Philippine Business Council Dubai marks 25 years with a Legacy Book and 27 November gala

The Philippine Business Council Dubai and Northern Emirates is marking its 25th anniversary with a Legacy Book, Legacy Awards and a black-tie gala on 27 November at Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, where it will recognise 25 Trailblazers and launch its commemorative book.

The Philippine Business Council Dubai and Northern Emirates (PBC-DNE) is celebrating its silver anniversary with a Legacy Book, a Gala Dinner and Legacy Awards that honour the founders, past leaders, members and partners who shaped the group, Expat Media and The Global Filipino Magazine reported on 11 November.

The non-profit council was established on 6 April 2001 through the initiative of the Philippine Embassy in the UAE. It is licensed by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and promotes economic and cultural exchange between the Philippines and the UAE. In 2024, it was recognised among the UAE's top five business councils out of 57 business groups and councils in the country, according to Expat Media.

The gala on 27 November

The council's event page says Legacy: PBC 25 Years will gather archive photographs from 2001 to 2026, leadership messages, awards and recognitions, profiles of the 25 Trailblazers, and the partners who made it possible. Copies can be reserved by email, and the council will confirm the price and collection details.

Four chairs, four chapters

Lucille Ong served as the council's first chairwoman. Marian Bobbie Suarez Carella, founder and chief catalyst of The Catalyst House, became involved in 2013 and led its relaunch as chairwoman a year later, introducing EduBiz, a continuing education initiative, and SoBiz for social and professional networking. Expat Media said the council's work with federal-level institutions in that period led to opportunities for members, including invitations to apply for the UAE Golden Visa.

Edwin Duria, managing director of PLAY ME Business Consultancy FZE, joined in 2014 and served as chairman in 2023. He encouraged board members to lead by example in meeting their membership commitments and brought member-owned businesses into council activities, including engaging food and beverage entrepreneurs to cater events.

Evangeline "Asiyah" Monjardin, owner and managing director of Multiline Design & Contracting LLC, took the chair in 2025. Under her term the council launched a Retail and Trade Subcommittee, a Travel and Hospitality Subcommittee and a Women's Business Network, and in 2026 it introduced the PBC Future Founders Camp for Teenagers. Since February 2026, it has assisted coordination with government agencies including the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration on repatriation efforts and provided 800 Bayanihan meals through its corporate social responsibility work.

PBC’s legacy is measured by sound governance, opportunities created, relationships built and the people and businesses supported.

Monjardin said this in remarks carried by both outlets. Looking ahead, she said the council would continue to strengthen governance, institutional relationships and member participation, while creating more opportunities for young entrepreneurs, women and different business sectors.

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