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SEPTEMBER 2021 | ISSUE 17

Angelica and Kai Gonzales Bridging overseas Filipinos’ dreams for a comfortable residential living

Parents of viral kid all praise to Dubai Police officers

Expo 2020 Dubai: What to expect at Philippines’ pavilion Bangkota?

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Turning 1, honoring

12 Filipinos

Shop No.4, The Code Building Umm Hurair 1, Dubai UAE

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T G F M TABLE OF CONTENTs EDITORIAL BOARD GABRIEL JOHN RIMANDO Publisher RYAN NAMIA Editor-in-Chief ORLI GAYETA Sales & Marketing Manager-Dubai & Northern Emirates JOEL LARA GENOVE Sales and Marketing Manager-Abu Dhabi ALLAN CARAGAO Senior Graphic Designer THAN DUMAS Multimedia Manager-Dubai HERMES SERANTES GABRIEL II Multimedia Manager-Abu Dhabi FIND US @THEGLOBALFILIPINOMAGAZINE.COM

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Working overseas may be a roller coaster ride but this OFW successfully climbed the ladder of success - Marie Nica Lopez Former lifeguard now swimming coach in his own academy in UAE - Benjun Rafer Filipina dentist hyped aiming for goals to become a reality - Jannie Leano Negrido Your cybersecurity guy who fights nation-state hackers for a living - Renzon L. Cruz Filipina nurse who sold empty bottles to survive now successful general nurse in UK - Leslie Ann Jugo ‘Aaronman’: A teacher assistant looked up to as children’s superhero in Abu Dhabi - Aaron Cercado Security receptionist in UAE expands knowledge in medical field - Annie Morus Moral Pinay admin staff in UAE stands strong in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic - Mary Jane A. Benito From waitress and cashier to supervisor in charge - Armelyn Vitor Perges Former nanny succeeds in life, now admin supervisor in UAE - Judah Marchil Alcover Bagunu ‘Dream big’: Filipina worker in UAE consistently promoted to higher ranks Marie Joyce S. Masim ‘There’s always light at the end of the tunnel’ - Baby Nenette Samonte Young

Bridging overseas Filipinos’ dreams for a comfortable residential living Angelica and Kai Gonzales

‘Never give up’: Family’s breadwinner finishes diploma program; pursues dreams - Analyn Gale Rico OFW who got scammed out of AED55,000 shares how she overcame it Mayrahn Cherish Adan Bagos Filipino mom praises Dubai Police officers for stopping by and greeting son ‘Policemen are always there to serve and promote public safety. We should not be scared of them’ Expo 2020 Dubai: What to expect at Philippines’ pavilion Bangkota? ‘Never give up’: Family’s breadwinner finishes diploma program; pursues dreams - Ahmed Yousif El Sharif GCC’s most trusted training institution, Filipino Institute, to mark sixth anniversary

TGFM marks first anniversary, to honor 12 exemplary Filipinos in UAE on Oct 8

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Marie Nica Lopez

Working overseas may be a roller coaster ride but this OFW successfully climbed the ladder of success

ight years ago, Marie Nica Lopez came to the UAE. She was only 21 years old at that time and had only graduated from college with a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology. Just like most Filipinos who opted to work abroad, she, too, took the plunge due to her family’s financial needs. When she was only 18 years old, in the middle of her studies in college, her father passed away-and in what could be a series of unfortunate events--her mother lost her job abroad and was forced to go back home. It was a hard time for them because she was the sole provider for the family. Despite that, they are still blessed to have supportive relatives who have helped them during those trying times, one of which was when one of her aunts helped her to work overseas and get a decent job. Lopez, now 29, was hired at Intertek Maritime Middle East, a total quality assurance provider to industries worldwide. She was initially hired as an admin assistant, however, a year after, she was because of her strong professional ethic and hard work, she was then later assigned to the operations department as an operations coordinator wherein she was exposed to more knowledge and opportunities to grow and excel on the maritime field. Consistently excelling in her craft, she was given a big break when she was promoted as the operations manager in 2017 though the

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responsibilities that come with it were bigger than her--she worked day and night, skipped meals, and missed a lot of holidays, among others. “I have faced a lot of challenges. I even recall how I cried myself out in the washroom because of exhaustion, pressure, and stress-but it all paid off in the end,” Lopez, who hails from Floridablanca, Pampanga, said. Just recently, she received her latest promotion this year as the administrative operations manager following her remarkable contributions during her eight years of service in the company. “Working in the maritime business is both challenging and rewarding at the same time, given that the business sector is not a usual field for women to be in. I was able to set an example that women can also have a chance and can excel in this field even though my educational background doesn’t seem to be in line with it, nothing can beat the perseverance to learn,” Lopez said. She further added that to be able to cater for the needs of the ships’ navigation, communication, and safety equipment on board which are vital to ensure the safety of the passengers and all the crew on board the vessel during the sailing period are all satisfying and rewarding. A roller coaster ride Lopez likened working overseas for eight years to a roller coaster ride as it’s filled with

a series of up and down moments. Dubai, at a very young age, has molded her to become an independent, responsible, strong-willed, resilient, and hardworking woman. She gets to express herself and her ideas specifically at work without worrying so much about social status and various norms. Presently, the overseas Filipina worker is focused on finishing her dream house for her family. When asked about her plans in a few years time, she said she’d be putting up a small business in the food industry in the Philippines, and, maybe, build her own family since she is currently single. “Whatever struggle or hardship you are experiencing right now, always remind yourself the reason why you are here today, what is the reason behind the sacrifices and hard work that you have been putting through all this time? Then, eventually, you will regain your strength and willpower to move ahead, do not be afraid to step back or fall and stumble, think of it as a sign that God just wants you to have a better view and perspective of what is ahead of you and coming your way,” she said. She also left a message to her fellow careeroriented single women: “Keep slaying and love will find your way somehow in God’s perfect time. Don’t let other people’s timeline dictates you on when you should be marrying and having kids, do it when you are ready since it is a commitment that will last for a lifetime.”

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Benjun Rafer Former lifeguard now swimming coach in his own academy in UAE

enjun Rafer believes that the amount of good luck coming your way depends on your willingness to act. When he was in the Philippines, he waited on tables at a restaurant. A graduate of Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation, he was jobless most of his years after graduation, thus it pushed him to strive and explore his luck in Dubai with the support of her father who was an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) as well.

The Filipino swimming coach and co-founder of Water Warrior Sports Services had to train regularly to prepare himself and listen to his friends who are more knowledgeable in the field. Two years after, she learned to communicate well and handle his guests.

Just like many migrant Filipino workers, he didn’t also get to practice his major. He started his career as a pool lifeguard in the emirate with very low compensation and 15-hour work duty. After finishing his employment contract, Rafer then worked as a beach lifeguard for three years until he was employed as a swimming coach for nine years.

