Abu Dhabi – The recently held Homecare Management Congress 2019 at Yas Rotana Hotel was aimed to uplift the homecare services to excellence amongst the nurses, doctors, physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals in the UAE.
More than one hundred delegates attended the conference that was integrated with parallel sessions, workshop and open forum. The endeavor was hosted by MKH in collaboration with several entities in Abu Dhabi.
Topics include updates of homecare settings, modern health equipment, issues & challenges of nurses and those working in the homecare industry were presented and deliberated among delegates and expert speakers.
The 2-day congress entitled the participants with 14 CME units accredited by the Abu Dhabi Department of Health.
The organizers invited nurses and those in the homecare industry in the UAE to join the congress to be held next year, 2020.
ABU DHABI – The devastating storm Usman that left at least 68 dead in the Philippines towards the end of last year has touched a number of Filipino expats in capital to extend help by initiating a Unity Rides dedicated to the typhoon victims.
A total of 123 cyclists embraced the cold morning last Friday, January 11 in two different routes along the Corniche Road and Al Reem areas to support the day’s mission.
It was being participated by the Abu Dhabi MTB, Abu Dhabi Folding Bikes & BADASS, Bikers Abu Dhabi Samahang Solid (BADSS), Mizwa Republic, PWR52, Trangko, United Bikers, Al Ain MTB, and Bikers Republik Abu Dhabi (BRAD).
The groups were able to raise amount voluntarily and was immediately remitted through a member for the beneficiaries at Guinacutan, Vinzons Camarines Norte in the Philippines.
Pinoy cyclists in Abu Dhabi have been initiating Unity Rides with a mission to unite Filipinos, health awareness and related endeavours.
Photoss by Karl LingadPhotos by Karl LingadPhotos by Karl LingadPhotos by Karl Lingad
ADU DHABI – The Philippine International Information Technology Alliance or PIITA has launched a technical seminar geared to upgrade soft skills related information technology, sessions held last Friday, October 19 at Ramada Hotel in capital.
Dubbed “Building the Data center in the Cloud”, the topics were presented by experts in the respective IT field highlighting the adversities, relevance, updates and the its demands to the fast-changing world.
The topic on Data Center Infrastructure was assigned to Dennis Magkasi, who is a certified Data Center expert.
Building Castles in the Sky: A look at Governing the Data Center was an expertise of Mr. Keen Gutierez, PIITA Vice-President and a Head of IT specializing in architecting IT Solutions and automating business processes for 17 years.
A high-level IT topic called Python Programming was demonstrated by Engr. Marc Philippe De Villeres showcasing python technical in administration and sample case scenario.
The event, aside from uniting Filipino IT professionals it has also opened opportunities for members to network, collaborate and update with each other the related demands in IT.
PIITA President & co-founder Christopher Rollan was appreciative about the efforts of the officers and members to offer support and share expertise & experiences.
Ms. Bhavani Suresh, CEO at Nbiz and educational partner of PIITA also gave a short speech assuring of support to the organization in pursuing their objectives and goals.
ABU DHABI – Several Filipinos living in UAE have had an eye on seeing benefits from setting up small franchise businesses in the Philippines even while working abroad.
To further strengthen the influence, the 100-percent Filipino group established the BIG Heart International where they can use as a hub for sharing ideas and helping other Filipinos climb the right ladder of business success.
On an interview with Melvin Jon Sandoval who leads BIG Heart said that he was already thinking of having a business while in college and realized that venturing in food or restaurant is one good idea, although he has never considered himself a cook.
Melvin Jon Sandoval
“Nung college kasi ako madalas sa mga food stall o food carts ako kumakain. Doon ko nakita na kahit ano ihain mo sa mga Pinoy basta affordable at mabubusog ka talagang tatangkilikin. Kaya sabi ko nun kapag magnenegosyo ako na nasa linya ng pagkain. But the main problem is I can’t cook”, Ron exclaimed.
He searched the internet, read books, listen to business success stories to find out how to kick-start.
