Illustrado FACES Issue 2020

QUARTER 2 ~ 2020

CELEBRATING FILIPINO BEAUTY IN THE GULF

EDITOR’S NOTE

C E L E B R AT I N G B E AU T Y I N T H E T I M E O F C OV I D - 1 9

Fashion: Angel Villiar De Jesus Photo by Jef Anog, HMUA by Mau Piodena Shot at Vast Vogue Studio

lost and that there are still things that make us smile and excite us.Folks around the world have discovered joy in simple things like baking, chatting with friends over video conference, and even silly dancing in Tiktok, as they stay at home this time. By the same token, we bring to you some happiness as we share delight in something as simple as photos of beautiful people from our community.

It’s a tough time right now, with a lot of fear and uncertainty as the world grapples with the impact of the pandemic. Anxiety and depression loom as people practice social distancing in their hometowns to avoid the ill effects of the virus.

At the same time, governments and front liners deal with the escalating health crisis. So, is there space for something as seemingly mundane as celebrating beauty in the time of Covid-19?

Just as there is merit in counting the little pleasures of life at each turn, there is space for celebrating beauty despite the times. Now more than ever, we need pockets of sunshine to bring some positive energy and good vibes into our lives. Something to make us feel that all is not

Illustrado Faces is devoted not only to showcasing natural Filipino charm, but also the beautiful diversity of our people, as we are indeed an amalgamation of various ethnicities.

Interestingly enough, this batch of Faces participants does not only feature, among others, biracial Filipinos who depict our growing community of third culture kababayans in the region; we also have several models who are from the indigenous tribes of the Philippines. Over and above the alluring models, this edition is also a veritable exhibition of the amazing works of our talented community of photographers.

Our thanks and congratulations to all those who participated in this worthwhile and exciting community exercise, including the thousands of fans who voted and promoted their favorite entries.And to you, our readers, we hope that you find a spot of sunshine as you go through the photos of some of the most beautiful Filipinos in the Gulf Region.

Taas Noo, LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ

Editor-in-Chief

Illustrado Magazine is a publication licensed under the Creative City Fujairah - License No.: 11199/2017 BVZ ILLUSTRADO 3

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ CREATIVE DIRECTOR MON BENITEZ FEATURES EDITOR ALWEE VILLAROSA EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS ANTONINO BENITEZ PAOLO GABRIEL BENITEZ CONTRIBUTING WRITERS UAE, PHILIPPINES, CANADA ABY YAP AL MANLANGIT ALFRED ‘KRIP’ YUSON ANNA DE LEON GELYKA DUMARAOS BARNEY ALMAZAR EXCEL DYQUIANGCO FRANCISCO COLAYCO ION GONZAGA KC ABALOS-ORENDAIN KENNETH EHPRAIM SURATH KRISTINE ABANTE LESLIE FIESTAN LORRAINE BALITA MAI BAUTISTA NINA PENALOSA-CARPIO PAUL RAYMUND CORTES (CON. GEN.) QUAY EVANO RACHE HERNANDEZ REX BACARRA RIAN MIRANDA ROMAN GUEVARRA ROSAN KATLEA REODICA CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS/ VIDEOGRAPHERS UAE, PHILIPPINES, USA ALEX CALLUENG AVERY RANDALL CEFRE BETHOVEN FILOMENO EROS GOZE FLARIDEN DELA TORRE

