Illustrado Magazine – Filipino Abroad

Tag: pinoy news

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
It’s What I Do with Paquito Jacinto Idos and Marlon C. Soliven

It’s What I Do:

Paquito Jacinto Idos – MSCM, PEM

Project Manager – Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority

Sharjah, UAE

MY JOB

Last July 2015, I joined Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority as Project Manager under their Program Progress Department where I am directly reporting to the Chairman. To say that my career in this country has been exciting is quite an understatement. In 1998, I ventured to the UAE and was lucky enough to be hired as Supervisor in Dubai Municipality, until my post was localized in 2002. On the same year, I joined Orient Irrigation Services under the capacity of Small Contracts Manager. With God’s blessing, another opportunity came to me in Aril 20015. I was hired to work with a Government agency in Sharjah as a Civil Engineer, and in a span of 3 years, I was promoted as Senior Projects Engineer, and then as Projects and Planning Manager until May 2015.

MY WORK DAY

My day in the office starts with an early morning coffee discussion with our PPD Team, to review our progress and to prepare action plans for the challenges ahead. My main responsibility is to assist the Department Manager in ensuring that all activities are executed without fail. Part of my responsibilities is to provide technical advice to the Chairman of the Organization on key matters such as review of techno-commercial offers, drawings and contract agreements, and other executive-level directives. I also travel to other countries in Asia and Europe to attend and witness factory acceptance tests for equipment ordered for the projects.

CAREER ADVICE

Filipinos are known for being well educated, hardworking, and honest professionals. The question is why so few of us achieve success despite our good qualities. Based on my 30 years of experience in the construction industry, my advice is to plan for your career path. If you do not know how to do something, seek advice and try to live with what you have. You need to reward yourself for your hard work, but learn how to prioritize things and know the difference between what you really need and what you want. Plan properly for your future. Invest in yourself by seeking higher education. Keep up with technological advancements and stay globally competitive. My colleagues and I conduct a workshop for PEM (Professional Engineering Manager) Certification under ASEM (American Society for Engineering Management). I invite all the Filipino engineers and architects in the UAE to avail of this opportunity to upgrade their educational qualifications.

Marlon C. Soliven

Media Buying Executive – Dentsu Aegis Network

Dubai, UAE

MY JOB

I am a Media Buying Executive under Dentsu Aegis Network and handle one of their top clients, General Motors. As part of the Amplify division of DAN, we try our best to secure ad placements for our clients, invest advertising slots to appropriate vendors, and manage clients’ investment through relevant mix of media and target.

MY WORK DAY

I usually start my morning with coffee to pump me up for a busy day ahead. Work usually consists of meetings with suppliers and negotiating with them as to what extent prices and rates need to be approved. Meetings consist of call-ups, face-to-face and email conversations back and forth during the day. Busy day ends around mid-afternoon but team huddles come around during this time as well. We usually do this to makes it a point to update each other about what bookings need to be sent across to supplier and data updating.

MY GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT

I take great pride in getting my family to come to Dubai and stay with me. A better life for our families is all we can ever hope for as overseas Filipinos, but to have your family with you is even better. I count myself blessed, having my wife and my cute daughter with me here in Dubai. Together, we have made a real home in this foreign country.

CAREER ADVICE

Hard work pays. This is what I believe in. When you focus on the task at hand and work very hard on it, success come easy. As long as we work to the best of our abilities, any job or task that we do would manifest in greatness. To my fellow Filipinos out there who are away from their loved ones and are working hard in the foreign country: you are not alone. We all face the same difficulties, albeit in different degrees and forms. Make the best of your stay in your host country, and stay true to your mission objective, that is, to be the best that you can be and make a better future for yourself and your family.

August 2, 2016
Filipino in Andorra: My Pinoy Life

Filipino in Andorra: My Pinoy Life

By Arlene De Ocampo Bathan

I have been living in Escaldes, Engordany, Principado de Andorra for 22 years now. I moved here when I was only 8 years old, along with my sisters and my parents. It was my mother who moved here first, and after a while she brought us in one by one.

