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OCTOBER 2021 | ISSUE 18

Philippine pavilion one of the ‘best Expo 2020 pavilions for children’ Filipino Institute Dubai attends breast cancer awareness talk

Image Credit: Than Dumas

Salimar M. Salomabao A sneak peek into the success story of PNB Maranao banker in Middle East

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TGFM honors 12 ‘Global Filipino Icons’ in UAE during 1st anniversary

T G F M TABLE OF CONTENTs EDITORIAL BOARD GABRIEL JOHN RIMANDO Publisher RYAN NAMIA Editor-in-Chief ANGELO DUMAG Associate Editor 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

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UAE-based triathlete makes history as first Filipino at toughest triathlon on planet - Raymondted Morena Apostol A man of many hats: Medic, coach, swimming instructor, and sports advocate - Romeo Puncia Failed 14 times in business, Filipina now owns firm with 400 franchisees nationwide - Princes Rosario- San Diego UAE-based Filipina spearheads community birthday celebrations across the world - Mika Coquia Former homecare nurse now Covid-19 hero in Abu Dhabi - Audrey Chaira Quinto Magnaye ‘Pandemic had pushed me to start building my dreams’: Former OFW now a businessman - Jason Roi Bucton A fashion writer and a hero with a purpose - Chris Daymon

Aiming for the sky, making it happen - Rizza Bacani Magcalas This woman proves that experiences will make you stronger and bolder Jessa Mae Vicente Filipina dentist providing comprehensive dental care overseas for three decades now - Dr. Lolita Malit Lim Rising through the ranks, former telephone operator now PR & events manager in UAE - Maria Cleofe Velarde Eleazar ‘Conquering fear of failure and embarrassment’ - Ramile Tedria Abasola

A sneak peek into the success story of PNB Maranao banker in Middle East - Salimar M. Salomabao

Fulfilled content creator in UAE fights for career and life battles independently - Aaron Lafoteza Customer service officer in Dubai does everything to make mama proud Enrico Pocholo Juanson Ochoco TGFM honors 12 ‘Global Filipino Icons’ in UAE during 1st anniversary Hail to the First Ever Global Filipino Icons Awardees! - By Angelo Dumag ‘Never give up’: Family’s breadwinner finishes diploma program; pursues dreams - Ahmed Yousif El Sharif Filipino students bring festive parade at Expo 2020 Dubai 50 individuals from Filipino Institute Bahrain’s Batch 16 finish short-term courses Ryan Namia and Dean Gem Basig-Reyes

RAYMONDTED MORENA APOSTOL UAE-based triathlete makes history as first Filipino at toughest triathlon on planet

overseas, he finished two UK diploma courses .in 2013 and 2014

By Ryan Namia

Getting acquainted with triathlons

n Abu Dhabi-based overseas Filipino worker (OFW) made history in the field of international triathlon competitions after being the first person from the Philippines to join the Bearman Xtreme Triathlon, one of the toughest triathlons on the planet. Hailing from Malolos City Bulacan, Raymondted Morena Apostol, 35, joined one of the most extreme triathlons on the planet in an effort to challenge himself. The sports activity took place in France’s Le Vallespir in .September I’m the kind of person who always looks for“ something to push myself to keep my body and mind busy. I want to challenge the norm and do something different something that no Filipino had ever done. I believe that if I can do it I can inspire people to believe in themselves and their potential,” Apostol, who works as an .emergency medical technician, said

Image Credit: Supplied

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Apostol revealed that he did all his triathlons, including the latest one, with no coach. He independently did all the training programs, nutrition, and planning for the biggest event of .his life by researching on the internet I don’t have a coach but I have a very“ supportive, understanding, and loving wife. Without her, this journey would have never been possible. She was my biggest support since the day I decided to join the Bearman. I also have a very supportive mother, sister, and brother-in-law who in every way supported my .hobby and dreams,” he said I race because I love to compete not with“ other people or athletes but to compete with myself. To be a little bit better than yesterday is .always an accomplishment,” he further added

The nursing graduate who has been living and working in the UAE for 10 years now said he has never joined any triathlon events in the .Philippines He started getting acquainted with the sports in early 2018. He did his first 70.3 Ironman Distance in 2018 and second in 2019. He also did some Olympic Distance triathlon events and run the full marathon in the ADNOC .marathon It was introduced to me by one of the local“ legends here in Abu Dhabi. He encouraged me .to try triathlon in late 2017,” he recalled Finishing the Bearman, according to Apostol, .was his recent and best achievement I am not fast on any of the three disciplines“ in triathlon I find myself just an average and ordinary when it comes to triathlon, I just choose to do something extraordinary,” he .said

He added that the experience was unbelievable, amazing, and legendary. He recalled that the morning of the race was peaceful, however, the weather turned south mid-day--it was cold, .rainy, windy, and there were thunderstorms

As a medical technician, he is responsible for responding in case of medical and traumatic emergencies in the emirate. In the past two years of this pandemic, he is assigned to Chemical Biological, Radiation, and Nuclear (CBRN) unit to respond specifically to .Covid-19 patients who see treatment and care

But against all odds, I keep moving forward“ towards my dream and my goal because I believe that I deserve a win and all of us deserve .a win in these trying times,” he said

Apostol has also created his vlog Thetryathlete where he shows his audience that sports can .make a difference in one’s life

Although he is not a podium finisher in any races he joined, he always gets the finisher medals. He added that races make him more .happy, confident, busy, and active

It doesn’t matter your age, background,“ or situation. We are always capable to do something great at any stage of our life we just .have to create the opportunity,” he added

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Apart from having an active life, he is also busy enriching her professional career. While

Romeo Puncia

Image Credit: Supplied

A man of many hats: Medic, coach, swimming instructor, and sports advocate By Angelo Dumag

t was ten years ago when Romeo Tumayao Puncia III left the Philippines to work abroad. The man is full of willpower, aspirations, and passionate love for people; aside from being a professional, this humble individual loves to help unprivileged and less fortunate people. His missionary spirit keeps him moving towards success and fulfillment.

of His plans. “I even experienced losing my job, failed businesses and been bankrupted, I almost lost everything that I have including my family, friends, relationships, and that was the time I’ve learned how to pray and asked God to help me, and the sweetest moment was when I

Romeo, hailing from Quezon City, Philippines, grew up in one of the poorest areas of the urban. At a young age, he sacrificed a lot of things for his family as he played the role of breadwinner.

Steps to rise up Romeo’s journey was not that easy; he experienced a lot of challenges that tested his values and faith. At those moments, he learned to pray and asked God’s providence. He surrendered everything to God and trusted all

This multi-talented and skilful man is also a missionary, international brand ambassador, and race advocate with a purpose campaign. He also serves as a founder and team manager of Apex Endurance UAE, a founder of Katribo Charities Incorporated, and the Owner and Managing Director of Apex Sports Services. These achievements are a manifestation and an excellent example of fulfilment and success. Facing all of the blessings, Romeo plans to be back in the Philippines at the age of 40 and live in Palawan to serve the tribal community as a missionary with his family. In that service, he planned to build a sports facility, campsites, and training centre.

