Beep beep, beep beep! You may be wondering what a jeepney is doing in Yas Waterworld. Apparently, this is to create awareness for another episode of Beyond Borders TV show that will take 2 Emaratis to travel around the Philippines and document their adventures.
It is different from the current Beyond Borders episode which is already airing in MBC.
No martyr ever dies in vain. These are the words attributed to the teen saint who demonstrated a strong faith and purity of heart at his young age.
It was a very inspiring day for thousands of Catholics who flocked to St. Anthony de Padua church in Ras Al Khaimah as they discovered the faithful ways of the teen Pedro Calungsod that lead to becoming the 2nd Filipino saint.
45 casts and crew flew from Manila to stage this act and create awareness about Pedro Calungsod’s faithful legacy. Other casts were picked from KFC, SFC and YFC UAE.
The crowd was treated to a classic musical entertainment lead by former child-actor and singer Makisig Morales. Everyone delivered very beautiful performances. The band was superb and the technical aspect was carried out very well. The message was conveyed very clearly. In fact, even children watched attentively and were moved by the scenes.
Pedro is a sacristan from Cebu, Philippines who wants to become a missionary. He has to sacrifice leaving his mother to migrate with Spanish Jesuit missionary, Fr. Diego Luis de San Vitores to Guam. In Guam, Pedro preached Christianity and taught the Chamorro people how to pray. They did bible studies, introduced baptism to infants, children and adults even with the strong opposition from the Chamorro leader, risking of being killed by the tribe. Through Pedro and Fr. Diego’s efforts, many natives have converted to Catholicism.
Giving comic relief to the musical is the character of Cho Ko, a Chinese trader who was shipwrecked in the island. He preaches about superstition and magic potions. He envies the attention that Pedro and Fr. Diego are receiving from many Chamorro people. He began spreading rumors that the water used by missionaries in baptism was poisonous. The leader and the macanjas (medicine men) and the urritaos (young males) believed his story as many infants eventually died after baptism.
The Chamorros then began to persecute the missionaries. Pedro was hit by a spear and died. Fr. Diego could not do anything but to raise a crucifix and give Pedro the final sacramental absolution.
Producer Bob Serrano thanked the audience for travelling hundred kilometers to witness how God has worked and molded one teen Pedro Calungsod to be an example of faith and obedience. Fr. Tom of St. Mary’s Parish Dubai thanked back the whole delegation.
Yes, thank you for bringing this act here. The willingness of many in the production team to pay for their own travel expenses is beyond amazing. May you be blessed and continue to empower more young people. May the future see another Pedro Calungsod or two, or three…
“Ang galing!” is what many people in the audience say at the end of the show. The musical indeed creates awareness and inspiration. Just what many of us needs to be reminded of today. Now, can we be like Pedro Calungsod?
Photos from Teen Saint Pedro The Musical Facebook Page
Lost or looking for a place in the UAE? Never forget to consult Google Map ahead or turn Mr. GPS on, unless you want to play maze. Taking and following directions from many couldn’t be any more troublesome in UAE. Aside from the major highways, there’s no reliable street names on residential and smaller community roads here. We never use our street numbers because it duplicates another street in the vicinity.
Here, ‘beside’ is not a popular term to use. It’s either front-side or back-side. When they say ‘opposite side’, go figure if it’s front or back, exactly opposite or 3-5 buildings or blocks away. ‘Behind‘ could be mistaken as left or right side.
And when they say walking distance, don’t ask them how long, because if they say 5-minute walk, they’re probably walking 240 kph then.
Make sure you’re also asking a person with correct vision with regards to the building color. Most commonly, gray buildings are referred to as blue, yellow ones are brown, and so on.
A common practice here is to tell the shop or grocery name at the ground floor of the building. But when they tell you there’s ‘Al Madina Supermarket,‘ ask for another shop because you will find that shop at almost every block. And oh, please ask if it is “Madina,” “Madeena,” or Madeenah.“
When you’re driving and you miss the right turn, it’s gonna be double jeopardy because the next U-turn could be kilometers away.
Dubai is a city that updates its map almost everyday. But if streets will remain nameless, finding places will remain a frustrating game.
Something strange is making many Filipinos in the UAE emotional these days.
