OFWs now have an exclusive place to comfortably spend idle time waiting for their flights at NAIA Terminal 1. The design is patterned after some VIP passenger lounges on certain airlines. Here are a few quick details about the lounge:
Free to use by OFWs, regardless of what type and class of plane tickets you hold.
Free and unlimited snacks and refreshments
Free coffee (brewed and instant)
Free use of Charging stations for cell phones
Free WiFi
Comfortable seating (approximately 50 seats)
OWWA help desk is available for questions concerning OFW
Power outlets are available for those who want to use laptops
Open 24/7
What are the requirements to use the OFW lounge?
Ang sasabihin mo lang, “Ako ay OFW.” Tapos!
OWWA Administrator Arnel Ignacio, on requirements to use the OFW Lounge
According to OWWA Administrator Arnel Ignacio, “Naku! Napakaraming requirements! Ang sasabihin mo lang, ‘Ako ay OFW.’ Tapos!“
Free food & beverages at the OFW LoungeOWWA Help Desk is available for OFW concerns
Where is the OFW lounge located at NAIA?
4th Floor, Departure Area of NAIA Terminal 1 More OFW lounges will open at NAIA Terminal 3 and other international airports in Clark, Cebu, and Davao. The lounge is a project of the House of Representatives, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Department of Migrant Workers, and Manila International Airport Authority.
Philippines ball club Strong Group Athletics (SGA), featuring NBA superstar Dwight Howard, is set to kick off their games at the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championships this Friday, facing off against the UAE National Team.
Schedule of games
Check out the poster below with the full schedule of the elimination round games for the team from January 19 to 24.
SGA-Philippines features a roster with a mix of NBA vets and Philippine collegiate stars. Here are the rest of the team joining Dwight Howard:
Andray Blatche (Gilas)
Jordan Heading (Gilas)
Justine Baltazar (Gilas, MPBL)
McKenzie Moore (former PBA import)
Andre Roberson (NBA – OKC)
Joel Cagulangan (UP)
Kevin Quiambao (La Salle, UAAP MVP)
Francis Escandor (La Salle)
Tony Ynot (Saint Benilde)
Allen Liwag (Saint Benilde)
Justine Sanchez (Saint Benilde)
The coaching staff is also formidable, with returning coach Charles Tiu getting an assist from UAAP champion coach Topex Robinson of La Salle and Australia National Team coach Brian Goorjian, who also coached the Bay Area Dragons in the PBA last year.
In a groundbreaking move for Philippine basketball, former NBA champion and eight-time All-Star, Dwight Howard, is set to make waves wearing the Philippine uniform at the Dubai International Basketball Championship. Howard’s basketball journey began with his selection as the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic, solidifying his status as a basketball luminary with remarkable athleticism and a dominating presence.
With an illustrious career, Howard boasts eight NBA All-Star selections, three NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards, and a gold medal from the 2008 Olympics with Team USA. Notably, 2020 saw him clinch an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, showcasing not only his individual brilliance but also his ability to contribute to a championship-winning team.
The announcement of Howard joining the Philippine side, Strong Group, has sparked immense anticipation among local fans. His arrival is not just a boost for the team but an opportunity for Filipino enthusiasts to witness a global basketball icon in action, sharing the court with homegrown talents.
The Strong Group, known for its fast-paced and skillful gameplay, is poised to benefit from Howard’s versatile skills. His tenacity, rebounding prowess, shot-blocking finesse, and offensive capabilities make him an ideal fit for the dynamic style often embraced in the Philippines. Beyond being a significant addition to the team, Howard’s involvement signifies a convergence of international excellence and the rich basketball culture embedded in the Philippines.
As Howard readies himself to represent the Philippines, his impact extends beyond the court. His journey from NBA stardom to embracing the heart of Philippine basketball reflects a fusion of global acclaim and the passionate basketball culture that defines the nation. In a concise yet monumental move, Dwight Howard’s imminent presence in the Dubai Championship stands to leave an indelible mark on the narrative of Philippine basketball, inspiring the next generation of Filipino hoop dreams.
Here’s Shams Charania breaking the news:
Eight-time NBA All-Star Dwight Howard is signing a contract to continue his basketball career abroad, details here: pic.twitter.com/U3KeDWUynL
The following article is my wife Raqz’s testimony:
During my 20th week of pregnancy, the doctor, who specializes in fetal medicine, informed us that there was something wrong with the baby in my womb.
From the scan, we learned that the baby’s cerebellum was smaller than normal. The cerebellum is the part of the brain responsible for motor sensory development. Additionally, the doctor noticed that the baby’s kidneys had an unusual horseshoe shape, meaning they were connected. The doctor emphasized that this was a serious case and explained all possible deformities and disabilities.
