Top Filipino engineers, architects, and healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain 2025 revealed
The winners were selected from 800 nominations
The event marked the first time The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards was held outside the UAE, expanding its reach to honor more Filipino professionals
Dubai, UAE: Filipino excellence in engineering, architecture, and healthcare took center stage at The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards 2025, recognizing 71 outstanding Filipino professionals for their contributions to the fields of engineering, architecture, and healthcare in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
The milestone event, held at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on June 20 and 21, 2025, was the first edition of the awards dedicated solely to honoring Filipino professionals in both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
Organized by New Perspective Media Group, publisher of The Filipino Times, the largest international Filipino news media and marketing agency globally, this landmark awards event recognized winners carefully selected by a panel of experts from a competitive pool of over 800 nominations. These honorees embody the very best of Filipino talent in the Middle East, showcasing excellence in innovation, leadership, and community impact.
His Excellency Raymond R. Balatbat, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with concurrent jurisdiction over the Republic of Yemen, shared:
'It is with great pride that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our esteemed partners in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Bahrain participating in The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards: Top Engineers and Architects Awards 2025 and the Top Healthcare Professionals Awards 2025 for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain — an event that honors the remarkable achievements of Filipino professionals in their respective fields. This celebration not only celebrates the remarkable achievements of Filipino talent but also serves as a testament to the deep cultural and creative ties that bind our nations.
'In our ever-evolving global landscape, your groundbreaking work stands at the forefront of innovation and progress. These awards recognize not only your technical expertise and creative vision but also the spirit of resilience and collaboration that defines our cultural kinship. This celebration is a testament to a future where ingenuity knows no borders.
'Congratulations to each honoree, whose success continues to inspire and uplift us all. Together, let us continue to drive progress and build bridges of understanding between our nations. Mabuhay!"
Here is the full list of awardees of The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards: Top Engineers, Architects, and Healthcare Professionals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain 2025:
Engineers and Architects (Saudi Arabia)
Engr. Victorino Abejero
Engr. Elmer Amador
Engr. Jay Animas
Engr. Don Aparicio
Engr. Leo Argoso, Jr.
Engr. Nasser Asain
Arch. Jeoffrey Asis
Engr. Joy Carale Azur
Engr. Emerson Romero Cabrera
Engr. Renato Siquig Camacho
Engr. Zoilo Caringal
Engr. Luisito Carlos
Engr. Carlos Casenas, Jr.
Engr. Edgar Castilla Colmo
Engr. Ernel Tadea Cudal
Engr. Fernando Datu
Engr. Richard De Belen
Engr. Fredel De Vera
Engr. Michael Diwa
Engr. Aliw Carter Elamparo
Engr. Darwin Fernandez
Engr. Aldon Ray Balayo Fortaleza
Engr. Marlon Gacutan
Engr. Mories Galuso
Engr. Jan Michael Ganaban
Engr. Feleo Gines
Engr. Amir-Hussein Sinsuat Kamir
Engr. Brian Lacaba
Engr. Sherwin Ladiana
Engr. Franklin Panaguiton Laru-An
Arch. Renato Lat
Engr. Jay-ar Legaste
Engr. Rogel Limjoco
Engr. Russel Lived
Arch. Jan Marlou Luis
Engr. Lormel Taduran Magistrado
Arch. John Michael Malvar
Engr. Erwin Mandia
Engr. Jeffrey Catapang Manguera
Engr. Johnny Manlangit
Arch. Mario Fabian Manuel
Engr. Rigel Quijada Pelayo
Engr. Rhoel Vincent Rabillas
Engr. Raymund Ralph Zalun Ramos
Engr. Rafael Rentutar, Jr.
Engr. Ricky Salavia
Engr. Rodolfo Saludez Jr.
Engr. Lorenzo Santos
Engr. Franklin Morados Semilla
Arch. Geraldin Suede
Engr. Gregorio Guamos Tiamson
Engineers and Architects (Bahrain)
Engr. William Angelo Conejos, Jr.
