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Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
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: 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@


Filipino Times
20-06-2025
- General
- Filipino Times
Saudi Arabia to kick off country-level ceremonies of The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards
The Filipino Times is set to commence its 2025 Watchlist Awards this evening in Saudi Arabia, officially launching a series of country-level ceremonies to honor outstanding Filipino engineers, architects, and healthcare professionals across the Middle East. Saudi Arabia will open the awarding tonight, June 20, for engineers and architects from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, while healthcare professionals will be honored tomorrow evening, June 21. For the first time, the prestigious program will spotlight top Filipino professionals in each country before they move forward to compete at the regional level, bringing well-deserved recognition closer to local communities. Qatar will host the next leg, gathering winners from Qatar and Kuwait on August 8 for engineers and architects, and August 9 for healthcare workers. The UAE and Oman will wrap up the country-level awarding, recognizing outstanding professionals on November 21 for engineers and architects, and November 22 for healthcare professionals. Country winners will then advance to the regional stage, with the Middle East's top engineers and architects to be named on March 29, 2026, followed by the top healthcare professionals on March 30, 2026 — strengthening recognition of Filipino excellence worldwide.


Filipino Times
19-06-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
The Filipino Times unveils country-level dates for 2025 Watchlist Awards
The Filipino Times has officially set the country-level dates for its 2025 Watchlist Awards, casting a spotlight on the most distinguished Filipino engineers, architects, and healthcare professionals working across the Middle East. For the first time, the acclaimed awards program will honor outstanding Filipino professionals in each country before they advance to the regional competition, bringing recognition closer to Filipino communities in the region. Saudi Arabia will kick off the series, hosting the awarding for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain on June 20 for engineers and architects, followed by healthcare professionals on June 21. Next in line, Qatar will gather winners from Qatar and Kuwait on August 8 for engineers and architects, and on August 9 for healthcare professionals. The UAE will wrap up the country-level ceremonies, recognizing top talents from the UAE and Oman on November 21 for engineers and architects, and November 22 for healthcare professionals. Country winners will contend for the regional titles next year, with the Middle East's top engineers and architects announced on March 29, 2026, and top healthcare professionals on March 30, 2026 — marking another milestone in celebrating Filipino excellence worldwide. This step responds to strong community support and follows global standards, ensuring that more Filipino professionals in the Middle East are recognized for their contributions.


Filipino Times
04-04-2025
- Sport
- Filipino Times
Twelve-year-old Filipina gymnast wins 4 medals at GAP Challenge, earns spot on PH national team
Filipina artistic gymnast Jhodelle Chavez, 12 years old, delivered a stellar performance at the GAP Challenge 2025 in Manila, winning four medals across multiple events. Representing Italy, the Batangas-born athlete showcased her strength and artistry at the international gymnastics competition held from March 29 to 30. Get the latest news instantly on your phone—join the Filipino Times WhatsApp channel now! Chavez secured a gold medal in the Beam exercise, two silver medals in the Uneven Bars and Overall/Individual All-Around categories, and a bronze in Floor Exercise under the HP4 level. Jhodelle Chavez clinches gold medal in Beam exercise. Jhodelle Chavez earns two silvers in the Uneven Bars and Overall/Individual All-Around categories. The event gathered top gymnasts from different countries, many of whom were vying for a spot on the Philippine National Team. 'Masayang-masaya kami kasi importante itong GAP Challenge kay Jody. talagang sinadya lang namin ang competition,' her mother Jonalyn shared, adding that their family flew back to the Philippines just for the 10-day trip to attend the competition. Now officially part of the Philippine National Gymnastics Team, Chavez will return to Italy to continue her high school studies while training under Coach Monica degli Uberti of CAG Napoli. Her next international competition will be in Italy this April, followed by the National Championships in Riccione, Italy, this May. Jhodelle, who turns 13 this June, has already won the Italian national title for three consecutive years. Her consistent performance and dedication continue to inspire young gymnasts in the Philippines and abroad. Her journey shows how passion and hard work can take young Filipinas to international platforms while bringing pride to the country with every victory. Written with the contributions of Alona Cochon.


Filipino Times
03-04-2025
- Filipino Times
Three sentenced to death in UAE for kidnapping, murder
Three individuals have been sentenced to death by the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeals' State Security Chamber for their role in the kidnapping and murder of Moldovan-Israeli citizen Zvi Kogan. Meanwhile, a fourth defendant received a life sentence for premeditated murder with terrorist intent. Get the latest news instantly on your phone—join the Filipino Times WhatsApp channel now! The court ruled unanimously on the case, convicting the defendants based on strong evidence, including their detailed confessions, forensic reports, and witness testimonies. However, authorities have not disclosed a motive for the murder of Kogan or how he was kidnapped and killed. The Attorney General, Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, ordered an expedited trial in January 2025 after investigations confirmed that the defendants had tracked and murdered the victim. The State Security Prosecution handled the case, which presented evidence in court. Under UAE law, death sentences are automatically subject to appeal and will be reviewed by the Federal Supreme Court. The fourth defendant, who assisted in the crime, will be deported after serving his life sentence. According to The New York Times, Kogan was a dual citizen of Israel and Moldova and was active in the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, a Hasidic Jewish group focused on outreach.