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| Shot this while traffic is at still, okay 😉 |
It would be a trending topic in Twitter and Facebook if it rains in the UAE. Yes indeed, because according to tourist guide books, it only rains an average of 5 times a year. Whoa! And by the way, drizzle is considered rain here.
But at times, unfortunately, rains bring chaos on traffic as some roads easily gets flooded. Probably because of the rare chances of rain, the country doesn’t have a better flood drain system yet?
From 15th til 24th of December expect St. Mary’s in Dubai, St. Michael’s in Sharjah, St. Francis’ in Jebel Ali, and other parishes across the Emirates to be heavily jampacked at night – inside and out. This 9-day series before Christmas is when the Filipino Catholic community observes the traditional Simbang Gabi or night (or dawn) mass. Simbang Gabi is a devotional novena in anticipation of Christmas. Many believe that this is a sacred period to prepare ourselves to feel and fulfill the true spirit of Christmas.
This tradition originated in the early days of Spanish rule as a practical compromise for farmers who started their day before sunrise to avoid the heat in the fields. Priests began to say Mass in the early mornings instead of the evening novenas more common in the rest of the Hispanic world. This cherished Christmas custom eventually became a distinct feature of Philippine culture and is a symbol of sharing.
Aside from the spiritual preparation, many believes that whoever completes the 9-day novena will have his special wishes granted, prayers answered. For me, it’s not (only) about wishes and answers… It’s more about preparation of the heart and soul to better understand His presence on us, how He works on our lives, how God eventually responds to our prayers and desires. He hears us, but we have to hear ourselves as well. Simbang Gabi is the best time to reflect what His birth on Earth means to us.
Back home, Simbang Gabi is held before the sun rises – from 4am usually. Rising up early is a sacrifice we offer as well. Here, since most of the Catholics are working, it happens around 7 or 8 in the evening. So attending the mass after a stressful day’s work is part of what we offer.
It’s like home. From the lanterns and decors to the choir singing lively Christmas carols, kids dancing as angels in jubilance, lectors singing the Psalms by heart, the mass goers – everyone’s really in Christmas mood.
Below are some photos of my first Simbang Gabi in 4 years:
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| My first Simbang Gabi in Sharjah – Kids perform Glory to God |
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| My first Simbang Gabi in Sharjah – Almost no room for the entrance |
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| My first Simbang Gabi in Sharjah – Bishop Paul Hinder addresses the Filipino Catholics in Sharjah |
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| My first Simbang Gabi in Sharjah – The mass has ended |
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| My first Simbang Gabi in Sharjah – The crowd’s spill |
We’re blessed that we can practice this religious tradition in this friendly Islamic nation. We’re blessed that the leaders of this nation respect our religion. Simbang Gabi is just one of the rich traditions why the Philippines celebrates Christmas at its best in the whole world. And wherever there are Filipinos, this tradition must happen.
For 9 consecutive nights, people go to church despite a day at work. This goes beyond just a tradition. The massive crowd is a testament of the Filipino Catholic’s strong faith.
It would have been perfect if an enticing aroma of bibingka and puto bungbong were up in the air. Well at least when you walk out of the church, you’ll hear “kabayan kakanin bili na…” or “ulam kabayan sampu lang…” Well, a bowl of goto from the nearest restaurant will do.
See you next year!
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| Photo from Emirates 24/7 |
The UAE’s flag carriers won in the 2012 Global Traveler Magazine Annual Readers Awards for Airlines. Emirates wins 4 awards – Best Airline for International Airlines, Best First Class Seats Design, Best Airlines in the Middle East and Best Airport Lounges. Etihad Airways wins Best Airline for Flight Attendants Uniform.
Other UAE-based firms also win big:
Singapore Airlines won the Best Airline in the World.
Click here for the complete awards list.
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| 2009 UAE National Day |
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| 2010 UAE National Day |
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| 2011 UAE National Day |
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| Photo from SpinOrBinMusic |
Winter is literally a season of events in the UAE. It’s the time of the year when more concerts, conferences, sporting events, meet-ups, and various outdoor camps happen.