Engr. Willard Ganea
Engr. Samer Musa Mohamad
Healthcare Professionals (Saudi Arabia)
Divina Asug
Sandra Bonayon
Dr. Bernard Laxamana Carpio
Dr. Maurice Joy Cudal
Marie Dahlia Bobbie Fopalan
Paul Reinald Base Garcia
Haidee Haropohop
Maricris Ignacio
Rodemel Mar Maceda
Julius Jude Pastrana Mamaclay
Maykiel Terowa Mauro
Jose Rex Navarrosa
Ana Boy Olimba
Errol Andy Recinto
Dr. Jordan Tovera Salvador
Dr. Ma. Abigail Trinidad
Glenn Ford Valdez
Dr. Karen Remo, CEO and Founder of New Perspective Media Group, and CEO of The Filipino Times, stated:
'Over the years, more and more Filipino professionals have shown the world what it truly means to build, to innovate, and to leave a legacy of excellence wherever they are. Earlier this year, The Filipino Times announced an exciting expansion of the highly acclaimed The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards.
'Responding to overwhelming public demand and aligning with international best practices, The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards was 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 Awards in the Middle East.
'To our awardees: may this honor remind you of your responsibility to pay it forward. Mentor the next in line. Pass the baton of knowledge. Keep raising the bar—not just for yourself, but for the Filipino name that you carry with pride.'
Vince Ang, COO of New Perspective Media Group and General Manager of The Filipino Times, added:
"We stand at a pivotal moment in the engineering, architecture, and healthcare sectors, where Filipino talent continues to make a profound impact. With the expansion of The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, this event is more than a celebration—it is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and dedication of our professionals who are shaping skylines, building infrastructure, and transforming healthcare systems across the globe."
The awardees were selected through the rigorous review and expert insights of an esteemed panel of judges, including:
Arch. Jan Marlou A. Luis, Technical Architect & Technical Team Leader, Cube Metal Industries; Chair, Philippine Professional Organization – Western Region Saudi Arabia; Chapter President, United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) KSA Western Region Chapter (2019-2022)
Engr. Victorino Abejero, Managing Director, GulfTIC Certification LLC; Founding President of the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers (IIEE) UAE Chapter and served as Governor of the IIEE Foreign Region
Engr. Jay-ar Padernal Legaste, Lead Civil and Structural Engineer, Branch of Sinopec International Petroleum Service Corp.; Founder, Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers – Eastern Province Saudi Arabia (PICE-EPSA) scholarship program
Engr. Erwin Mandia, Design & Estimation Supervisor, Al Shahin Metal Industries; President, PICE Riyadh and Vice-Chairman, Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines (ASEP) Riyadh
Engr. Renato S. Camacho, Consultant Senior Mechanical Engineer, DAR ALRIYADH; Chapter President, Pambansang Samahan ng Inhenyerong Mekanikal (PSIM) – KSA Chapter
Engr. Leo R. Argoso, Jr., Medical Device Engineer, Abdulrehman Algosaibi G.T.C (L.L.C); Member of Board of Trustees, Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines KSA CRC
Dr. Jordan Tovera Salvador, Assistant Vice-Dean, Development and Community Partnership; Chairperson, Quality Assurance and Accreditation Unit; Assistant Professor; Nursing Education in the College of Nursing; University Mentor, Teaching and Learning for Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia; Resource Speaker, Nursing Profession for Ministry of Health (MoH)
Rodemel Mar Maceda, Director of Nursing Excellence, Ministry of Defense Health Services – Nursing Administration; President, Filipino Nurses Society in Saudi Arabia (FILNASA)
Julius Jude Pastrana Mamaclay, Administrative Staff/Translator, Philippine Embassy Manama; President, Philippine Nurses Association of Bahrain (PNAB)
Jose Rex N. Navarrosa, Head, Quality and Academic Accreditation Unit, Department of Respiratory Care, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University; Founding President, Philippine Society for the Advancement of Respiratory Therapy; Immediate Past President, PPO-SA Council 2024
Maricris B. Ignacio, Hospital Nursing Supervisor, Almana General Hospital – Al Ahsa; President, Filipino Nurses in Arabia (FiNA)
This year's awards were made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including its Silver Sponsor: Ayala Land and DMCI Homes, and its Support Sponsors: Arthaland, Sun Life, and Philippine Airlines.