“I tried helping acquaintances and friends who are interested in becoming a lifeguard. This is my wake-up call and I realized that I can be a coach as well. So I strive to get my license to legally work and teach swimming in the UAE,” he said.

To date, he is still a swimming coach, but this time, it’s in his own swimming academic ‘Water Warrior Sports Services’. “I am not a professional swimmer, I am able to swim but with informal training and only based on experience. When I became a lifeguard, I had one thing in mind that I have to learn the four swimming stroke techniques and improve my speed,” he said.

Rafer trained twice daily and has joined the UAE Lifeguard Swimming Competition which enriched his experience.

Running his own business, for him, is very rewarding in all aspects. He said that he does not only enjoy it as his passion but more importantly because he is working with his wife who is the CEO at the same time. “I think I loved swimming before I could even learn to walk,” he quipped. “Growing up with the sea and beach as my playground made me feel comfortable in the water. Another is I get to spend more time with my family. Monetary gains and income

have been very generous since I started this business but this is not what this is all about. I love swimming personally and I choose to grow this passion into a career because I believe that dreams equipped with the love of work, passion, and dedication will yield the best results. With this at heart, I am feeling blessed and satisfied where I am now,” he added. Rafer, who has been in the same country for 14 years now, said that he is very optimistic about their business plan. This plan includes expanding to different parts of the country in an effort to share their services and inspire more swimmers who share the same dreams and aspirations as he did. “Swimming is no ordinary sport. It’s a skill that once you learn doesn’t only save your life but also others. We advocate health and life more importantly. This business is dedicated to spreading awareness and making sure that their clients don’t only learn the swimming programs but they will also know why should learn the skills,” he said. Currently, they are preparing squads to compete in local swimming contests, therefore, motivating also their students and boost their confidence, realizing their goals, and becoming recognized professional swimmers later on.

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Jannie Leano Negrido Filipina dentist hyped aiming for goals to become a reality

ome people would describe Jannie Leano Negrido as an unstoppable person. She would be called ‘rakitera ng taon’ because she can’t get enough though she’s loaded with work--she felt like she doesn’t want to waste a single minute not being utilized. “I am so hyped aiming for my goals to become a reality, looking forward to what else I can do to get there quickly,” she added. Currently, Negrido is working as a dentist at Dr. Joy Dental Clinic and Community Medical Centre, and recently, she successfully secured the 10-year UEA Golden Visa, a type of longterm residence visa granted by the UAE government to investors, entrepreneurs, and those with specialized talents and researchers in various fields of science and knowledge, and bright students with promising scientific capabilities. Part of her job includes performing oral prophylaxis known as scaling and polishing, restorative fillings (pasta), denture, crowns, veneers, bleaching and whitening, periodontal treatment, gingivectomy, and laser treatment, to name a few. At the beginning of her career, she was worked as an associate dentist in various clinics until such time she was able to put up her own clinic with the help of her beloved family. “It was a long-time plan for me to seek opportunity outside the country and to explore the unknown,” Negrido said. Before having all these, she worked as a call centre representative in some of the reputed companies in the Philippines t0 gain additional knowledge so when things go south, she will always have a fallback. While excelling in her field, she got also

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affiliated in different sports activities such as golf, badminton, bowling, dragon boat, among others. She has also joined trail and road run and biking competitions and even bagged some places at podiums. A few years ago, she was active in hiking, repelling, mountain exploration, and engaging in outreach programs and dental missions in several secluded places in the Philippines. Living and working in the UAE for nearly three years now, she gets acquainted with other cultures, beliefs, and traditions that help expand her apprehension. Negrido said she loves her profession especially when she gets to have an interpersonal connection with her clients despite their disposition in life and their appreciation as a person. While others share their aggravation, failures, admiration, and even their life story, others would even seek her opinion on what course they should take in college. “I always say that I don’t get tired doing my job because it’s fun, crazy, and awesome,” she added. “Life is a constant learning process as long as I am capable to deliver my craft, I will continue to seek new knowledge and share it with those who are willing to prosper. God’s plan is always the best than what we desire. Sometimes, the process is painful and vigorous. Be patient, work harder, and believe in God’s perfect timing,” she further added.

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Renzon L. Cruz Your cybersecurity guy who fights nation-state hackers for a living

enzon L. Cruz is best described as the cybersecurity guy who fights nationstate hackers for a living. He is the guy who is being called in the middle of the night if there’s any data breached or hacking activities in organizations or even in government sectors. Working as a lead digital forensic and incident response in one of the security start-up companies based in the United Kingdom, his current role does not need him to be in the office physically and this means he can work anywhere. The Dubai-based Filipino enjoys working in remote locations such as co-working spaces, coffee shops, hotels, beachfront restaurants, among others. “Sometimes my creativity kicks in while I’m away from my apartment, and I can finish a lot of tasks while sipping a cup of coffee in various coffee shops in Dubai. Being passionate about your work doesn’t mean that you must be a nosleep kind of guy,” he said. Although he has four jobs side by side, teaching every weekend online, he makes sure to find time for himself like working out every other day, an hour jogging after his full-time work, biking, and playing basketball, among others. Cruz’s previous jobs have always been in the IT industry, where he was part of multiple financial, big tech, supply chain, and law firms. Aside from working full-time in different corporate jobs as a cybersecurity engineer, he was also teaching at New Era University, his alma mater, where he started the Information Security class and modules. Initially, he did not intend to work overseas, however, when his employer called him for an opportunity, he thought it would be good once since he’d be working outside his comfort zone.

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“And thinking about this now, I don’t have regrets at all, and that’s one of the best decisions ever that I made in my life. I also wanted to grow as an individual and be in the stage where I am financially stable to start a different kind of investments for my family and my future,” he added. While abroad, he was hired to be part of Qatar’s National Cybersecurity Agency (NCSA) wherein he was part of a team that investigated national intrusion and hacking cases and supporting more than 150 government and semigovernment agencies. One of the highlights of his career was when he got accepted into multiple international hacking conferences to share his research, thoughts, and idea. Just last year, he attended the ROOTCON Hacking Conference in the Philippines; and this year he graced the Northsec, Montreal, one of the largest security conferences in Canada; and the recently concluded DefCon 29, in Las Vegas, an event that is taunted to be the largest hacking conference in the world. “One of the most satisfying things at my work is to track down hackers and help my company to strengthen our defense against these bad guys,” the seasoned cybersecurity professional said.

Cruz is also the co-founder of GuideM, a leading training centre in the Philippines that specializes in cybersecurity training. “I feel so happy every time my students get a new job or get promoted after attending my training. I’ve received hundreds of emails and personal messages about how happy they are and how thankful they are as I made a significant impact on each of their lives through mentoring, coaching, and helping them get their dream jobs,” he added. When asked about his plans, he said he will continue helping and mentoring aspiring cybersecurity professionals and continue doing research in his field. He is also into the cryptocurrency space where he is advocating the value of cryptocurrency and its underlying benefits to the whole ecosystem. “My advice to all kabayans who want to be better in their respective field is to do their best and work hard for something they want to achieve. I believe in the ‘work smart’ mentality, but form, you can’t be smart enough without working so hard at first when mastering your craft at some point in your life,” Cruz concluded.