At that moment, the doctor mentioned that some parents might choose to terminate the pregnancy given this situation. She asked us if we were considering the same due to possible issues for the baby. This news was shocking, and her way of delivering it caught us off guard. However, we knew deep down that terminating the pregnancy was not an option for us.
Processing things
On our way home, we were in tears, trying to process what we had just heard.
In the following visits, we hoped to see the cerebellum growing as the pregnancy progressed, but unfortunately, it didn’t catch up in growth. The doctor even said that catching up was unlikely, even as the pregnancy continues to progress.
The doctor asked us again if we were certain about continuing the pregnancy. We repeatedly reassured her that we would never terminate and would embrace whatever God had created while hoping for a miracle to change the course of the baby’s development.
We also started to think about the huge financial expenses that would come along. We were wondering if our insurance would even cover such rare medical cases.
Did we seek second opinion?
After many difficult conversations, Ion and I made an effort to fully entrust the situation to the Lord. We chose not to seek a second opinion or gather more information about the condition. We also stopped looking at the financial aspect of things. This will just burden us more.
God spoke to me through Isaiah 41:10, which says…
“so do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
This is the scripture I meditate on day and night.
Praying for miracle
We prayed for a miracle every day, with our family, friends, and small groups. We felt that our personal relationship with God made it easier to let go of things beyond our control, especially every time we read or heard devotions that aligned with our circumstances back then.
During this challenging time, Ion’s company unexpectedly introduced a new benefit for parents of children with disabilities. It was incredible how the Lord seemed to provide, though I humorously prayed, ”Lord, of all your provisions, ito yata Lord yung ayaw kong gamitin. Lord, if it is your will, please enable our baby to be born normal and healthy.” I pleaded with the Lord.
Because Cedie’s case was rare, our fetal doctor referred us to the Chairman of SEHA in Abu Dhabi for further assessment, including an MRI of my womb. Usually, only the rarest cases are sent to the chairman.
Isn’t it amazing? When we chose not to seek another opinion, God opened up an opportunity for us—not to only see another doctor, but to see the chairman of the highest health authority in the country.
After two procedures, the chairman confirmed the small cerebellum finding. However, unlike my other doctor, she encouraged us to hold onto hope for mild symptoms.
This felt more comforting for us. We believed that with our surrender to the Lord, we could remain steadfast even in the face of a difficult situation.
We hold on to one of our favorite scriptures in the Bible, knowing that the same God who made all things beautiful for us before will be the same God who will make all things work together for good. As Romans 8:28 says:
“…in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
It does not say all things are good; it says that God works IN ALL THINGS – good or not – for the good of those who love him.
So, despite the circumstances, our family continued to find joy in our roles as husband and wife and as parents to our other two children.
The months leading to delivery felt like any other pregnancy anticipation. My health was good; only Cedie’s brain development posed a challenge. Yet Ion and I remained unfazed. We had a strong sense that God was at work behind the scenes.
We were more focused on how big God is, not how big the problem is.
The Delivery
On the delivery day, a team of around 15 medical professionals stood ready in case any symptoms appeared.
Nervousness crept in, but we clung to prayer. Our constant communication with God helped us maintain joy in our hearts regardless of the outcome.
The operation took an hour and 20 minutes. When I heard Cedie’s first cry, I couldn’t hold back my tears. Ion, holding my hand, was also emotional.
After observing Cedie, the medical team informed us that they did not see any signs of neurological problems, so they let the baby stay with me before they transferred him to the N.I.C.U. for further observation.
When they handed him to me to nurse, he latched on easily. Ion and I were overwhelmed with joy, as this was one of the signs we were hoping for, considering the initial concerns about feeding due to the brain findings.
Surprisingly, none of the doctors’ initial expectations were found.
The MRI performed at 1 month though confirmed that he has a small cerebellum, but his brain is functioning as normal. And praise God for Cedie’s calm behavior during the one-hour loud MRI procedure. He was just sleeping all along.
Follow-up appointments with the Neuro-Pedia doctors showed no abnormalities. His reflexes, sight, and hearing were all normal. The issue about the kidney before was gone, and no facial deformities were recorded.
God’s goodness
Had we not allowed ourselves to stay calm and let God move, we would’ve probably felt so much frustration and stress, and those emotions would have robbed us of the opportunity to prepare our hearts for the miracle that He’s apparently working on.
Every time we look back at how we responded to the situation, it is always about the relationship we have developed with Jesus. We felt and continue to feel His presence every step of the way.
And true enough, if we surrender all things we have no control over, he will be the one to carry us through it all, no matter how impossible things may look, because with God all things are possible. To God be all the glory and praise.
This is a story about the goodness of surrendering it all to God.