The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards continues to spotlight the best and brightest of the Filipino workforce abroad, providing a platform to celebrate professional excellence, leadership, and community service in the global arena.
About The Filipino Times Watchlist
The Filipino Times Awards is an internationally recognized platform celebrating distinguished Filipino professionals and brands that Filipinos love. Since its inception in 2014, it has evolved into The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards, highlighting the achievements of top Filipino engineers, architects, and healthcare professionals in the region.
In addition to the awards, The Filipino Times Watchlist Summit stands as the largest multidisciplinary gathering of overseas Filipino professionals, fostering collaboration, innovation, and leadership.
Organized by New Perspective Media Group and powered by The Filipino Times, this initiative continues to elevate Filipino excellence on the global stage.
For more details, visit: www.thefilipinotimesawards.com/TFTwatchlist
About New Perspective Media Group
New Perspective Media Group (NPMG) is a leading international integrated marketing and communications agency headquartered in Dubai, UAE, with offices across the Middle East and Asia Pacific.
NPMG has built a strong reputation among global corporations and governments, including over 60 Philippine companies, brands, and government agencies. Through its expertise in content creation, multimedia distribution, AI, social media, digital marketing, and events marketing, NPMG has facilitated billion-dollar investments and sales for its partners.
More than just numbers, NPMG is driven by purpose—influencing movements, empowering businesses, and enabling governments to build nations. The company harnesses the power of storytelling to build reputations and create impact.
We are New Perspective Media Group.
We build reputations.
To know more about NPM Group contact:
Vince Ang
New Perspective Media Group
vince@newperspectivemedia.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
5 hours ago
- Zawya
Saudia to launch direct flights to Moscow starting October 2025
Jeddah: Saudia, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has announced the addition of Moscow, the capital of the Russian Federation, to its growing network of scheduled destinations. Starting October 2025, and as part of a strategic collaboration with the Air Connectivity Program (ACP), the airline will operate three weekly flights departing from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The new route highlights Saudia's collaboration with the Saudi Tourism Authority to promote the Kingdom as a year-round destination. It enhances international connectivity and opens new channels for business, leisure, and religious travel. The move also supports Saudia's strategy to expand its European network and strengthen its presence in key global markets. Saudia's new flight schedule to Moscow will provide convenient timings and smooth onward connections via Saudia's international network and its SkyTeam alliance partners. Following the announcement, preparations are underway to ensure a smooth operational launch. These include enabling bookings, setting up guest service counters at airports, and completing all logistical arrangements. With new aircraft expected to be delivered, Saudia's fleet will expand beyond its current 147 aircraft, further strengthening the airline's operational capacity. This growth, supported by a highly skilled team of aviation professionals, is essential to achieving operational excellence and enabling the launch of more direct international routes in line with Saudia's strategic expansion plans aiming at fulfilling the Kingdom's 2030 Vision. As Saudia accelerates its global expansion, the launch of direct flights to Moscow stands out as a key milestone in its international growth strategy. With a network reaching over 100 destinations across four continents and more than 550 daily flights, Saudia continues to position itself as a leading global airline, connecting the Kingdom to the world with scale, efficiency, and ambition. Expanding air connectivity and growing Saudia's global network remains a key priority in support of Saudi Vision 2030. The new Moscow route aligns with broader national efforts to establish the Kingdom as a global logistics hub, while creating new avenues for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange in line with the National Aviation Strategy. About Saudia: Saudia (Saudia Airlines) is the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established in 1945, the company has grown to become one of the Middle East's largest airlines. Saudia has invested significantly in upgrading its aircraft and currently operates one of the youngest fleet, with 147 aircraft. The airline serves an extensive global route network covering around 100 destinations across four continents, including all 28 domestic airports in Saudi Arabia. A member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO), Saudia has also been a member airline in SkyTeam, the second largest alliance, since 2012. Saudia was recently awarded the "World Class Airline 2025" for the fourth consecutive year at The APEX Official Airline Ratings™ awards. Saudia has also advanced 11 places in the Skytrax airlines ranking of the World Best Airlines 2023. The Airline also ranked top among global airlines for best on-time performance (OTP) according to a report by Cirium. For more information on Saudia, please visit About ACP The Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP) streamlines market entry and promotes expansion opportunities for local and international air travel partners in the Kingdom. By developing new routes, ACP aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in tourism air connectivity. ACP also enables the objectives of the Saudi National Tourism Strategy and Saudi National Aviation Strategy by increasing resilient capacity and ensuring high-quality service standards.
