People – PowerUp City Magazine

Chef Pillai

Riza Castillo — Fri, 15 May 2026 14:21:38 +0000

Chef Pillai is one of India’s most recognized culinary personalities, known for bringing authentic South Indian cuisine to global audiences through restaurants, television, cookbooks, and mentorship.

During an interview with restaurateur Mateo Ramos, Chef Pillai spoke about authenticity, mentorship, and the persistence that shaped his journey from humble kitchens in Kerala to international success. His story mirrors the spirit of this issue’s theme, Continuity is Power, showing how persistence, passion, and staying rooted in identity can create impact across generations and borders.

There is an inviting energy that defines a room when Chef Pillai is in it. It is a kindness that arrives at the table even faster than his signature dishes.

This comfort likely stems from his storytelling and the quiet sincerity in his voice when he speaks of people and spices. But mostly, it comes from the weight of the journey itself. His is a path paved not with shortcuts but with the steady and rhythmic persistence of someone who simply refused to stop moving forward.

During a conversation with Mateo Ramos in Bahrain, Chef Pillai spoke openly about the path that brought him from humble beginnings in Kerala to becoming one of India’s most recognizable culinary figures today.

The story did not begin with fame, television, or international restaurant openings.

It began with necessity.

After being unable to continue college, Chef Pillai worked different jobs, including as a security guard and waiter. Eventually, he found himself helping inside restaurant kitchens, preparing ingredients and assisting chefs wherever needed.

“I accidentally became a chef,” he shared candidly.

What started as survival slowly became purpose.

The Kitchens That Shaped Him

He spent years learning the realities of kitchen life by working his way through local spots and five-star hotels across India. A major turning point came in 2005 when he moved to London to work at the celebrated Veeraswamy near Piccadilly Circus.

“London changed my perspective,” he explains. “I saw how international kitchens handled ingredients with such precision. It gave me a new respect for balance in cooking. But at the same time, I realized how much I wanted my own culture to be seen. Kerala is a spice land. Our cuisine is important, and I want that food to travel.”

Even as he mastered the high-pressure environment of a historic London kitchen, his instincts stayed close to the flavors of home. He saw that the techniques he was learning could carry South Indian food to a global audience.

The Balance Between Tradition and Change

The way Chef Pillai cooks today is a conversation between his past and his present. He keeps the soul of South Indian food intact while allowing it to grow for a modern audience. He is clear about where he draws the line on tradition.

“I look for maybe 80 percent authenticity and 20 percent innovation,” he says. “You have to evolve. People’s lifestyles change, their diets change, and the food has to reflect that without losing its identity.”

This is what continuity looks like in practice. He proves that you can honor your roots without remaining fixed in the past. As he looks toward a future of opening 100 restaurants around the globe, the scale of his ambition is vast, yet the substance of the work has not changed from those early kitchens.

Where Passion Creates Opportunity

One of the most striking parts of the conversation came when Chef Pillai spoke about mentorship. He doesn’t look for formal credentials or impressive resumes.

“To be a great chef, you need hunger,” he says firmly. “Passion matters more than degrees. I have seen freshers (new recruits) come into my kitchen with nothing and become great chefs. In London, I trained people from Eastern Europe who had never seen a dosa. I taught them how to make the perfect Malabar parotta. If someone is willing to learn, I am willing to show them.”

For him, the real power of his career comes from passing that knowledge to the next person. He views his kitchen as a classroom where the only requirement is the desire to improve.

“Passion matters more than degrees.
I have seen freshers come into my kitchen with nothing and become great chefs."

How Sharing Built a Global Audience

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chef Pillai made a decision that surprised many people around him. Instead of protecting his signature recipes, he openly shared them online through social media. At the time, he had a modest online following. Within days of posting detailed cooking tutorials and recipes, his audience rapidly grew to hundreds of thousands. Many questioned why he would reveal dishes that defined his restaurants.

