The success of The 2nd FILEXPO 2009 in Dubai: Tiangge, Bazaar, ATBP. lies in every individual who had set foot in the Hall 3 of the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center. What with the global economic climate at the peak of its catastrophic presence, nearly 70 companies and approximately 24,000 attendees became part of the year’s largest gathering of Filipinos in the Middle East. Nearly 7,000 of which came on the first day, more than 10,000 on the second day and another 7,000 spectators or more joined the Philippine shopping fiesta last July 2 to 4, 2009.
It is but notable to say the least that Filipinos, especially in the UAE, are vigilant to where they put their hard-earned money. With the scorching summer coupled with sandstorms in the way, a weekend at home may be more preferable. But thousands came ready to spend cash fresh from their payday few days before. And companies were all set to cater to their customers, offering their money’s worth. It is also noticeable that the FILEXPO did not just attract Filipinos. Several groups from other nationalities including UAE nationals came in without Filipino companions, peering in Filipino products, various garments and accessories. It was this year’s challenge not to disappoint shoppers by offering them wider range of clothing apparels and food products. And on-goers got what they came for as they carried at least one shopping bag in hand.
The exhibitors were comprised of repeat participants, new ones and Filipino entrepreneurs. Just as last year, most Philippine real estate groups garnered positive turnouts in their Middle Eastern clientele. New participants based in the United Arab Emirates were more than pleased to promote their brands and spread awareness of their presence in the region. The sponsors and organizers gave away several prizes as part of the daily raffle draws. As highlighted during the Opening Ceremony, Filipino entrepreneurs are given venue to showcase their products and services in the said event. “This event will help us endorse Philippine-made products. It will also be a good opportunity to our fellow Filipinos who are interested to earn extra money during these hard times as we offer commission-based selling of our products,” says Ester Paras-Capili, Owner/Partner of Natasha Service Center. Another Filipino entrepreneur Frankie Warren, Owner of Nanay Tuneng food and beverage products, shares: “The target market of Nanay Tuneng are OFWs in the Middle East. My study on the market shows that TFC is the only medium wherein I can reach such a broad target.”
ABS-CBN booths offering a variety of services were also present during the affair. New products of The Filipino Channel such as the TFC Mobile’s K-Text and TFCKo or TFC on Demand were launched and demonstrated at the venue. All these were made available for the further entertainment and convenience of TFC viewers. DJ China Heart of WRR 101.9 made the three-day event lively with his signature voice and dynamic hosting. Evening shows drew the crowd to more laid-back evenings. The classy standards singer Richard Poon gained new fans as he sang big band renditions of all-time favorites. Pinoy Dream Academy’s Laarni Lozada and Bugoy Drilon evolved to professional showstoppers with their classic ballads and duets. Bugoy was at owe with the heroism of the Filipinos braving the Middle East that he wasn’t able to hold his tears as he sang his “life’s theme song” One Last Cry. Comedian Onse brought the house down with his unique comic stints on the second evening as well. The Bossa Nova princess Sitti Navarro took the audience under her spell during the final evening for the FILEXPO. Her high energy and crystal voice made a balance between her soothing sounds and rhythmic moves.
The 2nd FILEXPO in Dubai has prompted a tradition of empowering Philippine companies, as well as the overseas Filipinos—giving them the access to the market and the freedom to choose. And with all things considered, most especially the crisis, another feat has been conquered by the Filipino nation yet again…

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There’s definitely more reason to join the merry festivities at The 2^nd FILEXPO in Dubai: Tiangge, Bazaar, Atbp. In the line with The Filipino Channel’s 15^th anniversary, we are bringing you a BIGGER, BETTER and MORE FUN-FILLED EXPERIENCE on July 2 to 4, 2009 at the Hall 3, Dubai World Trade Center.

The 1^st Filipino Expo in Dubai and Qatar held in 2008 gathered a tumultuous number close to 60,000 attendees making it the most successful and most attended all-Filipino organized event in the Middle East to date. Shoppers and exhibitors alike had a superb experience in the event that is beyond doubt for the Filipino, by the Filipino.

This year, set your sights to the largest convergence of Philippine companies in Dubai. Expect the leading groups in the industry of real estate, banking, cargo and remittance, transportation and automobile products to offer their best deals for the Global Pinoy. Don’t get left behind with the most up-to-date offers on electronics and telecommunications. Plan your next trip with travel and leisure packages within your reach. You want ‘tiangge’? Then ‘tiangge’ it is! Get ready for more stylish apparels, accessories and cosmetics to satiate the fashion frenzy.

Various services will be offered to the Filipinos in the UAE. Representatives of the Philippine Government will be present through the three-day affair. Employment and business opportunities are also available in the exhibition hall.

And after hours of shopping, treat yourself to the soothing sounds of ASAP Sessionistas. A variety of Kapamilya artists will serenade the audience with their distinct mellow tunes paired with their authentic musical talent that is proudly Filipino. Savor the soothing vocals of crooner Richard Poon in Ballad Thursday. Meet you Pinoy Dream Academy idols Bugoy Drilon and Laarni Lozada in Pop Radio Friday. Chill with the Bossa Nova siren Sitti on Bossa Saturday. Radio DJ of WRR 101.9 China Heart will be the on-the-ground jock to provide extra entertainment to the expo-goers.

Entry to the venue is absolutely FREE. Tickets for the nightly shows are at AED 20 only. Plus, a free shuttle service will be offered to the venue. All these and more will be made possible especially for you at The 2nd FILEXPO IN DUBAI: TIANGGE, BAZAAR, ATBP.

The Celebration of the 111st Phillipine Independence Day in Dubai was successful according to the FilCom officers and Executive community who organized the events.  They said successful because they raise fund for the benefits of our distress OFW here in Dubai.

According to them ” through  sponsors and supporters,  they  manage to  meet the primary objective.  In the day alone, they contributed 11 tickets (Filipina wards)  to POLO/OWWA  and 3 tickets (jailed persons)  to Philippine Consulate.   Upon completion of the accounts, they will still support their  promises such as the help to stranded Pinoys outside UAE,  the sick persons and of course additional tickets to wards and a house to Gawad Kalinga if still manageable.

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Manama Bahrain May 31, 2009

NEW Philippine Ambass-ador to Bahrain, Corazon Yap-Bahjin, has made history by becoming her country’s first female Muslim ambassador.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, other career Muslim diplomats who headed Philippine missions abroad are former Philippine Ambassador to Turkey and currently Assistant Secretary DFA-Mindanao Bahnarim Guinomla, Philippine Consul General and Deputy Chief of Mission to Dhaka Usop Kadatuan, former Philippine Ambassador to Oman Candidate Gutoc, and former Philippine Ambassador to Libya Mukhtar Muallam.

The appointment was confirmed on May 20, but the Philippine Foreign Affairs Department said yesterday that she was the first Muslim wo-man to hold the rank.

In 1979, she also became the first Fili-pina Mus-lim to pass the Foreign Service Officers (FSO) exam – said to be one of the toughest examinations in the Philippines and a requirement for joining the Philippine foreign service.

She succeeds former ambassador Eduardo Pablo Maglaya who left Bahrain in March.

Read the rest Here from Gulf Daily News Bahrain