01 July 2016 – The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi reported to the Department that two Filipinas based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerged triumphant recently in major award-giving bodies in the region, raising once again the profile of the Filipinos and the Philippines in the Middle East.

Abu Dhabi-based Irene “Pags” Corpuz was named as one of the Top 100 security leaders in the Middle East Security Awards 2016 or the MESA CISO 100 Awards in a ceremony held on May 24 at the Address Marina Hotel, Dubai. The award is given to full-time security executives with work experience directly related to information security in a private or government entity.  Ms. Corpuz is the Head of IT Security Section at the Western Region Municipality.

Meanwhile, Ms. Marie Loreles “Lora” Gregorio who manages Thiptara Restaurant and Fai Lounge both at The Palace Downtown Dubai, was named Restaurant Manager of the Year at the Caterer Middle East Awards 2016 held on June 01 at Conrad Dubai.

Ms. Gregorio, who started her career in hospitality in 2003 at the Grand Hyatt Dubai in 2003, emerged the top choice from among other contenders of various nationalities and top restaurants from the UAE. According to HotelierMiddleEast.com, “Gregorio manages two busy outlets, leading a solid team of professionals while successfully implementing various activations that have enhanced the guest experience, reduced costs and increased revenue.”

“We are extremely proud of the achievement of Ms. Corpuz and Ms. Gregorio. They are the epitome of strong, dynamic and successful Filipinas overseas owing to their hardwork and dedication in their respective fields,” Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Constancio R. Vingno, Jr. said, upon learning of their accomplishments. “We hope that they serve as an inspiration to fellow Filipinos working not only in the region, but anywhere in the world,” he adds. END