For Chef Pillai, the answer was simple. Food was never meant to be kept hidden. He believed people should still experience comfort, culture, and connection even from their own homes. Sharing recipes became another way of extending hospitality beyond restaurant walls.

The Continuity Of Purpose

Throughout the interview, Chef Pillai returned repeatedly to one idea: people.

The joy of feeding people. The importance of mentoring young chefs. The responsibility of carrying culture forward through food. That consistency of purpose has remained unchanged from his earliest days in the kitchen to the global recognition he now carries.

His story reflects the spirit of continuity not through repetition, but through alignment. The vision evolves. The scale grows. The settings change. But the purpose remains the same. In an industry often defined by trends and speed, Chef Pillai’s journey stands as a reminder that meaningful success is rarely built overnight.

Sometimes it begins quietly, inside a kitchen, with someone simply willing to keep showing up every day.

The Art of Presence

Brent Domingo — Fri, 15 May 2026 09:31:04 +0000

In diplomacy, presence is never accidental. Every gesture, detail, and impression carries meaning long before a conversation begins. For Moira Garcia Gallaga, years of serving three Philippine Presidents shaped a strong sense of discipline, confidence, and intentional style. She expresses that philosophy through a modern Filipiniana identity grounded in heritage, structure, and quiet elegance.

When PowerUp City met with Moira Garcia Gallaga, what stood out was how naturally she carries herself. Beyond fashion, the conversation reflected her quiet confidence, discipline, and strong sense of identity. She incorporates touches of Filipiniana into her outfits in a subtle and modern way, while still respecting the culture and fashion of the country she is in. Her style is personal, elegant, and effortless rather than driven by trends or labels.

Now based in Bahrain alongside her husband, His Excellency, Philippine Ambassador Gines Jaime Ricardo D. Gallaga, she shares how confidence, intention, and authenticity shape the way a person carries themselves through fashion.

"Continuity is about staying true. It’s the discipline of showing up as the same person, present, grounded, and aligned with who you are."

Intention In Every Detail

For Moira, style has never been about excess or performance. It begins with awareness.

“It’s rooted in intention and identity,” she shares. “I dress with purpose because how we present ourselves is a quiet act of respect for the space we enter, the people we meet, and ourselves.”

That philosophy is visible in the way she carries herself. Structured silhouettes, refined tailoring, and modern Filipiniana elements come together with clarity and restraint. Nothing appears accidental. Every detail is aligned.

Her sharply defined pixie cut has become part of that signature presence, clean, confident, and unmistakably modern. It complements an aesthetic that balances strength with softness, tradition with contemporary form.

In many ways, her style mirrors the discipline required in diplomacy itself: composed under pressure, thoughtful in execution, and grounded in identity.

Carrying Heritage Forward

Moira’s sense of style is shaped by both lived experience and cultural memory. Early influences came from women whose elegance carried resilience. Over time, her professional background strengthened her understanding of detail and intention.

“Serving three Philippine Presidents taught me that details matter,” she reflects.

Her Filipino heritage remains the strongest thread running through her aesthetic. Filipiniana is integrated into her wardrobe as a contemporary expression of identity, evolving with each setting while retaining its essence.

“I consciously weave Filipiniana into my wardrobe as a modern statement. It’s my way of carrying home with me, wherever we are posted.”

A Distinct Signature

Moira’s style is shaped through thoughtful curation. She draws from Filipino designers who reinterpret traditional textiles such as piña and abaca, pairing them with structured international pieces that introduce clarity and form.

“I love mixing pieces to create my own signature,” she shares.

Tailored blazers, clean lines, and bold accessories complement the intricacy of Filipiniana craftsmanship. Her collection of Filipiniana bags adds another layer of identity, each piece reflecting artistry and cultural depth.

The Structure Behind The Style

In diplomatic settings, presentation carries meaning beyond aesthetics. Moira approaches style as both expression and responsibility, understanding the role it plays in representing identity and culture.

Her years in protocol continue to inform her perspective. Precision, structure, and thoughtful execution remain central to how she approaches both professional and personal presentation.

