Balikbayan Store, a Dubai-based leading global online retail and e-commerce platform, proudly received The Leading Global Filipino Marketplace Award at The Global Filipino Icon Awards 2024. The prestigious event was held last night at Dusit Thani Dubai, celebrating the achievements and contributions of Filipinos in the UAE.
The Global Filipino Icon Awards 2024, now in its fourth year, honored individuals and organizations excelling in their respective fields. The awards night drew 250 attendees from the Filipino community across the UAE, showcasing three categories: Special Awards, Star Icon Awards, and the Emerging Global Icon Awards. Among the notable guests were veteran journalist Jessica Soho, who received the Icon of Filipino Media Excellence Award, and celebrated fashion icon Michael Cinco, who was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in Fashion Excellence.
Balikbayan Store has established itself as an innovative platform, allowing Filipinos to shop for a wide array of items and offering flexible payment solutions, including interest-free installment plans through Tabby and Tamara. This enhances the shopping experience for their families in the Philippines. The platform is readily accessible through their website, balikbayanstore.com, and the mobile app available for download on both the App Store for iPhone users and the Play Store for Android users.
Balikbayan Store’s merchant partners include American Home Appliances, Coral Perfume, Karat World, Laptop Factory, Fujidenzo, Whirlpool, Carrier, Technogas, LG, and ALiN Cargo, to name a few.
In a statement, Michelle Guinto, the founder and CEO of Balikbayan Store, expressed her gratitude and commitment to the global Filipino community. “We are incredibly honored to receive The Leading Global Filipino Marketplace Award at The Global Filipino Icon Awards 2024. This recognition is a testament to our dedication to serving the needs of Filipinos worldwide. We remain committed to helping you send gifts home with ease and no interest. Thank you to our global Filipino community for your unwavering support.”
The awards night also featured inspirational messages from esteemed guests. Philippine Consul General to Dubai and the Northern Emirates Marford Angeles delivered a special message, emphasizing the importance of unity and teamwork. Jessica Soho, in her speech, paid tribute to the OFWs, describing them as the “pinakamahusay na ehemplo kung ano ang ibig sabihin ng pagiging Pilipino.”
Gabriel John Rimando, Publisher of The Global Filipino Magazine, highlighted the significance of the event: “Our Global Filipinos have faced many hardships with courage and a never-give-up attitude. They remind us that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.”
Nouel C. Omamalin was named the Emerging Global Filipino Icon 2024, recognized for his inspiring journey from the Philippines to becoming a renowned pastry chef and successful entrepreneur in Dubai.