Illustrado Magazine – Filipino Abroad

Tag: filipino middle east

The Annie B. Chronicles: “Shopping Pest”

“Shopping Pest”

The Annie B. (Batobalani) Chronicles

The adventures and misadventures of a ‘not so average’ Pinay trying to make it in the cosmopolitan city of Dubai.

My golly! My regular visits to Fitness First had to take a back sip because of too much work since most of my officemates are on vacation. So eto, my SIZE keeps on fluctuating (like the dollar-peso exchange rate) so it means I have to do something that will make me feel GOOD. Hmmmm….

Ano pa nga ba ang pwedeng gawin dito sa Dubai kapag mas mataas pa sa lagnat ang init at hindi ka makalabas sa tindi ng humidity – eh di Dubai’s favorite past time – shopping!!!!

Dubai is all about shopping. Every year, we have two major shopping festivals – the Dubai Shopping Festival during January and the Dubai Summer Surprises during June-August – to legitimize the number of people staying inside the mall para magpalamig lang. Of course, there are a lot ot ither occasions for more shopping: there’s Ramadan Sale, the Holiday Season Sale, Spring Sale, Fall Sale, End of Season Sale, Moving Out Sale, Inventory Sale, plus a lot more. Kaka-hilo, kaka-excite.

Shopping is like breathing here, you can’t live without it. Of course you have a prepare for it – save money and have a credit cards ready – nothing wrong with the kaskas mentality – just be able to pay them back and do not overuse and abuse them. If you do, welcome to the club – ahihihihi! No, never neglect your obligations. Don’t forget that.

I love shopping in Dubai because they really take one of my favoritest four-letter word very, very seriously: SALE. If in the Philippines, we get excited with 20% price reductions, dito bahaw lang yan. Here, items go as far as 70% off (minsan nga may 90% pa eh – nahiya pa no, di na lang ipamigay?) Common din ang B.O.T.O. (buy one, take one) Ang saya saya!

My friend cannot believe it when she first came to Dubai during a SALE season. In the Philippines, she can only afford to buy a pair of shoes from Nine West during birthdays and important occasions, but here she can grab a pair every payday. And for the regular price of a Nine West pair back home, she was able to buy three pairs here. As in! Todo na itu!!!

Like may girls my age, I love designer brands. Imported and classy names that I only used to see in fashion magazines are all available here in Dubai. Ika nga ng SM Shoemart, “We’ve got them all!” Gucci, Prada, Tods’ Coach, Pucci, Armani, Versace, Dior, Chanel, D&G (yung laging pinasasalamatan ni Boy Abunda sa The Buzz, miski hindi naman niya kilala personally yung designer, Burberry and of course, my favotirest of them all – Louis Vuitton. Ayan ha, tama ang spelling ha? I really don’t know why girls are gaga over Louis Vuitton. Nakaka-gaga talaga! Sure their bags are so classy and stylish. I think every local has at least one LVin her closet. They not only buy one bag, but at least on bag from every season and collection. Well, they have the money for it. That’s the one thing we do not have in common – atik na pumipilantik! Honestly, do you think I’d spend a month’s worth of salary just for a bag? If I was crazy, yes. But will having that bag makes me as stylish and classy as those locals? Eh lahat nga sila parepareho ng bag eh.

Once I saw a group of flight attendants waiting for their service at the airport. All 7 of them, in their uniforms, were carrying the same Gucci bag – same style, same size, same color. Anu yon uniform na rin nila? I wasn’t impressed by their fashion sense. If everyone is wearing the same thing, then it is not special anymore – boring noh? Let’s face it, we buy these expensive brands to impress others – not just ourselves – so that they would think we’re special. Aminin!

Last week while waiting for my Caramel Maquaipo – decapitated of course – in Starbucks, a Caucasian lady asked me where I got my bag from. I was surprised that she notice my abaca bag – eh sa tiangge lang sa Greenhills ko na-iskor to noh? “It’s really lovely and gorgeous…I love it!!! sabi ba naman? “Thanks, I love it too.” “Hirit ko nga. It only meant two things: that it doesn’t matter whether your bag cost Dhs3,000 or Php375 – as long as both design and quality are very good, and miski mas mahal pa ang isang box ng
Greenwich Pizza kesa sa bag ko, pang-business class naman arrive kasi carry ko i-project ito. O laban ka?

So if you’re super duper loaded with cash or can afford to kaskas to max and still be able to pay for it – go ahead, pamper yourself with designer labels. Just learn how to pronounce their names properly ha? Kung hindi, may award ka.

