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Coping up with Christmas away from Pinas

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This is my 9th year I’m not ‘home’ for Christmas and some people are consoling me for it, like I’m a down spirit needed to be lifted up.

Well, it’s not really bad since my family is here. But there are just these Pinoy style of Christmas that we still dearly miss.
While the Philippines have started feeling the Christmas spirit as early as September, we’re still waiting for summer to finish, for halloween to end.  The festive preparation begins only after 2nd of December, and the spirit ends right after 25th. 
But yuletide season in Dubai today has evolved quite well. It is not the same lame season as how it was nine years ago.  Being a nation of Islam has never been a deterrence to this country’s respect to another’s religion.  That respect has been very evident from the country’s leadership to the people from all walks of life we see everyday. We see aplenty of Christmas trees and decors at malls, hotels and restaurants.  We received happy greetings from our Muslim and Hindu friends. We book parties here and there.
Christmas tree lighting is a big ceremony here. I always get invited to such events that I never realised is huge – because back home, it is very normal. Chorale groups sing as the gigantic trees shine brightly with lights, and we imagine that we’re listening to ‘carolling’ back home.
Christmas songs play on the radio more frequently today than my first few years here – only to make many OFWs more emotional about the separation during the season.

In the Philippines, Jesus is the star of the celebration. But here, maybe because of religion, people look at Santa Claus as the highlight, save for the Filipino community.
Catholic religious practice Simbang Gabi in the UAE. But due to work schedule, we do it every night after office, unlike in the tradition that it has to be early before dawn.
We don’t have authentic puto bumbong here. We have gingerbreads. 
Christmas is not an official holiday. We had to work while everyone back home is knocking from one door to another “namamasko.”   If we’re used to do monito-monita kris kringle at work every December, we have Secret Santa in Dubai which is also as fun anyway.
While in Pinas, one of the main events is the noche buena on Christmas eve, here it is the Christmas day brunch.  If we are used to ‘hamon’ and ‘lechon,’ here, we feast on roasted turkey and minced pies among others.
If Manila has Boom na Boom every Christmas, in the emirate we troop to Global Village.  If Filipinos are amazed at Policarpio street lights in Mandaluyong, we have the Downtown Dubai that is always glowing with lights any day of the year anyway.
Despite these differences, there is this one common thing we never fail to do, be it here or in the Philippines… shopping.
But I think the biggest thing we missed the most is the… *drum rolls please* Christmas bonus! I bet you agree.
The festive spirit here ain’t that bad after all. It’s the geographical separation that makes it really more emotional.  
Merry Christmas everyone!   

Al Qudra, a lake in the middle of the desert

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We discovered a lake in the middle of the desert, and later learned that it is one man-made jewel. Oh well, what’s new?

We found this spot about 30 kilometers west of Dubai Studio City via Al Qudra street, in the middle of the Seih Al Salam desert and Bab Al Shams.

Al Qudra Lake, created by the government civic body to enrich this part of the desert, is the only lake open to the public for bird watching. Unfortunately, we did not chanced on any birds but only few ducks – or maybe we were at a wrong spot and wrong time (3pm).
I bet not too many know about the place already. But when people see how beautiful it is, how calm and clean and relaxing it is there, the next camping activities would most likely be planned here. 
We’ve seen too many fishes from the clear water, but I didn’t see anyone fishing. There are no billboards of policies and regulations (at least on our spot) which we normally see in many parks.

How to get there?
Don’t expect to find road signs that lead to the lake – there’s none.  But you may find signs that lead to Dubai Cycling Course if you take Al Qudra Street going to West.The lake is just within the cycling track area.

From Sheikh Zayed Road / Umm Suquiem, we took about 20 minutes on 100kph, guided by Waze.

The area is also accessible for non-4WD vehicles as it is just few hundred meters from the road.

According to wildlife and zoo management study, there are some 130 bird species already spotted on the lake, most of which are migratory. Some of the birds species that can be seen include the Glossy Ibis, Caspian Plover, Sanderling, Ruddy Turnstone, Gull-billed Tern that prefer coastal areas. Mainland and migratory birds include the Eurasian wryneck, Rosy Starling, Common Starling, shrikes, Wheatears, eagles and falcons, among others.

I searched for posts in Instagram to see what we missed and boy, these photos just make me want to come back this coming weekend.

A photo posted by @umm.ameen on

A photo posted by Fir7 (@firoz777) on

A photo posted by Mohammad Saleh ▪ محمد صالح (@m7amad_9al7) on

A photo posted by Renato Koch (@renato.koch) on

A photo posted by Sanjay S V (@sanjaysv) on

Next weekend? Gusto mo bang sumama?