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C O N T R I B U T I N G

ALEX CALLUENG - UAE alex@alexcallueng.com

ALFRED JURCALIS - UAE manabat.aj@gmail.com

ALFREDO BASCONES JR - KSA insta: abjr.photography

ANATHOLY M. TEMPORAL - UAE anatholy.temporal@gmail.com

ANIRBAN BHATTACHARYA – OMAN IG: anirban_photography

ARMANDO BARANGAY SIMPLICIANO – KSA IG: @uno5ingco.ph

AURELIO R. CABIG JR. – UAE IG : arcjun_photos

BUDDY GADIANO – UAE IG: buddygadiano

CARLA SANCHEZ - UAE IG: misscarlasanchez

CARLITO RODRIGO – UAE IG: carlrodrigo

CARMEN S. RAMONIDA - UAE nemracadinomar@gmail.com

CHRISTOPHER DACLAN – UAE studiohudiyo@gmail.com

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P H O T O G R A P H E R S

DARREL HERNANDEZ – KSA darrelhernandez.tk

DENYL DAVID SENAL - UAE www.ashpoolstar.ae

DYSON VIRTUDEZ -UAE Virtudezdyson@gmail.com

EDGAR AGUILA - UAE IG: iamedsaguila

EDGAR BELTRAN - UAE IG: edgarbeltran31

EFRAIM EVIDOR - UAE www.evidorimages.com

EUGENE NUEVAREZ - UAE enuevarez@gmail.com

FADI JABER – UAE www.180.ae

GERARD MAPALAD mapaladgerard@yahoo.com

GHESYL HONEY ORTEGA – UAE FB: ghesylhoneyortegaphotograph

GIER CASTRO – UAE FB: eideticcraft

GREG MANZO – OMAN www.renaissancestudio1. wixsite.com/rsweb ILLUSTRADO 11

C O N T R I B U T I N G

GREG STEPHEN RABOY - UAE gregstephenraboy@gmail.com

JAYESH BABLA – OMAN IG: jayeshbabla

JOEL SANTIAGO – UAE www.nirvana.portfoliobox.me

JOMA CORRALES - PHP joma.corrales@gmail.com ILLUSTRADO 12

JASON BALABA - UAE jason.balaba@yahoo.com

JEFFERSON ROY TURADO – UAE jrturado@gmail.com

JAVIER JR. LLARENA – UAE IG: javi.llarena

JHONWAYNE PUMARAS - UAE www.behance.net/waynepumaras

JOEY LARDIZABAL - KUWAIT joeylardizabal.wixsite.com/cjphotography

JONATHAN SAMONTE – UAE www.behance.net/crowstupify

JOEY SORIANO – KSA IG: joeyrsoriano

JONATHAN PENUNIA - UAE www.behance.net/ JPgraficreations

P H O T O G R A P H E R S

JON PAUL RAPOSON A.K.A POL MENDOZA – UAE IG: polmendoza16

JORELL R. ARIOLA - UAE FB: capturedbyjoe

JORGE ERIC JADRAQUE - UAE IG: @jericjadraque818

JUSTIN LEANDER TALATALA - UAE IG: justintalatala

KIMBERLY TORRES - UAE www.behance.net/torresjkr

LEMUEL LAMPA - QATAR IG: lemuel.muyo.lampa

LEO REYES ALCANTARA - UAE IG: budoy_reyes_alcantara

MARK ANTHONY AGTAY - UAE thebrightpixel.com

LESTER CHRISTIAN MENDEZ – UAE FB: LCMPhotography0219

MARY NHOILEEN MAYPA – UAE nhoileenmaypa.wixsite.com/nochiephotography

MARJORIE PALANGAN – UAE marjdxbphotography@gmail.com

ENGR. MARLON BORLONGAN – KSA IG: engrmarlon boloron ILLUSTRADO 13

C O N T R I B U T I N G

MICHAEL “MIKO” GARCIA – OMAN IG: lenscaptstudio

MICHAEL “MIKE” TINO – OMAN IG: m_tino23

MICHAEL NASSER GREGORIO - UAE nash1924@yahoo.com

NORMAN CUNANAN - KSA nhorms.wixsite.com/ photography

PATRICK DALE MANALOTO - UAE FB: Patrick Dale Manaloto Images & Photography

PATRICK JASON JORGE – UAE FB: PJJorgeCreatives

PETER JOHN MAGHARI – UAE www.flickr.com/people/154838350@ N07/

R-JAY CABIGTING - UAE FB: jhay7667

RANNIE MALAZZAB - UAE raniortiz21.wixsite.com/ mysiteran

RENUEL SANCHEZ – UAE rsanchez.mmafitness@yahoo. com

MAYCHELLE ALVIOR - UAE IG: maychelle_photography

RALPH TERRENCE HERNANE - UAE djralphz.wixsite.com/djralphzhernane ILLUSTRADO 14

P H O T O G R A P H E R S

ROCHELLE ANN MON-AGTAY - UAE IG: rochelleagtay

ROBERT REYES – KSA robert_reyes_27@yahoo.com. ph

ROGIN QUINO – KSA IG: @rogin_photos

ROLANDSON CRUZ - UAE rolandsoncruz.wixsite. com/2019

RUSSELL CABANTING -UAE IG: rylle214

SUBEESH MEDAMMAL - OMAN www.kktdigitalstudio.weebly.com

VALERIANO GASIC – UAE FB: Val Magsino Gasic

VOLTAIRE YEE JR. - UAE FB: Flux-Snaps-Photograph

VON LAURENCE LORENA - UAE vonlorena@yahoo.com

WAHID JAAFAR – KSA con.ferrari@yahoo.com

RICH MORALES - UAE moralesrichard1987@yahoo. com

ILLUSTRADO 15

ILLUSTRADO 16

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ILLUSTRADO’S CHOICE

TOP 12

ILLUSTRADO 18

ILLUSTRADO 19

PEOPLE’S CHOICE

TOP 12

SUPPORTED BY

2020

ILLUSTRADO’S CHOICE

AWARDED BY:

SHERIZZE SEAN ACOT

BY RICHARD ENRIQUEZ - UAE “In collaboration with the Dept. of Education, I spearheaded the launch of the School Learning Resource Room in Bacolod City SPED Center, in memory of my brother.

Helping brings a different sense of fulfillment to me and I think that is important in my life. I also became an official member of Down Syndrome International and I do volunteer work in the UAE.”

ILLUSTRADO 21

2020

PEOPLE’S CHOICE

AWARDED BY:

JOHN ROBIN ZARATE B Y R - J AY C A B I G T I N G - U A E “Happiness is the most important thing in life. Living a happy life brings us to discover that it is wonderful and full of joy.”

