Illustrado Magazine – Filipino Abroad

Tag: Filipino Dubai

Filipino Traveler: Kristine Abante in AMSTERDAM

Filipino Traveler: Kristine Abante in AMSTERDAM

What is the city known for?

Aside from the obvious ones like the beautiful network of canals we often see in postcards, the impressive and well-oiled bike culture, and the deliciously addictive stroopwaffels, I would say Amsterdam is unique because here, you can enjoy a kind of freedom and open-mindedness that you will not easily find anywhere else.

It is also normal here to find sex museums alongside traditional business establishments, which is a rare sight especially for someone who currently lives in the Middle East.

I love the impressive architecture and the art scene. The city is home to the Van Gogh Museum and the museum that houses the works of Rembrandt, the Rijks museum. And of course, there is the old house that kept Anne Frank and her family safe during the Nazi occupation of the city.

You come to Amsterdam to open your mind.

How to get there? Where to stay?

I don’t prefer planning my trips through travel agencies and signing up for group tours and the likes because I like the freedom of owning my itinerary. I am also a “surprise me” kind of person, so there’s really very little planning in terms of my daily activities. There are lots of apps and websites that can help you find your way around the city and give you advice on accommodations and other travel-related stuff.

Flights to Europe via Emirates usually cost between AED2,500 to AED3,000. To find the cheapest plane ticket prices, you can check a website called Skyscanner (www.skyscanner.net), which also has an app version.

I actually came to Amsterdam by train after arriving at Dusseldorf from the UAE. I passed by Germany because my Schengen visa was issued by the German embassy. It is easy to apply through VSF Global at Wafi Mall. You can find all the requirements on their website.

The train to Amsterdam from Dusseldorf costs about EUR30 or AED120. There is a very helpful site where you can easily plan your itinerary via any mode of transportation anywhere you want to go in the world: https://www.rome2rio.com. The website will also give you cost, timings and links.

For accommodations, I found this wonderful apartment at Airbnb. It was my first time to try the service, and I have to say it was such a great experience that I might never book a hotel room again. I paid less than the rate of a hotel room for an apartment that I shared with 3 of my friends; it was only EUR170 per night. We had the apartment all to ourselves, and it was conveniently located 5 minutes away from Central. We were allowed to cook our meals, wash our clothes, and have mini parties, so long as we keep the house in order. The host was also thoughtful enough to leave us with guidebooks and plenty of tips on how to make the most out of our trip. For five days, we felt what it was like to truly live like a local in Amsterdam.

Any must-do’s or must-see’s? What’s the city’s best-kept secret?

For must-see’s, I would suggest taking the canal cruise. It will take you around the city’s famous canal network and you will see everything from the boat, and a tour guide will accompany you on this pleasant one-hour ride.

Being a huge Van Gogh fan, my personal favorite must-see is the Van Gogh Museum. Seeing his artworks up-close was some kind of a spiritual experience. We also found a hole-in-the-wall dive bar in Amsterdam Central named ‘The Doors,’ after the great Jim Morrison. The Doors Café is like a mini-shrine for rock ‘n’ roll fans; it plays great music, and you’re free to do other things, like smoke. If you know what I mean.

How to Dress?

Dress comfortably. Amsterdam is the land of freedom, and people don’t really care what you wear. Just check the weather report before choosing your OOTD.

What to bring? What to avoid?

Bring enough euros and see how far your baon can take you. J An umbrella would be handy, especially if you don’t like getting wet by the rain. It drizzled often during our stay.

Avoid bringing back illegal substances. Even if they look harmless and are sold freely in Amsterdam, they can get you in trouble elsewhere, most especially in the UAE.

Also, if you can avoid bringing a big luggage, please do so. This is especially important if you want to go cross-country via trains. Travel as light as you can. Believe me, I learned this the hard way.

Overall, going to Amsterdam was such an enlightening, incredible experience. Personally, this trip changed me in a lot of ways. It challenged my views and expanded my way of thinking—it’s great for the soul. But if you’re not up for the deep end and you’re just after taking selfies, you can’t go wrong with Amsterdam because this place is very Instagram-perfect.

September 19, 2015
Filipinos in Dubai: It’s What I Do

IRIS ABARABAR
Alterations Engineer – Emaar Properties
Dubai, UAE

What do you do for a living?

I am an architect, and I work in the customer care alterations department in a large real estate developer here in the UAE. I am involved in planning projects and site visits. I make sure that our projects are running smoothly and on schedule. I embrace my tasks so I can execute my job well, and I am lucky to work with a great team. My employer, Emaar, regularly provides us employees with trainings for personal and professional development, so we are always able to work effectively with each other.

Please describe your typical working day.

I deal with different types of people from different countries everyday. I make sure that I get all the job done in time, such as quality checks and solving client problems. I am also very proactive and I take ample time and effort to understand my clients issues so I can help them solve it better.

Please share with us an interesting story or anecdote, anything remarkable or uplifting that has happened to you on the job.

Being an architect is a very challenging career, and there are many highs and lows. There are a lot of things you must do, and with proper discipline, they can be done. I was hit by the global financial crisis back in 2008 where there were a few jobs available, and I was left with no choice but go back home. But I never gave up.

The most fulfilling part was when I was re-hired by my employer when they got their business goes back on track. Now, I have already built a strong network with clients, engineers, and contractors.

Your message to Filipinos out there.

The key to success in your career is having the willingness to step outside of your comfort zone. No matter where you are in your career, don’t get sluggish. Recover using your willpower and determination. The reason why most of us fail is because we give up too soon.

Always keep your career moving. Choose to lead and to inspire. The more you are able to do that, the more you will earn the trust of your employer and everyone around you.

Once you reach one of your goals, your journey is not over. You have to keep moving. Persevere, so that someday when you look back, you’ll say, “I’m glad I did,’ instead of “I wish I had.”

LEO VALLE BARRAMEDA
Travel & CRM Coordinator – ART DUBAI
Secretary – Philippine Business Council
Secretariat Head – Ateneo’s LSE program

What do you do for a living?

I am the executive assistant of H.H. Sheikha Maisa Al Qassimi, and I have held this position for more than 7 years now. I am also the new Travel and CRM Coordinator of Art Dubai Fair LLC, an events company that organizes and manages some of the biggest arts and design events in the UAE, such as Art Dubai, Design Days Dubai, and Downtown Design.

Please describe your typical working day.

A typical working day for me starts with thinking what to wear to work. Being part of an artsy-fartsy team encourages me to be creative on what I pull out from my closet.

Working directly with the VIP team, I usually start the day updating the database while drinking my daily dose of green tea. The rest of the day is spent on dealing with flight requests, matching hotel requirements, booking car transfers, applying for visas, and checking the Internet for deals and promos. I am maintaining three company email accounts; Outlook is my work buddy as we spend a lot of time together. Needless to say, receiving compliments and positive feedback are my inspiration to keep me going.

Please share with us an interesting story or anecdote, anything remarkable or uplifting that has happened to you on the job.

Being the only full-blooded Filipino in the team, I was very intimidated at first. On the contrary, I am warmly welcomed and now I feel my worth in the company. Glitches and challenges usually happen, but I always deal them with a smile. After all, Filipinos are known to be always happy, and I am proud to be one. I am also very lucky that I am part of a very diverse company.

I make sure that I pay it forward to the Filipino community in Dubai. I was appointed as Secretary of the Philippine Business Council here in Dubai, and I helped establish opportunities for Filipino entrepreneurs to network and develop bilateral cooperation. I am also the Head Secretary of the Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship (LSE) Program organized by Ateneo de Manila University School of Government.

Your message to Filipinos out there.

According to Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Happiness is like perfume, you can’t pour it on others without getting a few drops on yourself.”