Andorra is a very small country located between the Pyrenees Mountains, which separate France and Spain. The country is called the Principality of Andorra, and is composed of seven parishes: Andorra La Vella, Les Escaldes, Sant Julia de Loria, La Massana, Ordino, Encamp and Canillo. The capital is Andorra La Vella, and they have their official flower which is the “Grandalla.” The official language is Catalan. We do not have presidents and kings, but we have a governor and his 28 official advisors. The population is around 80,000 people. Filipinos are probably 2% of all inhabitants.

Andorra is best known as a country of many mountains. If you look to the left and to the right you will only see mountains. But if it were not for the mountains, tourists probably would not come. Andorra is famous among neighboring countries due to its thermal waters and ski slopes. It is place full of stories, different cultures and winter sports. When the big snowfall comes, the landscape becomes completely white.

Here, the weather is always changing. From September to October is autumn, when we get abundant rains. During the winter season of November to February, the landscape is covered in snow and turns almost completely white. From March to May is spring when flowers begin to open up and you realize that summer is coming soon. Summer is my favorite of the four seasons.

There are lots of beautiful places in Andorra. For people who like to go walking in the mountains, there are many charming places and viewpoints where you can see the best views of the country. La Vall d’Incles is a good example. There you can take a leisurely trek and enjoy an amazing scenery. You will also find lakes where you can fish, or even swim if you don’t mind the cold. We have many hiking trails in Ordino and even in Grau Roig – two of the most beautiful parishes in Andorra.

We have a chapel that is located in Canillo, which is called The Sanctuary of the Virgin of Meritxell (the country’s patron. I believe it was restored in the 17^th century and was destroyed in 1972. Then a sanctuary adjacent to a church chapel was built by the architect Ricard Bofill.

Filipino in Andorra: My Pinoy Life

My Life

We have a quiet life here. The best thing about it is that I have my family with me. That’s what’s makes me enjoy living in a foreign country. I love spending time with my family. On days off, my husband, daughter, and I go visiting parks and places we have yet to discover. I also love reading scary books and romance and enjoy a good meal – whether Japanese, Italian or Mediterranean food.

There is a spa resort in Escaldes – Engordany called “Caldea.” It is the only place where you can enjoy the hot springs, and I love it! In fact, there are plenty of places to see and love in Andorra. If I have any cause for complaints, it’s that living in a country surrounded by mountains can sometimes feel a little claustrophobic.

My Community

There are about 800 Filipinos residing in Andorra. We make up about 2% of the population. We have a Filipino community organization called FILAND and the current president is also Batangueño. We always celebrate national holidays like Christmas, and often organize raffles and activities aimed at helping those who are in need back home. Our last project was for the victims of typhoon Yolanda. Admittedly, I am a bit hesitant to join the activities, as my Tagalog is not as polished as I would like. Anyhow, I have my husband and I understand each other in a unique way by speaking a mixture of Tagalog and Spanish.

Filipinos have a good image in Andorra because they see us as hardworking people, confident, responsible and highly responsive to the needs of our employees. The only difficulty we have is the language – since the official language here is Catalan and not Spanish.

My personal culture

I have a mixture of different cultures in me. I love learning Filipino culture because I didn’t have an opportunity to be immersed in it. I like the freedom in this country, but I also like the education of youth in the Philippines. I don’t define myself as Filipino or Andorranian. I guess, I’m ‘undefined.’

When I return to my home country, I love people-watching, especially their reactions, their words, their ways of dealing with adults and even how they treat you when you walk into a store and smile even when things go bad. It is completely different from here. It is complicated to implement that mindset here since cultures are quite opposite.

My Message

Being an OFW is not easy. The sacrifice of leaving your family behind not is in vain, however, as we did this for them to have a better future. We were born with the blood of a fighter! So let us fight for those dreams!

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July 27, 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
It’s What I Do: Julius Duran & Vencer Montes

Julius Duran

Architect – Perkins + Will

Dubai, UAE

I am an architect working here in Dubai for 7 years. Perkins & Will is an international design firm with its homebase in the US. Our projects range from doing high-end villa interiors, to designing corporate offices, to designing skyscrapers, up to doing urban planning and landscape architecture. Our diverse clientele to name a few are Google and LinkedIn.

