Honoring modern-day heroes
A highlight of the event was the Gawad Awards, where the community honored inspiring and outstanding Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) — true modern-day heroes recognized for their contributions, leadership, and unwavering dedication to volunteerism and community service.
“Let’s live in unity and aim for greater triumphs”
Opening the celebration was His Excellency Philippine Ambassador Alfonso Ferdinand Ver, who delivered a stirring message of hope, unity, and pride.
“The UAE is a land of opportunities for many, especially Filipinos,” he said. “This celebration is a reminder of our strength as a people. We are here not just to remember our past heroes who gave us independence, but to continue their legacy by helping build the future — for our families and our nation.”
The Ambassador emphasized how Filipinos help shape the progress of both the UAE and the Philippines, and called for the community to “embrace challenges, excel, and remain united.”
Erickson Reyes, Filsoc President, stressed the significance of celebrating Philippine Independence Day in Dubai, calling it a vital event that unites Filipinos in their “second homeland” and strengthens their sense of community.
“Culture lives through community”
In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, Consul General Marford Angeles shared how vital events like this are for Filipinos abroad — especially for the younger generations.
“Second and third generation Filipinos here are eager to discover their roots. This event gives them a chance to see their own culture celebrated — through dances, songs, and the shared joy of being Filipino.”
Showstopping performances that rocked the crowd
Carmela Lorzano wowed the audience with her powerhouse vocals, opening with “Ang Huling El Bimbo” and delivering a jaw-dropping rendition of “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman. She hit every high note effortlessly, and when she performed “Bakit” by Aegis, the crowd couldn’t help but sing along with pride and emotion.
Manuel has been with Gulf News for 24 years, currently serving as a Senior News Editor and a vital member of the team. From managing social media platforms and crafting viral content to shooting and editing videos on various topics such as weather, gold prices, and traffic updates, Manuel ensures news is not just timely but engaging. He also moderates reader comments and keeps the digital space respectful and impactful.
Formerly the Community Editor for the Readers section, Manuel helped residents resolve issues with banks, telecom providers, utilities, and government agencies—giving people a voice and driving accountability. “I’m proud that, with the cooperation of companies, I was able to help people get the answers they needed,” he says.
Beyond the newsroom, Manuel is driven by a passion for human interest stories—amplifying voices that often go unheard. “From rags-to-riches journeys to the quiet resilience of people with special needs, I believe these stories restore hope in humanity,” he added.
“In every story I tell,” Manuel says, “my goal is simple: to inspire hearts, inform minds, and make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s a viral video, a quiet act of resilience, or a voice that needs to be heard, I believe every story has the power to connect us—and sometimes, even change us.”
Manuel’s impact goes far beyond the newsroom—he’s been honored as one of the 300 most influential Filipinos in the Gulf Legacy Edition 2020 by Illustrado. His dedication to telling powerful stories, along with his influence in community, culture, and human interest, has earned him a well-deserved place on this prestigious list.