ILLUSTRADO 22

2020

FACE OF DOVE CHOICE

AWARDED BY:

CHRISTINE ISHAK BY

JASON BALABA - UAE

“My biggest passion in life is music; it’s what I love doing the most. It brings me energy, happiness, and satisfaction. I’m a ‘local artist’ in the UAE and have released many songs over the past year. I’m also a university student majoring in HR, and that too is a passion of mine. Communication, Interaction, and socialization are all things I love.”

ILLUSTRADO 23

2020

RADISSON BLU ’S CHOICE

AW A R D E D B Y:

RICHELLE LIPURA

BY NORMAN CUNANAN-KSA “The most important things in my life are my loved ones because they keep me happy and motivated.”

ILLUSTRADO 24

2020

KAYA SKIN CLINIC CHOICE

AWARDED BY:

STEFI LARON

BY ALFREDO BASCONES JR. - KSA “People say that I’m quite the unpredictable kind; Random and spontaneous with either my mood or my style choices. I guess that’s the ambivert in me or maybe, I’m just a little bit of everything.”

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2020

STRAWBERRY NAILS’ CHOICE

AWARDED BY:

MARIA KHRISTINE CABRAL B Y M A R Y N H O I L E E N M AY PA - U A E “Discover and cultivate your talents through continuous learning. I believe that in order to see change in the world, we should start within ourselves.”

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JASON DUNGCA B Y E N G R . WA H I D J A A FA R ~ K S A “I joined the Catwalk Middle East Modeling 2019 competition and bagged the 1st Runner-up title. I was also lucky to be included in Catwalk Philippines 2019. These experiences have opened doors for me, to meet new people who share the same passion as mine.”

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ARMANI HAMSINAIN

BY ALFREDO BASCONES JR. - KSA “Life has a lot to offer, all you have to do is to stop doubting yourself and your capabilities. Work hard and make it happen. Above all else being happy and content with everything I do is what matters.”

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BEXZYMIR ANGELO

BY ENGR. MARLON BOLORON - KSA “What’s important in my life is my family and my faith in the Lord. Nothing’s more important than these two for I know they will always guide me to the right path and will never put me in harm. With this as my guiding light, I am more inspired and motivated to do good and be a good role model.”

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BEVERLY SYTIONG

BY NORMAN CUNANAN - KSA

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LAILA JAMIRE

BY JASON BALABA - UAE “I work as a contract administrator in an engineering consultancy.

The most important thing in my life is my relationship with God, the next one is my family.”

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AYKA TAFALLA

BY JORELL ARIOLA - UAE “I am an influencer in Dubai. Previously, I studied International Relations and worked in hospitality for 5 years. Pursuing my real passion, though, I pivoted into Personal Training and became a qualified instructor and Personal Trainer with a Level 3 Diploma with a Pre and Post Natal Course.”

ILLUSTRADO 32

ROXANNE RONDILLA B Y M A R K A N T H O N Y A G T AY - U A E “Our entire existence is based on love. It’s how we connect to each other, ourselves, our Creator and make sense of the world around us.”

ILLUSTRADO 33

ABIGAEL KREISHER B Y J A Z Z L E K H AY M A S E C A M P O - U A E “I don’t care about the material things that someone could give me. I care about time, attention, loyalty, honesty and effort. Those gifts mean more than what money could buy.”

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GELLIE GRACE VALMORIA

BY CHRISTOPHER DACLAN - UAE “My family has always been my source of inspiration to continuously pursue life to the fullest. They keep me grounded and having them in my life reminds me that I always have a home to come to, especially when I am far away.”

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RICHARD MIGS GALAPATE B Y D E N Y L D AV I D S E N A L - U A E “Fall seven times, stand up eight. Failure is important in life because one cannot succeed without learning from his failures.”

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ABIGAEL GUABONG B Y J O E Y L A R D I Z A B A L - K U WA I T Family is the most important thing in my life, as well as the will to become successful, so that I can support my loved ones.�

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BENSON RAMIRO B Y E N G R . WA H I D J A A FA R - K S A “I am a simple man with a lot of dreams for my family. I value the lessons imparted by my parents in living and sharing my understandings along with my faith in the word of God, to whom I offer all of my humble success.”

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CHIN CHIN TAGALA B Y G E R A R D M A PA L A D - U A E “It is my passion and my humble profession to bring and connect people to beautiful places around the world. Recently, I have parked my beautiful wings temporarily so I can selflessly embrace the divine blessing that God has given me and this is what I consider to be the most essential role of my life— by being a mother.”

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ALADIN MASAYON

BY BUDDY GADIANO - UAE “Success is useless if you don’t touch lives, if you don’t share it with your loved ones and if you forget those people who helped you become the best version of yourself. Saying so, I am also proud member of the indigenous people of the Philippines from Tagakaulo Tribe of Malungon, Sarangani Province.”

