Goodbye Philippines... Hello UAE...
It was a pleasant surprised when i received an e-mail came from my elder brother. Attached was my plane ticket going to Dubai scheduled two weeks from that time. My feeling that time was constant as I feel normal. No plans had came to my mind weather to have a good job in that place or to feel the beauty of that country. My mother kept on telling me to have my dreams, stop being an easy go lucky man, stop being always drunk and stop being the way i used to be. I didn't even cared about what they say, the only thing that's important to me is "I am enjoying my life". After a week, postal mail came. Finally, my visa and red ribbon. Obviously, It's no longer a joke.
It was a pleasant surprised when i received an e-mail came from my elder brother. Attached was my plane ticket going to Dubai scheduled two weeks from that time. My feeling that time was constant as I feel normal. No plans had came to my mind weather to have a good job in that place or to feel the beauty of that country. My mother kept on telling me to have my dreams, stop being an easy go lucky man, stop being always drunk and stop being the way i used to be. I didn't even cared about what they say, the only thing that's important to me is "I am enjoying my life". After a week, postal mail came. Finally, my visa and red ribbon. Obviously, It's no longer a joke.
Three days before my flight, me and my father went to Manila to process my NSO birth certificate for the reason that embassy might be looking for it for them to be sure that I am really the brother of my sponsor. We went to my Auntie Sally's place and she welcomed as nicely. It was very hard to fall in line in NSO-_________ since a lot of people will also be needing that kind of documents. I waited for almost eight hours for me to get my authenticated NSO birth certificate.
On the 18th day of February 2014 at 8:00 o'clock in the morning, we drove by taxi going to NAIA 2. With the help of my Uncle Ceasar (also a taxi driver) we paid cheap and reasonable to the driver. We arrived after around fourty minutes from sampaloc Manila.....
In the airport, I thought it would be very hard for me to talk with the Immigration as i always hear with other ofws. After checking my documents they told me to enter to the waiting area. When i came in I remembered that I brought my cellphone and philippine money. I quickly asked the immigration officer if I could still go out to give my money and my cellphone to my father outside. They said no, but i said my father is just at the front of the door outside. They had nothing to do but to let me go out. I gave all of my money and my cellphone to my father. All I brought with me are my few clothes and nothing else but myself. It was an adventure for me going abroad without anything and letting the destiny decide what might happen.
Almost 9 hours of travelling before I arrived in Dubai. Almost 2 hours inside the airport from immigration to luggage area. Luckily, when i went out to the airport my elder brother was waiting for me. We took pictures as evidence of my safe arrival in Dubai.
I felt different emotions; a little bit afraid, excited, happy, concious and etc... We rode the "metro train", bus and taxi before we arrived at my brother's place in Sharjah. My brother is living with other 4 kabayans in a condominium at 8th floor. They were in a good condition, not actually what I expected.
Aside from appreciating different beautiful places here in UAE, I was also looking for my luck when it comes to my career. As a Marketing Management enthusiast, I know that I can find a job easily. With the help also of our church mate at LJOR-Dubai, my faith has never changed. Every Friday, my brother and our flatmates are always going to church to praise GOD. After church is of course going to place were we can have some fun.
DUBAI Mall
the world's largest shopping mall based on total area and fourteenth largest by gross leasable area. Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, it is part of the 20-billion-dollar Downtown Dubai complex, and includes 1,200 shops.
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Access to the observatory at Burj Khalifa is through the ground level of theDubai Mall. Throughout the journey to the observation deck you are bombarded with Dubai’s rich history and the legend of Burj Khalifa. The observation deck located at the 124th floor of Burj Khalifa is rightly coined ‘At the top’. A high speed elevator travelling at the speed of ten metres per second takes to the observation deck. The deck is enclosed by glass walls from floor to ceiling. From the deck you have the 360 degree view of Dubai city, desert and the Gulf which comprise the brand name Dubai. The view at night is even better as the city lights and night stars light up the city. The installation of special telescopes at the observatory deck gives virtual time travel views below and beyond the Burj Khalifa. For the more daring and adventurous is the open air terrace featuring spectacular views from the Burj Khalifa. At the top indeed offers an unfettered view of Dubai.
