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15 reasons why you need Filipino friends in Dubai

Ion
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One of the largest expat communities in Dubai are Filipinos. There is no place in the emirate where you cannot find them. In fact, the population of Pinoys in the UAE has already reached around 950,000 with about 500,000 living in Dubai alone – that’s 21.3% of the total population of the emirate.


If you’ve been around Dubai for quite some time now, you probably know at least one Filipino.

Many people I met in this country feels good to have Filipino friends because of their consistent happy aura. But do you know we can change your perspective if you hangout a lil longer with us?

I mean…

1. You’ll never go hungry

Pinoys eat about 5-6 times a day. Breakfast, snacks, lunch, snacks, dinner, and midnight snack. We love buffet. Our office cupboards are full of, well… snacks.  Our idea of party is pigging out, and you’ll always have something to take home from it.

2. You’ll always be happy

It is contagious. We always smile, even in low times. Filipinos are the world’s walking smileys. We sympathize during rough times but we always find ways to smile.

3. You’ll be health conscious (in a weird way)

Because Filipinos are figure-conscious but we really don’t watch out what we eat. This consciousness won’t stop us having unlimited rice and boodle fights.

4. You’ll rethink about your national pride

Our pride of being Pinoy can influence yours – sort of. From car stickers to Philippine flags in the office desks, to the hashtags #ProudToBePinoy, you’ll know how proud we are of our culture.

5. You’ll have your 15-seconds of fame

We always have a “greeting portion” every time we get a chance on air. You’ll hear your name on the radio.

6. You’ll appreciate Friday brunch at the park

We love picnics more than hotel brunches – that’s our idea of having fun with less or no cost at all.

7. You’ll be introduced to our relatives

We are proud to have friends from other nations. It’s a “one of a kind” feat.

8. You’ll learn to be practical

Most of us are frugal and practical in many ways, but some of us splurge during sale seasons. Haaay…

9. You’ll always be on parties

We are festive and we celebrate everything. We’ll bring you even to kids parties and you’ll find yourself playing some funny parlor games.

10. You’re a VIP in the crowd

You will stand out because we want you to feel special while welcoming you as part of the family.

11. You’ll learn all the bargains

We don’t settle for the price tag. You’ll also discover where to buy the cheapest chocolates, apparels and branded perfumes.

12. You’ll soon speak Tagalog

You will sure speak the basic Tagalog words in no time. You will be called “Kuya” (brother) or “Ate” (sister) pretty soon.

13. You’ll have the longest Christmas ever

You will hear us listening to Christmas songs; you’ll see our Christmas trees out as early as September. We celebrate (somehow) Christmas from September to January.

14. You’ll be ‘diabetic’

Filipino ladies are among the most charming people in the planet. They sound sweet in any conversation – yes, even in times of trouble.

15. You’ll take photo ops to the next level

We love picture-taking with or without occasions. And we don’t settle for one shot – a wacky shot is a must. Every dine-out is a photo op.

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And that’s the Filipino perspective my friend. Even homesickness can’t stop the natural joy to show up.

Money or Me?

Ion
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Chasing contentment. How much more ironic could it be?

Many people these days are busier than ever chasing money. For them money is happiness. But when they get the money, they make another run for more money. There’s no stopping. There’s no happiness. Zero contentment and more compromise.

Truly, “we buy things we don’t need, with money we don’t have, to impress people we don’t even like…” commonly, because we envy our neighbors. Having this motivation leads to burnout – and you might overlook the things that really matter.

Look at one of God’s promise. He says, “Do not love money. Be satisfied with what you have. I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” Hebrews 13:5

His grace is sufficient indeed.

If we add a righteous purpose on earning and handling money, it will bring not only happiness, but joy, and a very comforting feeling of satisfaction, knowing that God will provide, even if we don’t deserve.

Let’s ask ourselves, do we have a righteous purpose? What’s our purpose with money?

Money or me? – asks the Lord.

7 cool and instagrammable Filipino restaurants in Dubai

Ion
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If hip and cozy ambiance add more life to your appetite, these Pinoy hot spots are sure hit for you. Why not, it’s always great to eat in an enticing environment right? But let’s set aside food for now, and see how instagrammable these places are. In short, how “millenialistic.” (I just made that up)


Here are seven restaurants I’ve been to with cool and comfy interiors.

1. Carinderia Ni Tandang Sora – Centurion Deira
Sosyal na karinderya. It’s a gallery of Philippine heroes and their key contributions in the society.