ILLUSTRADO 40

BLESSY PONTEMAYOR

BY MICHAEL GARCIA - OMAN “I’m blessed be the first-ever Miss OFW OMAN 2016. This has brought me a lot of opportunities. But what’s more important for me now is realizing that that working abroad is about what you will have to create so that you can achieve the life you’ve been dreaming of. OFW’s are extraordinary because we are our country’s hope and heroes.”

ILLUSTRADO 41

CARL DAVID E. CABRERA

BY CARLA SANCHEZ - UAE “I conduct seminars for OFWs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. I’m on a mission to spread financial literacy to Filipinos who seek financial freedom and knowledge in Philippine equities. I dedicate my success and learnings from failures to my family back home, as I power through my career and financial advocacy.”

ILLUSTRADO 42

CLAUDINE MONDEJAN

BY CARMEN RAMONIDA - UAE “Most important in my life is my family. Not seeing them for so long is the toughest aspect of living the expat life. But I always do my best on the things I can control. I know that I am brave. I know I can live alone. I know I am physically and mentally able. I travel, I make friends and I don’t dwell in loneliness. I know one day all of my sacrifices will be worthwhile.”

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CLAUDIO CORRALES B Y A N A T H O LY M . T E M P O R A L - U A E “I am a fulltime chef and part-time commercial model. You should go confidently in the direction of your dream as life is about taking chances and risking everything.

The moment you fight for it, is the moment you tap your unexpected strength. Then, you will understand the life-changing lessons and the miracles in them.�

ILLUSTRADO 44

DENISE OMOROG B Y J O N PA U L R A P O S O N A.KA. POL MENDOZA - UAE “I am a former Binibining Pilipinas candidate in 2019, who made it in the top 25 Finalists. I recently became a model of Wilhelmina in Dubai, and hope to make a name for myself in the City of Gold.”

ILLUSTRADO 45

ALDRIN VILLADOZ

BY JOEY SORIANO - KSA “I am a basketball enthusiast and an aspiring hopeful. I believe that we must not regret anything that we do, because in the end, it makes us who we are.”

ILLUSTRADO 46

DONNA FER MAGPOC

BY AURELIO CABIG JR.

- UAE

“My daughter and my family are the most important in my life as they give me strength and happiness to keep on moving forward whatever struggles that may arise ahead.”

ILLUSTRADO 47

DONNA GIFT HALIM

BY JOEY SORIANO - KSA “I am the reigning Bb. Turismo Filipinas KSA 2019. I am a dedicated and passionate person, giving the best of everything in all the things I do. I am strong-willed and determined to inspire all women in that there are no impossibilities if you believe in yourself.�

ILLUSTRADO 48

DIANNE ANGELA HERNANDEZ

BY DARREL HERNANDEZ - UAE I am a mother of two and, actually, not a model. I don’t even do selfies that much. I rarely pose in front of the camera in a photoshoot. And if I do, it’s only to show my full support to my husband and his hobby in photography.”

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ELAINE PALILEO

BY RICH MORALES - UAE “Even on your bad days, be kind. Because the difference between a good and a bad day, is just a matter of perspective.”

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ELIZAH MENDOZA B Y J AV I E R J R L L A R E N - U A E A “I’m an artist and musician. Overall, I just want to give as much value as I can to my environment and to those around me. I want to make the world better, even if it’s only for just one person. It means the world to me when I am able to help others see their own potential and grow into being their best selves.”

ILLUSTRADO 51

ANNE MARIE TANCIO GASPAR

BY VOLTAIRE YEE JR. - UAE “I love fashion and that’s why I love doing modeling as a part-time job and I love biking as well with my love and our BRAD team. Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”

ILLUSTRADO 52

EM SERRANO

BY JONATHAN SAMONTE - UAE “As a lifestyle blogger my mission is to empower Filipinos and organizations in the UAE by helping promote them thru my vlogging. I believe that when you fail, you shouldn’t be afraid to start again. Failure makes us stronger and better. We should also think positive and be happy.”

ILLUSTRADO 53

CAMILLE ANN SORIANO B Y PAT R I C K DA L E M A N A L O T O - U A E “Good health is very important to me. Without it, you can’t live the life you want, so make sure you take care of your body and mind. Having a group of people you can call family is also great blessing.”

ILLUSTRADO 54

ALVIE SAYON

BY CARLITO RODRIGO - UAE “We are all God’s masterpiece. Knowing your true purpose is such a tough job not everyone can easily figure it out. However, for me, it is important to be part of someone’s purpose while pursuing your own, helping others along the way. In this life, what we do for others and the world, remains and is immortal.

Make sure you leave good memories.”

ILLUSTRADO 55

EMILY LORRAINE DAVIS

BY CARL RODRIGO - UAE “I know exactly how it feels to be homesick so I’m happy to entertain people, especially OFWs through my Facebook page “Indhay ng Dubai”. For me what’s important is that I am able to provide for my family and hope someday we will never be apart.”

