by Kabayan Laliebeth United Arab Emirates – Two major accredited Filipino organizations in Abu Dhabi, the IIEE Abu Dhabi and PSME Abu Dhabi chapters represented by its presidents, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a collaborative enhancement program for both parties. It was witnessed by representatives of both groups, wherein formalities were held at the Brixton Media in the capital. (From left) Engr Guillermo C Medina Jr., 2023 President PSME Abu Dhabi Chapter and Engr Renante M Moral, 2023 President IIEE Abu Dhabi Chapter sign Memorandum of Agreement on March 25, 2023 a ..read more

by Kabayan Laliebeth Abu Dhabi – A new club under the umbrella of the United Arab Emirates Eagles Club- NCR X is set to be chartered on January 29, 2023 in one of the five-star hotels in the capital, coined UAE Sagisag Executive Eagles Club. The Fraternal Order of Eagles Philippine Eagles is the first born fraternal socio-civic organization in the Philippines with the mission to nurture the spirit of brotherhood in line with its slogan “Service through Strong Brotherhood”. The Chartering ceremony is in conjunction with the Induction of the new leaders of the Sagisag faction and will be witnes ..read more

by Kabayan Laliebeth Abu Dhabi – The new management of Strand Hotel, represented by Mr. Kizhakis has paid a Courtesy Visit to the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Her Excellency Hjayceelyn M. Quitana (in green) on Wednesday, November 24. PH Ambassador Hjayceelyn M Quintana (in green), Kabayan Laliebeth(in red), Mr Kizhakis & company The intent of which to personally invite the Philippine envoy to the upcoming Strand Hotel Grand Opening on December 8. The round-table discussion has fostered networks, exchange of cultural upbringings and future cooperation that gears collaboration among exp ..read more

by Kabayan Laliebeth DUBAI – In the span of five years since it opened its first branch in Abu Dhabi, Off the Hook Seafood Restaurant has nine branches now in UAE. The recently opened branch at IBN Batuta Mall in Dubai was inaugurated by the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, Her Excellency Hjayceelyn M. Quintana, held last June 5, 2021. The grand opening was witnessed by business partners, friends and families of the OTH circle. When asked about the motivation and challenges in opening another branch during pandemic, Off the Hook Managing Partner Rolly Brucales said, “Well, unang una nobod ..read more

by Kabayan Laliebeth A heart melting memories of Merriner Bartoces with her boyfriend before the gas explosion happened last August 31, 2020 at one of the residential buildings in Airport Road, Abu Dhabi. Merriner, 25 years old from Dumaguete Philippines was a cashier at a Restaurant where the explosion occurred. Her body was only recovered on the next day from the debris. Find out her boyfriend’s sharing of last moments with her ..read more

by Kabayan Laliebeth While waiting for my take away lunch today, I overheard a conversation of a restaurant crew over the phone. She was asking several questions. “Kailan pa po kayo huling sumahod?[When was the last time you received your salary?] “Sobrang delayed na sahud nyo pala. Saan po location ninyo at contact number?” [Your salary has been delayed. Where is your location and contact number?] “Libre po ang food at e dedeliver po namin ng walang bayad” [The food is free and we will deliver it free of charge] I was pretty sure that this has been the telephone conversation all day long wit ..read more

FILIPINO EXPATS HUB by Laliebeth Petancio I was hesitant to accept a hand offered by an Arab guy as a welcoming for me to a special meeting, knowing that for Muslims this gesture is not pleasant for a woman to shake hand with a Muslim man. But I was certain about responding to his greetings with Wa Alaikum Assalam [Peace be upon you] before we settled for an interview in a cozy restaurant. Sitting next to him in dainty white kandoora & delicate ghathra draws me to a strange feeling yet with a curious instinct asking what inspiration this man has to bring for the Filipinos. I got no id ..read more

FILIPINO EXPATS HUB by Laliebeth Petancio Before revealing this place to you, give me a little time to share what I have discovered last night while waiting for my Iftar plate got served on my table. Lift ascends to 3rd floor and when it opens, hey there you are at the mouth of an Asian Cuisine restaurant! But wait! Comers don’t go straight to the counter either to order food or book a hall for their event. They turn angles 90 degrees to either left or right with big smiles and delight. They just give a quick wave of their hands at the lady on the side and rush to grab a pool stick! Ph ..read more

by Kabayan Laliebeth This is good news for parents and incoming college students who are residing in the United Arab Emirates. Bath Spa University, a 168 year-old UK-based university is now offering its Undergraduate Programmes in Business and Computing at it’s Academic Centre in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. It opens registration for the September 2020 classes and kicked-off selection for scholarship grants for deserving college students. In an interview, Dr. Nino M. Decenorio- the Senior Vice President for Bath Spa University UAE has quoted: “We are very proud to say that right now we have almost 3 ..read more

Abu Dhabi – On the celebration of its first founding anniversary that was held just recently, the United Prime Guardians Brotherhood International Inc. (UPGBII) have recalled its mission and renewed commitment for the betterment of its members and compatriots. UPGBII is a registered organization with the Philippines’ Security Exchange Commission Registration Number CN201901735. It has its mission to promote Nationalism and Patriotism through Service and Commitment for nation building ensuring these qualities will be passed through the next generations. “With a lot of passion and motivation we ..read more