T G F M Leslie Ann Jugo

from work and due to desperation as the eldest child to help my younger siblings finish their studies, I opted to take the risk working in Libya despite the unstable situation due to civil war. Libya was the easiest way to work abroad that time plus offered us with a competitive wage,” she said.

“Life in the UK is a struggle for me. First, I’ve got no family nor friends that I could run to. Due to hard-days work, I would usually cry my heart out and pray for strength that whatever I am going through, I will surpass it,” she recalled, instilling in her mind that everything will pass.

When she was only eight, her mother died and was already tasked to look after her younger siblings with the goal to continue her father’s wish which was to let them graduate and have a comfortable life.

Secondly, there was a huge adjustment for her when she sent her husband and kids to the Philippines as they decided that she needed to go first and get stabilized before bringing them to join her.

Filipina nurse who sold empty bottles to survive now successful general nurse in UK

“Mahirap magutom at ayaw ko na danasin namin ito forever. So, I set aside my dreams and prioritized theirs,” she further added.

Thirdly, she worked and studied at the same time to pass and obtain her nurse PIN in the UK.

Libya was still under civil war the moment she arrived. After a year and a half, Jugo and her best friend decided to flee the country. Their journey out of Libya was full of tears and fears as they exited the borders through a non-stop 24-hour bus travel going to Tunisia. “During the travel, the only thing that I’ve got is prayers not to be ambushed by rebels along the way and hope to still see or hug my family-alive,” she said. Through God’s grace, she landed in Qatar in 2014 and through the help of her sister, who was working in Qatar at that time, she was able to have a visa to enter the country. There, she got married and got two kids and stayed there for six years. She realized that securing their future was also a great concern. After having a conversation with her husband, Jugo decided to pursue migrating to the United Kingdom.

“Amongst all the difficulties and hardships, the huge factor about choosing to immigrate to the UK are the benefits which the government offers--free healthcare and education, plus the salary as a healthcare professional is also an icing on top,” she added. Three months after, she was able to process her husband’s visa and land a job in the host country as well. Both working and saving, six months after, they were able to bring their kids and reunite with them. Eventually, they were able to be materially comfortable in life. “Sometimes, when you are in a dark place, you think you’ve been buried, but actually you’ve been planted. Keep growing. God has already equipped you with everything you need. Open your eyes and heart and have the initiative to maximize and use them. I have never heard nor seen a storm that lasts forever,” she said.

ike the periwinkle flower that seems gentle and fragile but actually quite strong and holds a great symbolic value of strength behind it, Leslie Ann Jugo likens her delicate but strong personality to the flower that blooms and stays green even for the entire winter and victors against all the difficulties of nature. Currently, Jugo is working as a registered general nurse in the United Kingdom. She arrived there from Qatar last year, during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. She joined the Covid-19 registry under the Nursing and Midwifery Council of the United Kingdom to support and help in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Eventually, she studied in London and worked at the same time until she passed the exam at Ulster University and got her UKRN PIN number. Carving an overseas career Since her salary in the Philippines was not enough that at times she had to sell empty bottles and tin cans that she scavenged from garbage bins just to bring food to their table, she decided to work in Libya, her very first overseas exposure, under the Ministry of Health and worked as an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) hemodialysis nurse. “My father was killed while on his way home www.theglobalfilipinomagazine.com

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Aaron Cercado ‘Aaronman’: A teacher assistant looked up to as children’s superhero in Abu Dhabi

orking abroad, for Aaron Cercado, is a dream come true. Aside from moving on to pastures new, he also opted to work abroad to help his family and save money for the future. Before he was able to work overseas, after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the Dr. Carlos S. Lanting College in Quezon City, the Ilonggo immediately worked as a delivery boy in a food corporation and was later on promoted as a salesman. He worked in the same company for almost a year and decided to resign and look for a better opportunity that was related to the course he finished. Cercado then secured a job as a medical services representative in one of the biggest health management organizations in the country under Caritas Health Insurance Inc. There, he worked for three years before he decided to work overseas. In 2012, fulfilling his dreams for himself and his family, he sought jobs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He ended up working as a sales representative and a cashier in one of the biggest fashion retails in the Kingdom. In what could be just a normal one-month vacation to the UAE in 2015, while in the Arab country, he was urged to apply and try his luck instead of going back to the Kingdom. In no less than two

weeks, he found a new profession--at that time he obtained a teaching assistant job for a school that nurtures children with determination. For nearly six years, he stayed in the same institution until he resigned last November 2020. Today, Cercado is working as a teacher assistant and learning support assistant at the same time for Al Rabeeh School in the capital. “Working with children every day is a blessing. I love working with them and making a difference in their life. The role as a teaching assistant is more challenging, varied and meaningful than anything I have done before. I enjoy and wanted to work in a field where I can make a real difference in people’s lives and witness the positive impact of my work first-hand,” he said. “Seeing my students smiling at the end of the day because they were able to participate in class is an achievement. I am very happy and always excited to work with children. My heart is overflowing with joy always,” he further added. Apart from being hands-on with imparting new knowledge to children while assisting teachers with instructional responsibilities, he also assists lead teachers to develop, plan, and implement appropriate curriculum and methods; and assist them in the development of each child’s individual goals and objectives while helping them set up and maintain an appropriate learning environment. ‘Aaronman’ conquers Cercado, now 34, is also fondly called by his

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friends ‘Aaronman’, a word derived from the Marvel superhero Iron Man, for engaging in various outdoor activities. He is an active member of a Dragon Boat team in Abu Dhabi and also a triathlete and a marathon runner. Despite the hectic work during weekdays, he still finds time to run three times a week, train with his Gladiators Dragon Boat Abu Dhabi team twice a week, and swim once a week. “Abu Dhabi is my second home. Working here is a dream come true. As we all know, Abu Dhabi is one of the safest and liveable cities in the world. It has a rich and diverse culture, a home to people from all different nationalities,” Cercado said. “Here I can enjoy different activities be it in sports and entertainment. As long as we follow and obey the authorities, there are so many things to enjoy and explore. I enjoy the experience of a variety of food, festivals, religions, and traditions, and able to learn new languages,” he further added. The Filipino teacher assistant plans to pursue his dream to become a certified and licensed nurse as he has yet to pass the licensure exam and at the same time, to become a licensed teacher in the Philippines. Currently, he is taking up a professional diploma in teaching through distance learning. “I always see myself serving people, most especially children. It’s always my dream to become a full-fledged teacher to mountainous areas of Iloilo and teach indigenous children,” he said.

