More than 40,000 voted in the biggest online poll of its kind in The Filipino Times Awards website
34 brands and companies awarded in the 4th edition of The Filipino Times Awards
Emirati vlogger, Khalid Al Ameri, recognized as the Personality of the Year for Social Media
Emirates Airline, du, RAKBANK, Global Village, Dubai Duty Free and La Mer were awarded as the most preferred brands by Filipinos in the UAE at the 4th edition of The Filipino Times Awards, the biggest red-carpet event held in recognition of brands that Filipinos love and in honor of Filipino changemakers.
More than 40,000 voted in the biggest online poll of its kind in The Filipino Times Awards website for the brand category, selecting from over 200 brands that made it to the final list of nominees. Companies who have shown excellence in providing extensive services for the Filipinos were also given due recognition through the company awards. In total, 34 brands and companies were awarded.
Dr. Karen Remo, Co-founder and Managing Director of New Perspective Media, publisher of The Filipino Times and organizer of The Filipino Times Awards, said: “The Filipino community has become a major contributor of the development in the UAE. With an ever-increasing purchasing power, Filipinos are now the fastest growing consumer market segment in the UAE.
“Connecting the Filipinos on the one hand and the brands on the other is The Filipino Times, the biggest Filipino newspaper in the Middle East and the largest online platform for Filipinos in the region. The Filipino Times Awards magnify this connection. This much coveted awards commend global success and world-class excellence.”
H.E. Hjayceelyn Quintana, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, said: “Filipinos are building communities all over the world. With almost 10% of its 104 million population living and working abroad, the huge diaspora and its impact to the world can no longer be denied. As your Ambassador, I am your biggest fan. Your motivation to excel against all odds is a shining example of the Filipino spirit. Together, we will work to further raise the profile and visibility of the Filipinos in the global stage.”
H.E. Paul Raymund Cortes, Philippine Consul General in Dubai and Northern Emirates, said: “The awardees for this year, as in previous years, exemplify the very best of our country as they prove their mettle and conquer new ground. They all richly deserve the accolade given to them.”
Emirati Social Media Influencer Khalid Al Ameri won the TFT Personality of the Year on Social Media for his incredible contribution to representing the UAE as a model country for tolerance and understanding, as well as his valuable contribution in bridging the gap between different cultures through his thought provoking social media content.
Khalid Al Ameri said: “What I tell people is that if you take one step forward towards the Filipino community, they’ll take two steps forward towards you. They are always ready to welcome you.”
Here is the list of winners:
BRAND AWARD CATEGORIES:
Preferred Airline of the Year – Emirates Airline
Preferred Telecom Company of the Year – du
Preferred Bank of the Year – RAKBANK
Preferred Shopping Mall of the Year – City Centre Deira
Preferred Sports Retail Shop of the Year – Sun & Sand Sports
Preferred Remittance Center of Year – Wall Street Exchange
Preferred Electronics Outlet of the Year – Sharaf DG
Preferred Healthcare Provider of the Year – NMC Mabuhay Clinic
Preferred Supermarket of the Year – Carrefour
Preferred Jewelry Brand of the Year – Pandora
Preferred Retail Fashion Brand of the Year – Nine West
Preferred Remittance Service Provider of the Year – Western Union
Preferred Sedan Car of the Year – Al Futtaim Honda
Preferred Sports Brand of the Year – Under Armour
Preferred SUV Car of the Year – Al Futtaim Toyota
Preferred Fast Food Restaurant of the Year – Jollibee
Preferred Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year – Chowking
Preferred Travel Agency of the Year – Tabeer Tourism
Preferred Freight Forwarding Company of the Year – LBC Express Inc.
Preferred Remittance Pay Out Center of the Year – Cebuana Lhuillier
Preferred Filipino Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year – Fiesta Pinoy
Preferred Seafood Restaurant of the Year – Off the Hook Seafood Restaurant
COMPANY AWARD CATEGORIES:
TFT Family and Cultural Destination of the Year – Global Village
TFT Entertainment Destination of the Year – La Mer
TFT Employer of the Year – Dubai Duty Free
TFT Innovative Service of the Year – Emirates NBD-BDO Direct Remit
TFT Consumer Event of the Year – GITEX Shopper
TFT Watch of the Year – Philip Stein
TFT Camera of the Year – Nikon
TFT Excellence in Philippine Connectivity – Cebu Pacific
TFT Innovative Product of Year – CMG Cargo
TFT Buffet Restaurant of the Year – Hot Palayok Restaurant & Grill
TFT Filipino-Friendly Travel Agency of the Year – MPQ Tourism
TFT Newcomer Brand of the Year – Pancake House International
TFT PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – SOCIAL MEDIA: Khalid Al Ameri
This year’s TFT Awards was held last September 7 at the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai in association with du as the platinum sponsor. The TFT Awards, on its 4th edition this 2018, is proud to have RAKBANK as the gold sponsor and Al Tayer Motors-Ford as the car partner. Category sponsors are Nikon, Pancake House International and Bawiq, while the support sponsors are NMC Mabuhay Clinic, Hot Palayok Restaurant & Grill, CMG Cargo, MPQ Tourism and Dofreeze-Eurocake.