“Ang propose madalas ay franchise business kahit na yung mga success entrepreneurs/businessmen yun ang advice. Nag-risk ako sa franchise business kasi nakita ko na maeenjoy ko ung support system ng company and I saw myself building a business based-off a well-established model”, quoted Mr Sandoval who has owned a restaurant, TumBayan Food Haus in his hometown in the Philippines.
With the belief that integrating the franchise system with his existing restaurant would bloom, he innovated and combined main menu of the food cart franchise with other initiatives yet original delicacies from different suppliers.
“The food cart franchise business has allowed me to modify the business system while keeping its standard and turned it into a dream restaurant. The food cart itself can be made into a mobile cart and add-ons to the default menu is possible”, he said adding that opening an outlet involves risks, but it is less risky than starting a business from scratch.
“Franchise is a copy paste business tlga. Kung saan susundan mo nlng ito, kaya yung success rates ng negosyo na ito napaka-taas”.
One of its members, Roselyn de los Reyes believes that being away from family and working overseas is not a hindrance to pursue small business back home.
“We educate our family to be an entrepreneur and not a one-day millionaire and to value hard work. By teaching and involving them in the business, we raise them in a way that they will understand what is saving and investing”, quoted Ms. Roselyn who have ran food carts managed by family members in her hometown.
“Instead of sending them money from abroad, we send them business and not depend on the remittances. We teach our family how to fish to be able to feed themselves for a lifetime, not just for a day”, she quipped.
Office blessing of BIG Heart International LLC, Salam St. Abu Dhabi
The BIG Heart has the mission to educate Filipinos both in the Philippines and abroad in terms of starting the right business with low capital cost, hold trainings and guiding members in their journey to business dreams.
Abu Dhabi – Her Excellency Hjayceelyn Mancenido Quintana- the newly appointed Philippine Ambassador to the UAE has arrived in Abu Dhabi on Monday, Aug 20 and has commenced her post on same day with a warm welcoming by the Philippine Embassy’s staff and some Filipino community leaders upon her arrival in the early morning.
A native of Lucena City and Mauban, Quintana’s nomination as ambassador was confirmed last February 21 this year by the Commission on Appointments.
She has made her presence in Abu Dhabi with the huge Filipino delegation during the grand finale celebration of the 120th Philippine Independence on June 29 where she stood as the keynote speaker while she was still serving as the Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Middle East and African Affairs (OMEAA) and the Philippine’s Consul General in Oman.
Aside from her recently concluded posts prior to being the Ambassador, Quintana has been also posted in Beijing, Washington DC, and Dublin.
As for her educational background, she took up diplomatic studies at Oxford University in the United Kingdom, as a British Chevening scholar. She pursued a master’s degree in international public policy at John Hopkins University in Washington DC as a Fulbright scholar. She was a first-placer in the competitive Foreign Service Officers’ Examination in the Philippines.
Just very recently, last Thursday, August 16 she received the highest award from Quezon Province – the Quezon Medalya ng Karangalan (Quezon Medal of Honor) which was announced by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday, August 18 as quoted by Rappler.
The DFA said the Quezon Medalya ng Karangalan “is the highest award given to a native of Quezon who has exemplified the qualities and characteristics of former President Quezon”, as quoted by rappler.com.
Quintana said she is “honored to receive this award named after President Manuel L. Quezon. President Quezon made ‘social justice’ the cornerstone of his philosophy and his ‘open door policy’ made the Philippines a safe haven for Jewish refugees fleeing the Holocaust in the 1930s,” Quintana said adding that these are important and inspiring facets of history that make her proud to be a recipient of an award that bears the President’s name.
Filipino Community looks upon a new leadership, offers support
Meanwhile, Filipino community leaders in Abu Dhabi are excited to work with the new Ambassador believing that a unique kind of leadership will be shared and learned among each other.
Hon. Quintana joined the Filipino community during the 120th Philippine Independence Day celebration in Abu Dhabi last June 29, 2018
Allen Samonte who chairs the upcoming Bayanihan Leadership Summit this coming September 7, hopes to learn a leverage kind of leadership.