T G F M Annie Morus Moral

Security receptionist in UAE expands knowledge in medical field

nnie Morus Moral is sixth among the 12 siblings. She ventured overseas after her father passed away as she knew that nobody would support her mother and other siblings financially and in their studies. While in the Philippines, she worked as a cashier in a coffee shop. Though she was not getting that big salary, she was still optimistic that it won’t be forever and that she would achieve all her dreams for herself and her family members. Moral was then given a break in Social Weather Station (SWS)--she was tasked to interview 4Ps members and partake in various presidential surveys while travelling to several local areas around the Philippines. When she failed the licensure examination for teacher, she got depressed with the situation without informing anyone. She kept it to herself-tried to live a normal life--and finally, accepted her failure. When she wholeheartedly accepted it, she learned that she still had another chance in life. In October 2014, she arrived in the UAE and worked at the Abu Dhabi airport as a customer service security. “I like working in Abu Dhabi because I am comfortable and this is my second home as well,” she said. Presently, the Abu Dhabi-based overseas Filipino worker is working as a security receptionist at Al Corniche Hospital. Meeting nurses and doctors every day, she was encouraged to enrol herself in a Caregiving class at Filipino Institute. Part of her plans is to expand her knowledge in the medical field so she can change her career path. “Sa lahat ng mga kabayan ko at kapwa ko OFW, huwag po kayong mawalan ng pag-asang mangarap at matupad ang mga pangarap na gusto niyo makamit. Ang Filipino Institute ay handang tumulong upang maisakatuparan ang mga pangarap na naudlot. Ang edukasyon ay walang pinipiling edad hanggat may hininga, may pag-asa,” she said. www.theglobalfilipinomagazine.com

T G F M Mary Jane A. Benito

Pinay admin staff in UAE stands strong in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic

bu Dhabi-based administrative assistant Mary Jane A. Benito, 32, amid all the hurdles she faced during the Covid-19 pandemic, is still standing strong. She is another proof that Filipinos--be it in the Philippines or overseas-are natural fighters. When she arrived in the UAE in 2018, her job was as a cashier in Oncom Valet Parking wherein she got promoted as a site manager after nine months because of her strong work ethic. When the Covid-19 pandemic hits, she got anxious as she was broke after losing her fulltime job. Considering the Covid-19 pandemic situation, she didn’t find a new job for a year. “Thank God because my partner is here with me, he helped and supported me. My kids gave me inspiration, courage, and strength to continue and most especially, our Almighty God,” she said. Believing that there will be sunshine after a rain, Benito now works as an administrative staff for G42 Biogenix Laboratory, a Covid-19 detection lab in the capital. Aside from being an administrative assistant, she also plays the role of customer care and data capturer. In the

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company, she does the filing, printing forms, answering phone calls and queries, sending results through email, encoding data for Covid-19 testing and assisting the transportation for their nurses and other employees. “I decided to go and work abroad because my family are less fortunate and I want to provide them a better life,” she said. Before working in the capital, she tried her luck in Dubai. She knew that her fate is to work in Abu Dhabi. “What I enjoy with my current work is I meet a lot of people--like Sheikhs, ambassadors, and a lot of high-profile people and make friends with them. They are actually very down to earth,” she added.

For the last seven months, she has been working in the detection and diagnostic lab. “I’ve learned a lot from my work and I’m happily applying it to my daily life. I love the challenges and I love working with my current company because they are innovative and they give their employees the opportunity to thrive,” Benito further added. Since she’s been working in the medical field, she took a Caregiver course in the Filipino Institute in the hopes to find a better opportunity. While she has no plans yet to leave the country, she is still akin to gain more experiences and knowledge in the industry. UAE is not Benito’s first overseas exposure. She has been to Malaysia and worked as a singer. During her day-offs, she made sure to go to the church, attend bible studies, and preach with her co-singers and friends which she believed kept their faith stronger in the Lord. “To my fellow OFWs out there, don’t stop chasing your dreams. Be proud because you are a Filipino. I know how strong Filipinos are-keep fighting kabayan, prayers are the best armour. And always remember in everything you do, put God first,” Benito said.

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Armelyn Vitor Perges From waitress and cashier to supervisor in charge

rmelyn Vitor Perges chose to move to the UAE eight years ago in an effort to propel her career forward. She thought that working overseas will give her the opportunity to develop her cultural intelligence and fulfil her desire to help her family members in the Philippines by giving them a comfortable life. Just like many Filipino migrant workers, she, too, started from the bottom. In 2013, she worked as a barista for a coffee shop in Abu Dhabi. There, she also worked as a cashier and waitress at the same time, proving herself that she is a flexible person and can play more than one role in the organization. While fighting the seasonal homesickness, Perges had also struggled and endured multiple hardships, including financially, emotionally, mentally, and most especially, physically. “I overcome all these things through faith and hope. I believed that everything will pass by. My trust in the Lord and to myself during those trying times helped,” she said. Today, after years of hard work and dedication to the career she has chosen, she is still in the F&B industry, but this time, she is now working as a supervisor-in-charge for Bloom Me Pastries. “I love this field and I enjoy working with my team, not only on the operational side. I also feel the care from them,” she added. Perges is being looked up to by her colleagues for being a very helpful and selfless supervisor. “The most satisfying things about my work are my bosses who are very supportive of our growth and colleagues who I enjoy working with,” she further added.

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The Filipina supervisor has recently taken a course at the Filipino Institute. Her plan after Dubai is to migrate to a European country as it’s her dream to live with her family in the country together with their future kids. “My advice for all my fellow kabayans who are struggling abroad, just keep fighting and don’t lose hope. Believe in yourself, always love yourself more than others. Each new breath is an opportunity to try again. I believe that no matter how dark your life has been, there is always a hope to start over again,” Perges said.

T G F M Judah Marchil Alcover Bagunu Former nanny succeeds in life, now admin supervisor in UAE

she entered the F&B industry and worked in an Italian restaurant as a service crew for another two years until she worked as a nanny for a Filipino family. While working as a household service worker, she enrolled herself in a caregiver course at the Filipino Institute to hone her skills in the field and learn how to handle all the different situations that might arise on the job.

udah Marchil Alcover Bagunu recalled arriving in UAE in 2007 on a visit visa that was sponsored by her husband. Coming from a less fortunate family, she thought working abroad and leaving her family behind would give them a comfortable life in return. The opportunity to work overseas was also a chance for her to expand her knowledge and career, thus enhancing herself personally and professionally. She chose UAE as it offers a wide array of job opportunities. “It’s no surprise that this country attracts millions of expatriates including me. Dubai offers world-class comfort and luxury, as well as tax-free salary so we could earn more and help our families back home,” she said. Bagunu landed a cosmetic ambassador job which lasted for two ‘amazing’ years from of the most prestigious cosmetic firms in the country. Two years after, exploring her career options,

Successful career transition

who are too afraid to speak for themselves. “To all my fellow Filipinos, everywhere in the world, always remember that whatever you’re going through this time, we have God who is always willing to listen and help. Always be thankful to all the people you have met along the way because some of them may help you and the rest will give you lessons to treasure in life,” she said.

