DUBAI - One of the noteworthy cultures of the Filipino Digerati Association is to select among the Filipino community members a leader that has contributed to the growth of Filipinos in the UAE and in the Philippines every cycle. Filipino Digerati Association is proud to honor Filipino community leader who has been given the award of Community Leadership Excellence Award, 6th Term 2009.

Ambassador of Good Deed – 6th Term 2009



Ms. Lucille Ong
President – Philippine Business Council, Dubai

The Plaque of Recognition was given by Board of Trustees on 18th December 2009 during the recognition of graduates held at Al Ittihad Ballroom, Sofitel Hotel, Deira City Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Awards was presented by our very own Her Excellency, Grace Relucio-Princesa, the Philppine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

The bases of the award were presented below: (from Illustrado Magazine file)

Philippines Flood Victims receive aid raised through Giothon – Hakbang Buhay

AED 525,000 presented to Red Crescent Society as month long fund raising activities conclude

Dubai, UAE, December 7th, 2009: Giothon - Hakbang Buhay (Walk for Life-Flood Relief) donated AED 525,000 to the Red Crescent Society – Dubai Chapter. Funds were raised during the walkathon, spearheaded by Philippine Business Council earlier this month as well as direct donations made by businesses and individuals at various outlets, including Giordano, Western Union and Fitness First.

The entire amount collected was handed over to Mohammed Zaroni, Manager of the UAE Red Crescent, Dubai by Benito Valeriano, Philippine Consul General in Dubai.

The month long fund raising campaign began in October with the Walk for Life at Safa Park, Dubai, where more than 8,000 people attended to show their support and donate to the Flood Relief Fund. Supported by the Philippine Consul General in Dubai and organized by the Philippine Business Council, Giordano, Western Union and ABS-CBN, the event sparked interest among several organizations and institutes that continued to contribute through corporate donations.

“It is extremely encouraging and very moving that people made the effort to contribute to the cause in their own special way, either through the event or direct donations, to help the thousands of victims so many miles away,” said Valeriano, “We are very pleased with the sum that we have collected and are keen to transfer this aid to the people affected by the typhoon.”

Ishwar Chugani, Executive Director of Giordano, one of the organizers, said that Giothon was an excellent example of how communities come together and do their part to help the community. “Fund raising activities such as these show just how much compassion there is when a disaster of this magnitude strikes. No matter what our individual situations may be, when it comes to reaching out a helping hand, we all need to pull together and do our bit. This is why we re-instated Giothon and this year has been our most fulfilling edition yet.”

“We’re amazed at the combined efforts of all parties who have gone to great lengths to be part of the Flood Relief Fund. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, has helped significantly. Our donation will help feed families, supply them with medicine and provide support to rebuild their homes and their lives,” added Lucille Ong, Chairperson, Philippine Business Council, Dubai.

The largest single contribution of AED 120,000 came from Barclays Bank and their employees. The students of the Green Fields Community School also collected over AED 5000 from fellow students and family members. Dubal made a direct contribution to the Red Crescent of AED 100,000.

DUBAI - Yesterday was yet another intense hope to all the graduates of Filipino Digerati Association from various computer courses. The occasion was held in Al Thurraya Ballroom, Renaissance Hotel, in Deira, on 17th April 2009 and was populated by students from various local branches of Digerati. Also; the occasion was graced by Ms. Lalaine Chu-Benitez, Managing Director of Illustrado Communications FZ LLC and 6 of the Illustrado’s Woman of Substance honorees. Recognitions were given to the valiant women who fought discrimination in line of gender equality. Digerati’s first Ambassadors for Woman Empowerment!

“Just a small note to say “thank you” for making us a part of your graduation ceremonies. It was a very memorable occasion for us, the first time we have been recognized by a Filipino community group for something that we have done. We were truly touched by your kind gesture. I would also like to commend and feel that it is of paramount importance that I mention that it is amazing how your volunteers worked in helping people move to the ‘next level’ and put together the building blocks of their dreams. Also, it was truly impressive to see so many Filipinos with ambition and drive, and to see them all well-presented, striving and so positive is quite an exhilarating experience. Finally, your event was one of the best organized Filipino community activities we have ever joined, where things were done professionally, and there was great attention to details. Most of all, everybody acted with discipline and decency. This just goes to show how good the trainers are the kind of standards the group aspires for” quoted on an email sent to Digerati after the event.

Digerati has connected 1500 Filipinos through technologies on various courses that day. Also, Digerati distributed 55 crystal plaques to appreciate the unparalleled contribution made by its officers and volunteers “The officers are our feet to move forward, the volunteers are our hand to accomplish wonderful things and the students’ hopes and achievements are our compensation, these three elements of Digerati are the uppermost important in realizing Digerati’s objectives, for without any of them, Digerati will never-ever reach this peak” Arnel Ramos, the incumbent president, said during the interview. He even sung an excerpt from Digerati’s official theme song-Digerati’s Dream “helping each other, build each other, as long as we’re together we will win, for together we stand, divided we fall, together we’ll climb to the peak of success”

“Congratulations, I am very proud that I am part of Digerati, I was touched; crying with the message of Digerati’s theme song, when it was interpreted by the officers and volunteers” uttered by Mary Jane Alvero Al Mahdi, recipient of EBWA 2008 professional category and Illustrado’s Woman Of Substance 2009.

Digerati’s BOT has presented a leadership award honored to Mr. Justino Arciga, Sr. for bringing the club to an immeasurable success last year.

Engr. Mary Jane Alvero-Al Mahdi Illustrado's Woman of Substance 2009 Emirataes Business Woman Award 2008 Most Oustanding Employee - Bagong Bayani 2009 Respected Community Leader Blass F. Ople para sa natatanging Bagong Bayani 2009 Most Oustanding Alumna - Adamson University Most Distinguished Chemical Engineering Graduate - PRC, Manila	Ms. Clarita de Quiroz Craig Illustrado's Woman of Substance 2009 Respected International Ramp Model
Ms. Isabelita Warren Illustrado's Woman Of Substance 2009 Respected International Business Woman Active Philanthropist Respected Community Leader	Ms. Juliet Solas Illustrado's Woman of Substance 2009 Registered & Head Nurse Recipient of UAE Government Most Outstanding Employee Award Respected Community Leader
Ms. Maricar Jara-Puyod Illustrado's Woman of Substance 2009 Respected Community Leader & Journalist	Ms. Lilian Vargas Illustrado's Woman Of Substance Senior Manager - Duty Free Philantropist