enough, by the beach, while you’re getting a tan. Talk about multi-tasking to the extreme!

Freedom is messy Without the time-in punch clock, you also let go of the daily organized routine,

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and while there is no one forcing you to get up, to be successful at freelancing, you’ve got to have enough self-discipline to get your act together and make the most of your day.

Keep in mind that your ability to earn is tied to your ability to manage yourself.

I mean, technically I can sleep or binge on Netflix all day if I want to, but that wouldn’t be very productive, especially if you have bills to pay.

Save for the rainy days The day you collect a payment from a client is the day you win the lottery.

And like a lottery winner, you might be tempted to splurge. But before you go on a shopping spree, remember the next paycheck or the next big project might not come for a while, so you have to be able to stretch your resources anywhere from 30-90 days.

F E AT U R E

work home with you. Often times, you feel like you should be working even on a Friday, which rarely happened when I had a full time job. Now I am slowly learning to give myself a break. It is also important not to be your own slave.

Prepare to Hustle You will hustle, and you will hustle hard.

If you’re the type of person who likes to be in the backseat, or just conveniently go with the flow hide in the corner and just wait for instructions, the freelance life might not be for you.

No matter how good you are, if you don’t put yourself out there, you are bound to lose. In a marketplace where competition is tough and other service providers are easily accessible, a freelancer needs to be on top of his/her game. Build, mine and update your network and your portfolio constantly. Go for gold!

Overall, freelance life is not for the fainthearted, perhaps this is the reason why it took me such a long time to take the leap. Six months in, I would say the risk is well worth the rewards. Plus nothing beats going to the beach on a weekday after a good client meeting.

You’re the boss (and also the slave) There are perks to being your own boss and calling the shots. So far, the best part is that I don’t have to take negativity from anyone but myself. I can, for the most part, choose who I want to work with or what I want to work on, and having that choice means that whatever happens, I have brought it upon myself and therefore have no one else to blame. At the same

time, there is a greater sense of fulfillment whenever you accomplish a task well, or you gain one happy client.

Give yourself a break In terms of vacation days, ironically, I find negotiating with myself a lot harder than with my former boss. As a freelancer, you might have a tendency to work yourself to the max. You always have to bring your

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UNDER -THE-RADAR DESTINATIONS

TOP 10 under-the-radar DESTINATIONS FILIPINOS SHOULD VISIT B y A LW E E V I L L A R O S A

While hot spots like the Maldives and Thailand may have blown up on your Instagram feeds in 2017, this feature will be all about discovering amazing places off-the-beaten track. And trust us, there are plenty of incredible things and adventures awaiting the eager traveler in these spots. From reinvented capitals to secluded island getaways, here are the top under-the-radar destinations according to these certified Filipino wanderlusters.

VIENNA

By DANABELLE GUTIERREZ

the city when the weather permits, it allows for more discovery of that Viennese magic.”

Make your way to the capital of Vienna for loads of desserts and a whole lot of history!

“Art is alive in this city. From the graffiti on the walls to the street performers to the museums to the opera, there’s something about Vienna that makes you want to create and/or appreciate creation and the process of creating. Getting around is a piece of cake, too. Public transportation is affordable and convenient, but personally, I love walking in

The Austrian capital is surely at its peak and most lively during December, but the beauty of this city is there to be breathed in all year round. With the large amount of cafes and coffee roasteries, restaurants, wineries and open-air swimming, your trip to this city will give you loads of IG-worthy photos that will make your friends jealous! But don’t just take photos. Enjoy the ambiance!

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Here are some of the best Vienna destinations worth checking out: Wiener Riesenrad We’ve all heard of the London Eye, but Vienna has a version of that and it’s equally beautiful. Authentically vintage, this attraction was built in 1897 and also starred in the thriller movie The Third Man. The structure is more than 200ft tall and riding it really feels like stepping back in time! What better way to see Vienna than having a magical view from the top.

The Palmenhaus If you are all about nature and everything fresh, checking out The Palmenhaus might be one of your instant favorites while you’re in Vienna. It is situated in Burggaten Park and is probably the world’s grandest greenhouse! But it’s not just that because apart from the lush trees and plants from all over the world, this attraction also houses a restaurant and bar that serve Austrian delights!

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Fürth Kaffee After a full-day of admiring what seems to be an endless horizon of beauty, you might want to pause for a cup of coffee and desserts because, well — that is just part of Viennese life. Fürth Kaffee on Kirchengasse is a cafe part roastery and part co-working space so catching up on a few emails will be easy for you, plus you get to experience a stunning slice of modern Vienna while you are seated by the window with an espresso and some local pastry. Ah, what a life!

UNDER -THE-RADAR DESTINATIONS

INDIA

B y M I L L E T T E S UA N

“India happens to be one of those special places that embody different things, to different people. After having visited Udaipur (City of Lakes) and Goa (Ibiza of the East), I’ve come to realize that India is a place where contemporary modernity is fused with ancient wisdom. It is a place where magic exists, as well as a healthy dose of realism. Some get lost in the bowels of its chaos, only to find their inner voice. Others stray on the path of mysticism, but end up finding spirituality. To a certain extent, and without romanticizing the thought – traveling to India, is a calling; and the only way to truly experience the land, is to immerse yourself -body, mind and soul.”

India is a pretty big country and it is a real challenge to choose which city should be your top destination. But do not fret, we’ve listed 4 cities that are truly worth your time and money!

Jaipur Jaipur is commonly known as the ‘Pink City’ due to its stunning buildings which were painted pink in 1876 to welcome the Prince of Wales and Queen Victoria.

Jaipur is also the biggest city in the state

of Rajasthan, and its capital. Together with Agra and Delhi, it is part of the famous Golden “Triangle” which attracts thousands of Indian and international tourists every year. The most-visited sites include the mesmerizing City Palace, a couple of impressive Rajput forts and the many temples.

Varanasi Varanasi is one of the most beautiful, historical and spiritual cities in northern

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India. The first settlements date back to the 11th century BC, making it one of the oldest inhabited places in the world. A sacred place for both Hindus and Jains, it is also home to a varied range of vendors, sadhus, entrepreneurs, priests, pilgrims and families. The scenes of devotion in the river, set against the backdrop of stunning temples, are certainly some of the most impressive in the world.

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Udaipur Most famous for its stunning lakes, forts, temples and palaces, Udaipur is another city located in the state of Rajasthan, and is certainly not to be missed. Lovers will be delighted to hear that this is a city filled with romantic spots, as well as beautiful gardens. Over the years, it has been a favorite setting for many movies, including James Bond-title Octopussy (1983). The city is filled with color, as locals opt to wear vibrant clothes, and fairs and festivals happen year-round.