Believing that everything happens for a reason, Bagunu found a company that sees her value as a worker and as a whole person. A travel agency has hired her as an administrative supervisor wherein her tasks include overseeing the daily duties of employees while ensuring that quality standards are being met and proper procedures and being followed. She also oversees employee recruitment, including interviews and hiring, and performing employee evaluations and making recommendations on personnel actions, such as promotions or terminations, among others. Though she’s only 37, Bagunu, when asked about her plans, said that she wanted to settle either in the US or in a European country and build a home for the aged. She also plans to support a non-profit organization that helps women who are victims of domestic abuse and www.theglobalfilipinomagazine.com

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Marie Joyce S. Masim

‘Dream big’: Filipina worker in UAE consistently promoted to higher ranks

AE-based overseas Filipino worker Marie Joyce S. Masim said she acts today to improve her life tomorrow. This has been her mantra and recipe to successfully excel in her professional career. Currently, she works as an office and HR manager in an engineering consultancy in Abu Dhabi. Before having this big break, she had to go through the eye of a needle. In the Philippines, she was in line with administrative work. After getting her college diploma, she worked as a telemarketer, wherein in this role she sold credit cards. Masim thought that transferring from one company to another would help her get exposed to various responsibilities that would hone her skills. A few months after, she looked for another job, at that time she worked as a receptionist for an electronic company. Equipped and to further grow her career, she transferred to another company and finally secured an administrative manager position. In the company, she handled employees--this tasked enhanced her talents, abilities, and being a flexible person. Despite having a good professional career in the Philippines, the need to support and sustain

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the needs of her family led her to be where she is right now--carving an overseas journey. Masim arrived in UAE in 2008 to work as a receptionist in an automobile company where she had opportunities to learn the ins and outs of the industry, and to further grow. From being a simple receptionist, she climbed through the ranks. She worked as an administrative sales support, cashier, secretary in the same company, which she all played the role accordingly. “I was assigned various tasks and roles and it helped me a lot especially in my career. It was a very good experience,” she said. Today, in a different company, where her voice matters in decision-making, Masim is working as an office and HR manager. “I am really blessed to have this opportunity. Before I was able to reach this position, I had to pass through the eye of the needle,” she said. In the company where she presently belongs, she, too, started an entry-level position. From a receptionist, through her dedication to work, perseverance and determination, and loyalty to the organization, she was promoted as a

document controller. Indeed, her all hard work and persistence paid off as she was promoted once again as an administrative executive. Sooner, she was given the opportunity to be the office and HR manager of the company. When asked about the struggles she had endured before she got settled, Masim said there is a lot to mention. She specifically mentioned the fact that she’s away from her family was the hardest battle she had faced. To overcome it, she had to socialize and meet new people where she can divert her emotions. Another struggled she had faced was the insufficient salary that she was getting before as it would not suffice to her basic necessities. “Especially that the cost of living in Dubai is quite expensive. Despite all of this, I remind myself about my family who needs my support. Even if it’s hard sometimes, I have to sacrifice for my family. It shows how I love them so much,” she said. Though she is yet to gain the bounties that she longed for yet, she is keen to put up her small business in the Philippines and be with her family.

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Baby Nenette Samonte Young ‘There’s always light at the end of the tunnel’

aby Nenette Samonte Young said that looking for a greener pasture in the Philippines was a bit difficult. Before she was convinced to work overseas, she was teaching in a private school for girls. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, she then worked in a distribution company where she spent a total of eight professional years. There, she was initially hired as an HR and development assistant and was later moved to the credit and collection department. A very dedicated worker, her hard work paid off when she was promoted to the head of the department before she left for UAE in 2008. The educator with HR specialized skills then settled for a contracting company in the UAE as an HR and accounts officer for seven years. She was responsible for supporting HR services, primarily in benefits administration,

recruiting, new employee onboarding, and a variety of general administrative HR tasks. She also assisted the finance department with administrative tasks as well. After gaining enough exposure in the field, 10 years after arriving in the country, she worked for government agencies Tasheel and Tadbeer as an HR Head. Young, who started as an HR officer in the entities, is currently assigned to Tadbeer, Ministries Complex in Abu Dhabi. “Working in the HR department is quite tiring but it is also satisfying especially if you feel how thankful the people are when I hired them in our company. Working in a company with diverse culture and nationality is a challenge as well as you have to cater to different types of people,” she said.

she recalled getting anxiety attacks due to her personal issue with her ex-husband. “I seek many remedies. But I realized that it’s only me who can help myself. I went into meditation and more prayers as well. My sisters were with me during those bad times,” she added. Since it’s her dream to move to the United Kingdom, she has recently taken up a caregiving course in an Abu Dhabi-based training centre. She further added that she took the course in an attempt to change the course of her career path. “To my fellow kabayans, be patient and always remember that no matter what you’re going through, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel,” Young said.

Despite the success in his professional career, www.theglobalfilipinomagazine.com

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Angelica and Kai Gonzales

ince 2011, Angelica and Kai Gonzales of SM Development Corporation (SMDC) have already been giving overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) hope when they initially started as property specialists in Toronto, Canada. As realtors, they get the chance to travel to any part of the world as they wish, and anytime they want--a job that is not very common to most sectors. This also means meeting new people from different walks of life, making new friends and business partners all over the globe.

home comes, they have invested in their homes that they can call their own. And for us, that is the most fulfilling part of our jobs,” Angelica further added.

Kai used to work as an automotive entrepreneur, while Angelica worked as an accountant in a few BPO companies in the Philippines before they embark on a very colorful journey.

“With all the wars, global pandemic, and economic difficulties that most countries have been facing, time and again, the real estate industry has proved its resiliency to major outbreaks in the world. As they say, the best time to invest was yesterday, the best time is today,” he added.

“The company provides us the opportunity to travel, see the world, and meet a lot of people,” Kai said, noting that through SMDC, they were able to travel to Canada, the USA, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, UAE, Qatar, Russia, and to European countries, among others. Today, due to their unstoppable persistent in their goal and hard work, they are now both international sales directors.

Bridging overseas Filipinos’ dreams for a comfortable residential living

“The world is our office. Also, we have the freedom to work at our pace and time, based on clients’ needs and demands. We can world at the comfort of our homes, or the next day we are at another country with different culture and time zone,” Angelica said. She added that working with the residential developer has had no dull moments ever since they started selling their property a decade ago. “The best thing about our work is when our clients, especially our OFWs, are thankful that we helped them invest their hard-earned money in the Philippines. A number of our clients have been working overseas for 5, 10, or even 15 years and most of their income was being sent back home to families for their daily expenses. But now, they are being smart on how they handle their finances and realize the importance of investing. That when the time to go back

Importance of investing An investment in real estate provides a path for financial security as real estate is one of the few physical assets that appreciate in value, and can also generate a steady stream of passive income through leasing, Kai said.

