Located within Old Dubai, this charming hotel allows easy access to Al Seef Dubai which features a two-kilometer promenade of shops, cafes and pop ups.

Guests who book the ‘Splash and Stay’ offer will receive breakfast for two and complimentary tickets to Laguna Waterpark – the perfect place for families to splish, splash and soak up the sun.

The offer starts at AED 349 per night. Book your stay at canopybyhilton.com

Check out their exciting restaurant offers – for all the foodies out there! 

Al Seef Evening Brunch at Skafos
Skafos is bringing back its famous brunch every Friday evening! Guests will be welcomed to a culinary route through Al Seef where mouth-watering dishes are served sideways music performance and art display. Invite your friends and family as these delicious Mediterranean dishes are designed for sharing. Make sure you get to taste the succulent Skafos Paella!

Every Friday, 3 hours package starting from 6pm

Packages:
Kids: 6-12 AED125 (Kids under six are free)
N.A.P (Non-alcoholic) package: AED195
RISE (House) package: AED295
FLY (Premium) package: AED350

Beat the Heat at Skafos
This summer beat the heat with a glass of sangria (rose, white, red) and our famous PAELLA (negra, valenciana or vegano) for two for only AED190.

 Eat Fresh at Skafos
For a limited time Skafos is supporting local with its FreshOnTable menu, offered for a limited time. Get a 4-course menu 100% vegan and 100% local for only AED99.

Business Lunch at Skafos
Served daily between 12h30 and 4pm, choose 2-course for AED59 or 3-course for AED79.

Hops and Sliders at Sol Sky Bar
This summer admire best views on Dubai Creek to Burj Khalifa with a bucket of 5 hops of choice with 4 beef sliders for only AED200 (limited time only).

Splash & Play at Sol Sky Bar
During the warm summer days, take advantage of Sol AED99 day pool pass fully redeemable on F&B.

About Canopy Dubai Al Seef – An Energizing New Hotel Where Heritage Meets Urban

Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef is the superb place in the neighborhood to relax and recharge.  The perfectly groomed hotel sits at the heart of one of Dubai’s newest neighborhoods: Al Seef – the area where the heritage meets urbanism. Channeling Dubai’s richness, heritage and style through its design, Arabian hospitality and unique experiences, the hotel is the first representation of the Canopy upper upscale lifestyle brand in the region.

Located in the bustling waterfront promenade of Al Seef the hotel is sitting where museum goers and foodies will be in their element. Al Seef has been strategically chosen for its location alongside the famous Dubai Creek and wide promenade that meanders past the Museum of Illusions and Al Fahidi historic district (home to the Dubai Museum and the Coffee Museum), concluding at Shindagha, set to be an open-air museum on a mission to share Emirati culture like never before.

The hotel’s avant-garde design and lush facilities is a rare find in Dubai adding to the multiple reasons to choose this as a stopover. Every element of the property from Canopy Central to the rooms and meeting space reflects and gives justice to the spirit of the surrounding upscale and modern neighborhood, which gives visitors a chance to truly immerse themselves in the destination while enjoying Canopy’s friendly service and the positive stay customer promise.

Canopy by Hilton Dubai Al Seef
Al Seef Street, Umm Hurair 1, Dubai Creek,
PO Box 35449, Al Seef, Dubai Creek, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

+971 4 707 7077
Dubai.reservations@hilton.com
Info.alseef@hilton.com

canopybyhilton.com

The post Splash and Stay with Canopy Dubai Al Seef Hotel! appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

An all-new authentic menu full of exciting flavours with a side of live entertainment giving you a taste of the Filipino culture, The Daily’s famous Boodle Fight is back.

With travel restrictions, it’s been challenging for everyone to see friends and families and visit home. But who said we can’t bring the flavors of the Philippines to Dubai? The much-awaited Boodle Fight is back to transport you to your favorite memories of home, even if it’s just for one meal.