Romeo, who is full of love and grand ambitions, is currently based in Abu Dhabi and working as an Emergency Medical Technician or Medic in a Public Safety Department. His work makes him so proud and happy because he is a service to the people. Helping for him is nurtured and runs into his blood. “I love action and high intensity-adrenaline pumping jobs; that is why I love working in an ambulance service. In high-stress moments, I like to keep my patients calm, providing them care and treatment at the scene of an emergency. Helping others in times of need is a great feeling and something that can make you feel proud,” Romeo said.

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surrendered my life to Him. I never thought that with God’s help and proper mindset, I would be able to survive, and now still standing,” he confidently said. Like every other Filipinos, he worked overseas because of better career opportunities, creating a new circle of friends from different nationalities, and allowing him to reach out and help many people. Life and purpose Aside from being part of the medical field, he is also a licensed triathlon coach, training peaks level 1 coach, and swim instructor.

“That is the reason why many years now I am investing to Palawan, Philippines–building my house (on-going), and donating a 2.6 hectares land where we will build our project that will help many Filipinos especially the Filipino athletes and indigenous people,” he said. He always believed that regardless of all the success and greatness he achieved from working abroad, he needed to share his blessing with others. Sometimes life may not go according to plan, but a better place will prevail at the end of the road. “Keep God at the centre, and everything will follow. Sometimes life may not go to the plans we wanted, it may be painful, it may be smooth sailing, but one thing we have to learn is that God is just there and he is alive--he hears our cry, our sorrow, our pain, so keep the faith and trust Him, “he ended with a smile.

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Princes RosarioSan Diego Failed 14 times in business, Filipina now owns firm with 400 franchisees nationwide

Image Credit: Supplied

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By Angelo Dumag

ife is always beautiful for Princess Rosario- San Diego, a pastry chef and CEO - founder of What’s your FLAN? A woman of optimism and religiosity who loves to do charity and inspire others, people considered her as an achiever and hardworking individual. For a dreamer like Chef Princess, nothing is impossible for someone who loves their work. Challenges might be present, but learnings will always prevail all the time.

Ali. After her first work, she was hired as a customer service representative and eventually promoted after three months as director for sales and marketing.

currently affiliated with the American Culinary Federation (Manila Chapter), serving as marketing chair. She is also a chef instructor at CCA Manila.

A Plan to FLAN

As an empowered OFW, she understands how difficult it is to be separated from the family for the sake of yearning and hoping for better opportunities. In that sense, she is also an OFW advocate and a private partner of Blas Ople Center, helping the repatriated and abused OFWs.

The passion moves Chef Princess to pursue her business, and obviously, it contributes a lot to her success. According to her, dreams may come true if there is hard work and dedication. “Well, I believe having the passion along with your business makes this easy for me to handle and manage. I can easily create ideas. I do not get tired even if I am physically exhausted, but my mind runs with endless ideas. I love cooking,” Chef Princess said. In 2016, she established What’s you FLAN, and it was her 15th business after she failed 14 times in all of her food businesses. Although these hardships happened, she stands still and empowers herself with trust, hope, and prayer. Her positive mindset let her grow and become successful. Currently, they have over 400 franchisees nationwide, 10 international partners from different countries (USA, UAE, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, Australia & Papua New Guinea) with over 100 original recipes created from innovating all-time favorite dessert leche flan.

In 2005, she started working as an OFW in Dubai. She served as temporary admin assistant of an oil and gas company in Jebel

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“WYF’s Mission is to help the unemployed, single parents, OFWs, seniors, and everyone to have a very affordable business that is low risk and scalable through our well-established home-based franchise business. I was able to help and still help a lot of people through our given opportunities,” she said. Her passion for helping people and being a businesswoman enabled her to achieve different prestigious awards. She was named as the 1st runner-up in Nextgen in the Franchise Competition in the Philippines. She was one of the Global finalists representing the Philippines at the 2019 NextGen in Global Franchise Competition in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A. She also ended as 1st runner-up in the said competition.

Life as Advocate & Achiever

Her mindset and positivity make her fulfilled and great. The challenges she encountered established her worth and strength.

Aside from being a professional chef and a successful business owner, Chef Princess also has the blood of a philanthropist. She is

Lastly, life may be challenging at times, but life teaches us a lesson or makes us become better people. God never punishes people.

Mika Coquia UAE-based Filipina spearheads community birthday celebrations across the world By Angelo Dumag

very individual has their advocacies in life, and these philanthropic realities create a sense of responsibility. It is this sense of responsibility that makes an individual confident, loving, and generous. In a world full of adversities, there are still people who love to give service to others. These people who volunteer themselves are individuals who are born to serve and change the world.

this unique charitable institution aims to deliver happiness in the faces of the children.

Most of the time, Filipinos’ reason for going to the UAE is to look for great opportunities to save their families back in the Philippines from poverty. But Mika Coquia found out that working abroad is just like a stepping stone to build her up as an advocate of love and generosity. She is a founder of a charitable group, and it has been so active since June 2020.

To date, they have delivered 1,407 free birthdays all over UAE, Philippines, Uganda, Ghana, and Senegal. They have sent out boxes of donations to the most deserving communities in Mindanao, a charity foundation in Ghana where they focus on the refugees of Buduburam Refugee camp, to the children in the slums area in Kampala, Uganda, to an NGO in Goa, India where recently they have assisted the flood-affected families in India and a container of much-needed items to orphanages in Senegal.

Mika, dearly called Mommy Mika, has spent most of her career life for 15 years in the sales, marketing, and operation industry for fashion, business consulting, events, and pharmaceutical industries in UAE and the Philippines. She is a mother of two lovely kids raised with a sense of service and love for others. Life Purpose

Image Credit: Supplied

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When the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world, many people lose their jobs and eventually affect many lives. In reality, even though the UAE is the center of business in Asia, the country was also severely affected. At this time of the pandemic, people tend to help each other in their most simple ways. But the founder of

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Mika is known to be an advocate of joy. She loves sharing her blessings by delivering free birthday parties to underprivileged children whose families were severely affected by the pandemic. Aside from children, she also tends to celebrate birthdays with distressed pregnant women, elderlies, and children overseas.

Her sense of service firmly makes a difference. This wonder woman gives most of her time in charitable works all over the world. She also loves to collaborate with other charitable foundations and orphanages. This sense of urgency to create a community started when she and her family could not travel back to the Philippines to celebrate her daughter’s birthday in a charitable institution. They decided to give three free birthday parties to children in Dubai. Still, fortunately, it ended up 32 birthdays by the end of June 2020. That is when the mission of Birthday Bliss was born.

For Mika, she always wanted to help other people by the simple act of random kindness. This makes her successful and fulfilled. “That success is not about what is your job title or how much money you have in your bank account; that success is also measured on how you have executed your mission,” she added. Mika’s acts of service make her a true-blooded Filipino who always wanted to smile even amid adversity. Her faith, love, and hope make her more beautiful inside and out. Her story is not just a story of success but a story of joy and fulfilment. “We hope that this story of Birthday Bliss will open the hearts of every Filipino and encourage them to give back,” Mika shared.

Audrey Chaira Quinto Magnaye Former homecare nurse now Covid-19 hero in Abu Dhabi

Image Credit: Supplied

By Angelo Dumag

urses are among the professions that are facing the most significant challenges during this time. These modern heroes are considered on the frontline of everyone, battling to stop the spread of the deadly coronavirus and eventually hopeful for a virus-free planet.

different from what she was used to doing as a general nurse in the Philippines. It was pretty challenging for her because of the responsibilities of taking care of patients inside their homes.

