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Emirates to fly first A380 commercial flight to Manila today

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Lucky  passengers will get to experience the first commercial flight of an A380 aircraft to Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila as Emirates takes its flagship aircraft to a one-off trip today.  This is to mark the airline’s move to NAIA Terminal 3.

This special flight will be flown by the Captain Franklyn Desiderio, the first and only Filipino in the world to fly A380.

More info on this press release:

DUBAI, U.A.E., 1st October 2014: Emirates is taking its flagship aircraft, Airbus A380 to Manila on 7th October to celebrate the airline’s move to the International Terminal (T3) at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and its commitment to the Philippines.

Emirates began flights between Dubai and Manila in 1990 and due to the consistently strong passenger and cargo demand continued to increase its flight frequency to its current triple daily, non-stop passenger services.

Emirates’ one-off A380 service, which will be flown by Captain Franklyn Mallari Desiderio from the Philippines, will depart Dubai International Airport on 7th October as EK334 at 09:20hrs and arrive in Manila at 22:10hrs. The return flight will depart as EK335 at 01:15hrs on 8th October, arriving back in Dubai at 05:40hrs.


Barry Brown, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations East, said, “We are thankful to the Government of Philippines for allowing us to operate three daily flights in to Manila. The Philippines is one of our major markets and we have seen the demand for our services continuing to grow. Since we connected the two cities 24 years ago, Emirates served over 6.6 million passengers and carried over 150,000 tonnes of cargo. Each of our flights over those years have contributed the growth and development of Philippines’ trade and tourism as well as providing ease of travel for overseas Filipino professionals.

“In 2013 Emirates welcomed over 820,000 passengers on its three daily Dubai-Manila services with a very high average seat factor demonstrating the consistent strength of passenger demand, choice and award-winning service which Emirates brings to Philippines,” Mr Brown continued.

“Bringing our flagship A380 to Manila is a fantastic way to celebrate our move to the new international terminal and also our commitment to the Philippines,” concluded Mr Brown.

Emirates currently operates 53 A380s which fly to 31 destinations across the airline’s ever increasing global network, including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and New York.

Emirates’ A380 is renowned for the range of innovations it offers to make the journey more comfortable and enjoyable for passengers travelling in all classes.

First Class passengers can relax in one of 14 flat-bed, massage-equipped Private Suites; the cabin also has two exquisitely designed onboard Shower Spas, ensuring a revitalised and refreshed arrival.

For First and Business Class passengers the on-board lounge is the social highlight, featuring a fully-stocked bar and a selection of hot and cold canapés.

Business Class passengers can relax in seats that convert to flat beds up to 87 inches (two metres) long, whilst those travelling in Economy Class can stretch out in seats with a pitch of up to 33 inches.

Passengers in all classes can enjoy Emirates’ award-winning ice (information, communication, entertainment) Digital Widescreen inflight entertainment system, which features over 1,800 channels.

Here’s a passenger video of how it’s like to fly in A380:

Pinoy entertainment events happening in the last quarter of 2014

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Photo from mdeomedia

It’s concert season once again in Dubai. Sarah Geronimo, Anne Kurtis, Vhong Navarro, Bamboo, Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera are just some of the biggest names set to perform in Dubai from October til December.

Here are 8 entertainment events happening in the next 3 months for the Filipino community.

Beauty and the Best with Daiana Menezes and Amazing Peanut
October 9, 10, 11
Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai, Fujairah
Follow this post on Facebook for more info and tickets

Celebrity Basketball Challenge 
October 10, 9am to 6pm
Al Wasl Sports Club
Follow this post on Facebook for more info and tickets

Primetime Heartthrobs Live in Dubai
October 30, 8pm
Indian High School Football Grounds
Like Sabio Productions on Facebook for more info and tickets

Bamboo World Tour 2014
October 31
Dubai World Trade Centre
Like Spicy Lemon on Facebook for more info and tickets