Christmas trees, lanterns, Simbang Gabi, they’re all here in the country long time. But I can’t remember the last time I heard Filipino Christmas songs play intermittently in the UAE airwaves – probably back during ‘The Filipino Rhythm’ days in Dubai Eye.
The usually witty and animated guys at TAG 91.1 make many OFWs teary-eyed early in this festive season. Many popular Christmas tunes are mostly upbeat, vibrant and lively – that’s why they are called jingles. But the Filipinos emotional attachment to the season paved its way to creation of many Christmas love songs. Because it is innate to us that every Yuletide is somewhat a season of reunion, these sentimental songs on the radio reminds us how we are badly missing to spend the holidays with our beloved family and friends back home. Actually, it rubs it in. 😉
Miss Kita Kung Christmas, Pasko Na Sinta Ko and Sana Ngayong Pasko reminds of a long-separated loved one that is uncertain when they’ll spend Christmas together again. Sa Araw ng Pasko tells of families missing to spend Christmas with their loved OFW relatives. And the amusing, Christmas Bonus tells us how we used to receive this extra pay while working in the Philippines.
These songs will surely catch you off-guard.
Thanks for adding more Christmas feel.
Photo credit: dubaimightycamels.com
They sing our hearts’ anthem perfectly in their own rockin’ style. They write songs that tell our typical day by day stories. They hit the right keys that chant our teenage struggles and successes. Their songs masterfully characterize every aspect of growing up – friendships, bittersweet romance, losing a loved one, facing challenges, encouragements, youthful adventures, and generally having fun. They translate our emotions into songs. They became our voice.
Their hits are timeless. They are a living legacy.
The Eraserheads set the tone of rock ‘n roll in the early 90s. The band, often described as the Beatles of Asia, were at the right time when they launched their music as the young generation then is looking for a real and honest alternative acts. The simple and straightforward lyrics combined with catchy tunes and their laid-back personalities increased their followings in no time.
The band was formed in 1989 at University of the Philippines. Pressured to have a band name in one gig, the quartet browsed through a film magazine and chanced on a 1977 horror film Eraserhead by American director David Lynch. It was an intriguing name but somehow made a good recall.
For more than a decade, the ‘Heads were regular at TV guesting and concert scenes and has dominated the playlists and many popular radio and TV hit charts. They produced 10 groundbreaking and multi-awarded albums that sold more than 1 million copies. The band’s popularity reached overseas where they have developed huge fan bases in the South East Asian region. They were the first Filipino artists to have won an MTV Asia Viewer’s Choice Award in 1997.
The sudden disbandment of the group shocked millions of fans and the entire Philippine music industry. There were a lot of myths surrounding the abrupt end of the Eraserheads. But one thing’s for sure, the ‘Heads left an indelible mark to their legions of fans, and they will always clamor to hear them as one again.
Just more than 8 months ago here in Dubai, they delivered one of their best performances that totally enthralled the crowd of 10,000. The 2-hour reunion concert gave us chills and reminiscence of life back then. The impact and impression are still there. But 2 hours is just too short…
Undoubtedly the most influential quartet in the Philippine music scene, Ely Buendia, Buddy Zabala, Marcus Adoro and Raimund Marasigan will share the stage once again as Eraserheads. Two days after Christmas, it’s going to be a #FlashbackFriday present as they will be performing live with Parokya Ni Edgar at High Impact A2 Festival on 27th December at Meydan Race Course, Dubai. Erik Santos and MC Jin from Hong Kong will also be performing at the festival.
Gates open at 4pm, show starts 8pm. Tickets are priced at AED259 (General admission) and AED399 (Golden circle). For tickets and table reservations, please call Ron at +971507553708 or +971558724457.
PROMO ALERT: From December 19-25, General Admission tickets will be priced at AED195 only.