A great Filipina nurse shows her braveness as she works as Covid-19 response nurse in the UAE. Audrey Chaira Quinto Magnaye has been working in the UAE for four years. Throughout his abroad journey, she served as a nurse. Audrey was born in Italy and raised in the Philippines together with her younger sisters. At an early age, she learned to stand on her own. Her determination kept her moving, and through that, she could finish her nursing degree and achieve her goals. First work in the United Arab Emirates In July 2017, Audrey arrived in Abu Dhabi to work as a home care nurse. She considered her arrival in the country as the most memorable one because she was not used to experiencing it. “I immediately felt like I was inside of an oven. It was scorching and humid. It made me reflect on my decision as to why did I come to this country. And asking myself ‘Will I be able to work in this kind of environment?’” she said. Before she started working as a family nurse, she went through a series of training, which lasted for a week. Audrey said the job was

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big leap for her. Currently, Audrey works at a facility that performs vaccinations and PCR testing for Abu Dhabi residents. Although the Covid-19 cases in UAE dropped down, she is still frightened of the possibilities. But what keeps her moving is the privileged she has to protect the lives of many. “As a Covid-19 response nurse, I have had a fascinating and frightening moment. Fascinating because I am part of a team working to stop the spread of the pandemic by providing vaccinations and health teachings to people. Frightening because we know that COVID-19 has affected more than a million people worldwide,” she added. Being an Expat

What was more complex was the language barrier and setting of rapport with her patients and their family. Eventually, throughout time, she enjoyed the work and had a great experience with people of different cultures. She lasted about three years and six months in her job. Covid-19 hero Many people lost their jobs during the pandemic, and the opportunities slope decreased. For medical practitioners like Audrey, pandemic becomes an opportunity for them to have work. Although an advantage for them it is the riskiest job during the pandemic. From working as a home care nurse to a Covid-19 response nurse, being a nurse was a

An expat journey has never been easy. It takes enough braveness, heart, and dedication. Living in a foreign country deals with a lot of sacrifices. No one wants to leave their families back in their home country. Still, people intended to work overseas to support and protect their loved ones from hunger because of a lack of opportunities. Working abroad, however, can be an excellent opportunity to become independent and robust; as Audrey put it: “Being able to live in a foreign country can be an opportunity to reinvent yourself and live life differently. Do not get lost. Stick to your core values and always remember your goal why you are here. Seek grace and ask guidance with our God”.

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Jason Roi Bucton ‘Pandemic had pushed me to start building my dreams’: Former OFW now a businessman By Ryan Namia

ason Roi Bucton had worked for 13 years in the UAE as an architect and interior designer in the same company. Though he has been working overseas for over a decade, Bucton said he has not prepared for his personal career development.

“Though it has been planned to settle down in 2020, this pandemic had pushed me as well to start building my dream,” he said. Being a global architect has prepared him to be competitive as he’s exposed to UAE’s cityscape and various architectural solutions, concepts, ideas, and possibilities. Deciding what’s best for his two kids, who have been locked inside their flat for more than eight months, they have decided to go back home despite having a comfortable life.

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“Here in the province, we get to enjoy still the balance of life. The kids can play in our backyard with their cousins, breathe fresh air, go to the mountains, live a simple and practical life, stay in our resthouse (bahay kubo) over the weekends, eat fresh food, while they attend online classes, and stay away from the threat of Covid-19,” Bucton said, adding that every weekend, they get to bond as a family in which they cannot do in the UAE during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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There, he started fulfilling his dreams. “Our place had flourished to be a competitive city in the country. I see the need for people to help them realize their dream house, or dream building, their business, be it in public or private entities. Nowadays, compared to the past, people start to get acquainted with my profession,” he said. Bucton, who was the chairman of Kalayaan and Bayanihan Festival 2020 in Dubai, has recently set up the Bucton Architecture, a startup that provides architectural-related services in his city. His wife, who is fond of baking and has enrolled in baking classes in Dubai, after figuring out that bread has been a commodity to Filipinos in their province, has started a bakery business for all-time Filipino favorite bread. Later on, the Bucton family ventured into a convenience store called ‘Mamita’s’ in honor of their mother. When asked about his long-term plans despite being fresh in the industry, he said that the ultimate goal is to build their brand to be passed on to the next generations. “And if time permits, go national and international,” he

further added. “I see our businesses branch out from one location to the other. My architectural firm to design edifices not only in my hometown but also in other places in the country, or hopefully, even abroad,” the Filipino architect said when asked about how he sees himself creating a change in the company. Bucton, after working overseas, has helped his parents financially to complete his siblings’ college education, build their family house, prepared his family’s future by building his personal savings. “Reintegration in the Philippines is possible if you prepare for it. It has been our aim abroad to prepare for our future so we can be with our family back home,” he concluded.

Chris Daymon

Image Credit: Supplied

A fashion writer and a hero with a purpose By Angelo Dumag

tyle with pride and no need to hide, this principle is manifested to a great icon in fashion writing and a medical frontliner named Chris Daymon. This nurse by profession, a customer service representative, a researcher, and a fashion writer who is spreading his wings to fly high for his ultimate dream.

Cenit, Rozen Antonio, Jef Anog, etc., that were published in London, Germany, USA, Dubai, and our home country. It was a challenge for me that I wanted my creatively explored,” he said.

“Today, I am working with the Dubai Team as a Covid19 vaccination nurse where again, I experienced to vaccine CEOs, News Anchors and people in the Media and Fashion Industry,” he added.

As a fashion writer

It was an uplifting moment for him because he experienced writing for the most prominent fashion magazines. Through his passion for writing, he was offered to be part of a Dubai and the Philippines newspaper for Fashion and Lifestyle published in the United States of America, United Kingdom, Germany, United Arab Emirates, and the Philippines. “I collaborated my write-ups with different Filipino designers and photographers like Ryan Pacioles, Garimon Roferos, Harvey

anguish, and despair at times was unbearable. I was depressed. I was, I guess, in a midlife crisis. You don’t understand how it is difficult to think where you will get your means of income,” he shared. But after a few moments, his friends told him to try his luck once again in the medical field. He applied as a Covid-19 nurse. He became a team leader of the swab team in Ajman and was transferred to Al Razeen 4 quarantine facilities in Abu Dhabi, where he became a head nurse in the evening shift.

Having a wide range of career experiences, this great guy never forgets to stay humble, passionate, and creative in all of his works. His eagerness to find his purpose makes him strong and courageous to try new things and learn to live life.

Six years ago, it was summer when Chris landed his first job in Dubai as a customer service representative. At this moment, he met Michael Cinco, a Filipino fashion designer icon and best known for his fabulous couture gowns worldwide. According to him, Cinco saw his capabilities in writing and let him do the writeups for different magazines.

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One of his fashion writing highlights was when he collaborated his photoshoot in Saudi Arabia and the Philippines with two Filipina supermodels, namely Ria Bolivar and Wilma Doesnt. The turning point Despite the achievements and recognitions he is constantly receiving, Chris also had a time when he lost his job as a researcher in a semigovernment company due to Covid-19. This loss of work caused him so much pain that leads him to stress out. “After being jobless for a month and two weeks in a foreign country, I realized the pain,

According to Chris, he always wants to come back in his purpose and mission to serve people through his profession. He wants to render his service to humanity. It might not be an easy journey for him, but he enjoys every moment of becoming a hero to others. Having 360 degrees shift in the profession required adjustment, but his life experiences helped him understand himself. As part of the medical frontlines, it takes a lot of guts and courage to willingly enter an environment that can expose someone to the virus. But at the end of the day, it is a mission and a passion. When these two works together, it becomes greatness. And for a fashion writer and nurse like Chris Daymon, greatness is a character, which makes someone a hero with a purpose.