ILLUSTRADO 56

FREDMARIEL ANGELU ADAN

BY JORGE ERIC JADRAQUE - UAE “I love modeling, dancing, singing, writing/composing songs and playing instruments such as the keyboard, guitar, ukulele, violin, drums, and beat box. I dream to be a professional international model and to be a good singer someday. My family and friends, and my love and faith in God are what’s most important to me.”

ILLUSTRADO 57

GABRIELLE JOYCE CAISIP

BY ALFRED JURCALIS - UAE “I am a civil engineer working in an engineering consultancy firm here in Abu Dhabi. I believe in making your heart the most beautiful thing about you.”

ILLUSTRADO 58

BRIDGET DE GUILMO

BY CARLITO RODRIGO - UAE “To all the young ladies, aspire to embrace beauty in a simple way and share your passion with others around you. Keep your head up and keep your heart strong.”

ILLUSTRADO 59

GLEA HOPE CLAVE

BY JEFFERSON ROY TURADO - UAE “I am simple, delicate, loving, and I’m a dreamer. I have a great love for art and my country and through it, I want to inspire others as well. Apart from family, and my faith, my dreams and goals are some of the valuable things in my life.”

ILLUSTRADO 60

GYPSY QUEEN ALE

BY RALPH TERRENCE HERNANE - UAE “I’m a simple young adult, living a simple yet fruitful life. As the eldest, I have big dreams for my family, especially my two younger brothers. They are the most important people in my life. I am hoping I get a chance to work on a cruise ship someday and be the best person that I can be.”

ILLUSTRADO 61

JACKILYN LUFAMIA

BY AURELIO CABIG JR.

- UAE

“I love doing makeup, seeing the smile on people’s faces after I do my makeover creation pushes me to keep on doing it with my passion. My family is the most important in my life as they are my inspiration to keep on fulfilling my dreams.”

ILLUSTRADO 62

CELINE ESCUDERO

BY EFRAIM EVIDOR - UAE “I work for ITP Media Group as marketing and event executive.”

ILLUSTRADO 63

JANICE ERIKA

BY LESTER CHRISTIAN MENDEZ - UAE “As a registered nurse, cultivating the ability to help people be happy, and to relieve them of their suffering is most important for me. My number one inspiration for doing this is my family because they are the ones who taught me how to love and be compassionate. All of us want happiness in our life, we just need to work on it by giving love and kindness.�

ILLUSTRADO 64

CHEENE VARGAS B Y A R M A N D O B A R A N G AY S I M P L I C I A N O - K S A “I am a registered nurse currently working here in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I am shy, yet brave. I am a simple girl who is full of dreams.”

ILLUSTRADO 65

BONIJEN SANTOS B Y PAT R I C K DA L E M A N A L O T O - U A E “As a student I believe that knowledge is power. It is vital for us to value studies where we gain knowledge through which we can make ourselves a better individual who can make a positive impact on others.”

ILLUSTRADO 66

JANICE OLACAO B Y J O E Y L A R D I Z A B A L - K U WA I T “What’s important in my life is my family and myself - to be able to live longer and have the happiness that I deserve.”

ILLUSTRADO 67

JAP CASTILLO BBY ROGIN QUINO - KSA “I work hard away from my family because I have a young daughter who depends on me. She is my inspiration and is the most important person in my life.”

ILLUSTRADO 68

JAQUELYN HAMBALA

BY CARMEN RAMONIDA - UAE “I love spending time outdoors with friends. I like using my problem-solving skills and learning by seeing things through someone else’s eyes. Family is the most important thing in the world for me. They’re the most crucial factor for happiness and in combination with your calling, tend to give you your reason to live. Lastly, I always put God in the center of my life.”

ILLUSTRADO 69

JAYSON JAMES MORALES

BY MICHAEL NASSER GREGORIO - UAE “I am a fashion and lifestyle digital content creator based in Abu Dhabi. The most important thing in my life right now is my family and to inspire young generations to be confident about themselves.”

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JAYCEL BUENO B Y R - J AY C A B I G T I N G - U A E “My happiness is to help people, I always try to offer and suggest a solution to their problems. My aim in life is to serve people without asking or expecting anything in return. I love travelling, watching movies and I enjoy good conversations with people I care about.�

ILLUSTRADO 71

JENIHAN GURO

BY ALFRED JURCALIS - UAE “Rather than striving for perfection, what is important in my life is continued development.”

ILLUSTRADO 72

JENNY ANN DELA CRUZ B Y M A R J O R I E PA L A N G A N - U A E “I am a principled woman and I am never afraid to stand for what I know is right. Funny and bubbly at times, I am a determined, authentic, kind, and simple person with an empathetic heart that listens.�

ILLUSTRADO 73

JENNY R. DOMINGO

BY VOTAIRE YEE JR. - UAE “Talented. motivated. God-fearing. This is who I am. I am always striving to achieve my goals and dreams for my family. Living in faith with God is the most important value in my life. He is my source of strength and the reason why I made this far.”

ILLUSTRADO 74

JERLENE ANTOLIN

BY LEO ALCANTARA - UAE

ILLUSTRADO 75

APRIL MARTINEZ

BY AURELIO CABIG JR. - UAE “The most important things in my life are my family, health, and my calling, which is contributing greatness and love to the world. My calling gives my life purpose and fills me with a sense of vitality that makes everything easier and more enjoyable.”