Drop by Rove Trade Centre and be spoilt for choice by an authentic Pinoy meal selection curated for you by our Filipino Chef and Restaurant Manager this summer. That’s not all, enjoy the live entertainment while you tuck into the comfort of lip-smacking dishes such as succulent seafood, including shrimp, crab, mussels, squids and more, as well as fried tilapia, crispy chicken skin and heaping servings of rice with a choice of sauce between Raging Cajun or Asian Sha-Bang, at The Daily. Additionally, choose between two special Filipino mocktail concoctions stirred up only for the Boodle Fight. Book your table today.

The Boodle Fight

Thursday and Friday, from 6pm to 10pm 

Traditional Filipino food with a wide array of seafood, meat, and rice and non-alcoholic drinks

All for just AED 149 for 2-3 people 

Pint of hops at AED 33 and bucket for AED 99

Available at The Daily, Rove Trade Centre

For more information, please visit www.rovehotels.com 

Connect with Rove Hotels on Facebook and Instagram

 For enquiries, call +971 4561 9999 or Whatsapp +971 50 517 6833

About Rove Hotels:

Rove Hotels is an award-winning lifestyle hotel brand, offering well designed hotels in connected locations. Designed for the traveller who likes to explore without borders, receive fuss-free service and some touches of local culture. Rove Hotels defines a new niche in the ever-evolving global hospitality sector.

Rove Hotels are reliable, modern and efficient. Regardless of their location, Rovers (guests) will always find locally inspired modern interiors, relaxed service and all the essentials to enjoy their stay.

Born in Dubai, the first Rove hotel opened at Downtown Dubai in 2016 and the brand now has over 4000 rooms open or under development across the Middle East. Rove is proud to announce the only on-site hotel at Expo 2020 Dubai and continues to target properties in well-connected locations. Further expansion announcements will follow soon.

Website:  www.rovehotels.com

@rovehotels

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Plant a Tree for a Sustainable Future with PanzerGlass’ Limited Artist Edition ClearCase

Dubai, UAE, 23 May 2021 – PanzerGlass, one of the leading screen protection brands in the world, announces the launch of its Limited Artist Edition ClearCase as part of its sustainability initiatives.

The company has partnered with Los Angeles-based Danish artist and philanthropist Mikael Brandrup (a.k.a. Mikael B), an ambassador for the Perfect World Foundation, a non-profit organisation that raises awareness and supports efforts to prevent the global ecological crisis.

“We are thrilled to have partnered with street artist Mikael B. for our first-ever limited artist edition clear case. For each unit sold, we will plant a tree in the Sir David Attenborough Forest. This collaboration bridges smartphone protection, abstract street style art, and forest restoration to create small changes for a better world,” announces Head of Global Marketing Michael Broend.

The Limited Artist Edition ClearCase available for iPhone 11 and 12 models features Mikael B’s original artwork, adapted from a mural he painted in Sta. Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, California specifically for the initiative. It has a signature antibacterial coating proven to kill up to 99.99% of most common surface bacteria, a 100% recycled TPU frame, and an extra-strong honeycomb pattern to enhance shock absorption providing 25% improved scratch resistance.

Limited Artist Edition ClearCase will appeal to customers who wish to express art and color while protecting their investment and those looking to make a difference in the world in their small way. Buying the unit allows device users to make the world a better place.

Mikael B is an urban contemporary artist who developed his own identity and unique signature, deeply rooted in his early years as a graffiti artist. He has always had a desire to give back and use his art to make a difference. For this reason, the artist founded the Mikael B Foundation in 2017, where all charity projects come together. It started with a school in Cambodia but has since spread to projects to save the world seas, planting trees to reduce CO2 in collaboration with The Perfect World Foundation.

On this collaboration, Mikael B commented: “The collaboration has been built on a shared passion for changing the world for the better. To kick off the collaboration, I created a mural called “Moment of Clarity” in Los Angeles (Santa Monica Blvd and Orange Grove Ave). “I used the composition of the mural to design a ClearCase to protect your phone that bridges the PanzerGlass heritage and my art style.”