But if you’re a budget, or you want more variety ther are brands like Zara, H&M, Woolworths, Bershka, Splash, and of course our national fruit Mango. Stylish pero more reasonably priced. Nakabili ka na ng imported, nakakarami ka pa.

This way, you can shop every season without spending your annual vacation money over a handbag that’s soooo all over the place – na if you’re not as sosyal as me at hindi ka sanay mag-carry, baka mapagkamalan pang peke! Now, that’s a Hall of Famer – be sure to prepare a speech when you accept your award while weeping buckets of tears.

So, excuse me while I detach the label that reads “Louie Bitoy” from my new handbag. Oh, mukhang genu-wine, laban ka?!

October 11, 2016
The Annie B. Chronicles: “Cuzin to the Rescue”

“Cuzin to the Rescue”

The Annie B. (Batobalani) Chronicles

Once upon a time, in the sleepy barrio called Capunitan in the quiet town of Orion in the no-SM Mall-yet-province of Bataan, there lived two dreamy lasses. They treated each other like sisters, even though they were just cousins. Up to their early teens, both even shared the same crushes. They never fought – except for that single incident when they had an on who was cuter – Bryelle Mondejar or Ronell Victor – which eventually got settled when they both realized that Jestoni Alarcon was, two thumbs up.

But just like the song, some good things never last. Eventually, one of them left the barrio to pursue a degree in Mass Communications in fast-paced Manila. The other had to stay and continue her studies in the provincial capitol.

That’s what I remember of Corazon Candelaria Catacutan Curapot – or my cousin Cookie. The last time we saw each other was during Miss Gay Undas in our town plaza five years ago – until I got a text message from an unknown number last week. “hI aNniE! C cUKi I 2, D2 nA riN mE sA dUbAi. kitA nAmn Ta U.” Little did I know that Cookie and I would cross each other’s paths once again – here in the cosmopolitan city of Dubai.

In our exchange of texts, I learned that my long-lost cousin Cookie arrived in Dubai over a month ago to work as a cashier in a newly opened restaurant. So one weekend, I decided to drop by her place so we could see each other. I imagined she’s already changed a bit from the barrio lass that I last in the town plaza years ago – but what I saw horrified me. Here’s Cookie’s new story:

She shares a room with eleven other Pinays. They’re all burara and lazy. They all complain that they don’t have time to clean because of their shifting schedule. So Cookie, who is always organized, does all the cleaning for them, even their own laundry and ironing. They praise Cookie for her delicious cooking, so she also does all the cooking, even the washing the dishes. They always rant about their financial problems, so good old Cookie lends them money for everything.

Aba..aba..aba! Now all that made my blood boil. And inspite of all these, Cookie does NOT mind at all. How pateticks!!! How can anyone be this naïve? Naiiva talaga itong pinsan ko o – napaka-clueless – hindi naman nya kamukha si Alicia Silvestone!

Hay naku, enough if this pa-martir effect. This abuse should come to an end. Now na – as in NOW! Wala sa lahi naming ang mga api. Stoooop meeeee!!! (Tigilan ako!!!)

I quickly gave Cookie a lecture on how she should stop these people from abusing her kindness and generosity. For as long as Cookie doesn’t complain, these people na naturingan pa man ding kababayan will never return the favor and change their old habits. They want to eat? Eh di magluto sila! Their room is dirty? Eh di maglinis sila!!! They don’t have money anymore? Eh di manigas sila!!!

From now on, they will witness a new Cookie – a woman with confidence, style and a new attitude. I will groom her to be just like me – independent, fashion fastforward, abilitated (ahem, ma-abilidad…), a go-grabber….mmmm….ano pa ba?

So my darling cousin Cookie, toss that broom and start dressing up. The clock is sticking – the Dubai Summer Surprises is here. Sugod kafatiiiiid!!!

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September 12, 2016
If You Could Upgrade or Evolve on Thing in Your Life

USAPANG ILLUSTRADO

If You Could Upgrade or Evolve on Thing in Your Life Right Now, What Would it be and Why?

If the recent presidential election is any indication, the Philippines is a nation that is hungry for change. We want to see tangible and immediate reforms, not just in our government, but in our society. But what we must not forget is that for us to see change in our community, we must first affect change within ourselves. Michael Jackson said it best: “If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change.”

Kristine Alcazar – UAE

If I could evolve or upgrade an aspect of my life right now, I would opt to be multilingual. In this fast-paced and modern world where people become more and more connected through technological advances, it would be wise to keep up with some sort of advantage. Being able to speak and understand several languages would give me the privilege to interact within multiple communities which is highly essential now that I’m living in Dubai. As i am working in the airline industry as well, traveling around the world would be more fun as i get to broaden the range of people I interact with and it would be much easier to embrace different cultures. Imagine enjoying Japanese cuisine while the Chef explains the Zen way of eating, or chatting around in French over coffee and croissants in a Parisian cafe or going around the outskirts of Italy and speaking to random locals about wines and their way of living. “The limits of your language are the limits of your world”, a great philosopher once said and I believe he is right.