Coffee and DESERT are words that don’t often blend well unless you are having a winter in Dubai.
The cold season is about to begin in a few weeks. And if you’re looking to do something non-traditional, here’s an idea for you – hang out in a coffee shop in the desert.
Here’s a list of some trendy desert cafe popups you wouldn’t want to miss for your next date night, family hangout, or simply a cup of coffee by the dunes.
Not A Space
This popup offers a huge space to relax on a bean bag, enjoy a coffee or hot chocolate, and light snacks. Live music and fire shows make up the entertainment. And oh, you can bring your friendly pets too.
As someone who spent many of my childhood years in Laguna, Buko Pie (or Buco Pie) is a delicacy that’s hard to forget. This coconut-infused dessert is a sweet treat loved by many, especially in the southern part of Luzon, and beyond.
But for those who haven’t had the chance to try it yet, let me tell you that you can find this delectable Filipino dessert right here in Dubai.
What is Buko Pie?
Buko Pie is a popular pastry hailing from the province of Laguna in the Philippines. Its name, “buko,” meanscoconut in Tagalog, and this is the main ingredient of the dessert. The pie consists of a sweet, creamy filling made from young coconut meat, and milk.
The pastry is encased in a buttery, flaky pie crust and baked to golden perfection. The result is a luscious, coconut-infused pie that’s a harmonious blend of creamy and crunchy, sweet and slightly nutty, all at the same time.
Where to find the best Buko Pie in Dubai?
Dubai, a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, is a place where you can find flavors from all around the world. If you’re a fan of Filipino cuisine or simply looking to explore new tastes, there’s a delightful discovery awaiting you in the bustling neighborhood of Satwa.
Just off the bustling streets of Satwa, you’ll find Val’s Bakery – a small store that has captured the essence of Buko Pie, serving it fresh and delectable. It’s an authentic taste of the Philippines, and for those who have visited Laguna and fallen in love with Buko Pie, Val’s is definitely a welcomed discovery.
The store has managed to recreate the original flavors of this Filipino classic, with a filling that’s rich, creamy, and generously packed with young coconut, and a perfectly flaky crust that crumbles with each delightful bite.
It’s quite a surprise how good they make it, especially since we rarely find good coconut meat in Dubai.
Even if we live 60 kilometers from Satwa, it is always a must to drop by whenever we visit nearby.
Why you should try Buko Pie
For our non-Filipino friends in Dubai, Buko Pie is a gateway to experiencing the Philippines’ rich culinary culture. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a slice of Filipino heritage that has transcended borders and made its way to the heart of this global city.
The appeal of Buko Pie lies in its simplicity and the pure, unadulterated joy it brings to your taste buds. Whether you have a sweet tooth or simply appreciate good food, Buko Pie is a treat that can’t be missed. Its balanced sweetness and unique coconut flavor make it a dessert that’s unlike anything else you’ve tried.
So, if you’re in Dubai and looking for a delicious dessert adventure, head to Satwa and savor the magic of Buko Pie. You’ll discover a taste of the Philippines that’s sure to leave a lasting impression, just like it has for generations in Laguna and beyond.
Don’t miss the opportunity to savor a piece of this tropical paradise in the heart of the desert. Your taste buds will thank you for it!
Where did Buko Pie started?
Laguna, a province located in the south of Manila, is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, picturesque lakes, and, of course, the iconic Buko Pie. The roots of this delectable dessert trace back to the town of LosBaños in Laguna, where it was believed to have been first created. The recipe was kept within families and passed down through generations, gaining popularity as word spread about its irresistible flavors. Soon, BukoPie became a must-try treat for anyone visiting Laguna, and it remains a beloved Filipino dessert to this day.
Dubai never fails to amaze me with its record-breaking ambitions, and the latest feather in its cap is something the runner in me is pretty thrilled about. The Sky Track has just received the Guinness World Records™ title for the ‘Highest Running Track on a Building.’
Located on the 43rd floor of 1 Residences at Wasl1, Za’abeel, this running track lets you feel like you’re running through the clouds. It is situated 157 meters above ground, and it has a 335-meter loop on the rooftop that treats you to breathtaking views of the city.
This extraordinary running experience is exclusive to the residents of 1 Residences only. Imagine having your own high-altitude track to jog on, replacing the usual mundane gym routine looking over the views of Burj Khalifa, Zabeel Park, Dubai Frame, Sheikh Zayed Road, old Dubai, and the Arabian Gulf. It’s a special treat for those lucky enough to call this place home.
Here’s a sneak peek at what it’s like jogging at the top:
1 Residences offers 753 ready-to-move-in units. Residents can enjoy various dining, leisure, and entertainment facilities on the property. Additionally, the development boasts two swimming pools, two modern gymnasiums, a podium courtyard, children’s play areas, BBQ pits, and more.