Almost 9 hours of travelling before I arrived in Dubai. Almost 2 hours inside the airport from immigration to luggage area. Luckily, when i went out to the airport my elder brother was waiting for me. We took pictures as evidence of my safe arrival in Dubai.
I felt different emotions; a little bit afraid, excited, happy, concious and etc... We rode the "metro train", bus and taxi before we arrived at my brother's place in Sharjah. My brother is living with other 4 kabayans in a condominium at 8th floor. They were in a good condition, not actually what I expected.
Aside from appreciating different beautiful places here in UAE, I was also looking for my luck when it comes to my career. As a Marketing Management enthusiast, I know that I can find a job easily. With the help also of our church mate at LJOR-Dubai, my faith has never changed. Every Friday, my brother and our flatmates are always going to church to praise GOD. After church is of course going to place were we can have some fun.
DUBAI Mall
the world's largest shopping mall based on total area and fourteenth largest by gross leasable area. Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, it is part of the 20-billion-dollar Downtown Dubai complex, and includes 1,200 shops.
Shop at the Top and take home a miniature version of the Burj Khalifa as a souvenir of your Dubai holiday. It will remind you of the feeling of being on top of the world, every time you lay eyes on it.
Enough for Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa....
Before I go the place that I don't actually know the nature or the environment, I used to research about what to do or not:
........ to be continued....
Before I go the place that I don't actually know the nature or the environment, I used to research about what to do or not:
Do's
- Take photographs of the UAE's attractions and photos of your family.
- Wear bikins and swimwear at beaches and pools but not in the streets and malls.
- Keep your money, passport, and important documents safe at all times.
- Drive if you have an international driving license.
- Locate the embassy of your country and information about it for emergencies.
- Respect the ladies' section, including toilets.
- Respect islam, the ruling family, and the traditions.
- Face the person talking to you.
- Use your right hand to greet someone, take, give, or accept something.
- Enjoy tourist facilities and have a great time.
- Take photos of strangers or official buildings.
- Drink alcohol unless you're at a club or if you have a license.
- Take in drugs because they are strictly forbidden.
- Swim topless if you are a woman(bikinis are allowed)
- Wear short shorts, dresses, skirts, or any type of clothing that reveals much cleavage.
- Kiss, hug or hold someone's hand(the reader should be able to differenciate between innocent and sexual behavior.
- (Ex: you can hug or kiss your kids or other people when greeting them, however, you cannot kiss your wife in sexual ways)
- Sit on someone's lap (children are an exception).
- Stare at people or point the sole of your shoe to someone's face for they are considered rude.
- Touch a Qur'an if you are not Muslim.
- Joke around and shove your companions (friends, family) in public places.
- Employ any worker on someone else's visa, or no visa at all. You could be fined.
- Litter since it is strictly forbidden in all 7 emirates.
- Cross the street at undesignated areas.
- Ask a lady for directions or instruction if she is accompanied by her husband (ask her husband instead).
My Job Haunting Days
Finding a job is quite tough. In order for you to get a good job that fits your skills and abilities you will be needing enough courage and guts. Being prepared with all you need with looking for a job is the most important factor. Connections, referrals, online jobs and walk ins are the ways of job hunting.
You will be investing money, positive thinking, perspiration, tears and strength to find what you looking for. Discouragement should not be an issue, what matters most is your enthusiasm to accomplish your goal. As the sayings goes "failure will not overtake you if your determination to succeed is strong enough unless you quit trying. ".
There are two kinds of company you can get for a job here in UAE: The free zone and non free zone. In free zone, employees can resign to a certain job anytime they want while in a non free zone company employee should at least finished the two year contract before he can resign from his employer. A working ban is waiting for the person who applied and resigned from a non free zone company.
It is indeed a very challenging task for oneself to find a job for the reason that it will be the basis of your personality how patient, skill, smart, courage, guts, ability, and etc... you have for you to accomplish a mission to be the part of your life. A mission to get a job for maintaining the life that you wanted for your self and for you love ones such as family.
........ to be continued....