2. Bodega Streetfood – Centurion Deira
 Hideout ng mga tirador ng streetfood. Funky ‘battleground’ for the hip and chic. Bruno Mars will love it here.

Photo from Bodega Facebook Page

3. Uling at Parilya – Satwa
Tambayan style. Since we don’t really eat isaw on the streets, it’s a great concept to bring THE streetfoods INDOORS.

4. Dampa – Centurion Deira
“Da best ang seafood.” Simple but chic, even if you have to eat with bare hands.

The Alaska Aces having lunch in Dampa

5. Hot Palayok – Karama
Pwede! Creative murals.

 
6. Little Manila – Muraqqabat
Sakay na! The Sarao jeepney wins it for this Filipino foodcourt.

7. Miss Wang – Majestic Hotel Bur Dubai
Hip! Great to unwind in this Asian fusion resto-pub with posh ambience and cool live band.

Photo from Majestic Hotel

Photo from Majestic Hotel

Runner-ups

8. Barrio Fiesta – Burjuman
9. BBF – Ansar Gallery, Karama
10. Intramuros – Deira
11. Dagat-dagatan – Deira 

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* Uling at Parilya photos courtesy of my sister, Kat Chan

10 things to know about iDOLE, the new OFW ID

Ion
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OEC is dead… soon. Let’s move on.

You must have heard the news. iDOLE which stands for ID of Department of Labor and Employment, will be the new OFW card.

But what is it really? As the card gets launched today, July 12, let’s find out answers to 10 of the frequently asked questions about the ID:

1. How do I apply for iDOLE card?
Registered Filipinos in POEA do not need to apply for the ID. They will be issued by the agency. If you are a new OFW, visit the POEA website for assistance on how to register, in case you haven’t yet.

2. Where will I collect the ID?
Update: There’s no official announcement yet if this will be collected from the embassies or consulate or delivered straight to your home/work address ,or collect it in the Philippines when you go back.

Once available, you can collect the iDOLE card from the Philippine embassy or consulate office of the country where you are working / residing.

3. How much will it cost?
FREE. No hidden charges. No shipping costs.

4. Will it replace OEC immediately?
There will be transition phases in span of three months before the OEC is totally junked. Slowly, DFA will issue OFW IDs until the whole process is fine-tuned, within three months.

Dubai Labour Attache Felicitas Bay, in an interview with Gulfnews, said, “Since the IDs have not been issued yet, Filipinos who are not exempted from getting OECs will still have to apply for it.

5. Who will receive the new IDs first?
Departing OFWs from the Philippines will be the priority, as the cards get issued from POEA Manila office.

6. Is it a multi-purpose card?
Yes. In addition to being exempted in paying airport terminal fees and travel tax, the card can be used for select government transactions such as SSS, PhilHealth, OWWA and Pag-IBIG, police and NBI clearances, and soon OFW Bank.

7. What are the future plans for the OFW ID?
e-Passort. DOLE is working closely with the Foreign Affairs and Justice departments in lobbying for the use of the ID as ‘e-passports’ for OFWs.

Soon the ID can be used as reloadable beep card for MRT and LRT.

Once the OFW Bank gets launched, the card can also be used as ATM or debit card, which you can use to send remittances to the Philippines.

It will soon be tied up with Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

8. Can we use the card abroad?
No plans for that at the moment.

9. What if I’m not working abroad anymore?
Once an OFW, always an OFW. Labor secretary Silvestre Bello said, ““We have to prepare at least four million ID cards to cover even those not working abroad anymore because when you become an OFW, you become an OFW permanently.” So there’s some sort of legacy for you.

10. What is the validity of the card?
It is for life. But the travel exit clearance purpose of the card is valid for two years only, as UNTV reported, and will be renewed accordingly. (Still awaiting for further info about such validity and renewal clauses)

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Truly indeed, this is a one great step ahead. My previous boss, who several times questioned why Filipinos need a ‘certificate’ to go back and forth to and from our own country will surely be happy as well.

Thank you to the citizen-centered governance of this administration. Congratulations to us all! Bye headache.

Did I miss some important questions? Let me know in the comments please.

Where to find the best Filipino food in Dubai

Ion
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0

I’ve been to countless Filipino restaurants in Dubai, big and small, good and not-so-good. That’s why I always get asked, “Where’s best to eat?” I would often respond based on the ‘taste’ of the person asking.   

As a blogger, it is on me to ensure I give impartial reviews about MY experiences. At the end, it is still MY experience, if you find similarity to my ‘not-so-hard-to-please’ taste, take my word for it. Otherwise, to each his own.

We have different preferences. What’s good for me may not be pleasant for you. What you like, I might not.