Why boys should watch ‘A Second Chance’? Bea Alonzo answers Boy Dubai

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The screening of A Second Chance in UAE marks the 10th year since the first Star Cinema movie was shown in the country.  That film in 2005 had a huge social impact to many Filipino expats in Dubai. The movie is…”Dubai” – also top billed by John Lloyd Cruz.

It’s not everyday we get opportunities to chat with our ‘crush,’ Thanks to ABS-CBN Middle East, I had the rare chance to talk to Bea Alonzo who plays Basha opposite John Lloyd (Popoy) for the One More Chance sequel. She was joined by one of the genius movie writers, Ms. Vanessa Valdez.

Being the only guy among the press in Dubai, I asked her one golden question (I guess), Why should we go with our wives (or girlfriends) to watch the movie?

What’s in it for the boys?

“Because they need to understand what their wives are going through everyday,” was her quick reply.

She gave an example when couples often have misunderstandings especially in finances. Oftentimes, she added, it starts when husbands thought the wives just spend too much for things to beautify the house.

“Popoy is the representation of most Filipino men.” added Vanessa.

She convinces us that when we watch the movie, we will relate to the character of Popoy, and “…like most of the guys who watch the movie in the Philippines, they leave the movie house (a little) reflective and really affected.”

Vanessa highlights that A Second Chance probably also tells the story of many Filipino couples.

Bea emphasized her response on the fact that “there is a small Popoy and a small Basha in all of us…”

Here’s a snippet of the whole question. You can also listen to the full virtual presscon at the video below.

A Second Chance started showing yesterday 3rd December in the UAE. Here’s a list of cinemas where you can watch the movie across the country:

Novo Cinemas 
(Abu Dhabi, Baniyas, Mega Mall, Sahara Centre, Megaplex, Cinecity, WTC)

VOX
(Mall of the Emirates, Marina Mall, Deira City Centre, Fujairah City Centre, YAS Mall, Burjuman, Cineplex

Al Nisr Cinemas 
(Star Bawadi, Star Cinemax, Star Fujairah Cineplex)

Oscar Cinemas
(Al Foah, Al Wahda, Sharjah)

Al Mariah Cinema

Reel Cinema – The Dubai Mall

A song for 44th UAE National Day with 44 language

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Jassie Gift and Muhamd Ashraf created a 44-language song tribute to UAE for the 44th National Day as a token of gratitude from all expatriates who have made UAE their second home.

True Faith and Cueshe Live in Dubai for a Band-erful Christmas

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True Faith and Cueshe will perform back to back in Dubai on 4th December at Al Nasr Leisureland pool side for a “Band-erful Christmas”.

True Faith, formed in the early 90s, has become one of the most accomplished and most popular bands in the country. Their music is best described as a blend of jazz, folk and pop rock and s lil bit of acoustic.  They’ve produced hits that really ‘hit’ the hearts of listeners through their musical geniuses in incorporating their crafts with feel-good tunes, emotional recall and real life stories in simple yet powerful renditions. 

We all had good mornings listening to “Sumasarap ang Gising.“
We were motivated to find our perfect partner with, well, “Perfect.“
They knew what we’re going through during our courtship days with “Huwag Na Lang Kaya.” And while we can’t just move on, they guessed we need more push as what the song, “Kung OK Lang Sa’yo” says so.
“Dahil Ikaw” and “Sayang ang Lahat” brilliantly summarize the joys and pains of loving.
And since it is Christmas, they might as well perform “Pamasko” – their Christmas song contribution to the 1997 Pasko Para sa Lahat: All-Star Christmas album.

True Faith is the real deal for every Filipino romantic.
True Faith
Cueshe
Cueshé, also a multi-awarded Cebu-based pop rock band was formed in mid-2000s during the time when OPM bands are making a ‘comeback’. They were among the few bands who re-introduced original Pilipino music at that time.  Their first single, Stay, stayed a long time not only on the hit charts, but also in the hearts and minds of music fans. They released hit after hit songs like “Sorry”, “Ulan” and “Borrowed Time”, which was the popular exit song on Pinoy Idol. Their songs often become LSS (last song syndrome) of many.

The band also made a contribution to the Eraserheads tribute album, Ultraelectromagneticjam: The Music Of The Eraserheads, on which they sung their own rendition of “Hard To Believe.”

