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Manager saves the day, uplifts a hearty customer experience

Ion
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When switching jobs in Dubai, it is a common practice that salary accounts with existing finances are put on hold until the new visa is received.

It happened to me. Because I have business finance in Emirates Islamic Bank, they had to put my account on hold the moment my ‘End Of Service’ (EOS) pay from my previous employer was deposited.

The length of visa application process – including the delay in cancellation of my previous visa – took its toll on me. I had to request the bank to lift the on-hold status. As I didn’t received my last month’s salary (it is bundled with the EOS), and I’ve been idle for 6 weeks, daily finances became stiffed situations.

After a conversation with a phone banking representative, I went to their Dubai Festival City branch to submit the requirements as I understood from the phone call. I brought my new salary certificate, an official copy of visa status change, and an official copy of my Emirates ID application.

Apparently, those docs are not enough. It is their strict policy that they need to see the original visa stamped on a passport, and/or the Emirates ID before they can release the  money. I totally understand and respect that.

I shared my story to the customer service rep thinking maybe they could consider giving an exemption – especially I am legally documented and the visa formalities are on the way, and that the money I’m requesting is MY money anyway.

It took quite a while to convince the customer service staff to bring me to the manager. He was really firm on the policy. He instead passed me to his colleague. This man listened to me attentively. He asked more relevant questions. He wanted to help. This guy called the manager to his table so I can share my story.

I have a newborn who has no birth certificate yet, no medical insurance yet, a pending tenancy contract renewal, etc.

I elaborated my story to the manager. Mr. Mohamed U listened intently and carefully thought about it. He was mapping a solution as we discuss.

Because of a really good, spotless record in the bank, and because I was trapped in my situation, he considered my case. He emailed the concerned department to look at it and take action beyond their usual timetable. He even made a phone call to the department head to really speed up the process.

He did not promised anything though. But the fact that he sent a request to look at it and push boundaries to see other possible options, is already something big for me. I left the bank smiling with hope, and trust God is on top of everything.

In just 10 minutes later, he called me to say that, because of the situation I was in and a good record indeed, part of my EOS has just been made available already.

I couldn’t be more grateful. I thank Mr. Mohamed for intentionally looking into my case, seeing the pain points and taking extra steps to show how much they care and value their customers.

Really thankful to EIB Festival City branch – that’s heart at the center of customer service. May you inspire more people to listen through the heart while still ensuring that company policy and standards remain at the highest form.

Sometimes, humanity is the best policy. But all the time, humanity is really the policy. full-width

7 emerging Filipino vloggers to watch out for this year

Ion
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Did you know that there are 1000 vloggers starting their channel every day? No, I just made that up. But real statistics could not be far from that. This growth in numbers is nothing but a great indicator of continued adaptation of digital content innovation.

Last year, we’ve seen quite great ones within the Filipino community. Here are 7 emerging vloggers that are making waves because they keep making sense of what they do.

7. Emaratino Traveler

Fahed Al Baloushi is half-Filipino, half-Emarati. Though he lives in 2 different cultures, his favorite dish remains adobong manok, tinola, tortang talong and kare-kare, in addition to madfoon laham or biryani deyay(chicken). He vlogs about the interesting differences and similarities between cultures. He is a living bridge to understand both cultures and the beauty of its co-existence.

Follow his vlogs on Facebook.

6. The Expat Advisor

Arman Vengco Felipe is a financial planner and advisor who is very passionate in creating positive financial change in the lives of many. He has spoken to more than 5000 + individuals both in doing house-to-house talks and in seminars. His vlog, Expat Advisor

Follow his insights on Facebook.

5. Empowered Expats

Jay and Mang Emong are winning it this early. They use this newly-found platform in promoting personal development and personal finance in a fun and informative way. You won’t have a dull moment when watching the duo. Natawa ka na, na-educate ka pa!

Follow the guys on Facebook.

4. RaphZshotS

Raph uses his vlogs to capture special moments and experiences and present them in a different perspective.

Follow his stories on Facebook.

3. I am Shanwein

Shanwein depicts every person who chooses to win any battle in life. Who choose to rise above any adversity and who chooses to give hope to people when nobody is there to provide it. She vlogs to create awareness among expats about how to resolve their immigration issues like absconding, overstaying, visa processes and a bit of OFW-related humor. She also loves to do reaction videos that makes sense.

Follow on Facebook.