Phil Domingo – UAE

I would create a vision board of all the places I would like to visit and make it happen. You can never go wrong with travelling. It doesn’t matter if it’s a weekend day trip or a weeklong vacation. Put it on your desk or somewhere in your bedroom as long as you see it regularly. This will inspire you and it will help you focus and motivated on taking steps to achieve and reach that destination.

Every journey changes your perception towards life and the world you live in. Not only does it leave a mark on your memory but each journey you take leads you to self-discovery. These experiences enrich your heart and soul and in the end, you will always go back home with something far better than what money can buy.

Live your dreams, take risks, and live life to the fullest now.

Alvin Joseph Mateo – Philippines

I would want to increase my emotional intelligence. It is in my opinion, an aspect of life that is hardest to master. The ability to discipline the mind and control emotion is paramount not just in surviving our daily struggles but also in dealing with and accepting difficult realities of our lives and of this world. I cannot stress enough how essential this is.

Elea Katindig – USA

I would take Trainstation’s “Breaking Through Barriers” again. It’s a workshop on the basics of Neuro-Linguistic Programming that teaches mindfulness and, taking control of your mind, your life, and your results. You really come out of it being transformed into an upgraded version of yourself.

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August 11, 2016
Artist Spotlight: Eugene Cubillo Filipino Visual Artist & Painter

I am Eugene Cubillo

My art is a visual diary – an extension of myself and my experiences. Most of my works are in mixed media. This allows me to address different issues in a storytelling manner whilst giving myself more creative freedom. The challenge of using mixed media is part of my statement. It represents my commentaries and observations on the crucial issues that beset our society today. It helps me to manifest how I perceive the Filipino culture in my head– where it is now, and where I feel it is headed to.

My Journey

I’ve always loved drawing. One time when I was a kid, drew myself as a stick figure playing basketball in every page of my notebook. I remember how surprised I was when I flipped the pages and saw the stick figure moving. Hindi ko alam na animation pala yun! So when I grew older, I took up my first ever job as an in-betweener/clean-up or assistant animator in an animation studio. In college, I studied Computer Engineering for almost two years, but eventually shifted to Fine Arts and Design. By then, I started getting exposed and introduced to different media and techniques. In the year 2000, I decided to work full time as a painter. It was very difficult at the beginning. At times, I had to choose between buying oil paint or buying milk for my child. Challenged by this circumstance, I came up with the idea of producing art from found objects. This allows me to sustain my art production, but still challenge my creativity. To supplement my income, I also conduct workshops on basic painting. I always remember to treat my art na parang babae na kailangang mahalin, bigyan ng oras, panahon at halaga para hindi magtampo, at pagkatapos nun ay mamahalin din ako ng art ko. Trust me: it works!

My Process

From being traditional, my work has evolved into my own unique hybrid art form. Combining different media frees me from the usual creative constraints. My inspiration tends to come from the mundane: everyday experiences that are often dismissed as boring or ordinary, such as commuting in trains, buses, and jeeps, meeting people at the streets, and neighbors chatting. My idea is to create a visual language that associates the object to an experience outside of its environment. My approach is representational and spontaneous. I use marks and texture in all (or some parts) of my artwork. The objective is to capture the essence, substance, and association between forms in order to suggest a deeper meaning and a sense of connectedness. In a way, I try to draw comparison through contrast – showing how two things can be similar even though they are wildly different from each other on the surface.

My Accomplishments, Thus Far

On top of winning some art competitions and participating in group shows, my most memorable experience is my first solo show entitled: Mga Barahang Ligaw, which I launched in 2011. My idea then was to use playing cards as a medium to express the notion that life is like a gamble. Since then, I’ve been doing solo shows every year, the last one having concluded on the 13^th of July 2016. I am now planning and conceptualizing for next year’s show.

My Advice to Aspiring Artists

Just love what you are doing. Enjoy it as best you can. When the struggles come, make them your strength. Attend art exhibitions and connect with other artists. Learn from them.

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August 10, 2016
The Annie B. Chronicles: FEELING BEACHY

“FEELING BEACHY”

The Annie B. (Batobalani) Chronicles

The adventures and misadventures of a ‘not so average’ Pinay trying to make it in the cosmopolitan city of Dubai

It’s happening – my skin getting dry, my nose is moisty, my armpits are sweaty, and my bungang-araw are hume-hello….yes…summer time is just around the corner – all the signs are telling me to hit the beach!