Visitors will get to explore more than 90 cultures through 27 pavilions, 3,500 shopping outlets, and a rich assortment of dining options
Exciting new laser shows at Dragon Lake, and 3D Projection Shows on the iconic Dallah at the Gate of the World
New bus route announced by RTA to complement four existing routes to the attraction
Global Village’s 28th Season opens today, October 18, and will stay through 28th April 2024. This popular Dubai destination provides a range of entertainment attractions with a packed schedule of 40,000 shows featuring world-class performers, beloved characters, concerts, street performances, and the all-new Cyber City Stunt Show – Powered by Surge. International acts like AAINJAA, FusionJapan, and DholFoundation will grace the Main Stage. The Kids’ Theatre will host favorites like Peter Rabbit and PJ Masks.
The Dragon Lake & Fireworks
The Dragon Lake will feature a mesmerizing new fire and laser show performed atop the world’s largest underwater LED screen, with perfect synchronization ensuring amazing hourly shows for the visitors.
The iconic Dallah at the Gate of the World will be another cynosure with never-before-seen 3D projection shows sure to leave visitors in awe.
Fireworks will also light up the skies above the park every Friday and Saturday at 9.00 pm.
The Carnaval
There will be more than 195 rides and games at Carnaval™, besides other attractions including 10 new exhibits at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!® Odditorium, and the largest House of Fear in the region.
Global Village is also introducing Mini World, a brand new destination that celebrates cultures from around the world through miniature landmarks, street food offerings, new game and adventure zones, and a mini golf zone, offering visitors of every age activities to enjoy.
Global Village’s The Carnaval
New bus routes and parking info
Roads and Transport Authority has introduced an additional bus route, Route 107, from Al Nahda Bus Station, complementing the existing four routes from various locations.
Visitors can also look forward to enhanced services across all parking zones, including the relocation of the VIP parking zone to the Cultural Gate, the expansion of entrances and exits, and the addition of new lanes to accommodate more cars and provide a smoother journey to and from Global Village.
Winning at the carnivals
One of the happiest moments during every trip to Global Village is when you return home with a huge toy you scored from one of those really challenging carnival games. You’re like a superstar, with everyone’s eyes on you as you walk around the park.
(They had no idea how much you spent playing lots of games to score a prize haha.)
It feels good to win these toys, only to find out there’s no more room for this giant at your home. Heck, it won’t even fit in the car!
Where to buy cheaper Global Village entrance tickets?
Anyway, as Global Village re-opens today, they introduced a reduced ticket price if you buy online.
Buy your tickets online and get a 10% discount. Any day tickets are for AED 30 at the gate but only AED 27 online. Value tickets are priced at AED 25 at the gate, but only AED 22.5 online.
The ‘Value’ ticket encourages weekday visits, valid from Sunday to Thursday (excluding public holidays), while the ‘AnyDay’ ticket offers flexibility for entry on any day, including public holidays
Park entry tickets are valid for a single entry during Season 28 (Tuesdays are family days).
What’s included in your ticket?
Park entry, valid for a single entry during Season 28
Access to 27 country pavilions where you can tour unique cultural treasures including new additions like Oman and Qatar
Access to an authentic Emirati heritage area
Access to 200+ shows every day
Access to the Kids’ Theatre with plenty of fun for the little ones, starring all their favorite characters and much more
The good running weather continues until April 2024. Here are the running events to look forward to in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah.
The UAE launched a campaign to provide relief aid to the Palestinian people impacted by the war in the Gaza Strip, as reported by WAM.
In collaboration with nonprofit organizations, volunteer centers, businesses, the media, and members of all spheres of society, the campaign will set up facilities to gather and mobilize relief supplies for the needy as part of the humanitarian efforts undertaken by the UAE to provide urgent assistance to the Palestinian people.
The relief campaign is supported by the World Food Program in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Community Development.
More about “Tarahum – for Gaza” campaign
The campaign will be called ‘Tarahum – for Gaza.’ Tarahum is an Arabic word for compassion.
The campaign aims to lessen the severity of the humanitarian conditions and ease the suffering of the most vulnerable groups, especially children, who make up nearly half of the population of the Gaza Strip.
This is done to show solidarity for Palestinian families and children who have been affected by the current violence.
The ongoing violence has an impact on more than one million children, and the campaign will seek to meet the fundamental requirements of mothers and kids while also distributing medical supplies and materials for good hygiene.
When is the campaign starting?
The campaign will begin on Sunday, October 15, 2023, in Abu Dhabi, under the direction of the Emirates Red Crescent, in the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port, from 9 am to 4 pm.
Other donation centers in the other Emirates will follow at a later time.