“PanzerGlass is in business to protect both screens and the planet. As a global business, we believe we have a responsibility to find sustainable solutions in everything we do. The fewer devices we throw away due to broken screens, the fewer resources are needed to make new ones. Thus, the negative environmental impact is limited. So, by adding screen protection to your devices, you are also taking responsibility for our planet. Our journey for a greener planet started years ago – Let’s continue this journey and take responsibility together,” adds Michael Broend.

The Limited Artist Edition ClearCase will be made available for purchase at the leading Smartphone Electronics Accessories Retailers soon.  

For more information about PanzerGlass, visit https://panzerglass.com/.

The post PanzerGlass Releases Limited Edition Case for Sustainable Initiative appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

The move sees Giordano continue its recent expansion in the African continent – adding to its portfolio which already includes Zambia, South Africa, Kenya and Mauritius, alongside its presence in over 30 other countries across Asia, the Middle East, Australia, Canada and Russia.

Mr Mark Loynd, Executive Director and Head of Overseas Market Development, commented, “Melcom is Ghana’s leading retail chain, with an extensive network of over 50 wholesale and department stores. We are both pleased and excited to commence our partnership with Melcom to bring Giordano to Ghana”.

Related: Giordano’s Newest Mega Flagship Store Opens in Jeddah, KSA

Ramesh M. Sadhwani, Joint Group Managing Director of Melcom, stated, “Giordano has a long, rich history in providing relevant, essential and timeless fashion for all. Ghana has witnessed a surge in demand for international fashion labels, and with Giordano having over 2,100 stores around the world, we are excited to bring the brand to Ghana and West Africa”. Mr Sadhwani continued, “We are extremely proud of our heritage, and will draw on our over 30 years of experience to create a new chapter in West Africa’s retail landscape with our new partner, Giordano”.

Commenting on the expansion, Mr Loynd added: “Giordano is strengthening its franchise business and remains steadfast in pursuing new markets – our recent ventures in the African continent lays testament to this”. He concluded, “Our global expansion continues. We have clear plans to open further new markets in Africa, and will also be looking to add to our existing store network in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and in South East Asia”.

About Giordano:
Giordano is a leading international retailer of men’s, women’s and children’s apparel under the brand names Giordano, Giordano Ladies, Giordano Junior, BSX and Beau Monde. Established in 1981, Giordano now operates over 2,100 stores and counters in Greater China, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Australia, India and the Middle East. Giordano is listed on the main board of Hong Kong Stock Exchange under stock code 709.

About Melcom:
Melcom Limited is West Africa’s leading organized retail chain and is a true local home-grown Retail Super Brand. Established in 1989, it has footprints across Ghana with over 50 department stores and wholesale stores. Melcom has been adjudged a SUPER BRAND and rated as one of the Top Business Houses in Ghana year after year.

The post Giordano Expands into Ghana appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

The case comes in six unique colors with antibacterial technology proven to kill up to 99.99% of most common surface bacteria.

Dubai, UAE,  March 2021 – PanzerGlass, one of the leading screen protection brands in the world launches ClearCaseColor , its latest range of antibacterial limited edition clear color smartphone cases in the region. 

Made from PanzerGlass and colored flexible TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) materials, the case back is made of four layers and an extra strong honeycomb pattern to enhance shock absorption providing 25% improved scratch resistance compared to first-generation of ClearCases. The case matches all buttons for easy and full access to all functionalities. It also features slightly swelling bumpers in all corners to enhance protection. ClearCaseColor is compatible with MagSafe wireless charging. 

Combining cutting edge technology with contemporary aesthetics, PanzerGlass ClearCaseColor allows users to properly display the original look of their device, while expressing themselves via a selection of trendy hues.  The cases come in different colors of True Blue, Mandarin Red, Orange, Rose Gold, Satin Silver and Racing Green, and will appeal to consumers of all ages. Labelled as the strongest ClearCase from PanzerGlass, it is compatible with Apple iPhone 12 devices and will protect the phone’s beautiful design.

