Every Friday, people at work or in the community would ask, “What are your plans for the weekend?”
How do you reply?
Let me share with you some interesting facts about the weekend:
Out of 365 days in a year…231 are days spent at work – for those with 5-day work week setupOnly 104 days are left for weekendsAdd the (more or less) 30 days of leaves and public holidaysIt’s just about 34% of the whole yearHow much *less for those who work 6 days a weekThink about your priorities.
For me, Saturdays and Sundays are precious gifts we can use to recharge and connect even more with our family, either outdoors or at home.
Let’s use our weekends wisely by balancing self-care and quality family time. Avoid overbooking with excessive activities that steal moments from loved ones.
Just look again at what the numbers above say.
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Each one requires a lot of time and energy. I had to work extra hours, day and night. Not to mention burning resources—electricity, and gears, among others. And I won’t ask for payment???
Some people didn’t understand why I was “wasting” my time. All I know, I enjoyed doing them out of passion and a desire to help in ways I could without expecting anything in return.
“If you enjoyed the time you wasted, then it wasn’t wasted time.”
While doing those things without pay, I built connections that soon translated into good relationships. These remarkable people became a significant part of my journey as they connected me to countless opportunities I wouldn’t have known about had I not met them.
I mean, those connections allowed me to get paid doing the following:
Multiple freelance web design gigs
Write scripts for radio ads
Becoming resource speaker
Guesting on branded TV shows
Blogging and creating content
Teaching short courses
This proves that when you give without expecting, you open doors to connections that hold immeasurable value.
So if there’s an opportunity for you to use your talents and skills, for goodness sake, do it. The Bible says, “Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.”
Do you know where you’re going to? Do you like the things that life is showing you?
Do you know that song?
Twenty years ago, did you see yourself doing what you’re doing today?
Life was so different back then. Many of us were still single, had just started work, or were probably still in school.
And it’ll be the same way twenty years from now. Some of us will be senior citizens by then. Our kids will be grownups. We’ll probably be retired. Sadly, some of us won’t be here in twenty years.
Every time we look back, many of us wish we had done things differently in the past, taken certain opportunities, or expressed our feelings. But one of many things I learned all these years is to LIVE WITH NO REGRETS.
Time flying fast also tells us an important thing – we can avoid regrets by taking action NOW.
Make choices aligned with our values. Put premium on fulfillment, not just retirement.
Seeing others achieve great success in their 20s and 30s influenced that desire to retire early.
I thought when I reached 40, I should be able to jump out of the corporate world and will be looking after my own business already.
As I approached my 30s, the pressure began to weigh on me.
But reality hit me. With a growing family, starting a business without any guaranteed income is a risk I cannot afford to take. My savings were not enough to sustain me and the family for a potentially long period without a salary.
Not about my timing
As I was pondering those thoughts, something changed within me. I was reminded that it’s not about my timing, but God’s perfect timing. Yes, I can plan anything I want, but if it’s not aligned with God’s purpose, it won’t happen as I see it.
So I stopped looking at other’s timelines and stopped chasing society’s expectations. I learned that it is wiser not to let the pressure of society or the success of other millennials and Gen Zs discourage me.
Different timelines
We all have different paths, different timelines, different responsibilities, and different purposes. I shifted to fully trusting God’s timing instead, knowing that He has proven His faithfulness in my life many times in the past.
Letting go of the need to rush brings unexplainable peace. Knowing that God’s plan will eventually prevail brings comfort.
No registration desk, no program, no fees—just a meet-up among a few like-minded people. Jon Santillan revived the idea of meeting together (again) now that the situation is becoming more tolerable.
It just started with a WhatsApp message:
We met over breakfast. Feast on a smoothie of updates about life, the challenges of running a business, the pain points, the small and big wins, the aspirations, and growth.
What do we gain from this kind of meetups
The idea of meeting up provides more than just exposure. It helps build relationships that nurture our personal and professional growth. That’s one area where the group Filipino Startup Founders, which currently thrives over WhatsApp, sees an opportunity to evolve into a more dynamic online and offline community.
It’s just the same feeling as gathering together with family and friends. Not only is it enjoyable, but this meetup also amplifies a growing relationship among businessmen, advisers, game-changers, entrepreneurs, technologists, and startups within the Filipino community in the UAE.
It also promotes a sense of belonging. Conversations over coffee and meals can leave you feeling incredibly inspired, encouraged, and determined.
Here’s what everyone has to say about the meeting.
Jon Santillan, founder of Denarii, which recently created a buzz after they were acquired by Careem, aspires for this group to serve as a catalyst for more Filipinos to join the tech startup scene, with the hope that one day they can build their own company, raise investment, or even be acquired.
I am a believer that we have a lot of exceptionally talented Filipinos here in the UAE and beyond who just need a platform to be amplified and to be in the right environment. I hope this group can be a moving force to achieve that.
Jon Santillan
Mariben Eustaqio, Founder and Managing Director of eZone, loves meeting fellow Filipino entrepreneurs because it simply inspires.
I believe it’s important to build a community of like minded individuals to support one another and to be able to exchange ideas and experiences that may help the other.
