71 outstanding Filipino professionals in KSA, Bahrain recognized

Philippine News Agency

TOP FILIPINOS. Filipino professionals receive recognition during The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards 2025 at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on June 20-21, 2025. The awardees consisted of engineers, architects, and healthcare professionals. (Contributed photo)

DUBAI, UAE – Filipino excellence took center stage at The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards 2025, recognizing 71 outstanding Filipino professionals for their contributions to engineering, architecture, and healthcare in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

The event, held at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on June 20-21, was the first edition of the awards dedicated solely to honoring Filipino professionals in both countries.

Organized by New Perspective Media Group, publisher of The Filipino Times, the landmark awards event recognized winners carefully selected by a panel of experts from a competitive pool of more than 800 nominations.

These honorees embody the very best of Filipino talent in the Middle East, showcasing excellence in innovation, leadership, and community impact.

Raymond Balatbat, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with concurrent jurisdiction over the Republic of Yemen, congratulated the 71 Filipino awardees.

“This celebration not only celebrates the remarkable achievements of Filipino talent but also serves as a testament to the deep cultural and creative ties that bind our nations, Balatbat said.

“In our ever-evolving global landscape, your groundbreaking work stands at the forefront of innovation and progress. These awards recognize not only your technical expertise and creative vision but also the spirit of resilience and collaboration that defines our cultural kinship. This celebration is a testament to a future where ingenuity knows no borders.

“Congratulations to each honoree, whose success continues to inspire and uplift us all. Together, let us continue to drive progress and build bridges of understanding between our nations. Mabuhay!”

Here is the full list of awardees of The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards: Top Engineers, Architects, and Healthcare Professionals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain 2025:

Engineers and Architects (Saudi Arabia) – Engineers Victorino Abejero, Elmer Amador, Jay Animas, Don Aparicio, Leo Argoso Jr., Nasser Asain, Joy Carale Azur, Emerson Romero Cabrera, Renato Siquig Camacho, Zoilo Caringal, Luisito Carlos, Carlos Casenas Jr., Edgar Castilla Colmo, Ernel Tadea Cudal, Fernando Datu, Richard De Belen, Fredel De Vera, Michael Diwa, Aliw Carter Elamparo, Darwin Fernandez, Aldon Ray Balayo Fortaleza, Marlon Gacutan. Mories Galuso, Jan Michael Ganaban, Feleo Gines, Amir-Hussein Sinsuat Kamir, Brian Lacaba, Sherwin Ladiana, Franklin Panaguiton Laru-An, Jay-ar Legaste, Rogel Limjoco, Russel Lived, Lormel Taduran Magistrado, Erwin Mandia, Jeffrey Catapang Manguera, Johnny Manlangit, Rigel Quijada Pelayo, Rhoel Vincent Rabillas, Raymund Ralph Zalun Ramos, Rafael Rentutar Jr., Ricky Salavia, Rodolfo Saludez Jr., Lorenzo Santos, Franklin Morados Semilla, and Gregorio Guamos Tiamson; and Architects Geraldin Suede, Jan Marlou Luis, Jeoffrey Asis, Renato Lat, and Mario Fabian Manuel

Engineers and Architects (Bahrain): Engineers William Angelo Conejos Jr., Willard Ganea, and Samer Musa Mohamad.

Healthcare Professionals (Saudi Arabia): Divina Asug, Sandra Bonayon, Dr. Bernard Laxamana Carpio, Dr. Maurice Joy Cudal, Marie Dahlia Bobbie Fopalan, Paul Reinald Base Garcia, Haidee Haropohop, Maricris Ignacio, Rodemel Mar Maceda, Julius Jude Pastrana Mamaclay, Maykiel Terowa Mauro, Jose Rex Navarrosa, Ana Boy Olimba, Errol Andy Recinto, Dr. Jordan Tovera Salvador, Dr. Ma. Abigail Trinidad, and Glenn Ford Valdez

“Over the years, more and more Filipino professionals have shown the world what it truly means to build, to innovate, and to leave a legacy of excellence wherever they are. Earlier this year, The Filipino Times announced an exciting expansion of the highly acclaimed The Filipino Times Watchlist Awards,” said Dr. Karen Remo, CEO and founder of New Perspective Media Group, and CEO of The Filipino Times.