KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
MARFORD M. ANGELES
Consul General | Philippine Consulate General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates
Consul General Marford M. Angeles has been a Career Minister in the Philippine Foreign Service for 26 years, entering the Department of Foreign Affairs in 1997. Before assuming
his current role at the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai on 17 March 2024, he was the Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi
from 2019 to 2024. His other previous postings include Hanoi (Vietnam), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), and Sydney (Australia).
In the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila, he served in various capacities at the Office of Asia and Pacific Affairs, the Office of the United Nations and other International
Organizations, the Office of ASEAN Affairs, and the Office of Strategic Planning and Policy Coordination.
Consul General Angeles is joined by his loving wife, Mme. Joan Angeles, with whom he has been married for the past 21 years.
Ghanim Al Falasi has been a key leader at Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) for over 12 years, serving as Senior Vice President since 2011. He has overseen HR, Business Excellence, IT, Supply Management, People Happiness, Innovation, and Client Success.
With the creation of Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) in 2021—integrating DAFZ, DSO, and Dubai CommerCity—he was appointed to lead Technology & Entrepreneurship. In 2023, he became SVP of Technology Ecosystem & Development, and in 2024, SVP of the Director General Office at DSO.
Previously, he served as VP of the ICT Unit at Dubai Airports and held key positions in the UAE Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces.
Ghanim holds a BS in Computer Science from California State University, Hayward (USA), with certifications in Innovation, Coaching, and Emotional Intelligence.
Dr. Issac John, Managing Editor of Khaleej Times, is a highly connected journalist in the Middle East with over 45 years of experience in print and visual media.
A prolific writer, economic analyst, and TV host, he has contributed 15,500+ bylined articles and received 55+ awards. His “Symphony Global Indian” TV series, profiling top business tycoons, was a major success on Amrita TV and E-Vision.
Issac is a frequent commentator on regional social and economic issues across TV and radio, respected for his insightful analysis of global business and economic trends.
THOUGHT LEADERS
Bipin Mulani is the Managing Director of Top Brands LLC, a joint venture between Khasab General Trading and Giant Group.
Spanning 20+ businesses, Top Brands focuses on affordable, trend-driven fashion. A global team of buyers and stylists sources materials and styles worldwide. Stores adhere to brand standards, ensuring quality and a superior retail experience.
Through constant refinement, Top Brands has become a global fashion leader, connecting people through timeless and trendy clothing.
Ian Hyndman is a seasoned hospitality executive with 30 years of international experience managing businesses in over 15 countries.
His expertise spans new ventures, strategic management, and franchising, including projects in challenging markets like Nigeria and Afghanistan.
As Managing Partner of Dagaz Management Consultancy, he provides pro bono support to nonprofits, mentors entrepreneurs, and assists Filipino students. Born in Scotland and raised in England, Ian has lived in seven countries and holds an MBA from Imperial College London.
Overcoming challenges, Philippine-born Michael Cinco pursued his fashion dreams, studying Fine Arts and later fashion design.
His Dubai experience revitalized a traditional fashion house, leading to his own haute couture line in 2003.
Known for vibrant colors, crystals, and unique patterns, Cinco’s designs exude couture excellence, attracting global icons like Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez.
Recently, he launched his first Pret-a-Porter collection, a ready-to-wear line balancing chic sophistication with accessibility, making high fashion available to a wider audience.
For over two decades, Filipino designer Ezra Santos has captivated the fashion world with his brand, EZRA.
His creations blend past, present, and future, crafting timeless silhouettes that celebrate femininity through minimalist opulence. Elegant lines, refined embellishments, and impeccable craftsmanship define his signature style, attracting a global clientele including royalty and distinguished women.
Ezra’s meticulous attention to detail makes his designs conversation starters. As EZRA expands globally, the brand remains committed to redefining luxury with a modern, artistic approach.
Jose “JoMag” Magsaysay Jr., co-founded and led Potato Corner to become a “Hall of Fame Franchise Awardee” before selling it.
His journey began humbly, cleaning restrooms at Wendy’s while studying. Known as the “King of Kiosks” and “Partner ng Bayan,” JoMag was Entrepreneur of the Year (2016, 2019) and CEO of the Year (2019).
His portfolio spans hospitality, resorts, and real estate. His newest venture, Gyud Food Market, incubates F&B startups, providing proof-of-concept space, mentorship, and support services to enhance their success.
Paulo Tibig, The #ENTREP CHAMP is a sought-after Filipino motivational speaker known for his “learnjoyment” keynotes and workshops.
