Scientist

Internationally-renowned scientist Dr. Michael Purugganan has contributed to the global pool of knowledge, especially in the area of plant molecular evolution and genomics.  His work has also become a valuable resource for the UAE to help in the improvement and preservation of one of the region’s most important plant species – the date palm.

A leading global authority in the field, Michael is the Co-Director for the Center for Genomics and Systems Biology at the New York University (NYU) in Abu Dhabi.  There he heads a group of scientists who study palm varieties—from the origin, evolution up to their genetic makeup. His work was recognized by the UAE government earning him the Khalifa International Date Palm Award in 2015.  Michael also serves as the Dean for Science at the NYU’s main campus in New York and has published over 130 research papers contributing to global scientific knowledge.

Michael, who graduated from the University of the Philippines in Diliman and earned his Masters at Columbia University and the University of Georgia, is a representation of virtuosity in any field, as well as the ability of the Filipino mind to compete and contribute at a global level.  He believes in always setting challenging benchmarks in order to excel.  He remarks, “We should keep ourselves to a high standard of excellence in whatever we do.  We should always aspire to be the best, not because of what others think, but for our own satisfaction.”

Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf is Supported by: Kaya Skin Clinic,  Emirates Airline, and Unilever.

Special Thanks to Michael Cinco, Ezra Couture , Giordano, Darcey Flowers, IKON Solutions, Victors Freight, MPQ Tourism, Asia Gulf Companies –La Carne & Filfood, WOL Water

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Dr. Michael Purugganan

Scientist

Find ways of enhancing the region’s most important and most prolific plant – the date palm, that’s Dr. Michael Purugganan’s mandate in the UAE capital.  “Our date palm genome project at NYU Abu Dhabi has moved into a new phase with exciting new projects.  We are about to announce a new discovery about North African dates like the Medjool dates, as well as new genes we have found. My research laboratory is also starting new collaborations here in the UAE as well as in France and Saudi Arabia,” enthused the globally renowned biologist.

A leading figure in global genetic research, specifically in plant molecular evolution and genomics, Dr. Michael Purugganan has published over 130 research papers contributing a wealth of knowledge to the field of science. Shuttling between New York, where he is Dean for Science at New York University, and Abu Dhabi where he runs one of his laboratories, his work in the emirates has earned him the Khalifa International Date Palm Award, bestowed on him by His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan in 2015.

As a leader in his field, he emphasizes the perseverance and excellence as the cornerstones for success, “We should keep ourselves to a high standard of excellence in whatever we do.  We should always aspire to be the best, not because of what others think, but for our satisfaction.”

He adds, “You have to keep your eyes focused on the future and overcome any obstacles in your way.  You have to learn to pick yourself up when you have been dealt with a setback.  Someone told me once that success is a marathon, not a sprint.  You have to keep looking forward.”

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Special thanks to our sponsors: Emirates Airline, Stars n Bars La Mer, Liali, Instax – Grandstores UAE, Dusit Thani Dubai, Gver – Your Friendly Marketplace for Sharing, Meeting Dancewear , MPQ, CMG, Filbrit, and our partners Rozen Antonio Photography,  Alex Callueng Photography, Jef Anog Photography, and Ethereal Photography.

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Social Entrepreneur 

Robert Bagatsing has always had it in his moral code to support humanitarian advocacies that benefit the underprivileged.  Believing that education is a powerful tool to prevent poverty, he and his wife have built a platform that not only benefits the community of engineers across the world but also has sent thousands of children in various countries to school.

He is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of GineersNow, the largest online global platform for engineers and scientists around the world, with some 20 million visitors on a monthly basis.  The company publishes specialized free online magazines including focused on Construction, HVACR, Power & Water, Oil & Gas, Renewables, Technology, and Social Impact.  They also release video documentaries featuring founders, CEOs, and other leaders from Fortune 500 companies as well as unicorn startups, and have collaborated with tech giants in Silicon Valley (Google, Apple, Amazon), China (Baidu and Tudou) and Russia (Yandex) to help push content in the digital space.