Bangalore In one of the latest surveys, Bangalore was established as India’s most livable city. In the past, it used to be referred to as the “Pensioner’s Paradise” and the “Garden City of India” because of its large, green spaces. While in recent years, development has meant that the city’s green areas have been affected and reduced, it still has enough to make it one of the most beautiful cities in India, and lush green forests can still be found in the outskirts. Bangalore is also the main center of the IT industry, commonly known as the “Silicon Valley of India”.

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UNDER -THE-RADAR DESTINATIONS

BERLIN

B y HA N NA H M A G S AYO

“Berlin, Germany is one of the trendiest European destinations. The city has a special vibe and it is known for its independent personality and creative culture. Berliners seem to be relaxed and you can’t find any people rushing around the city. They love to go to the parks to chill, drink beer (metro, streets, basically anywhere) or do their own thing. Berlin was once named the ‘Hipster capital of the world’. In neighborhoods like Kreuzberg and Neukölln, you’ll find tons of vibrant and artsy places where you can see graffiti, galleries, homegrown brands and musicians. With 24-hours nightlife, partying is like a religion and it has become the world capital of techno. You can find a lot of underground bars, alternative pubs, and clubs. On the other hand, If you are a world history lover, Berlin is also your city.”

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Booming with life from sunrise up to sun down, a city where history and modernity coexist, we were intrigued by how this balance is possible in Berlin. So out of curiosity, we turned to Airbnb and asked some of superhosts to for advice on the best things to do when in Berlin.

Here’s what they have to say: Adreas - Sundays at Mauerpark The flea market at Mauerpark is quite popular. It is frequently used as the Sunday afternoon activity hub by hip Berliners and tourists. Sunday Afternoon Cult: Karaoke at Mauerpark. The popularity of the flea market at Mauerpark partly stems from the karaoke sessions that take place at the amphitheater. From spring until autumn the place is packed with a

crowd of curious people.

Daniel - Tempelhofer Feld This is a former airport which is now a park. You can ride a bike or inline skates on the former runways. This place was the largest airport in the world when it opened and the former airport that was at the same location was actually the first civil airport in the world, and until today the building is the 4th largest building worldwide.

Tally - Markthalle Neun Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays there are excellent local farmers selling fruits, vegetables, meat, tofu, wine, cheese, olive oil, etc. It is the best local market in Berlin. Most days, there is a bakery open

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with excellent bread, pizza and some other treats. There are also a few places for lunch and a play area for children, as well as a small brewery. On Thursdays, there is a Street Food Market from 5pm to 10pm. The lines are generally long but there is food for everyone.

Imre - Museum Island A small island in the middle of the river Spree, with a complex of five internationally significant museums: Old Museum (Altes Museum) - New Museum (Neues Museum) - Old National Gallery (Alte National Gallery) - Bode Museum - Pergamon Museum.

This place is perfect for those who want to see the arts and culture of Berlin!

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SRI LANKA

By DARYLL B ORJA

“If you’re a tropical person at heart, well Sri Lanka is just the perfect place for you! From sandy beaches with palms leaning over the sea to high mountains perfect for adventure hikes, this country never ceases to amaze. One of its unique advantages over other tropical destinations is that it’s a compact island where every place is accessible by land.

With my six day trip, I was able to travel from North to South via tuktuk, bus, and train, and along the way, I’ve met the most hospitable locals and the friendliest travelers that made my trip very memorable, enough to have a special place in my heart.”

Colombo, the coastal capital of Sri Lanka is an often avoided stop when visiting the spice island. But as more entrepreneurs of the newer generation open more businesses and create interesting things to do, Colombo is fast becoming an unmissable stop. Here’s a day by day guide on what to see and what to do to spice up your visit:

The first area to check out is the Colombo Fort, and there are two really cool ways to do that, either with Mark Forbes and his Colombo City Walk or with a TukTuk Safari. If you can’t pick then do one on one day and the other on another day!

There are different times of day for each option so it’s easy to find the right one for you.

Day 1 Check in at a nice city hotel like the Jetwing Colombo Seven with a rooftop pool so you can see the city from above.

After a day of exploring, have dinner at Kaema Sutra in the new Shangri La Hotel for some authentic Sri Lankan food.

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Day 2 For your second day, why not have a yummy breakfast at the Black Cat Cafe before taking a stroll around the Cinnamon Gardens neighborhood and visiting some of the temples in the city like the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple at Beira Lake and the Temple of Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil.

You should also visit the National Colombo Museum to see lots of ancient artifacts and learn more about Sri Lankan

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culture and history. For a night cap or maybe a night out, go check Park Street Mews for some drinks and Colombo nightlife.

Day 3 Have breakfast at Barefoot Garden Cafe and do some unbeatable shopping for handmade crafts and woven sarongs for yourself or friends and family back home.

After some gorgeous gift collecting, move hotels to the Galle Face Hotel for a historic Colombo experience.

After checking in, take a tour of the hotel and then spend the afternoon poolside until sunset. If you are into some sightseeing, take a stroll along the Galle Face Green.

Day 4 For the last day why not go for a spa treatment in your hotel or at the White Spa by Spa Ceylon. Treat yourself to Ayurvedic massages and a facial. Load up on marvelous Ayurvedic products manufactured here on the island and take it easy exploring the parts of the city you still haven’t seen. Have lunch at the yummy Cafe Kumbuk or go for some incredible crab curry at the Ministry of Crab.

Pack your bags to go back home or keep on exploring Sri Lanka!

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NEW YORK

By JULIE PEARL ORCULLO

“You cannot define New York in one word. Its beauty is in being a multicultural melting pot. You see everyone blending in no matter their race or status. It has flavors so familiar yet you can savor the fusion. If you crave for anything, there will always be something you can find available there. I say this, in New York, you can be anyone that you want to be. There is that sense of freedom in the air and the liberty to express yourself and experience it in all of its glory.”

The city that never sleeps! There’s plenty of things to do in the bustling Big Apple so be sure you’ve got enough energy to conquer this concrete jungle (where dreams are made of) — hello Alicia Keys!

Central Park Located in Manhattan, Central Park is the nation’s first major urban public space, attracting 25 million visitors every year. It does not only impress NYC tourists, but it amazes and continues to

attract loyal New Yorkers who make frequent visits. First opening in the mid1800s, Central Park has appeared in multiple movies, television shows, and features as an important factor in many Hollywood storylines. Offering photo tours, music festivals, incredible views and fun dining experiences, Central Park is a perfect stop for all NYC tourists and truly encompasses the title, “The Heart of the City.”