My Working Days
On my second week in UAE ( Sharjah and Dubai) I already got my job as a Real Estate Property Manager.....
to be continued....
My Life in Kish, Island, Iran
After my sad experience from my former employer as I've work for him for about two months and didn't give me my visa, my elder brother talked to me. Before going to Kish, my brother gave me 2 options: First, to go back to the Philippines to wait for my next opportunity or find my luck and second, to go to Kish Island. I chose the second option because of fear in facing the immigration officials and be offloaded.
On the other hand, if I’ll be given an Employment Visa, I need to shell up expenses for medical, OFW seminar, PDOS and other requirements needed. I decided to go to Kish, I was very scared but all I can do at that time is pray and take the risk. I have friends who have been there and they told me it’s okay. Just be careful and alert, always bring your money with you, do not go outside at night alone, do not take a cab alone and everything will be okay.
The infamous Kish Island. Most expats, if not all, know this as an exit point from UAE to have their tourist or visit visas changed into employment visa. Same to those who have not landed a job and have consumed the days in their tourist visas. Under UAE laws, foreigners on such visas are required to exit the country once their travel documents have expired and Kish Island, which is part of Iran, is a common place for visa runs because it is the nearest freezone area where no visas are required including to Filipinos.
Some expats who are waiting for their employment visas are not given the said document by their employers and have waited there for so long, 1 month – 2 months- sometimes even longer. The main reason why there are some Filipinos, even other nationalities, are stranded on the island is because they ended up without funds for staying too long. Stories say that some are indulging in illegal activities like drug pushing and prostitution just to get money for their food and hotel stay.
Kish Airlines’s airplanes are oldish with hoary sounds. It scares me! Good thing it is only 40 – 45 minute flight from Dubai. Maybe because I am used with going anywhere so I easily got acquainted with the place. I met a lot of Filipinos at the airport. Kish Island is not a scary place after all.
Things to remember while in Kish:
1. Clothing. For women, the top should be longer than your behind/ buttocks and with sleeves longer than your elbows. Skirts, leggings and pants are allowed but it should be ankle-length. You should also cover your hair with a shella, hijab or a veil.
2. Alcoholic Drinks. These are not allowed, although smoking is accepted.
3. Iran Visa. Foreigners are allowed to stay in Kish without a visa for 14 days. On the 14th day, if you do not have your employment visa yet you should go to the immigration and apply for an Iran Visa to extend your stay. It costs 60 dirhams plus you also need to provide a passport sized photo wearing a shella/hijab for the ladies.
4. Hotel. We stayed at Goldis Hotel, the place is okay. I did not see any bedbugs but it is 5 – 7 minutes taxi ridefrom Kish Airlines. There is someone who cleans the room everyday. Men and women are staying on different
floors and men are not allowed inside women’s rooms.
I checked in at 1:00 o'clock in the morning of 19th of May, 2014 but the receptionist told me that it was still counted as May 18th for the reason that they change the date every 7:o'clock in the morning. I paid aed100 for my initial deposit. The rate was actually aed40 per night then if a guest completed at least three days he will have a discount of 1night. Room 116 was the room that I got after I got my bed sheet and other sleeping materials. The room was quite small, I think it was only around 15 square meter including the rest room. Air condition was set at 18 degree celcius so its cold. There were supermarkets outside the hotel and "shisha" places. There were also a basketball and soccer court.
I have met 2 kabayans there doing an odd job as a cleaner in the hotel where I stayed at. Their hotel accomodation is free and they have meals thrice a day. I adore them to bits, there’s nothing wrong with what they’re doing and they just wanted to save money for their flight back to Dubai.
Canteen in this hotel was with average size. Guests who didn't want to cook for their own were taking their meal in this place. Since my room mates decided to cook of our own meal, we paid aed20 each good for 2-3 days. Unlike if we spend our money for meal at the canteen it will take us around aed12-15 per meal. Even if we have a free breakfast which only consist of a cup of tea and a bread it would still be expensive for lunch and for dinner. Iran country is using riyal but the guests are using UAE dirhams for the reason that aed10 is equal to 20,000 Irani Riyal.