Always surround yourself with good people, the thinkers and the doers, and most of all, people who see your worth. I learned to associate myself with positive friends that helped me see my own greatness and find more joy in simple things. Don’t expect too much from people to avoid disappointment; be open-minded and wait for surprises.

How do I end my day?

With a big smile as I know I did my best and a breath of prayer for His greater glory.

DIANA SANTOS
Director of Business Development & Client Services
DiLeonardo International
Dubai, UAE

What do you do for a living?

I’m a Business Development professional, and I’m currently the Director of Business Development and Client Services for DiLeonardo International, an interior design firm.

I look after the business development and marketing efforts of the firm for the Middle East and South East Asia. This includes traveling for work, meeting clients, answering inquiries and providing proposals for potential interior design projects and organizing PR & marketing events.

Though I came from a different educational background (I’m a graduate of BS Economics), my nine-year stint in the design industry has honed and educated me in this thriving sector of the Middle East. Having the business background helps as well for my day-to-day operational business development and research requirement. It’s been an interesting journey so far and I do hope to continue on for many years to come within this field.

Please describe your typical working day.

My typical day starts with checking my emails the moment I wake up to see if there are urgent matters that need to be addressed immediately. Working in a multinational company, the sense of “staying connected” is stronger because we work with different talents across the globe.

I would then have my morning coffee and proceed with my client phone calls, researching on what’s on and what’s hot in the hotel, real estate, and design industry. Then I answer inquiries and do my proposals for potential projects. Then as soon as I find the time, I look into possible marketing and PR activities for the company. It’s an extensive scope – but I thrive and enjoy in diversity and pressure, especially when the end results are positive.

Please share with us an interesting story or anecdote, anything remarkable or uplifting that has happened to you on the job.

For any business development professional, the most uplifting moment is when you secure a commissioned project. And I had that moment a few weeks ago when we won a nice luxury resort project, and it was in my home country! The journey and the group effort that went into getting to that stage was just inspiring and the feeling of accomplishment when you’ve bagged the project is uplifting indeed! I guess you can say it’s the sense of victory that drives and motivates me to do what I do.

Your message to Filipinos out there.

Love what you do! It doesn’t matter if it’s not within your field, or not the ideal work that you would have wanted for yourself. The dedication and passion you put in to your work will reflect and eventually lead you to greater things and open up opportunities. The Filipino people are so talented and has so much to offer, and given the right frame of mind and opportunity, we can excel in whatever task we undertake.

September 8, 2015
Filipino Schools Around The World

It is no surprise anymore to meet a kababayan when one travels abroad, be it in the vibrant city of New York, in the cobbled alleys of Florence, or in the thick jungles of Kota Kinabalu. In fact, a lot of Filipino communities are already thriving in many parts of the world, and some of them are big enough to establish Filipino-centered schools where parents send their children to invoke in them a strong sense of community that is truly Pinoy.

Here are some Filipino schools that are flourishing in different parts of the world.

AUSTRALIA

Name of the School: Philippine Language School of Victoria

Website: www.philippinelanguage.webs.com

Address: 42 Eleanor St., Footscray, VIC Australia 3011

Telephone: (03) 9317 9156

Mobile: (0413) 623 991

Email: phillang@bigpond.net.au

General Info

The Philippine Language School of Victoria was established and founded in 1993 to enable the Filipino children learn and understand the language and culture. The school is designed for non-speakers of Filipino language, or persons of Filipino parents who are Filipino-Australian born and who do not speak the language, children of mixed marriages, scholars, diplomats, business people and individuals who are interested to learn the language for better understanding of the Filipino cultural heritage, identity and tradition. The school uses the guidelines in the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) provided by VCAA to attain specific objective.

BAHRAIN

Name of the School: Philippine School Bahrain

Website: www.philschool-bh.com

Address: Bldg. 989 Road 3222, Blk. 732, A’Ali, Manama, Bahrain

Telephone: +973-176-45451

Fax: +973-176-44101

Email: gerriesalem2006@yahoo.com / psbahrain@yahoo.com

Number of Students: 896 Students

General Info

The Philippine School Bahrain (PSB) was established in 1994 through the initiative and cooperative efforts of 27 Filipinos who became its founders. The school provides pre-elementary, elementary and secondary education to Filipino children in the Kingdom of Bahrain. It uses the Philippine curriculum to facilitate the smooth integration of home-bound children in the mainstream of Philippine education system. The PSB has become an institution that promotes not only academic excellence but also Filipino values and cultural heritage among Filipino children in Bahrain.

CHINA

Name of the School: International Philippine School of Shanghai

Address: 699 Hu Qing Ping Gong Lu, Zhai Dong Ju Wei Hui, Quingpu District, Shanghai, PRC

Telephone: (86-21) 59765857

Fax: (86) 187 21283104

Email: lgdngb@yahoo.com / gnickel_ipss@ymail.com

Number of Students: 30 students

General Info

The International Philippine School of Shanghai (IPSS) is the first Philippine school in Shanghai. It is a Philippine-European privately-owned institution intended for the Filipino community living in Shanghai. The school provides secure quality education for all students with affordable fees.

It offers a curriculum that is Philippine-based, but with the integration of international standards and approaches in teaching that would make every child academically inclined and globally competitive, thus able to respond actively and positively to the growing changes of the future.

EAST TIMOR

Name of the School: Maharlika International School

Website: http://dedc-pise.blogspot.ae/

Address: Fatuhada, Comoro, Dili, Timor-Leste

Telephone: (670) 730 2300 / (670) 331 3053

Email: maharlikainternationalschool@yahoo.com

General Info

The school was established on February 16, 2008 through the dedication and commitment of the Managing Director of Haksolok Consultancy & General Services Lda. to focus mainly on its education services being offered to the public. He wished to provide affordable, enriched and stable learning environment primarily to dependents of overseas Filipinos in East Timor where at the same time his children can study. With MIS-DEDC, foreign nationals can also bring their kids in East Timor to study while they are working.

GREECE

Name of the School: Philippine School in Greece

Address: 15 Thimaton Polemou, Kareas Vyronas, Athens, Greece

Telephone: (211) 0149970

Mobile: (30) 693 9329060

Email: katipunan_psg@yahoo.com / teacherluz14@yahoo.com

Number of Students: 185 students

General Info

The Katipunan Philippines Cultural Academy (KAPHILCA) was inspired by the idea that young Filipinos overseas must never become alienated from their native land; they must know about their Filipino identity and culture, and must be given the best opportunity to learn about the Philippines and its people.

It was accredited by the Department of Education of the Philippines in October 1999. Since the school follows the curriculum prescribed by the DepEd, it enables students to be readily integrated into the Philippine school system on their return to the country, and to cultivate in them their Filipino identity and character.

KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

Name of the School: Al Taj International School

Address (): P.O. Box 85130, Riyadh 1169, KSA

Telephone: (966-11) 4788237/ 2920450

Fax: (966-11) 4788237

Mobile: (96650) 8210584 / (96654) 0246355

Email: irene0012004@yahoo.com

Number of Students: 1,140 students

General Info

The Al Taj International School envisions a school that shall be the center for language teaching utilizing the English language as the primary medium of instruction. It shall make available a conducive atmosphere for the development of the three domains of learning namely: cognitive, affective, and psychomotor.

Having the English language as the primary medium of instruction, the Al Taj International School, moreover intends to provide its pupils and students the advantage of being at the edge in utilizing the language in all forms of communication.

Name of the School: Philippine International School in Assir

Address: Khamis Mushayt, Abha, KSA

Telephone: (966-17) 2377674

Mobile: (96653) 3082055

Email: sherelsan@yahoo.com

Number of Students: 85 students

General Info

It envisions providing quality education to Filipino children abroad, teaching them to learn and cultivate the Philippines’ cultural and historical background while upholding excellence.

