Dubai is almost an extension of the Philippines already. Sooner or later, homesickness might just be a thing of the past.
With so much Filipinism happening in the past few years in the UAE, there are still great things coming ahead. Here are 18 more to look forward to in 2018:
FOOD
1. Shakey’s
‘za and mojos anyone? One of the first pizza parlors Filipinos loved is setting foot in Dubai. Watch out for updates from the Facebook page.
2. Gerry’s Grill
Finally! After years of ‘planning,’ Gerry’s Grill will open it’s first restaurant outside Philippines and US. I wonder how our favorite sisig, crispy pata, lechon kawali will be done “Dubai style” – chicken or beef. And shall we add non-alcoholic bevs to it?
3. CRO & their live music
Chef Richelle Ortiz Restobar which officially opened its doors late this year plans to bring in bigger acts to perform at the bar. They just had Ebe Dancel for their grand launch event. More big names to come this year. Para ka lang nag-19 East or Club Dredd, or nasa Eastwood or BGC.
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| SRO at CRO when Ebe Dancel started to play |
4. Pinoy Food Expo
The Philippine Business Council in Dubai has a Filipino food expo in the books. It aims to promote the goodness of Filipino food not only within our community but across other groups of nationalities as well. It will be participated by topnotch Filipino restaurants in the country from fine dining to street foods setup.
Shall we see manong shouting taho or balut? Or a banana Q and samalamig stands?
5. Chef Boy Logro
Paluto by Chef Boy Logro formally opened this month. He promised us that he will be flying to Dubai at least quarterly to personally see the restaurant and eventually do a live cooking from time to time. Ping ping ping!
5. Off The Hook Dubai
The only Filipino food chain shortlisted among the best seafood restaurants in Abu Dhabi at the 2017 Timeout Awards, OTH is set to capture the hearts of seafood lovers in Dubai.
BUSINESS, FINANCE & EDUCATION
6. ‎Eternitee
Filipino shirt and merchandise print brand, Eternitee is expected to revolutionize the way we do online shopping. The advocacy-driven business also aims to produce relevant campaign videos that highlights scenarios from the untapped situations of OFWs and how wisdom and an active spiritual walk can transform lives.
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| One of the many t-shirts you can buy at weareternitee.com |
7. Money Talks 2018
Randell Tiongson, together with Money Talks UAE group is bringing the best financial event for OFWs back in Dubai. This time, they’ll be also featuring, Marvin Germo, Toby Herbosa, and ANC’s resident financial adviser, Salve Duplito.
8. ICE Summit 2018
ICE Summit can be likened to TED Talks, focusing on stories and humble beginnings of Filipino achievers in the UAE. With the success of its first edition, a second staging is already in the works (at least, the last time I checked).
9. Ateneo – LSE
Ateneo is set to continue its popular enrichment program and advocacy for OFWs – the Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship short course. Yearly, it sees business projects from its students growing and going to the next level.
10. La Salle – Philippine Business School
Philippine Business School had a great first year in Dubai, and it promises to continue providing quality short courses in the coming year – even financial and business programs for kids.
MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
11. ‎Ely Buendia with Up Dharma Down
The postponed concert this year was announced to push through in 2018. We are waiting for further updates from the Voice International Events page.
12. ‎Tag Fest 2018
How would you like to hear LAKLAK live in Dubai? Teeth will have a reunion along with Moonstar 88, 6 Cycle Mind, and the returning Kamikazee as they are set to rock the 2018 edition of Tag Fest.
13. ‎Kamikazee Reunion Comeback
Dubai will be the first overseas venue of the much anticipated comeback of future hall of famers Kamikazee. The band will surely highlight Tagfest with their frolics and wacky acts as they showcase once again their energetic flare at the stage.
14. Filipino full-length film
With the success of Lamentasyon, the production team is already cooking something new for the coming year. It may not be a sequel of the hit movie, but definitely another masterpiece worthy of the Pinoy pride.
SPORTS
15. San Beda Basketball
The newly crowned NCAA champion, San Beda Red Lions lead by Finals MVP Robert Bolick will represent the Philippines in the annual Dubai Invitational Basketball Tournament in January.
16. Official PBA game
An official PBA game in Commisioner’s Cup or season-ending Governor’s Cup is in the pipeline.
FESTIVALS
17. ‎Sinulog & Bayanihan
If you had fun in Sinulog and Bayanihan 2017, watch out for more colorful fiestas prepared for 2018.
AND POSSIBLY
18. President Rodrigo Duterte (could be) visiting Dubai
He has planned to visit at the beginning of 2017, but it was pushed until it became indefinite. Again internal reports say it is planned next year, but still unconfirmed, that our beloved president will finally be visiting Dubai next year.
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Top photo is Gerry’s Grill Tagbilaran, photo courtesy of Bohol Guide. Other photos are sourced via Google image search.