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Roberta’s Covered in hip-hop-influenced graffiti is Roberta’s, a popular Italian-inspired pizza and local dining establishment in Bushwick. Don’t let the exterior deter you – urban decay becomes haughty elegance as you enter this surprisingly chic restaurant. Business casual attire seems status quo, and patrons are seated by bohemian yet professional hosts. The pizza is served in pies rather than by the slice, with additional meal options like

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coffee-roasted beets or cabbage and sea lettuce salad. Roberta’s is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, with weekend brunch and takeout available until midnight.

Brooklyn Museum Among other great permanent works and roving exhibitions, the little-known Brooklyn Museum is the permanent home to an important collection of Feminist Art. Don’t miss the iconic Dinner Party installation by Judy Chicago (Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, 4th Floor). Check their website for live music, lectures and performances.

Admission price is a suggested donation.

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EGYPT

By TESSA ANTONIO

“Marhaba from Egypt! The moment I saw The Great Pyramids of Giza, I couldn’t believe that i was seeing what I could only read about in the encyclopedias when I was a kid.

This place was unbelievable and utterly surreal. I don’t know how to begin to tell you how beautiful this country is, despite how media paints it to be unsafe! Most of my friends and family warned me that it was dangerous, risky and not safe for women to travel to Egypt.

I’m so glad I followed my instincts and left my doubts and fears before the plane took off.”

Three days is not enough to explore the wonders of this magical ancient country!

I couldn’t even fathom how they preserve relics and hieroglyphics on walls. My itinerary included sightseeing in Cairo and Alexandria. I was really in awe seeing the Pyramids of Giza and Saqqara, the tombs in Memphis and the pristine beach in Alexandria.

Aside from crazy drivers along the highway, in general, expenses are reasonably cheap compared to Dubai.

Uber is just a call away. Food is delicious,

and people are friendly. Sometimes, It’s hard to judge a place from afar. You need to be there to feel the vibes of the city.

I’m forever grateful that I ticked off this wonderful country from my bucket list!”

Because of the Pyramids of Giza, it’s no wonder that Cairo will always be an appealing African metropolis constantly drawing in crowds. And for those wishing to explore the city off the beaten path, the vivrant Egyptian capital is home to a thriving hidden artistic scene with cozy book shops, colorful markets, authentic

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Arabic restaurants and compelling art galleries abound. Here are other things you can do after seeing the world’s remaining classic wonder: Fashet Sumaya Open from only 5-7pm every evening, this quaint, three-tabled restaurant is just the right amount of exclusive, and is one of the most authentic Egyptian culinary destinations in Cairo. Hidden down a quiet lane in downtown Bab El Louk, diners here can enjoy traditional home cooked meals served by Sumaya herself,

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the friendly owner of the establishment.

It is so intimate that it is impossible not to chat with fellow diners. Fashet Sumaya is a true taste of Arab hospitality and society, and is an enjoyable, original culinary experience in the city.

Khan el Khalili Bazaar A stroll through Cairo’s most eclectic souk is a walk which engages all of the senses, with the smell of exotic spices wafting through the stalls and the intricate stained glass lamps casting a kaleidoscope of light onto the streets.

Here local vendors sell a variety of wonders, from clothing to hookah pipes and regional foodstuff, making it the best place to pick up authentic souvenirs.

Visitors should be sure to haggle, with bartering being a local tradition of which a failure to take part is considered almost disrespectful.

The City of the Dead Also known as Cairo Necropolis, this Islamic cemetery stretches over an impressive area of four miles, with entire streets dedicated to the tombs

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of civilizations of the past. A largely inhabited area where people live amongst the remains of their ancestors, this historic region exudes a unique atmosphere which combines life and death in a truly fascinating way. With intricate shrines inscribed with phrases from the Qur’an, exploring the City of the Dead promises to be an unforgettable experience.

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ADELAIDE

By CARLZ LIBO-ON

“Among all the cities in Australia I visited, nothing compares to the quaint city of Adelaide.

From the scenic beaches of Glenelg or Henley and Maslins (though not in Adelaide but in South Australia) to the carefully-manicured vineyards of Barossa Valley or Adelaide Hills, Adelaide is a must-visit in the Land Down Under. It’s hard to really crunch in great detail what makes the city so beautiful, because you have to be there to experience it. It’s a place where creativity is unassuming as seen in their annual Fringe Festival, and where food is diverse (Central Market is the place to go to; name the cuisine and they have it). It reminds me so much of the city-meets-province vibe where there are lots of spaces to breathe, but you’re still in tune with city life.”

Adelaide is one of Australia’s hottest destinations, offering a cocktail of sophisticated culture, heritage, architecture, abundant natural delights and a vibrant food and drink scene. With so many places to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down to a few.

Adelaide Central Market Continue the celebration of local food and drink at the Adelaide Central Market, the most-visited attraction in the state. More than eight million visitors a year flock to

the market, which has been the buzzing hub of Adelaide’s culinary culture since it opened way back in 1869. The 80 stalls make it one of the largest undercover markets in the Southern Hemisphere.

then converted the space into a focal point of the newly created city in the 1850s, and the square was upgraded in 2014, adding new lighting and revamping the historic fountain.

Victoria Square The name sounds very British, but Victoria Square’s history dates back a lot further than European settlement.

The local indigenous people used ‘Tarndanyangga’ as a meeting place for centuries before colonization. The British

Glenelg Beach Adelaide’s most popular city beach is just a 25-minute tram ride from the city center, which drops you off meters from the sand at Moseley Square. It’s not just the miles of golden sand, the picturesque jetty and the stunning sunsets that pull

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huge crowds to Glenelg — it’s the trendy boutiques, heritage hotels and dozens of cafes and eateries along Jetty Road, too.

Art Gallery of South Australia Right next door on North Terrace’s leafy boulevard of classical sandstone buildings sits the Art Gallery of South Australia, one of the country’s finest collections of artworks from every corner of the globe. Every year it welcomes more than 700,000 visitors to admire the collection of 38,000 pieces. The grounds of the University of Adelaide, the State Library of South Australia, the National War Memorial and the Parliament of South Australia are also all worth visiting on North Terrace.