ILLUSTRADO 76

JONA JAIRA PADILLA B Y PAT R I C K DA L E M A N A L O T O - U A E “Growing up, I have realized that the most important thing for me is time. Time to worship and give thanks to God, time for my family and friends, and time to help myself enjoy and grow as an individual. We cannot undo time, that’s why it is very precious. We only live once so let us make the most of what we have.”

ILLUSTRADO 77

JOANNA MARIE LAROA B Y VA L E R I A N O G A S I C - U A E “I believe actions speak louder than words. And while I may not be a person who says a lot, I’m still unapologetically myself. And I’m happiest when I’m my true self.”

ILLUSTRADO 78

JOANNE RICO B Y G E R A R D M A PA L A D - U A E “I am wired to love, I live for a purpose and to the fullest.”

ILLUSTRADO 79

SHUAIB MAHMOOD B Y M AY C H E L L E A LV I O R - U A E “Success lies in hard work, patience, determination and trust in God. The important factors in my life are to achieve my goals and dreams of finishing my studies & being an automotive engineer. That is what my family taught me.�

ILLUSTRADO 80

JONALYN BULAN

BY MICHAEL MIKE TINO - OMAN “As a Pinay, I value and approach life with a positive mindset and a commitment to hard work. The most important thing in my life today is to be inspired and to inspire - to become more productive and take every opportunity that comes my way.”

ILLUSTRADO 81

JORGE PEDROSO B Y J O E Y L A R D I Z A B A L - K U WA I T “As a father of 3 children, the most important thing to me is my family and being able to sacrifice to give a better future to my kids.”

ILLUSTRADO 82

JOYCE MARIEL LUBAO

BY CARLA SANCHEZ - UAE “Alongside valuing togetherness and family, as a passionate teacher, I’m on a mission to inspire and motivate the next generation of Pinoys living overseas.”

ILLUSTRADO 83

JUDELYN NOVELA

BY GIER CASTRO - UAE “I’m just a simple girl - to live, all I really need is travel, good food, and family especially. The most important thing in my life is my family and those who have always believed in me. They are my strength, and because of them, I’m a fighter

ILLUSTRADO 84

ALMA BERONGO B Y A N I R B A N B H A T T A C H A R YA - O M A N “Through everything I do, I try to highlight the beauty and charm of the Filipina woman and use it to encourage others to be the best version of themselves. By motivating ourselves, we can inspire anyone and create a huge impact.�

ILLUSTRADO 85

KAREN CANDA

BY JOMA CORRALES - UAE “I belong to one of the seven tribes of Bukidnon. The Lumad girl in me is happy that she gets to explore the world now and one day when I’ve seen enough of it, I wish to come back to my hometown, with my mom and finally say that we won at life.”

ILLUSTRADO 86

JOYCE DELA CRUZ B Y G E R A R D M A PA L A D - U A E “Aside from my passion for vlogging and marketing entrepreneurship, the importance of my life lies in my children and raising them to be the best individuals that they can be.�

ILLUSTRADO 87

KARLA BAYSON

BY GIER CASTRO - UAE “I always enjoy traveling and being able to learn about different cultures by meeting people. I could not live life without fashion, sports, and food.”

ILLUSTRADO 88

KARLA GALANG

BY DYSON VIRTUDEZ - UAE “Besides being passionate about makeup and doing makeup vlogs, I love to travel and explore the world with my husband. What is important in my life are my family and my husband. I have always looked up to my parents and my brother.

My husband as well is the greatest blessing that I have received in my life. They are very supportive of me and have always encouraged me to be my best self.�

ILLUSTRADO 89

KATHRINA ANTONIO

BY MICHAEL MIKE TINO - OMAN “Staying true to our Filipino values of commitment, enthusiasm, determination, being a hard-worker, I put my best in everything I do. I take every challenge as a learning opportunity to be resilient.”

ILLUSTRADO 90

KATHRINA EBEO

BY JUSTIN LEANDER TALATALA - UAE

ILLUSTRADO 91

KATRINA FELIXBERTO LADIA B Y J A Z Z L E K H AY M A S E C A M P O - U A E “I am a happy go-lucky person who loves creative expression and exploring the world. I can say that the most important thing in my life is my family. They are my treasure, my life, and the reason for my existence.”

ILLUSTRADO 92

KIMBERLY MAE HERNANDEZ B Y D E N Y L D AV I D S E N A L - U A E “I’m currently a student at the Canadian University. Dancing and modelling has always been my passion and the most important thing for me right now is to do well in my studies and make my mother proud.”

ILLUSTRADO 93

LARILEN ZAPATA B Y A N A T H O LY M . T E M P O R A L - U A E “I am passionate about investing and entrepreneurship. Good health is important in life and a group of people that you can call ‘family’ are some of the great blessings I have received in life.”