I won’t just recommend the best restaurant within your location, because food experience must be beyond practicality – except when the situation really calls for it. If I go back to a restaurant because of location, I’m just being practical – “Pwede na yan para di na tayo lalayo.”

I’m a fan of “dayo” for restaurants that deserve my petrol and toll.

The creativity is overflowing inside Hot Palayok in Karama, but the wow factor ends there

If a customer returns to a restaurant for the ambiance, something’s wrong with the customer. 

The restaurant is good if I return for the food. Even if I get lost in Karama, I’d drive makakain lang ng tama – even if it’s just a small eatery, as long as the food is well beyond satisfactory.

It’s all about great dining experience.

Here’s a list of my most preferred food to order, and in where I found the best experiences. So saan nga ba masarap kumain ng…

BEEF

Beef Belly Barbecue – JJ’s Inasal, Little Manila

Beef Tenderloin Skewers – Ihawan

Bulalo – Tagpuan [2nd, Max’s]

Kare-Kare –  Pita

Lechon Kawali – Ihawan

Lechon Paksiw – House of Lechon, Little Manila

Lengua Estofada – House of Lechon, Little Manila

Liempo Grilled – House of Lechon, Little Manila

Nilagang Oxtail (Buntot) – Olive Oil Restaurant, Rotana Jumeirah

Tapa (Tapsilog) – Tapa King

T-bone (grilled) – Ihawan



CHICKEN

Chicken Inasal – BBF Multicuisine

Chicken Longanisa (LongSiLog) – Ihawan

Chicken Sisig – Max’s

Chicken Skin Sisig – Barrio Fiesta

Fried Chicken – Max’s and Jollibee (where else)

Lechon Manok (Cebu Style) – Authentic Angels

Lechon Manok (Tagalog Style) – House of Lechon Manok, Little Manila

PORK

Crispy Pata – Kitakits Kafe & Klubb

Lechon Kawali – La Mesa

Liempo (Inihaw) – Boracay

Tinapa breakfast at Pancake House

SEAFOOD

Baked Mussels – Dampa

Bangus Inihaw – Pita

Bangus Relyeno – Casa Pinoy

Bangus Tinapa (Breakfast style) – Pancake House

Crispy Shrimps – JJ’s Inasal at Little Manila

Crispy Tilapia – Dampa

Daing na Bangus – Tapa King

Grilled Squid – Dampa

Seafood Mix (Grilled in Chipotle) – Dampa

Sinigang na Bangus – Chowking

Sweet Chili Crab – Binondo Komedor

Tahong Pesa – Ihawan

Tahong Tinola – Max’s

VEGETABLE

Adobong Kangkong – Tapa King

Lumpiang Sariwa – Max’s

Sizzling Tofu – Pampanguenos

Tofu Sisig – Max’s

Tortang Talong (Relyenong Talong) – Sinugba Ng Cucina

NOODLES / MERIENDA

Arroz Caldo – Ihawan

Goto – Delmon

Another great concept of a Filipino restaurant with a lot of intresting twists. Check out our experience at BBF.

Pansit Bihon – BBF Multicuisine

Pansit Luglug – Max’s

Pansit Malabon- Pampaguenos

Pansit Palabok – Lamesa at Centurion [2nd, Pampaguenos]

STREET FOOD

6-pcs isaw for only AED15 at Casa Pinoy – by far the cheapest price in Dubai, yet tastes really good.

Beef Isaw – Uling at Parilya

Chicken Barbecue (Skewers) – Ihawan

Chicken Liver Barbecue – Ihawan

Grilled Burger (Filipino style) – Ihawan

Isaw (Grilled) – Ihawan [2nd, Casa Pinoy]

Fried Isaw – Carinderia Ni Tandang Sora [2nd, Casa Pinoy]


 APPETIZERS

Calamares – Lamesa at Centurion

Camaron Rebusado – Max’s

Chicken Skin – Olive Oil Restaurant, Rotana Jumeirah

Papaitan – Carinderia Ni Tandang Sora / Uling at Parilya [2nd, Ihawan]

DESSERTS / PASTRY

Banana Con Yelo – Ihawan

Bibingka – Veto Pizza

Binignit – Authentic Angels

Ensaymada – Breadshop at Little Manila

Ensaymada Cebu – Pinoy Lomi House

Espasol – Pinoy Lomi House

Ginataang Halo-halo – Pita [2nd, Ihawan]

Halo-halo – Ihawan [2nd, Chowking]

Iskrambol – Bodega

Mais Con Yelo – Tapa King [2nd, Ihawan]

Nilupak / Tibok-tibok – Casa Pinoy

Shakoy / Inipit – Authentic Angels

Silvanas – Uling at Parilya

Ube Halaya – Ihawan [2nd, Barrio Fiesta]

Ube Pianono – Authentic Angels

Ube Roll – Max’s

—

There are more or less a hundred Filipino restaurants in Dubai. Unfortunately, not many of them prioritizes authencity and quality of food. Having the opportuniy to talk to many of them, restaurateurs, I can tell who does it for purpose and passion, or primarily for money.