Check out the hotel’s price list in dirhams (AED):
On my first morning, I was invited to participate with "Kish Tour" for aed10 for three hours wherein we were able to visit Explore some historical places and tourist spot in Kish such as:
I can say that I was very lucky to have ny roommates and friends in the hotel.With our expenses in foods, we shared AED15-20 that's good for 2-3 days comparing to the usual expenses that will cost around AED10-15 per meal. That was the reason why I dont have to spend much. Aside from sharing of foods, we also shared happiness by means of biking in Broadway, catching fish, playing basketball, swimming,walking and jogging at the seashore and etc... we also shared celebrations like birthdays and other occasions. My roommates were really nice and I was very thankful for them. They have different stories.
Every afternoon until 12 midnight, basketball was our past time and "shisha" also until 2 o’clock in the morning. Most of the time night in kish island was not enough. Sometimes, together with my friends we do biking in the middle of the night or staying at the beach to catch fish or having a celebration for any occasions. Guests were usually taking rest in the morning.
As part of being friendly, I also met my students while in Kish. I taught them how to speak english and Filipino. Every 11:00 in the evening, one of my Iranian friend and student named Sobhan always coming to me just to learn Filipino and English languages. He usually bring with him his book and notebooks.
Days go by, on my 12th day in Kish Island, Iran early in the morning PRO knocked on the door to remind my Iran Visa for preparation on my 14th day of staying where in people from other country that is visiting Iran are obliged to comply. Since my money was not enough that time for the reason that i have to pay aed500 for my hotel deposit or advance and aed60 for Iran visa plus 10 for picture, I decided to call my elder brother in Dubai to send me money. There are two types of way of receiving money: first is tru AL ANSARI where the sender from Dubai will be paying aed15 and the receiver in Kish will be paying aed40; second is tru RAK BANK, where in free for the sender in Dubai because its a UAE account and aed40 for the receiving. I told my brother just to send it tru Ral Bank. He sent the money and have pictured the receipt and sent to me through whats up application in my mobile, then forwarded it to my friend "Payam" in the reception. Immediately when I came to Payam (My Iranian friend) he gave me the money after I paid aed40.
For the reason that obviously Filipinos are an avid fan of playing basketball, together with some pinoys here in Kish we decided to reconstruct the basketball court because it has been constructed as a prone to accident. I also decided to conduct a mini basketball tournament and named it as "Pinoy sa Goldis Basketball Tournament". My main purpose for this kind of event is to give pinoy a kind of enjoyment and fun that they will never forget with visiting Kish Island. Aside from enjoyment, this will also be the factor that will forget their number of days of staying while waiting visa. But Of course! for them not to be bored. The proceeds of this event will go to purchasing of sports materials such as volleyball, basketball, board games and etc... This event has been supported by my friend Payam and helped to facilitate the game. Sadly, I didn't enjoy the event because my visa suddenly arrived after the day of my 30th day of staying..
When I was booking for my flight I remembered my one of my biggest problem while in this country. That was when I realized that my passport has soon to be expired. Five months to go before the expiration-in other country outside Philippines, passport is expired if it reached the last six month before its expiration date. My brother that time also knew my situation. I didn't know what would happen to me in Kish if I will not make a way in order to fix my problem. As a reward for being kind to everyone, the management of the hotel helped me to send my passport and authorization letter to Dubai for my brother to do the filing of passport extention. I actually didn't know how he did it since the latest update from philippine embassy that extention for passport is no longer accepted unless in case of death or serious illness situation. After 8 days, my brother sent back my passport with extention stamp by means of asking "kabayan" who was also taking her exit in Kish to bring my passport. I booked my flight at Kish air beside Farabi Hotel. They only borrowed my visa and plane ticket's information and then booked me at 12:45 pm dated the next day.
My last day in Kish was sad because many of my friends especially those Iranians didn't want me to go. They even offered me to stay in the hotel for free. Even if I wanted to stay, I have to face the reality that it was not my main purpose of going abroad. My opportunity was knocking so I have to open it for myself and for my future. My family was also hoping for the positive outcome of my decisions.
