Officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy and Consulate General in Dubai and Northern Emirates participated in the 2012 rendition of Illustrado magazine’s Women of Substance (WOS), now on its Year 5, held last 30 March 2012 at the prestigious Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai.

Ambassador Princesa, a recipient of the same honor in 2010, delivered her message on how Filipino nationals in the UAE could make better their lives. She also headed the ribbon cutting ceremony of the photo exhibit themed “I Am the Empowered Filipina”.

The Gulf Through the Eyes of A Filipino Photographer, a coffee table book published by Illustrado Communications, “the Filipino photographers’ tribute to their host countries” was also launched on the same event with Vice Consul Geronimo Suliguin reading a brief description of its coming into being. The book is a showcase of how Filipinos “lay claim to universal beauty, as much as create and display it.”

Illustrado publisher and Editor-in-chief Lalaine Chu-Benitez paid tribute to this year’s seven awardees: Nina Quintos, Lou Parroco, Mary Jane Tupaz, Emelyn Martinez, Marietta Morada, Hilde Capanang and Rowena Gungon-Niduaza.

The Godolphine Ballroom also showcased pieces from prominent Filipino designers who are making their talents and name known not only in the UAE but the world.