As a social enterprise, GineersNow dedicates part of its profits to charity, supporting impoverished children in Kenya, South Africa, India, Syria and the Philippines, helping them secure an education.  Robert and his team also assist the parents of the children, helping them find sustainable sources of livelihood.

Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf is Supported by: Kaya Skin Clinic,  Emirates Airline, and Unilever.

Special Thanks to Michael Cinco, Ezra Couture , Giordano, Darcey Flowers, IKON Solutions, Victors Freight, MPQ Tourism, Asia Gulf Companies –La Carne & Filfood, WOL Water

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Robert Bagatsing

Social Entrepreneur

Robert Bagatsing has always possessed the fervent hope of sparking profound positive change in society as an entrepreneur and philanthropist. His life, together with collaborator and wife Emelyn, is a testament that commercial success and social impact can go effectively and comfortably, hand-in-hand.

Splitting his time between their Dubai and Manila office, Robert is Co-Founder and Managing Director of GineersNow, and Co-Founder of Lincoln Martin Strategic Marketing.  Established in 2014, GineersNow is the most popular and the largest online platform for engineers and scientists across the globe with a monthly audience of 20 million. The company publishes seven online magazines (Construction, HVACR, Power & Water, Oil & Gas, Renewables, Technology, and Social Impact), available to everyone for free, and has also ventured into TV, video documentaries and streaming, featuring over a thousand CEOs, business leaders and founders of Top 500 Fortune companies as well as unicorn startups.  They have also collaborated with tech giants in Silicon Valley (Google, Apple, Amazon), China (Baidu and Tudou) and Russia (Yandex) to help push content in the digital space.

GineersNow is a brand developed under Lincoln Martin Strategic Marketing, a digital and marketing agency for B2B clients. The profits of the agency, as well as a portion of GineersNow earnings,  go to charity in support of the needy.  Robert shares, I am a father of 1,700 school children in Kenya, South Africa, India, Syria, and the Philippines. We’ve adopted these less fortunate kids and provide them with food, clothing, shelter, and education. My family firmly believes that the pencil is the best tool to end poverty.”  Robert and his team also help parents of the children to get into sources of livelihood which they can sustain in the future.

Robert’s dedication to the community has served as the primary source of his motivation and drive, in turn helping him succeed in business. In the future, he looks towards building more schools, assisting more teachers, and adopting even more students.

Dedicating his life’s work towards uplifting others, Robert enthusiastically confirms an idea that we can only hope would be adopted by many more like him, “We have proven that profit and purpose can co-exist. Entrepreneurs can be rich and help the community at the same time.”

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Special thanks to our sponsors: Emirates Airline, Stars n Bars La Mer, Liali, Instax – Grandstores UAE, Dusit Thani Dubai, Gver – Your Friendly Marketplace for Sharing, Meeting Dancewear , MPQ, CMG, Filbrit, and our partners Rozen Antonio Photography,  Alex Callueng Photography, Jef Anog Photography, and Ethereal Photography.

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Born in Paris to Bulakenyo parents and raised in London, Chef Earl Roland Puse comes from a background steeped in multicultural culinary influences.

He has honed his skills at a variety of world-class restaurant brands, including the Conran (now Plateau Restaurant – Canary Wharf), La Petite Maison in London and Dubai.  He was also appointed Head Chef for Coya Abu Dhabi in 2016 where he shaped the restaurant’s trajectory, and with his team, bagged Best New Comer in 6 months and Restaurant of the Year within 9 months of operations. 2018 saw Chef Earl open another outlet for Coya overseas.  This year is a particularly important highlight in this Chef’s career as he has been asked to go back to the Emirates, to open 2 Michelin star L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon’s outlet at the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC).