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BALI

By CASEY ESGUERRA

“Beyond the beautiful beaches of Bali, their culture astonished me. Bali’s people are very hospitable and undoubtedly respectful to tourists. But the real purpose of my trip was to taste their food and nasi goreng sure did capture my heart more than anything else. And it was cheap too! What’s not to like about Bali?”

It doesn’t matter if you’ve never been to Bali, or you’re a regular visitor looking for something else to do. There’s just tons of things to do and one trip is never enough, so read on my friend, below are things that will keep you relaxedly occupied in Bali aside from hitting the beach: Drink from the fountain of youth at Goa Gajah Once you enter Goa Gajah, you’ll see 6 statues of women with water streaming out of a pot held at their bellies. There were originally 7 of them, but an earthquake

caused the middle one to collapse. Even so, its meaning remains unchanged, and the water is safe to drink, so why not take a shot at eternal youth?

If drinking from a fountain of youth doesn’t appeal to you, then you could always just visit because it’s a gorgeous place. It’s got a little waterfall, beautiful green terrain, fascinating temple ruins and is an overall peaceful, spiritual place.

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Watch the sunrise from the top of Mount Batur You’ll have to wake up extra early for this, possibly as early as 3AM if you want to be at the top of the mountain before sunrise.

But the view is definitely worth it.

Imagine watching a velvet sky dotted with sparkling lights slowly fade into a sleepy lavender color before a warm orange glow pushes through. And as the sunlight lazily peeks out of the horizon, you’re suddenly aware of the ocean of clouds surrounding you. That’s when it hits you - you’re standing in the sky,

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waiting to greet the sun as it climbs out of its apparent slumber. That feeling is simply indescribable.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces This place, like many others on this list, is #instaperfect. The pictures speak for themselves. They’re like giant paddy field stairs, making this place look like some sort of paradise. This gorgeous terraced landscape definitely needs to be on everyone’s “pretty places to visit” list! If you make your way up to the top, you’ll get a magnificent view of the rice terraces sloping across the valley, peppered with coconut trees, with the water in the irrigation fields glistening in the sunlight.

It’s also a generally cool and breezy area all the more reason to love it!

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KUWAIT

B y FA HA D A L O B A I D LY

“Kuwait is one of the two countries in the Middle East that still preserves its culture and traditions up to this day. It is not your regular tourist destination, but there are a lot of beautiful places to visit, ranging from preserved old buildings turned to souks or tourists spots, to new modern architectural ones like malls and museums. There’s food ranging from traditionally cooked to local cuisines with a modern twist, and mocktails and fruit juices are served instead of alcoholic beverages, since it is not allowed throughout the country.”

Kuwait, as with many oil rich countries in the Middle East, has undergone an explosion in contemporary culture in recent decades and is packed with art exhibitions, festivals, music performances and more. Although the heat makes Kuwait an ideal poolside destination, the country also has plenty to offer culture and art enthusiasts. Here are some unmissable Kuwaiti destinations!

House of Mirrors In the Qadisiya residential quartier of Kuwait City stands a unique house that epitomizes art right down to its last brick.

Owner and designer Lidid al-Qattan, who has Italian origins, has long been Kuwait’s

prominent artist; she used an accidently broken mirror as inspiration to create a house that is now referred to as the House of Mirrors. It is an exclusive art-in-action visit while in Kuwait.

Kuwait Grand Mosque Being the world’s 7th largest mosque, the Al-Masjid Al-Kabir, or Grand Mosque, is definitely worth visiting. Though prior appointment is needed, once there, visitors can expect an hour and half, free, informative guided tour that introduces this historically and spiritually rich landmark.

The Mosque can host up to 10,000 men and 950 women for prayers, and includes

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an Islamic Library under its exceptionally designed halls. It is a must-see cultural venue for all architecture-lovers.

Sadu House A passageway between past and present, Sadu House is one of the most visited venues in Kuwait. An old Kuwaiti house from the 1930s, today it is a cultural centre with a wide range of activities, from workshops, lectures, children’s programmes and textile designer exhibitions, all aiming to preserve Kuwaiti weaving traditions. This unique textile-art venue is adjacent to the National Museum and also offers a traditional cafeteria with handmade authentically patterned interior design.

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House of Mirrors photo from Tripadvisor.com

Saduhouse@facebook.com

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MANILA

B y A LW E E V I L L A R O S A

For residents of Metro Manila, it’s easy to grow jaded about the place we call home.

After all, there’s the ever-growing traffic, unreliable transport system, and pollution to contend with. But for me, there is still a lot to love about the “Pearl of the Orient.”

Of course, the soul of a city is in its people but the metropolis has a very colorful character. Manila can be chaotic and spiritual, dirty and divine, gritty and gorgeous all at once. If you don’t find beauty and poetry here, you will never find it anywhere.

On the surface, our plot of the world is everything it’s cracked up to be: a boiling stew of dust, noise, sweat, and congestion that’s as mean as it is messy. It shouldn’t be difficult to acknowledge the truth that our little urban jungle tends to come off as abrasive, even to its own inhabitants.

But that’s only on the surface.

Falling in love with Metro Manila is an affair that demands your effort — if you really want to get to know this place,

you have to draw the curtains and open it up yourself. You have to take the time to explore its arteries and dig into its endearing nooks and crannies. Start here.

Boutique shops in Kamagong Street It’s a bit of a stretch to call these tiangges “secret” or even relatively obscure, but as far as upscale menswear stores go, these Kamagong Street boutiques may just be the best ones still on the down-low. Some stores even stock imported garments, and a lot of brands that the fashion set really seek out.

Vinyl and old records stores Vinyl record collectors and enthusiasts will point to Quezon City’s Cubao Expo, Kamias Road, and Maginhawa Street as

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the best places to go digging. The vinyl shops in the areas are a hotspot for the growing vinly community in the country.

From rare records to more contemporary ones, these shops may have the right LPs for you.

Fred’s Revolution You may already know Fred’s Revolution as the watering hole of yesteryear’s bestkept secret: Cubao X. But now that Cubao X is fair game for all, you might want to try moving to the new Fred’s Revolution in Escolta, the new of-the-moment district for artsy youths.

Fly to these destinations through Emirates Airline. For ticket booking visit www.emirates.ae

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BOOKS

10 Books you should take with you on your next escape!

WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LULULEMONS B y L a u r e n We i s b e r g e r Do you remember Emily Charlton, the other assistant of Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada? She now has a story of her own in a spin off from the original movie where she lands a new job as an image consultant in Hollywood, is totally clueless with social media, and is struggling to be successful - this book will have you laughing and turning the pages.