Name of the School: Al Shorouq International School

Address: #9 and 11 Maashi St., Maashi District, Taif, KSA

Telephone: (96612) 732 9494 loc 209

Fax: (96612) 731 9191

Mobile: (96650) 892 6427

Email: asis_taif@yahoo.com

Number of Students: 254 students

General Info

As a Philippine curriculum-based school, the ASIS aims to provide, in a legal and stable environment, the educational needs of around 300 Filipino students. Through the unceasing prayers and help of friends, the legalization of this school was realized. The school is now flourishing, with two (2) huge buildings for the boys section and for the girls section, licensed and competent teachers and staff, and a Parent Teacher’s Association all dedicated to the formation of positive human values and attainment of academic excellence among the children of Taif.

Name of the School: International Philippine School in Al-Khobar

Website: www.ipsa.edu.sa/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/belovedIPSA

Address: P.O. Box 4839, Al-Khobar 31952, KSA

Telephone: (966-13) 889 1487; 899 3849

Fax: (966-13) 899 3698

Mobile: (966-53) 630 4350

Email: principal@ipsalink.com; simper_fideles2003@yahoo.com; registrar@ipsalink.com

Number of Students: 922 students

General Info

The International Philippine School in Al-Khobar (IPSA) was organized in September 1988 by a group of Filipino expatriates on family status and living in the vicinity of Al Khobar. It started its academic operation in June 1989.

It is dedicated to providing affordable and quality education with exceptional value-focused formation to Filipino children by employing a dedicated, professional and competent faculty and staff and through the establishment of standard school facilities and an environment conducive for both learning and teaching. Moreover, it conscientiously tries to attain the objectives set by the Philippine Department of Education.

Name of the School: Al – Andalus International School

Website: www.aaiskhobar.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AAISKSA

Address: P.O. Box 79307, Al Shobar North, KSA

Telephone: (966-13) 857 0097

Fax: (966-13) 857 0075

Mobile: (96650) 680 2972

Email: dr_malagapo@yahoo.com / dredpmalagapo@gmail.com / andalus.school@gmail.com

Number of Students: 291 students

General Info

The Al-Andalus International School Al-Khobar (AAIS) was organized in April 1995, and has gone a long way from its humble beginnings. It now prides itself as a school where children learn in a fun, loving, family environment; where each child is seen as a special gift from the Almighty and therefore treated with love and respect; where parents are considered as partners with the school in their children’s education; where teachers are selflessly dedicated in their noble task of shaping young minds; and where the school stands as an avenue where children can express themselves as individuals and, in the process, grow up to be contributing members of society.

Name of the School: Philippine Sunrise International School

Address: P.O. Box 56634, Jeddah 21452, KSA

Telephone: (9662) 664 6369

Fax: (9662) 663 5718

Email: ophielaguardia@yahoo.com

Number of Students: 239 students

General Info

The Philippine Sunrise International School (PSIS) is an educational institution catering to the needs of young Filipinos in the Western part of Saudi Arabia. The PSIS is the fastest growing Philippine school abroad under the management of the Overseas Family Cooperative (OFC). It is the first Philippine school in Saudi Arabia to adopt the E-Learning System (ICT) and is proud to offer advanced educational facilities in the field of sciences, mathematics, English (both language and literature) and computer technology.

Name of the School: Durat Al Sharq (Pearl of the Orient) International School

Address: P.O. Box 34550 Jeddah 21478, KSA

Telephone: (9662) 6673244

Fax: (9662) 664 5126

Number of Students: 392 students

General Info

The school offers a Philippine-based curriculum with english as medium of instruction. Arabic and Islam subjects are also offered in all levels. Full facilities are provided for all grade levels from pre-school through secondary. The POIS, aims to meet a child’s specific needs and learning capabilities incorporating principles of wisdom and character-building.

Name of the School: International Philippine School in Jeddah

Website: www.ipsj.tripod.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalPhilippineSchoolinJeddah?rf=115079011870113

Address: P.O. Box 112696, Jeddah, KSA

Telephone: (966-12) 671 6582

Fax: (966-12) 671-6582

Email: ipsj_ksa@yahoo.com

Number of Students: 508 students

General Info

The PPSA was considered as one of the Embassy’s education and cultural activities, and as such was under the Embassy’s supervision through the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah.

To date, the IPSJ has produced graduates who now hold prominent positions such as diplomats, lawyers, engineers, doctors, teachers, etc. around the globe, and who render actual services in their respective fields. They are the living witnesses of the school’s commitment to provide world class and quality education to Filipinos and non-Filipino children in Jeddah.

Name of the School: Al Dura (GEMS) International School

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ADGemsInternationalSchool

Address: P.O. Box 51477, Jeddah, KSA

Telephone: (9662) 674 8483

Fax: (9662) 674 8381

Email: adisregistrar2005@yahoo.com

Number of Students: 1,761 students

General Info

The Gems International School (GIS) was established and founded in May 2005. The school aims to provide an affordable world-class quality education to the children of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) based in Jeddah. The GIS offers preschool, elementary and secondary education and it follows the Philippine curriculum. The school includes Arabic Language, Saudi History, Geography and Culture as additional subjects to be taught.

Name of the School: Second Philippine International School

Website: www.spis.edu.sa/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/International-Philippine-School-in-Riyadh/279780845394064?rf=114509721894759

Address: P.O. Box 729 Riyadh 11372, KSA

Telephone: (966-11) 217 1905 ext 104

Fax: (966-11) 465 4257

Mobile: (96650) 024 4803; (95559) 855 3600

Email: anthonymesina@yahoo.com

Number of Students: 641 students

General Info

SPIS as an institution of learning provides better quality education for the dependents of all expatriates in Riyadh giving more priority to Filipino children. It envisions to make every learner a disciplined, God-loving, nationalistic, enlightened, self-reliant, and productive citizen that can be of value in the global community and to the society where he belongs when he goes back home to the Philippines. Thus, the SPIS’ thrust is “Quality education for a world-class generation.”

Name of the School: Riyadh International School

Website: www.iisriyadh.com/

Address: P.O. Box 27586, Riyadh 11427, KSA

Telephone: (966-11) 293 6019; 293 5926

Fax: (966-11) 293 5895

Mobile: (96650) 204 7984; (966-54) 026 8542

Email: ris98ksa@yahoo.com

Number of Students: 635 students

General Info

The Riyadh International School (RIS) is a value-oriented school that aims to provide quality education with values formation. Established by private individuals in April 1998 as a stock corporation, the school falls under the Category 4 of educational institutions.

The RIS endeavors to direct students towards a commendable conduct of behavior in consonance with the objectives for which the institution firmly stands for the development of a total person. It is committed to provide the students a well-rounded education that maximizes their potentials, and to help establish a solid foundation for their total personality development.

Name of the School: Palm Crest International School

Website: www.pcis-r.com/index.php

Address: 48 Al Amariyah St., Sulaymaniah District, Riyadh, KSA

Telephone: (966-11) 464 2474

Fax: (966-11) 464 6608

Mobile: (96650) 946 1802

Email: palmcrest_04@yahoo.com / kits_dguzman@yahoo.com

Number of Students: 612 students

General Info

The PCIS formally opened its door to expatriates’ children, on 3 April 2004 by virtue of a Saudi Ministry of Education License and Ministry of Commerce and Industry Certificate of Registration. After acquiring permits from the host country, the PCIS was given a provisional permit by the Philippine Department of Education in 2005.

The PCIS also envisions, as part of its five-year development program, the opening of a tertiary program with initial courses in BS Computer Science, BS Computer Engineering and Graduate School programs in collaboration with accredited universities in the Philippines to cater to the professional needs of teachers in Saudi Arabia.