Asked about his recipe for career success, Chef Earl shares, “All I did was do my job at the highest level. Whatever I did had to be perfect, in doing so for almost ten years in the UAE, surrounded by many different ethnicities in the kitchen – including many Filipino chefs that I had the pleasure to work with. It’s what it’s all about. Lead by example and leave a part of you in every person and individual you have worked with. To have your chefs believe, teach, coach, talk, cook and preach as you did after you have left, is what it’s all about.”

Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf is Supported by: Kaya Skin Clinic,  Emirates Airline, and Unilever.

Special Thanks to Michael Cinco, Ezra Couture , Giordano, Darcey Flowers, IKON Solutions, Victors Freight, MPQ Tourism, Asia Gulf Companies –La Carne & Filfood, WOL Water

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Chef Earl Roland Puse

Born in Paris to Bulakenyo parents, and raised mostly in London, Chef Earl Roland Puse has leveraged his international background, as well as his dedication, to become one of the Emirates’ culinary elite. His skills were honed at Conran (now Plateau Restaurant – Canary Wharf) and La Petite Maison in Mayfair, London.  He then moved to La Petite Maison in Dubai in 2010, after that he opened two Coya outlets in the emirates.  Currently Head Chef in Abu Dhabi, his leadership has brought much success to his brands; the most recent wins being awards for Best New Comer, Best French/Latin American and Restaurant of the Year from Time Out and What’s On for Coya.

2019 sees Chef Earl moving on to Paris to open his third Coya outlet as Head Chef.  He says of the challenge ahead, “It’s very intimidating, but what I relish the most is that I left Paris as a 13-year-old kid with no idea and direction, and now I’m being placed as Chef de Cuisine in the culinary capital of the world. A place where I can raise the bar and raise our Filipino flag higher than ever.”

Ever a Filipino at heart despite his atypical accent, Chef Earl shares his sentiments for his compatriots, “For a Filipino, it’s very hard to make a mark in this industry. I have worked with and trained so many great Filipino Chefs in the Emirates, and all are now working in top establishments too. And yet, we are not recognized enough. Hence, all I wanted to do, besides making my restaurant successful, is to make sure I was recognized as being Filipino first.”

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Special thanks to our sponsors: Emirates Airline, Stars n Bars La Mer, Liali, Instax – Grandstores UAE, Dusit Thani Dubai, Gver – Your Friendly Marketplace for Sharing, Meeting Dancewear , MPQ, CMG, Filbrit, and our partners Rozen Antonio Photography,  Alex Callueng Photography, Jef Anog Photography, and Ethereal Photography.

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Entrepreneur

With her serial entrepreneurial skills coupled with grit and determination to expand her ventures, Mayet Malang Evans is happy to see that her dream of uplifting other people’s lives through alternative education is growing steadily.

As the CEO of Filbrit Training Centre, a provider of educational opportunities at a reasonable cost for companies and individuals, which she has co-founded with her husband Mark Evans (Chairman), Mayet has pushed to extend what she and her team started within the UAE. True to her and her husband’s vision, they have expanded their school, establishing branches in Romania and in the UK, where they also provide primary and secondary distance learning programs. With their endeavors, she hopes to help people realize their dreams by cultivating both knowledge and life skills, providing an alternative to those who cannot afford traditional schools, as well as those looking to shift careers.

Mayet’s vision and legacy are anchored on her own story of hard work and success, from setting up the first legal Filipino training center in the UAE, all the way to becoming an international brand.   Her belief that education is a gift that nobody should take away is a constant motivator for all her efforts.  She says, “It doesn’t matter if you were born poor or rich; you should work for your dream and never stop learning.”

Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf is Supported by: Kaya Skin Clinic,  Emirates Airline, and Unilever.

Special Thanks to Michael Cinco, Ezra Couture , Giordano, Darcey Flowers, IKON Solutions, Victors Freight, MPQ Tourism, Asia Gulf Companies –La Carne & Filfood, WOL Water

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Mayet Malang Evans

 Entrepreneur

Transitioning from the medical field into entrepreneurship in 2013, Mayet Galang Evans is a business owner and community volunteer who shares her passion for learning with the people. As a ‘serial entrepreneur,’ she is the founder and CEO of the Filbrit Training Center chain, Sampaguita Salon, as well as an events and a digital marketing service company.