Being in transit, through flight or by road, can get a bit boring unless you have a great read to keep you company.

Going on a long road trip or waiting for that flight at the airport? Use that downtime to catch up on some really great books! Indulge in these light reads that are perfect for your time in transit.

RICH PEOPLE PROBLEMS B y K e v i n Kw a n

THE IDIOT

By Elif Batuman

This internationally acclaimed novel is now going to be turned into a movie! Get to know the characters by starting with this funny, witty and glamorous series. If you already have, Rich People Problems is the third book in the installment and has all the answers about the richest family in Singapore. Dubbed as the Asian Gossip Girl, this book will have you wanting for more.

A book that is said to be how a young woman comes to terms with who she wants to become. This is set in 1995, the protagonist is on her freshman year in college and is about to experience her first love. It tackles the start of the era of emails and how it became the means of communication between the lovers.

Above it all, the discovery of the career she is meant to have. A light read that is perfect to kill time, right?

ON THE ROAD

By Jack Kerouac A seminal novel should be compulsory reading for all nomads, backpackers and folks who want to live off the grid. In ‘On The Road’ discover 1950’s underground America as Kerouac hitches backwards and forwards across the states in search for the meaning of life. Definitely, one of our favorite books to read while traveling!

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BOOKS

THE KITE RUNNER

By Khaled Hosseini A fascinating, sometimes painful, read about Afghanistan under Taliban rule.

The story follows the fate of two young boys, one of whom is able to escape to America whilst the other, of the Hazara minority group, is forced to stay behind.

THE D O GS OF NAM: STORIES FROM THE ROAD AND LESSONS LEARNED ABROAD

By Christopher Oldfield A collection of short stories from over a decade of travel. This is no glamorous tale of #wanderlust, but a true and honest accounting of what it means to be a traveler.

THE WORLD’S MOST DANGEROUS PLACES B y R o b e r t Yo u n g A serious read for the serious explorer, packed full of practical advice on how to travel in some of the world’s most dangerous places. Brace yourselves for one of the darkest books to read while travelling.

E A T, P R A Y, L O V E

By Elizabeth Gilbert One woman’s search for everything across Italy, India, and Indonesia.

This is a travelers and aspiring traveler’s classic! The memoir chronicles the author’s trip around the world after her divorce and what she discovered during her travels.

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T H E C A R P E T WA R S

By Christopher Kremmer A personal odyssey through war, friendship and craftsmanship along the old Silk Route. A fascinating travel book that illuminates the contemporary story of Southwest Asia and offers a unique insight into the characters of warlords, presidents and sheikhs.

LOVE WITH A CHANCE OF DROWNING B y To r r e D e R o c h e This book is written by travel blogger Torre DeRoche. Though it is a “chick travel love story”, we couldn’t put this one down. It’s a beautifully written book about overcoming her fear of the ocean to sail across the Pacific with her boyfriend. The way she describes the scenery, the people, and her experience makes us want to follow in her footsteps.

It’s powerful, vivid, and moving!

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10 Commandments of Travel B y T H U Y M I D O & M I T C H H Y D E O F A D V E N T U R E FA K T O RY

What ought to be the first commandment of travel is something of a paradox, and that is that you should ignore commandments all together. And while guidebooks, apps and travel review websites may be plundered for nuggets of the truth, they too often provide a blinkered, factual vision of a compelling and wonderful world.

J

Just in case we’re wrong, we asked our travel writers from Adventure Faktory to devise divine instructions on how to achieve the best of travels.

They supplied a happy absence of finger wagging, preferring instead to suggest things you really ought to do, rather than listing things prohibited. Here’s what Thuymi and Mitch have to say: When it comes to travel, there are some unwritten rules to be adhered to in order to enjoy the journey and not ruin it for others! As avid frequent flyers and fulltime adventurers, we have our list of 10 commandments of travel.

1. Thou shalt promise to book a vacation based on experience, not only Instagram photos.

Locations might look good, but the journey to get there could be a complete waste of your precious vacation time.

Nailing the experience is what you should focus on first in travel.

2. Thou shalt promise to make plenty of research and ask travel experts before booking flights and hotels.

There is always a deal somewhere. Also, when dealing with travel experts like AdventureFaktory.com you’ll have access to exclusive deals and advice that could potentially make your holiday better than expected!

3. Thou shalt promise to book travel insurance.

Many unfortunate events can happen while away from home; stolen goods, missed flights, sickness, road accidents.

You just never know. You don’t want to be the person in a foreign country without that support.

4. Thou shalt promise to immerse in local cultures and respect the residents.

There is nothing worse for mindful travelers and local residents to see others being disrespectful to the land that is not theirs. You are a tourist, not a hooligan.

5. Thou shalt promise to be an environmentally responsible traveler.

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Pick up your trash, don’t litter. Don’t support tourist activities that mistreat animals and human rights. Raise awareness to others around you about this. Always leave a place better than you found it!

6. Thou shalt promise to always know the value of things you buy.

Research the approximate value of how much a service or good should be costing in that country, as if you overpay, this encourages cons and scams.

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7. Thou shalt promise to always be smart when travelling.

Don’t be naive and never trust strangers right away. Always make sure to keep your guard up when traveling to avoid scams and being taken advantage of.

8. Thou shalt promise to be kind and mindful of others.

Traveling is stressful and most of the times, you will be in an environment with other travelers going through the same. So always be kind to your neighbor on the flight. Don’t stress staff when bookings have changed, it is not their fault and they are just doing their job and trying to help. Don’t forget that when you are kind to others, they will mostly be willing to help you more.

9. Thou shalt promise to be social.

Although you have to have your guard up this doesn’t stop you from being social and meeting people when you travel.

The beauty of being on the road is being able to make friends from all over the world who share your passion for travel.

Meeting locals is amazing and makes your really “travel” to a place. They are part of the culture.

10. Thou shalt promise to share your experiences with everyone.

The joy of traveling is to learn new things and pass it on to others. They say traveling is the best school in life and they are definitely right. Enlighten people.

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AIRBNB LISTINGS

THAT WILL TAKE YOUR TRAVEL EXPERIENCE TO THE NEXT LEVEL B y A LW E E V I L L A R O S A

Okay, so you’re the type who wants to be adventurous, be one with nature, experience the great outdoors, and you think that booking Airbnb instead of a generic hotel is the best way to experience local life? We couldn’t agree with you more. Go on and check these total IG-worthy spaces from around the world, that will surely make your trip a whole lot more special.