One Friday afternoon, my flatmates and I headed for the Jumeirah Open Beach – by chance, try to meet new guys and display our pang-Temptation Island outfits. Armed with kalderos of adobo and steamed rice with matching litro of softdrinks , we set up our area at the beach where everyone can see us. Of course, the traditional kodakan would always be there – for new pictures to send to our family back home and upload in our Facebook.

But by sudden twist of faith, a group of six-footer Russian girls started laughing as we were doing our version of Viva Hot Babes’ Bulaklak. Aba, aba, aba! Who are they making fun to? We maybe all under 5 feet and 2 inches but our legs are definitely shapelier and our skin smoother than theirs. They look like a bunch of Super Sireynas wearing those tacky colorful swimsuits anyway. Annoyed and opended, we decided to set up our banig in another area. Then I gave them the finger. Etong sa inyo, o!

We continued to explore the rest of the beach when I suddenly spotted a fafa – some Arab buy who’s looksalike Collin Farell – jogging. I had to put on my Vina Morales spirit in an instant and started jogging away. I ran as fast I could so the cute habibi would notice me, but after twenty minutes, I got the feeling he’s not interested. So, I stopped and I decided to try the water and thought of other tactics to attract other guys. Sayang naman ang outfit ko noh!

While doing my backstroke, I didn’t notice that I was swimming far away from the shore. Suddenly I realized that I was alone. Then in a wink of an eye, I saw something coming towards me…it was a black fin….as in ANAK NG PATING…. Jaws na itu!!!! I paddled as fast as I could, but the more I moved, the more I sank into the water – I’m losing control……Jaws koh….I think this is the end of my life…. I could feel the water getting colder….dizzizit-so-not-it!!! HEELLLLPPPP!!!! Jaws ko pooo…..may pateeeeeeeeeeeng!!! The boat is sinking!!!

Then I felt a strong force grabbed my hair… anak ng….wala namang ka-poise-poise itu oh! I felt like a dog being rescued from drowning. When we reached the shore, the guy who saved me out of the water dragging my left arm…araay…teka, teka…then he said, “Hay salamat, akala ko nalonod na….akala ko nagainom ng tobig. Mukhang cunsyus naman si Ati eh….” I saw his face – “uy, kisig Pinoy!” It was the Pinoy lifeguard.

Before the opportunity walks away, I quickly pretended to be unconscious – so that he’ll revive me by mouth-to-mouth resusotacion – French kiss na itu!!!

But I think he knew that I was faking it. Still I didn’t move….as my friends were starting to panic and tarantated. Deadma pa rin ang lola nyo-pagkakataon ko na ito noh! But instead of the Pinoy lifeguard coming close to me, it was and old Indian guy with long ang kinky beard that wanted to give me a mouth-to-mouth “Ok, I kiss Filipini now….Oh noooo…. I quickly opened my eyes and breathed loudly – hirap pala magpigil ng hininga!!! “I’m ok! I’m ok!!” I shouted just as the old bearded man was trying to lay me down the sand again. “I sed, I’m okay!!! Maga-patuka na lang ako sa ahas!!!!!!

Dizzizit!!! Ayoko na….who thought my first beach escape would turn out to be such a disaster? From the Russians to the pa-delicious Arab jogger to the sharks and to the Father Tropa lifeguard wannabe? Hay, this is too much! Hindi kaya ng powers ko! Next time, I will just sun bathing in my flat rooftop by myself. Yes, life is a beach…but mine is a double beach!!!!!

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August 4, 2016
The Annie B. Chronicles: Bloody Blind Date

BLOODY BLIND DATE

The Annie B. (Batobalani) Chronicles

The adventures and misadventures of a ‘not so average’ Pinay trying to make it in the cosmopolitan city of Dubai

After Ashton, my DOM Pinoy Valentine date never returned my phone calls, text messages and emails after our romantic Eyeball – Ang labo mo, Ashton! Sorry ka na lang…It’s not my loose, it’s your lost!!! – my boss set me up in a blind date. This time with a British guy – yes. White leghorn na itu – Dizzizit!!!!

So the blind date was all set – 8pm at the Noodle House, Emirates Towers. I take it as a good signs that he likes Asian food- that’s already 100 pogi points for trying to please me. After a night of practicing my British accent, I got all dressed up and went to the Emirates Towers to meet my blind date. When I arrive at the Noodle House, there he was, tall, very white. He is maybe I think around 50 years old. I am not bothered by his age – I like mature men – they are more stable in life you know.

