Two Filipino community leaders in Qatar recently made it to the roster of high-caliber awardees of the prestigious Global Filipino Icon Awards 2024.
Israel Gonzales Malabanan ‘Sky Gonzales’ and Jyerex Go Abrasado, CPA, both Doha-based Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW), received Star Icon Awards from the awarding body, Global Filipino Magazine.
The annual event spotlights outstanding Filipinos across the Middle East and beyond, celebrating influential Filipino community leaders who significantly impact their sectors worldwide. This year, Global Filipino Magazine, has announced that the ceremony will be held on May 17, at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Dubai, starting at 7pm.
The awards have become a significant event for the Filipino community, with the special participation of seasoned journalist Jessica Soho as this year’s guest of honor, adding a layer of distinction to the festivities.
The awardees for this year’s accolade include a diverse group of individuals who have shown remarkable influence and leadership in their respective fields. Gonzales and Abrasado are among the Filipino trailblazers from Qatar who made this mark.
Sky Gonzales
Sky, currently excelling as the Logistics/Warehouse Manager at Nasser Bin Khaled Heavy Equipment in Qatar, has masterfully climbed the ranks from an ordering officer to overseeing critical logistics and warehouse operations. His career is marked by a commitment to excellence and readiness in his field.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Sky is a founding director and the current Head of Marketing and Events for the Philippine Business Council (PBC) Qatar. His leadership extends to his role on the board of the Medical Mission Group Qatar Overseas Filipino Expatriates Hospital and Health Services Cooperative. He is a prominent figure in various community organizations, including the Qatar Black Gold Sapatilha Eagles Club, where he heads the Sponsorship committee.
The multi-talented leader, whose contributions resonate deeply within and beyond the Filipino community in Qatar, is also a dynamic entrepreneur, founding Sky Gonzales Sports, Entertainment Production International, and the innovative food venture, Manoks to GO. His diverse roles reflect his mantra in life: “Help others in any way you can,” which he embodies through his extensive community and business endeavors.
Jyerex Abrasado
A distinguished leader whose multifaceted contributions have made a profound impact on both professional and community fronts, Abrasado’s career trajectory is a testament to his expertise and leadership in accounting and finance.
Starting his international career in 2003 as a Group Accountant for Bin Harmal Group in Al Ain, the UAE, he quickly rose through the ranks.
By December 2023, he was entrusted with setting up an accounting department in Qatar, a role that paved the way for his position at KPMG Qatar External Audit.
Currently, as CEO of Business Partners Consulting LLC, he continues to impact the financial landscape significantly. His leadership extends beyond professional duties into significant community service. He is a founding director of multiple organizations, including the Philippine Business Council Qatar and the Medical Mission Group Overseas Filipino Expatriate Health Services Cooperative. His commitment is further demonstrated through his roles in the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants in various capacities and his involvement in financial literacy and entrepreneurship movements in Qatar.
Abrasado is also deeply committed to philanthropy, as evidenced by his initiatives like the Wisdom Seed Schooling Program, which offers scholarships to children in Mindanao, and various support activities for OFWs in distress. His dedication to service and excellence not only elevates the Filipino community but also sets a powerful example for leadership and compassion.