FRANCE:

Little house in Paris, Loft, Canal B y S E G I R E Only 150 feet from the trendy Canal SaintMartin, at the heart of Paris, “Little House in Paris” is in a courtyard, hidden at the end of a private alley. Seated on the terrace, overlooking rose bushes, bamboo and orange trees, you’ll feel peaceful and relax as you were vacationing in French countryside, although you’re actually right in the center of the city!

Price: AED 548 per night

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M A LTA :

Valletta Vintage GALLERY B y VA L L E T A Built in the early 1700s and renovated in 2013, this studio penthouse is located on the third floor, and enjoys views of two harbors. Designed, furnished and finished to high standards by its owner-architect and photographer partner. Sun terrace, superb location, city-tips and exceptional views!

Price: AED 504 per night

PRAGUE:

Bookseller’s Sunny Flat B y R O M A N Charming and spacious old-fashioned corner flat in central Prague (Nove Mesto district). Overlooking a monastery garden, the flat is a block away from the Prague 2 Botanical Gardens and the Vltava River. The flat has a fully equipped kitchen and a large bookcase-lined living/bedroom. The kitchen is fully stocked with plates, cups, pots and pans. The flat also includes a washing machine, record player, and wireless internet but no television. Situated near Palackeho Namesti/Karlovo Namesti, you are conveniently located near 7 different tram lines as well as the B (yellow) Metro line.

Price: AED 243 per night

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MALIBU:

Romantic Beachfront Apartment

By CONNIE Fall asleep to the sound of waves in this charming beachfront apartment. The light, airy home features open-plan living and a wall of windows to maximize the amazing views. Enjoy drinks on the deck and a sunset over the water—it’s pure bliss.

Situated directly above the sand and surf, the home is in a residential area along the Malibu coast, away from the tourist areas. Take in the stars at night while strolling along the beach, or eat at one of the nearby restaurants right on the water. Take an afternoon nap lulled by the sound of ocean breezes or just soak up the incredible view.

Price: AED 1,419 per night

VENICE BEACH:

Charming Craftsman with Outdoor Shower

By SUSAN & KEVIN Live in a garden oasis in the middle of Venice Beach California. Featuring vine-covered interior walls, a brick patio with lounge chairs, and a delightful outdoor shower, this unique guest house is nestled in the sunny backyard of a larger Craftsman home.

This home is located in a quiet area with plenty of free parking. Abbott Kinney Blvd. and the worldfamous Venice Beach are a short bike ride away (bikes available). Shopping, incredible eateries, and water sports for all ages are also nearby.

Price: AED 567 per night

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H A WA I I :

Keolamauloa Homestead B y K A Y E Keolamauloa provides an apartment in the main house for a homestead stay – as a vacation or short term rental. The restful accommodation features a private entrance, fully equipped kitchen, living room, bathroom and two bedrooms (each with a double bed). The farm is lush with native banana, koa, kukui, and ohia trees providing the shade for guests. On a stroll in the gardens and forest, you’ll visit the chickens hard at work, the pet pig, eating and resting, and the ocean beyond. The forest is filled with the sound of birds and the frequent view of a circling I’o (the endangered, native Hawaiian Hawk).

Price: AED 473 per night

LOS ANGELES:

Hilltop Airstream Retreat with Gorgeous Views B y T O D D & K I M B E R LY Enjoy the instant nostalgia that an Airstream evokes in this studio space while appreciating modern design as well. With a well-lit living area, gas stove, and outdoor space that includes a dining table and expansive views of LA, this trailer is an ideal urban escape. Parked in central Echo Park, the Airstream is walking distance to a gorgeous lake with paddle boats, as well as many great restaurants, coffee shops, galleries, a book store or cafe, record shops, and Dodger Stadium. Street parking is available.

Price: AED 416 per night

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C ATA L O N IA :

Urban Oasis with Pool Apartment near Magic Fountain B y S A M U E L & S L AV K O This contemporary apartment is both bold and comfortable, featuring a lush patio courtyard behind floor-to-ceiling windows. Enjoy an effortless business trip or an unforgettable family vacation.

Enjoy many nearby traditional restaurants featuring delicious paella. Visit Mercat de Sants, a market with fresh seafood, meat, and produce. Near the main train station, Fira Barcelona, Camp Nou, plaça España, making it very fast and easy to get to the airport.

Price: AED 1,980 per night

BARCELONA:

Explore Old Barcelona from a Loft-Style Studio

BY RAIMUNDO Unwind on the balcony of a 130-year-old building in the heart of the Barcelona’s oldest district. Enjoy open-plan, loft-style living with neutral decor, open shelving, rustic exposed-beam ceilings. Apartment is on the 4th floor without elevator.

Restaurants, shops and the city’s sights are within walking distance, along with organic food, vintage clothes, vinyl and vintage decor stores, and wineries. Nearby Parc de la Ciutadella is a great place for a walk, jog, or yoga session.

Price: AED 794 per night

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CAPETOWN:

Unwind in a Bright, Airy Space with Rustic Accents

By DALE Get cozy at this quiet and secure retreat in the center of Cape Town. Open the sliding doors to breathe in the ocean air after preparing a meal in the full kitchen. With unique fixtures and an effortless style, this is the ideal city retreat.

The apartment is in the middle of Cape Town’s action and energy, yet on a quiet street. The main street a few minutes’ walk away is filled with restaurants and bars. The Stadium and the city’s famous V&A Waterfront are also nearby.

Price: AED 148 per night

TORONTO:

Stay in a Luxury Loft with Terrace

By CHRIS Admire views of the CN Tower from the spacious, wraparound terrace of this luxury split-floor loft.

The industrial space spectacularly juxtaposes floorto-ceiling glass with stained concrete ceilings, gleaming stainless steel, and warm, wooden floors.

The building is located within the King West Village fashion district. The area boasts top-notch cuisine options, from Susur Lee to Bier Market at King West and Portland. There’s also easy access to nightlife destinations and local art galleries and studios.

Price: AED 1,411 per night

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FILPINO RESTAURANTS

THAT ARE TAKING THE WORLD CENTER STAGE A taste of home no matter what country you are in because Filipino food is love.

B y A LW E E V I L L A R O S A

With over 10 million Filipinos overseas, no one has to look too far for a taste of home.

But it’s not only us Pinoys who are enjoying our native cuisine. As the popularity of Filipino food grows, the world’s palate is also acquiring the taste for our beloved dishes like adobo and sisig, as well as the fusion creations designed by some of our maverick Filipino chefs. Here are some of the best restaurants at the forefront of all this!