To coincide with the product launch, the company has also released a campaign called #ColorsComeTogether featuring a multi-cast of different nationalities in keeping with the brand’s continuously evolving vibrant and inclusive spirit. According to Global Marketing Director Michael Brønd, “PanzerGlass is the best product out there.  The way it’s made, makes us standout.  But we’re much more than just functionality.  We have an open and diverse brand and that is reflected on the people in PanzerGlass, the people we onboard, and certainly, in our campaigns.” 

PanzerGlass ClearCaseColor is now available in the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar. Soon in Saudi Arabia at electronics retail stores.  

For more information about PanzerGlass, visit https://panzerglass.com/

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BTS UAE Army and startup Springs 15 unite to unveil the first BTS-inspired moving art in the region

Dubai, UAE, 3 March 2021: A first-of-its-kind art exhibition that pays tribute to the phenomenal K-pop group BTS will be on display in iconic locations across the country starting March 25. Titled “BTS Meet Street Arts in the UAE”, the moving monument exhibition is an initiative of BTS UAE Army, the popular band’s biggest collection of fans in the country, with the hopes of raising attention to bring the group to perform in the UAE.

For the project to come to life, fans and supporters of BTS in the UAE and the region are requested to support the initiative and receive exciting rewards including BTS albums, Global Army membership and a chance to get a fan letter delivered to the group.

“We intend to bring BTS to perform in the Middle East. We want them to notice that they are very much loved in the UAE as much as they are loved in America, Europe, Japan and other parts of the world. We are calling all ARMYs to support the BTS Meets Street Art in the UAE project. This will be the first time a Korean music artist will have a moving exhibition in the whole region. This is our chance to get united with the name of ARMY of the Middle East,” says Elareese Ramos, BTS UAE Admin.

Inspired by the successful CONNECT, BTS global project in 2020 where local artists and curators around the world engaged to connect, share and exchange messages through different art forms in connection with the band’s music, the BTS Meets Street Art in the UAE will also gather local artist to create art pieces inspired by the K-pop group. 

The first monument will feature the works of Kids of Arabia, known for their vibrant colors and funky vibe. The public can view the display at Jumeirah Beach during the Beach Canteen Festival and afterward, the monument will be moving around and appearing in iconic locations in the UAE.

BTS UAE Army has collaborated with Springs 15 to launch this project. Springs 15 is a test-bed platform for individuals and small businesses seeking support to turn their creative ideas into reality. 

“The K-pop fandom in this region is mindboggling and we have witnessed how the BTS UAE Army produced different activities to express their love and support for BTS as well as connect with other ARMYs in the UAE and around the globe. The BTS Meets Street Art in the UAE is a unique and amazing project and through our platforms, we will endeavor to bring this project to reality and help the ARMYs connect people from diverse backgrounds, language and culture for the love of BTS,” adds Springs 15 Founder Sehee Lee.

The group of seven members is recognized as one of the biggest music acts in the world right now. BTS has inspired a lot of people through their music, messages and what they stand for and was even named as some of the most influential people in the world. Their incredible success has popularized K-pop outside of Asia. 

BTS last performed in the Emirates in 2016 as part of KCon Abu Dhabi and after their “Love Yourself: Speak Yourself” world tour which brought them to Saudi Arabia in 2019, the ARMYs in the UAE have high hopes that they will be back to perform in the region and include the UAE.

For more information and how to support the project please visit www.springs15.com

About BTS UAE Army

BTS UAE Army was created and formed in August 2015 to show love and support for the seven-member K-pop group, BTS and their music, as well as gather and connect with other BTS ARMYs in the region and across the globe. Through the fan base, they share daily updates about the group and support projects and events related to BTS. 