The real estate company has been very sensitive to the current pandemic situation and has provided more flexible payment schemes for its clients. Currently, they have house and lots and condominium projects which have affordable monthly payment rates. However, with the current economic situation, some OFWs are still having a hard time investing. But since having multiple owners is allowed in investing with the SMDC, it makes payments more affordable. Interested OFWs may also partner with SMDC and be one of the international marketing partners, and earn commission through referrals. SMDC is one of the most reputable real estate companies in the Philippines and bagged the most coveted Best Developer Award in 2020. Its core mission is to build a nation of Filipino homeowners. For years now, it has been enabling OFWs to experience luxurious resortstyle condominium living at affordable prices. Since 2006, the company has launched over 47 projects in the heart of Metro Manila and also in some provinces, providing a wide array of choices for clients. They’re also accessible to schools, offices, malls, and means of transportation.

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Analyn Gale Rico

‘Never give up’: Family’s breadwinner finishes diploma program; pursues dreams

nalyn Gale Rico believes that the best way to reach a dream is to work to achieve it and change it to reality despite any situation.

An admin and cashier at the same time for Centrepoint, a company under Landmark Group, Rico is the breadwinner of the family. She has been working in the same organization for seven years now. “Living and working abroad is a challenging experience for me because I need to adapt to a new culture and a new way of life. Being here in a foreign environment really requires flexibility and determination, and it’s not really easy in the beginning but it’s a great lesson because I find myself becoming more independent and I gained more strength to pursue my dreams,” she said. Working overseas, Rico added, opened her mind. “I met people who don’t live as I do and I know I will grow from this experience and this will make lasting and meaningful relationships and will change me forever,” she further added.

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Rico said that working in the capital has changed her life, most especially when she joined one of the largest retail and hospitality organizations in the country and enjoy an array of benefits and perks. She said that the company that she is currently working with teaches her skills and knowledge to be more efficient. “It’s very interesting as I learned to see things from a different angle. You will be dealing and communicating with different nationalities which gives you an edge over others,” she said. Plans after Abu Dhabi, post-pandemic As Covid-19 upended the lives of millions of people across the world, she realized and started wondering about the future. She thought that if she studies a medical-related diploma course, the healthcare sector doesn’t have a dead-end job. Additionally, she believes that there’s an unlimited number of places and roles that it offers. “Once you train in something, you are given a lot of opportunities to develop new skills and push into new areas,” she added. Fuelled by her dreams for herself and for her

family, she decided to enroll herself in the Filipino Institute as advised by a friend. She took up the caregiver class with a plan to take the nursing assistant course. “I know it’s very challenging to study while working but I know I can do it and I believe everyone can do as well. I know God will always be there for me, helping me every step of the way. Never give up. Never stop working for your goals. Never stop growing and learning,” she further added.

T G F M Mayrahn Cherish Adan Bagos who has been in the UAE for 10 years now, continued. Her husband, who was unaware of her situation, then decided to resign and go back to the Philippines to pursue his dreams. “During that time, I didn’t know what to do, I would pray and ask God to help and give me the wisdom to overcome it all,” she said. Bagos, even before venturing on an overseas journey, has already been immersing herself in various religious activities. She then got the courage to speak to her husband and her family members about her problems. They’ve decided to let go of the house and lot in Laguna and continue paying for the car they’ve purchased and registered it in rideshare services like Uber and Grab in the hopes to have an additional income. Through dedication and trust in the Lord, the Bagos survived and overcame it all. Today, despite all the struggles, she managed to stand out in the career she has chosen as she is now working as a store manager for the multi-brand company Apparel UAE.

OFW who got scammed out of AED55,000 shares how she overcame it

even years ago, Mayrahn Cherish Adan Bagos vividly remembers how she got duped by a trusted friend up to AED55,000 or nearly half a million pesos for an ‘investment’ she never thought could cause a surprising 360 degrees turn in her life. Frustrated, the former customer service representative at SM Mart could not talk to anyone about what she had suffered. Her friend, whom she had trusted with her hard-earned money while working overseas, walk away from her when the latter was put behind bars due to a bounced cheque and an estafa case. “I was thinking where will I get the money to pay for my loan, expenses here abroad, my son’s allowance, the car and house and lot I purchased for installment basis in the Philippines,” Bagos,

“I enjoy meeting a lot of people, especially customers. I like the rapport that I build with them to stay loyal to our branch and to love and appreciate our products. My work as a store manager gives me the ability to have long patience,l endure and change the attitude of my staff, to face my boss confidently, ability to multitask, to think fast and solve the issue on the spot and the ability to stay calm even you wanted to explode,” Bagos, who started as a sales associate for a Brands for Less company in the UAE, said. After studying a professional diploma in Business Management, she and her husband are planning to open a restaurant and cafe in their home country after five years, when they have accumulated enough funds already. “To my fellow kababayans who experience hardships away from their families, please stay still and pray to God. He works in mysterious ways,” she concluded.

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T G F M Parents of viral kid all praise to Dubai Police officers ‘Policemen are always there to serve and promote public safety. We should not be scared of them’

feature story about him gone viral, was invited to the headquarters of Dubai Police in Muraqqabat, Deira. Parilla got a call from a police officer the day after, inviting her family to appear at the police station. They were told that ‘they were not in trouble.’ When they arrived at the station, they were welcomed by the very accommodating Sergeant Manal Aljaouhari and showed them how Smart Police Station works. According to Srgt. Aljaouhari, they were the third expatriates in the emirate to ever try the service.

Filipina mom was all praise to Dubai Police officers after the latter took time to get out of their patrol car after the child waved at them.

Dubai-based overseas Filipino worker Sharon Parilla told The Global Filipino Magazine when she and her 2-year-old son, Seb, were strolling when they saw a police car on Monday, September 7. “My son excitedly waved at the police car and the cops noticed him,” she said. The patrol car then stopped in front of them and came out of their car to greet Seb. “Seb was so happy! He waved back and said hi to them too with a big smile,” Parilla, who has been working in the finance industry and living in the country for 12 years now, said. “Seb is an adorable precious sweet active and friendly 2-year-old son who completes our day and makes it meaningful. He loves to eat fruits and plan rice. He always says hi to other

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people,” she added. The Filipina, whose husband is also working in Dubai as frontline hero, said that her son loves watching shows that are about heroes and policemen, firefighters, and ambulances. “He especially likes their cars to be honest, especially after the pandemic… he rarely goes out to see these things. He only sees their cars outside our window or on TV,” she said. The Filipina mum wants her son to be a hero as well–like a doctor, policeman, or an astronaut. “Policemen are always there to serve and promote public safety. We should not be scared of them and being able to approach them like that makes us feel that expats are indeed welcome and protected in this country. My kids grew up here and we’re really lucky to live in a safe and beautiful city like Dubai,” Parilla said. A special invite Seb, after The Global Filipino Magazine’s

“They are very accommodating. They have shown us how SPS works and have welcomed Seb in their amazing kids’ corner. Actually, I can’t say it’s just a normal corner because it was very huge,” she said. Seb was also gifted with a Dubai Police car toy as a souvenir.