“Form is just as important as substance,” she explains. “Everything is deliberate.”

That balance between preparation and intuition creates an ease that appears effortless from the outside, even when built on careful consideration.

"Fashion is how I tell my story without saying a word."

Consistency in Motion

Diplomatic life is built around movement, adaptation, and constant change. Through shifting cities, cultures, and formal spaces, Moira has maintained a strong sense of continuity.

“Continuity is about staying true. It’s the discipline of showing up as the same person, present, grounded, and aligned with who you are.”

That consistency is what gives her presence its strength. Not repetition, but clarity.

In an era where personal branding often leans toward noise and visibility, Moira Gallaga represents something quieter and far more lasting: the power of intention.

Every appearance is considered. Every detail is grounded. Every moment reflects identity carried with purpose.

HRH Prince Salman Issues Director Appointment Decision

Carl John Violeta — Sun, 10 May 2026 16:09:59 +0000

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, has issued Decision No. (18) of 2026 regarding new appointments within the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications. 🇧🇭

As part of the latest leadership updates, Mohammed Abdullah Ali was appointed as Director of Information Technology Management, strengthening the ministry’s administrative and technological leadership during a period of continued digital growth across the Kingdom.

The appointment highlights Bahrain’s ongoing efforts to modernize government operations and expand the role of technology across key national sectors. The Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications remains central to the Kingdom’s infrastructure development, overseeing transportation systems, aviation services, telecommunications, and digital connectivity initiatives.

The Information Technology Management division plays a critical role in supporting smart government systems, cybersecurity, digital platforms, and operational efficiency within the ministry. Leadership appointments in this sector reflect the increasing importance of technology-driven governance as Bahrain continues pushing forward with innovation and digital transformation goals.

Bahrain has continued investing heavily in advanced technology, smart infrastructure, and digital public services in recent years, positioning itself as one of the Gulf region’s growing hubs for digital innovation and government modernization.

Bahrain Sends Wishes to His Highness Sheikh Nasser

Carl John Violeta — Fri, 08 May 2026 15:51:34 +0000

As Bahrain celebrates the birthday of His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, tributes continue to pour in from across the Kingdom and the wider region, recognizing his impact across sports, youth empowerment, humanitarian work, and national development.

Known for his active role in advancing Bahrain’s global sporting presence, His Highness Sheikh Nasser has become one of the Kingdom’s most prominent figures in both regional and international arenas. From endurance racing and equestrian achievements to youth initiatives and humanitarian programs, his leadership has helped position Bahrain as a growing force in sports diplomacy and innovation.

Over the years, His Highness Sheikh Nasser has played a major role in supporting Bahrain’s athletic ecosystem, backing local talent while strengthening the Kingdom’s reputation on the world stage. His involvement in endurance sports, in particular, has brought international attention to Bahrain, with Team Bahrain Victorious continuing to compete prominently across global cycling and endurance events.

Beyond sports, His Highness Sheikh Nasser remains closely connected to initiatives focused on empowering Bahraini youth, encouraging innovation, leadership, and community engagement. His support for charitable and humanitarian causes has also contributed to multiple regional and international initiatives aimed at promoting solidarity and social development.

Across social media platforms, birthday greetings from officials, athletes, organizations, and members of the public highlighted appreciation for his continued contributions to Bahrain’s progress and cultural identity. Messages praised his leadership, ambition, and role in inspiring younger generations across the Kingdom.

The occasion also reflects the growing influence of Bahrain’s modern leadership in shaping the country’s future across sectors including sports, culture, sustainability, and international cooperation.

As celebrations continue, many across Bahrain are using the moment to recognize the achievements and initiatives associated with His Highness Sheikh Nasser, whose presence continues to play a visible role in the Kingdom’s evolving national vision.