Name of the School: Millennium International School

Website: www.pcis-r.com /

Address: P.O. Box 54746, Riyadh, KSA

Telephone: (966-11) 478 9313 / 478 9720

Fax: (966-11) 478 9470 / 291 8952

Email: miss.edu@gmail.com

Number of Students: 328 students

General Info

The Millennium International School (MIS) was founded in 2001 and is one of the educational institutions offering basic education to children of overseas Filipino workers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). It was founded by Mr. Marwan Kwaider, who had the noble mission of providing quality education for the Filipino children in the KSA.

Today, the MIS has established linkages and tie-ups with other well-known schools in the Philippines to serve its students better.

Name of the School: Future Generation Philippine International School

Website: www.alexsmix.wix.com/fgpis

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Future-Generation-Philippine-International-School-FGPIS/232886330097367

Address: Al-Baljourashi St. Suleimaniah District, Riyadh, KSA

Telephone: (966-11) 465 6298

Fax: (966-11) 465 4539

Mobile: (96650) 097 5829

Email: fugen.riyadh@gmail.com

Number of Students: 1,128 students

General Info

The school was established in April 2006 and adopts the Enriched Basic Education Curriculum program of the Philippine Department of Education with additional courses in Mathematics, Science, and English. It has opened the opportunity for learners to undergo a basic education of international standards where everyone experiences a close-knit academic community, where pupils/students, faculty members, parents and administrators are like friends, yet where respect, responsibility and other values remain intact.

Name of the School: Fawaq International School

Address: No. 23 Prince Turki Bin Abdul Aziz, Maather District, Riyadh, KSA

Telephone: (966-11) 212 0833; 483 1828

Fax: (966-11) 441 2220; 217 6124

Email: jppcatapang@gmail.com / hernabautista@yahoo.com/ fawaqintl@yahoo.com

Number of Students: 283 students

General Info

The Fawaq International School (FIS) was established in April 2006. It envisions every learner to be functionally educated, equipped with intellectual, social, moral, physical, and practical life skills to achieve one’s goals in life and become responsive and productive citizens in a challenging world.

Name of the School: Elite International School

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elite-International-School/106314506072368

Address: Olaya District, P.O. Box 60949 Riyadh 11555, KSA

Telephone: (966-11) 462 7224

Fax: (966-11) 462 4655

Mobile: (96656) 460 2997

Email: agaperance@rocketmail.com

Number of Students: 578 students

General Info

The Elite International School (EIS) was founded in February 1999 and has a curriculum that is self-renewing and responsive to the needs and opportunities of all types of learners in rapidly changing and technologically-oriented global community. It is raising tomorrow’s leaders through quality education. It takes into consideration the individual differences and preferences of the children. It uses sensory-based activities that are interrelated to harness the multiple intelligence of the learner. It also generates environmental awareness and finally, the curriculum stresses functional learning.

Name of the School: Al Jazeera International School Dammam

Facebook Page: www.ajisd.weebly.com/index.html

Address: P.O. Box 76240, Rakah, Al-Khobar 31952, KSA

Telephone: (9663) 858 0383 ext 12; 859 0677; 858 0380

Fax: (9663) 859 0677; 858 0383 ext 19

Email: magtanel@yahoo.com; ajrsgr1@yahoo.com

Number of Students: 509 students

General Info

The Al Jazeera International School Dammam was established in 1995 to cater to the educational needs of the children of Filipino expatriates in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. It offers complete Philippine educational curriculum from nursery to high school.

Name of the School: Al Danah International School

Address: P.O. Box 58409 Riyadh 11594, KSA

Telephone: (9661) 473 9030

Fax: (9661) 476 3718

Mobile: (96650) 476 3718; (96611) 473 9030

Email: pazbea@hotmail.com; adis_sa95@yahoo.com; leonilastuico@yahoo.com

Number of Students: 543 students

General Info

The Al Danah International School (ADIS) started in 1995 as a nursery school. The increasing demand of parents for the education of their children led to the establishment of the kindergarten, preparatory, elementary and high school levels.

KUWAIT

Name of the School: The New Kuwait Philippine International School

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/NKPIS

Address: Jleeb Al Shuyoukh, State of Kuwait

Telephone: (965) 22277254

Fax: (965) 24315647

Mobile: (9656) 6348225

Email: jcvp_25@yahoo.com

Number of Students: 517 Students

General Info

The New Kuwait Philippine International School (NKPIS), a private school owned by the Om Al-Qura Education Est., was established as a commitment to provide affordable and quality education that is basically Filipino in its content and that responds to the desire to develop Filipino children and youth into a wholly integrated person.

Name of the School: Philippine International English School

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Philippine-International-English-School-Fahaheel-Kuwait/110521152293611

Address: Seaside Road, Fahaheel, Kuwait

Telephone: (9652) 3922713

Fax: (9652) 3915253

Mobile: (9656) 6605813

Email: philkuwschool@yahoo.com / tony_cass14@yahoo.com

Number of Students: 903 students

General Info

The Philippine International English School (PIES) in Fahaheel, Kuwait was an offshoot of the state visit of President Fidel V. Ramos to Kuwait in September 1997. It envisions intellectually equipped, morally upright, physically fit, disciplined, technologically competent, and service-oriented individuals living in a competitive local and global environment.

OMAN

Name of the School: Philippine School

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Philippine-School-Sultanate-of-Oman/186173268229274?ref=br_rs

Address: P.O. Box 563, P.C. 133 Al Khuwair, Sultanate of Oman

Telephone: (968) 24697636

Fax: (968) 24698656

Mobile: (968) 99430837

Email: pevwarti@yahoo.com / philippineschoolman@gmail.com

Number of Students: 443 Students

General Info

The Philippine School was conceived in 1989 by Filipino overseas contract workers under the auspices and support of His Excellency Essa bin Mohammed Al Zedjali, the Philippine Honorary Consul General, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Education (DepEd).

Its general goal is to develop learners by providing them basic competencies in literacy and numeracy, critical thinking and learning skills, and desirable values to become caring, self-reliant, productive, socially-aware, patriotic, and responsive citizens.

LIBYA

Name of the School: Philippine Community School in Tripoli

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PCSbenghazi?fref=ts

Address: Siyahiya, Ghot Alsha’al, P.O. Box 245, Tripoli, Libya

Telephone: (218-21) 7249939

Mobile: (218-21) 925006056

Email: philsch.tripoli@yahoo.com / ardlette9695@yahoo.com

Number of Students: 366 students

General Info

The PCS was opened in April 1991. It envisions becoming a premier Philippine educational institution in Libya. It provides a venue for the pursuit of excellence in academics, arts, sciences, and technology, through community partnership.

Name of the School: Philippine Community School (Benghazi)

Website – Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PCSbenghazi/info?tab=page_info

Address: PCS Compound, Hawari Village, Bengazi, Libya

Telephone: (218-91) 3578522

Mobile: (218-91) 3578522

Email: sarah_trabolsi2002@yahoo.com / jeffrey_aranez@yahoo.com

Number of Students: 54 students

General Info

The Philippine Community School (PCS) in Benghazi, Libya was established in 1997. The school was the result of the combined efforts and determination of the Philippine Embassy and a handful of pioneering members of the Filipino community.

Name of the School: Philippine Centennial Academy International

Address: New Shebna, Benghazi, Libya

Telephone: (218-92) 3019660

Fax: (219-92) 5494991

E-mail: josiegadrinab@yahoo.com/ regie007laurel@yahoo.com/ doris_battad2005@yahoo.com

Number of Students: 81 students

General Info

The Philippine Centennial Academy, International (PCAI) was founded in 1998 to provide a healthy and sound school environment that can assure the highest standards of education for the children of Filipinos in the City of Benghazi.