“Eh-nnie? Eh-nnie Batow-bah-lo-nnie is that you. How’ya doing, Luv?”

“Oh, I’m bloody fine thank you and you – how bloody are you?”

“I’m starving! Why don’t we get to our seats and have dinner now? We’re just right on schedule…(British pronounciation)”

While ordering our food, I noticed they don’t have Palabok and Lomi and even Bihon –what kind of Noodle House is this? Even Spaghetti they don’t have!!! Eh diba puro noodles ang mga yun? Haayyy….Cooper ordered Nasi Goreng.

“My favorite dish!” He said. “I spent almost twenty years all around Southeast Asia, ya’know? I’ve already been to Hongkong, China, Ja-pen, K-ree-yeh, Viet-num, Cum-bow-dyah, Tay-lend, Boh-lee, and of course, Mah-nee-luh…” Cooper said.

“Oh, I’ve also been to Hongkong…for a stopover!!!” Akala nya sya lang ang well traveled noh? Pasiklaban ko din nga.

Anyway, I thought Nasi Goreng will be something special – eh hallerrr, Tapsilog lang pala yun! As for me, I got Broccoli with Oyster Sauce as appetizer – para pa-girl – and Type Pad Noodles. I’m so hungry I quickly finished my broccoli. But again, I got disappointed – my noodles were very spicy! My armpits began to sweat – minus 50 points itu!

“Are you ow-kay, Luv?” Cooper asked.

“To tell you the truth, no…I don’t like the food here. My food is very spicy. I might paint if I continue to finish this…” I complained to him.

Since Cooper is very understanding. I thought of a way to make him feel thank you-ed. “Come, I’ll bloody take you to a real noodle house!” I suggested.

So we got into his car – a Land Rovers 4×4, sey mo? And I gave him direction towards Deira. Minutes later, we arrived at – wherelse – but the pride of the Philippine’s fine dining here in Dubai – Chowking!!!!

So while the kabayans stared at us – Inggit lang sila ako may date na puti. Eh ano kung para akong tarsier sa tindi ng kapit ko sa date ko? – we had a grand time feasting on Pancit Canton Chopseuy, Fried Tilapia, Kare-kare and my ever favorites – Buchi and Chicharap!

However, as I continued to tell Cooper the story of my life while eating Chopseuy and Kare-kare, I noticed that he wasn’t paying attention – he just kept looking at my mouth. Maybe I’m so kissable lips? Hindi ba sya makapag hintay? After eating, I thought we will still be bar-hopping but he said he will have to take a rain check. I told him no need to check the rain because it doesn’t rain in Dubai. But he decided to call it a night. He drove me home and even before I could give him a goodnight kiss, he quickly ran away in his 4×4. Bakeet???

All this time, I kept in thinking, “what went wrong?” Was I too hot? Was I too beautiful for him? I thought Dizzizit na talaga – but he never returned any of my calls and texts. Men – lulu at lili (lulubog at lilitaw).

July 21, 2016
The Annie B. (Batobalani) Chronicles: Eye Ball

The Annie B. (Batobalani) Chronicles: Eye Ball

The adventures and misadventures of a ‘not so average’ Pinay trying to make it in the cosmopolitan city of Dubai.

It all started with this…

Machogwapito25: Hello der! ASL? 😉

Pinayhotchick: hey! I am 24 years old. Filipina in Dubai. U? 🙂

Machogwapito25: Kumusta Miss Kabayan? I’m 29, mestisuhing Pinoy, taga-Dubai din for 15 years now. 😉

Pinayhotchick: Us in 15 years?!!! ang cool mo naman…so fluent ka na mag-arabic?

Machogwapito25: Shuhada, habibti? How long are u here in Dubai?

Pinayhotchick: Newbie pa lang me…4 months pa lang…:smile:

Machogwapito25: Wowowee!!! Fresh na fresh ha? Well, let me be your guide!

Pinayhotchick: Talaga??!!! How nice of you naman. Promise yan ha? Sky’s the langit? Teka, may wheels ka ba? Haha – kasi papano tayo gigimik di ba?

Machogwapito25: But op cors! Ok na ba sayo ang Mitsubishi Pajero? 😉

Pinayhotchick: Coool!!! 100 pogi points! I’m interested! 🙂

Yes the hopeless romantic in me finally gave in. After a month of everyday chatting and exchanging of emails, we agreed to meet each other in person thru an Eye Ball. At first I was hesitate to meet him – I told him that my visual statistics are 36.23.38….I’m finally had to reveal that those are really my lucky lotto numbers.

