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Filipino Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Filipino Times
OFWs honored at Kalayaan 2025 in Dubai
Overseas Filipino workers took center stage at the opening of Kalayaan 2025, a celebration of the 127th Philippine Independence Day, held at Dubai World Trade Centre. Thousands of Filipinos from across the UAE gathered to mark the occasion, which opened with vibrant cultural displays and messages recognizing the vital role of OFWs in shaping the nation's identity and supporting its economy. Hon. Marford Angeles, Consul General of the Philippines in Dubai and the Northern Emirates In his keynote address, Hon. Marford Angeles, Consul General of the Philippines in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, paid tribute to the over 1 million Filipinos living and working in the UAE. He reflected on how the country's national heroes were the first to bring global attention to the Philippines, likening their efforts to today's OFWs, whom he described as modern-day heroes. He highlighted how cumulative OFW remittances reached a record US$38.34 billion in 2024, with a 'big chunk' coming from the UAE. He also noted that the UAE posted the highest overseas voter turnout in the last elections, with nearly 39,000 Filipinos casting their votes. 'Kayo ay mga bayani dahil araw-araw, gumigising kayo upang harapin ang hamon ng buhay. Araw-araw, gumigising kayo upang mapabilib ang inyong mga boss at mga katrabaho. Araw-araw, gumigising kayo at nagtatrabaho para sa inyong pamilya,' he added. Consul General Angeles also acknowledged the role of Filipinos in the UAE's multicultural society, calling them the 'glue' that connects over 200 nationalities. 'You represent compassion, brilliance, talent, and professionalism in the global stage,' he added. Mr. Arvic Arevalo, Deputy Head of Mission at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi Meanwhile, Mr. Arvic Arevalo, Deputy Head of Mission at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, echoed this recognition and praised OFWs working across various sectors including healthcare, engineering, education, and entrepreneurship. 'Through your hard work, dedication, and integrity, you continue to uplift the image of the Filipinos every day. Sa paggunita natin ng Araw ng Kalayaan, let us continue to bring with us the values of our homeland: tapang, malasakit, at bayanihan,' he said in his message. The opening day began with a parade of Filipino organizations, followed by a lively celebration featuring booths offering Filipino food, local products, and community services. Attendees were treated to a variety of performances—both traditional and contemporary. Presented by Emirates Loves Philippines, Infinite Communities, and The Filipino Channel, Kalayaan 2025 is open to the public and continues until 8 PM today, with cultural showcases, exhibits, and entertainment. The event serves as a reminder of the strength and unity of the Filipino community abroad, and a celebration of freedom, identity, and shared heritage.
Filipino Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Filipino Times
PTIC, PBC DNE, and DMJ Ecospace collaborate for VIP networking dinner with Design Philippines delegates in Dubai
In a bid to strengthen the presence of Filipino design in the UAE's construction and interiors industry, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) and Philippine Business Council Dubai & Northern Emirates (PBC DNE), in collaboration with DMJ Ecospace, hosted a VIP Premier Networking Dinner featuring the Design Philippines delegation. The gathering took place on May 28, 2025, at Salties Aloft Hotel in Deira, Dubai. The event welcomed an esteemed roster of guests from both the Philippine government and the UAE-based business community, including Consul General Marford Angeles, Vice Consul Aleah, PTIC Commissioner Vichael Roaring, and Ms. Marjo Evio, Head of Delegation from CITEM. Also in attendance were renowned Filipino designer and curator Mr. Ito Kish and distinguished personalities Ms. Natasha Carella and Ms. Bobby Carella, who extended an invitation for Design Philippines to participate in Downtown Design 2025. The evening brought together a select group of developers, architects, consultants, procurement heads, interior designers, and contractors. It served as a platform for the Design Philippines delegates to understand the UAE market, build strategic connections, and share their brand stories and product innovations with key industry stakeholders. One of the most memorable moments of the night was a tribute to Mr. Wajih Nakkash, Founder of Nakkash Gallery, a pioneer in bringing premium Philippine-made furniture to the region. His daughter, Ms. Aya Nakkash, who now leads Nakkash Contracts, was also recognized. Ms. Marilou Lorenzo Joson, Managing Director of DMJ Ecospace, expressed heartfelt gratitude to her former mentor and the Nakkash family, whom she worked with for 19 years. Guests were introduced to ten outstanding Design Philippines companies that showcased their world-class craftsmanship and creativity. These included Arksmith, Aerostone, 51 All Weather Furniture, Red Slab Pottery, Prizmic & Brill, South Sea Veneer, Studio Moodism, Uratex, Mindanao Pearl, and Kit Silver. Their displays featured a wide range of products—ranging from furniture and ceramics to home accents and design materials—highlighting the innovation and artistry of Filipino makers. Adding further insight to the evening was a keynote from Mr. Randip Dhingra, Founder of World Bazaar Luxury Outdoor, who shared valuable strategies on curating and sustaining a successful luxury multi-brand showroom in Dubai. Over 30 companies from the UAE design and construction industry were in attendance, including Moma International Design, Godwin Austen Johnson, NEB, WA Interiors, XBD Collectives, The Parker Company, 1508 London, Monarca International, Play Middle East, and TAG 91.1, among others. Their presence underscored a strong and growing interest in Filipino creativity and collaborative opportunities within the region.
Filipino Times
13-04-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Overseas voting begins at the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai
Overseas voting officially kicked off today at the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai, with a calm and organized start to the electoral process for Filipinos in the UAE. At 8:00 AM, the voting area remained quiet with only a few early arrivals. Nonetheless, Consul General Hon. Marford Angeles and Vice Consul Paola Belle Ebora and their team were already on-site, ready to welcome voters and provide assistance. The Consulate staff, prepared and approachable, ensured that all necessary measures were in place for a smooth voting experience. 67-year-old senior citizen received voting assistance from staff at the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai during the first day of overseas voting. One of the first to cast his vote was a 67-year-old senior citizen who has been living in Deira for over 20 years. He shared that his experience this year was notably better than in the previous elections, especially without the long queues and the help he received at the Consulate. Overseas Filipino voter, Oligario Jr. Raymundo Another voter, Oligario, came early seeking help after being unable to access the voting website. Though not part of the priority groups, he was still accommodated and received the assistance he needed from the staff. As a reminder, only Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), pregnant women, senior citizens, and illiterate voters are allowed to use the on-site online voting kiosk. However, Consulate personnel are on standby to assist anyone encountering difficulties in the voting process. Consul General Angeles also issued an important advisory: Voters are strictly prohibited from taking screenshots of their ballots, especially those displaying QR codes or the list of selected candidates. This is to protect the integrity and privacy of the electoral process. Filipinos who are not yet enrolled are reminded to complete their overseas voter enrollment before May 7, 2025. Failure to do so means they will not be able to vote until the end of the election period on May 12, 2025. The Consulate encourages all eligible Filipinos in Dubai and the Northern Emirates to participate in the ongoing overseas voting and exercise their right to vote for the nation's future.