QATAR

Name of the School: Philippine International School in Qatar

Address: Ain Khalid, P.O. Box 9875, Doha, Qatar

Mobile: (974) 66025251

Email: luisakmendoza@yahoo.com/ villainguillo@yahoo.com.ph/ mendozaluisa_48@yahoo.com

Number of Students: 1,567 students

General Info

The Philippine International School in Qatar (PISQ) was founded in March 2000. It adopts the Montessori curriculum for preschool, and the Philippine curriculum for elementary and secondary education for children of Filipino expatriates. The school’s ultimate goal is to promote the total development of the individual student so that he/she may become a useful and responsible citizen of the society.

Name of the School: Philippine School Doha

Website: www.psdqatar.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Philippine-School-Doha-Grade-1-DAISY-Class-SY-2015-2016/912697262109413

Address: No. 52, Saad Bin Surara Old Murror, Al Messilah Area, State Of Qatar

Telephone: (974) 418 1587/ 4418 1596

Fax: (974) 421 7718

Mobile: (974) 5581 9367 / 5526 8976

Email: xanderacts@yahoo.com / psdasec@gmail.com/ cs_psdbot@yahoo.com

Number of Students: 2,035 students

General Info

Philippine School Doha (PSD) was established in October 1992 to serve the educational needs of the children of the Filipino community in the State of Qatar. Its birth was the result of the determination of pioneering members of the Filipino community in Doha under the auspices of the Philippine Embassy.

Guided by the dictum “knowledge begets wisdom,” the PSD envisions itself to be the center of academic excellence as the first Philippine Science High School in the Middle East abreast with the dynamics and development of society, culture, science and technology, and the arts. It also aspires to produce competent graduates with inherent values of honesty and propriety tempered with prudence and divine wisdom.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Name of the School: The Philippine School

Website: www.thephilippineschooldubai.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/tpsdubai?fref=ts

Address: P.O. Box 126621, Al Twar 3, Dubai, UAE

Telephone: (971) 284 4465 loc 202/208

Fax: (971) 284 4460

Mobile: (97156) 6097730/ 6872128

Email: info@thephilippineschool.com/ principal@thephilippineschooldubai.com

Number of Students: 816 students

General Info

The school, aptly named The Philippine School, intends to fill the needs of the local market. The school aims to prepare its students to excel as young leaders of tomorrow (global leaders being trained and brought up abroad) offering advanced technology programs, values-based education, parent-friendly policy and activities such as arts and crafts, music, dance and sports.

Name of the School: United International Private School

Website: www.uips.ae

Address: P.O. Box 60817, Al Qusais, Muhaisna 4, Dubai, UAE

Telephone: (9714) 254 3888

Fax: (9714) 254 3889 / 264 6850

Email: uips-info@uips.ae / niceorzame@uips.ae

Number of Students: 1,348 students

General Info

The United International Private School (UIPS) is a pioneer Philippine School in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was founded in September 1992 with a vision of providing quality education for the burgeoning Filipino community in Dubai, and the neighboring emirate, Sharjah.

The school’s best features are its socio-cultural activities, spacious classrooms, wide playground, sports area, school canteen, audio-visual room, library, computer laboratory, and air-conditioned buses. The UIPS uses computers and an updated Filipino curriculum that is compatible with the American system of education.

Name of the School: Far Eastern Private School

Website: www.fareasternprivateschool.ae

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FEPSUAE?fref=ts

Address: P.O. Box 29047, Solaiman R/A Al Shahba Area, Sharjah, UAE

Telephone: (9716) 538 9556

Fax: (9716) 538 9556/57

Mobile: (97150) 978 5392

Email: acanonoy_feps@yahoo.com

Number of Students: 1,060 students

General Info

The Far Eastern Private School (FEPS) initially began its operations in August 2000 as “Love and Care” with a total strength of 170 students from kindergarten to high school.

The FEPS has through the years proven its meaningful existence as a haven of academic excellence as indicated by a steady growth of the school population every year. The management and administration continues to address the needs of times, thus, with the commendable growth of Filipino students, the school was granted the use of Filipino curriculum. True to its vision-mission, the FEPS continues to uphold its name in the UAE.

Name of the School: The New Filipino Private School

Website: www.luznfps.tripod.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/NewFilipinoPrivateSchoolNFPS?fref=ts

Address: P.O. Box 6234, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Telephone: (9716) 5661331

Fax: (9716) 5660570

Mobile: (97150) 5490757

Email: nfps_luzcorpuz@yahoo.com/ nfps@emirates.net.ae

Number of Students: 890 students

General Info

The New Filipino Private School (NFPS) is the very first Filipino school in the United Arab Emirates to be given license to operate using the Filipino curriculum by the Philippine Department of Education and the UAE Ministry of Education.

With the effective implementation of the Philippine curriculum, emphasizing on major subjects including mathematics, science, English, Filipino and MAKABAYAN, the NFPS has produced students who fared well in qualifying examinations in the different universities in the Philippines.

Name of the School: PISCO Private School

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/PISCO-PRIVATE-SCHOOL-3/316918153654?fref=ts

Address: P.O. Box 29317, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Telephone: (9712) 6415761 / 6419611

Fax: (9712) 6415761

Mobile: (97150) 4178105

Email: rosetabucal@gmail.com

Number of Students: 781 students

General Info

The PISCO Private School (PPS) is a Filipino-owned private school, dedicated to the realization of an effective delivery of service to the Filipino community.

By authority of the Department of Education, all pupils/ students of PPS were no longer required to take the validation exams when transferring to other schools. Graduating pupils/ students were administered with the National Elementary Achievement Test and the National Secondary Achievement Test. The PPS students had been excelling in the said tests ever since these were initially administered.

Name of the School: Philippine National School

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Philippine-National-School/146817505382043?fref=ts

Address: P.O. Box 31874, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Telephone: (9712) 6419291 / 6418747

Fax: (9712) 6424852

Mobile: (97150) 6134465

Email: of_padilla@hotmail.com

Number of Students: 1,200

General Info

The Philippine National School (PNS) was formerly an Indian School. In August 1998, the founders of the school decided to shift to a Filipino curriculum. The PNS formally started its operation in September 1998 with 103 students. Shortly after, some investors withdrew their support from the school but were replaced by new ones. Meanwhile, the school enrollment increased to 212. In consideration of feedbacks from parents that the school is far from the city of Abu Dhabi, the PNS eventually transferred to the Passport Road.

The school has since produced top-notch achievers, winning inter-school and national contests, and successfully passing the entrance examinations of MAPUA, UP, College of St. Benilde, UST and St. Jude. Presently, the school boasts of its 1,200 – strong enrollment, a clear proof of the school’s prestige.

Name of the School: 21^st Century Private Academy

Website: www.acmginternational.com/21cpa

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/21CPA

Address: Muroor Road, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Telephone: (9712) 4413077

Fax: (9712) 4413078

Email: 21cpa@acmginternational.com

Number of Students: 1000 students

General Info

The 21^st Century Private Academy will guide learners to become confident and inspired individuals in a Philippine Curriculum that reaches across the disciplines, cultures and age levels developing the whole person.

United States of America

Name of the School: The Filipino School

Website: www.thefilipinoschool.com

Address: 9845 Erma Road Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92131

Telephone: (888) 691 0799 ext 1

Email: info@TheFilipinoSchool.com

General Info

The Filipino School examines the beauty of the interwoven relationship of Filipino history, culture and language, and takes students on a journey that starts with their current level of knowledge, and building upon that base level of understanding and self-awareness of being a Filipino. Students will discover where they are rooted through a series of guided interactive conversations, and will have a better understanding of where they are going.

It offers an entry-level course for all ages, the Filipino 101, whose goal is to bridge generational and cultural gaps, allowing graduates to have workability for future needs of local community and country.

