29 November 2019, Dubai, UAE - Philippine Ambassador to UAE Hjayceelyn M. Quintana addressed the awardees at “The Filipino Times Awards” gala event held at the Sofitel Hotel Palm Dubai on 29 November 2019 telling them “Ang inyong tagumpay ay tagumpay ng bawat Pilipino!” 

Now on its fifth year, the TFT Awards, continues to put a spotlight on individual achievers in the areas of Creatives, Media and Marketing, Structure and Design, and Business and Services).  The TFT Awards, a much anticipated red-carpet event, is given by New Perspective Media (NPM) Group, the publisher of TFT print and online newspaper.

In her message, Amb. Quintana told the awardees that their individual successes as Filipinos in a foreign land become even more brilliant for they shine a light on the success of their 700,000 compatriot Filipinos living and working in the UAE.

Further highlighting unity in purpose between the individual and the collective, Amb. Quintana quoted from UAE’s founding father Sheikh Zayed who said that unity is, “a vital necessity for providing a better life to the people, for ensuring stability in the country and for realizing the hopes and aspirations of our people.”

In congratulating the awardees, the Ambassador also enjoined them to dedicate their awards to the host country UAE, on the eve of its 48th founding anniversary, as it is a showcase of multiculturalism and diversity where 200 nationalities live and thrive, of which Filipinos are currently the third largest in number among the expatriates.

Amb. Quintana lauded Dr. Karen Remo, CEO and co-founder of the New Perspectives Media (NPM Group), and her team, for successfully providing a platform where Filipinos in the UAE are recognised and encouraged to excel in their respective fields.  The Filipino Times is the largest Filipino newspaper in the UAE and biggest digital platform for Filipinos in the Middle East.  END