Radio show in Dubai features world-class Pinoys

BY ART LOS BAÑOS

Now on its second year, Filipino Excellence in the Middle East (FEME) radio show continues to highlight the outstanding achievements of Filipinos abroad.

The November 15 episode featured Filipinos excelling on the world stage, including Jonathan Eric Defante, a 22-year old sales associate in Dubai, who was named as one of three Honorary Citizen Ambassadors of the United Nations (UN) in 2011.

His “One bottle, one life” entry, a 30-second video pitch about using plastic bottles to build model communities around the world, was chosen as one of the winners of the UN video challenge contest.

Defante’s entry bested 600 other video entries from 50 countries and was chosen as best in concept, originality and execution. He will be joined by a 20-year-old Sudanese-American and by a 19-year-old Guatemalan in New York when they visit the UN Headquarters to personally meet the Secretary-General as part of their prize.

Rocky Gathercole has never finished college but has been to Austria and the United States (US) because of his talent as a fashion designer. He has been working in Dubai for more than 20 years and is a sought-after designer by Emiratis.

His believes “Success is to be measured not so much by the position one has reached in life, but by the obstacles he has overcome while trying to succeed.”

Engr Jijie Zablan is a speaker, trainer and consultant on the development of human capital. She is a currently supporting the implementation of Knowledge Management for the Abu Dhabi Government, where she leads the use of mind mapping as a brainstorming technique as well as for capturing, sharing and applying knowledge.

Some of her clients include local and international firms such as Emirates Institute of Banking, Emirates National Bank of Dubai, Mashreq Bank, Ricoh Middle East and Easa Al Gurg (Scientechnic), among others.

In commemoration of the 40th national day of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) every December 2, the November 29 episode featured guests who work with Emiratis.

Susan Villanueva-de Guzman is a Lead Faculty–Academic Coordinator for Applied Communications of the Sharjah Women’s College under the Higher Colleges of Technology. All her students are Emiratis.

In June this year, Villanueva-de Guzman was given the Excellence Award in “recognition of excellence in inspiring student creativity.” She was also chosen to represent the UAE as an expert in Graphic Design Technology at the World Skills Competition in Calgary, Canada in 2009.

Dr Alvin Torres is a Primary Healthcare Physician at the Hor Al Anz Health Center, Dubai Medical District of the UAE Ministry of Health. He graduated from the De La Salle University (DLSU) Health Science Institute where he also took up Physical Therapy.

He conducts medical missions in Dubai as president of the Philippine Healthcare Professionals Association and as a volunteer for Dubai and Sharjah Christian Family.

Rey Cabug is a technician with the Ajman Police Directorate-Ministry of Interior, which inspects and tests all automotive vehicles, as well as repairs and overhauls all engines of the government.

He is also active with the Filipino Digerati Association, a non-profit computer training organization, where he serves as a team leader.

Michael Siladan is a Learning and Development Specialist with the Group Medical Training of Emirates Aviation College which is under Emirates Airlines.

He used to work as ambulance nurse of the Dubai Police Ambulance Service and as flight nurse of the Dubai Police Airwing.

This Tuesday, December 13, the radio show will feature guests who are making a difference during the Christmas Season.

Filipino Excellence in the Middle East (FEME) is a radio show on Dubai Eye 103.8 FM–www.dubaieye1038.com –aired every other Tuesday night from 10 pm-12 midnight Dubai time [GMT+4 for live streaming via internet]. It is hosted by couple Art and Elle Los Baños. They can be reached at feme@writeme.com or through the Facebook account Filipino Excellence Middle East.

Image from Microsoft Office website.