ILLUSTRADO 94

LEXANDREA DELA CEMA

BY RUSSEL CABANTING - UAE “What’s important to me is enjoying life and looking for my purpose while still being grateful for the blessings and trials I have received and will receive. Life is often a struggle, but I am learning to be more content with what I have while striving and going beyond my limits at the same time.”

ILLUSTRADO 95

LEXIE KOOLYNE SUSAYA

BY EDGAR AGUILA - UAE “Collaborating with photographers as a model is genuinely one of my favorite things to do. But what is important in my life? It’s my family. They are my greatest and the most precious gift from our God above. They are the reason why I keep pushing myself to reach my goals and dreams in life.”

ILLUSTRADO 96

LIEZL ESPINOSA B Y A N I R B A N B H A T T A C H A R YA - O M A N “Beauty to me is having a pure heart of gold and being resilient. As an Overseas Filipino working in Oman for more than 3 years with a local family, I do not compromise my dream and passion with what I have envisioned in my life. The challenges are my motivation and inspirations.�

ILLUSTRADO 97

MA. KATRINA CABORNAY B Y A R M A N D O B A R A N G AY S I M P L I C I A N O - K S A

ILLUSTRADO 98

ARMEL QUIRANTE B Y A N I R B A N B H A T T A C H A R YA - O M A N “I value kindness, self-respect and having a high moral standard and principles in building relationships with people. Being the eldest, the most important thing in life is my family. They are my charm in life and I will always make them proud of what I will accomplish here abroad.�

ILLUSTRADO 99

MARC POL TOBIA B Y A R M A N D O B A R A N G AY S I M P L I C I A N O - K S A

ILLUSTRADO 100

MARCIA NICOLE BAUTISTA B Y J H O N WAY N E P U M A R A S - U A E “I love involving myself in activities such as photoshoots, modelling, attending events, joining pageants, and giving back to the community. I believe that having the time to do what you love while helping other people and putting smiles on their faces is what makes life important. Being genuine, happy, optimistic and always being a blessing to others.�

ILLUSTRADO 101

MARI ANGELI MAGBANUA

BY JOEY SORIANO - KSA “Being a woman with concrete goals, hustling to attain them, and sticking to your core values in life makes you unstoppable.”

ILLUSTRADO 102

MARIA EDEN ALAGAO

BY GREG PHOTOGRAPHY - OMAN “I am proud to say that I have the pure Pinoy charm with body, beauty and brain.

Loving yourself is important in figuring out what you want to be, and how you want to live this life. We need to always have that room for learning, and developing ourselves to fulfill the goals that we have - and that starts with embracing oneself fully.�

ILLUSTRADO 103

MARIA RIZABEL DEL RIO

BY VON LAURENCE LORENA - UAE “Working in the realm of hospitality in the skies, I explore the inner journalist, writer, and artist in me while all up in the air. I am grateful to have family and friends that are all anchored with mission, vision and purpose to advance God’s kingdom through our talents and abilities.”

ILLUSTRADO 104

MARIA RUBIANO

BY LEO ALCANTARA - UAE “Alongside my day job, my first love and passion has always been makeup.

Everything I do however is for my family.”

ILLUSTRADO 105

MARIE WENCEL SUPETRAN

BY GHESYL HONEY ORTEGA - UAE “I am a kind-hearted, self-driven, career-oriented person who is passionate about work and learning continuously as an aspiring nurse. I enjoy travelling, exploring the world, and being an adventurous food taster. Love, laughter, health, and happiness are key in embracing and enjoying what life has to offer.”

ILLUSTRADO 106

MARY ROSE ANN MORALES B Y R O C H E L L E A N N M O N - A G T AY - U A E “I can say that I love my job as a caregiver because this is my passion, giving my greatest care to patients. But besides this, I am a traveler. I love seeing the world from a different perspective. It is also my way to have adventures, to be anonymous, to meet new people, to experience different cultures, to know myself better, and most especially to challenge myself.�

ILLUSTRADO 107

MARYCRIS FRANZ

BY LESTER CHRISTIAN MENDEZ - UAE “The most significant thing in my life is family because family means having people that love you unconditionally in spite of you and your shortcomings.

Family isn’t just important, it’s what is most important, and they are my inspiration in everything that I do. Life without them is nothing.”

ILLUSTRADO 108

MESSHILA MERL ILDEFONSO

BY ROLANDSON CRUZ - UAE “The most vital thing in my life is serving the Lord and his church faithfully, and to love what he loves.”

ILLUSTRADO 109

MICHAEL NASSER GREGORIO

BY JORELL ARIOLA - UAE “As a nurse abroad, the roads to success were crippled with homesickness and cultural diversity as barriers during my jumpstart. In the end, I realize that it takes hard work, sacrifices and motivation to get me to my dreams. There’s no shortcut to success. And above all, to always believe in yourself. Because we can only rise if we trust our core values and instincts.”