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xpo 2020 in Dubai begins on October 1, hosting the world for 182 days. It will be the first World Expo ever hosted in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region. It aims to host an expo that inspires people by showcasing the best examples of collaboration, innovation, and cooperation from around the world. The Philippines boasts its Bangkota pavilion. It is expected to draw the audience into defined, free-flowing, open spaces, reflecting a culture that embraces openness, meaningful encounters, and connectivity. Its name means coral reef in old Tagalog, one of the more than 170 languages spoken in the Philippines.

What to expect at the Philippines’ pavilion during

Expo 2020

“These languages overlap, much like corals, in the same way as Filipinos interact with people around the world, and each other. In the past 4,000 years, the Filipinos’ Austronesian, speaking ancestors spread throughout island Southeast Asia and then embarked across the Pacific and Indian Oceans. They were–and still are–connected by the oceans of the world,” read on its website. The Philippine Pavilion, located in the Sustainability District of the Expo, poetically emphasizes cultural sustainability through at least a millennia. In a plot size of 3,163.25 square metre, the pavilion presents a symphony of architecture, art, and design that links the deep past with the future of connectivity for the Filipinos. It is conceptualized and actualized by Arch. Royal Pineda of Budji+Royal Architecture Design. What to expect at the Philippine Pavilion: 1. Authentic Filipino architecture, art, and design – A spatial form evoking a coral reef, and within, a vanguard music environment, the architectural interiors “grow” the visitors’ imagination with visual experiences and a sequence of artworks that drive updated science about the Philippines and its people. 2. An epic symphony of nature, culture, and a 4,000-year journey – Artmaking and design interlink with scientific work on ancient Philippines to tell a story from the past—65,000 years of genetic mixing in precolonial Philippine archipelago—to the future—multiple expressions of a tenacious culture sustained for 4,000 years. 3. Cultural expressions in Go Lokal! And Marahuyo boutique – An impressive collection of artisanal, contemporary and practical luxury products and designer pieces, all made in the Philippines. 4. A delightful food experience at the Mangrove Cafe – A full and delectable sensory experience with Philippine cuisine, drawn from a rich cultural history and a diversity of flavors, aroma and color.

Image Credit: Philippine Expo 2020 Dubai/Facebook

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Ahmed Yousif El Sharif Dubai-based half Filipino making waves in international male pageantries

Dubai-based American citizen who is of Arab and Filipino descent is gearing up to claim the Man of the Universe 2021 title, one of the most anticipated male pageants this year. Ahmed Yousif El Sharif, 25, is currently working as a dental surgeon and helping his mother, who is a Filipina, managing their restaurant business in Muraqqabat, Deira. Standing 5’11”, the doctor-entrepreneur will represent the USA in the prestigious pageant on October 15 in Dubai. The American citizen who has a Filipino heart revealed that he is new to the male pageantry. His first try was during the Man of the Philippines UAE 2018 wherein he was hailed as top seven. He was also the first runner-up during the Manhunt search in the UAE. The Man of Universe 2021 would be his third pageant.

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“I was known as someone who is not really known in this kind of modeling or pageants and later on, with the help of my handler, I was able to establish a name,” he said, referring to Miss Carla Fuentes, who is known to be a seasoned make-up artist, international fashion designer, and handler of talents. “It’s my passion to join pageantries and also I feel like it’s a way for me to influence and inspire people who believe that they can do more than they were given from the start,” El Sharif, whose father is a Sudanese, said. Competing with 15 other strong candidates from all across the world, when asked about his edge among them, he said ‘having an edge is not about having the looks or not about fame, it’s neither where you come from, it’s something the way you show your influence and what you represent.’

Despite having a full-time job and commitment to their family business, he still finds time to join local and international pageants. “It’s all about time management and how determined you are to achieve those things. Basically, if you want to do something, you’ll find time for it. There’s a lot of struggle trying to do what you want, but it’s all worth it in the end as long as you want to do it, and you’re determined for it,” he said. The pageant is produced by Star Realms Entertainment Production in cooperation with Purple & Pink and powered by FILPRENEUR. The Man of the Universe is a Philippine-based international pageant that celebrates exemplary men who embody passion, love, and dedication in preserving humanity, diversity, and unity.

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GCC’s most trusted training institution, Filipino Institute, to mark sixth anniversary Filipino Institute, an internationally accredited training institute based in the UAE, will be holding its sixth founding anniversary on November 19 by turning the heat on in the winter through an event called ‘Sportsfest 2021.’ The sports event, which will feature at least 18 sports and other activities, will be conducted at the Shahbab Al Ahli Club in Al Nahda, Dubai. Open for students, the one-day event, which is slated from 11am to 7pm, will test students,

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staff, and trainers’ energy and adrenaline rush through sports–back-to-back with a couple of flexed-up beauty, brains, and a little lad smartness. Families and relatives of Filipino Insitute administrative workers, trainers, and students are also enjoined to participate in the event. Below are the activities where individuals can join: > Basketball – Men > Volleyball – Women > Badminton > Chess > Parlor Games > Cheer Dance Competition > Singing Competition > Darts > Poster Making Contest > Make-up Contest > Photography Contest

> Videography Contest > Painting > Car Show > Essay Writing (from 4 to 16 years old) > Mr. and Miss FI > Little Mr. and Miss FI The management will create team names and announced them four weeks before the big event. Meanwhile, fees will be collected in the respective Filipino Institute campuses: Registration: AED50 Venue Entrance Fee: AED10 Complete Uniform: AED100 Upper Uniform: AED50 Transportation shuttle to and from Al Ain and Dubai: AED50 Transportation shuttle to and from Abu Dhabi and Dubai: AED50

T G F M A successful businesswoman and an achiever A Dubai-based Filipina entrepreneur is one of the recipients of The International Award of Global Excellence 2021. Marlene Murphy, the founder and CEO of Artrepreneurs, a modern platform for artists, designers, and art lovers, is among the 35 awardees from around the world. “I am deeply humbled and grateful to be a recipient of this meaningful award,” she wrote on her Facebook account.

The businesswoman, who has more than 20 years of work experience in various management roles in world-class organizations, was given The Global Excellence Award for Social Impact, an award conferred by the Global Union of Innovation Development and Education in the United Kingdom under the grand patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation, Member of the Executive Council.