CUISINERO UNO

by CHEF JOHN B U E N AV E N T U R A 2nd Floor Steigenberger Hotel Business Bay Al Abraj St. - Dubai This cool, urban eatery has industrial-style décor, and even has its own greenhouse for growing veg. The compact menu is based on Emirati, Mediterranean and Asianinspired tapas dishes, designed to share.

Highlights on the menu include “fake” carpaccio – watermelon strips with crème fraiche, pine nuts and tarragon; burrattini, burnt leeks, zucchini fries, patatas bravas, beef

tartare, chicken parfait, seared duck and hot smoked salmon. Their staff are actually pretty cool and friendly, you could totally picture them in a dance number singing “We’re all in this together”. Our favorite item on the menu? The sisig tacos. Need we say more?

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BAD SAINT

3226 11th St NW, Washington, United States of America Bad Saint is essentially an open kitchen with 24 seats arranged in the little space that is left over, alongside work by Filipino artists and weavers. The servers are gracious; the tight quarters foster a “we’re-all-in-this-together camaraderie.”

Bad Saint’s refuses to translate Filipino food into the European-derived idioms of fine dining. When the servers say the dishes are served family style, they mean it. There’s no artfully blank space on the plates, no abstract expressionist smears of sauce. The food goes from the wok to the plate, and it is relentlessly delicious. Bad Saint’s adobo of tender squid is astonishing, its sauce deepened and darkened by squid ink and given a

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slow, lingering burn by long peppers. The oxtails and bok choi stewed in peanut sauce with an intense undercurrent of shrimp and anchovies is amazing whether this is your first encounter with kare-kare or your hundredth. Some of the cooking has a homey simplicity, like the arroz caldo, chicken in a ginger-laced rice porridge that can be cranked up with a dab of red chile paste or left to its own, soothing charms.

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BONIFACIO

35 Kreta Ayer Road Chinatown, Singapore Named after the revolutionary founder of the Katipunan, Bonifacio offers Filipino home-cooked classics. The restaurant started with a Filipino and 3 Singaporeans who share the same passion for our culture. The restaurant is nothing fancy but it has a certain charm.

Its interior is simple enough for a usual family lunch and get together, yet refined enough for a celebration. A lot of celebrities have been to Bonifacio. In fact, they have a “Wall of Fame” at the restaurant. A must try here is their “Bayan Ko” which is their own version of tortang talong.

MAHARLIKA

111 1st Ave, New York, United States of America Blending Spanish, Malaysian, and Chinese flavors, Filipino food is already Asian soul food at its finest — but sisig takes it to the next level! New York may be a mecca for culturally diverse cuisine, but for those craving truly authentic Filipino fare — the homemade kind that their lola used to cook — the offerings are particularly scarce. Fortunately, there’s Maharlika: a haven of Filipino comfort food in the East Village. Maharlika is the sister restaurant of Jeepney — a Filipino-inspired gastropub just a few blocks north — but offers a much more immersive experience. This isn’t an interpretation of homestyle Filipino fare; it’s the closest you can get to real Pampanga flavors without leaving the country.

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ROMULO CAFE

343 Kensington High Street W8 6NW, United Kingdom Named as “Most Loved Restaurant in Kensington”

by Time Out in Love London Awards; Romulo Café provides a showcase for fine Filipino cuisine in London, serving “archly presented heirloom Filipino recipes lovingly preserved by scions of the late General Carlos P. Romulo, the Philippines’ longest serving foreign secretary and his wife Virginia Llamas.”

The 70-seater restaurant is a haven for those in search of a culinary adventure. Foodies will do well to come along and discover why Filipino food is the last word in global cuisine, combining the delicate, fresh flavors of Asia with an American zest and European sophistication. And if you don’t know it already, Filipino cuisine is not just about flavors, it’s the way the food is served — our hospitality, our smiles and the way we take pride in our dishes and how we are very excited to share this whole experience to the rest of the world.

LAMESA FILIPINO KITCHEN

669 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1E6, Canada Lamesa has been serving Filipino food since before it became a trend. While the Toronto palate has long been familiar with the cuisines of other Asian countries, somehow the Philippines got overlooked. That all changed when Lamesa began dishing up the flavors of the islands with a modern presentation. Found in the trendy Queen West district, the restaurant offers plates like springroll-like lumpia or chicken adobo amped up with chimichurri sauce. The most spectacular meal of the week is the Kamayan Sunday dinner when the food is served directly on tables spread with banana leaves.

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BARYO PILIPINAS

Fluwelen Burgwal 51, 2511 CH Den Haag, Netherlands Who knew that you can spot a cool jeepney while you’re vacationing in The Hague? This highly recommended Filipino restaurant specializes in boodle spreads so make sure you’re ready to get your hands dirty. Here are some comments from Dutch diners:

Chris: “Great food, great prices, just overall a good restaurant.

Not a place to go for a romantic date, but great if you’re hungry and want good hardy food. Overall good restaurant.”

Andy: “Wow! Never had Filipino food before. Why oh why did I leave it so long? The food was amazing! Loved it. We will definitely go back again and again. Delicious. Staff super friendly also. Service excellent.”

2nd CITY

525 Hudson St, New York, United States When Chef Jordan Andino was 11 years old, his dream was to open a restaurant in New York City by the time he was 25.

At 27, this Fil-Am celebrity chef is seeing his dreams come true. Chef Jordan says “It’s Amasian, meaning AmericanAsian cuisine. We’re a Filipino taqeria, fast casual concept.”

The restaurant aims to introduce unique Filipino flavors using familiar vessels such as tacos, burritos and bowls.

While the Filipino food movement is having its moment, so is Chef Jordan. He was featured as one of the “Rock Stars Redefining the Industry” in Zagat’s 30 under 30. This Pinoy celebrity chef was born in Canada, raised in California, and classically trained in Napa and New York.

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CAFE ‘86

36 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA Ube alert! Halo-Halo bread pudding and leche flan cupcakes ahead. The California-based coffee shop already operates in three locations in Chino, Pasadena and Artesia, paying tribute to the owners’ Filipino heritage and also giving familiar favorite desserts a modern upgrade. Locally, the cafe takes over a 2,262-square-foot space at the intersection of Jones Boulevard and Russell Road in the Spanish Palms plaza. Their bestselling ube leche flan cupcake is a common sight on most Instagram pages of tourists and locals alike. Other Filipino-inspired dishes are served like longganisa flatbread and an array of other ube desserts and beverages.