About Springs 15

SPRINGS15 is a test-bed platform for individuals or small businesses seeking support to turn their creative ideas into reality.  The platform aims to assist creators by helping them test their ideas and connecting them with potential customers and supporters.  The platform provides a base to host projects from creative individuals from various fields including Arts and Crafts, Beauty, Fashion, Film and Photography, Food, Furniture and Design, Health and Diet, IT and Games, Kids, K-pop, Music, Pets, Publishing (Books, Comics, etc.), Travel, (Virtual) Events, etc. 

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In a move to reinvent itself, Giordano is showcasing new cutting-edge store designs across the region. The new store has a fresh look, aiming to redefine simplicity while embracing a more classic concept.  pace is maximized for product displays and customer interaction, including larger, more comfortable fitting rooms.  Products are also presented in different ways for customers’ easy visualization of style. Energy-efficient LED lights enhance the customer experience while minimizing the store’s carbon footprint.

“Our customers have been the main focus in the design of our new C.I.M. (Customers In Mind) stores. Giordano embodies simplicity in design and quality in substance, and we have endeavored to improve our customers’ shopping experience, enabling them to mix and match items and avail of excellent quality apparel at great value,” said Ahmedullah Abdul Hadi, Chief Operating Officer, Giordano Saudi Arabia.

The key to Giordano’s long-term success has always been in maintaining its commitment to provide a simple, clean, and comfortable design, quality workmanship, and knowledgeable customer service.

Following over 29 years of consistent brand growth, Giordano is aggressively expanding their operations in the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia. With multiple stores in the pipeline, innovative store designs and a growing customer loyalty, Giordano maintains its powerful presence.

In 2020, 10 new Giordano stores were opened in Saudi Arabia, Mauritius, and Kenya. “We pride ourselves on being an international brand and in recognizing the truly dynamic nature of the region, it is essential that Giordano, as a truly customer centric brand, be made accessible across all geographies and cultures,” said Ishwar Chugani, Managing Director of Giordano Middle East.

About Giordano:

Giordano International Limited, founded in Hong Kong in 1981, is now one of the world’s leading international retailers of apparel and accessories for men, women, and children.

Giordano’s success is deeply rooted in its five corporate business values of Quality, Knowledge, Innovation, Service and Simplicity (Q.K.I.S.S).

Today, the Giordano group operates over 2,300 stores in more than 30 countries across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, Eastern Europe, Canada, and plans to explore many more untapped markets across the world.

The essence of Giordano is to provide relevant, essential, and timeless fashion for all; and to develop apparel for everyone regardless of ethnicity, nationality or culture.

Giordano is a brand for everyone, everywhere.

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Last December, in cooperation with Vivz Fashion School , MM Milano showcased it’s latest sustainable fashion collection at Dubai World Fashion Week. Designed by Chona Bacaoco, a Filipina designer based in Milan, Italy, the dresses were made of natural and upscaled textiles like Hablon, Pineapple silk and recycled materials. The show has also brought together global talents from the US, UK, Switzerland, Romania and the Philippines. With inspirations from native flowers like the ‘Waling-Waling’, the audience cheered at the collection’s unique designs.

The dresses were accompanied by custom-made runway music, composed by Andréas Volkmar, who received the award for “Best Runway Music” by H.E. Sheikha Dr Hind Al Qassimi, H.E. Sheik Sultan Al-Qasimi, and H.E. Sheikh Dr. Saeed Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan.

Further awards were given to Schirin Alexa Thoma-Jugl for “Achiever Model of the Year”, Kayla Nicole Solis for “Charitable Model of the Year” and Natalia Angelina Spanhel for “Promising Model of the Year” alongside other famous awardees. Our young singer from Romania Maria Cristina Flăcău a.k.a. “Maya Rose” thrilled the crowd by performing her new single “Someone” supported by the local dance group PiNoy DXB Crew, and was awarded “Model & Artist of the Year”.

The event has also featured a number of advocacies through personalities like Olivia DePiore, a model of determination who used her runway career to raise awareness on Down Syndrome and surviving cancer.

