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Filipino Times
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Former Saudi Ambassador honored by PH for boosting ties, aid for Filipinos
The Philippine government has recognized the former ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the Philippines for his role in strengthening ties between the two nations, including efforts that benefited many Filipinos. H.E. Ambassador Raymond R. Balatbat awarded the Order of Sikatuna (Rank of Datu, Silver Distinction) to H.E. Mohammad bin Abdullah Qahtani in a ceremony at the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh. 'This conferment recognizes former Ambassador Qahtani's outstanding service in deepening PH–KSA ties through high-level dialogues and landmark agreements in maritime safety, education, trade and investment, energy, and sports as well as his pivotal role in supporting peace and development in Mindanao and the Bangsamoro transition,' the Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia said in a statement. They also recognized his prompt efforts in organizing Saudi humanitarian aid during natural disasters, as well as his support for the King Salman Center's program to separate conjoined twins. The award was given on behalf of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as a form of diplomatic recognition for individuals who have significantly helped improve the Philippines' relationship with other countries.
Filipino Times
25-06-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
Top Filipino engineers, architects, and healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain 2025 revealed
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. Awardees and guests of the TFT Watchlist Awards: Top Filipino Healthcare Professionals in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain 2025 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 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) Recipients of The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards: Top Filipino Engineers & Architects in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain 2025 • 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) Recipients of The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards: Top Filipino Healthcare Professionals in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain 2025 • 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 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 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.
Filipino Times
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Cultural celebration honors overseas Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia
Overseas Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia were honored through a cultural gathering that celebrated their hard work and dedication while showcasing traditional dances, attire, and Filipino cuisine. The Filipino Liaison Association in Riyadh (FLAIR) organized the event in line with the 123rd Labor Day, bringing together workers and their families at the Sheraton Hotel. His Excellency Raymond R. Balatbat, Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Migrant Workers Office-Riyadh Officer-in-Charge Hon. Lucille T. Gayaman attended as guest speakers, sharing messages on workers' rights, cultural heritage, and community support. Participants wore colorful Tribal and Philippine National dresses while enjoying performances by FLAIR members featuring traditional dances and music. A spread of authentic Filipino dishes was also served, giving everyone a taste of home and bringing people closer together. The celebration strengthened the sense of unity among Filipino workers in the Kingdom and paid tribute to their contributions while keeping Filipino culture alive abroad.
Filipino Times
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Philippine flag raised in Riyadh to commemorate 127 years of independence
In celebration of the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence, the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, led by Ambassador Raymond R. Balatbat, conducted a ceremonial flag-raising on June 12. The event was joined by all its attached agencies as a symbol of unity and patriotism, honoring the country's continuing journey of freedom and nationhood. The Embassy paid tribute to the Philippines' long-standing values of freedom, future, and history during the brief but meaningful ceremony. Ambassador Balatbat also extended his Independence Day message to Filipinos around the world, highlighting the resilience of the global Filipino community. 'Wherever we may be, we carry the legacy of our forebears—their courage, dreams, and sacrifices—fueling our drive to build a future filled with both hope and opportunity,' said Ambassador Balatbat in a statement sent to The Filipino Times. He added, 'As we celebrate our nation's freedom, let us stand united in embodying the strength of our heritage and the limitless potential of our people. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang Mamamayang Pilipino!'
Filipino Times
04-06-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
Filipino mechanical engineers to unite for 2nd PSIM international conference in Saudi Arabia
Filipino mechanical engineers from around the world are set to gather for the prestigious 2nd Pambansang Samahan ng Inhenyero Mekanikal (PSIM) International Mechanical Engineers Conference (PIMEC), taking place in Saudi Arabia. Scheduled for June 8 to 9, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Riyadh, the two-day conference will carry the theme: 'Leadership with Integrity & Stability Through Motivation and Mentoring for the Progression of Global Mechanical Engineers.' The event promises a robust lineup of keynote addresses, technical sessions, and product exhibits designed to enhance professional development and global industry knowledge. Among the distinguished guests is His Excellency Ambassador Raymond R. Balatbat, who will deliver a keynote speech to formally honor the achievements and contributions of Filipino engineers abroad. Joining him are notable officials, including Hon. Atty. Melisa Jane Comafay Yeachana, Director IV of the Professional Regulation Commission's International Affairs Office, and Labor Attaché II Hon. Dominador A. Salanga of the Migrant Workers Office in Riyadh. Adding further inspiration to the gathering is Dr. Karen Remo, CEO and Founder of New Perspective Media Group and Publisher of The Filipino Times. As Guest of Honor and Inspirational Speaker, Dr. Remo will share insights on leadership and the impact of Filipino excellence on the global stage. The conference will also feature prominent figures in the engineering community, including PSIM National President Roberto E. Sollano, 2nd PIMEC Chair and KSA Chapter President Renato S. Camacho, 1st PIMEC Conference Chairman Francis Louie 'Cocoy' Rosete, and PSIM-KSA Charter President Rowell G. Somido. A diverse group of technical and resource speakers will present the latest trends, practices, and innovations in mechanical engineering, offering attendees a comprehensive learning experience. Hosted by the PSIM-KSA Chapter, the event will also emphasize international collaboration with a Banner Parade of International Chapters, special messages from global chapter leaders, and the recognition of outstanding professionals in the field. The conference will conclude with an awards ceremony, a raffle draw, and the highly anticipated announcement and turnover to the next host chapter for the 3rd PIMEC.