2. Edward Matro

Edward is one of the coolest resident K-tizens of TFC’s K-world. In his personal vlogs, he shares interesting insights about what life throws you. He also vlogs about food and his experiences living as expat in the UAE. You won’t get tired listening to his relatable advises.

Follow him on Facebook

1. Real Talk Darbs

When Darbs talks, all you can say is… “oo nga no!” This fast-rising vlogger has a uniquely powerful way connect to his audience. His vlog is a straightforward humor with sense. Watch and subscribe ‘coz you’ll surely want a dose of Darbs everyday.

Follow him on Facebook.

Do you know any promising vloggers in the community? Please share their works in the comments below to also let our readers know.

Cannot understand the wife

Ion
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Cannot understand the wife

Sometimes I cannot understand my wife.

When we dropped the plan to hire a helper, we agreed to manage the household chores in a more realistic manner especially I’m going back to work and she’ll be left alone with the kids and the chores.

If you have a first grader, you’ll need to spend more time with her – preparing for school, meals, reviewing her lessons (exams every week), helping make her projects, and some play time in between – that’s almost a day already.

And then we have a newborn who feeds almost every hour; a bossy baby who doesn’t allow us to get at least 3 hours straight of sleep, always wanting to be cradled.

Not to mention, we have a growing business to manage.

So I thought I’d rather take more instant meals during these times to not put much pressure on the wife. I bought some tuna, corned beef and instant noodles already. I can eat Rio Mare everyday.

Now here’s why I don’t understand the wife… Since I started working again, I always leave home with a full tummy; And when I go home at night, a well-prepared dinner is already waiting for me.

I mean, how in the world can she still cook salmon steak, tinola, sinigang, mussels, lumpiang shanghai, AND EMBUTIDO, among others; And also ref cake, pandan jelly, AND TURON for snacks and dessert – while attending to everything she has to do at home.

Until now I haven’t opened any of the canned goods yet.

All these while maintaining a high standard cleanliness in the house; the laundry basket always empty, and not a single strand of hair can be found on the floor.

And oh, I never heard her complain at all. (Just a little request of massage 😛 )

You know before Savin was born, we receive well wishes and also lots of “good lucks”. People ought to think things will become quite unorganize once a baby comes out. Well, not when you have a rock foundation.

What I see in my wife is a manifestation of God’s wisdom in her life. I thank God for working on our marriage even more and for continuously showering us with encouragement, hope and love. True enough, when you ask for wisdom, He will give it to you.

Thank you babe for making it a habit to keep our love tank full. It’s so nice to celebrate love every day. We love you mommy Raqz.

Thank you for being a good W.I.F.E.

W-ise
I-mpeccable
F-un
E-fficient

Philippines line-up for Dubai International Basketball Championship

Ion
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Philippines line-up for Dubai International Basketball Championship

The Philippines will be a marked team in the 30th edition of Dubai International Basketball Tournament. Thanks to former NBA star Lamar Odom headlining the Mighty Sports Philippines side.

Lamar who had a very stellar career in the NBA with stints in LA Clippers, Lakers and Mavericks is looking to regain his competitive and explosive self in this stint with Mighty Sports Philippines.He is expected to attract bigger crowd, not only from the Filipino expats, but from all basketball fans in Dubai.

The next big name donning the Philippine colors is the prolific import of Barangay Ginebra, Justin Brownlee, who also played for Alab Pilipinas in ABL.

The tournament runs from February 1 to 9. All games will be played at Shabab Al Ahli Club [location map]. Tickets are priced at AED30 only for the eliminations, and available at the gates.

Here’s the complete lineup of Mighty Sports:

1. Lamar Odom (NBA)
2 Justin Brownlee (Ginebra / Alab)
3. Randolph Morris (Chinese Basketball Association)
4. Juan Gomez De Liano (UAAP – UP)
5. Santi Santillan (UAAP – La Salle)
6. Troy Rike (UAAP – NU)
7. Joseph Yeo (PBA)
8. Jett Manuel (PBA – Ginebra [retired])
9. Justin Gutang (NCAA – College of St. Benilde)
10. Gab Banal (MPBL)
11. Jeremiah Gray (US NCAA Division 2)
12. Roosevelt Adams (US)

The team will be coached by Charles Tiu, with assistant coaches Jong Uichico and Woody Co on board.

This good mix of vets and collegiate stars can definitely give a scare to the other ball clubs in the tournament.