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Rizza Bacani Magcalas ‘Aiming for the sky, making it happen’ By Angelo Dumag

Back in the Philippines, she worked in a factory as a quality inspector. Aside from this, she also took care of her aging parents and ensured they were healthy and safe. Rizza said she decided to work abroad to search for a better opportunity and improve her family’s life in the Philippines. Like any other Filipinos, Rizza sacrificed a lot of things for the sake of their family’s welfare. As a counter staff, Rizza works in LULU Hypermarket in the capital. She enjoys her job because of the diversity of culture, equality, and security inside and outside the company. But for a dreamer like her, she is still looking forward to great opportunities that align with her passion and needs. Chasing Caregiving

Being part of the sales industry, Rizza decided to venture

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izza Bacani Magcalas was already in her late 20’s when she decided to work abroad. According to her, working abroad and away from her family was not an easy decision to make. Adjustments from culture and lifestyle were a real challenge for her. The only thing that made her more potent when she was new in UAE was her faith in God and trust in herself.

into another field and study a caregiving course at the Filipino Institute. The only thing that fuelled her eagerness to pursue the field was enhancing her knowledge and skills in taking care of older people. According to her, studying while working is challenging. Time management is the most important thing to ponder while rendering to these two situations. What makes her move to continue her journey is her vision of success for herself and her family. “Indeed, it was not easy to study even for only a short course like caregiving while

working at the same time, sacrificing most of my time on my one day off from work just to successfully finish the modules of my course, but it is all worth it, knowing that I’m not just doing it for myself, but first and foremost it is for my family who are my driving force in everything that I do,” she said. Rizza believed that there is no impossible with God. That is why, when she is given a chance to work in other first-world countries as a caregiver, she will eventually grab the opportunity and trust God’s plan for her. She permanently lives her vision of dreaming big, aiming for the sky, and making it happen. She always has the assurance of success and fulfillment through the power of God’s word in the Bible that says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,” from the Book of Jeremiah 29:11.

Jessa Mae Vicente This woman proves that experiences will make you stronger and bolder By Angelo Dumag

elieving in yourself is the most potent weapon against adversity and misfortune. Struggles are pretty typical for an overseas Filipino worker who tends to forget to provide food at the table of their respective families in the Philippines. Working out of the home country might not be very easy for everyone because of cultural differences and language. In 2015, Jessa Mae Vicente, 30, a senior sales coordinator, was once a great dreamer. Her independence and love for work make her not just a good coordinator but the best. In seven years of staying in the UAE, this woman of loyalty and integrity gave her best as she set her fire burning to be an experienced sales professional. According to Vicente, her primary purpose of working overseas is the deserved compensation and benefits that she can receive. She also added that UAE is the safest, secured, and has the best healthcare globally. Like any other Filipinos, Vicente would also like to save money for herself and her family. Philippines via UAE Coming to Dubai for work is a dream for many Filipinos. Before Vicente went to Dubai, she worked first in the Philippines for two years in Albergus Catering. Her central role was to handle private events such as weddings, birthdays, baptisms, and corporate gatherings. Aspiration will always be in her blood for this independent woman, and her dreams were all marked in her heart.

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Just like the majority of migrant workers, Vicente’s motive for going overseas is to find growth and great opportunities. Employment in the Philippines might be very crucial because of the demands. Aside from requiring many years of experience and high standard credentials, an applicant should bear the low and minimum rate compensation they receive every month. After two years of working after her college graduation, she decided to resign from her work and eventually booked a ticket with the help of her cousin going to UAE. What was most memorable at that moment, on the day of her flight, she could not reach the plane on time because of a long queue in the immigration. She decided to rebook the ticket for the next day, and everything went smoothly. “At that time, I was asking God if that was a sign from the heavens that abroad was not meant for me. I felt discouraged, but I did not give up and booked a flight again for the following day; this time, it went smoothly,” she said. Upon arrival in Dubai, Vicente, in due course, looks for a job. She spent the days and nights looking for jobs and attending interviews. However, destiny for her was not that easy. She extended her visa twice for her to look for a better job offer. Everything that happened to her was not that so easy. She kept on crying

every night but never thought of giving up. Those experiences made her stronger and bolder. Finally, her first real estate job was with Eagle Hills as a sales administrator for the head office and eventually promoted as Sales Operations Executive. She assisted the UAE sales team and other countries such as Serbia, Bahrain, Jordan, and Morocco where they have international projects Heartfelt Success Despite all the challenges that she encountered, she always trusted God’s plan for her. Prayer and work truly work for her. “Always pray to God and talk to him like you mean it, never give up and don’t burn bridges, who knows you might need someone’s help in the future,” she said. Currently, Vicente has been working at IMKAN Properties as senior sales coordinator from 2018 up until this moment. According to Vicente, her passion as she shapes new communities in Abu Dhabi makes everything soulful in enriching lives. “I feel proud working with real estate developers and seeing our projects come to life,” she ended.

Dr. Lolita Malit Lim

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Filipina dentist providing comprehensive dental care overseas for three decades now

“To create a beautiful smile is to create confidence within.” A woman of poise and sincerity, Dr. Lolita Malit Lim is one of the first Filipinos who established a Filipinooperated dental office in the UAE. She has been serving overseas for 29 years, helping Filipinos, families, sheiks, professionals, government officials, and diplomats to achieve a healthy and wonderful smile and boost their oral hygiene routine.

he Filipina arrived in the UAE in the year 1992 and worked independently as a dentist. Throughout her career, her vision has been to bring upliftment to the Filipino community. Promoting a humanistic approach in providing care is her priority. Working abroad for her has never been easy. Still, through determination and self-confidence, she finds success quickly through her work. Before moving to UAE, Dr. Lolita owned and managed several medical and dental clinics in the Philippines. She was also an active member of non-profit organizations that served less privileged Filipinos. This woman was born with a generous heart and always shared her blessings with others. She loves doing dental outreach programs and missions to different places back home. Aside from that, she also opens her doors at least once a week for those people who cannot afford dental services. What keeps Dr. Lolita moving in serving people is her passion for making a difference. She might not be like any other overseas Filipino workers who started from scratches, still, she established and pushed herself to

By Angelo Dumag

build her name in another country. “This gave me renewed purpose to be good at my craft and hone in on the passion for ascending further,” she said. Passion makes perfect For a dentist like her, the most gratifying feeling is when people, families are trusting her service for many years. Aside from appreciation and compliments, the most fulfilling moment for her was when she saw her clients with lovely smiles. “I would say that the most satisfying thing about my work is growing with the families that I’ve cared for over the years. Some of my patients have grown to have their own families. And, whenever they bring their children to my clinic, it demonstrates the level of trust they afford me. The stories that have come along with it, to see my patients grow from children to great men and women,” she added.