Name of the School: Eskwela Natin: Our Filipino School

Website: http://EskwelaNatin.org/

Address: 2450 Florin Road, Sacramento, California, USA

E-mail: EskwelaNatin@gmail.com

General Info

Eskwela Natin introduces and shares the Filipino traditions, language, arts, cuisine, history and geography to students through a fun, safe and interactive group and classroom-learning environment. Relying on the volunteer efforts of first generation Filipino-Americans—parents, grandparents and other members of local Filipino organizations—to pass on their first-hand knowledge to students who will leave each class with ways to easily adapt etiquette, language and general information about the Filipino heritage into their everyday living. Eskwela Natin helps preserve the Filipino culture to Filipino-Americans for generations to come.

August 27, 2015
Filipinos In Middle East: It’s What I Do

JUNE/JULY 2015 ISSUE

Joey Frank Ausan

Construction Manager (Consultant) at Louis Berger – Qatar

My job

I am a Civil Engineer, working abroad for 17 years now. Ten years in Saudi Arabia as an Area Engineer of Saudi Aramco, in Dhahran from 1987 to 1996. Meaning, I was there during the 1991 Gulf War. I am proud to be a Gulf War ‘veteran’. During the burning of Kuwait’s oil wells, I was there breathing the kerosene–like smell for months until the oil fires totally extinguished. During that period, each day after work, I involved myself in choir practices singing at the church fellowship services. Not only this, I sang at many community affairs as a soloist-lead singer and even in fund raising concerts.

From 1996 to 2007, after my stint in Saudi Arabia, I returned back to the Philippines and joined DMCI-Laing Construction joint venture during the construction of Rockwell Condominiums in Makati. After my stint at Rockwell, I went home to my province, Iloilo and managed our family-owned water purification business.

After staying in the Philippines, I returned abroad to work in Qatar. I am here for almost 8 years now and currently working as Construction Manager in Doha, Qatar’s Education City under Louis Berger. I am involved in the construction of Qatar’s National Library and sometimes relieve civil engineers at par my post at other projects of the Education City. Three years ago, I was involved in the construction of Qatar’s flagship project, The Pearl Qatar, as a Consulting Engineer. At the end of our project I was assigned as the Assistant to the CEO. Currently, as Consultant of the construction work, I review the drawings and technical submissions if they conform to plans and make further corrections for our contractor to implement. Other than supervising the contractor of our projects at site, I cover site inspections and preside over meetings. I handle directly a staff of various functions of different colors and creeds. It’s so challenging, that after the end of the day, our team should be able to reach our planned targets. Hence, my company can achieve its projects’ goals successfully.

After the rigorous, strenuous, and hectic construction work, I have to pause and do extra-curricular activities. I attend choir practices in preparation for the weekly mass of the Roman Catholic Church in Qatar. Sometimes, I sing as a soloist. Also, I joined Doha Singers, a community choir group which performs concerts twice a year.

Other than singing, since I was small, I also like to draw or sketch faces in so short a time, like 5 minutes only. My sketching skill (by drawing the face of the criminal) had helped government authorities in a country abroad resolved a crime. Later then, as my prize, I got promoted to a top post.

Career and Life Advice

My advice to my fellow Overseas Filipino Workers: Take care of your health always. Never abuse it. Before I returned back abroad and work in another country, Qatar, there was a gap – I stayed in the Philippines for 11 years. After settling down in Qatar, I was able to reach out again to my former friends whom I worked with in Saudi Arabia. Some friends told me that such familiar names are not anymore with them, they already died. And they recalled these friends have something in common, they were all chain smokers.

………………………

Eileen Guerra, MBA

Senior Sales Manager – City Seasons Al Hamra Hotel in UAE

My Job

I’m proud to say that I’m an hotelier by heart. My work in the hospitality industry revolves around corporate sales, operations, management and marketing, whereby I seek to maximize our client numbers from all sectors.

As a Senior Sales Manager, I’m responsible for bringing in guests and meeting revenue targets. Collaboration with the team, meeting with large groups such as associations, and networking, as well participating in exhibitions like the Arabian Travel Market, are all part of the job. Needless to say, having a thorough understanding of all the service our hotels offers is key, so are proactive revenue monitoring, review of sales activities as well as planning and forecasting with the support of my deputy General Manager Mr. Sodki. Not to be forgotten is after-sales-service and the continued building of rapport with clients as well as the rest of our team.

Working irregular and long hours on both weekdays and, sometimes, weekends is commonly required. Sometimes I have to work longer than the traditional 40-hour week to discuss and close a deal. With this pressure in generating sales, it is important to create and maintain a mutually beneficial relationship with clients that help clinch sales and lead to repeat and referral business.

With my experience as an hotelier I’ve found out that not everything has to be done immediately. Some things are more critical than others, like guest complaints. And in times of stress you have to be able to prioritize and follow through dedication. As Theodore Roosevelt put it, – “Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.”

Career and Life Advice

Love and enjoy your job and be wise with your finances, as this will impact your job performance, relationships and family life as an OFW. A supportive family, husband, mentors, and friends made such a difference in my situations. Without them, I would be unable to become a responsible adult and achieve my dream. Thanks to them and to God, today, I can say all of these things to other kababayans. The most important thing is to have faith in your dream and never give up. Don’t listen to what other people say. You are your own achievement. Be with people who inspire you and will lead you to all the divine connections. You have to be sensitive and be grateful of every single thing you have. Don’t stop learning and don’t be stagnant. Always be motivated in everything that you do.

……………………………………

Donna Fronda (VALENCIA)

Architect at Gensler – UAE

My Job

I am currently working as an architect for Gensler & Associates Abu Dhabi for two years now. Gensler is the number one architectural firm in ENR’s Top 500 – my dream Company I should say. I worked as an Architect since 1995 in Manila, where I worked for 9 years then I decided to work abroad here in Dubai last May 2004.

In Gensler, my position is an Interior Architect, mainly assigned in the Workplace Studio responsible for Interior Design Projects. As an architect concentrating on interior aspects, I am working for the technical part and concept design graphical presentation. I am involved also in space planning, supplier coordination, project documentation and production of interior/architectural working drawings using Revit and Autocad software. I can say that I am a well rounded person. Multi-tasking is my main forte, something I’ve been doing even in my previous. Working in a big company like Gensler is a big adjustment for me, because I need to limit myself to a certain task. The job is divided accordingly between architects and designers. Before, I used to work from A-Z because most companies I’ve worked with are small scale to medium scale companies. The task is different then as I needed to be a one-man Team. In Gensler, the task assigned is just the focal point you need to concentrate on and execute as given. Projects are all challenging like amusement, retail, commercial, workplace and tower building projects. From time to time, I am also assigned in the Architectural Department as my experience involves both architectural and interior aspects.

My Typical Work Day

Every day, I travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi to reach my office. My daily task here is very manageable. Each project I am assigned is carefully studied and analyzed for execution and production as per client requirements at a given time frame. When it comes to schedules, I see to it that projects will be delivered ahead of time. I never work over time; this is not my style. I work during normal office hours. But there are cases that I need to work on weekends due to demands of unexpected project submissions. This is acceptable and I need to be flexible at times especially if this is required by our clients. I always value time. I see to it that it is never wasted. And after work, I also need time for relaxation and to rejuvenate.

Career and Life Advice

I always believe that if you know what you want in your life, together with your strong determination and faith, there is nothing in this world you cannot achieve. Before I started working here in UAE, my aim was very simple. What I wanted before was just to work and practice my profession. I started working here at the age of 31, now I am 41 years old. Each year I passed here in this country, I have learned and realized so many things in life. Time is running fast; things will change quickly in a few years. So learn how to organize and plan your life as early as possible. Dream big. Aim high. And put God first in everything you do.

August 11, 2015
Filipino Foods In Manila and In Dubai: Eat Right

Eat Right

Inseparable is a word to describe Pinoys and food. But do we actually know what we’re eating? Maria Rivera eats her way to healthier food.