Zawya
5 hours ago
- Zawya
DHL Express appoints Mansour AlHajjaj as new Country Manager for Saudi Arabia operations
Manama, Bahrain – DHL Express, the leading global express and logistics provider, has appointed Mansour AlHajjaj as the new Country Manager for its Saudi Arabia operations. The appointment marks a significant milestone in Mansour's career with DHL Express, which began in 2006. With nearly two decades of experience within the organisation, Mansour has held several key roles across customer service functions, consistently driving performance excellence and nurturing strong client relationships. In 2020, he stepped into a senior leadership position where he successfully led the transformation of customer services into a high-performing function and steered the retail team towards achieving double-digit growth. Mansour is recognised for his forward-thinking leadership and commitment to innovation. Under his guidance, DHL Express Saudi Arabia has earned multiple external accolades for service excellence. He has also played a major role in enhancing employee engagement and people development, effectively improving team culture and significantly reducing turnover. Additionally, his efforts to foster greater collaboration with supervisory authorities and government entities have further strengthened DHL's partnerships across the Kingdom. Commenting on his new role, Mansour AlHajjaj said, 'It is a great honour to lead DHL Express Saudi Arabia at a pivotal time in the Kingdom's journey toward Vision 2030, a vision that continues to position the country as a global logistics hub and a vital engine of regional and international trade. Aligned with this national ambition, we remain committed to strengthening our operational network, accelerating investments in infrastructure and innovation, and driving sustainable logistics solutions that deliver long-term impact. Above all, we will continue to invest in our people, the true driving force behind our success and the foundation of our continued leadership in the logistics sector.' With Mansour as Country Manager, DHL Express reaffirms its strategic focus on contributing to Saudi Arabia's evolving economic vision by offering services that strengthen the Kingdom's growing logistics landscape. -Ends- This press release has been issued by TRACCS Bahrain. For further information, please contact Noor Alshuwaikh Email:
Arabian Business
11 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Riyadh Monopoly board game unveiled, showcasing Saudi capital's culture and landmarks
Riyadh Monopoly, a new edition of the world's most iconic board game, has officially been unveiled in the Saudi capital. The game was launched on June 26, 2025 at a high-profile event held at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Conference Centre, attended by government, cultural, education and media leaders. The launch marks Riyadh's first-ever Monopoly edition, designed to reflect the capital's most recognisable landmarks, historic streets and visionary developments — from ancient quarters to cutting-edge urban hubs like KAFD. Riyadh Monopoly Mazroua Al-Mazroua, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer, at the King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC), said: 'Riyadh Monopoly reflects our goal of making big, strategic projects accessible and engaging to all ages. 'As the leading destination for international and local businesses in Saudi Arabia, we are creating new opportunities for the next generation to thrive. We want the new generation to recognise the names and places shaping their future. What better way than through play?'. With over 50 per cent of Riyadh's population under the age of 20, the game aims to bring families and young people together through competitive play — all while promoting awareness of Saudi Arabia's rich culture, modern transformation, and investment in youth empowerment. The Riyadh Monopoly edition is expected to appeal to both local families and international visitors, offering a dynamic introduction to the city through an interactive lens. Riyadh Monopoly will hit stores across Saudi Arabia in September 2025, and is expected to become a popular souvenir and educational tool — helping residents and tourists alike explore the city's transformation from historic capital to modern megacity. Among the iconic locations included in the board game's latest edition are: KAFD Financial Plaza Souk Al Zal Diplomatic Quarter King Fahd Road The Ritz-Carlton British International School