Mariben Eustaqio
“Starting and building a business in the UAE can be a challenge, so having the right support group is important. Together, Filipino entrepreneurs can do more by promoting our roles and presence in the UAE so that we will no longer be underrepresented in leadership and business”, she added.
Mariben’s business is not just a typical business setup consultancy. Their Plant-It-Forward initiative aims to bring communities together where entrepreneurs are able to contribute to the restoration of the environment as they set up their businesses through eZone.
Annabel Jean Demana, founder of siz.ae, a peer-to-peer designer fashion rental platform (app) for women, said it was such an enlightening and insightful meetup with experienced startup founders from many different industries and areas of expertise!
Everyone is just extremely helpful and genuinely rooting for one another to win at their businesses. Wish we can make this consistent and grow into a bigger community in the future.
Anabel Demana
Siz is not just another P2P app out there. The platform aims to empower women to feel their best without breaking the bank, by sharing designer clothing through renting and lending.
For Jay Tolentino, an independent financial coach and host of Pera & Purpose podcast, the growing business community coupled with inspiring stories such as Jon Santillan and Denarii, gives hope to aspiring overseas Filipino entrepreneurs that they have a fighting chance to successfully transition from their day job to owning their dream business.
It’s nice to see more Filipinos getting involved in the tech startup scene especially in this part of the world.
Pag-pa-padala, or requesting a favor for someone traveling to ship items for us, is a common practice among many expats, especially in Filipino communities abroad.
When requesting such favor, be mindful and sensitive about their time, space, andpriorities.
Here are some ethical guidelines to observe when requesting such favors:
1. Choose the right person
Select someone you have a close relationship with and who you trust – could be a family member, a friend, or someone who has expressed willingness to help in the past.
Make sure the person is comfortable with the responsibility.
2. Be mindful of their convenience
Your request might add weight or take up space in their luggage, which can be inconvenient for them.
The item should be easy to carry and won’t take up much space. Do not burden them with excessive weight or bulky items.
3. Offer payment, if appropriate
If the favor may cause inconvenience or extra expenses for your friend, offer to cover any relevant costs, such as excess baggage fees or customs duties.
Make it clear that you understand the inconvenience. Be willing to compensate them accordingly.
4. Explain the intention
Be honest and upfront about why this favor is important to you.
If it’s a gift for your loved ones, share your desire to make their day special and how much it would mean to you if they could assist you.
5. Acknowledge their right to decline
Respect their decision if they are unable or unwilling to carry the item. Understand that they may have personal reasons – such as limited space, weight restrictions, or concerns about potential legal issues at customs.
Don’t guilt them or pressure them into agreeing.
6. Be transparent
Give your friend detailed information about the item—size, weight, and any relevant customs regulations or restrictions.
This will help them make an informed decision and be aware of potential issues at the airport.
7. Be grateful
Regardless of whether they agree or not, express your appreciation for their consideration.
If your friend agrees to carry the item, give them a small token of appreciation or send them a thoughtful thank-you note after their trip.
Approach the request with sensitivity, understanding, and respect for the other person’s boundaries. If they decline, be gracious and explore alternative options.
And, when you have requested a favor for something to be shipped for you, you MUST make an effort to collect it. Don’t expect it to be delivered to your door.
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I wanted to get fit and feel better about myself. But every time I plan, I struggle to start. One time I’d say “I will start exercising tomorrow, or next month, or at new year,” but it never happened. I will always have excuses.
So, I decided to join organized running events that require me to pay to register. (And these races in Dubai cost a fortune, huh.)
And because I paid, I was more motivated to do it and prepare for it. Else, money would go to waste.
Second thoughts
The first race was really tough. I was catching my breath; and finished among the last runners. I was very tired, and I even thought about quitting several times along the way.
The same thoughts came back during the next few races. One voice was telling me to quit, and another was saying I can do it.
Every run presented different challenges, opportunities to push my limits, and a chance to accomplish something remarkable. Eventually, consistently joining these races helped me become stronger, both physically and mentally.
Halfway through last year, I was already enjoying it. Every finish made me very happy. It’s like seeing beautiful results from hard work.
Everything I learned from those runs became so valuable that I used those lessons in other aspects of my life. When things are hard, I just look back at how I go through the races—how I condition my mind and how I draw strength from the Lord to finish well.
Investing in ourselves
When you’re very invested in something, you will do everything you can to accomplish it, no matter how challenging the process may be.
Being invested in something does not only mean putting money into it. It’s about spending time and effort on things we want to make better. Like working on a better relationship, learning to be smarter about money, or simply acquiring new skills.
Indeed, the best investment we can make is in ourselves.
So, what will you invest in (your time, effort, or money) today?
It’s perfectly okay to be an employee and not let anyone – yes, even “motivational speakers” —tell you otherwise.
In the past few years, being an entrepreneur has been glorified as the ultimate road to riches. But being an employee is a respectable journey in itself. Society might pressure us to believe that a business is the only gateway to financial success. I once believed that, but not anymore!
Sure, a business can lead to financial wealth, but success in it does not happen overnight. It demands tremendous effort, countless sleepless nights, and a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. And it often has a bad impact on one’s priorities in life.