Here are 5 recommended events not to miss this December, and links to where to buy cheap tickets online:
1. FAI World Parachuting Championships Mondial 2012 – 28th November – 9th December
The FAI Mondial Dubai 2012 World Parachuting Championships is among the most prestigious events being organised in the UAE to coincide with the UAE National Day celebrations this year. During the 12-day event, there will be six world championships, 29 world champions, seven parachuting and skydiving competitive disciplines along with one test and demonstration event. For schedule and more details, visit the website http://www.wpcuae.ae/
2. Katy Perry and Usher Live in Concert – 8th December
These 2 globally award-winning superstars are set to perform at the closing ceremony of World Parachuting Championships at The Meydan. Expect a high energy spectacular performance from Usher that will surely include hits from his 17 year career as well as from his current album, Looking 4 Myself, and ending with Katy Perry’s tantalizing show featuring all her biggest hits including ‘California Gurls,’ ‘Teenage Dream,’ and ‘Firework’. You can buy tickets in Groupon for as low as AED450.
3. Christmas events: Dubai Christmas Festival and Santa Claus and the Christmas Adventure Show
Treat the kids and the kids-at-heart in an early Christmas present with this fun-filled Santa Claus and the Christmas Adventure Show at DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates on 6th December. Experience a different kind of storytelling and presentation. Tickets start at AED100 and can be bought online.
4. Dubai Desert Road Run – 15th December
Get fit while having fun at this event happening at the Sevens Stadium on Al Ain Road. They say humans were born to run. This sporting event is great for kids and adults, experts and novice (like me). Especially for kids, this can be an eye-opener about starting to keep fit and on shape at an early age. Tickets are available online from AED40 only.
5. The Mother, Baby and Child Show – 6th – 8th December
For mothers, for young parents, there is an exclusive event for you happening at Dubai World Trade Centre. Gain more knowledge about parenting while giving the kids a treat. The country’s leading parenting event gives you a chance to try, test and buy the latest innovative products on the market. You can also get advice about making the right decisions for you and your babies. Starring on the stage for kids is the ever-popular Dora the Explorer. You can buy tickets online for as low as AED 19 only.
If you are not into going to events, there are still various ways to spend time with family and friends at lower costs. Browse through timely deals from Groupon in Dubai and surely there is one that fits your interests and lifestyle.
It was a high-tension, terrifying night when our 4-month baby had a blue spell and almost fainted completely. We rushed down from 15th floor in a very slooow lift, and run across the road to the nearest Prime Medical Centre in Al Qasimia, Sharjah. I was stomping and banging the doors and the tables but no response. Apparently they’re already closed at 9:15pm. What a medical centre!
With a growing panic, we decided to head to Zulekha Hospital. I have to run back to the parking lot to pull out the car. Good thing, our friend May was with my wife. They decided to wait for a cab to in case I could not pull out from parking easily. Poor me, somebody blocked my way out in the parking lot, but he has just left his car, so he still was able to move back.
I drove really fast to get through them in no time, but they’re gone.
Taxis were not much that time. A random South Asian family who just came out from Prime noticed that they were panicking. Without hesitations, they offered to take them to Zulekha, even if they don’t know much the way.
I was driving alone and just imagine the worries I had at that moment. There’s a loooot of traffic stops in Sharjah – I don’t know what’s happening to my baby at that moment. I’m panicking but I wanted to stay calm so not to catch an accident.
I made it to the hospital about 10 minutes after the wife and the baby reached there. The doctors were already giving her first aid – oxygen and all that. Baby Aya was shaking but she’s slowly getting back to consciousness.
Huge, huge, huge thanks to the family who escorted my wife to rush them to Zulekha. You don’t know how much help you have given us. We wish we knew your names, even just your names, to thank you. I wish this reaches you on Twitter, Facebook or whatever to at least let you know how much relief you have given us. Thank you very much to you for lending your precious time, your kind hearts and your generosity as you drove rushing to the hospital like we are a family. May you be blessed.
Our baby was admitted for 2 days at the hospital, done some tests, and all are okay now. Doctors suspect it was a choking case wherein phlegm in her chest developed and almost blocked her breathing. What happened in Zulekha is another story. She’s far from danger now. Thanks to you again, good samaritans in Sharjah.