Crown Prince Receives UAE Ambassador at Riffa Palace

PowerUpAdmin — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 07:52:08 +0000

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister o Bahrain, received the UAE Ambassador to Bahrain, His Excellency Fahad Mohammed Salem Kardous Alameri, at Riffa Palace on Sunday.

The meeting reflected the steady working relationship between the two countries, built over decades of close coordination at the leadership level.

A Continuing Partnership

HRH Prince Salman pointed to the depth of Bahrain-UAE ties, anchored by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

He acknowledged the role of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed in supporting Bahrain’s development, describing his contributions as consistent and meaningful to the Kingdom’s progress.

The Crown Prince said the relationship between the two nations rests on shared history and a common outlook on regional growth, calling it a model of cooperation in the Gulf.

Regional Context

The two also discussed current regional and international developments, along with issues of mutual interest.

The Ambassador thanked HRH the Crown Prince for his commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, and conveyed his wishes for Bahrain’s continued progress.

Why It Matters

Bahrain and the UAE remain among the closest partners in the Gulf, coordinating regularly on economic, security, and regional policy matters.

Meetings of this kind do not introduce new agreements, but they signal continuity — a reminder that alignment between Manama and Abu Dhabi is treated as routine maintenance, not occasional diplomacy.

In Attendance

Also present at the meeting were HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Court, and HE Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy.

Chinese Special Envoy Meets Bahrain’s Foreign Minister to Discuss Gulf Security

PowerUpAdmin — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:43:13 +0000

Bahrain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, received Zhai Jun, Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on Middle East Affairs, during an official meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Manama as part of the envoy’s visit to the Kingdom.

The discussions focused on the longstanding diplomatic and economic relations between Bahrain and the People’s Republic of China, as well as the latest regional developments affecting the Gulf.

Regional Security and Recent Attacks Discussed

During the meeting, both sides reviewed the ongoing regional situation, including the recent Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting Bahrain and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. Officials discussed the resulting human and material losses and the broader implications for regional stability, energy security, maritime navigation, and international trade routes.

The talks come amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region, where attacks on energy facilities and infrastructure have raised concerns about disruptions to global oil markets and shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors for energy supplies.

Cooperation Through the United Nations

The two sides also explored ways to strengthen cooperation through international institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council, where both countries frequently coordinate on key regional and global issues.

Officials emphasized the importance of diplomatic dialogue and multilateral cooperation in addressing security challenges and maintaining stability across the Middle East.

China has increasingly positioned itself as a diplomatic actor in the region in recent years, advocating for peaceful solutions to conflicts and greater international cooperation on security and development issues.

Strong Bahrain–China Relations

Bahrain and China share expanding ties across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, infrastructure development, and energy cooperation. China is one of Bahrain’s major trading partners and a key participant in projects connected to the Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to strengthen economic connectivity across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Over the past decade, cooperation between the two countries has grown in areas such as logistics, financial services, technology, and industrial development, reflecting Bahrain’s strategic role as a regional business and financial hub.

Officials in Attendance

The meeting was attended by several senior officials from Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including:

Ambassador Shaikh Abdullah bin Ali Al Khalifa, Director-General of Bilateral Relations
Ambassador Saeed Abdulkhaleq Saeed, Head of the Coordination and Follow-up Sector
Ambassador Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Acting Head of the Asian Affairs Sector

The visit highlights Bahrain’s ongoing diplomatic engagement with global partners as the Kingdom works to promote regional stability and safeguard international economic and trade interests.

More on City News

Young Star Freddy Schott Clinches Dramatic Victory at Bahrain Championship

PowerUpAdmin — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 10:30:43 +0000

Golf fans at Bahrain’s Royal Golf Club witnessed a serious showdown as Germany’s Freddy Schott captured his first DP World Tour title at the 2026 Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship after a tense three-man playoff.

The tournament—part of the DP World Tour’s International Swing—brought a global field of top players to the Kingdom, turning Bahrain into a major stop on the region’s winter golf calendar.

A Final Round Full of Twists

Heading into Sunday’s final round, Scotland’s Calum Hill held the lead at 16-under, with Schott just two shots behind and chasing his first tour win.