Today’s Cueshe is minus Jay Justiniano – the other half of the duo vocalist, who left the band in 2014 for personal reasons. Two other original members have also parted ways.

A Band-erful Christmas in Dubai

It will be a 3 in 1 event with a Filipino bazaar, pool party with DJ Martin Porta from Manila playing music hits from the 80’s and 90’s and the finale will be the back to back concert of the True Faith and Cueshe.
You can buy tickets online at Platinum List or follow the event page on Facebook to see more ticket outlets and for more updates.

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* Top photo from Kathy Belen – grabbed from Medwin Marfil’s Facebook.

Bamboo Live on the Corniche for Yasalam 2015

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Bamboo is in UAE again, this time in the capital.  He will be performing for Beats on the Beach at Lagoon Beach, Abu Dhabi Corniche on Thursday, 26th November 6:30pm.

HTC is giving an opportunity for a meet and greet experience with Bamboo.

The newly launched HTC One A9 is a stunning, no-compromise smartphone that stands out from the crowd. Built for people who want a better choice, this is a smartphone that combines striking design on the outside with the newest features of Android 6.0 Marshmallow with HTC Sense on the inside to create an unrivaled smartphone experience.

The HTC One A9 stands apart by offering an incredible design, fantastic performance, cutting-edge software features and the freedom to take full control of your smartphone experience.

New curves, refined edges, and precision-cut ridges on the power button flawlessly combine with the super-thin metal frame giving the phone a natural and lightweight feel. The elegant dual finish, available in a Carbon Gray, Opal Silver, Topaz Gold and Deep Garnet. 

In a stunning fusion of metal and glass, a 5-inch, edge-to-edge, 2.5D Corning® Gorilla® Glass 4, Full HD AMOLED screen cascades into the metal frame, giving you brighter and more vivid colors for brilliant graphics and gaming, even in direct sunlight.

With the HTC One A9, no detail is too small. The pursuit of brilliance is at the heart of everything the HTC Corporation does, inspiring best-in-class design and game-changing mobile and virtual reality experiences for consumers around the world. #BeBrilliant

To celebrate the launch of the HTC One A9, HTC is giving you the opportunity to attend a meet and greet with Bamboo on Nov. 26.

For your chance to win this fantastic prize, simple share this article with #MeetBambooWithHTC AND #bebrilliant.
A winner will be announced evening of 25th November.

* photo of Bamboo from Yasalam.ae 

When in Dubai: Things you should NOT post on social media

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When in Dubai: Things you should NOT post on social media

To maintain a good social media life, here are 15 things we should not post and share in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, SnapChat and WhatsApp among others:

1. Vulgar photos of drinking alcohol
2. Pun and jokes about the morals and principles of Islam
3. Serious threats to other people
4. Gossips / false information about the country
5. Hate messages
6. Pornography, especially those that drag the country’s reputation
7. Photos and videos with other people in it without their consent
8. Unsolicited tagged photos, videos and status messages
9. Private info of somebody else possibly from wiretapped telecommunication or online activities
10. Copyrighted materials of others without proper consent
11. Violence against ladies, especially mothers
12. Photos and videos of road accidents and road rages
13. Swearing or insulting others
14. Info about ‘illegal’ betting
15. Wrong info about government processes

As per Federal Decree-Law No. 5 of 2012, penalties could range from months to years of imprisonment and deportation, and fines ranging from 5,00 to 500,000 dirhams.

Bottom line, respect and do not show off.

World Flowboarding Championships in Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi

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There’s an exciting water sport going on in Abu Dhabi called Flowboarding.

Flowboarding is a hybrid board sport that combines the progression, maneuvers, and skills from the core action sports of skateboarding, surfing, bodyboarding, and snowboarding and to a lessor extent, wakeboarding and skimboarding.

For the third year, Yas Waterworld is hosting the internationally-acclaimed World Flowboarding Championships on 6th and 7th November. Competitors show off their skills on the world’s largest FlowBarrel 10 Wave Ride – Bubble’s Barrel – the perfect stage for current world champion Team UAE to defend their title against international athletes from over 14 countries including powerhouse teams from USA, South Africa, Australia, Chile and Spain.

Team UAE became world champion for the first time last year.  The team has been training hard at the park’s regular Yas Flow League (YFL) leading to the tournament. Representing the home team are Emiratis Humaid Obaid and Mohammed Ibrahim Darwish alongside Max Sokolov, Jennifer Mauherhoff and current world champion, Clayton Barker.
Flowboarding has been gaining momentum becoming one of the popular sports in the country.
For tickets you may click here to buy online or visit the Yas Waterworld website at www.yaswaterworld.com.
This event is sponsored by Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi – Yas Island and Oakley.
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* This is a sponsored post.