My primary job is preparing 3D visuals through computer-aided software which will be used as a communication tool to clearly express the design intent to clients. It will also be used as a marketing tool to sell a certain project. 3D Architectural Visualization is an interesting field. It is a blend of Architecture/Interior Design and Visual Arts, hence I can be technical and artistic at the same time.

My everyday routine here is driving to a nearby Metro station from where I live (because I stay far from where I work) and taking the train to bring me to my office. This is my way of beating the horrendous rush hour Dubai traffic. Weekends are spent in the mall, with the family, maybe hit the beach or do some camping if the weather permits. I live together with my wife and son, which is the best thing as it drives homesickness down to a minimum.

I started my OFW life in Abu Dhabi and made the shift here in Dubai when my wife (who’s also an architect) had a job offer here. So the choice was either she or I would have to travel back and forth Dubai and Abu Dhabi, or I could just find work in Dubai as well so our family could just be rooted in one city. Good fortune may have been on my side at that time, because it did not take long for me to find a job. So here I am.

We Filipinos are a resilient and hardworking people who always take pride on whatever we consider our own. Given the right venue and opportunity, we can rise to be at par with the best in the world. We as a people are emotional and sensitive at best, which means we have passion. That passion, if channeled in the right path, will bring us closer to whatever we are aiming for. All of us working here abroad, whether you’re a service crew or a manager, have the same dream and aspiration: a better future for ourselves, for our family and loved ones, and for our country. So let’s hold on to our dreams, stop complaining or pointing fingers at the mistakes or inefficiencies of others and just do our best. Do good and be good. Together we will be the best!

Vencer Montes

Clinical Coordinator

The Dental Studio – Dubai, UAE

I am a Dentist by profession in the Philippines, but here in Dubai, I am a Dental Assistant and Clinical Coordinator at The Dental Studio here in Jumeirah. I have been working here for almost eight years now, and I am very happy. I take part in many dental procedures, mainly Prosthodontics, Surgeries, Periodontics, Endodontics and Orthodontics. I mainly do CADCAM Dentistry here (Digital Dentistry), and I am also responsible for Radiology and Licenses. My job is interesting in the sense that I am rebuilding what is lost, and being a part of the team responsible for restoring smiles and self-confidence.

I always keep myself challenged. My mentor here in the clinic would show me cases and I will replicate them. We never rest on our laurels. No matter how well we do, we always find ways to do better and perfect what is already perfect. This keeps us on the edge and ahead of everybody. What I also love about what I do is seeing how my efforts help restore the confidence of an individual. Seeing our clients happy is what makes our day.

My message to all of us, Filipinos: do not think less of yourselves! We can make a difference. Never settle. We can always do better, be better, and be the best! We are a proud nation. Lets show the world what we can do!

July 15, 2016
Artist Spotlight: Joshua Corpuz – Visual Artist

Joshua Corpuz – Visual Artist

His Artform

“I draw” is how I usually answer people when they ask me what I do. That’s because I’m usually too lazy to delve into details about what I do. But if we need to be a bit more in-depth, I do conceptual art and illustration for a living. To further elaborate: I design characters or creatures and prepare storyboards and animatics for pre-production work. And no, it’s not the same as graphic design. And no, I can’t and won’t draw you or your nephew’s face.

I enjoy drawing because I get to create and design things and tell stories with them, from things that exist to imaginary scenarios. What I love about it is that there’s exactly no end and limit to it except for your own imagination. Getting paid to draw dragons is pretty dope, though I prefer to work on my own stuff than a client’s. I work on a freelance basis only because I get the most satisfaction out of it, plus I don’t have to answer to anyone’s expectations.

His Process

Detailing how I work would require plenty of screenshots and about 10 or more additional pages, but here’s the gist of it:

1.) I figure out what I want to draw,

2.) I think about the context of the image,

3.) I find proper references,

4.) I work on it for 2 to 5 days.

Regrettably, I haven’t been working on a proper personal piece lately due to professional demands.

