We didn’t wear our wedding rings for over a decade

For about 10+ years, we’re not wearing our wedding rings. One reason, our fingers have swollen a few years after the wedding and they no longer fit. We didn’t bother...

What does it mean when someone says “I choose you every day?”

Today, I want to celebrate and honor this amazing woman who has been with me for the past 15 years - my wife. Thank you for choosing me every...

My Dubai Nightmare Stories (Finding the right job edition)

One My first boss locked me in a room for a whole day. I never bothered to return and collect my salary because of trauma. Two My second employer hid my passport...

What led me to gaining true wisdom

A few years back, my wife and I attended a seminar about finance. We signed up because the topic felt incredibly relatable, and we knew it was just what...

Small acts of kindness at the Dubai Metro

I was supposed to pick up my mom from the train station. I tried calling her to know when she was arriving and where exactly to meet me. But...

It’s not about the nationality

I've heard this one too many times. At some point during my first few jobs in Dubai, I also asked the same question. But just a friendly piece of advice,...

What makes you poor?

Buying things you want will NOT make you poor Buying items on sale will NOT make you poor Spending on gadgets, hobbies, and food trips will NOT REALLY make you poor It’s...

Will Dubai make you rich?

I often get the impression that the longer we stay in Dubai, the richer we become. But, I say (working in) Dubai alone won't make one rich. Dubai, however, gives you...

We shouldn’t judge a nationality by the actions of a few

"Angelo is late again. I think all Filipinos are always late." “Diego is rude! Maybe all Mexicans are rude too.” “Joe is lazy, so all Westerners are lazy.” “Rajib is...

How do we “unfrustrate” ourselves?

I brought the car to a service today and was promised to wait for 3 - 4 hours only. It ended up taking 9+ hours to complete. My day...

Meeting new people inspires us to become better

Do you believe that? I do. That’s why I show up when there’s an opportunity - IF AND WHEN my priority allows so. Even at times the introvert in me tries...

Why Filipinos only mingle with fellow Filipinos?

Let me rephrase that a bit, "Why do Filipinos abroad prefer to mingle with fellow Filipinos?" My friend asked me, “Why you guys always group together? Why don’t you mingle...

There’s a Dubai-based Facebook group for giving

Found this amazing online community where members post items to give for free to those in need - particularly to maids, workers, or low-income families (or those in dire...

We’ve been buying second hand and we’re saving money

I used to not like second-hand stuff for personal reasons but surprisingly, there are many Dubai residents selling pre-loved items in really good condition. The past 3 months, we’ve ‘hoarded’...

They gave me an Iftar box even if I’m not fasting

It is really heartwarming to see the police and volunteers giving out Iftar boxes to drivers (and passengers) in Dubai during traffic. And they give it to ANYONE, regardless...

You have no idea how much you could influence others

I met Kumar (middle) in one of my runs. He approached and asked for a photo with me. He said he follows me on Instagram and is encouraged by my...

Thank God for Paternity Leave

In the past, not too many companies give much importance to paternity leaves compared to mom’s maternity leaves. With our firstborn, I only got 2 days of paid leave (That...

Why do Filipinos look younger than their age?

Does looking young pose an advantage or disadvantage? Every time age is talked about in the workplace, I always get the same reactions, “No way you are that old,” “You’re...

Interviewing Tracy McGrady in Abu Dhabi

I was still in the university when TMac is peaking in his career. My love for the game and the NBA was growing tremendously and I never imagined in...

What if I die this year?

We’ve already seen all narratives about new beginnings and hope. But what if the new year is also about endings? What if this year is your last year? “Are you...

Dubai offers free “Bread for All” through smart machines

Dubai is on a roll. The Mohammed bin Rashid Global Centre for Endowment Consultancy (MBRGCEC) has announced the launch of the Bread for All initiative that aims to help workers...

NBA District fan events to set to celebrate the NBA coming to the region

NBA legends Chris Bosh, Vince Carter, Shaquille O’Neal, Isiah Thomas and Dominique Wilkins will have a special appearance at the fan events.“NBA Night in Abu Dhabi hosted by Shaq” will celebrate...

What I thought about Katips: The Movie

* This is not a movie review, just an honest take - as always. I watch Katips: The Movie the other day and here are my thoughts: The film has a...
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Ion Gonzaga, a.k.a. "Boy Dubai" is a no-nonsense authority blogger and storyteller. He is known to "say things many people cannot say." He's also a UX designer, runner, cyclist, a big fan of basketball.

OFW

Living in Dubai

Working in Dubai

I did these works in Dubai without pay

I did these 6 things without pay: Created websites for...

My Dubai Nightmare Stories (Finding the right job edition)

One My first boss locked me in a room for...

Will Dubai make you rich?

I often get the impression that the longer we...

We shouldn’t judge a nationality by the actions of a few

"Angelo is late again. I think all Filipinos are...

Why do Filipinos look younger than their age?

Does looking young pose an advantage or disadvantage? Every time...

Is the name of your school important to find a job in Dubai?

"Can I find a decent job in a good...

Mamser Mentality: Should we drop the Ma’am / Sir?

A colleague laughed when she was addressed "ma’am" by...

Just because it’s not happening in your life right now doesn’t mean it will not happen at all

I came to Dubai because of my dad’s invitation....

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