Anne Curtis in ANNEKAPAL with Vhong Navarro and James Reid
November 7, 5pm
Zabeel Park
Like Sundance Live on Facebook for more info and tickets

Kamikazee, Rivermaya, Gloc-9
November 7, 6pm
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium
Like Spicy Lemon on Facebook for more info and tickets

Kapusong Pinoy sa Dubai  with Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Julie Ann San Jose
November 7, 6pm
Philippine Pavilion, Global Village
Like GMA Pinoy TV on Facebook for more info and tickets

Sarah Geronimo Live in Dubai
December 1, 7pm
Dubai World Trade Centre, Hall 7
Join the event on Facebook for more info and tickets

Eid special show at Dubai Dolphinarium

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In the Philippines, dolphin sighting is a common occurrence to ferry travelers like me. I’ve seen dolphins play along with people on board ferries.  It is also a common tourist attraction to many island hoppers to many destinations back home.

That’s why I’m not really that eager to see the show before.

Add to that, we always get amused of these dolphin shows on Youtube. But now I can say nothing beats the feeling of seeing them live. It’s a peculiar entertainment.  The talent is bedazzling – both the trainers and the dolphins, and seals.

Last night’s show was extra special with the addition of ‘Aladdin’ acrobat show. It is a display of illusion, acrobatics, musicale & adventure – a prelude to the main seals and dolphins show.

The 3 seals are amazing. They perfectly did the hula hoops while their flippers are in sync. One of them even sing in the mic. That was the “cutest horrible” sound I’ve heard – a sweet monster.
The 6 dolphins are unbelievable.  Even the best adjectives won’t be enough to describe how adorable and fascinating they all are. They flip, jump, jump higher, glide, juggle, toss different ball sizes, and sing.

It’s a wonder how these bottlenose dolphins are named and how they know their names –  Senya, Ksyusha, Jerry, Tetka, Fekla and Kai.

They also paint an abstract that right after went to auction. The bidder won it for AED400.
Best is, they’re so engaged not just with their trainers but with the audience as well.  Superb!
Also part of their Eid celebrations are cool giveaways. If your seat number is called out you could win prizes like gold from Joyalukkas, balloon rides vouchers with Balloon Adventures, desert motor cycle rides with Just Gas It, desert safaris & yacht trips with Rayna Tours & family fun days at Al Tamimi Stables.

Baby Aya enjoyed herself until the seals show. After a short break to give away prizes, she started crying and never got her mood back until the last few minutes of the dolphin show. I feel so sorry 🙁

Here are some of the snaps from last night’s show:

The seals in one of their acrobatics
One of the seals singing – he/she sounds like Godzilla but it’s delightful
Flippers dancing in pair
Jumping and aiming higher and higher
This gentle giant sliding into the platform
One of the balls they’re playing with
They toss this giant ball to the delighted crowd with their rostrum or flukes
A trainer balancing on top of  dolphin’s back perfectly glides in the water so fast and perfect
The gentle giant splashing excitedly

For tickets, please visit the Dubai Dolphinarium website.

Thank you so much to Denise and Angel and to Daddy Dodie and Mommy Agnes for the invite. The mom and dad had a blast (“,), and Aya got her mood back at the last part of the show.  She keeps on saying “fish, fish, fish.” Now it’s on us to tell her that dolphins are not fish…

Retirement Planning Session in Dubai

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Financial literacy advocates, motivators and authors Marvin Germo and Randell Tiongson are coming to Dubai to deliver a series of powerful seminars about Investment and the Economic Outlook in the Philippines specifically tailored to Filipinos working overseas.

One of the most interesting talk they’ll do is Retirement Planning on 10th October at Avenue Hotel, Deira.

Planning for our retirement is something that many of us are so passive about. In fact, there’s only 1 out of 10 Filipinos who plan about retirement. Many don’t know where and how to start.