It was confirmed – a Thursday dinner date, 7:30pm at Tagpuan Restaurant in Karama. I’m finally meet the man of my dreams. Maybe he is just being humble – what if he’s really a millionaire kabayan who’s been looking for the right girl to bring to the altar and be his queen in the kingdom of the rich and the famous lifestyle? Jumeirah Janes, here I come!

As my date is truly romantic, he reserved a table outside the restaurant – Dinner Al Presko!!! Romantic na, presko pa! I thought I was already late becoz there were just old people having goto. I sat down in one of the tables, feeling like Julia Roberts in the movie “Pretty Woman”, waiting for my date to surprise me. I ordered a glass of Sago’t Gulaman to freshen up and ease my tension. Then suddenly, this DOM kabayan from the other table looked at me and smiled. Ngiii!!!!… I know I had mestiza features so that’s why he might think I’m a Russian you know. The he suddenly waived his hand – the nerves! What does he think of me? A waitress?!!!! So I just ignored him and pretended to sip Gulaman. Then, he called me in a familiar name.

“Pinayhotchick?”, as he walked towards my table.

“Bakeet?!!!” As I faced the other direction.

“Miss ikaw ba si Pinayhotchick from the chatroom?” He pulled a chair and sat comfortably.

“Eh ano ngayon sa yo?!!!” “Excuse me, but as you can see, I am waiting for my date….”

Then it occurred to me, “Oh noooo!” Could this DOM Kabayan be…

“I’m machogwapito25!” he blurted out.

All of a sudden, I’m stopped. (Natigilan ako.) How come this guy is different from the one in the chatroom? He said in our chat that he is mestizo and looksalike Robin Padilla with a little bit of Piolo Pascual…but how come he is like Dencio Padilla with a little bit of Panchito?!!! I thought he is just 25 years old – but from his looks I think he’s been in Dubai for 25 years now. But the bling-blings in his finger, his wrist, his neck and his teeth flashed a blinding light on me – dedma na sa hitsura but I think this guy is really loaded!

“Sige nga, if ur really machogwapito25, where is your car?

He picked up his car keys and pushed on of the buttons.

Bleep! Bleep!

I turned around and saw a red Pajero behind me – with the lights blinking on and off. So dizzizit….wala ng urungan…magka-subuan na…deal or no deal? Game na? Game naaaa!!!!!

“Hi machogwapitooooo!!!! I’m pinayhotchick. I’m Annie B. I’m a pleasure to meet you.”

“Whew! Akala ko iindyanin mo na ako eh. Kasi at first it’s like you are hesitate.” DOM Kabayan said. “Bay da wey. I’m Anastacio Antonio. Call me Ashton for short.”

I got excited. “Alam mo yan ang gusto ko sa lalaki – ang may personality! Bukod pa sa iyong CAR-acter-ahihihi! You know what, kapag nag-anniversary tayo next year, I want to have dinner in this very same restaurant – in this same table pa mismo! Romantic ba? Syempre susunduin mo ako at ihahatid sa office ko sa Media City, tapos sabay tayo magdi-dinner every night, then every Sunday magsisimba tayo together. Tapos every weekend magpi-picnic tayo sa park, o kaya mag-a-out of town or magbi-beach. O sa museum naman kaya? Ang romantic di ba? Tapos manonood tayo ng sine then kakain sa restaurant then kape sa Starbucks – you know….”

Ashton: “Ha? (sabay-lunok) Ahh…ehh..di ba pwedeng getting to know each other muna tayo?

July 14, 2016
Filipino Professionals: Arch. Glenn Maambong & Cher Pauline Cruz

It’s about Pinoy progress and diversity at the workplace. Two Filipino professionals, an architect and a Marketing Communications Coordinator talk about their respective careers in the emirates.

It’s What I Do:

GLENN MAAMBONG

Architect, Deyaar Development PSJC

– Dubai, UAE

My job

I am an architect for a public joint stock company (Deyaar Development PSJC). Working as an architect for a developer is, in some ways, different to the job of an architect in a consultant company. The latter’s job starts when they receive a job to design for a specific project, while for us, we have to develop a concept and study feasibility for specific projects. In short, we design from ideas, and those become the foundation from where the consultants elaborate.

My work day

My day is always very interesting and challenging. I get to design and propose ideas and concepts. For example, at one time, I was tasked to develop and propose a concept for a hotel apartment. So, I draw CAD elevation and perspective sketches, model my concept in Revit or 3Dmax from high-rise residential buildings, to the type of units and unit layouts. I then present it to the design manager and receive feedback for revisions. Typically, most of my day is spent in front of my computer rendering my concept.

Career advice

My message to my kababayans working here in Dubai or in the MENA region is to keep working hard with a good attitude, warmth, respect, decency, faith in God and always keeping our sense of fun. This is our source of pride as Filipinos. Taas noo!