Through Filbrit, she and her husband have made shadow teaching and workshops accessible to the masses. Having taught practical and business skills to hundreds, her talents have translated into invaluable skills in the future corporate lives of their students. Her hair salon has also become famous for providing an international level of services at reasonable pricing too. Mayet says her success and talent within multiple fields can be credited to her innate good nature. “If God is the center of your heart, follow up with hard work, keep a good heart, never give up and learn from your own mistakes, you will make your own luck” she shares.

With her family’s support and the continued push for growth, Mayet forges ahead to expand her business empire throughout the region, lending a guiding hand to many Filipinos by bolstering their skills. “We should work together for the good of Filipinos in the UAE and at home and utilize the fantastic multicultural opportunities we have here.”

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Special thanks to our sponsors: Emirates Airline, Stars n Bars La Mer, Liali, Instax – Grandstores UAE, Dusit Thani Dubai, Gver – Your Friendly Marketplace for Sharing, Meeting Dancewear , MPQ, CMG, Filbrit, and our partners Rozen Antonio Photography,  Alex Callueng Photography, Jef Anog Photography, and Ethereal Photography.

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Entrepreneur

Business veteran Victoria Mikkelsen co-owns with her husband Mogens Mikkelsen, two of the oldest schools in Abu Dhabi – ABC School and the ABC Nursery, as well as an international freight business, ‘Victors Freight International Corp,’ that does operations between the region and the Philippines (and soon, opening a branch in Europe. A volunteer providing support to the city’s community of Filipino entrepreneurs for many years via the Philippine Business Council, ‘Vikki,’ as she is also known to friends, is also proud to be able to give livelihood to fellow Filipinos, herself having grown from humble roots.

“Being able to employ Filipino staff, and giving them a source of living, enabling them to achieve their dreams for their families is one contribution to our community that is very close to my heart,” she says. “I would like to have a legacy of being an entrepreneur, a heart – a boss that is approachable, ready to listen and be able to uplift the life of my people.”

As an entrepreneur who’s had to learn many valuable lessons in order to thrive in a changing market, by adopting new methods and techniques to improve, Vikki also encourages Filipinos to put a premium on continued development and to keep evolving.  “Above all learnings, we should learn from the other people around us – without forgetting our own positive nature as Filipinos,” she says.

Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf is Supported by: Kaya Skin Clinic,  Emirates Airline, and Unilever.

Special Thanks to Michael Cinco, Ezra Couture , Giordano, Darcey Flowers, IKON Solutions, Victors Freight, MPQ Tourism, Asia Gulf Companies –La Carne & Filfood, WOL Water

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Victoria Mikkelsen

Entrepreneur

A modest entrepreneur whose business acumen speaks for itself, Victoria Mikkelsen runs a successful nursery, school, and freight business. Inspiring is her advocacy: to help children cultivate positive values that enable them to become smart and responsible individuals.

Victoria runs two of Abu Dhabi’s oldest schools – the ABC School and the ABC Nursery est. 1979, as well as her freight and logistics management company Victors Freight International Corp. with four branches in the Philippines, and 1 in Abu Dhabi, with plans of expanding operations in Europe especially in Scandinavia.

Her expertise in business management and cross-cultural communication can be attributed to her vast experience – fifteen years from the wellness industry, and fifteen in the educational sector. Dealing with a multicultural clientele has also taught her some integral skills: “Through the years, I have developed the virtues of tenacity, flexibility, and fortitude. Like gold, I have learned to be flexible, and I strive to shine and bring light to people”.

Victoria also swears by the power of valuing one’s team and advises, “Whether you are employed or starting or running a business, always think of how to motivate people around you. If you are doing the things right with integrity and consideration for others, you can influence them. Always strive to do good to others in whatever ways you can, and mentor those who have the same passion as you have.”

