Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Filipino Ladies Association for Growth (FLAG)

Nowhere is the special role and capacity of women in facilitating cross-cultural understanding more apparent than in the case of the group FLAG (Filipino Ladies Association for Growth).

Composed of the Diplomatic Ladies of the Philippine Consulate General of Dubai & the Northern Emirates, and supported by a select group of prominent Filipina leaders, FLAG was founded by Mme Lu Cimafranca – wife of former Phil Consul General Head Hon. Frank Cimafranca in 2014, and is now lead by Mme Yasmin Balajadia-Cortes wife of current PCG Consul General Hon. Paul Raymund Cortes. Mme. Cortes explains, “FLAG’s main objective is to enhance the role of Filipino ladies in the UAE through active participation in community events. It focuses on women empowerment and the advancement and the promotion of Philippine culture. We hope to raise awareness among the various ethnic communities in the UAE about what the Filipina woman can contribute and achieve in this country’s multicultural landscape.”


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Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Ambassador Renato Pedro Villa

Ambassador Renato knows firsthand what it feels like to be an overseas Filipino worker. He held a post in Saudi Arabia as technical writer before moving on to work with the Department of Foreign Affairs. He was an OFW before he had to represent the OFW’s as an ambassador. This gives him valuable insights on the true plight of Filipinos abroad, and informs his decisions on how to better serve their interests.


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Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf: Ambassador Grace Relucio-Princesa

She would refer to herself as the ‘Nanay’ of the Filipino community in the UAE, most importantly a servant leader – an Ambassador for God and country. She would coax audiences to sing-a-long with her ‘Ako Ay Pilipino’ and ‘Sino Ako’ every chance she would get at community gatherings. In her six year tour of duty here in the UAE, she has always tried to hammer the six F’s that Filipinos bring with them anywhere they are in the world, how Filipinos are like the abaca (strong, resilient and exceptional), and how we should always be ‘Taas Noo, Filipino’ and PinoyWise – lessons that have been imprinted on our heads through her many repetitions.


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The Original Barrio Fiesta Wows Foodies in the UAE

ETA Star Retail and the Ongpauco family, owners of the Original Barrio Fiesta chain of Restaurants in the Philippines, recently signed an agreement to open its first restaurant in the UAE.


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Filipino Entrepreneur – Dowel Deligos, Adobo Authentic Filipino Cuisine

Filipino Entrepreneur Dowel Deligos,
Adobo Authentic Filipino Cuisine – Muscat, Oman

Dowel Deligos started Adobo Restaurant in March 28, 2014. He worked at Muscat Duty Free when he came to Oman as a Marketing Executive and decided to establish his own business along with the help of Dowel’s Omani business partners, Ibrahim and Salim.


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In the Mood for Love

Illustrado Fashion Editorial:
In the Mood for Love
PHOTOGRAPHER: Irvin Rivera / graphicsmetropolis.com
MODELS:
Kendall Galan @No Ties
Jesse Somera @Photogenics
PRODUCTION MANAGER: Ryan Domigpe
PRODUCTION ASST: Francis Gum
ASST PHOTOGRAPHERS:
Darwin Abad
Ben Kui
STYLIST: James Juarez
ASST PHOTOGRAPHERS:
Darwin Abad
Ben Kui
STYLIST: James Juarez
ASST STYLIST: Victor Jonas
MAKE-UP ARTIST: Tokiko Inoue
HAIRSTYILIST: Nina Jo

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Filipino Traveler: Cleo Eleazar in Berlin

 

Berlin is known for a lot of things, but the most popular sights are the Berlin Wall and the Brandenburg Gate. Both are known for their historical significance.

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