Her service to everyone makes her trustworthy, and her diligence embodies her fantastic service. People love her so much that’s why her peers and community have recognized her through various awards. She won in 2012 as

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among the most beloved dentists practicing in the GCC countries in the “I Love My Dentist” Dental cup. Aside from being an achiever, she is also a great advocate of dental health. The advocacy makes her interested in mentoring young aspiring dentists, giving lectures in local and international symposiums, contributing to the improvement of the profession, and participating in different non-profit organizations that raise and address social causes. Advice from an expert Being an experienced overseas Filipino worker for almost three decades, she will constantly reiterate that dedication, determination, sincerity, and passion should be in the person’s vocabulary to earn respect and love from a diverse community. “Always strive hard, treat everyone fairly, remain humble, observe honesty, give everything your best, and shine from day one. It would help if you always remembered that your work and your treatment of other people reflect who you are and your upbringing, and the entire Filipino nation in whatever you do and wherever you go. When you are in a capacity to help, do not hesitate and continue to push other people to excel instead of bringing them down,” she advised. Dr. Lolita’s faith in God is unceasing; she always believes that every individual shall always live in the light and shall shine from day one.

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Maria Cleofe Velarde Eleazar Rising through the ranks, former telephone operator now PR & events manager in UAE By Angelo Dumag

wenty-five years ago, Maria Cleofe Velarde Eleazar dreamt of being a strong and independent woman who wanted to travel the whole world. This multi-skillful individual worked in the United Arab Emirates from different sorts and fields, making her wiser and self-governing. As an independent woman, she loves to challenge, planning and see a vision come to fruition.

how I look at life, made long-lasting friendships and developed my personality and shaped my life,” she added. Hard work pay-off When Maria arrived in UAE, her first job was as a telephone operator. After some time, she was promoted to food and beverage department admin and eventually as executive secretary to the general manager and in charge of the hotel’s public relations for five years. Those years were the most memorable moments for her as she grew to become a wonder woman. “Working in these hotels was the highlight of my career. You meet a lot of people from different nationalities, got to mingle with celebrities and government officials, attend and organize events for all types of personalities,” she said.

A woman full of guts and willpower, currently working as PR & Event Manager of one of the most renowned and respected companies in UAE, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone. Before achieving the managerial position in a well-known company, triumph is hapless for her. But because of her fortitude, values, and faith, everything is in place. In addition to her considerable success, Maria is involved in many charitable organizations as a philanthropist.

“The most important life lessons I learned while doing these jobs in the hotels, aside from the multiple training they provided, it shaped

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After five years of experience, she moved to Dubai to work as sales office manager and was assigned in Fairmont Dubai as food & beverage marketing manager and left the company as communications manager for four years. In the year 2006, Maria joined the Marriott International group as cluster communications manager. Maria is currently employed by Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone as public relations and event manager for 13 years. According to her, the thing that keeps her moving to look forward in her current company is event planning and organization. “What I love about this job is the variety;

Image Credit: Supplied

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I organize different types of events from formal and official events, fun and social, and corporate events. You have to deal with varying types of personalities and sometimes, or most of the time – vague briefs, but they expect you to come up with a wow event at a budget! I love the challenge, the planning, organizing, and seeing a vision come to fruition. The satisfaction after of a job well done, she further added. Aside from all her career blessings, she was also lucky to find friends who kept her in touch. “The few friends that stuck with me gave me moral support and gave me encouragement,” she said. “Life is meant to be lived. Do what makes you happy with a little side of caution that while you do all the things you want to do, don’t forget to plan for the future for yourself. We need to break what we have been programmed from birth that if you don’t help your family, you’re a bad person,” she said.

Ramile Tedria Abasola Image Credit: Supplied

‘Conquering fear of failure and embarrassment’ By Angelo Dumag

othing is impossible for Ramile Tedia Abasola, a 35-year-old fighter and a visionary. Ramile is a licensed nurse in the Philippines before going to UAE. Working abroad for 12 years made him independent, practical, and eager to face struggles and happiness. He is a person that can be considered the epitome of braveness and success. When he was a child, he used to experience working with his parents during weekends selling bananas and sweet potatoes. Like any other child, he always wants to look forward to helping his parents. The life of this man is full of ups and downs and these events in his life made him a humble and charitable person even up to this very moment. “It also comes to the point that I was everywhere to be seen, because of my eagerness to look for any job offer I can work, to help my family and sustain my education. Even though the struggle was real at that time, it never comes across to me to be involved in anything that is illegal. I put a good faith that one day these hardships of us will pass, “he said. His perseverance and motivation gave him an opportunity to study as a scholar at Ateneo de Naga University. After he graduated from college, he took the board examination for nurses and fortunately, passed it. Aside from being an achiever, he also loves sports, building organizations, and fulfilling charity works. According to Ramile, his number one supporters are his family and friends. “My circle of friends changes as I became more

selective. That’s why I became rich in the life lessons that I’ve learned from them. I became mature toward my decision making, for the reason I don’t want to put to waste all of my hardships and sacrifices,” he added. Working abroad He landed in UAE in 2009 and worked as a site nurse in Kele Contracting Company. While working in the company, he learned the field of health and safety. At first, he felt anxious because that was his first time encountering that kind of work. But, Ramile stayed confident and collective. “I felt I was privileged and uplifted. I managed to meet different people and learned lots of things from them based on their experiences. I can say by far it was the highlight of career life,” he said.

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become a barrier to growth but dreams can conquer it all. Working overseas for him creates a positive vibe for himself and makes him more confident. “I am well able now on adapting to changes in all aspects of circumstances. Expressing myself with confidence makes my communication skills better. Working in UAE transforms me to be the better version of myself,” he added. “The golden rule is, be wise, clever, and observant all time. And always remember, give not because you have enough, give something because you care,” he concluded.

Moving far from his family is quite challenging for Ramile, at the beginning he faced homesickness and it takes him time to adjust. He also experienced culture shock. As a keen and smart guy, he tried to learn to adapt and conquer his adversities. Currently, he is working as an HSE engineer in Red Sea Housing Services FZ in JAFZA. Although he is enjoying now in his work, he still looks back to those people who help him in achieving his dreams, and those people who extended their generosity, support, and love. “Over the years I am proud of what I’ve achieved, career-wise. I’ve conquered the fear of failure and embarrassment, “he said. According to Ramile, challenges might always

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leader with a pure heart for the Filipinos abroad was shown to Salimar M. Salomabao, the Assistant Vice President and Head of Philippine National Bank (PNB)-Middle East. This man is full of eagerness to help his fellow Filipinos in the Middle East in terms of financial literacy.

to help his fellow ‘’kababayans’’ to properly save their money in the most trusted bank of the Filipinos, the PNB.

For more than 20 years abroad, Salimar experienced working in different industries and stayed for a long time in a bank set-up. Most of his time abroad was spent in Saudi Arabia, where he became a chairman of the Maranao Community and a Remittance Manager of Arab National Bank.

After graduating from college, Salimar opted to work abroad to support his family’s needs. He held that reason to be strong and determined to achieve his goal in life. Like any other Filipinos, Salimar creates his fate with the help of God.