FilExpo Dubai aims to educate and inspire more OFWs in the UAE about financial literacy

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Are you driving this weekend? Why not take the road to financial freedom?

We’re attending one of the biggest Filipino community events in Dubai this weekend. ABS-CBN Middle East is bringing top notch financial advocates to inspire more Filipinos living abroad about the importance of financial literacy, business and investments.

Experts from FilCom UAE will also be sharing insights about businesses and employment landscape in the region.

If you are interested to attend, simply register here. Entrance is free. Here’s the schedule

Friday – October 30:
1:00 – 2:00 Opening Ceremonies
2:00 – 3:00 [Filcom] “Juan, Gusto mo bang mag-negosyo?” by Cleo Salazar & Lalaine Chu-Benitez
3:00 – 4:00 [Filcom] “The Middle East employment landscape by Vagelyn Federico
4:00 – 5:00 TFC on Stage – Erik Santos
5:00 – 6:30 Salve Duplito
6:30 – 8:00 Francisco Colayco and Armand Bengco
8:00 – 9:00 Teleserye Duets

Saturday – October 31:
2:00 – 3:00 “Know your employment rights” by Atty. Barney Almazar
3:00 – 4:00 “The art of personal and professional imaging” by Agnes Briggs and Art Los Baños
4:00 – 5:00 – TFC on Stage – Angeline Quinto
5:00 – 6:30 Salve Duplito
6:30 – 8:00 Francisco Colayco and Armand Bengco
8:00 – 9:00 Teleserye Duets

The Guest Speakers
I’m very excited to hear Mr. Francisco Colayco, one of my favorite author about financial literacy. He is an entrepreneur, venture developer and renowned financial adviser. He has over 45 years experience that covers service contracting in the Middle East, manufacturing, trading, construction, ship building, management consulting, banking and financial services.

Salve Duplito is an award-winning print and broadcast financial journalist who is trained in financial planning. She is co-host and writer of On The Money, a ground-breaking program of ABS-CBN’s News Channel.

Armand Bengco is a host of several cable TV programs and was part of a news and magazine show in TFC – that’s aside from managing the day to day and future plans & projects of the Colayco Foundation and KsK Coop, an investment cooperative. He is a favorite resource person of various media outfits in radio and TV.

Entertainment
Adding entertainment to the event are ABS-CBN’s world-class performers Erik Santos and Angeline Quinto. Aside from their solo performances, the “king and queen of teleserye hit songs” will end both days with music that has given life to many of the most favorite ABS-CBN drama series.

See you there!

Manny Pacquiao coming to Dubai

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No. not for his final fight in the ring. But to probably to amass more records for the other ring – basketball that is. As we all know, he has ventured into professional basketball last year because apparently, dribbling and shooting hoops adds a badge of honor for any sports aficionado in the Philippines.

Dubai is an emirate crazy about sports as its vibrant football fields and basketball courts can testify that. Upon Clique Events‘ announcement of Manny Pacquiao coming to the emirate, sports fans are looking forward to rubbing elbows with the boxing pound-for-pound king and the Philippines pride.
He is a playing coach for team Mahindra Enforcers who will be playing one official Philippine Cup game against the Alaska Aces on November 6. Then the Aces plays Ginebra on November 7.  Games will be at Al Nasr Sports Club in Oud Metha.

Fresh from scoring his first field goal in the PBA last week, he is promising to enter the hard court again but might again play limited minutes only as he is still nursing a controversial shoulder injury at the height of his showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr. earlier this year.

Despite the domination of football and cricket, basketball also has a huge following in the UAE. Thanks to the Filipinos who almost own every basketball court in the parks. South Asians, Arabs and many Westerners also are slowly showing interest in the sport, that’s why many sporting brands such as Sun & Sand Sports are offering wide range of full basketball gear in their stores.  They have the latest kicks, original jerseys, warmers, latest basketball socks and game accessories.  It’s where I bought my ball and my Air Jordan head band also.

Six months ago, the PBA was also here and had a successful double-header in games of Rain or Shine against Ginebra and Globalport.

With basketball considered as the de facto national sport in the Philippines, PBA’s arrival to Dubai sands will certainly give sports fans exciting games that will provide a peek into the world-class skills of Filipinos in the sport.

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* Sponsored post | Photo sourced from Google image search [property of USA Today]

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