Author of bestselling books, including “Strategies of a Champion Entrepreneur” and the recently released “STANDOUT,” he’s also a regular TV and radio personality and a LinkedIn Top 30 Leader pioneer.
Paulo delivers engaging, educational, and experiential talks, sharing real-life strategies and principles. Comfortable presenting to diverse audiences, he develops motivational programs based on his business and corporate experience, impacting thousands.
Karen Kriska Demafeliz is a Dubai-based Filipino entrepreneur and cryptocurrency enthusiast.
She champions responsible digital asset investing, particularly among Filipinos, and is a thought leader in blockchain, Web3, metaverse, NFTs, and play-to-earn models. Her passion for sharing expertise led to PinoyWeb3 TV. Currently chief of staff at Coinvesting Holding, she also serves multiple roles across several companies, including REIT Development DMCC and Crypto Tower, a blockchain-based development.
Demafeliz holds certifications from Harvard Business School Online and a computer science degree from Notre Dame of Tacurong College.
Zeena Zalamea is a broadcaster and producer for TV, radio, podcasts and global events.
She has created top-rated programming for Dubai Eye 103.8 and Dubai One TV and worked with international organisations at Cop28 and Cop29.
She co-founded Portal Productions, a podcast production company, and developed the Soundbite Media Communication Programme, which prepares individuals for media interviews and other public speaking engagements.
Evangeline Monjardin, a Dubai entrepreneur for over 30 years, has achieved success across diverse industries.
Her architectural and interior design work has brought numerous spaces to life globally. As a restaurateur, she’s enriched Dubai’s culinary scene and serves as Vice Chairman of the League of Food & Beverage Entrepreneurs.
A Board of Director and Secretary-General of the Philippines Business Council, she’s received numerous “Entrepreneur of the Year” awards. With a Bachelor of Architecture degree and hospitality training, she owns Multiline Design & Contracting, manages Al Mehrab Technical Services, and oversees The Desert Wok Restaurant.
Jackie Cezar Dela Cruz is a seasoned energy industry leader with over 20 years of experience, including international assignments at Shell.
As COO of Famous Group, she drives strategic growth in franchising. Under her leadership, Famous Belgian Waffles earned recognition as the Most Outstanding Filipino Franchise in 2024 and was inducted into the DTI-PFA Hall of Fame.
She spearheaded the development of the Famous Waffle Sandwich, expanding the brand’s international presence. Recognized as one of the Most Influential Filipina Women in the World in 2024, Jackie mentors entrepreneurs and MSMEs, championing collaboration and innovation globally.
Dunstan Paul Rozairo is a seasoned engineer and business leader with over 30 years of experience.
Since 1989, he has managed multimillion-dollar projects as Managing Director of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Obaid Thani Al Maktoum’s Private Office.
Originally from Sri Lanka, he has founded businesses in various sectors and is an advocate for entrepreneurship and sports, including launching the “First Countdown to the Middle East Crown Series.”
Pranav Mehrotra is a seasoned business leader with over 25 years of experience in sales, marketing, product, and operations management within the gaming and distribution sectors across the MENA region.
He currently heads Business Development at Geekay Group. Previously, he served as General Manager at Viva Entertainment Middle East for nearly a decade, leading a 150-person team and driving significant growth in home entertainment distribution, theatrical releases, and e-commerce. His experience also includes regional sales management in India.
Dr. Mary Jane Alvero – Al Mahdi is the Group CEO of Prime Group, a leading quality and compliance solutions provider across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. With nearly 30 years of executive management experience, she has grown the company from 8 to over 700 employees, expanding operations to multiple international locations.
Her leadership has enabled Prime Group to empower over 10,000 organizations. A multi-awarded executive, she has received numerous accolades, including the Pamana ng Pilipino Award, Emirates Business Woman of the Year, and recognition from Forbes as one of the World’s Richest Women in the Middle East. She is also a strong advocate for developing the Philippine Halal ecosystem.
Art Popoy Los Banos is a Dubai-based PR professional who works as Head of Corporate Communications of the Tristar Group.
He has been named as one of the Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf by Illustrado Magazine for four years and was given the 2019 Philippine Pride Award in Public Relations by the Philippine Business Council-Abu Dhabi Chapter.
Art Popoy was included in the 2022 Inaugural Philippines’ Top 30 Leaders on LinkedIn and last year The Global Filipino Magazine recognised him as Excellence in Global PR.