But golf rarely follows a script. The leaderboard shuffled constantly as Hill, Schott, and former Masters champion Patrick Reed traded birdies and bogeys throughout the day. Reed briefly surged into contention after a run of birdies on the back nine before late mistakes pulled him back into the pack.

By the end of regulation, the trio were locked at 17-under-par, forcing a sudden-death playoff in front of a buzzing crowd at Royal Golf Club.

Playoff Drama in Bahrain

The playoff delivered pure golf drama. Reed was eliminated early after a wayward drive put him out of position, while Hill’s hopes unraveled on the second playoff hole after a tee shot went out of bounds followed by another costly mistake into the water.

That opened the door for Schott, who kept his composure and chipped close to seal the win—earning his first career DP World Tour title and a major milestone in his young career.

A Breakthrough Moment

For the 23-year-old German golfer, the victory marked a breakthrough moment. Schott finished the tournament with rounds of 65, 67, 70 and 69, putting him firmly in the spotlight on the global golf stage and boosting his position in the Race to Dubai rankings.

Bahrain’s Growing Role in Global Golf

Now in its third edition, the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship continues to cement the Kingdom’s reputation as a key stop on the DP World Tour. Played on the desert-style championship course designed by golf legend Colin Montgomerie, the Royal Golf Club’s layout—with strategic water hazards and demanding fairways—tests even the most seasoned pros.

With rising stars breaking through and global names battling it out under Bahrain’s winter sun, the tournament is quickly becoming one of the Middle East’s most exciting stops on the professional golf calendar.

From Fighter to Founder – The Courage Behind Brave CF

PowerUpAdmin — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 09:27:49 +0000

In this exclusive conversation with the Power Up City team, Mohammed Shahid speaks candidly about the evolution of Brave Combat Federation and the values that shaped its rise. He shares lessons drawn from his own journey. From his early struggles as a fighter to his mission of creating a global system that empowers athletes, Shahid’s story is one of vision, conviction, and transformation — both personal and professional.

Courageous Beginnings

In the early days of mixed martial arts in Bahrain, opportunity wasn’t handed to anyone easily. For Mohammed Shahid, that meant flying to Thailand just to find fights, learning from scratch, and teaching himself through every bout and bruised lesson.

“There were no competitions in the region,” Shahid recalls. “So I had to fly to Thailand to compete and it was not MMA, it was Muay Thai. It’s easier to get a weekly fight to gain knowledge. When I came back, I opened Bahrain’s first MMA gym and then started teaching and competing.”

His journey began from persistence.With limited resources, he trained, taught, and saved just enough to fund his next flight and had one fight at a time. What he didn’t realize then was that his pursuit would lay the foundation for something far bigger. The rise of a movement that would eventually make Bahrain a global name in combat sports.

Brave or Reckless?

“There’s only one name we could give this organization. They said it has to be Brave. And there’s nothing else.”

Courage, Shahid says, is at the heart of everything he does but courage without preparation is disruption. “If you don’t have the opportunity, go find it and prepare for it,” he says. “That’s the difference between being brave and being reckless.”

That mindset shaped his path as a fighter and ignited his passion for the sport itself.

Shahid found an opportunity when he met His Highness Sheikh Khalid (bin Hamad Al Khalifa) at a Desert Force event in 2014. “He knows so much about Mixed Martial Arts, not as a fan, but he knows the inside out of the sport itself. That changed my mind.” His Highness raised a significant question for MMA in Bahrain at that time, “How can we give 200,000 athletes the same opportunities we gave to twenty?”

His Highness wanted to build a team with the purpose of “reforming the system to give fighters a structure, a lifestyle and a future.”

Despite knowing the obstacles that would come with it, Shahid took the challenge, “It’s not an easy task to create an organization. We know that it takes a lot, finance and everything else added to it.” In preparation, “We did our homework, we studied and went through the industry really well”. Shahid recalled, ”We didn’t know what the result would be. And I think everything came in together at the right time.”

