The Filipino Times expands its prestigious Watchlist Awards to country levels before advancing to regional rounds
The Filipino Times is proud to announce an exciting expansion of the highly acclaimed The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards. Responding to overwhelming public demand and aligning with international best practices, the awards will now be launched on a per-country level before progressing to the regional competition.
This significant move ensures a more localized and inclusive approach in recognizing the top Filipino engineers, architects, and healthcare professionals in the Middle East. The winners from each country will then advance to compete in the regional round—The Filipino Times Watchlist: Top Awards in the Middle East. Global expansion of The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards
Building on its success in the Middle East, The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards will also expand to key regions worldwide, with upcoming editions planned in Asia Pacific, the UK and Europe, and the Americas. This expansion reaffirms the commitment to honoring Filipino excellence on a global stage, recognizing the outstanding contributions of professionals in multiple industries across the world. Upcoming country-level awarding dates
For transparency and accuracy, the 2025 edition of The Filipino Times Watchlist: Top Engineers and Architects and The Filipino Times Watchlist: Top Filipino Healthcare Professionals will take place in three awarding locations. Saudi Arabia will host the awarding for winners from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, while Qatar will host the awarding for winners from Qatar and Kuwait. Meanwhile, UAE will serve as the venue for the awarding of winners from UAE and Oman. The Filipino Times Watchlist: Top Engineers and Architects 2025
• Saudi Arabia & Bahrain – June 20, 2025 (awarding in Saudi Arabia) • Qatar & Kuwait – August 8, 2025 (awarding in Qatar)
• UAE & Oman – November 21, 2025 (awarding in UAE)
Winners of the country-level round will then vie for the regional title at The Filipino Times Watchlist: Top Engineers and Architects 2026, which will be announced on March 29, 2026.
The Filipino Times Watchlist: Top Healthcare Professionals 2025
• Saudi Arabia & Bahrain – June 21, 2025 (awarding in Saudi Arabia) • Qatar & Kuwait – August 9, 2025 (awarding in Qatar)
• UAE & Oman – November 22, 2025 (awarding in UAE)
Winners of the country-level round will then compete in The Filipino Times Watchlist: Top Filipino Healthcare Professionals 2026, to be announced on March 30, 2026.
Celebrating Filipino excellence on a global scale
Organized by New Perspective Media Group and powered by The Filipino Times, this initiative continues to elevate Filipino excellence worldwide and celebrate the achievements of Filipino professionals who have played pivotal roles in shaping industries across regions.
'This expansion of The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards is a testament to the growing influence and excellence of Filipinos not just in the Middle East but across the world. By recognizing achievements at a country level and expanding globally, we create greater opportunities for visibility, networking, and career advancement,' said Dr. Karen Remo, CEO and Founder of New Perspective Media Group and Publisher of The Filipino Times.
Vince Ang, COO of New Perspective Media Group and GM of The Filipino Times, added: 'The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards continues to be a premier platform that uplifts and celebrates Filipino talent. With this new approach, more professionals will receive the recognition they deserve, fostering stronger connections within their respective industries and across the global Filipino community.'
Since its inception in 2014, The Filipino Times Awards has evolved into The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards, highlighting the achievements of top Filipino engineers, architects, and healthcare professionals.
In addition to the awards, The Filipino Times Watchlist Summit serves as the largest multidisciplinary gathering of overseas Filipino professionals, fostering collaboration, innovation, and leadership on an international scale.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
5 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Ambassador hails UAE-Philippines ties on I-Day
On the occasion of the 127th Philippine Independence Day on June 12, 2025, Philippine Ambassador Ferdinand Alfonso Ver told his fellow Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates: 'As we mark the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence, we reflect on the meaning of the theme of the celebration: Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan (Freedom, Future, History) and honour the sacrifices of our heroes; celebrate the freedoms we now enjoy; and embrace the shared responsibility to shape a better future. This year's celebration is particularly significant as we highlight the growing and strategic partnership between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates.' 'Anchored in mutual respect and reinforced by the presence of nearly a million Filipinos in the UAE, our bilateral relations have expanded into a forward-looking cooperation and collaboration in new and previously untapped fields. The official visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr to the UAE in November 2024 reaffirmed the strength of our diplomatic relations and opened new doors for strategic cooperation.' 'The signing of key bilateral agreements has laid the foundation for greater partnerships in the critical areas of trade and investment; renewable and clean energy; cultural cooperation; digital transformation and innovation; environmental protection; public safety and security; and improved government services. These achievements are not only symbolic of the growing trust between our nations but also tangible commitments to our shared vision for economic resilience, technological advancement, and sustainable development. The UAE's leadership in AI, digital transformation, and smart technologies aligns closely with the Philippines' own aspirations.' 'Filipinos in the UAE – as IT professionals, engineers, creatives, and innovators – are contributing meaningfully in these advanced fields, embodying the Filipino spirit of excellence, dedication and resilience. This year, the UAE celebrates the Year of Community. We take great pride in the integral role that the Filipino community plays in this country's success and in enriching the UAE's social and economic fabric.' 'Filipino workers and entrepreneurs continue to be active contributors not just in traditional sectors, but increasingly in knowledge-based industries, reinforcing their value as partners in nation-building – both here and at home. The Filipino community continues to thrive in this land of opportunity and inclusion while carrying the legacy of our hard-won independence. We honor their sacrifices and their vital role in strengthening Philippines-UAE relations.' 'As we look toward the future, let us celebrate not only the freedom we cherish, but also the strong and evolving partnership we share with the UAE – a relationship that continues to grow in breadth, depth, innovation, shared purpose, and mutual benefit.'