There are 37 ticket outlets across the UAE:
1. West Zone Satwa
2. West Zone Karama
3. West Zone Al Diyafah
4. West Zone Muraqqabat
5. West Zone Al Muteena
6. West Zone Al Nahda
7. Pita Restaurant Bur Dubai
8. Mc David Restaurant Al Rigga
9. Agemono Restaurant Karama
10. Agemono Restaurant Satwar
11. Agemono Restaurant Union Deira
12. Agemono Restaurant Al Quoz
13. Agemono Restaurant Abu Dhabi
14. Kape Korner Karama
15. Salt n Pepper Karama
16. Salt n Pepper Satwa
17. Salt n Pepper Warba, Deira
18. Pampanguenos Al Qusais
19. Jag Retail Shop Karama
20. Ciao Bella Salon Karama
21. Club Seven Karama
22. Mr. Wok Restaurant Warba, Deira
23. Tipanan Restaurant Al Diyafah
24. Tipanan Restaurant Karama
25. Tipanan Restaurant Al Rigga
26. Comedy Junction Al Mamzar
27. Mediacom Shop Abu Dhabi
28. Binalot Restaurant Abu Dhabi
29. Pinoy Big Brother Abu Dhabi
30. Panaderia Bakeshop Abu Dhabi
31. Pinoy Golden Restaurant Abu Dhabi
32. Kainan Filipino Restaurant Abu Dhabi
33. Shopwise Supermarket Deira
34. Pamper Me Salon Deira
35. Pugon Bakeshop Union, Deira
36. Pugon Bakeshop Karama
37. Pinoy Big Barbers Karama
A free bus ride going to and from the venue will be available at Satwa, Karama, Al Nahda, Al Sabkha, Deira City Centre and Business Bay Metro Station. Call Ron at +971507553708 or +971558724457 for more info.
If there’s one thing the band hasn’t done in any of their reunion concerts, it would be performing with jeans and shirts and sneakers – the famous getup fans had love. That would definitely be a #throwback!
Photo from: Sing365.com
The past week was very stressful and pressure-packed at work that my shoulders and lower back has been aching so much. A friend gifted me a therapy session at Zen, The Spa.
On booking, the attendant asked me specifically what type of treatment I would like. I told her about my longing pains at the back and she suggested that I take the Zen Herbal Compress to ease the stiffed shoulders.
Smiles and hospitality welcomed me at the 5th floor of Al Ghurair Rayhaan Rotana. The atmosphere conveys that I will have a good retreat and a calm break from the busy life. My therapist, Raju explained further the treatment I am about to receive. He assured me that the hot herbal compress indeed is what my stressed muscles need. The 60-minute treatment started with foot massage. The body compress was more than lukewarm in the beginning but my body was able to tolerate the warm cloth.
I used the sauna after the therapy. The therapist suggested some hot oil that I can use for immediate therapy which I can do by myself or with the help of my wife. He shared various tips on how to achieve a balanced well-being despite the unavoidable pressures and stress around me.
The Zen spa team also briefed me about the other services they offer such as Aromatherapy, Thai Massage, Hot Stone Massage and Foot Reflexology among others.
What a relaxing treatment! Just as exactly what every busy pro needs. My stressed body was finally relaxed. I feel rejuvenated.
Organized by Philippine Business Council in association with the UAE Red Crescent – Dubai and Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department (Al Awqaf), we invite you to walk with us and altogether we’ll send a message of hope and support to the victims and survivors of typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda.
AED50 is the suggested minimum donation. Proceeds of this event will be donated to the Philippine Red Cross via the UAE Red Crescent – Dubai.
Let us come together again as one and inspire our kababayans back home. See you at Safa Park – Gate 4!
Many of us usually stay longer on bed and laze at home on Friday mornings. This morning is different. The Philippine Consulate General office in Dubai is so busy as individuals, families, officemates and various groups and volunteers from all walks came in droves to support Brunch-for-a-Cause and Task Force Yolanda relief operations. Everyone carries at least a bag of goods with them. Traffic is busy as cars drop off balikbayan cargo boxes of all sizes one after the other. There is a long queue for the brunch but people don’t mind. There is a delay of foods to some but people patiently awaits. Actually, some just gave financial aid but didn’t bother to get food – because it’s not the food that they’re actually there for, but to donate.
The outpouring support and donations from Filipinos and other expats is very overwhelming. Nakakaantig ng damdamin. If you’re there you feel the heart of everyone. Love. There’s no chaos, no tensions. Not even commercials and politics. No complaining, no bad vibes. People share the same emotions on stories told while they are waiting on queue or while just mingling around. The spirit of unity embraces everyone in the crowd. The passion to reach out is glaring. “If only we could do more…” is what many on the crowd there wish.