The fact cannot be denied: Filipinos love to eat. Whether it’s on a Sunday after going to church where the entire clan gathers at their ancestral home to feast, at a friend’s birthday party, or at the mall (aka our favorite hangout), one thing’s for sure – we eat like we mean it! Save for the fact that we actually love the art of eating, we do it for a deeper reason too, and that is to spend time with our friends and family in celebration or in the mere mundane days of our lives.

But has anyone ever stopped and thought about this: yes we love to eat, and yes we love to celebrate over food with the ones we love, but are we actually eating quality food? By quality, we don’t mean expensive, we mean nutritious, healthy food.

We Filipinos today go for affordable meals (hello, P50 value lunches!), super-tasty treats (read: excessively sweet and/or salty snacks and desserts), and the latest food craze.

It’s time we become aware of what we put in our mouths, and start doing a little research.

Here we break down some of Pinoys’ favorite go-to foods and meals both in Manila and in Dubai to help you decipher what is good from bad, what you can continue eating, and what you should start avoiding. Don’t think of this guide as a restrictive list, but instead, see it as an opportunity to try new things.

WHEN IN MANILA

1. When it comes to noodles, don’t go instant.

Eat this: Opt for high-quality ramen instead – there is a ramen craze in Manila right now and some of the restos have a pretty impressive way of preparing their noodles. They are way more delicious and definitely not fake.

Not that: Sad to say, no one can live on instant pancit canton or mami alone. Sure, the idea of preparing your meal in less than five minutes sounds enticing, but think about what you are actually eating: processed white flour, made into noodles by deep frying, plus a mixture of mystery ingredients including MSG, tons of saturated fat, and sodium.

2. Good ol’ fried chicken, who doesn’t love it? Who has not had a bite of fast-food chicken? We have grown in a culture where fried chicken is the ideal pick for lunch or dinner.

Eat this: Substitute your chicken craving with the lean type – chicken breast fillet that’s either grilled or baked. Some restaurants serve this, but if you have the time, making your own could save you some money, and you could tailor fit the taste! Have it with a green salad and you’re good to go!

Not that: Avoid deep-fried chicken. Save for a few measly grams of protein, all you are left with are a ton of saturated fat and a growing belly. As far as fast food in general is concerned, it’s time to go back to home cooking when meals were made with love and care. Home cooking rules!

3. Chips: We all love a salty snack! But there is a better healthier way to have them.
Eat this: Try making your own chips instead. They taste much, much better and are excellent at giving you nutrition that you need. Good options are baked kamote fries or carrot chips. Google some recipes and a million will pop up!

Not that: Regular chips, just like everything you eat that is deep-fried, your bad cholesterol content soars to levels that could be potentially harmful to your health when taken in the long-term.
Milk tea – Just because there’s the word “tea” in there does not mean it’s healthy.

Eat this: Try ordering a cup of iced green tea with honey from your favorite coffee shop instead. Antioxidants for way less calories? Yes please!

Not this: We are not fooling anyone but ourselves if we drink large cups of milk tea with an extra serving of pearls and expect to be svelte and in tip-top health. These drinks are laden with the bad kind of sugar, plus those pearls are incredibly high in empty calories. And no, tapioca starch is not a vegetable.

WHEN IN DUBAI

1. Shawarma – This Middle-Eastern favorite has been here all these years, and it definitely isn’t a craze!

Eat this: Time to opt for whole grain varieties instead. Enjoy your Shawarma with a ton of vegetables and less bread next time!

Not that: All that white pita bread could hurt your health and weight if overly consumed. White, processed carbohydrates such as white rice, white pasta, and white bread are not good for us as they are laden with empty calories, virtually no vitamins, and they make our blood sugar spike after a meal. Ever feel like your energy has been sucked out of you right after lunch? This is the culprit.

Chicken tikka, lamb chops, broast chicken – Did anyone say meat fest? Yes, Filipinos in Dubai are spoiled rotten with rotisseries left and right, at such affordable price points.

Eat this: You can enjoy these treats one to two times a week, then opt for “No Meat” meals on other days. Feast on fish and vegetables instead–cheaper and way healthier!

Not that: Having meat all day, everyday could take a toll on your health, as consuming large amounts of animal meat has been linked to serious diseases such as cancer and heart disease. No one said you should cut it out totally.

White rice – Otherwise known as “what-completes-a-meal”, white rice seems to still capture the hearts of Filipinos the world ‘round! We’ve been taught that rice and an ulam makes for a complete meal.

Eat this: It’s time to shift to whole grain varieties such as brown, red, or black rice. They may taste a bit different, but give it a chance to grow on you. Knowing that it’s healthier makes up for missing white rice.

Not that: White rice is a highly processed carb that is lacking in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, and is one of the main reasons a lot of people’s bellies are so big.

The rules are simple: find out what’s in your food, eat in moderation, and best of all: never deprive yourself. Enjoy your favorites once in a while, but stay disciplined 90 percent of the time. That 10 percent makes it all the more exciting to eat anyway.

July 20, 2015
Philippine Laws Affecting Overseas Filipinos

By Atty. Barney Almazar

Our government treats its people as an export commodity and a means to earn foreign exchange, disregarding the social cost to Filipino families. President Aquino, in his social contract with the Filipino people, committed to transform the government to one that creates jobs at home, so that working abroad will be a choice rather than a necessity, and when its citizen do choose to become OFWs, their welfare and protections will still be the government’s priority.

Overseas Filipinos and Overseas Filipino Workers, explained

According to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, Filipinos who are outside the Philippines are termed “Overseas Filipinos” or “OF” and fall into 3 different categories of migrants: permanent, temporary and irregular.

Fifty percent of OFs are permanent migrants, permanent residents or immigrants in the countries where they live, or are spouses of foreign nationals.

OFW would fall under the second OF category, the temporary migrants whose legal stay abroad is temporary owing to the employment-related nature of their stay in their host country. OFWs are expected to return to the Philippines following the expiration of their employment contracts.

Irregular migrants, the third category, consists of those who are not properly documented, or who are without valid residence or work permits, or who may simply be overstaying workers, tourists, pilgrims or other visitors in a foreign country.

The estimate OF headcount in the UAE per category as of December 2012 is – 1,711 permanent, 722,621 temporary and 207,230 as irregular, totaling 931,562.

Right to Travel

The Philippine Passport Act of 1996 (Republic Act No. 8239) affirms the inviolability of the constitutional right of every Filipino to travel abroad. The law mandates the State to uphold the integrity and credibility of the Philippine passport. Thus, the Department of Foreign Affairs has the duty to issue passport or travel document to any citizen of the Philippines who complies with the requirements to Act.

Right to be Protected

The Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act (Republic Act No. 10022) concretized the government’s commitment to protect the rights and to promote the welfare of OF in distress. It also provided the framework for concerted government action in dealing with difficulties faced by Filipinos abroad by:

• institutionalization of the Migrant Workers Loan Guarantee Fund and the Legal Assistance Fund

• establishment of Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipino Resource Centers

• issuance of travel advisory/ information dissemination

• establishment of Shared Government Information System for Migration (SGISM)

• establishment of National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO)

• creation of the Assistance-to-Nationals Task Force

• compulsory insurance coverage for Agency-Hired Workers

Right to Vote

The Overseas Voting Act of 2013 ensures equal opportunity to all qualified citizens of the Philippines abroad in the exercise of their right to participate in the election of President, Vice-President, Senators and Party-List Representatives.

• Filipino Dual Citizens can now also register and vote.

• No more affidavits binding Filipinos to return in 3 years. Under the old law, an immigrant or a permanent resident must execute upon registration an affidavit prepared by the Commission on Elections declaring that he or she “shall resume actual physical permanent residence” in the Philippines not later than three years from approval of his or her registration.

Special Protection for Women

Anti-Mail Order Bride Act of 1990 (Republic Act 6955) declares as unlawful the acts of profiting from the matching, offering and contracting marriage between Filipino women and foreign nationals. Aside from matching on a mail-order basis, the law prohibits similar practices using advertisement, publication, printing or distribution of brochures, flyers and other propaganda materials.