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Special thanks to our sponsors: Emirates Airline, Stars n Bars La Mer, Liali, Instax – Grandstores UAE, Dusit Thani Dubai, Gver – Your Friendly Marketplace for Sharing, Meeting Dancewear , MPQ, CMG, Filbrit, and our partners Rozen Antonio Photography,  Alex Callueng Photography, Jef Anog Photography, and Ethereal Photography.

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Journalist and Community Volunteer 

Marlon Malinao is committed to two very distinct disciplines that exemplify the infinite talent and creativity of Filipinos.   The Senior Editor of Kuwait’s leading English daily, he devotes his free time perfecting his skills in the field of make-up, while also utilizing his gifts to support those in need.  He shares, “As a journalist, I am proud to share my credibility and work ethics.  On the other hand, I use my craft as a platform to highlight the Filipinos’ ingenuity and concern for others.”

Capping his growth in the make-up sector, Marlon has been recently tapped by world-renowned British make-up artist and label owner Charlotte Tilbury for a collaboration that will be featured in their regional and global campaigns.  “This is definitely a dream come true,” Marlon shares.

The flip side of this is being able to further his advocacy for supporting cancer patients and the less fortunate by giving proceeds of his make-up projects to community initiatives.  Marlon has also teamed up with Childhope Asia and Project 30 to facilitate the donation of school bags and hygiene kits to disadvantaged students in Manila.  To provide a potential source of livelihood in the Philippines, Marlon has also started teaching makeup application to distressed Filipino workers.  “I want to leave a legacy of empathy, charity, and inspiration. I want to be known as an ‘encourager’ to do good and break the glass ceiling. The world has plenty of critics and disparagers already.”

Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf is Supported by: Kaya Skin Clinic,  Emirates Airline, and Unilever.

Special Thanks to Michael Cinco, Ezra Couture , Giordano, Darcey Flowers, IKON Solutions, Victors Freight, MPQ Tourism, Asia Gulf Companies –La Carne & Filfood, WOL Water

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Marlon Aquino Malinao

Senior Editor of Kuwait’s leading English daily Arab Times, Marlon Aquino Malinao has become a conduit for Filipino excellence. Beginning his career as a sub-editor in 2005, he rose to Business Editor in no time and was eventually promoted to the third highest post in office. In a field where Filipino representation in leadership positions is rare, especially in the media, Marlon is a testament that Filipinos are indeed world-class and can make a difference in the workplace.

Aside from being a respected journalist, Marlon’s passion for creative expression has led him to the vibrant field of makeup. “For me, make-up is a stress-relieving form of art; a haven from the challenging routine of a newsperson.” Through make-up, he has collaborated with many talented individuals and celebrities, for television commercials and editorials, not to mention projects for a cause. His artistic prowess was showcased abroad when he directed Resty Lagare’s fashion show in the USA, and when he worked on Miss Austin Texas 2018, as well as Miss Austin Texas Teen 2018.  Just recently, Marlon also launched his make-up line called ‘MARvelous’ which he hopes to be a global household name someday.

With his unique career path, pursuing two entirely different disciplines, Marlon shows that indeed, one can have a flourishing career while pursuing another passion.  He underlines the importance of balancing his pursuits properly, but even more of having a good attitude in life.

“Let other people’s success or happiness, be your success or source of joy and inspiration. With that attitude, this world will be a better place.”

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Special thanks to our sponsors: Emirates Airline, Stars n Bars La Mer, Liali, Instax – Grandstores UAE, Dusit Thani Dubai, Gver – Your Friendly Marketplace for Sharing, Meeting Dancewear , MPQ, CMG, Filbrit, and our partners Rozen Antonio Photography,  Alex Callueng Photography, Jef Anog Photography, and Ethereal Photography.

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Community Champion – Business

The former Chairman of the Philippine Business Council in Abu Dhabi and a very dynamic member of the Executive Committee for years, Jan Barlow has shared her skills, leadership and has worked and spearheaded many projects that proved beneficial to the local community.

