The Filipino Times Awards has started to generate a buzz on the Filipino community comprising of almost a million individuals as the annual event, dubbed as ‘The Oscars’ of Filipinos in the UAE, will see not just award-winning achievers, it will also feature Filipinos donning their best looks that merit a walk towards the TFT Awards’ prestigious red carpet.
The award-giving body takes a quick step back to recognize who wore the best of the best from last year.
Yasmin Balajadia-Cortes, spouse of Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes
Spouse to the Philippine Consul General for Dubai and Northern Emirates Dr. Yasmin Balajadia-Cortes wore a black couture acrylic dress with feathers and embroidery created by Ryan Pacioles. “Ryan approached me and then nag-design na siya ang sabi niya ‘ako na bahala’,” said Balajadia-Cortes.
She also noted that the attendees of the TFT Awards really prepare for their looks for the momentous evening: “Kina-career talaga nila yung preparations for the TFT Awards since it’s a prestigious gala event. We are always looking forward sa TFT Awards syempre kasi nakikita at nakikilala natin yung mga Pinoy na nano-nominate so it’s an exciting evening.”
Roxane Negrillo, 2018 TFT Awards Jury and 2016 Marketing and Advertising Professional of the Year
Roxane Negrillo walked up the stage to award plaques to 2018 TFT Awards winners in her monochromatic red spangles fabric in a princess bias cut gown with slam crystals for her belt created by 2017 TFT Awards Fashion Designer of the Year Aldwin ‘Jlo’ Ornopia.
Mary Jane Alvero Al Mahdi, 2018 TFT Awards Jury
Mary Jane Alvero Al Mahdi, together with her daughter Noor, walked down the red carpet in matching pink ball gowns which for her symbolizes “comfort, freshness, simplicity, and elegance”. “I would always wear a dress that will stand me out and emanates my beauty from within,” said Al Mahdi.
This year, she’s planning to wear something to celebrate her upcoming golden year by designer 2016 TFT Awards Most Promising Fashion Designer of the Year Harvey Cenit: “I am planning to wear a creation from Harvey Cenit, not a ball gown but a classic dress that will exude my sophistication and fabulousness. The color would be a tone of black and gold because I want to celebrate my journey towards the golden year of blessed existence.”
Dan Lester Dabon, 2016 Healthcare Professional of the Year
2016 TFT Awards Healthcare Professional of the Year and TFT Lifestyle TV Host Dan Lester Dabon strutted his light blue tuxedo created by Mark Joseph Sayad, a fellow Dabawenyo. “The planning phase is the most difficult yet the most exciting part of the process. My designer who is also a Dabawenyo- Mark Joseph Sayad, wanted me to look young and fresh with the colors selected combined with a contemporary design of the suit,” said Dabon.
This year, he plans to work with another fellow Dabawenyo to wear something that would ‘symbolize happiness’ as he walks the red carpet: “Another Dabawenyo – Kheny Ladaga will be grooming me in this year’s TFT Awards. I can’t spill it yet, but I will be wearing a color that symbolizes happiness and honor- which is relevant to recognizing exemplary Filipinos.”
Jorhie Alban, 2017 TFT Awards Marketing and Advertising Professional of the Year
Jorhie Alban wore an elegant black gown made by Carla Fuentes – who she’s eyeing to continue to work with for her outfit this year. “I’m thinking of wearing red or green this time around, let’s see how it will pan out. I always go for Carla Fuentes, I think she’s one of the best designers we have here,” said Alban.
The 2017 TFT Awards Marketing and Advertising Professional of the Year furthers that she doesn’t really know what to expect of her gown as she leaves it to the capable hands of her designer: “I usually just decide on what color to wear and leave the rest to the designer. As long as it’s elegant and up to my taste, I’d like to be pleasantly surprised by a designer’s creation. I find it a good fashion challenge to give personality to the gown, and not the other way around.”
Nina Penalosa-Carpio, 2018 New Media Personality of the Year
Nina wore a sultry green gown when she received her award as the 2018 New Media Personality of the Year. This year, she’s planning something different. “I’m still undecided on the look I’m going for. It’s a toss between going for a timeless black gown, or maybe I’ll channel a fairytale princess look, who knows?
She furthers that she shares the excitement of attendees as they look forward to an amazing night. “I’m really excited for the TFT Awards night. It gets better every year! I’m anxious to see what everyone will be wearing, I’m sure it will be a glamorous night!”