“Apart from the core principles of leaderships that will be laid at the summit and the end-result as product of the leadership skills development program for the participants and leaders, I believe that we will gain a unique leadership from Ambassador Quintana that will put us to a higher level”.
Mr. Samonte has mentioned that as part of the plan of the Leadership Summit to obtain a study of its impact, it will be Ambassador Quintana to channel and submit the result in a formal writing to the President of the Philippines through the Philippine Embassy.
“The result of the summit will be a form of commitment to support the new Ambassador in the implementation of each organization’s programs aligned to the standards of right leaderships,” Mr. Samonte added.
Bayanihan Council Chairman Engr. Elmer O. Casao is optimistic and even excited to coordinate and support the Ambassador in carrying out the programs of the government.
“I am very happy to have had the chance to talk to Ambassador Quintana on her first day of work as the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE. Based from our discussion, I can say that we are on the same page. She wants results. She has many plans and expects everyone’s support to make things happen”, told Engr. Casao.
“We [Bayanihan Council] assured her of the support that she needs from the Filipino Community and we are excited and very much looking forward to accomplishing more under our new Ambassador’s watch”, he added.
From the professional group, Engr. Bernie N. Favorito – Chairman of the Philippine Professional Organization (PPO UAE) has said, “We, from Professional Organizations are expecting the full support and guidance from the new Ambassador in conducting programs and events related to career enhancements and development. In return, we are looking up to her as an inspiration to explore the working standards of a true professional here in the Middle East”.
“We look forward to the strengthening of Technical Education and Skills Certification of Filipinos in the UAE. I hope the mutual recognition of technical qualifications between UAE and TESDA will be materialized very soon”, quoted Juan Paolo Arao, President of the Association of Filipino TESDA Trainers & Assessors and Founder of the first TESDA Assessment Center in UAE.
Meanwhile, one of the leaders of an active socio group OKO has suggested that scholarship programs be granted to overseas Filipinos.
“On behalf of OKO, we support the new Ambassador and will continue our advocacies which we have started. We wish that the Philippine government in collaboration with accredited professional organizations will allot budget for skills training and other short courses for deserving Filipinos in UAE ”, Ms. Emma Wenceslao Sentones told Kabayan Weekly.
Dubai – Filipino-owned salon Beauty & Fresh dedicated to serve both ladies and gents is officially opening its business today, June 8 not only for Filipino nationals but other expatriates.
“We have already soft-launched the business last November 2017 and for 6 months we have known and learned our customer’s demands”, quoted Engr. Agnes Uminga, co-owner/business partner.
”We give quality services and offer affordable packages, especially for Filipinos”, added Ms Agnes saying that although the salon is located in a hotel, their prices are low.
Experience the unique kind of beauty pampering at Beauty & Fresh Salon located at Royal Ascot Dubai.
Abu Dhabi – From the concept of a moody-type ship embarked along shore in an afternoon breeze to a delighted modern cabin surrounded with joyful and youthful crews came to shine the Centro de Manila , not just a restaurant but a restaurant bar located in the ambitiously standing Tryp Hotel in Abu Dhabi.
Resident band with brand new set of entertainers & singers are chosen by its new management ensuring that customers will prolong their stay whilst wanting for more ear-soothing hits of the generation. When the group turn their feet to rock, bar comers will surely upbeat with the rhythm.
Forget not the food and drinks, Centro de Manila has got good chefs & kitchen crews trained to prepare variety of delicious bar food and present in a manner that your taste bud is tempted to grab a piece to eat to satisfaction.
With the restructuring and make-over of the place, it can accommodate catering for private and corporate parties which can be set up with full entertainment facilities just showcased at the corner, including the Filipino favorited Karaoke.
The establishment formally re-launched and opened just recently with a cutting of ribbon ceremony was led by Philippine Embassy’s Vice Consul Von Ryan Pangwi and hosted by hotel Manager and being witnessed by community leaders and guests.
“This [Centro de Manila] bar restaurant is not only for Filipinos but for all nationalities as well. What is unique here is that we have themed nights wherein we invite groups of the same careers during a particular day and offer a 15% discount on total bill”, said Michael – who manages the bar restaurant.