Filipino Times
6 hours ago
- Filipino Times
Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi celebrates Independence Day with flag-raising, community fiesta
The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi marked the country's 127th Independence Day with a flag-raising ceremony and a community Fiesta. Led by H.E. Alfonso Ferdinand Ver, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, the event brought together Filipinos from various schools, community groups, and organizations. Guests enjoyed traditional Filipino street food like taho (sweet tofu snack), sorbetes (Filipino ice cream), and other local favorites, aiming to highlight Filipino culture and unity abroad. In his Independence Day message, Ambassador Ver emphasized the importance of reflecting on the theme 'Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan' (Freedom, Future, History), honoring the sacrifices of Filipino heroes, celebrating the country's hard-earned freedoms, and recognizing the collective duty to build a better future. 'This year's celebration is particularly significant as we highlight the growing and strategic partnership between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates,' the ambassador said. 'Anchored in mutual respect and reinforced by the presence of nearly a million Filipinos in the UAE, our bilateral relations have expanded into a forward-looking cooperation and collaboration in new and previously untapped fields,' he added. He emphasized the growing relationship between the two nations, strengthened by the official visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the UAE in November 2024, and the several agreements signed to boost cooperation in trade, energy, culture, digital innovation, environment, public safety, and government services. Ambassador Ver also noted the UAE's strength in digital technologies and how this matches the Philippines' goals for growth. He lauded OFWs, especially those working in IT, engineering, and creative industries, as well as entrepreneurs, for contributing to the UAE's progress and carrying the Filipino spirit of excellence. 'This year, the UAE celebrates the Year of Community. We take great pride in the integral role that the Filipino community plays in this country's success and in enriching the UAE's social and economic fabric,' Ambassador Ver said. 'As we look toward the future, let us celebrate not only the freedom we cherish, but also the strong and evolving partnership we share with the UAE — a relationship that continues to grow in breadth, depth, innovation, shared purpose, and mutual benefit,' he added.
Tourism Breaking News
a day ago
- Tourism Breaking News
Emirates launches complimentary coach service for Economy Class passengers to and from Clark International Airport
Post Views: 48 In a move to further enhance the travel experience for its Filipino passengers, Emirates will be introducing a new coach service exclusively for Economy Class customers flying to and from Clark International Airport (CRK). The complimentary service will connect Trinoma in Quezon City with Clark International Airport in Pampanga, offering a convenient and seamless transit option. The coach service will be available to Emirates passengers holding a valid flight ticket and traveling between Clark and Trinoma, with pickup and drop-off points located at the New Genesis P2P Trinoma Bus Terminal (code: TRP) and at Clark International Airport (CRK) in Pampanga. The service will be offered exclusively to Economy Class passengers booked on an Emirates flight. To be eligible for the coach service, passengers must hold an Emirates-issued ticket with the ticket number beginning with 176. Travelers must also have a confirmed coach booking at least 48 hours in advance, as those without prior reservation or a valid Emirates ticket will not be allowed to board. When buying flight tickets on customers must specify Trinoma (TRP) as the departure or arrival city to ensure that their booking on the bus is included on their flight ticket. For flight tickets purchased through an Emirates office or travel agent, customers should request the agent to include the Trinoma (TRP) bus on the ticket before issuing the ticket. Other terms and conditions apply. This initiative is part of Emirates' ongoing commitment to improving accessibility while elevating the travel experience for its Filipino customers, particularly those based in Metro Manila and nearby areas. Through this offering, Emirates aims to make flying from the airport more convenient and stress-free. To learn more about Emirates, or to book a flight, visit or the new Emirates World Store located at the Shangri-La The Fort, Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Emirates launched services to Manila in 1990 and progressively grew its operations to include a circular service to Cebu and Clark. The airline currently serves the Philippines with 28 weekly flights, offering approximately 22,700 weekly seats to and from Dubai and connecting travellers to over 140 destinations across the airline's global network. Earlier this year, Emirates signed a new agreement with the Department of Tourism Philippines to help develop inbound visitor traffic from its expansive global network. The airline also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Philippine Airlines (PAL), to explore the potential expansion of their partnership across both passenger and cargo operations.