A tireless community volunteer and consummate professional, Jan has helped many Filipinos in the business community in establishing relationships with the Philippines’ commercial and trade representatives and vice – versa, sharing business opportunities and technical know-how with peers and aiding in their journey towards self-employment. In 2018, she also spearheaded the council’s first VAT seminar in the capital, involving ten international business groups in one roof with over a hundred attendees. The Philippine Business Council – Abu Dhabi received great recognition because of this event.

A technical writing expert leading Pacific Consulting’s team of specialists, Jan emphasizes the importance of elevating skills to advance the Philippines’ global competitiveness. She remarks, “As a country, we have a lot to contribute. Simply smiling and being able to sing and dance do not guarantee a living,” she says. “For that, we need to become more capable, particularly in terms of getting the job done and guaranteeing results. If we can do that, others will continue to recognize the Philippines as a talented, professional nation.”  She adds, “My hope for the Philippines and its people is that our nation may assume its rightful place among the countries of the world, respected and admired for our capabilities, humanity, and achievement.”

Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf is Supported by: Kaya Skin Clinic,  Emirates Airline, and Unilever.

Special Thanks to Michael Cinco, Ezra Couture , Giordano, Darcey Flowers, IKON Solutions, Victors Freight, MPQ Tourism, Asia Gulf Companies –La Carne & Filfood, WOL Water

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Janet Barlow

 Entrepreneur

“Be professional; learn how to do something and then deliver whatever that is every day, to the same standard.”

Such is the life motto of Janet Barlow, technical writer and co-owner of Pacific Consulting Services (along with her husband, Peter). Together with their multicultural and multi-talented team, they have handled accounts and projects for major government and non-governmental agencies, namely: Masdar, ENEC, Presidential Flight and ADNOC – a rare feat among the already few Filipino professionals within the field.

Janet is also a guiding hand in the community who lives to serve. She was an active part of the Philippine Business Council in Abu Dhabi since 2008 and served as Chairman of the Council from 2016 to 2017. Before that, she was also a volunteer catechist for eight years, at St Joseph’s Cathedral in the capital.

From her humble beginnings as a factory worker to being a significant contributor to the capital’s development, Janet’s talents are a product of extensive experience and the nurturing environment she has been exposed to. “Most of what you need to know in life does not come from college or books, but experience and the environment. I have been lucky that all our professional engagements give us the opportunity to learn more.”  She has this to say about the community, “We have a lot to contribute, but simply smiling and being able to sing and dance do not guarantee a living. For that, we need to become more capable, particularly in terms of getting the job done and guaranteeing results. If we can do that, others will continue to recognize the Philippines as a talented, professional nation.”

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Special thanks to our sponsors: Emirates Airline, Stars n Bars La Mer, Liali, Instax – Grandstores UAE, Dusit Thani Dubai, Gver – Your Friendly Marketplace for Sharing, Meeting Dancewear , MPQ, CMG, Filbrit, and our partners Rozen Antonio Photography,  Alex Callueng Photography, Jef Anog Photography, and Ethereal Photography.

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Alternative Indie Musicians 

Established by multi-talented musician couple X and Mckie Alvarez, WYWY has been spreading their signature dream-pop/ethereal wave brand of music across the region, performing their unique psychedelic sound in various indie events. In 2019 alone, the band has performed at the Quoz Arts Fest; JBR Street Beats Music Festival; Sikka 2019; and in Bahrain for Museland Records where they won Artist of the Year at the Gulf Indie Music Awards.

The band dropped their Ep album ‘Within you Without you’ on cassette tape via Analog Amigo Records, and also released their first-ever Tagalog single – ‘Hapis.’ WYWY also served as the opening act for the Japanese sound artist Dr. Ryosuke Kiyasu at Alserkal Avenue and has collaborated with Croatian filmmaker Gita Blak for their ‘SYN’ performance. As one of the most well-represented indie bands of the local Filipino scene, they’ve become a beacon for other emerging artists.