He noted that every Saturday & Wednesday will be Ladies night while Mondays will be for Industry-type Filipino overseas. Hoteliers have a particular night for them and the Kabayan Night where Karaoke challenge will be held every Tuesday.
Abu Dhabi – This time, it is easier to find a Korean fine dining restaurant in Abu Dhabi because The Taste of Korean Cuisine situated at the Penthouse of the Eclipse Boutique Suites has re-opened its doors for Korean food lovers and curious diners in the Emirates.
Not only having a cozy ambiance and dainty get-up place, but the vicinity is fitting to those who like to bring group of friends or flock of family to bond and share a table of mouth-watering platters and interesting little aperitifs & accompaniments. What would your feet bring you to step again its doors is the grill experience and the assurance that meat are marinated to perfection before it touches the flames.
“The restaurant has its chef who mastered only Korean food for many years which his experiences were with various hotels”, exclaimed Stanley S. Gomez, General Manager at Eclipse Boutique Suites in Abu Dhabi.
“We can assure our customers of the affordability of the food compared to other extremely expensive Korean restaurants”, Mr. Stanley quoted also saying that aside from wise choice for moderately priced menu they have also offers and discounts on special days.
When asked about the composition of Filipinos in the restaurant, he was delighted to say that most of the crew is Filipino and the restaurant manager is a Filipina.
The Re-Opening and Cutting of Ribbon Ceremony
With the aim to boost its presence in the market, The Taste of Korean Cuisine management has successfully organized a re-launching by the cutting of Ribbon Ceremony held last Wednesday, February 28 hosted by GROMAXX Hotel Management Chairman Mohamad Abdul Saleem with the Director of Operation Mr. Jamil Khan and led by Philippine Embassy’s Vice Consul Rowena P. Daquipil.
Managers, directors and staff from other hotels under GROMAXX were also present at the event with guests from the Filipino community such as few leaders of the Bayanihan Council Abu Dhabi.
After the formal ritual, Korean food was served to the guests and customers.
This Friday, February 16 Filipino civil engineers and aspiring CEs in Dubai & Northern Emirates will have a great day together in various activities for a big mission to unite compatriots.
”The purpose of the event is to gather all civil engineers, to renew their memberships to the accredited professional organization, welcome new members and present the various undertakings of PICE for this year”, said PICE UAE President Engr. Vinzor Yee Conception.
”We will kick-off the day’s endeavour with a community service at the Philippine Consulate in Dubai to give away at least 100 traveling bags for our kabayans sheltered there”, Engr Conception added.
He said that anyone from other sectors who are interested to join are welcome to attend. It is expected that the outcome will foster greater membership and help aspiring engineers fulfil their dreams to become licensed engineers through the Special Professional Licensure Exam conducted yearly by the Professionals Regulations Commission.
Abu Dhabi – This Friday, December 1, the Filipino community in Abu Dhabi comprising of over 60 organizations and different entities will flock at the annual huge event ‘’Paskuhan 2017’’ hosted by the Bayanihan Coucil in coordination with the Philippine Embassy at the Al Jazeera Sports & Cultural Club in capital.
The event will showcase Filipino talents in dancing, acting and singing and other entertainment activities to tune in through games, raffle draw of prizes, talent competitions and lantern- making contest.
Making bigger and merrier this year, this Christmas gathering shall be participated and supported by representatives from different Filipino Schools, Church Organizations, Fashion Designers, and Filipino Entrepreneurs.
Furthermore, in the morning, a Bazaar will be opened to give the whole family a treat, alongside a Fun Corner for the kids featuring Face-Painting, Balloon Twisting, sweet treats and Christmas Characters. There will be a Food and Novelty Corner to satisfy visitor’s taste buds craving and shopping must-haves.
The Bazaar is a form of Public Service with the presence and ever-ready Free Medical Mission and Consular services in one for queries related to SSS, OWWA and PAG-IBIG Fund concerns.
Towards the conclusion of the day’s affair will be a live entertainment from local Filipino bands and invited guests to turn the mood to a much rolling celebration full of great music, OPM favorites and dancing.
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