According to Randell, “Retirement planning is not rocket science but it requires a process and much understanding to find ways to properly prepare for it.”

If you can generate 75% of your pre-retirement income during your retirement years, you will live a life of comfort; if you can only generate 30-50%, you will live a life of struggle. For a 20 year retirement, you need at least 20 years of preparation — if you plan to retire at 60, then you should start preparing at 40.

The Retirement Planning workshop will enable us to create comprehensive retirement plans, understand ways to invest for retirement while being guided by 2 of the most recognizable personal finance advocates.

Please see the poster for info on tickets and schedule.

Batman Ride in Dubai Six Flags Theme Park?

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We all hope so.  Set to launch in 2017, Six Flags has not publicly disclosed yet which rides will be set up in Dubai. In the US, Batman Ride will be unveiled in San Antonio, Texas in July next year.

This ride which is dubbed as world’s first “four-dimensional free fly’ roller coaster”, will flip riders upside down in rotating seats at least 6 times as the ride negotiates a series of twists and drops, up to a speed of 54 miles per hour (90-100 kph) and a drop from 105 feet from air.
See this video preview. Fun yeah?

Mr. Chinkee Tan Live in UAE: Plan Right, Live Bright

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One of the most inspirational and motivational wealth coach and author Chinkee Tan is coming to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The man who advocates turning tragedies into opportunities, Mr. Chink Positive’s wisdom and strength are drawn from real life challenges. Chinkee started to realize the importance of perseverance and hard work at a very young age, just as when his father experienced big losses in business.

He is an author of 3 best-selling books, ‘Till Debt Do Us Part,’ ‘For Richer or For Poorer,’ and ‘Rich God Poor God.’ It is very inspiring to read books or watch his videos on Youtube, but hearing him live will be a totally different experience. His way of engaging in the audience and his presentations are guaranteed to make an impact.

He also anchors the popular and award-winning Chink Positive radio program in the Philippines.

On September 12, he will be speaking at Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. On September 13, he will be at Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Hamdam Street in Abu Dhabi.

He will talk about ‘How to create money,’ ‘Correct money mindset on budget and savings,’ ‘How to grow your money with investment,’  and ‘Protecting your hard-earned money’ – all these especially channeled to us OFWs.

The event registration is free, dinner included. Please contact Cesar, 056-2577403 or Ella, 050-3962091  not later than September 5 to reserve yourself or your group. Limited slots only.

Watch this video to know more about Chinkee:

Boodle Fight Dining in Dubai

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I’ve tried this Boodle Fight dining in Dubai twice already – both in Asian Flavors in Qusais (Baghdad corner Damascus streets).

Traditional ‘Boodle Fight’ is a military style of eating where long tables are prepared and food are on top of the banana leaves. Viands and rice ready to eat using your bare hands, jugs of water are prepared on the side to wash hands before the “eating combat”. With the signal to start the boodle fight, everyone aims for his/her position and ‘tabla-tabla na‘ fight.

Here’s a photo of our set, before and after:

Upon serving

This restaurant serves the food arranged in the center of banana leaves over a huge wooden tray.  The space around the food is every diners space to put in their food pickings. It is a must to eat with bare hands, but if you’re not comfortable with it, they have plates and utensils anyway.

After 30 minutes

The set is good for 3-4 persons but it really depends on how heavy eater one is.

There are 4 sets to choose from. The names are derived from popular festivals in Negros Oriental province, southern part of the Philippines.

The first one I tried was the Tanjay Fiesta Set which includes:

  • Plain Rice
  • Mixed Fried Rice
  • Beef Ribs in BBQ Sauce (sweet)
  • Chicken Kawali (reminds me of Max’s)
  • Pansit Bam-I (mix of Canton and Bihon)
  • Grilled Tilapia
  • Fish Kilawin
  • Fried Talong with Alamang
  • Ensaladang Labanos 
  • Fresh Fruits
Tanjay is a city in Negros Oriental. Tanjay Fiesta is a religious devotional festive dance with a mock battle depicting the war between the Moros and Christians. 