ILLUSTRADO 110

MICHELLE MABANTA

BY GREG PHOTOGRAPHY - OMAN “I believe that if you start working for your dreams and visions, then life will guide you to the right people and opportunities that will make it happen. No one can motivate you except yourself. Keep believing and love what you are doing no matter what your status in life is.”

ILLUSTRADO 111

MYRNA USMAN

BY GREG PHOTOGRAPHY - OMAN “Believe in your capabilities and striving for continued growth is the most important thing in life. We have such innate potential to make impact as Overseas Filipinos.”

ILLUSTRADO 112

NYNIE YASIN B Y L E M U E L L A M PA - QATA R “To be kind is a lot harder than to be evil.

The kinder you are the rarer you become.”

ILLUSTRADO 113

PATRICK JOHN ARBAN B Y WA H I D J A A FA R - K S A “I consider myself a free-spirited person. I enjoy creating and expressing creativity, and I love exploring new things - even if challenges are faced along the way. There are a lot of important things in my life. But the top of my list is my faith, family and friends. I won’t be here right now if it wasn’t for them.”

ILLUSTRADO 114

PHOEBE FUENTES B Y D E N Y L D AV I D S E N A L - U A E “I love singing or jamming with my family and friends. The most important thing in my life is to become the best version of myself in everything that I do proving those people wrong who don’t believe in my capability.”

ILLUSTRADO 115

AMY TALABOC

BY JOMA CORRALES - PHILIPPINES

ILLUSTRADO 116

PRINCESS KEITH SORIANO B Y E U G E N E N U E VA R E Z - U A E

ILLUSTRADO 117

QUINN ARABIA

BY ROLANDSON CRUZ - UAE “I enjoy moments of serenity - savouring it through prayers, writing thoughts, sketching, binge-watching Netflix series or having a book under my nose. I adore the great outdoors as well as the beauty of Architecture & Design.”

ILLUSTRADO 118

QUINZY OLVIDO B Y K I M B E R LY T O R R E S - U A E “I’ve learned that if I want to have it all, I have to risk it all. It is also important to learn and realize that the highest form of leadership is through act of service - by that we can encourage and help everyone achieve their goals in life.”

ILLUSTRADO 119

RENZ CRUZ

BY NORMAN CUNANAN - KSA

ILLUSTRADO 120

REZEL PIMENTEL

BY ENGR. MARLON BOLORON - KSA

ILLUSTRADO 121

RHIA SANCHEZ

BY RENUEL SANCHEZ - UAE “I am a personal trainer who has helped numerous clients achieve their fitness goals and live a healthier lifestyle. I’m also a simple lady who enjoys life to the fullest and loves spending time with family.”

ILLUSTRADO 122

RODELLAINE VIRAY

BY JOEL SANTIAGO - UAE “The most important thing in life for me is being happy and successful because if you are successful it’ll also be a success to your family and it’ll make them happy too.”

ILLUSTRADO 123

RONNELLI SILVAN

BY LESTER CHRISTIAN MENDEZ-UAE

ILLUSTRADO 124

ROSEMARI TUMANGUIL

BY ENGR. MARLON BOLORON - KSA “I see modeling as one of my passions. Seeing myself as a medium for the creation of art makes me proud of myself. I see beauty and art in every detail. I see stories and emotions. Working with professional photographers makes it possible.”

ILLUSTRADO 125

RONNA BRIONES B Y J AY E S H B A B L A - O M A N “Through life, my focus concerns educating myself, growing, and self-empowerment.

I believe that our charm as Filipinos stands out among others because of our faith to the Almighty God that gives us extraordinary confidence. Being resilient in nature is another quality admired by most regarding how we Pinoys face challenges in life.�

ILLUSTRADO 126

MAE SHELL DANICA CRUZAT

BY EDGAR BELTRAN - UAE “I believe I am a strong person. I never let the world distract me from making my own choices. I follow my heart and listen to my inner voice.”

ILLUSTRADO 127

CZARINAH CASSANDRA MACARAEG

BY PETER JOHN MAGHARI - UAE “The love for my family, especially for my only daughter, is my first priority in life. That, and time. While time is free, it is priceless and can be spent wisely or unwisely. So I treat time as a precious resource.”

ILLUSTRADO 128

SARAH SALENGA

BY GIER CASTRO - UAE

ILLUSTRADO 129

SUZANNE RESURRECCION B Y PAT R I C K J A S O N J O R G E - U A E “I love movies of all sorts and good storytelling. It gives you a glimpse of the in-between of real-life and fantasy. The most important thing in life for me is finding, knowing and placing true value in life itself.”

ILLUSTRADO 130

JAY MICO TOLEDO

BY JORELL ARIOLA - UAE “Being happy is one of the most important things in my life as being happy has a domino effect and it all begins with you as an individual.”

ILLUSTRADO 131

JOHN ERIQ BONIFACIO

BY ALEX CALLUENG - UAE “I love playing basketball and working out in the gym, to keep my mind, body and soul healthy. The most important things in my life are my family, friends and my dreams because they are what give me the strength to strive and to work hard every day so that I can reach where I ultimately want to be in life.”

ILLUSTRADO 132

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