Apart from the fashion show, the team, together with its global talents, carried out a photoshoot and fashion walk in the Dubai Desert.

“We, the MM Milano Team around are proud to announce that our MM Milano 3-Day-Event around Dubai World Fashion Week from 18-20 December 2020 has been a great success for our Brand and all our global talents coming together to form a conscious community in fashion, sustainability, and social responsibility. We thank everyone who helped to raise money for the Buklod Kalinga orphanage in the Philippines in partnership with Filipino football player Simone Rota, and are honored to have received the “Designer of the Year” award.”

“We are bringing together Global Talents and Sustainable Fabrics” Please find further information on our Brand and Agency on Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | Youtube | Twitter

The post MM Milano Showcases Latest Collection at Dubai World Fashion Week appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

With the release of the new vivo V20 in the emirates and the rest of the GCC, Filipinos have been placed at the center stage as part of the brand’s latest communication initiative. With the official slogan ‘Be the Focus,’ the campaign featured local personalities including artists, fashionistas, and performers from the community.

The cast included painter and sand artist Nathaniel Alapide, poet Danabelle Gutierrez, magician Normando Macalinao, fashion personalities Gweys Soriano, Valentino Montuerto Jasmin, Ivan Cabatit, Khel Recuenco, and Anna Llagas, beauty and lifestyle influence Nina Carpio, fitness professional Jevily Florida Painagan, photographer/entrepreneur Hyku Desesto and dancers CL Frostyle Trasmano, Cath Kaye Sabayle, RJ Ubungen, Jhayr Bueno, Jake Pelaez, and Paolo Gabriel Benitez.

Filipinos, despite their strong presence in the region, have always been under-represented and portrayed in mainstream media in very stereotypical support roles.  Hence the campaign was welcomed as a breath of fresh air, which provided timely acknowledgment to the Gulf’s third-largest ethnic community.

Speaking to Illustrado, personalities and community leaders shared their reactions to the campaign.

Seeing Filipinos in the spotlight in the latest vivo campaign makes me proud Filipina. From the style to the attitude, this campaign has carved a unique niche in delivering what the market would want to see. Filipinos are now really taking a step to have a spot in the light, and that is something that the world has to see because there is still more to what meets the eye. Filipinos shine from within, but when the light is focused on us, we can illuminate, inspire, and uplift more lives.

Sherizze Sean Curate Acot, Artist & Model (UAE)

I feel proud to see Filipinos as ambassadors of the brand. We are diverse, talented, enthusiastic, dedicated, and most of all, artistic – perfect for the brand to put its focus on. It’s time for Filipinos to be in focus.”

Jason Roi Bucton, Community Leader (UAE)

Being a Filipino myself I couldn’t be more proud to see our kababayans in a mainstream campaign. It’s about time that we are put in the spotlight as our contribution in many industries is undeniable knowing that Filipinos are one of the most active users in social media and one of the biggest consumers in the world today.”

Hilarion Oliver, Influencer (KSA)

I can say that it’s about time. First of all, the ad itself is vibrant, confident, and upbeat. It resembles who we are now. I think the time is right; it’s time to harvest. If you go back to EON’s survey, the Filipinos, compared to other expats, are the ones who are not afraid to spend. We got a taste, we know our brands, and we love eating out and shopping. We are the top consumers in the UAE, so we might as well put ourselves in the spotlight as the fire starters, the makers, the movers, and the influencers.  We are the indelible ink in UAE-sphere.”

Agnes Marelid, Brand Philippines Proponent (UAE)

It was indeed a proud feeling to see Filipino talents to be part of such an amazing campaign that highlights and gives focus to our pool of creative minds in the community. Kudos to Vivo Arabia #BeTheFocus!

Bethoven Filomeno, Teacher & Photographer (UAE)

As a Filipino myself, I feel proud to see Filipinos in the mainstream mobile ad. As we are known as the number one social media users in the world, and we give more organic traction to brands online.