Filipino Professionals: Arch. Glenn Maambong & Cher Pauline Cruz

Cher Pauline Cruz

Marketing Communications Coordinator

Abu Dhabi Duty Free

ABU DHABI, UAE

My job

I am the Marketing Communications Coordinator of one of the brands carried by Abu Dhabi Duty Free. It is my 7^th year in the UAE and it has been a slow yet sure journey towards a career where I know I can excel in. I am in charge of everything creative for our brand – copywriting, graphic design, photography, videography, social media and budget management for our department – almost everything I love to do, all rolled into one job!

My work day

In my job, every single working day offers a new skill to be learned, new knowledge to enhance and discoveries to enrich the whole experience. You’ll never know what the new day will bring, thus, it makes the work more exciting and inspiring. I get to interact with different kinds of people and learn from them. I coordinate with media people, suppliers, customers, and with the different departments in our company. I get to do things that I only usually do for leisure and every day brings new challenges to overcome.

Career advice

With the right attitude, we will get that job that we want. Skills can always be developed, but our attitude will always lead us to the right path to success. Instead of looking at a setback as negative, try to make the most out of it and learn from it. Also, being a Filipino abroad, we must not forget about our responsibility to our country. Whatever we do outside, will reflect on others’ perception on Filipinos. Therefore, we must always be conscientious, we must strive hard to uplift our nation and we must fulfill our social and moral responsibility as a Filipino.

June 30, 2016
Keeping up with the Con Gen: Musings on Philippine Independence

Keeping up with the Con Gen: Musings on Philippine Independence

By Consul General Paul Raymund P. Cortes

We celebrate the day we successfully unshackled our country from the three-century rule of the Kingdom of Spain. For the first time in the history of our people, we were proud, sovereign, and independent, albeit tragically short-lived. One hundred and 18 years thereafter, over 102 million people call the Philippines their motherland; almost 13 times the 8 million people who found themselves comprising Asia’s first republic. We ask: where are we headed to?

Our statistics estimate that 10% of all Filipinos or a little over 10 million are elsewhere across the globe, spread out in some 190 states. Some 600,000 call the UAE their second home; a region that has for decades provided the economics for so many lives back in the Philippines. Employers around the world all agree that the Filipinos are the ideal employees.

They’re cheerful, industrious, respectful, responsible, focused, highly skilled, incredibly productive – the superlatives continue on and on. The work ethic of our nurses, doctors, teachers, engineers, architects, accountants, office managers, household service workers, and all those in the service industry is regarded as the norm by which everyone else must be measured.

The surge in the Philippine Demographic – not only in the UAE or the Gulf Countries but also in Europe, the Americas, and Asia – is expected to continue for years to come. It is indeed heartening to know that everyone in the world loves us.

For foreign employers, it is it difficult to imagine their world without Pinoys. After all, we raise their children and make homes for them. We teach their young and provide care and nurture for their sick. We build the magnificent structures that become their cities’ icons. We learn their music and serenade them in their language. We run their world.

For as long as our people do not foresee the motherland as a viable option for our families to live, study, work, and raise the next generation of exemplary Filipinos in, there will never be an America or Hong Kong or Canada or a Middle East without us.

Keeping up with the Con Gen: Musings on Philippine Independence

Deep in our hearts though, we yearn for the time when leaving the country is only by choice; when the environment back home would compel us to take our chances there instead of looking for these elsewhere. While clearly those before us could not take us closer to this dream, its fruition now lies within our grasp. To begin with, however, we must understand that we cannot simply wait for such blessings to fall onto our laps. We must take charge of our own fate and will it to realization.

Only we Pinoys can ensure that the processes we devise to maintain law and order in our country are strictly enforced. Only the Filipino can innovate and build our own society in a fashion that creates and provides an economic environment that is conducive to growth. Only most Pinoy can demand that our educational system is to be kept rigid, rightfully demanding that our children be schooled in the highest standards.

Only we can insist that the government leaders whom we have elected to manage the macros of the country are held to the highest forms political, economic, and judicial accountabilities, and anything that would compromise these standards will not be tolerated or accommodated. When it dawns on us that no one else can make the Filipino dreams come true but Filipinos, only then do we become truly free: free to achieve anything we desire without having to rely on any other country or people.

I call on all overseas Filipinos to continue nourishing that dream of returning home. Let us be relentless in pursuing our wish to provide the home we imagine for our families. Now is the time for us to raise our own children, and teach them in the manner we have done so for others.