The law has been enacted to curb trafficking of Filipinos through inter-country marriage.

Republic Act No. 8171 of 1995 provides for the repatriation of Filipinos who have lost their Philippine citizenship by marriage to aliens and natural-born Filipinos, including their minor children, on account of political or economic necessity, to reacquire Philippine citizenship. Women who have lost their citizenship because of marriage may reacquire their citizenship by repatriation.

Tax Exemption

Tax Reform Act of 1997 (Republic Act No. 8424) provides that an individual citizen of the Philippine who is working and deriving income from abroad is taxable only on income derived from sources within the Philippines. Thus, income outside the Philippines earned by an OFW is not subject to Philippine tax.

The Balikbayan Law provided additional benefits to former Filipino citizens, Filipinos who have been continuously out of the Philippines for at least one year and OFW. These benefits include:

• travel tax exemption

• visa-free entry to the Philippines for a period of one year for former Filipinos

• duty-free and kabuhayan shopping privilege

• use of accredited transportation facilities that will ensure their safe and convenient trips upon arrival

• entrepreneurial training and livelihood skills programs

Are Overseas Filipinos truly protected?

The Department of Foreign Affairs reported that the number of OFW facing death penalty cases, most of which are drug-related, has reached a total of 88 as of March this year. On the other hand, victims of human trafficking totaled 1,135 in 2013 from 1,029 in 2012.

An average of 1,600 illegal recruitment cases were handled by Philippine Overseas Employment Administration from 2007 to 2011 indicating that each year, thousands of hopeful Filipinos are victimized by illegal recruiters, while the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration handled an average of more than 50,000 cases on-site annually from 2009 to 2013.

It is unfortunate that despite these laws, the government has not yet genuinely advanced the interest and welfare of the country’s modern day heroes.

June 18, 2015
Pinoys in UAE: It’s What I Do

IT’S WHAT I DO – April 2015

STEVE PADILLA

Architect & Coordinator –
Control Contracting & Trading Company
Abu Dhabi, UAE

My Job

I am an Architect/Coordinator for one of the oil and gas companies based in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi. As architect and coordinator, sometimes I visit our site/yard to check if the design of barges, cabins and offshore structures are properly followed, meeting with our clients and consultants requirements (NPCC, ADMA-OPCO, GPC, Technip, ADGAS etc.). I also make sure that all our design and engineering deliverables are properly coordinated – checking all the drawings before submitting them to our client, coordinating with the vendor, draftsman to Discipline Engineer to Project Manager until construction. In my work, I collaborate with a multi-cultural team and professionals from all levels.

My Day

I’m just a typical professional with a lot of friends. My day starts with prayers with my wife right after waking up. We start our day thanking God for another day, another exciting day. At the office before work, we have some tea first and chat with fellow Filipino staff. After work, I fetch my wife at her workplace just across the street. In the evening we eat together and chat about the day’s events. Then, I do some small household chores to help my wife who is due to give birth in May. My wife prepares our food (breakfast and lunch) and clothes for the next morning. Thursday is our family day and date day. I always make sure to ask my wife to go out and relax and have fun – even if it’s just a coffee date, sometimes. Friday is our favorite day as we go to church together.

Career and Life Advice

My message to my fellow Filipinos is simple. Put God first, enjoy your family, family bonding is very important. If family is lost, then there is no reason in working hard. Be happy for what you have, be humble and work hard even though nobody is looking at you. Enjoy your work. Don’t make enemies at work and try to be friendly and in times of need your fellow staff will be the one to help you. Make friends, a lot of friends and go out with them sometimes. Always smile in the work place. Learn the culture of other nationalities and, at the end, you will earn their trust.

Don’t be afraid to dream high. Don’t be afraid to talk to your boss. Talk to them and learn from them. At the end you will earn their trust as well. If you earned the trust of your officemates and your boss, that means promotions and salary increase. Be wise in saving money. We don’t know until when we will be working in this country. Try to learn the 10 20 70 savings system – 10% for God or whatever your heart wants to give, 20% for savings or much bigger depending on your situation, and 70% for the rest (rent, clothing, shopping gadgets etc.).

…………….

CHRISTIAN MAGADIA

Head Structural Engineer – Ted Jacob Engineering Group, Beca
Dubai, UAE

My Job

I am a structural engineer by profession. As a structural engineer I design buildings and infrastructures. I work closely with architects and other engineering professionals in addition to dealing with local authorities and decision makers. We are the mind behind all the magnificent structures and iconic monuments that make up a civilization and our responsibilities include designing comfortable houses for all of us to live in.

One of the most remarkable events in my career was when I passed the chartered structural engineering examination given by the Institution of Structural Engineers in the UK. Having a degree not recognized in the UK, I had to write a full technical report to prove that my academic knowledge and experience are at par with the UK Standards and is equivalent to a Masters Level in the UK. Achieving chartered engineer status opens a lot of career opportunities not only here in Dubai but anywhere in the World. The certification allowed me to accept a role in New Zealand to help in seismic design and retrofit of existing structures affected by the 2012 Christchurch Earthquake. I take pride that the quality of our education and trainings back home are at par with the best in the world.

My Day

As the head of the structural department in our company my day starts with planning and administrative stuff, to make sure the team has enough work and that they perform each task efficiently. Internal meetings will soon follow to monitor the progress of each project and follow up issues, programs, and deliverables. The next half will be occupied by external meetings with architects, clients, local authorities, and contractors. My day in the office will not end until I have a daily catch up discussion with our management to talk about finances, resources, and direction of the company. If I get lucky I may be involved in some hard core engineering work the following day!

Career and Life Advice

My message to our fellow Filipinos is to reach for the sky whatever role or position that you are currently in and enjoy while doing it. And the most important message is that we should all be proud to be Filipinos everywhere we go! Mabuhay!
……………

CLEOFE RINGOR

Office Manager – DSM Technology FZCO
Dubai, UAE

My Job

I am an Office Manager working in the oil and gas Industry in the Middle East. I have worked in the same company for quite a few years now and I’ve been enjoying since. As an Office Manager, you have to ensure that the office is running smoothly, overseeing the workloads of your co-workers. It’s never been easy to delegate tasks to your team, but I always see to it that everyone is happy and enjoying their work, and I try to create a healthy work environment for all.

My Day

There are busy days, and there’s time to chill, as well. My role on a daily basis is to check and complete pending matters, to recruit, screen CVs, liaise with agencies and authorities, meet with the clients, suppliers, lawyers – there are too many to mention. At the end of the day, your main challenge is your employer, how they are satisfied with your accomplishments and performance, and whether your tasks have been executed properly. Your aim is to impress them, to keep your job in the long-term and once you’re at the peak of your career, make the most of it and make yourself useful all the time, feed your brain so you won’t get obsolete in the market.

Career and Life Advice

I have started in a rank-and-file position, yet I told myself then that my career will not end there. I had many sacrifices, I have pushed myself to the limits in order to succeed and achieve my dreams, from being a receptionist to an office manager. My goal was to become a manager at the age of 35 but that didn’t happen. Because God is good! He answered my prayers earlier than I least expected and I became a manager when I was 32. It’s really not about how many trophies or medals you have earned in school, but how determined you are to produce a golden egg.

“Your dream will stay a dream if you don’t work hard for it.” Remember that – “knowledge is power.” You can do almost everything if you are smart, but refrain from doing bad. The one thing I have learned is to be fair to everyone, be kind and honest even if no one is watching you and share your blessings if you can. I must say that I am truly blessed that I am living the life of my dreams. To my friends, relatives and family who inspire me, thank you for your tremendous support, and to my Papa this is for you. I just hope you were here to see the person that I had become. I know you’ll be proud.

June 2, 2015