Nouel C. Omamalin was crowned as the Emerging Global Filipino Icon 2024 during the fourth edition of The Global Filipino Icon Awards, held last night at Dusit Thani Dubai. The event, organized by The Global Filipino Magazine, celebrated the outstanding achievements and contributions of Filipinos in the UAE. The awards night was graced by veteran journalist Jessica Soho as the guest of honor, adding prestige to the occasion.
Omamalin, a renowned pastry chef and entrepreneur, shared his inspiring journey in his acceptance speech. “Isang karangalan na naisama ako sa mga nominadong personalidad sa okasyong ito. In fact, being nominated is already an affirmation that we have made aspirational and inspirational contributions to society, especially in the UAE.”
Omamalin’s journey began in 2005 when he left the Philippines to pursue his career as a pastry chef. His first international role was at the iconic Burj Al Arab, the world’s only seven-star hotel at the time. “The hotel was so iconic it became like a golden pass in securing my future jobs in other countries until I became a full-fledged pastry chef in less than five years,” he said.
In 2010, Omamalin returned to Dubai, and by 2018, he had founded two companies, Nifty Chef Consultancy and Nifty Chef Bakehouse. During this period, he achieved significant milestones, including publishing his book “Nouel’s Nifty Chic Baking” on Amazon, working as an inflight chef for Etihad Airways, and delivering a TEDx talk on food. “The experience was one of the most surreal achievements in my life: getting paid to travel and share my culinary passion on board the aircraft,” Omamalin reflected.
Reflecting on the presence of renowned personalities like Jessica Soho and fashion icon Michael Cinco, Omamalin shared, “Being graced by well-known personalities as the icons themselves Ms. Jessica Soho and Michael Cinco hindi ko maitago ang galak at tuwa. Your very presence here is a testament to the fact that we just need to keep going with what we are already doing. Someday, we will influence more Filipinos to keep dreaming, knowing that nothing is impossible.”
Omamalin emphasized the importance of daily efforts in breaking boundaries and inspiring others. “Isang importanteng mensahe na gustong ibahagi ay tungkol sa ating pananaw sa buhay. This is from my own experience: to be an icon to many Filipinos in diaspora is never a destination. It is what we do every day that breaks boundaries and stereotypes, leading us to the path of being inspirational Filipinos. Whatever the industry we belong to, it is what is in our core – the core of humanity in us – that will always prevail and become the light in the dark.”
Jessica Soho, who received the Icon of Filipino Media Excellence Award at the event, highlighted the heroism of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in her speech, stating, “Sa akin po kasing palagay, ang dapat hinihirang na icons, heroes, excellent at outstanding, kayo po iyon, mga OFW, Global Filipinos, Global Pinoys. Kulang ang salitang bayani para sa inyong kadakilaan, para sa lahat ng inyong tinitiis at isina-sakripisyo lalo na po ang mga nanay at tatay na malayo sa inyong mga anak.”
The Global Filipino Icon Awards 2024 drew 250 attendees from the Filipino community across the UAE, recognizing individuals and organizations excelling in their fields. The event featured three categories: Special Awards, Star Icon Awards, and the Emerging Global Icon Awards. The Special Awards recognized significant contributions in various fields, while the Star Icon Awards celebrated community leaders from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman.
Philippine Consul General to Dubai and the Northern Emirates Marford Angeles also delivered a special message at the event. Michael Cinco received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Fashion Excellence, with other notable awardees including Pia Wurtzbach and Cory Quirino.
Gabriel John Rimando, Publisher of The Global Filipino Magazine, expressed his pride and gratitude for the presence of esteemed guests and awardees. He remarked, “We are especially honored to have Jessica Soho with us tonight. She is a journalism icon and a brilliant example of Filipino talent. Her presence highlights the importance of unity and teamwork.”