Let it be our time to take care of our own sick, the way we have for the aged and infirm of the world. We call on our very own to design and engineer our own structures the way we built the mega structures in foreign cities. This clarion call cannot be put off until tomorrow. It has to start now, believing that when we do, Inang Bayan becomes the envy of the world, for the world’s best are back home where they belong.

………………..

CONSUL GENERAL PAUL RAYMUND CORTES

When not performing his duties as the head of the Filipino community in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, or the obligations of a dutiful dad, passionate patriot Paul Raymund Cortes, mulls over how to further enrich the local Filipino community by promoting a more progressive mindset.

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June 29, 2016
The Annie B. (Batobalani) Chronicles: “Working Girl”

The Annie B. (Batobalani) Chronicles

The adventures and misadventures of a ‘not so average’ Pinay trying to make it in the cosmopolitan city of Dubai.

Guess what? After sending out thousands of my CV thru the internet, signing up with more than a dozen headhunters and going thru never-ending interviews…… I FINALLY HAVE A JOB!!! Mabrook to me! Dizzizit!!!! The beginning of my life-long dream: to become a professional executive worldwide. At last, my inborn talent – the gift of have or chicka in our native language. I am now officially a P.A. – not Production Assistant, not secretary, not public administration and definitely not secretary – but a Personal Assistant – to the Managing Director of Media Minds, a leading Public Relations company in the far, up, up and away Dubai Media City.

My British boss looksalike Harrison Ford – as in the Indian Jones. He’s not only handsome, but also kind and appreciative. He values my work and is always satisfied with everything I do. The best things he like about me is my coffee. He’s still drinks Starbucks every morning, but after the original coffee is finished, he tells me to refill his cup with my very own Annie B. Coffee Mix. How clever noh?!!!

As my boss is always out of the office – either travelling or during presentations or checking out the latest sale in the mall – I barely have anything to do. Honestly, my work is petiks – comfortable manageable for the eight hour – work everyday. I can actually finish everything within 3 hours. The rest of the day is just busy-busy-han for me. Most of the time, to kill time and meet new friends at the same time, I chat online and actively signed on to Friendster. This, I believe, improves my communication skills, boost my confidence level, and increase my chance of getting a new boyfriend and – promote world peace. Yes, hitting birds with one stone.

Chatting is fun – not only do meet new people from different cultures, but I also getting to re-invent myself. But don’t get me wrong – I do not lie in chatting – I only enhance my already pleasing personality. Whenever asked, I do a little subtraction with my waistline and some addition to my bustline – hahaha – fun isn’t it? There are times I get too passionate and chat with three to five different people at the same time while typing some documents for my boss. That’s what you call multinational-tasking, I guess. Sometimes I mix my chatting with my boss’ documents. One time, I typed, “Our campaign aims to target 5’2”, smooth but chubby Filipina in the U.A.E. which covers more than 75% of the population.” Hahaha – it totally didn’t make sense. My boss noticed my mistake but I quickly told him I was carried away with his marketing plan. I know it was a big boo-boo and I’m being careful now in juggling my chatting versus my official work.

Anyway, among the seven different guys that I chat with online, there’s this Filipino guy that has caught the fancy of my eyes. He’s really catch my attention because not only he’s a kabaya, but we have a lot of things in common. His profile reads. “175cm tall, 75 kilos, a resident of the UAE for five years now, mestizo, a hopeless romantic and a rebel without a cause…” I’m picturing Robin Padilla in my mind already. And he listens to jazz music like Kenny G – such a sensitive soul! I bet he’s the type showers women with dozens of flowers and takes them to candlelight dinners. We haven’t swapped pictures yet but something tells me he’s the one. We’ve been chatting for almost three weeks now and he’s suggesting that we finally meet in person thru an E.B (EyeBall). I haven’t said yes coz I told him my waistline is 23” and that my bustline is 36”. I have lost weight really fast and look for a triple wonder bra before I say yes to his EB invitation.

Tick…tock..tick…tock…It’s still 10 minutes before 6:00pm – more time to kill before my carlift arrives and be able to go home. My boss is also pretending to be busy. I could see the reflection of his computer monitor thru the window beside him. It’s an online poker site. Whew! More guys are buzzing me for a chat already. It’s really true: When it rains, it’s force. Why not? The more entries you send, the more chances of winning – the more the many-er!!! Time for some Annie B-loving again:

I.T.A.L.Y. – I Trust and Love You

J.A.P.A.N. – Just Always Pray At Night

D.U.B.A.I. – Do Understand Business Always Important

S.H.A.R.J.A.H. – Seeing Him Always Refreshs Jolly Active Heart

U.A.E. – Uy, Awesome, Eh?

Q.A.T.A.R. – Quick Ask The Answer Right

June 23, 2016