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BUSINESS

ILLUSTRADO Travel Playlist B y PA O L O B E N I T E Z

A successful road trip requires these few simple components: a car that won’t randomly die, a GPS that won’t lead you to the middle of nowhere, and a playlist that won’t make you toss the driver’s Ipod out of the car. Music can be your travel companion, and you don’t want to be stuck in a moving box fighting a battle over the stereo. So we took care of the music for you – just relax, turn up the volume, and don’t forget to stop and fill up on gas.

IMPRINTED

NEVER STOP

The brother and sister duo Ysanygo are definitely not to be missed out. With colorful melodies, catchy beats and amazing vocals, their summer vibes will leave you wanting for more, and will make a fine addition to your roadtrip playlist.

Over October’s label has made its way across the Philippines since 2014. Their vibes are friendly and they most definitely give off that ‘country’ feel – great for setting the mood and accentuating all the greenery (or desert) and countryside around you.

BY YSANYGO

BY OVER OCTOBER

ME AND YOU

BY HONNE Honne manages to do what many artists cannot – they make tracks that make you chill and party at the same time! Me and you is one of their latest synthpop songs, combining chilled out vocals with subtle elements of disco and funk, guaranteed to make you dance all the way (just be sure to wear your seatbelts).

LUCKY STAR

BY FKJ & POMO If there’s a track that you need to go straight out tripping on, it’s this one – a whole lot of funky, retro synth elements and California groove in a single package! Just imagine yourself in a lowrider or top down car and enjoy the summer sun.

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BUSINESS

NEVER LETTING GO OF THIS MOMENT

LOVER BOY

LOVE FT. SYD

ALL THE STARS

This song may have been released last year, but that doesn’t mean it’s out of season. Upbeat rhythm, soulful vocalists and just the right amount of seduction will either have you swaying your hips back and forth or lip syncing to your heart’s content.

Upbeat, uplifting and high up on your playlist. Since February, this track has guaranteed to keep you pumped for the whole ride – and won’t be stopping anytime soon.

BY MARK REDITO If you’re looking for a track to take you away to another place entirely, look no further than Mark Redito, your favorite kuya. His latest single, “Never Letting Go of this Moment” is a nostalgia invoking tune that puts you in a trance and carries you away to a land of vivid colors and imagination.

BY DEAN

BY PHUM VIPHURIT Do yourself a favor: find the nearest beach, a pair of sunglasses, and something chilled to drink. Roll down the window and enjoy the chill vibes with Phum Viphurit’s “Lover Boy” – complete with relaxing string styles and vocal harmony.

BY KENDRICK LAMAR, SZA

CLOUDS

B Y A N Y NA M E ’ S O K AY Kick your feet up and lay back (maybe not in the car though) while listening to this playful and relaxing song by Any Name’s Okay. It’s just one of those songs that begs you to stop by the roadside and smell the flowers (or get ice cream if that’s your thing)!

HUMILITY B Y G O R I L L A Z

In case you missed their come back, the Gorillaz are back at it again! Prepare to relive your days as a rebellious teenager, slip your shades on and head bang to the trippy beat.

ANOTHER LOVE SONG BY NE- YO Long rides can get boring real quick, and you’d run out of ideas on what latest song to play at some point. This 2017 song is perfectly timeless from the first moment it was played on your speakers – instantly refreshing the mode and setting the tone to all things cool, slick and electrifying.

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APPS

BLOGGER APPROVED TRAVEL APPS YOU SHOULD HAVE for your NEXT TRIP Less hassle, more time to explore!

Don’t let even a tiny mistake ruin what could’ve been a fun, unforgettable adventure! Below, we list down THE travel apps that wanderlust-consumed millennials should be armed with while exploring the world.

Having a good plan for your trip is key to having a smooth and enjoyable experience.

There are thousands of handy apps out there that will help you plan and prepare at the push of a button. So, be sure to load up on the best of them before jetting off.

Wanderluster travel blogger Hannah Magsayo swears she can’t live without these on her many jaunts across the globe SKY SCANNER

Travel essentials?

Skyscanner is top on my list. Search for specific destinations and dates and Skyscanner will scan all the available airlines and help you find the best value fares for your dates.

They also have “top deals” and “search everywhere” features which are a winner if you love to do spontaneous trips. With Skyscanner, I was able to find a flight to Iceland for less than 200 AED!

TRIPIT

TripIt helps me organize all my travel plans in one place - airline reservations, hotels, rental cars, activities etc. The app is very easy to use.

Simply forward your travel confirmation emails to plans@tripit.com and they automatically collate all the relevant info and add it to your trip itinerary. One thing

I love about this app is that you can access your travel plans anytime (even offline) making it all so accessible. TripIt also has maps, weather forecast and suggestions for your destination.

experience in addition to a place to sleep.

Aside from giving me access to use the kitchen and laundry, what I like about Airbnb is the experience of catching glimpses of what it’s like to live in a certain neighborhood. I recently became obsessed with this app and began checking and saving all the #roomgoals or #housegoals for future reference.

T R I PA D V I S O R

HOSTELWORLD Hostelworld is my other go-to travel app and it is a gift from the techie gods. It helps me find the coolest and most unique hostels around the globe. Hostelworld collects information from different hostels, compares prices and lets you view selections based on user rating or price.

Many travelers also leave review behinds, so you can choose the place that suits your style and needs. I recently stayed in a hostel in Amsterdam and had a great experience.

Not just another guide app, Tripadvisor helps you find the best spots or hotels in town. You can read reviews and tips, book hotels and see the photos that travelers have contributed to the platform. Also, the app offers city guides that are accessible even offline. Tripadvisor has an awesome community of travelers that will help you with your travel questions.

VSCO If you haven’t d ow n l o a d e d the VSCO App, you should do it now. You deserve an app that can capture all the amazing memories you’re making. This app is perfect for all the people who love taking pictures and it helps to step up their Instagram game. Personally, VSCO is my go-to app whenever I’m travelling. It’s easy to use and helps me set the mood of my photos. It’s just awesome. My favorite filters are A4 and A6.

AIRBNB

I always enjoy how locals live, and the interiors have curated with their own individualistic styles. I’ve always been interested in interior design, so for me, Airbnb is paying for an

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MAPS.ME Maps.me is my lifesaver whenever I travel. It’s super simple to use and it shows you all the ways of getting from point A to point B. It also allows me to store my chosen routes and directions offline. It’s more convenient and it makes your travels hassle free.

Tickets are booked. Bags are packed. You’re off on your next great adventure. Enjoy!