The Global Filipino Magazine, the leading Filipino publication in the Middle East, has unveiled the 12 finalists for its annual The Global Filipino Icon Awards 2023. These awards are dedicated to acknowledging outstanding Filipinos who have significantly contributed to their respective professions.
From a pool of over 200 stories featured in the past year, these 12 individuals stood out, leaving a lasting impression on the magazine’s readers. The illustrious list of finalists includes:
| Blair Agero | Blair Agero, a seasoned Filipino Senior Hand & Occupational Therapist in Dubai, brings 24 years of expertise. With degrees from the Philippines, the UK, and Spain, his career journey spans borders. Read his inspiring story here. |
| Leslie Baptista | Leslie Baptista, a 38-year-old Group HR Manager/Head of Booster Group at Bayan Holding in Dubai, has accumulated over 15 years of experience working abroad. Her career journey began in 2007 when she arrived in Dubai at the age of 22, initially as a photo editor and later transitioning to the hospitality industry. Over the years, Leslie climbed the career ladder, gaining diverse experience in hotel Read her inspiring story here. |
| Engr. Teofilo De Sagun | Teofilo Daño De Sagun, a 37-year-old Analyzer Engineer and Subject Matter Expert at Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO-BMP) in Bahrain, has amassed eight years of experience in the Middle East. Teofilo holds double bachelor’s degrees in Electronics Engineering and Instrumentation & Control Engineering Technology, and he is currently pursuing a Master’s in Technology. Read his inspiring story here. |
| Chef Roberto Fortuno | Roberto Fortuno, a 44-year-old Brand Onboarding Executive Chef at Kitopi with 17 years of international experience, leads a team dedicated to partnering with over 200 F&B brands and restaurants across five countries, operating over 200 kitchens. His culinary journey began with his grandmother’s guidance in both Asian and Spanish cuisines. Read his inspiring story here. |
| Andrea Brindley | Andrea Sanidad-Brindley, a 27-year-old small business owner, founded “Pinay Mums in UAE” to empower Filipina mothers living abroad. This community initially started as “First Time Mamas UAE” on Facebook in April 2020 when Andrea, pregnant at the time, sought support from fellow mothers. Read her inspiring story here. |
| Rommel Tuscano | Rommel Villanueva Tuscano, the Founder and Managing Director of Sand Air Water Adventures LLC, has an inspiring journey of perseverance and success. He established his company during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, specializing in inbound tour operator activities in the UAE, including helicopter tours, desert safaris, hot air balloon rides, private yacht charters, dinner cruises, and water sports. Read his inspiring story here. |
| Jover Dela Cruz | Jover Nino De La Cruz’s journey from a sales assistant to a successful businessman and advocate for Filipino professionals in the Middle East is truly inspiring. Jover initially came to Dubai in 2016 as a tourist but decided to stay and explore career opportunities. He started as a sales assistant with a well-known sporting brand and later pursued international courses in human resources while working. Read his inspiring story here. |
| HE Dr. Edna Joyce Santos | H.E. Dr. Edna Joyce Santos, a seasoned ophthalmologist who has been living in the UAE for more than two decades now, said that living overseas taught her to be independent, and at the same time she learned how to be more tolerant and understanding of people from different races, cultures, and religious backgrounds. Read her inspiring story here. |
| Ricardo Amante | Ricardo Amante Jr. is a seasoned professional with a remarkable career that spans various facets of the global corporate landscape. Currently serving as the Head of Logistics Excellence at Gulf Coca-Cola Beverages, he has a wealth of experience in the field of supply chain and logistics. Read his inspiring story here. |
| Dr. Jay Hontanosas | Dr. Jay Edwarde Hontanosas is a dedicated General Practitioner with a diverse background in medicine and a commitment to providing quality healthcare to the Filipino community in Dubai. Having spent six years working abroad, he has experienced various challenges and triumphs in his career. Read her inspiring story here. |
| Maria Paz Marquez | Maria Paz Banaag’s inspiring journey from being a housekeeper to a successful bakery owner in Dubai is a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and a passion for baking. Her story serves as an inspiration to many, showing that dreams can indeed come true with courage and perseverance. Read her inspiring story here. |
| Engr. Ronnet Closa | Engr. Ronnet Closa’s recognition as the Innovator of Green Engineering Awardee in the 2023 Dubai Vibes Eminent Awards is a testament to her outstanding contributions to sustainable engineering practices. Her dedication to creating innovative and eco-friendly solutions has earned her a well-deserved place among the leaders in her field. Read her inspiring story here. |
The magazine’s editorial team meticulously selected the finalists, focusing on their significant impacts and contributions.
A distinguished committee of four renowned professionals will determine this year’s Global Icon. The members are Engr. Lilac Schonberg, an acclaimed mechatronic robotics engineer; Mr. Geoffrey Salatan, the visionary behind Geoffrey Travel; Mr. Josh Vasquez, Regional Sales Head of Philippine Airlines; and Mr. Dandin De Vera, a global marketing strategist.
The award ceremony is slated for October 28, 2023, at the Star Cinemas in Al Ghurair Centre, Deira, Dubai.
The reigning Global Icon, Malou Prado, entrepreneur and owner of MPQ Travel and Tourism companies in Dubai, USA, and the Philippines, will pass the title to this year’s chosen icon.