The other set I tried was the Lab-as Seafood which includes:

  • Plain Rice
  • Garlic Fried Rice
  • Prawns Garlic Sauce
  • Grilled Fish
  • Grilled Squid
  • Halabos na Alimango
  • Fish Kilawin
  • Okra with Bagoong (Bagoong is a winner)
  • Ensaladang Mangga
  • Fresh Fruits
My personal preference: Lab-as seafood set

Lab-as is a popular term referring to seafood eateries in Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental.

Both were good, but I like the seafood set more – because of the Prawns Garlic Sauce, Grilled Squid and Halabos na Hipon.

The other set is called Buglasan set which includes: Kare-kare, Chicken Barbecue, Daing na Bangus, Halabos na Hipon and Adobong Sitaw among others.

There’s also the Birthday Boodle set which includes a birthday cake along with Beef with Onions, Fried Chicken, Pancit Canton, Lumpia Shanghai and Chopsuey among others.

The food is very Filipino in taste! Each set is priced at AED199 inclusive of house soup and a pitcher if iced tea, juice or soda.

FIBAU17 Pilipinas vs Angola: Whispers from the bleachers

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When Team Angola entered the court, the crowd was calm and probably stunned by the height of the opponents. But it was goosebumps when Batang Gilas entered the court in tune of Bamboo’s Noypi. It was raucous when “Filipino! “Filipino!” from Black Eyed Peas’ Bebot filled the stadium.

Even by just watching the warm-ups, the crowd knew it won’t be easy for Gilas. No expectations are too big in this game, in this tournament. Angolans won indeed 82-72, but in a tightly-contested fashion as Batang Gilas were able to trim down the lead to 5 points inside the last 2 minutes. .

It’s the first time that a Philippine Under-17 team is participating in the FIBAU17 World Championships.

Indeed, we’ve just witnessed the future of Philippine basketball.  Although we came short of winning against the taller but lanky Angolans, this Batang Gilas Pilipinas team has shown many upsides despite the obvious huge disparity in height. We’ve seen the strengths and weaknesses. If taken constructively, this young team of homegrown talents could go farther in the future.

They’re quick. They showed good movements and positioning. They can free themselves from defenders and get open shots a lot of times. They even win contested rebounds during the first quarter.

They can make mid-range jumpers, but they need to make those threes. Obviously, the team’s main arsenal is outside shooting.  Even if only half of their 35 3-point attempts get converted, we could have won the game.  But they only made 5.  No thanks to the long reach of the stretched arms of the defenders.

The youthful energy is there. It was a run-run-run offense from the tip-off ’til the last few minutes. They did pressure defense at many crucial parts of their run.

Pilipinas played quite good ball movement, but the Angolans played basics and converted their shots. Batang Gilas guards are quick, and they are slashing inside the paint manned by the giants. Pilipinas showed pretty good defense, but the lack of height really took its toll. At some point, the Angolans played like a daddy playing with his child as the smaller Batang Gilas tries to take away the ball from daddy’s outstretched hands.

In contrast to how smooth they shoot treys, the Angolans shot poorly from the free throw line, while the Philippine team doesn’t have much chance to take free throws because Angolans doesn’t get whistled for fouls that much.

A few signs of unfamiliarity resulted in costly turnovers. At one point, they passed the ball to coach Jamike to the ‘delight’ of the crowd.

The Crowd
Dubai is Philippine’s 2nd home court at any given time. Whenever a Philippine team visits, the stadium will always be full.

Even the house music is Pinoy – Bebot, Noypi, Laklak and Annie Batumbakal.

And indeed the crowd played its role as the 6th man. It surely was a big boost for the Batang Gilas players to play their hearts out.