The award is only given to those who have been a substantial positive force in the international exchange of culture, knowledge, and ideas; created or provided an outstanding service internationally with significant economic, social, and cultural benefits; and demonstrated significant bridge-building between cultures. The awarding has been concluded last Friday, September 2, during The International Sustainability and Growth Summit 2021 held at The Raffles Hotel Dubai, UAE.

A talented Filipino pianist, 13, is representing the UAE in an international piano contest. Currently, Clarence Miguel Cresencia, dearly called ‘Miggy’, is competing in the first round of Worldvision’s music contest under the regional category. According to his biography published on the organizer’s website, Miggy was born in the UAE and got interested in playing piano at the age of 5 and continued to enhance his skills and knowledge through consistent practice and private lessons.

Young Filipino pianist mesmerizes with virtuosic and heartfelt pieces 34

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He had also done his music qualifications from Trinity College London with merit and distinction grades. Miggy loves classical music especially Beethoven and Mozart’s pieces. The young Filipino has 184 votes, 36.8 points, and nine votes as of this writing. Only six musicians from every region will be qualified for the second round. Results will be announced on October 18. Should Miggy wins the regional competition, he will be competing in the national competition, semifinals, and finals. The final concert will take place in Konzerthaus Vienna in Austria. The votes of the audience make 1/2 of the final score. During the regional and national rounds, contestants will be judged by the following respectable violinists: Victor Tretiakov, a professor at the Schlossakademie; Boris

Kuschnir, a professor at the University of Music in Graz; Mate Szucs, a professor at the Geneva University of Music; and Krill Troussov, a soloist. “The international competition Worldvision Music Contest aims at fostering in every way the development of performers’ creativity, advancement of their professional excellence, promotion and wide popularization of classical music,” the regulations read. To support Miggy, visit https://worldvision.classicat-home.com/for-participants/1889.

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TGFM marks first anniversary, to honor 12 exemplary Filipinos in UAE on Oct 8 The wait is finally over. The Global Filipino Magazine will be honoring the 12 Filipino exemplary Filipinos in the UAE who played a vital role in promoting Filipino ingenuity and boost the morale of every migrant Filipino worker. Of more than 200 feature stories published in the magazine since April last year, a total of 12 unique stories that have shared notable contributions in the international area will be recognized on October 8 at Radisson Blu Hotel Deira Creek Dubai, coinciding with the publication’s first anniversary. The Global Filipino Magazine Publisher Mr. Gabriel John Rimando said that this will be the very first time that the publication is doing this event. “Through this venture, we will be able to give these global Filipino icons what they deserve,” he said. The editorial team, along with the publisher, has specifically chosen the 12 icons from over 200 featured people. Below are the finalists: 1. Ericson Javillo Ericson Javillo is undoubtedly considered to be a dynamic leader and seasoned global educator. Through his over a decade of work experience in the academe, he mastered connections that make one’s career and life richer. He possesses a strong commitment and selfless dedication in the continuous development of students, co-educators, staff members, and the whole community by providing a stimulating environment. 2. Jesse Garcia Seasoned logistics professional Jesse Garcia Estrada has a very inspiring story. Before

reaching the pinnacle of success, he, too, has also a fair share of hardships. However, despite all the struggles and trials that he has been through, he proves that one can hold on to the Almighty’s word and trust the process.

from just a casual chit-chat with a friend, COO and Co-founder Suchy aims to help and reach out to a wider and more diverse community and gears towards an equal employment opportunity. 8. Lilac Schonberg

3. Dandin Vergara De Vera Nothing you ever want to achieve will ever become a reality if you always want to quit. This is what Dandin Vergara De Vera is projecting for his fellow Filipino migrant workers in the Middle East as he himself has started from scratch. He has over two decades of contributions in trade, retail, shopper marketing, sales, and retail operations for global multinational firms. Today, Dandin works in the Global Trade Marketing Unit, PanzerGlass ™️ Regional Office in Dubai.

Miss Lilac Hosalla Schonberg holds the real meaning of being a Global Filipino. An international educator, wife, mother, and cancer survivor, her vision is to build new quality education and bring it to the table of educational institutions and organizations that can put education and businesses together. The STEM robotic teacher has been raising the national flag in the UAE academe. 9. Alberto Opena

4. Rhona Morada Dubai-based Filipina entrepreneur Rhona Morada has lost her job due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite all the problems that hit her, failure has never overtaken her determination to succeed in life. Fast forward, Morada is now one of the owners and the CEO of COUPOONSHOP UAE, a business model based on subscription and discount offers for various business services in the region. The platform is aimed at offering high-quality deals and discounts for its subscribers at www.coupoonshop.com. 5. Jenie Vi Batalla For Jenie Vi Batalla, UAE has been an avenue to fulfill her dreams and goals in life and even surpassed what she admired in life. Currently working as a business development consultant in a consulting firm that has been in the industry since 1988, Batalla’s 15 years of total work experience overseas proved that one can achieve his or her dreams if he or she is determined and has the ability to adapt easily. 6. Michelle David Menor Miss Michelle David Menor has been chosen as one of the 12 finalists of The Global Filipino Magazine’s The Global Filipino Icon 2021 Awards. In a recent interview with her, she said that there are many reasons why she opted to work abroad, including to seek better opportunities and start a new job that will push her out of her comfort zone. From being a cashier, she had to through the eye of a needle to achieve her current status. 7. Eirene Suchy In an effort to help those Filipinos in the UAE who have been displaced by the pandemic, Dubai-based entrepreneur Eirene Suchy has established a portal where she bridges the gap between job hunters and employers in the UAE. Through the job portal Gohuntr, which was born

“If you keep chasing on your dreams, one day you’ll catch them.” This has been said many times by successful people and this has been the mantra of UAE-based professional flair bartender turned to founder and CEO Alberto Flores Opena. Opena, with 21 years of combined work experience abroad, owns OUNCE, a leading event management solutions, facilities management, and consultancy specializing in food and beverage in the UAE. 10. Anz Soza Anz Soza, a Filipina based in Dubai who has started doodling on disposable coffee cups, is now an art company owner. An interior designer in Singapore before moving to Dubai some six years ago, Soza said her friends are always fascinated with her art. Her first believers, her friends, then requested her if she could print on their passport holders and tumblers. 11. Mars de los Santos A true world-class and global Filipina, Mars Yabut De los Santos came to Dubai in 2006 when the emirate was still a diamond in the rough, much like her. She was only 25 when she embarked on an overseas journey. De los Santos wanted to test the waters and thought it was better for her to work on her ambitions in a country like the UAE while she was younger so that if things don’t work out as planned, the Philippines will always be there to welcome her back. 12. Doc Angelo Santos A clinical advisor in the UAE, Dr. Angelo Nino Santos, fondly called ‘Doc Gelo’, did not only find love in medicine. Aside from having an extremely challenging and cerebral work at the NOW Health International, an international medical insurance company, he also found love in blogging and snapping travel photos.