“We are proud that most of the places we’ve been to are the places that have never seen or knew Filipino artists in this kind of genre and art,” the two say. “Our aim is to introduce other people to open up their minds to different kinds of music and not to get stuck in the past rather make the past as their inspiration and create something different.”

Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf is Supported by: Kaya Skin Clinic,  Emirates Airline, and Unilever.

Special Thanks to Michael Cinco, Ezra Couture , Giordano, Darcey Flowers, IKON Solutions, Victors Freight, MPQ Tourism, Asia Gulf Companies –La Carne & Filfood, WOL Water

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WYWY

Indie Band

Formed by multitalented musicians and real-life couple X and Mckie Alvarez, WYWY’s experimental style and psychedelic performances have become a big hit among the indie music enthusiasts across the country. Through their success in the musical underground, WYWY has become a cornerstone among the many alternative bands in the emirates.

From having their regular gigs in Dubai’s underground joints and indie musical events, WYWY’s musical journey’s highlights include performances at Dubai’s most celebrated art fairs and music festivals. They recently played at Mutek UAE (a worldwide series of electronic music festivals held in over seven countries) and Sikka Art Fair (one of Dubai’s biggest annual art festivals). The duo also had their first landmark concert at Season Seven of the Fridge Concert Series. Not only has WYWY paved the way for Filipino presence among artists in the region, but they also represented Filipino musical talent at the Aqtushetti Music Festival in Georgia along with different artists from across the world – a first for our coutrymen.

“We always tell our friends and fellow musicians to follow their hearts, focus on things you love to do and don’t let people pull you down. We survived our music journey with criticisms, but that made us more rock solid.”

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Special thanks to our sponsors: Emirates Airline, Stars n Bars La Mer, Liali, Instax – Grandstores UAE, Dusit Thani Dubai, Gver – Your Friendly Marketplace for Sharing, Meeting Dancewear , MPQ, CMG, Filbrit, and our partners Rozen Antonio Photography,  Alex Callueng Photography, Jef Anog Photography, and Ethereal Photography.

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Travel Blogger & Author

Dr. Gelo Santos aims to inspire everyone to travel, regardless of distance and destination. This year marks the 51^st country in his travels, and after publishing two travel books, Doc Gelo (as he is fondly called) has been hard at work, making his third book come to fruition. Entitled ‘Departures,’ his latest work is a celebration of the power and joy in travel, conveyed through a selection of postcard-perfect images taken across 5 continents.

Gelo’s works have also garnered much adoration on social media; his photos are often featured in prominent photography pages, including the quintessential Dubai tourism platforms. His images depicting the Dubai metro have also been featured exclusively by CNN Arabic. He was also featured in an article with his photographs in conjunction with the Dubai Metro’s 10^th-anniversary celebration.

Of his globetrotting, this wander luster remarks, “My favorite part, each time I travel, is whenever I am asked by locals of my origin.” He says. “I always take pride and say that I am from the Philippines! I believe that in such moments, I am able to show the world that we Filipinos can be global and can set foot on destinations that were once just a part of our bucket lists.”

Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf is Supported by: Kaya Skin Clinic,  Emirates Airline, and Unilever.

Special Thanks to Michael Cinco, Ezra Couture , Giordano, Darcey Flowers, IKON Solutions, Victors Freight, MPQ Tourism, Asia Gulf Companies –La Carne & Filfood, WOL Water

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Dr. Angelo Niño Santos

Clinical advisor, Dr. Angelo Niño Santos, known simply as Doc Gelo has championed the concept of living a dual life as a medical professional/travel blogger. Famed for his captivating imagery of places unknown and well celebrated, he is one of the most prolific travel bloggers in the Middle East and has become synonymous with the iconic Dubai image.