Our Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes personally invites all Filipinos to rally and support Mighty Sports Philippines. Here’s his invitation via Tatak Pinoy:

We have a pretty much tall  lineup this time around. For more updates, follow Dubai Basketball Championship on Facebook. See you at the games!

Choc-Nut Spread, the next best goodness in a jar

Ion
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Move over, cookie butter. Say hello to the very Filipino Choc-Nut spread. Yes. The teeny tiny chocolate-peanut powdery bar we’ve grown to love, is now a spreadable.

It is available in the Philippines and is distributed by Amarise Sweets, in which the proprietor is part of the family that owns Choc-Nut. They do all sorts of choc-nut goodness like cupcakes, mousse cakes, and more.

At the moment, Choc-Nut spread is still in its “limited edition” stage and can be ordered via their Facebook Page only.

It costs 70 pesos per bottle (less than 5 dirhams), or 2,000 for a box of 30.

Checking on #chocnut posts on Instagram and people are giving this a 5-star. This is legit!

Photo from Amarise Sweets Facebook Page.

So next time you’re in the Philippines, consider Choc-Nut spread as a pasalubong when you go back here in Dubai. 🙂

Filipinos will be represented in a Pixar animated short film

Ion
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Kasado na! Filipinos are the lead characters for the first time ever in a Pixar short film, “Float.”

Part of an experimental storytelling initiative, Disney-Pixar launched #SparkShorts this year to welcome new creative voices at Pixar to share their stories – and Float among the first 3 to be shown.

Filipino-American writer and director, Bobby Rubio announced this greast news on twitter:

It’s OFFICIAL! I can finally tell you I’m the #Writer / #Director of the #Pixar #SparkShort “Float”!

I’m so proud to be a part of this program and to be among these very talented people! And I have to give a shout-out to my wonderful and talented crew, Team Float! https://t.co/08Q9FRVgRS

— Bobby Rubio (@Bobby_Rubio) January 10, 2019

In the film, a father discovers that his son floats, which makes him different from other kids. To keep them both safe from the judgement of the world, Dad hides, covers, and grounds him. But when his son’s ability becomes public, Dad must decide whether to run and hide or to accept his son as he is.


 He coined the characters, the first “Pixnoys” as he noted the significance of his work in featuring Filipinos. 

“I am proud to tell our stories. I know what it means to see our culture represented on screen! #RepresentationMatters.” – Bobby Rubio


 The film will be shown at El Capitan Theatre, Disney Home in Hollywood, and will be launched exclusively in Youtube in the coming weeks.

 Take a peek at Float in this preview of Spark Shorts:

This year, we launched #SparkShorts, an experimental storytelling initiative that welcomes new creative voices at Pixar to share their stories. See the first three shorts at the @ElCapitanThtre beginning 1/18, followed by an exclusive launch on @YouTube in the weeks that follow! pic.twitter.com/9ssK5Sn1bn

— Disney•Pixar (@DisneyPixar) January 10, 2019

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Why #10YearChallenge Makes Sense

Ion
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Why #10YearChallenge Makes Sense

Ten years ago, nobody told us this hashtag 10YearChallenge would be trending today. But I’m sure you have also been asked this question:

How do you see yourself ten years from now?

Here’s the vlog:

Ten years is too long for some significant changes not to happen in our lives. These years bring a bunch of experiences to gain and lessons to learn. Some of us have been there, done that.

We may be amused about how “hard” aging had hit us, physically.

But as we look at those photos, let’s also look what else happened in that ten-year span in the other aspects of our growth, aside from our looks.

How far are you in making your dreams come true?

How’s your health? Career? Finances? Your relationships? Your faith?

Have you received what you’ve been praying for all these years? And have you been grateful after it was given to you?

To many of us, it’s not about ourselves anymore. In my case, I’ve created a beautiful family. My priorities changed, my perspective have changed.

Change could imply growth or lack of it. Let’s also look at this 10 year challenge beyond AGING, and keep an eye on how MATURITY has hit us.

And in case you have not achieved your goals yet, KEEP GOING, and be consistent with a positive attitude. Never compare your journey to others as we are all created unique.

You might have stumbled and made bad decisions in the past. Take time to look into those, and try making better decisions from now on.

We all have different timelines. Sometimes it takes 10 years or even more to get that one year that will change your life.

Don’t ever give up. Every day is another chance to change.  There is always a brighter perspective to look at.

