the trainers
Zyra Rey, RN, MBA
Zyra, the Head of Instructors at AEI, brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the field of skills enhancement and education with her more than 11 years of experience as Nurse Educator. She holds master’s degrees in Nursing, Business & Management, and Business Administration. As well as a Professional Diploma in Journalism, Public Relations, and Digital Communication. Zyra believes in exploring various fields of knowledge and not just limiting oneself in a particular industry. Hence, her genuine love for studying and gaining another set of technical or artistic abilities. She advocates that no one is too old to learn new skills or pursue a different career.
Chef Josh Castillo
The Operations Manager of AEI and a skilled Barista and Bartending Trainer, Chef Josh melds a strong foundation in the food and beverage industry with technical adeptness, holding a bachelor's degree in computer programming and a master's in teaching methodology. His expertise spans coffee brewing methods, espresso extraction, latte art, and flavor profiles.
By keeping up-to-date with industry trends and techniques, he ensure an exceptional and innovative coffee experience for the students . As a Bartending Trainer, Chef Josh share expertise with aspiring bartenders, empowering them with the necessary knowledge and skill set to excel in the field. He imparts cocktail preparation techniques, mixology, and recipe creation skills. Josh's passion extends to exploring technology's role in enhancing F&B experiences, alongside a keen interest in flavor experimentation, mixology trends, and industry conferences, continually broadening his expertise.
Nolan Jhon Española Porado, RN
A licensed nurse in the Philippines with two and a half years of dedicated professional experience, Sir Nolan has been committed to training individuals in the fields of caregiving and nursing assistance, catering to both Filipino nationals and others. His steadfast belief centers around the principle that every individual deserves the chance to elevate their life's status. Advocating firmly for stepping out of comfort zones and pursuing aspirations through the transformative power of education.
Chef Ice Castillo
A culinary maestro specializing in baking and pastry arts, brings a wealth of experience as a revered industry expert and mentor. With extensive expertise in baking and culinary courses, she adeptly imparts her knowledge to aspiring chefs, blending creativity and technique seamlessly. Recognized for her mastery in baking, Chef Ice mentors aspiring talents, infusing practical industry insights into her training, nurturing a legacy of accomplished pastry chefs. Her commitment to culinary education shapes the future of culinary arts, inspiring and guiding the next generation of culinary talents with passion and expertise.
Jaz Castillo
Introducing Sir Jaz, a versatile professional bridging the worlds of business acumen and artistic finesse. Formerly an operations manager in the industry, he's now an influential trainer specializing in balloon artistry and flower arrangement. Leveraging extensive experience in operational management, Sir Jaz's forte lies in precision and efficiency. Yet, his genuine passion resides in the intricacies of balloon design and floral artistry. Today, he shares his wealth of knowledge by nurturing aspiring artists, imparting not just technical expertise but also fostering creativity and imagination. Through interactive workshops and hands-on sessions, Sir Jaz empowers individuals to unlock the transformative potential of balloons and flowers, turning ordinary spaces into captivating masterpieces. With a proven track record in both business management and the arts, Sir Jaz leaves an indelible mark, enriching spaces and inspiring countless individuals along the way.
James Javier
A Certified IELTS trainer at AEI, is an efficient and focused trainer with more than 5 years of work experience and proven knowledge of training IELTS examination preparation. He has excellent communication skills, instructional techniques, and organized and adaptive working methods. He holds a Bachelor’s degree majoring in English and Literature as well as an associate diploma in Sales and Marketing majoring in digital marketing in 2019.
ARLENE A. ORTUA
This individual has a diverse and impressive background in communication and education. With a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, she passed the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas licensure exam in 1996 and gained significant experience in community radio broadcasting. From 1992 to 2015, she was a prominent events emcee in Bicol and extended her reach to provinces like Batangas and Pampanga.
Her role as an English Proficiency Trainer from 2007 to 2013 allowed her to help numerous students and professionals improve their skills for personal and career advancement, especially in the BPO sector. While training, she also managed a local community radio station, contributing to grassroots education and development. Additionally, she trained contestants in declamation, oration, and speech choir, leveraging her own success as a prize-winning declaimer.
Since moving to the UAE, she has worked as an IELTS Preparatory and English Preparatory Trainer from 2016 until the pandemic, showcasing her commitment to education and lifelong learning. Her belief that it’s never too late to learn or start anew reflects her passion for growth and empowerment.
NITZ P. BAQUILID
Nitz is a skilled and dedicated dressmaking trainer, known for her passion for fashion and craftsmanship. With years of experience in the field, she has honed her expertise in sewing, pattern-making, and garment construction, sharing her knowledge with aspiring dressmakers. Her teaching approach combines technical precision with creativity, empowering her students to develop both practical and artistic skills. Ramonita's commitment to quality and attention to detail have made her a respected figure in the community, where she continues to inspire and guide the next generation of dressmakers.
ANGELICA M. GESTO
She is a dedicated trainer specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). With a strong educational background in AB English and extensive Applied Behavior Analysis training experience, she is passionate about helping individuals understand and manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Ms. Gesto conducts workshops and training sessions that empower mental health professionals and laypersons alike to apply CBT techniques effectively. Her engaging teaching style, combined with a deep understanding of therapeutic principles, enables her students to gain practical skills and insights. Committed to promoting mental well-being, Ms. Gesto plays a vital role in advancing the practice of CBT in diverse settings.
RENAN M. ALCALA
With nearly 14 years of experience in the media industry, he have established a solid foundation in business development, focusing on content creation and digital marketing. Throughout his career, He have honed his expertise in crafting innovative strategies that drive engagement, build brand presence, and deliver measurable results. His journey has been shaped by a commitment to understanding market trends and leveraging cutting-edge tools to meet the dynamic needs of businesses in an ever-evolving landscape.
As the owner of a thriving media and event company in the UAE, he's been passionate about catering to the region’s growing demands while empowering individuals and organizations to reach their full potential. Guided by his mission to help people achieve self-development and foster business growth, he strive to create impactful solutions that inspire transformation and success. His vision is to bridge creativity and strategy, enabling clients to thrive in today’s competitive environment.
ELIZABETH S. TABANAO
Age has never hindered her from serving as an instructor who has profoundly impacted the lives of many OFWs. Through her tireless and selfless dedication, she continues to share her expertise, helping advance the careers of OFW students both during her tenure at Filipino schools and beyond.
She has generously shared her knowledge and experiences across various fields, including Healthcare, Logistics, Sales and Marketing, Business Development, Facilities Management, and Leadership.
A woman of simplicity and purpose, she began her journey in the UAE as a registered nurse. Her work with diverse companies not only provided her with extensive and profound experiences but also ensured a stable livelihood for her family back home.
Her unwavering commitment and support for every OFW she encountered have earned her numerous achievements and accolades. She is a staunch advocate for promoting and enhancing OFW education in the UAE.
With a wealth of expertise in staff training, mentoring, team building, and fostering motivation, she remains an inspirational figure in her field and a beacon of hope for many.