Beyond his medical career, Doc Gelo’s milestones include visiting 45 countries in over five continents and publishing two travel photo books (with a third on the way) that showcase the beauty of places near and far.  His photos have been featured in the tourism book ‘My Dubai,’ as well as in the city’s official Instagram page, and also published by the Manila Bulletin, along with an interview where he spoke about his journeys across the world. “I hope readers have picked up something from that article where I shared that photography remains a powerful and effective medium for the expression of freedom and creativity,” Gelo shares.

As a Filipino before anything else, Doc Gelo also hopes to promote the community through his platform, enforcing that Filipinos are indeed global citizens. “Wherever you go and whatever you do, always aim to be a better global Filipino, and be proud of the Philippines no matter what.”

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Special thanks to our sponsors: Emirates Airline, Stars n Bars La Mer, Liali, Instax – Grandstores UAE, Dusit Thani Dubai, Gver – Your Friendly Marketplace for Sharing, Meeting Dancewear , MPQ, CMG, Filbrit, and our partners Rozen Antonio Photography,  Alex Callueng Photography, Jef Anog Photography, and Ethereal Photography.

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Photographer

Modest and soft-spoken, Donell Gumiran is not only one of the most well-respected photographers in Dubai, but his feats are also internationally renowned. In 2019 alone, he amassed several awards across the globe, including Photographer of the Year at the Spider Awards Black & White (United States), gold at the Prix de la Photographie (Paris), and another gold at the Tokyo Foto Awards. His work was also selected as one of the Top 20 Asian Geographic Magazine Covers of 2019, and his images were also exhibited in New York, Italy, London, Tokyo, Spain, Germany, Australia, and across the GCC. Capping his impressive year, Donell was also a featured speaker at the prestigious Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Awards (HIPA) – ‘Capturing Human Emotions’ event this year.

Donell shares that he sees photography as a tool to unite Filipinos through a shared creative platform, saying, “I am committed to sharing my knowledge, passion and expertise with fellow Filipinos through collaboration. I always try to inspire others, help them to expand their skills and enhance their artistic eye. My photography vision is conveying reality’s message to all of us. I am living my mission as an artist for humanity.”

Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf is Supported by: Kaya Skin Clinic,  Emirates Airline, and Unilever.

Special Thanks to Michael Cinco, Ezra Couture , Giordano, Darcey Flowers, IKON Solutions, Victors Freight, MPQ Tourism, Asia Gulf Companies –La Carne & Filfood, WOL Water

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Donell Gumiran

Photographer

Donell Gumiran has a reputation for being one of Dubai’s most seasoned and well-respected photographers, amassing one of the most significant creative portfolios to date and becoming a standout in the international photography scene, representing Filipino talent on a global front.

This year, Donell has shared his passion and expertise with young photographers, helping them expand their skill set and enhance their artistic eye through collaborative workshops. His masterful photography has racked up a long list of regional and international awards including 1st place at the Los Angeles International Photography Awards, the UAE’s number one in One Eyeland’s Black and White Competition, Urban Art Festival DXB’s first prize and Curtin Dubai’s Photographer of the Year. He has also had his work exhibited in Milan, New York, and Tokyo as part of the Life Framer World Travelers Competition (which he also won).   Donnel shares, of his approach to his photography and life in general, “There are challenges in everything we do; you just have to take the risk and believe in yourself. As a photographer, I plan to continue my journey to explore the world and share it with people thru my photos.”

As for his guiding light through all his endeavors, the artist reveals, “Always make sure you do everything with heart. Nothing is impossible if you have faith in yourself and with God.”

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Special thanks to our sponsors: Emirates Airline, Stars n Bars La Mer, Liali, Instax – Grandstores UAE, Dusit Thani Dubai, Gver – Your Friendly Marketplace for Sharing, Meeting Dancewear , MPQ, CMG, Filbrit, and our partners Rozen Antonio Photography,  Alex Callueng Photography, Jef Anog Photography, and Ethereal Photography.

Browse the digital issue of Illustrado 100 Most Influential Filipinos of the Gulf 2018

The post Donell Gumiran – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.