A lot of volunteers help hand-in-hand in segregating and repacking the goods – organizing them accordingly into foods, medicines, hygienic items, blankets, clothes for men, women or kids, so it’s easier to unpack and distribute when it reaches its destination. The volunteers are amazing. They work tirelessly. They happily accommodate everyone, under the sun. They put their hearts in what they do. They don’t mind the hours. Some of them skip lunch, or forget to drink. Indeed, nothing is really stronger than the heart of the volunteers.
A choir from St. Mary’s Parish performed Lord Heal Our Land, and some were not able to hold their tears as the unthinkable pictures of what happened to Visayas where Yolanda wreak havoc come to mind. It’s a perfect prayer song and a source of inspiration. The Filipinos are known to be faithful and faith is one powerful source of that resilience which the world admires.
Overseas heroes
Times like this once again prove that bayanihan (from the word, “bayani” which means hero) runs in the blood of Filipinos wherever we may be. Whatever kind of work we do, we come together as one to lend a hand and send a message of hope and inspiration for the victims and survivors of typhoon Haiyan.
Update: According to Ms. Matilyn Bagunu, President, Governing Council for Dubai and Northern Emirates, the event has raised AED 112,412.50 or Php 1,332,833.50 as of the current exchange rate. More than 1500 people attended. The group will be able to ship 2 20ft containers and 1 40ft container of assorted items within the week.
Ms. Matilyn shares one notable story:
“It is worth mentioning that the 50 fils came from the donations made by the brothers Ismail and Ibrahim Al Ashqar (AED 117.50) who brought with them their “coin jar” at the Consulate. As per their mother, Elizabeth, the two boys even made their own poster with the Philippine Flag in it and tried convincing other children to do the same. The PICPAns who took charge of the registration even narrated that the eldest (Ismail) was teary-eyed when he handed over their donation. What a heroic act at a very young (only on his 4th Grade at Westminster School).“
She added…
“Please accept our heartfelt and sincerest gratitude for the overwhelming support that you have shown to help us rebuild our beloved country, the Philippines. “
Thanks to the Filipino Community for spearheading this drive. Thanks to the Filipino organizations. Thank you to the Philippine Consulate General and POLO/OWWA offices for the support. Thank you UAE.
Sino pa’ng magdadamayan, kundi tayo-tayo rin.
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| They gave the guests these cool aprons to wear during the night… and baby Aya’s just too small for one. |
Mirdif City Centre launched Flavours of the World with a festive dinner at the ‘glittering garden of lights’ outdoor garden near the mall’s entrance. Yo! Sushi, P.F. Chang’s, Leila’s and Carluccio’s among others gave us a preview of the month-long celebration of delectable global cuisine fusion.
Fuad Sharaf, Senior Director – Property Management, Shopping Malls at Majid Al Futtaim gave us a heads up on what to expect in the next 30 days.
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| Japanese, Chinese, Arabic and Italian food for Filipinos, Canadian and Lebanese on the table |
Flavours of the World food festival will run from 15th November to 15th December. Visitors of the mall are into bountiful treat as more than 80 global dining options – restaurants, cafes and food outlets are in showcase.
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| My favorite of the night – Dynamite prawns from P.F. Chang’s |
Starting 15th November at the Oasis Walk outdoor area, the Garden of Lights will be revealed, unveiling a spectacular showcase of decorative and glittering displays. Designed for creating quality time with families, Mirdif City Centre’s dining area enhance the ambience throughout the festivities, musicians who will be situated at strategic locations within the mall will surely captivate every guest’s heart.
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| Amazing magician entertains the guests |
Adding to the fun, shoppers who spend AED300 in cumulative or individual receipts at any store at the mall get a chance to enter the draw and win a dining experience in Italy with the whole family. If the threshold was spent at any F & B outlet, diners get double chance of winning.
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| Lovely gift for the guests – the wife loves it so much |
Participating restaurants will distribute recipe booklets to food lovers throughout the festival. The booklet will have information about each outlet’s cuisine and recipes of some best-selling dishes.