Salimar, a great philanthropist, always believes in the power of overseas Filipino workers in the workplace. For that reason, he wants

Currently, he is working with the PNB-Middle East, supporting and educating Filipinos to save money and invest for the future. With PNB, Filipinos can easily open their savings account with a low-interest rate when sending money to their loved ones. “As a Banker and Head of PNB in the Middle

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By Angelo Dumag

East, the most I enjoy is the awareness on how to save money and invest the hard income of our fellow Kababayans in the Middle East to use proper channel of sending their hardearned money to their loved one in the Philippines instead of sending to a black market or informal channels,” Saliman uttered.

You First

“My first employment abroad was on July 1995 as Sales Executive at Gulf Telecom Company in Dammam Saudi Arabia, then moving to the banking industry in the same country KSA in 1999 until 2017 as Remittance Manager with Arab National Bank,” he stated.

A sneak peek into the success story of PNB Maranao banker in Middle East

As part of PNB, Saliman acculturated its company tagline in his own life by prioritizing the need for OFWs in the Middle East. Aside from being an OFW, he also worked as the Filipino Community Leader in Saudi Arabia. Maranao Pride Salimar serves the people wholeheartedly with his voluntary works as he provides excellent support as a chairman of the Maranao Community in Saudi Arabia. Nothing can stop his eternal love for his tribe and country. “I was one of the Filipino community leaders in Riyadh Saudi Arabia Chairman of Maranao Community to support our fellow kababayan in Riyadh, KSA and Currently, I am one of the Board of Director of Maranao Community in

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T G F M UAE continue the advocacy of supporting the needs of our fellow OFWs in UAE,” Salimar said. According to him, in more than 20 years working abroad, serving the country and the Filipino people, he still wants to go back to his homeland to retire together with his family. Salimar believes that one should go back to his or her family who supports them in the midst of joys and draughts. “The most important is to love your family who is always there; either you returned home with huge amount of money or nothing, they are always there for you and of course to love our Lord for being always there,”” he advised.

Thus, he also wants to remind all Filipinos abroad that it is essential to spend hard-earned money wisely. PNB-Dubai: You First As the Assistant Vice President and Head of PNB Middle East, Salimar believes that financial stability is one of the main goals of every Filipinos working abroad. Most of the kabayans want to provide a good life to their families back in the Philippines and, at the same time to invest something for the future. How is it possible? It is through the help of the PNB- Dubai who wants to put every OFW first. The bank provides excellent services such as facilitation of opening PNB OFW Saving Account (Peso or USD), facilitation of Issuance of Global Filipino Cash Card, and PNB Own a Philippine Home Loan (OPHL) for investment with a low-interest rate for all the services. “Invest wisely the extra income in the

Philippines, so that once your return home, you will not be facing financial difficulties,” he said.

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Aaron Lafoteza Fulfilled content creator in UAE fights for career and life battles independently By Angelo Dumag

aron Laforteza lived out his dreams to the fullest, as he fought his career and life battles independently. He is a filmmaker, director, and photographer, who wandered overseas six years ago and began as a desk job worker.

“Everything is just available and ready…as you have the will and the guts to take it,” he said. Aaron’s incredible boldness enables him to withstand all of his struggles and adversities to pursue a job that complements his passion and skills. “After all, who would want to go to war without any weapons?” he asks. Aaron prepared himself for future career battles and life trials much like a soldier. He was making sure that his weapons would be sufficient after all his practice and preparation. In pursuit of his dreams, he chose to quit his desk job and keep on refining his skills. But he also took some time to get back on his feet. He had to be practical in his life to maintain his momentum. “I would scour Dubai Marina and other places to practice my skills. I wanted to be not just good but great in all aspects. I wanted to stand out amidst the plethora of content creators in the region, so I strived hard despite the hot weather and other challenges,” he further added. Fortunately, Aaron never felt alone because people closest to him kept encouraging him, offering advice, and motivating him to keep ongoing.

It is the same for this man as any other foreign worker who struggled to adjust to life abroad. Aaron, as a determined individual, took this step as the foundation for keeping his dreams alive.

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“They gave me strength whenever I was on the brink of giving up, so I held my head up high and kept looking up top my Idols on YouTube and Instagram, telling myself that I will make it someday like them and slowly,” he said.

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Aaron’s hard work paid off as he pursued his dreams towards greatness despite all the challenges. As he builds his name and his projects grow unrelentingly, he can live comfortably and have a work-life balance. It may have been a bumpy road for Aaron, but he emerged more substantially because of it. “Everything is a never-ending school, and practice makes perfect. If you do it right, you may not need to chase your dreams; instead, your dreams may come begging for it to happen. Take it from an island monkey thriving in the sandpit,” he ended. In his current role, Aaron, a fulfilled content creator, is part of a private production serving the biggest brands in the UAE, which marks the proudest moment in his overseas career. There is no limitation for the dreamer. There will always be obstacles in the way, but passion for achieving a goal cannot be taken away.

Enrico Pocholo Juanson Ochoco Image Credit: Supplied

Customer service officer in Dubai does everything to make mama proud

ptimism leads Enrico Pocholo Juanson Ochoco to reach for his dreams and make his mother proud. A 30-year-old customer service officer and working in the UAE for four years now, he is a man full of aspirations and positivity. He believes that there is no limitation in dreaming and success is unlimited. A goal-oriented like Enrico has a great dream to make her mother proud. According to him, if there is one person he loves the most because of being the most supportive in the world, there is no other than his mother. “My mother has always been a strong supporter of my path and has always encouraged me to keep going. I’m confident that this place will fulfill everyone’s dreams, including me,” he said. Working in UAE Enrico has initially no ambition to go or travel abroad, but an unexpected situation happened in 2017. His cousin has discreetly got a visit visa and airline ticket for him going to Dubai. He felt that he had no choice but to accept the offer since it was an opportunity. When he arrived in Dubai, all of his perspectives changed. He saw a burning torch towards his future and eventually accepted his fate for the sake of his dreams. It was a difficult moment for Enrico to look for a job when he arrived in Dubai. In that situation, he found himself hanging in that problem. The experience of nothing has taught him to be extra cautious when making decisions and to listen to other people’s suggestions and opinions. After

By Angelo Dumag

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moments of determination and patience, he was hired as a salesperson in a small clothing store where he offered women’s clothing, underwear, and accessories. “I enjoy working in sales because I get to meet new people, learn from their varied stories, and form positive relationships with them. Because the majority of them are satisfied and return frequently, I believe I am an effective seller,” he said. The positivity that runs to Enrico’s blood keeps him moving and believing that there is no limit to success. However, according to him, checking one’s mistake is the best approach to see how far you have progressed. Currently, he is affiliated with Vox Cinema as a customer service officer. He loves his work and position because it makes him more equipped. “I love my current position in Vox Cinema because it allows me to gain confidence in dealing with new customers, improve my customer service skills, and change my work ethic. My company encourages us to develop our skills while we are still employed,” he added. According to Enrico, the secret to a happy and satisfying workplace are focus, understanding, working with flaws, and patience. These values made him confidently solid and optimistic in life.

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TGFM honors 12 ‘Global Filipino Icons’ in UAE during 1st anniversary By Angelo Dumag

Hail to the First Ever Global Filipino Icons Awardees!

In celebration of the magazine’s first anniversary, TGFM honored 12 Filipino icons whose stories have been featured in the magazine. These individuals have shown passion, dedication, and life-changing stories that inspire every Filipino all over the world. The event started with opening remarks given by Mr. Ryan Namia, the Editor-InChief of TGFM.