I know for sure what it’s like – being someone who tried to run two businesses that both failed.
If you are an employee today, just like me, you are on one of the best paths to becoming financially wealthy. Just be the best employee you can be, learn from your experiences, and continue to grow. You’ll never know; maybe you’re just being equipped with what it takes to run a business in the future (or on the side).
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to success. We have our own paths. Take every piece of advice with a grain of salt.
Dubai Municipality led the completion of the beautification works of two basketball courts in the city’s most popular parks. The initiative aimed to beautify the sports facilities using artistic aesthetics to provide players and visitors with a unique experience.
Painting and beautification works were also carried out in two playgrounds in Al Barsha Pond Park and Al Warqa Park. Basketball court design upgrades were done on the basketball courts in Al Jafiliya Square and Satwa Park.
This initiative represents a distinctive beautification project that truly embodies the modern spirit of the emirate.
Attracting more partnerships
This project also demonstrates the municipality’s dedication to encouraging partnerships with prestigious local and international private-sector businesses. Dubai hopes to improve amenities all around the city. It aims to cultivate an attractive atmosphere for investments and forge more collaboration with key service providers around the world. The objective is to ensure that everyone who visits or lives in the city has a remarkable experience.
Thinking about people’s interests
Dubai has shown again how it cares about the interests and hobbies of everyone in the community. It also shows the city’s eagerness to plan and carry out projects that further underline Dubai’s attractiveness and beauty, especially with summer approaching, and its endeavor to provide all facilities that serve all residents of the emirate and give them a rich experience that meets their needs and achieves utmost comfort and happiness for them.
If you’re new to Dubai, whether for business, leisure, or a bit of both, using public transportation is one of your key concerns for sure. Getting around this vibrant city has never been easier, thanks to the NOL card. In this guide, we’ll delve into what a NOL card is, where to buy it, how it works, and how to reload it for a seamless Dubai experience.
What is a NOL card?
A NOL card is your passport to Dubai’s efficient public transportation system. Nol, which means “fare” in Arabic, is a new fare payment system. It is the city’s smart card system that simplifies the process of paying for various modes of transportation, including buses, trams, the Dubai Metro, and even water buses. Instead of fumbling for cash or buying individual tickets, you can simply tap your NOL card and breeze through the city.
Where to buy NOL Card
Vending Machines You can purchase NOL cards from ticket vending machines located at all Dubai Metro and tram stations. These machines are available in multiple languages, making it easy for tourists to navigate.
Convenience Stores and Supermarkets Many convenience stores, supermarkets, and even some hotels serve as authorized sales agents for NOL cards. Look for the NOL card logo displayed prominently at these locations.
Online For added convenience, you can also buy NOL cards online through the official RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) website or various mobile apps designed for this purpose. You can either collect your card from a designated pickup location or have it delivered to your place.
Airport NOL cards are also available for purchase at Dubai International Airport, making it easy for tourists arriving in the city to get their cards right away.
How NOL Card works
Now that you have your NOL card, it’s time to understand how it operates:
Loading Your Card: Before you can start using your NOL card, you need to load it with credit. You can do this at ticket vending machines, sales agents, or online through the official RTA website or mobile apps. There are various credit options to choose from to suit your travel needs.
Choosing Your Travel Mode: Dubai’s public transportation network is extensive and includes buses, trams, the Dubai Metro, and water buses. Depending on your travel plans, you can choose the appropriate NOL card type:
Silver Card: Ideal for occasional travelers who plan to use one mode of transport (e.g., the metro) for a short duration.
Gold Card: Perfect for those who need to switch between different modes of transport within a single journey or plan to use public transport for an extended period.
Blue Card: Specifically designed for students, providing discounted fares
Tap and Go: Once you’ve loaded your NOL card with credit and selected your card type, it’s time to explore the city. Simply tap your card on the designated card reader when boarding and disembarking from buses, trams, or the metro. The fare will be automatically deducted based on your journey’s distance.
Check Your Balance: Keep an eye on your NOL card balance to ensure you have enough credit for your travels. You can check your balance at ticket vending machines, online, or through mobile apps.
How to Reload Your NOL Card
As you explore Dubai, you might find yourself running low on NOL card credit. Here’s how to reload it:
Online: The easiest and most convenient way to recharge your NOL card is online. Visit the RTA website or use their official mobile apps to add credit using your credit card.
Vending Machines: You can also reload your NOL card at ticket vending machines found at metro stations, tram stations, and some bus stops. Simply follow the on-screen instructions.
Authorized Sales Agents: Many of these agents that sell NOL cards also offer reloading services. Just inquire at the sales counter.
NOL Card Kiosks: Some metro stations have dedicated NOL card kiosks where you can both buy and recharge your card.
Dubai’s NOL card system is a traveler’s best friend when it comes to navigating this bustling city efficiently and economically. With the ease of loading, tapping, and reloading, you can focus on enjoying the incredible sights, world-class shopping, and delicious cuisine that Dubai has to offer.
So, grab your NOL card and embark on a journey through the heart of the Emirates, where the future meets tradition and unforgettable experiences await at every corner. Safe travels!