The chart above (from SocialBakers) says:
The largest age group is currently 25 – 34 with total of 1 553 087 users, followed by the users in the age of 18 – 24
25-34 years old: 47%
18-24 years old: 21%
35-44 years old: 18%
45-54 years old: 6%
16-17 years old: 3%
13-15 years old: 2%
55-64 years old: 2%
65+ years old: 1%
There are 68% male users and 32% female users in United Arab Emirates.
Other activity-related statistics on Facebook for UAE from SocialBakers, after the jump.
Problem with the society today is we don’t respect authorities anymore – police officers, traffic enforcers, and even the security guards.
The job of security guards can be said as “thankless” yet their responsibilities are serious, and they are among the underpaid ones. They are often taken for granted until only something significant happens. Especially in the Philippines, security guards at the malls and at the metro rail stations are known mainly for searching our bags for some ‘unidentified’ objects. But we are forgetting, in times of emergencies, they are one of the firsts to respond. Guards also have the power to arrest suspects, detain them until the police come.
But they get no respect.
One of my favorite Filipino authors of recent, Alex Lacson, said in his book 12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do to Help Our Country, “Respect your traffic officer, policeman, soldier, and other public servants.”
Respect is a mark of most profound education. Respect is intellectual. Respect is more than just being kind to the person. Respect gives a positive feeling of regard. It empowers and makes the recipient proud. It gives honor to them and to the work they do.
If you are educated, you don’t just berate security officers, regardless of who started the fire.
One Guarded Moment
While I meant respect, I’m also aware that some of them commits a mistake and at times doing their jobs wrong – just like any of us as well.
Back in high school, I was accused of shoplifting by a security guard – and he humiliated me publicly at the center of SM Southmall.
I went to National Bookstore to look for a songbook. I was carrying my guitar. I tried to leave it at the baggage deposit counter but the attendant asked me to just take it with me inside the store because it’s too bulky for the baggage racks.
I spent some time looking for the right songbook but I found none. I decided to leave National Bookstore and look somewhere else. As I walked past about 2 minutes, a security guard of National Bookstore approached me, asking me where I hid and kept the songbook I “stole” from the store.
What a freak! And he’s speaking in a high voice. He grabbed my guitar, looked into the hole, and shook it because he suspected that I put the songbook inside. People are looking at us. Imagine the humiliation? The mall security guard inspecting your guitar and your pockets in the middle of the crowd…
Foul! I said why the hell he suspected me, and he religiously followed me until I reach Storyland. Apparently, he was keenly watching me from the time I entered National Bookstore until I left. Of all people, suspecting me? National B.S.
He asked me to go back to National Bookstore to discuss his accusation further with the management. He kept on shaking my guitar and my waist for a suspected stolen songbook. Before we reach, he was convinced that no songbook was stolen. He just left and let me go.
I was upset. I did no Amalayer. I was just an innocent 15 at that time.
I told my parents about it (who’s also at the mall). We checked on the guard at National Bookstore and call the management. My dad confronted them civilly, saying what the guard did was totally wrong and unacceptable at all. All the management and the guard said… Amasorry.
This and other minor incidents with security guards contribute to how I regard them. But just like us, they also commit mistakes. But that doesn’t mean we have to be rude at them too. What’s the point? As writer Eric Hoffer said, “rudeness is the weak man’s imitation of strength.”
And I say, no rude man lessens stupidity, no matter how wrong or right he is.
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| Photo from Sample Central Facebook Page |
Now you can shop without spending a single penny, not a single fil, and not even swiping your credit cards. At Sample Central, all you have to do is give your feedback on the items you pick. About 5-10 minutes of your time to get the items free, not really bad at all!
Sample Central, bannering the region’s first “tryvertising” concept has just launched their retail store at Dubai Festival City.
Tryvertising is a non-traditional concept that means try-before-you-buy. This marketing practice involves companies/brands giving free products for consumers willing to sample and give their honest opinion about their experience in using the products. At Sample Central, members can take the products home, as long as they fill out a short survey/questionnaire about the selected product. This helps brands, marketers and manufacturers to revitalise established products and improve or fine-tune new launches for the mass market.
So how does Sample Central works?
Currently, products in the store include fitness equipment, electrical goods, food and grooming products and more.
Sample Central was launched in Japan in 2007 and is now found in over 20 countries including in Europe, Asia and South America.