“The Global Filipino Icon is an event that recognizes Global Filipinos whose stories have been published on our platform and that created a huge impact on our audiences– both online and print. Their stories are our stories. Their success is our success,” he said. He added that the icons were not only admired for their success stories ‘but are also admired for their dedication.’ “They taught us, our readers, that a true Global Filipino fights. That a true global Filipino never backs down. And that a true Global Filipino always wins,” he added. It continued with the presentation of plaques to TGFM’s sponsors namely to Ms. Marge Gomez, the owner and Chief-Executive Officer (CEO) of Margex, Region head of Middle East, Philippine National Bank- Mr.

Mar Salomabao, Dr. Ian Victor Aquino, Helix Dental Clinic owner, Mr. Pervic De Lantar, CEO of Prime Xperts and Mr. Mohsen Abdulqaher Almousawi, the CEO of Bwabat Al Noor Portal. After the recognition of the TGFM sponsors, the awarding of the 12 Global Filipino Icons followed. The awardees were announced individually and the ceremony started with Dandin Vergara De Vera followed by Ericson Javillo, Angelo Nino Santos, Jesse Garcia Estrada, Alberto Flores Opena, Rhona Morada, Jenie Vi Batalla, Michelle David Menor, Eirene Suchy, Lilac Hosalla Schonberg and Ma Felicidad Yabut Delos Santos. The event ended with a scrumptious dinner and networking with the awardees, sponsors and community leaders.

Image Credit: Than Dumas and Kaye Solis

welve prominent and successful Filipinos from the UAE were recognized and awarded during the Global Filipino Icons 2021 awarding ceremony on the occasion of the first-year anniversary of The Global Filipino Magazine (TGFM). Held at the Radisson Blu Hotel Deira Creek Dubai on Friday, October 8, the event was graced by the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Her Excellency Hjayceelyn M. Quintana.

“After building my confidence, performing to guests and working on my craft, I took a chance to pursue a career as a professional magician,” he added.

A former Filipino waiter has been featured on a billboard in Dubai.

By Ryan Namia

Former Filipino waiter featured on Dubai billboard

Image Credit: Supplied

Opportunity after opportunity has knocked, Macalinao became one of the most sought-after magicians in the country for lucrative events. “I grasped at every chance I have been given, performing at the most prestigious venues, meeting celebrities and now I find myself on billboards throughout the UAE,” he further said. He has already performed with the world’s famous personalities such as Paris Hilton, Ne-yo, Obdel Becham Jr., Steve Aoki, Manny Pacquiao, and many more.

Normando Macalinao, popularly known as Normando the Magician, boasted his new achievement–getting featured on large billboards across the UAE.

Macalinao has also been hired to perform with ‘royal clients’ across the world. His networking in Dubai has brought him to many worldwide opportunities, performing at exclusive events in Saudi Arabia, Zanzibar, and the Maldives.

In a Mai Dubai advertisement, Macalinao was featured on their #MaiDubaiMyChoice campaign.

He advised his fellow Filipinos in the country to follow their dreams, never give up on what makes them happy.

Image Credit: Supplied

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Macalinao shared with The Global Filipino Magazine started working as a waiter seven years ago at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

Fright Day: Filipino Institute students celebrate Halloween in style

Students at the Filipino Institute went to school on Friday, October 28, donning their favorite TV and movie characters and scariest costumes. As early as 8am, several students were already in their best costumes attending their class. It appeared that the training institute both in Dubai and in Abu Dhabi was full of heroes and villains and other unknown characters. Filipino Institute hosted a competition and ranked students with the best Halloween costume. Grand winners will be awarded a full scholarship from the training institute. Below are the winners: Jon Garcia Sales and Marketing Class

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Filipino Institute students may visit Expo 2020 Dubai for FREE By Ryan Namia

Good news for Filipino Institute students! Those who hold a valid Filipino Institute or proof that he or she currently studies from the training institute may visit the biggest event in the world, Expo 2020 Dubai, free

of charge. In a video uploaded by Filipino Institute on its Facebook page, a student testified that

The Philippine pavilion is one of the ‘best Expo 2020 pavilions for children’ By Ryan Namia The Philippine pavilion, which is located at the Expo 2020 Dubai’s Sustainability district, has been ranked as one of the best pavilions for children by a UAE-based publication.

Pavilion has lots of cool ‘Instagrammable’ art on the way up that looks even better at night-time. It’s located next to Jubilee Park, where there’s a play area and stage where entertainers often perform,” it wrote.

The National, in their October 19 article, listed the ‘best pavilions and things to do for children at Expo 2020 Dubai’ and the Philippines is included in the list.

The Philippines’ pavilion at the ongoing Expo 2020 Dubai is the biggest the country has ever showcased in any expo, measuring 1,386 square metres on a 3,163.25 square metre lot.

“Standing six storeys high, the Philippines

she was able to enter the site where more than 180 pavilions are present for free. Students need only to present their ID at the entrance ticket booth. Students may also register on the Expo 2020 Dubai app and secure up to free 20 tickets under the student’s category. Both Android and iOS users may download the app. The type of tickets that students are entitled to are the seasonal ones, which can be used throughout the entire Expo 2020 Dubai event.

Image Credit: Expo 2020 Dubai/Facebook

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Below are the other countries included in the list: > Saudi Arabia > Palestine > Luxembourg > Netherlands > India > United States > Sweden > China > Australia > Hungary > Brazil > Switzerland > Tonga > Monaco > Emirates airline

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Filipino Institute Dubai attends breast cancer awareness talk By JP Cosico

Filipino student representing UAE wins int’l piano contest By Ryan Namia UAE’s representative Clarence Miguel Cresencia, dearly called ‘Miggy’, has recently won the first prize at the first round under the regional category of the ongoing Worldvision music competition. The Filipino national, 13, is gearing up for the national category in the online classical music competition. His video for the next round has already been uploaded on the website of Worldvision. As of this writing, the video has now 57 votes, 9.2 points, and 21 donations. He received a study grant in the amount of €200 during the first round. During the finals, which is scheduled on February 27, 2022, in the Konzerthaus Wein in Vienna, Austria, the junior winner will receive €10,000 and participate in one of the final concerts in Philharmonie Berlin in Berlin, the Carnegie Hall in New York, or in Zaryadye Hall in Moscow.

Miggy was born in Dubai and got interested in playing piano at the age of five with Miss LJ Gil as his first teacher until 2018. He was also under Miss

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The seminar was led by Dr. Sujaya Rajaksekhar, the Medical Director of Right Health. She explains the fundamentals of breast cancer and its effects on women’s lives. She also shared inputs on how to prevent for having breast cancer.

Gil’s class when she used to teach a piano course in 2014 at the Filipino Institute, a leading training centre in the Middle East for Filipinos who want to excel in their personal and professional careers. He continued to enhance his skills and knowledge through consistent practice and private lessons, coupled with support from both of his parents. He is currently being mentored by Mr. Arne Sunico Lubasan. The young Filipino did his music qualification from the Trinity College London with merit and distinction grades. He recently passed Grade 6 piano exams and wit distinctions. He had done Masterclass at the Middle East Classical Music Academy (MECMA) with Giuliano Mazzoccante. He loves classical

According to Dr. Rajaksekhar, it is essential to be always healthy, and women should regularly monitor their lifestyle and wellbeing. Regular breast examination is a must for every woman. “My take-home message is early detection can cure breast cancer, “she added. Aside from the seminar, Dr. Rajaksekhar also conducted free breast screening and assessment for the seminar participants.

music, especially Beethoven and Mozart’s pieces. At the national level, the following juries will judge the junior pianists: Bernd Goetzke, professor at the Schlossakademie; Grigori Gruzman, professor of piano at the University of Music Franz Liszt Weimar; Polina Osetinskaya, soloist; Laszlo Gyimesi, professor at the Staatliche Hocgschule fur Musik in Stuttgart; Vassily Lobanov, professor ar the University Kalaidos Switzerland; and Lev Natochenny, professor at the University Kalaidos Switzerland. The winners under the national category will be announced on December 6 at the official contest website.