Majority in the crowd surely have not seen this Batang Gilas team before, but the support brought by the Filipino expats says something beyond popularity. It’s about national pride.  Win or lose, I’m sure we’ll always be happy to see a gallant fight from our team. After all, basketball runs in our blood.

Change Referee!
There were some questionable calls in the game. From 3rd quarter onwards the fourth, chants of “Change Referee! Change Referee!” comically filled the air every time this referee blows his whistle.  That was fun!

Improvement of crowd support
The Philippine embassy and consul general office must play a bigger role in this kind of events. How about a pep squad to lead the cheers? The Philippine schools in the country will surely love the idea. But if “that’s too much,” how about a simple gesture of giving away flaglets to the crowd, or clappers, banners, etc?

Okay, Batang Gilas shirts are sold at the gates for AED35, but not everyone can afford to buy.

I hope one day we’ll have our own “Ole, ole, ole.” We have to come in unison.

Standing ovation
At the dying seconds of the game, everyone’s on their feet applauding the team.  That’s really a great scene. A proof that the crowd appreciates the gallant stand, and despite the disadvantage, this smaller
Batang Pilipinas team gave us a good game.

View more photos at Boy Dubai Facebook Page.

Mo’s American Dining Experience at Citywalk Dubai

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It was my first time to visit Citywalk. I’ve heard so many good things about this place, and finally I made it here.  This vibrant dining and shopping haven at Al Wasl corner Al Safa Road in Jumeirah 1, Dubai features a posh strip of restaurants that invites every visitor to hangout for a sumptuous digestive indulgence.

Every dining stop has their own al fresco setup that promises amazing views and experiences during the colder season. A well-lit water fountain and the Burj Khalifa set in the background. But it was hot and hazy outside even for a stroll so we went straight to dinner.

With my wife and my 2-year old girl, we headed to Mo’s – an American fine dining, all-day restaurant with a cozy ambiance and very warm staff. We were ushered to the best area for family.

The manager walked in our table with all smile. He allowed us to learn more about the restaurant. Mo’s, a part of the Caramel Group, is a family-oriented casual dining serving contemporary American dishes with a twist. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

A server politely introduced herself and asked for our preferred refreshments above anything else. Root Beer Float for me, Lemon Iced Tea for the wife.  I’m a huge fan of root beer float and glad to find one on the menu.

It’s quite not easy and quick to choose from the menu. Not that there are hundreds of items in there. In fact, every item in it is well-described. It’s just one of those “I-want-a-bit-of-everything-if-I-may” moment. With the help of our server, who knows their food by heart I must say, we were able to select a few from their specialties.  We were warned though… that the serving size is ‘American.’

We had Queso Fundido for appetizers – turkey chorizo and velveeta cheese in crispy nachos and soft tortilla. Definitely beyond you traditional starter bites.

I don’t usually order salads when dining out, but the wife insisted. Okay. We asked our server what would be best for us and for the little one as well. BBQ Chicken Salad turned out as one of the best salad I’ve ever had in a restaurant. From its presentation to the taste, the experience on this mix of ranch-flavored chicken barbecue chunks, cut crispy onion rings, avocado slices, grilled corn bits, black beans, pico de gallo, and shreds of cheese, is exceptional.

For the mains, we had Chicken Alfredo, Baconator Beef Burger, which the server asked how we’d like it (well-done) and their top-seller and signature entree… wait for it… the TNT Shrimp Tacos!

Man, TNT Shrimp Tacos is a champ! These mouthwatering, mildly-spiced battered shrimps come wrapped in 6 soft tacos with shreds of lettuce in it. Guacamole, Pico De Gallo Slaw and Sour Cream Chipotle Mayo are served with it – and all of them taste really good with the piquant-flavored shrimp and altogether as well. Explosive it is!

Now the Baconator Beef Burger. By this time, we’re almost full, but no, that doesn’t mean we’re passing on this one. A bite was followed by another one, and another, and another. 😉  The thick juicy well-done burger patty comes with crispy veal bacon with onions, lettuce and tomatoes in their freshly-baked soft buns.  It is served with bbq sauce.