We don’t order much of the common household recipes, because, well, my wife does it best at home, you know.  I wouldn’t trade her Sinigang, Tinola, Embutido, Adobo, Batchoy, Pork Sisig, Bistek Tagalog, Porkchop Steak, Dinuguan, even Spaghetti and Buco Pandan and Kutsinta over any restaurants out there. Oops, didn’t I say I’m on healthy diet?

And oh, this post is in no way influenced by the preferred restaurants I mentioned above okaaaay.

Your thoughts please…

VIDEO: A visit to The Green Planet, Dubai

Ion
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We visited Dubai’s indoor rainforest park, The Green Planet and we had fun exploring over 3,000 species of plants and animals.

The journey begins at the canopy, the roof of the park at the 4th level.  This is the area that absorbs the majority of the sunlight and this level diffuses the “rainfall.” It stands at a staggering height of approximately 30-45 metres above the ground.

Next is the Midstory – the middle layer of the rainforest, where trees commonly have large leaves in order to absorb any sunlight filtered down through the canopy. Here, there is more open space than above and more sunlight than the forest floor below.

Level 2 is the Forest Floor – it depicts the humidity, quietness and darkness of the rainforest. Unlike the other more bright and lively layers, barely any sunlight reaches the floor.

The ground level is called “Flooded Rainforest” – As much life as there is aboveground, a lot of activity happens below. Over 3m of rain falls each year, flooding rivers and streams that provide the perfect living conditions for all kinds of animals.

Here’s an experience vlog of our trip inside The Green Planet:

We purchased our tickets from Cobone, wherein we got the adult tix for 65 AED only instead of 95, and the kids AED 49 instead of 70 (ages 2-12).

The park is open from 10am to 10pm on weekdays and 10am to midnight on weekends.

The place is highly recommended. As what my friend advised me, it is ideal to visit at night to chance the nocturnal animals awake – the sloth and porcupines you know. 🙂 Too bad, when we were there, the sloth is doing what it does best – SLEEPING.

It is definitely a good break from the typical kiddie hangout places in the emirate. Aya had fun and so are we.

5 things you need to prepare for the Hillsong United concert in Dubai

Ion
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Listening to their music is a spiritual relief. It can lift our spirits up, inspire us and/or makes us cry. How much more hearing them live? Their words can comfort and pinch us. True enough, the Lord’s message manifests through their music.

Everyone’s excited for the most awaited Christian concert in the Middle East happening this weekend.

Hillsong United definitely has a lot in store for us. If it’s Hillsong, I’m pretty sure there’s a fine line between a concert and a worship, so better for us to turn up prepared – physically and spiritually.

It’s a trademark of this group to transforms every arena into a “room” bringing everyone more intimately into worship.

Are you ready? We are. Here are 5 things we could do to prepare ourselves in what could be the “best jam of our lives.”

1. The lyrics
We sure know a lot of Hillsong United classics by heart, but it’s a good thing to fill your playlist from now until the concert to brush up some more. Still, Mighty To Save, Oceans, I Surrender are among my favorites.

Look at the energy. How beautiful it is when everyone’s singing:

They’re also expected to perform songs from their latest album so it would be great to familiarize ourselves with the new ones as well. You may check their website to do so.

2. Your arms (and legs)
What is a concert without jamming? And if it is for the Lord, you’d obviously give it all out, won’t you? Prepare your legs for long standing, and your arms to praise and worship Him all night. Might as well prepare to not hold the cellphones too long and just lift our hands to the Lord enthusiastically.

3. Prayers
When I listen to Hillsong, I pray. In this big gathering, we can say along our prayers in our hearts as we praise and worship Him. The band also leads the audience in prayers in-between songs. It would be very heartwarming to be pray along thousands of other believers in one night.

4. Expressions of faith
You may want to bring in banners, tarps, iPad messages to express your love, praise and worship to God, or to Hillsong. As for us, we will wear the word.