Image Credit: Screenshot from Worldvision/Website

Image Credit: Supplied

Filipino Institute’s certified nursing assistant students, trainers, and staff in Dubai have recently attended Breast Cancer Seminar as part of the celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness month on October 22 in Dubai Campus.

Filipino students bring festive parade at Expo 2020 Dubai Filipino students from The Philippine School (TPS) in Muhaisnah 2 brought the festive parade to the Expo 2020 Dubai site. According to the Facebook page of Expo 2020 Schools, the spectacular show was part of the Expo 2020 Young Stars.

According to its school publication TPS Insights, the TPS Drum and Lyre Corps presented a variety of classic Filipino songs, along with entertaining music from various countries. The band consisted of drummers, lyrists, majorettes, and color guards. In the second segment of the show, the TPS Dance Troupe

showcased a presentation of one of the biggest festivals in the Philippines, the Maskara Festival. “The Expo 2020 Young Stars Program is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students to showcase their multifaceted talents in multitudinous aspects. Certainly, TPSians of the highest rank!” it noted. Each school interprets the Expo’s main theme and subthemes through a 20-minute performance.

Image Credit: Expo 2020 Schools/Facebook

The young talents, donning dazzling outfits for their stunning moves, performed at the Al Wasl Plaza’s stage. The plaza was established to be an avenue

for students to present unique interpretative performances celebrating the vision of Expo 2020 Dubai.

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High school graduate pursues education, says nothing is impossible Image Credit: Oliver Lalo

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Shayne Ann Maniquiz Shayne Ann Maniquiz is currently working in the sales industry. Although she’s a high school graduate, she is still keen to succeed in life. This is why when she was informed that Filipino Institute offers free online courses, she did not hesitate to say no. Thinking about changing careers, her husband advised her to study for her future and utilize the learnings once she applied for office works. “He [husband] saw on the Filipino Institute’s Facebook page that there are many courses available, and he advised me to select one that I’d be interested in. I can’t believe there are free online classes available,” she said, adding that she did not think twice after hearing the good news. Even though the course that she’d take was unrelated to her job, she chose to take Accounting Skills for New Supervisor program.

“I’m interested in computation since my husband and I want to establish our own business. I just want to learn the fundamentals. I am a high school graduate with little knowledge of the subject I am taking, but I soon realized that if you want to learn, nothing is impossible,” she added. “What is even better is that you have the opportunity available to you regardless of your age. I grew even more fascinated, and I am going to study to become an accounting professional,” she further added. Maniquiz, after receiving vast knowledge about the profession, advised her fellow Filipinos to remember that it is never too late to obtain knowledge and that they deserve the opportunity to try something new. “Kaya ko, kaya mo, kaya natin ‘to,” she concluded. (RN)

Yvette Kristine P. Dela Cruz

Image Credit: Oliver Lalo

‘The best investment we could spend our hard-earned resources on is ourselves’

Dubai-based Filipina Yvette Kristine P. Dela Cruz believes that the best investment that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) could spend their hard-earned resources on is themselves. The Filipina who has been working in the higher education sector for almost eight years now in the UAE is reminded on a daily basis how crucial it is that she continues education, in any manner possible. De La Cruz, since 2010, has been working as a freelance writer. Making sure that she’s always at the top of her game by constantly looking for writing courses, she took Filipino Institute’s free online course, specifically the

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Business Writing That Works. “The free online courses that Filipino Institute is offering respond to what the modern OFW needs to further their career. The course itself is free although you need to pay for the certificate which is affordable and reasonable and could be attested by KDHA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The course is online, and you could take it at your convenience,” she said. She added that the course that she has taken is a ‘Godsend’ and perhaps the first of many online courses she will register in the future at the Filipino Institute. (RN)

Menchie Bedesman

Image Credit: Supplied

Pinay in UAE with no dayoff continues education Menchie Bedesman, a fulltime security guard in the UAE and no day off, braced the odds to finish an online course being offered by the Filipino Institute.

A college undergraduate, she chose to enroll herself in the training institute after learning that it offers free online courses on its website. “It is a fantastic chance for me to continue my education while working. It’s challenging, but I loved it and finished the course,” she said. Bedesman took the caregiver course in an effort to shift to a different industry ‘if an opportunity arises’ and acquire a better job. “It’s not too late to study again if you want to fulfill your life goals and aspirations,” she said. “Thank you once more, Filipino Institute, for providing me the opportunity to learn. This education will help me get a better career in Dubai. I encourage everyone who wants to learn and is excited about the future to do so,” she added. (RN)

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Filipino Institute K-12 students celebrate United Nations Day K-12 students at the Filipino Institute celebrated United Nations Day on Sunday, October 24, donning national costumes from various countries.

Meanwhile, students studying via the online scheme have also made an effort to mark the celebration. (RN

Image Credit: Supplied

The students, both from online and

face-to-face platforms, marked the intergovernmental organization’s 76th year since the foundation.

www.theglobalfilipinomagazine.com

50 individuals from Filipino Institute Bahrain’s Batch 16 finish short-term courses After six weeks of rigorous training, a total of 50 individuals graduated from Filipino Institute last October 29, at the Westin City Centre in Seef Area, Kingdom of Bahrain.

Image Credit: Supplied

The students were part of the training institute’s Batch 16. Graced by Welfare Officer Redina C. Manlapaz of the Philippine Embassy in Bahrain, she said during her speech that every graduation day is a celebration of learning, experiences, joys, and trials as one looks forward to the future. For her part, Academic Director and Dean of the Filipino Institute Bahrain Campus Miss Gem Basig-Reyes said that it’s important to recognize and celebrate the many achievements delivered, to remind oneself of great steps forward he or she has taken on the transformation journey. “You have each risen to so many challenges presented by the pandemic, embraces so much change, all while delivering what you with the same commitment as always,” she said. “Push forward, challenging the status quo in order to find new and better solutions for ourselves and our customers, unlocking the brilliance we all possess in order to innovate, learn, and share our knowledge in delivering technically complex projects around the world,” she added. The academic dean encouraged the graduates to push forward and take a well-end break. The event was hosted by Mr. Jocas Aguilana and Miss Jane Daffodil Delantes. Behind another successful batch of students are Filipino Institute trainers Miss Lailanie Limpao, Miss Wayne Borela, Mr. Bong Bactad, and Mr. Mark Somido; and Miss Carren Deguilla as the head of the Facebook live coverage; with NEC, Kenko, and Cosmodalia as the main sponsors.

Image Credit: Supplied

Filipino Institute Bahrain’s

Ryan Namia and Dean Gem Basig-Reyes

Deira City Center