Flowers of Dubai Miracle Garden

The Miracle Garden is one of the many beautiful places being developed in Dubai as a Tourist Attraction. The garden is covered with 150 million flowers. We walked an hour, (with a few photo stops) to see the entire area of 72,000 meter square of various designs and colors. It is currently going for Guinness World Record for the longest flower wall with a 1km circumference. It first opened in February 2013 and is open throughout the year except for the summer. Records say they use about 200,000 gallons of water per day to maintain the plants.
There is an entrance fee of Dh30, you can stay there as long as you want (but it will close at 11pm).

Fined because of StarBucks

Before I do not have a car and I wished I had. Now that I have, I wish I don't have. 

HADEED Friends: Strong as Steel

Last night we dined in Dubai with old friends from our first company in the UAE, Hadeed Emirates. Such a happy evening.

Interview with a Successful Pinay

Most Filipinas are shy, reserved often silent but honest and caring individuals. All over the world Filipinas find employment as house maids, caregivers, supermarket cashiers and sales ladies. Not that they are not qualified for what we call higher class jobs but very seldom you see a successful  Filipino Executive overseas.

Here in Abu Dhabi when you ask the Philippine Association of Civil Engineers UAE chapter, one famous name will be Ms. Maureen Balitaan - she is a successful pinay Civil Engineer who is still very young but already at the peak of her career as she leads the procurement division of one of the biggest construction group in the UAE.

I easily lured her to share her secret over a cup of coffee. She readily opened her heart and shared her past life changing experiences that led to her success. I will also share it with you to learn, fellow Filipinas out there.

Why we love the UAE!

(Reason No.3) 

The UAE is said to be one of the safest countries in the world.

Crime rate is very low hence it is very safe to live here, matter of fact, most of the local law violations are usually committed by tourists. People from around the world who live here have learned to respect the country's rules and regulations.

Why we love the UAE!

(Reason No.2) 

Salary is Tax-FREE

well, here almost everything is tax free....

Why we love the UAE!

(Reason No.1) 

 1Litre of Gasoline cost less than a 1 Bottled Water

Classy Office

UAE has become the place of modern architecture. There are many new beautiful buildings and still more are being constructed. This is one of the most fascinating structure, its called Aldar HQ. See, its standing like a coin yes? When you drive from Abu Dhabi to Dubai or vice versa you will pass by this famous building, the facade is all glass. Before I always plan to stop in the road and take a photo with this in the background as souvenir, and now, wonder of all wonders! This is now our new office!

I love my boyfriend and my husband too!

It has become already a way of life here in the gulf.

The Red Bull Air Race 2014

Today, world champion pilot Paul Bonhomme (UK) won again on this year's Red Bull Air Race!

The Red Bull Air Race was created to challenge the ability of the world's best pilots using aerobatic air crafts. The sky race tests not only their speed but also their precision and skill by maneuvering on especially designed obstacle course set usually near the beach which the pilots would navigate at high speeds.

Qasr al Hosn: The Story of Abu Dhabi and its People

(February 20-March 01, 2014)

This Exhibition tells the story of Abu Dhabi and its people through its most iconic building: Qasr al Hosn - the oldest and most treasured building in city going back to Abu Dhabi's origins.

It's Just Money...

"He who loses money, loses much; 

He who loses a friend, loses much more;

He who loses faith, loses all."

~Eleanor Roosevelt

Saturday Night Hamdan

Its a cold Saturday Night. As usual Hamdan Street- the center of Abu Dhabi- is silently sad at 8 o'clock in the evening.

Challenges

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” 

   -by  Helen Keller

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

Teach me, I promise I'll learn!

New Company, new office, new people, new work is....scary and sad.

Final Final Goodbyes!

Today at 4 PM our office staffs surprised me with a party. It is my last day in our company. They expressed their love and support and despite the sadness of saying goodbyes I felt grateful of the good relationship we have developed during the 2years of working together.

It is very kind of them to prepare cake, KFC, and pizzas with extra speech from the big boss and sweet farewell notes too.

They also gave an appreciation letter signed and stamped from both companies I worked with- Al Jaber and SKEC- by both Project Managers. Both were very kind and supportive.

My stomach was filled with food and my heart was filled with joy. I am very, very humbled.

Farewell Dinner with SK PISA Filipino Friends

<after work sky-gazing hehe with pretty Joan & mommy Anne>

Sweet Poem from Masood Bai!

Sir Masood Bai is my favourite Indian Manager at work, when he heard that I am leaving, he wrote a poem as a farewell gift. My heart was greatly moved....

Pandesal Mornings

<DC room: sir Michael, Jonel, Jimmy, Edison, Abner, Joan, Anthony, Rona, Ana>

Pandesal is the Filipinos favorite breakfast bread.

Death Where is Your Sting?

A while ago, during our weekly bible study one of our friends told us the saddest news that his sister in the Philippines died  last week because of heart attack.