True enough, since its founding in 2016, Brave Combat Federation has grown into one of the top MMA organizations in the world, hosting events across continents and building a global network that connects fighters, coaches, and communities.

Reaching Brave 100

This year marks a milestone for Brave Combat Federation — its 100th global event, set to unfold in Manama, Bahrain. For Shahid,it’s a celebration of growth and purpose fulfilled.

As Brave reached this landmark moment, Shahid reflected, “It started with a reform to change the system of Combat Sports and bring MMA into the sports business model where you have the franchises, you have the teams, you have a governing body to govern the whole industry.”

Never doubting this possibility, he is proud to see young Bahraini athletes carrying the confidence that didn’t exist then. “They look like they’re going to dominate every single athlete in front of them.” “ You can see a different aura in their energy now.”

Among the night’s must-watch bouts mirrors Bahrain’s own MMA journey, Hamza Kooheji’s title fight.

Fans are also buzzing about the long-awaited showdown between Mohammed Mokaev and Gerard Burns. This matchup is rich with rivalry, skill, and narrative. Mokaev, returning full circle to Brave after a perfect run, is fighting for the flyweight title in a division that has never crowned a champion in the organization’s history.

Consistent Community Contribution

While Brave grew on the world stage, Shahid and his team never lost sight of the community that built them. Over the years, Brave has supported different initiatives, including programs for children with special needs.

“One of the most beautiful things we did,” he recalls, “was during Combat Week, when we invited children with special needs to train alongside our national team. Their teachers said they saw real physical and emotional improvement.”

He smiles, recalling one young participant who pointed to a poster of His Highness Sheikh Khalid and said, ‘I want to fight him.’

What began as an innocent challenge turned into a heartwarming moment that captured the spirit of Brave. “His Highness sent a video saying, ‘I accept your challenge,’ and during the opening ceremony of the World Championship, that child walked into the cage and lived his dream,” Shahid says. “It was unforgettable.”

Inclusion doesn’t stop there. Shahid is also a firm believer that women belong at the center of MMA’s growth, as athletes, fans, and equal contributors to the sport’s global evolution.

“People often think MMA is a male sport,” he says. “But 47% of combat sports viewership comes from women, no other sport can say that.”

He points to icons like Ronda Rousey, who once rivaled Floyd Mayweather in pay-per-view sales and global impact, as proof that the sport offers true fairness. “In MMA, a woman can break the same records a man can. The fastest knockout, whether male or female, can happen in seconds. That’s equality of opportunity.”

Shahid agrees that MMA in Bahrain has grown and reached young athletes, women, or children with special needs, everyone.

Vision for the Youth

When asked for his message for the young generation. Shahid’s advice is firm,

“There’s no shortcut. Be committed, be consistent, have discipline, and put in the work,” he says. “Those values are the real victory.”

He points to Hamza Kooheji, Bahrain’s top MMA fighter, as proof of that principle. “Hamza said something that stuck with me, winning or losing the title doesn’t matter. What matters is that for ten years, nothing changed in his discipline. That’s his real success.”

Beyond the Octagon

Behind the structure and strategy, Mohammed Shahid remains, at heart, a lifelong athlete and a lover of sport in all its forms. His work with KHK Sports has exposed him to many sports, from e-sports and cricket to rowing but his heart is with football and MMA.

He laughs when asked how he balances them. “I’m involved in many sports as part of my job,” he says. “But from the heart? I would say that football is that high school girlfriend, and ‘wife’ is MMA now.”

Football, he explains, was his first love. It is the sport that shaped his sense of teamwork and competition. MMA, on the other hand, became a lifelong commitment. “When I miss a football match, it hurts,” he admits. “But when I’m at a Brave or UFC event, I don’t feel that — because I’m where I’m meant to be.”

It’s this blend of heart and discipline that defines Shahid’s personality, two sides of the same that drives excellence.