His Journey

I’ve been drawing since I was a kid, inspired by video games like the Final Fantasy series and Legend of Mana and anime like Digimon and Shaman King. I had my first freelance client while I was still studying: Paizo Publishing, which was quite a big and impressive account. Sadly, they dropped me after 2 gigs for not being able to meet the quality that they required at that time. That was a very important learning experience for me. I’ve also had the privilege of working for Volta – an outsourcing studio that works on triple-A game titles. Getting to work for big companies is fun and all, but getting to meet and learn from all the people that I look up to has got to be #1 in my highlight list.

His Advice for Aspiring Artists

Keep at it. The more frustrated you are the better. Never be satisfied at your current skill level because you would risk stagnation. Remember that there’s always room for improvement. Though of course, it wouldn’t hurt to pat yourself on back once in a while for learning a new thing or two.

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July 14, 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
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
#MoveOnPilipinas

#MoveOnPilipinas

By Consul General Paul Raymond Cortes

My country just ended a month-long campaign to entice registered Filipino voters in Dubai and the Northern Emirates to participate in 2016’s Presidential elections. Every six years, Filipinos across the globe choose their leaders through what is possibly one of Asia’s, even the world’s, most frenzied democratic processes. The particular election year seemed quite more fervid. As far as I could recall, at no other time in our recent history, except thirty years ago during the 1986 Presidential Snap Elections between then President Ferdinand Marcos and Corazon Aquino, was everyone deeply zealous of their choice for the country’s top leadership. Support for the candidates was intense, bordering on the fanatical. Everyone joined the online fracas – each mouthing off an argument or two in favor of his or her candidate. Exacerbated by social media, the attempts at discrediting other Presidential contenders and, even more, their supporters were filled with vitriol. Quite frankly, the cyber bloodbath was brutal and harsh.

The end of the campaign season now puts us back in square one. Where do we go from here? In the six Presidential elections I have participated in, getting back on track as one nation has always been a challenge for Filipinos. Those who voted for losing candidates become adamant in supporting the elected President with the stubborn hope that they be vindicated at the earliest possible time. They openly mistrust the new leader, branding him/her as incompetent and unworthy of the national leadership. Each mistake is magnified and derided. Sadly, this attitude has delayed our capability to move on and get on with the task of nation-building ahead.

We must not degenerate into being categorized by the candidate we favored. Months before we opened the voting process to our Overseas Filipinos, surveys had already divided the Filipino soul into a pie chart of Presidentiables. Much effort was undertaken to lure others into their fray either by sweet coercion or by brazen bullying. As oppressive as the Philippines’ summer heat, vituperative words were exchanged between supporters, between commenters, and between tweets — so much so that the race had seemingly become an personal battle between Filipinos.

On the one hand, it was refreshing to see Filipinos deeply involved in the discussions on issues our society faced even if they had been residing abroad for so long or if they had been so long detached from anything Filipino (especially the dizzying world of Philippine politics). Showbiz inanities were the normative starting point in conversations regarding our homeland not governance issues. Facebook somehow reinvigorated their propensity to dissect and intelligently discuss the country’s societal concerns. It strengthened their resolve to see Inang Bayan rise to the glory each Filipino believes the Philippines deserves. Social media awoke the burning desire of every overseas Filipino to cure the ills of his motherland so that embrace her welcoming arms without fear of having to leave her once again for economic or political reasons.

The downside was that comment after comment, the barbs between camps were acrimonious, as if any distasteful remark merited infuriated responses from each other. Faceless interactions emboldened people all the more to viciously malign each other, consequences of a renewed arrogance hiding under invisibility the internet so conveniently cloaks them with.

By this time, a new President would have been chosen. A new one who did not statistically gain the majority of the electorate. Majority or minority notwithstanding, the incoming President will be leader of a 102-million-strong nation – a country and people desperately craving for a captain who could steer their ship to greater heights and loftier dreams. They will be pleading for a government that would build on the gains we have already achieved and at the same time, further catapult our economy to global preeminence; a dream so sought after by a famished national soul that longs for the day when we can finally bequeath a better Philippines to our children and our children’s children.

June 22, 2016