Rain rain don’t go away…

November 27, 2008

Last night, while watching Predator 2 from Fox Movies channel, I was disturbed by the noise outside our flat. People were shouting as if there was a riot. I convinced myself that tonight our time to live in this compound is over. The police CID came to evict us since we are living in shared accommodations. It’s time to pack up now, I thought. 

But, when I opened the door to know what was outside, I was surprised to see my neighbours - wet and playing with the heavy downpour. Oh my God! It was purely rain that made them shouting. Whew.. I thought it is! It’s a blessing. I knew they missed the rain and I admit I do the same. Oh…I found my reason to join them and had fun until the last drop of it. I know this sounds a little bit of foolishness. We were not doing this in the Philippines. But we feel the need to replenish those days when we were exposed to the scorching heat of the sun in the past seven months.

It was a nice experience. Playing with the rain which we considered an extra ordinary thing here in the Emirates. I wish more rainy days to come! 

 

 

 

 

Many are called but only few are invited…

 Should I say I missed the opening of the 8th Wonder of the World  - The Atlantis or I was just one of those who were not invited? No need to wonder.. I am not a hollywood celebrity. But thanks to my Indian friend who lives close to the Atlantis he shared me some of the photos. By the way, Atlantis, Palm Jumeirah has 1,539 room and it is located at the apex of Palm Jumeirah just 5 minutes from The Village Centre at the tip of The Trunk. This unique property will feature the Royal Towers and the Bridge Suite situated on upper levels. It will also showcase an epic arch similar to that of its sister hotel in The Bahamas, but with an Arabic architectural twist.

Atlantis, Palm Jumeirah is built on 120 acres of The Crescent, and includes an extensive waterscape, complete with ancient rock formations, lazy lagoons, dramatic waterfalls and lush, vibrant horticultural elements from around the world, all designed to provide maximum thrills for adrenalin seekers, as well as calming water rides for those looking to relax.

On the eve of November 20, 2008, the Grand Opening took place. Big stars and hollywood icons like Oprah Winfrey were among the distinguished guests of the opening. I was not there, but these pictures (fireworks) below are enough for me to say, “I’ve been there!”

        

The Horror of getting Driver’s License in Dubai

November 25, 2008

I am quitting!

 

I always end up with this statement every time I called the customer service of Belhasa Driving School. I enrolled myself to this school last July and until now I haven’t received any call from them to start my training. I understand that most of the driving schools in Dubai have allotted three months before the start of the training. But I can’t imagine, it’s almost five months now. I did my classroom lecture and passed the signal test two months back. And one more thing, I have paid my bills. This is ridiculous!

 

Well, I admire the services of the customer agents. They are present every time I visit their office. They are very polite and respectful and very consistent with their phases. Whew! Come to think of it. The first time I came to ask for my training schedule, they said, “We will call you!” But they did not call. Tired of waiting, I came to their office the second time around and the same answer I got. But, again, they did not call. Another tiresome moment, I suppose.  Are they human who speak like a parrot or they are parrots that speak like a human? The third and the last time I came. At last, I gained new hope. I heard their new answer, “Please call us!” What a f**k! I insisted with all my might but all I got was nothing. Okay, fine! But what is the most funny (irritating) is I just follow what they said. I phone them most of the days, morning and afternoon. But this is totally crazy. None of these agents know better answer than the repeating, “We will call you!”

 

How many of us have encountered similar scenario? Getting a driver’s license in Dubai is as difficult as getting a bar or board exam. Good for the western people, for the citizens of rich countries of Asia – Singapore, Hongkong, Brunei and Malaysia, they can convert their licenses without any hassle.

FILIPINOS ARE INCOMPARABLE

November 23, 2008

7DAYS is the only daily newspaper in Dubai circulated for free. It becomes everybody’s favorite not just because of its content and winning layout but because it has a section intended for individuals to air their personal views, sentiments, issues and comments.

 

One issue which I can’t forget was the article about Filipinos in which the debate, comments and responses to the article lasted for a couple of weeks. The article was written by a European man praising for his Filipina housemaid. It was a well-written piece which made everybody reacts favorably. It states that, he had never seen before a housemaid who knows her work very well, who speaks good and correct English, who takes care of his children as if they were her own, and whom he can trust.

 

Many had reacted on the issue in favor of the European man. Some said Filipinos are the only people in the world, who have dedication towards their work, who possess the real love of work, who are grateful and respectful. These are something that we can be proud of. But the best comment I read was the one written by a British man that states:

 

How many of you have seen people who are not taking a bath every day?

None of these are Filipinos…

 

How many of you have met bad mannered bus drivers?

None of these are Filipinos…

 

How many of you have seen people pushing each other to get a seat on the bus?

None of these are Filipinos…

 

How many of you have met people who have foul odor?

None of these are Filipinos…

 

How many of you have employees who asked salary increase every month?

None of these are Filipinos…

 

How many of you have employed people who know nothing about the work?

None of these are Filipinos…

 

How many of you have met people who don’t know how to smile even if they know you?

None of these are Filipinos…

 

How many of you have met salesmen/salesladies who don’t assist you in your shopping?

None of these are Filipinos…

 

How many of you have met strangers on the road who don’t help you during car accident?

None of these are Filipinos…

 

How many of you have seen people spitting anywhere?

None of these are Filipinos…

 

How many of you have seen people squeezing their nose anywhere?

None of these are Filipinos…

 

Quite funny but true, Filipinos are the only people who are easy to be with, very friendly, confident yet wholesome. Filipinos are truly incomparable.

DUBAI TAXI DRIVERS

November 22, 2008

Arrogant! No good manners and right conduct! Unprofessional! Bossy! Bitch! Hardheaded! No brainer!  Etcetera! Etcetera!

 

These are some of the basic descriptions we can hear from people who were not satisfied with the service of a taxi driver in Dubai. I may say, not all of them but let me say most of them. These drivers are nothing but headache to the passengers.

 

I heard so many stories about them. There was one British who complained against the taxi driver because instead of taking her to the Mall of Emirates, he took her to the City Center. His reason was because he has no idea where the Mall of Emirates is found. What an idiot! Why he took this lady in if he did not have anything on his mind?

 

Another instances also, a friend of my brother, was molested by the driver while heading home in the middle of night. Is this normal here in Dubai? I guess it’s far beyond normal because my brother’s friend is a man. What happen to this people?

 

Every place in Dubai, you’ll meet this people. If you are a high tempered person you gonna end up fighting with them. I thought I won’t meet them. But last day while heading for work with my auntie, I decided to call for a taxi because the bus was full and we could not accommodate ourselves. While near to our destination, I told the driver to pull over near UAE exchange in Mirdif, Uptown. But I was surprised that when we were about to enter the roundabout he suddenly took the taxi out of the rightmost lane and ordered us to go out. Why? I asked politely. I told you to take us to UAE exchange. Just take right on the roundabout and that’s it. Why are you stopping here? He shouted, “What is your problem? Very traffic there. If I go there problem for me to come back, too much traffic” he answered loudly in his own English grammar. “My friend, with me is an old lady. Can’t you see the road? Cars are speeding. And if we cross from here to the opposite side (it has no pedestrian lane by the way), we could be hit by these cars. “No! No! I am only here..Khalas!” he shouted again. I don’t want to fight with this driver. I handed him our fare and we moved out from the taxi leaving the doors open. Good for him.  

 

Sad to note that this city which is dubbed as the leading destination in the Middle East, and where the tallest building in the world is found, seldom we could find good and professional taxi drivers. Dubai municipality (RTA) has not intensified its commitment to serve the people with great care and safety.