A new chapter of the Filipino Community in the UAE is unfolding
“When a person really desires something, all the universe conspires to help that person to realize his dream.“ This is a quote from Paulo Coelho, a Brazilian lyricist and novelist who wrote the 1988 novel ‘The Alchemist’ which became an international best-seller.
The universe is pushing for a movement of excellent Filipino professionals, entrepreneurs and talents who are thriving across various industries and disciplines in the UAE.
Last Saturday, May 10, we gathered as a small group of individuals living and working in the Global Community of the UAE who are excelling in their respective fields and who are discharging value-added functions in their companies and institutions – or with their own enterprises.
How did this come about?
In my July 27, 2022 column here – https://theglobalfilipinomagazine.com/be-proud-and-call-yourselves-global-filipinos-in-the-uae/ – I wrote that we should think and act as Global Filipinos – Articulate, Assertive and Adventurous. The name of my column then was Filipino Excellence.
Fast forward to my April 21 column this year which I wrote after East Sunday – https://theglobalfilipinomagazine.com/rejoice-and-be-excellent-in-the-global-community/ – I renamed my column to Global Filipino Excellence and the title of my piece was ‘Rejoice and be excellent in the global community’.
Excerpts from that column:
“It’s about time that excellent Filipinos in the UAE and in the Middle East who thrive in a global environment to collectively inspire and encourage their ‘kababayans’ (compatriots) to believe in themselves that they, too, can be at par with other nationalities, especially with those from Europe, North America, South Africa, and Australasia.
There are many Filipinos who can really raise the Philippine flag in the global community. You might be wondering who are these? They are Articulate with their thoughts using the English language extemporaneously. They are Assertive when proposing and defending an idea. They are Adventurous and are not afraid to fail because they are confident with their ideas. And they are Authentic 24/7. What you see is what they really are in front and behind the scenes.”
These are the individuals who are fully utilizing their competencies, advocacies and wisdom not only to the benefit of the Filipino Community, but also to the Global Community in the UAE and beyond: siblings Dr. Joey Villanueva and Susan Villanueva-de Guzman, husband and wife tandems Arish-Melon Perez and Ronald-Julie de Castro, Roxie Magbanua, Agnes Aquino-Briggs, Ben Lebig, JR Papel, Zeena Zalamea, Cristina Calaguian, Edwin Duria, Christian Vasquez, Sheryll Bacay, Lou Olvido-Parroco, and Rachel Salinel.
Here are some comments after our historic gathering which clearly shows the universe is cooperating.
Agnes: We came together to share our success stories, the challenges we’ve overcome, the lessons we’ve learned, and the aspirations that drive us forward. Watch this space – we’re evolving, collaborating, and developing a meaningful project for the good of all Filipino professionals in the region.
Christian: History unfolds. Today, a passionate group of Filipino professionals, entrepreneurs, and talents in the UAE came together – each making their mark across global industries. United, we pursue excellence to proudly elevate the Philippine flag in our second home – the UAE.
Roxie: Today marks a milestone for the Filipino community here – the very first gathering of like-minded Filipino leaders rallying behind a common cause. It was more than just a meeting. It was a spark. Energizing, witty, inspiring… and yes, with a dash of Filipino humour.
Edwin: Being surrounded by fellow achievers who continuously uplift the Filipino spirit on a global stage is both humbling and motivating. Thank you for creating a space where excellence is celebrated, stories are shared, and connections are deepened. Let’s continue to raise the flag and shine wherever we are in the world.
Julie: Yesterday was not only about celebrating each other’s success, but also about celebrating who we are as Filipinos and learning from one another. I realized one major secret ingredient that some of these successful individuals have in common, which is also DeeCee Project Management Consultancy FZ LLC’s vision- humility.
There are many of us here in the UAE, but I had to start with a small group to empower one another to kickstart the Global Filipino Excellence Movement. We will invite you one by one and then we will grow as the universe conspires.
Note: The columnist is a 24-year resident of Dubai and is currently working as Head of Corporate Communications of a global energy logistics company. He is a former Filipino Community Leader and is now active with a global Catholic movement promoting the renewal of Christian family life. He can be reached at artlosbanos@gmail.com