Junie Sorsano, Influencer (UAE)

It makes me feel more relevant in a diverse country like the UAE. Filipinos deserve this kind of opportunity, not just to be seen but also to be appreciated more. We contribute more than only as manpower, but as talents and creatives of this fast-paced society.

Mau Piodena, HMUA (UAE)

Nothing makes us prouder than to finally see Filipinos be the main focus for a regional campaign! Our efforts for the International community to see us in a bigger, brighter, and a different light is such an accomplishment. It inspires every Pinoy to reach further for their dreams and aspirations. We’re getting the respect and recognition we deserve! Mabuhay and Taas Noo palagi Pilipino”

Leslie Fiestan – Artist (KSA)

BeTheFocus with vivo is truly a remarkable campaign! It does not only highlight the awesomeness of Filipino spirit and traits but also showcases the diverse and world-class Filipinos who, just like any other nationalities, deserve the spotlight, and yes – focus!

Maria Josephine Abina, Business Leader (Oman)

I love vivo’s wonderful piece on the journey and impact of the Filipinos who’ve made a difference through the years in the Middle East. As a Filipino, I am deeply grateful for the wonderful support and emphasis on our story that acknowledges our resilience, adaptability, and how strongly capable we are of anything we wish to overcome.

Rian Miranda, Entrepreneur (KSA)

It made me feel so much pride as a Filipino seeing an all-star cast in a campaign like this. Seeing fellow Filipinos who are top caliber within their field makes me raise my flag. Filipino represent! Truly world-class!

Elton Lipanta, Artist (UAE)

Behind the Campaign

Asked about how the campaign came to be, Othmane Oubrahim, GCC Head of Brand at vivo shares, “I have lived here for more than 16 years and one thing that stands out in this country is the diversity that we have. We have over 200 nationalities in a population that’s relatively small, maybe 10 million. But one group of people that stands out whether they work in high profile positions or mundane jobs are Filipinos, who, for the most part, always seem to have incredible hidden skills or hidden talents that we feel the vivo V20 can help bring out in them. The whole point of the V20 is to be the focus. And I think it’s about time that we shine that focus on that Filipino community to bring out more than just their nine to five jobs.”

He continues, “As is true of every vivo phone, we change the game with innovation. We change the game with specs, prices, and the technologies we create, which other brands adapt and adopt. That’s a perfect fit with the Filipino community because they have their unique style, take on life, and this infectious positivity that we feel is the perfect match with the V20.”

Check out the official BTS for the #BeTheFocus campaign

Roxie Negrillo, Business Unit Director at PHD Media – vivo’s agency in the region, cites the brand’s natural link with the Filipino community, “I see a very strong affinity with vivo and the Filipinos because both have a challenger story. Filipinos are challenging the region’s norms, and we are known for our grit, our passion, and our perseverance.

She adds, “I’ve seen a transformation in the way we Filipinos are portraying ourselves in the region. We are evolving into a different breed. We are more confident, more fearless, and we have more grit than ever. There are so many talented Filipinos out there. And this is something we must showcase. This collaboration with vivo is something special because we are telling a different story – that the time is now for the Filipinos to be the focus.”

Creative Director at Illustrado Mon Benitez remarks at the natural fit of the campaign with the company’s advocacy, “This was like an extension of what we’ve been doing in Illustrado for the longest time. When this project came, came to us, it was amazing. This fits like a glove and is so much within the DNA of Illustrado.  It’s very organic and aligned with our values. This was basically a fun way of showing that Filipino can be fun and fabulous.”

Managing Director Lalaine Chu-Benitez adds, “Filipinos have always been portrayed in a very limited perspective, so for us, this was a great opportunity to show a broader and more diversified narrative for Filipinos. We’re not just behind the scenes; we’re not just in supportive roles; some Filipinos are stars in their own right. And with brands like vivo appreciating the color and the contribution that Filipinos bring to the table. I think it’s an awesome thing for all of us.”