Always remember, God’s plans and way better than the frustrations in your life.

Sorry, there is really no Mang Inasal in Dubai

Ion
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I get excited whenever a favorite Filipino brand is about to set its foot here abroad. Rightly so, I was thrilled when I heard that “Mang Inasal” is opening in Dubai. Who wouldn’t? “Mang Inasal is Mang Inasal.” You can’t make a mistake about its name.

But when I saw the logo, I thought there’s something strange. As somebody who works closely with branding, and as a keen observer, I noticed the font, shapes and other graphic elements are a bit different from the logo we know, although the color palette are the same.

Maybe they did a little tweak to the brand, I thought. So I seek clarification from the official Mang Inasal Philippines Facebook page asking about the impending “launch” in Dubai.

Apparently there is no Mang Inasal franchise opening in Dubai.

Here’s our short conversation:

The reply was straightforward, “Maraming salamat sa impormasyong ito. Sa ngayon, wala pa pong international branches and Mang Inasal.” (Thank you so much for this info. Right now, there is no Mang Inasal international branches yet.)

To be fair, I also asked the ‘Mang Inasal restaurant in Dubai’ of the same question:

*famous

They claimed to be authentic, albeit not answering my question directly.

Authentic is defined as…

This is sad. If there is authenticity, there should be no intent to “copy” the original. Why not create a unique identity instead? Why do something so close to the original identity – name, font, color, logo – even the “unli-rice” marketing strategy, the uniform, etc.

Every Filipino who will know about a “Mang Inasal in Dubai” will always ask, “Ka-lasa ba ng sa Pinas?” because there will always be a first impression that this is a franchise.

I’ve heard the food is good. Why not capitalize on that and gain customers based on your own identity?

San Bidet, an app every balikbayan will love

Ion
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Finally, a mobile app every OFW (especially from UAE) will surely love. It’s not GPS, not Grab, but it’s also a navigation app on its own. It tells us the location of toilets with bidet in the Philippines.

Talk about being witty while purpose-driven at the same time, the app is called ‘San Bidet’ and was developed by Laurence Velasco who quipped “…para kumportable jumebs” as his objective in creating the app.

It’s great news for every balikbayan like us who have already forgotten what a ‘tabo’ is and are now used to a bidet every time the nature calls. You’ll definitely want to install this when you’re on vacation in the Philippines.

The app is now available for free in Google Play Store and Apple Store.

User’s can submit more toilet locations on the app’s Facebook and Twitter pages, and when verified will be added on the listing.

And… if you’re a mall or restaurant owner, if you wanna be listed, install a bidet, okay. 😛

Hawa-Hawa inflatable park opens in La Mer Dubai

Ion
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If you are like us who’s always looking for great outdoor activities for the family, you might also want to do Hawa-Hawa next.

Hawa-Hawa, a huge trampoline park shaped and inspired by dunes, opened in La Mer recently.

Hawa Hawa is an exciting new inflatable playground for children, teenagers and adults who can’t sit still – or who just feel like jumping for joy. The dune-shaped concept originates from Japan, where it has been installed in public parks and other open spaces. Hawa Hawa is also the first of its kind outside of East Asia, with two unique dunes and seven peaks where families and friends can share some low-impact, high-intensity trampoline-type fun together. Each of the two dunes at Hawa Hawa are made from an all-weather double-skin tensile membrane that has been tested and imported directly from Japan, with a small dune and large dunes ensuring various age groups can play alongside each one another.

Why is free-jumping good for kids?

The free-jumping playground consists of two dunes and seven peaks, and is great for visitors of all ages who want to engage in a low-impact, high-intensity activity.

I always encourage my daughter to do trampoline because of these 3 key points:

  1. Free-jumping makes kids (and anyone) happy, while just being a low-energy passive exercise.
  2. It’s a great diversion from the “screens,” and the right social activity for them as they get mixed up with other kids on the jump as well.
  3. It increases fitness. It helps improve coordination, balance and their young muscle development.

After reaping all its physical and mental benefits, their body will voluntarily invite them to bed quickly.

Here’s a preview of what Hawa-Hawa feels like:

The park is open from 10am – 10pm on weekdays, 10am til midnight on weekends. Entry costs AED 25 for a 15-minute session, and AED 40 for 30 minutes.

Photos are from Hawa-Hawa. For updates, follow them on Instagram.

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