I never imagined that I would enjoy my stay there. Kish is a beautiful island indeed. What I liked about the place is the greens, unlike in UAE where you seldom see plants and trees. Another thing is the simplicity of living around the island. Kish is not so bad after all, it was a nice experience. But I am more glad to go back to Dubai and continue my journey.
After my sad experience from my former employer as I've work for him for about two months and didn't give me my visa, my elder brother talked to me. Before going to Kish, my brother gave me 2 options: First, to go back to the Philippines to wait for my next opportunity or find my luck and second, to go to Kish Island. I chose the second option because of fear in facing the immigration officials and be offloaded.
The infamous Kish Island. Most expats, if not all, know this as an exit point from UAE to have their tourist or visit visas changed into employment visa. Same to those who have not landed a job and have consumed the days in their tourist visas. Under UAE laws, foreigners on such visas are required to exit the country once their travel documents have expired and Kish Island, which is part of Iran, is a common place for visa runs because it is the nearest freezone area where no visas are required including to Filipinos.
Some expats who are waiting for their employment visas are not given the said document by their employers and have waited there for so long, 1 month – 2 months- sometimes even longer. The main reason why there are some Filipinos, even other nationalities, are stranded on the island is because they ended up without funds for staying too long. Stories say that some are indulging in illegal activities like drug pushing and prostitution just to get money for their food and hotel stay.
Kish Airlines’s airplanes are oldish with hoary sounds. It scares me! Good thing it is only 40 – 45 minute flight from Dubai. Maybe because I am used with going anywhere so I easily got acquainted with the place. I met a lot of Filipinos at the airport. Kish Island is not a scary place after all.
Things to remember while in Kish:
1. Clothing. For women, the top should be longer than your behind/ buttocks and with sleeves longer than your elbows. Skirts, leggings and pants are allowed but it should be ankle-length. You should also cover your hair with a shella, hijab or a veil.
2. Alcoholic Drinks. These are not allowed, although smoking is accepted.
3. Iran Visa. Foreigners are allowed to stay in Kish without a visa for 14 days. On the 14th day, if you do not have your employment visa yet you should go to the immigration and apply for an Iran Visa to extend your stay. It costs 60 dirhams plus you also need to provide a passport sized photo wearing a shella/hijab for the ladies.
4. Hotel. We stayed at Goldis Hotel, the place is okay. I did not see any bedbugs but it is 5 – 7 minutes taxi ridefrom Kish Airlines. There is someone who cleans the room everyday. Men and women are staying on differentfloors and men are not allowed inside women’s rooms.
Canteen in this hotel was with average size. Guests who didn't want to cook for their own were taking their meal in this place. Since my room mates decided to cook of our own meal, we paid aed20 each good for 2-3 days. Unlike if we spend our money for meal at the canteen it will take us around aed12-15 per meal. Even if we have a free breakfast which only consist of a cup of tea and a bread it would still be expensive for lunch and for dinner. Iran country is using riyal but the guests are using UAE dirhams for the reason that aed10 is equal to 20,000 Irani Riyal.
Check out the hotel’s price list in dirhams (AED):
- hotel per day – 40 with free breakfast (first night free if you stayed longer than 3 days) We were not able to trytheir breakfast during our stay
- internet – 5/ hour
- wifi – 10/ 24 hours (not so slow wifi connection)
- complete meal – 10 (serving is big with enough rice and
- one viand)
- rice – 5
- chicken viand – 5
- beef viand – 8
- etisalat – 28 for 25 charge
- Iran sim – 30
- water – 1/ liter, 5/ 6 pieces
- soda – 4/ 1.5 liter
- shisha- 10 for about 1 to 2 hours consumption for 3-4 persons.
- 5. Malls and Supermarket. Surprisingly, there are numerous malls and supermarkets in the island and dirhams is widely accepted.
- 6. Transportation. Buses charge around 1.50 dirhams and taxis charge minimum of 10 dirhams.