According to Illustrado Features Editor Alwee Villarosa, “Showcasing Filipino talent and what we can do as a collective is one of the better stories to tell out there. We have been trying to share these in Illustrado Magazine.  And this campaign is not manufactured; it’s about real people.  We’re just happy to be able to share that.”

The post GCC Filipinos React to vivo Campaign Highlighting Pinoys appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Award-winning author Flavel Monteiro teams up with Emmy Award-winning director, writer, and producer Keesa Ocampo and two of the Middle East’s finest Filipino chefs, Nouel Omamalin and John Buenaventura

Monteiro and co-author Keesa Ocampo, along with chefs Nouel Omamalin and John Buenaventura bring distinct tastes, flavors and a new meaning to Filipino cuisine from the beautiful Philippine archipelago. The eBook will be available on 15 August 2020 on https://www.phil-aid.org/

By definition, dessert is the end to a meal — but not necessarily, as Cuisinero – Taste the Philippines finishes on a savory note!

Pastry Chef Nouel Omamalin returns to his Filipino heritage and reinvents a sweet experience in ways one would never expect. Working with Valrhona chocolate, Nouel put his knowledge and experience together to come up with 50 recipes in the categories of The Basics, Torta ATBP, Siesta Chocolates, Cakes & In-Between and Haute Desserts. Nouel’s name may not ring a resounding bell in the culinary world or the expatriate scene in the Middle East, but he has proven to be one of the finest pastry chefs, set apart by his wild and skilful creativity.

On the other hand, Chef John Buenaventura is out of his comfort zone and his culinary skills are put to the test with a Filipino menu. He finds his inspiration in childhood kitchen memories and familiar notes to his sophisticated palate, borne of family cooking and perfected by elite global training. John gives a new meaning to the cuisine of his heritage with his interpretation with Hardin ni Lola, Laman Dagat and Bukid at Pastol.

Cuisinero- Taste the Philippines required a diverse touch of international storytelling. Co-author Keesa Ocampo, a published and distinguished Filipino American writer and content creator brings something unique and traditional to the 5-course meal, Fiesta Filipina! The result is exceptional with her take on a Malunggay Pesto (Moringa Pesto) and Tinolang Halaan (Clams in Ginger Broth). 

Cuisinero-Taste the Philippines is all Filipino food, whose time has come. For the first time, award-winning author Flavel Monteiro adds his culinary touch with Sardinas at Bangus (Sardines and Milkfish) with infused toasted Pandesal.

Proceeds of the eBook will support organizations Philippine International Aid programs for educational scholarships for disadvantaged children in southern Philippines.

Thanks to Valrhona, Bragard Middle East; and Lifestyle Asia Philippines for their support.

About the author:

Flavel Monteiro has been in the hospitality and F & B industry since 1991. His foray into publishing came when he purchased a franchise to publish Millionaire Magazine in Scandinavia, as well as a Filipino magazine in the Middle East. It was in 2014 when Flavel launched WG Magazine, designed to promote the top culinary experiences around the world. Then in 2018, he partnered with Chef Alfredo Russo from Turin, Italy to launch EX.IT— Extraordinary Italian. Most recently, Flavel co-authored and published the first ever e-cookbook Home Comforts: simple lockdown recipes from the world’s best chefs and bartenders with The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. He was the recipient of the Independent Publishers Award for his book Coffee – Absolute Gastronomy and was awarded the 2019 best book in the world by Gourmand World Cookbook Awards for the category coffee. His book Legacy also received the 2019 Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. During these unsettling days Flavel released an eBook Come Together – The World’s Finest Chefs which came with the intention of putting smiles on people’s faces and supporting chefs around the world. The eBook went on to receive the 2020 Spring Harvest Award by Gourmand World Cookbook. Closest to his heart, four years ago, he started a foundation that helps underprivileged children each year in the Philippines to attend culinary school through a scholarship program.

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