And, yes indeed, we were warned of the huge serving size.

Chicken Alfredo is ‘chicken alfredo.‘ This fresh fettuccini pasta comes with lots of chicken chunks and rich and creamy parmesan sauce.

Mo’s has a Just For Kid’s menu which makes it a perfectly fine dining destination for families.  Mac n Cheese is what we chose for our baby. Even the kids meals comes in huge serving. Baby Aya said ‘yum yum’ and yes indeed it was so tasty that kiddos will surely love it.

Other items on the Kids Menu

We had to beg off from desserts. I know I know. They have an extensive range of sundaes, shakes and cakes. As much as we’d love to, we really love to, there’s just absolutely no room left for one. This is what we’ll not miss on our next visit for sure. Yes, we are definitely coming back to Mo’s. I’d bring my friends and visitors for a perfectly fine dining experience – quality food and great service on a fine relaxing environment.

Mo’s is located at Citywalk, Al Safa road side. For further inquiries and reservation, call them at 04-3443305 or email mos@caramelgroup.com.

Call and Carry Out
You can call them 30-45 minutes ahead to pre-order your meals and just stop over Al Safa road side and they’ll bring your order to your car.

Mo’s Sundae Challenge
If you have what it takes, finish one whole party sundae in 30 minutes and you’ll not have to pay for it. The (in)famous Mo’s party sundae is 8 scoops of ice cream (your choice of flavor), brownie square and 4 bananas, topped with caramel sauce, hot fudge, whipped cream, toasted almonds, chocolate sprinkles and 8 Maraschino cherries. Now can you handle it?

Follow Mo’s on Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram and get 25% off.

Kids eat free every Sunday
Children 11 years and below eat for free every Sunday all-day – one free child for each adult ordering a main.

Here are few other snaps from Mos:

Philippine Team ready for battle ahead FIBA U17 World Championship in Dubai

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Filipino basketball fans in UAE can have a glimpse of the future of Philippine basketball. A young team, Batang Gilas, is set to compete in FIBA Under-17 World Championship in Dubai next month.

They are going up against the future basketball superstars in the world and possibly in the NBA.  They are grouped with Angola, Greece and the powerhouse USA in Group A of the elimination bracket. 
Members of Batang Gilas are:
  1. Diego Dario (UP Fighting Maroons)
  2. Paul Desiderio (UP Fighting Maroons) 
  3. Carlo Abadeza (La Salle Green Hills Greenies),
  4. Michael Louise Dela Cruz (La Salle Green Hills Greenies)
  5. Richard Escoto (FEU Tamaraws)
  6. Lorenzo Navarro (San Sebastian Staglets)
  7. Jolo Mendoza (Ateneo Blue Eaglets)
  8. Matt Nieto (Ateneo Blue Eaglets)
  9. Mike Nieto (Ateneo Blue Eaglets)
  10. Arnie Padilla (Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu)
  11. Jose Go IV (Hope Christian HS)
  12. Emmanuel Panlilio (International School-Manila).
They will be coached by multi-titled UAAP juniors mentor Jamike .
The Philippines being one of the shortest teams in any international basketball tournament will really on their #Puso (heart) to play it all and try to win games.  
Jolo Mendoza – Photo from FIBA U17
The Ateneo Blue Eaglets representatives are expected to lead the team with Jolo Mendoza being the current MVP of the U16 Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) tournament. And the twins Matt and Mike Nieto are expected to provide key roles for Batang Gilas.
The Group Phase and Round of 16 will be played in Al-Wasl Arena and Al-Ahli Arena (8-12 August). The Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals and Finals will be played in the Hamdan Sports Complex.
They’ll play Angola on August 8, Greece on 9th and USA on 11th.
For inquiries, call +971 4 306 2666.
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