- 7. Kish Tour-aed10
- The Green Tree Complex
- The Kish Traditional Water Reservoir
- The Beach
- The Boardwalk biking
- Harireh Ancient City
- The Mysterious Greek Ship
- The Beautiful Sunset in Kish
I can say that I was very lucky to have ny roommates and friends in the hotel.With our expenses in foods, we shared AED15-20 that's good for 2-3 days comparing to the usual expenses that will cost around AED10-15 per meal. That was the reason why I dont have to spend much. Aside from sharing of foods, we also shared happiness by means of biking in Broadway, catching fish, playing basketball, swimming,walking and jogging at the seashore and etc... we also shared celebrations like birthdays and other occasions. My roommates were really nice and I was very thankful for them. They have different stories.
Every afternoon until 12 midnight, basketball was our past time and "shisha" also until 2 o’clock in the morning. Most of the time night in kish island was not enough. Sometimes, together with my friends we do biking in the middle of the night or staying at the beach to catch fish or having a celebration for any occasions. Guests were usually taking rest in the morning.
As part of being friendly, I also met my students while in Kish. I taught them how to speak english and Filipino. Every 11:00 in the evening, one of my Iranian friend and student named Sobhan always coming to me just to learn Filipino and English languages. He usually bring with him his book and notebooks.Days go by, on my 12th day in Kish Island, Iran early in the morning PRO knocked on the door to remind my Iran Visa for preparation on my 14th day of staying where in people from other country that is visiting Iran are obliged to comply. Since my money was not enough that time for the reason that i have to pay aed500 for my hotel deposit or advance and aed60 for Iran visa plus 10 for picture, I decided to call my elder brother in Dubai to send me money. There are two types of way of receiving money: first is tru AL ANSARI where the sender from Dubai will be paying aed15 and the receiver in Kish will be paying aed40; second is tru RAK BANK, where in free for the sender in Dubai because its a UAE account and aed40 for the receiving. I told my brother just to send it tru Ral Bank. He sent the money and have pictured the receipt and sent to me through whats up application in my mobile, then forwarded it to my friend "Payam" in the reception. Immediately when I came to Payam (My Iranian friend) he gave me the money after I paid aed40.
For the reason that obviously Filipinos are an avid fan of playing basketball, together with some pinoys here in Kish we decided to reconstruct the basketball court because it has been constructed as a prone to accident. I also decided to conduct a mini basketball tournament and named it as "Pinoy sa Goldis Basketball Tournament". My main purpose for this kind of event is to give pinoy a kind of enjoyment and fun that they will never forget with visiting Kish Island. Aside from enjoyment, this will also be the factor that will forget their number of days of staying while waiting visa. But Of course! for them not to be bored. The proceeds of this event will go to purchasing of sports materials such as volleyball, basketball, board games and etc... This event has been supported by my friend Payam and helped to facilitate the game. Sadly, I didn't enjoy the event because my visa suddenly arrived after the day of my 30th day of staying..When I was booking for my flight I remembered my one of my biggest problem while in this country. That was when I realized that my passport has soon to be expired. Five months to go before the expiration-in other country outside Philippines, passport is expired if it reached the last six month before its expiration date. My brother that time also knew my situation. I didn't know what would happen to me in Kish if I will not make a way in order to fix my problem. As a reward for being kind to everyone, the management of the hotel helped me to send my passport and authorization letter to Dubai for my brother to do the filing of passport extention. I actually didn't know how he did it since the latest update from philippine embassy that extention for passport is no longer accepted unless in case of death or serious illness situation. After 8 days, my brother sent back my passport with extention stamp by means of asking "kabayan" who was also taking her exit in Kish to bring my passport. I booked my flight at Kish air beside Farabi Hotel. They only borrowed my visa and plane ticket's information and then booked me at 12:45 pm dated the next day.
My last day in Kish was sad because many of my friends especially those Iranians didn't want me to go. They even offered me to stay in the hotel for free. Even if I wanted to stay, I have to face the reality that it was not my main purpose of going abroad. My opportunity was knocking so I have to open it for myself and for my future. My family was also hoping for the positive outcome of my decisions.
I never imagined that I would enjoy my stay there. Kish is a beautiful island indeed. What I liked about the place is the greens, unlike in UAE where you seldom see plants and trees. Another thing is the simplicity of living around the island. Kish is not so bad after all, it was a nice experience. But I am more glad to go back to Dubai and continue my journey.
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