5. Tissue
Need I say more? It is not only us 10,000+ spectators who will be in the stadium. The manifestation of the Holy Spirit is expectedly strong. As we know, whenever we feel His presence, we become emotional – emotionally happy, joyful, inspired, loved. So don’t forget the tissues, ayt!

No matter where we stand (or sit) in the stadium, Platinum or Bronze, one thing’s for sure, we all are standing close to the main star of the show… God. Prepare to feel!

We’ll always be grateful there’s Hillsong United who leads us on stage to a greater worship experience.

See you at the stadium!

Conversation with Mikey Bustos

Ion
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We had a conversation with Mikey Bustos ahead of his show in Dubai and this is what he had to say about vlogging, his impression with Dubai and his indirect “ambassadorship” of the Philippines though his cool video blogs.

Come as you are, Win with Crocs

Ion
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Drew Barrymore, John Cena, and Korean international artists Yoona and Superjunior member Henry Lau are chosen to become Crocs brand ambassadors. Bloggers and influencers all over the world, including yours truly, join them in this latest global campaign, wherein Crocs invite you to “Come As You Are.”

The campaign aims to celebrate the uniqueness of individuals and to inspire people to be comfortable in their own shoes.

“Crocs has never wavered from its identity: optimistic, versatile, comfortable and not afraid to poke holes in convention. ‘Come As You Are’ is an invitation for people to share their identity, their one‑of‑a‑kindness, which is so important in today’s world,”  Terence Reilly, Crocs’ Chief Marketing Officer. 

People know my style. SIMPLE. “Man on the plain shirt.” I love how Crocs matches that simplicity. The reason why I support this campaign is in the hashtag itself, #COMEASYOUARE. It encourages you to be you. Be on your own shoes. You don’t need to be in someone else’s shoes. The footwear will complement whoever you may be, whatever your lifestyle is.

Here we are sporting the latest Crocs footwear. Comfy, stylish, unique. The wife finds her new pair as comfy and flexible – can be a casual wear, or a sports wear.

Here’s a behind the scene video during the briefing of Dubai-based bloggers and influencers for the campaign:

Win!

In collaboration with Crocs Middle East and Illustrado Magazine, we are giving away, not one, but TWO pairs of Crocs. To win, just PUBLICLY share this article with TWO hashtags #ComeAsYouAre and #WinCrocsWithBoyDubai

The 2 winners will be picked randomly and will be announced on April 27.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you.

I did something bad and it was good

Ion
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0

There’s this car that just stopped in front of us in the driveway and I don’t know why. I gave him a 3-minute calm treatment to do what he has to do before I began asking “what’s going on.”

Word count: 467 Average reading time: 1 min 42 sec

The driver didn’t care at all he’s blocking the way for the cars behind. He was just standing there and apparently waiting for somebody. Yeah, Dubai.

After another minute or so, I rolled my window down and shouted these exact words towards the non-caring driver, “HEY! WE’RE IN A HURRY!” with my hand gestures in the air.

My daughter is with us. She immediately asked, “Daddy what did you say?” “Why did you say that daddy?”

No matter how I tried to calm down and explain the situation, to her, I shouted. In our household, shouting is an offense. So she felt I was in a “fight mode.”

Several cars behind me we’re also blowing their horns continuously until the security guard finally made a move to tell this driver to unblock the way. Finally he realized he don’t own the road. Whew!

I didn’t expect my daughter will dwell on that situation so long.

When I got back to my senses again, she asked me repeatedly why I had to say those words to the other driver. She can’t forget my hand gestures while I was ‘shouting.’

I had to explain the situation and make sure she understands. I had to say sorry, because what I did was wrong. It was uncalled for. Pero, kasi… anyway….

You know what she told me? Here are her exact words:

“Next time daddy, don’t do it again okay… Next time daddy be patient, okay.”

Boom!

It felt good that my daughter can tell what’s right and wrong. Too bad her daddy can’t defend his actions and words.

The good thing is, our relationship with her is founded on conversations. We make sure that she knows what happens and why things happen. We make sure that all her questions are answered. Most importantly, she is aware that we, her parents, are also bound to make mistakes just like anybody.  Our talks after every situation ensures that she learns something out of it.

We learn too.

Until today, she shares the same story to her friends and “adult friends,” and in the picture I was the bad guy.

One of the challenges in parenting is controlling the height of our emotions when they’re around. Had I only listened to my heart, and slowed down to speak, I would have not become angry (James 1:19).

Again, I was reminded to just think that my daughter is watching on me all the time, before I burst into whatever meltdown. The honorable thing is to stay out of any foolish arguments (Proverbs 20:3).

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