For Rent in Abu Dhabi

I just want to share you some tips I learned from transferring house for 3 times now since January of this year. 

Where to find rooms for rent?

The first thing I do is visit. http://abudhabi.dubizzle.com/. There are hundreds of rooms for rent ad in this site. You can filter the ads according to price, location, furnished, and attached bath. It is where I found my two rooms. This site is reliable when you are searching for accommodation.

If you were not able to find the room you desire in dubbizzle, walk along Hamdan Road where you will find many flyers posted at the bus stops or building walls.

Based on experience Room Rentals:

Bed Space  = AED 500 – AED 950

Room Sharing = AED 1200 – AED 1600

Maid’s Room = AED 1200 – AED 1600

Maid’s Room attached bath = AED 1500 – AED 2300

Normal Rooms = AED 2300 – AED 2600

Master Bedroom = AED 2800 – AED 3800

Salon = AED 4000 and up

The rent usually comes with free water, electricity, and optional free offer for wifi, TFC, gas for cooking, use of fridge and microwave oven.  

Where to buy cheap bed, mattress and other room furniture?

For the cheapest bedroom furniture, you can go to Electra at the backside of LL Hospital. I bought our double sized bed, medical mattress and 3 door cabinet for only AED 800 free delivery and bed fixing in our room. Our friend shared a strategy in buying from these shops so you will get the best price.

Choose the furniture you want. Tell the salesman that it is so good, amazing and you really like it. Ask him for the price. Initially he will give you expensive price. Ask him for discount. He will then offer you a lower price. This time, tell him the price that fits your budget. If he will not agree with your price, walk out of the shop and tell him you’ll check first for other shops and you will just come back. He will now run after you, give you a lower price, he will bargain some more with you. Note down the last price he will offer. Check for other shops and do the same. Choose the shop with the lowest price. Now you can buy your furniture from the shop with the lowest offer.

Benefits of PAG-IBIG MUTUAL FUND

Saving in mutual fund is now mandatory to all Overseas Filipino Workers. Before we are able to get our OEC, we need to be a member Home Development Mutual Fund or most commonly known as  PAG-IBIG. Some OFW's think that this saving system is another money making business for the Philippine government. Some will just comply and be a member just to get their OEC, but never funded for their PAG-IBIG Account. Some OFW's take this as additional expense to be included in their monthly budget. An OFW mentality that should be corrected.  PAG-IBIG overseas program is mandated by law to prepare for your retirement and you can have an opportunity to own our own house. There are many OFW's after more than 10 years of working abroad still don't have their own houses. Here are some more information you need to know about PAG-IBIG Fund.

What Philippine Law covers mandatory PAG-IBIG membership of OFW's?

This law is under Republic Act No. 9679 that aims to improve the lifestyle of Filipinos in providing fund for housing programs and implementing a nationwide saving system through PAG-IBIG Mutual Funds. R.A. 9679

What are the benefits of PAG-IBIG members?

1. Guaranteed savings by the Philippine government for your future.

Whatever happens to PAG-IBIG Funds, the government guaranties that all your contributions will be returned to you.Your monthly contributions or savings with PAG-IBIG Fund also earn annual dividends, TAX FREE. The dividend rate varies depending on the net income of PAG-IBIG at the year end.Assuming 5% dividend rate is given, please refer to the Table 1 provided below. (flyer is officially distributed by Abu Dhabi Philippine Emabassy)

2. Housing Program

An active OFW member of PAG-IBIG can easily avail the housing loan. A member should have at least 24 months contribution to avail the housing program. Members can apply up to Php3,000,000 housing loan depending on the monthly contribution, with low interest rate and low monthly amortization for 20-30 yeasr. Please refer to Table 2 provided above. Housing loan may be used for the purchase of residential house and lot,condo units, townhouse, construction or completion of residential unit on a titled  lot owned by the member and home improvement.

3. Short Term Loans (Multi-purpose Loan)

PAG-IBIG Fund also provides short term loans to cater your emergency needs like tuition fees, minor home repairs, capital for business, vacation budget, etc.. Below is a sample of how much money you can borrow from

Monthly Contribution	No. of Months	Amount of Multi-Purpose Loan*
P100 - P300	24 - 60   61 - 120	P1,440 - P10,800  P4,270- P25,200
P400 - P600	24 - 60  61 120	P5,760 - P21,600 P17,080 -P50,400
P700 - P900	24 - 60 61 - 120	P10,080 - P32,400 P29,890 - P75,600
P1,000 - P1,200	24 - 60 61 - 120	P14,400 - P43,200 P42,700 - P100,800

The big issue of all kabayans, how or where to start?

Visit the Abu Dhabi Philippine Embassy and go directly to the first door on your left upon entering the embassy main entrance. Fill-up the PAG-IBIG Application form. Our kabayans will be assisting you there. After submitting the accomplished form with your original passport, they will give you your OFW PAG-IBIG Account Number. Kalas! You can now start saving your hard earned money. You can deposit it through UAE Exchange, Al Ansari, Al Falah Exchange, Al Ahalia Exchange.

You may contact these numbers for more information  - 971 2 639-0026/ 050 357 6308

How to Get OEC

Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) provides an exemption to Filipino overseas workers from paying travel tax (P1,620) and terminal fee (P550) in the Philippine airport. This became mandatory for OFWs to present an OEC after visiting the country and before going back to their places of work. This is under the POEA Rules and Regulations to help ensure that OFWs' are properly documented and protected.

Here is your guide in getting your OEC from the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi

1. Bring your required documents.

-Passport, 
-Copy of your contract, (Warning: there is no photocopy centre within the premises of the embassy), -Valid OWWA Membership document, proof of PAG-IBIG membership (PAG-IBIG Membership for a minimum of AED10.00 -mandatory coverage per RA 9679 or the Home Development Mutual Fund Law which took effect on 27 August 2009);
-OWWA Membership for AED92.00 (payment valid per contract duration at a maximum of 2 years); 

2. Get your queue number and enter at the first room LEFT side of the embassy.

3. Fill out the Application Form

4. Pay OEC Processing fee of AED10.00 at the counter. They will ask for date of departure and arrival.

5. Wait for you name to be called to get your OEC. 

Note: You must process your OEC as early as 8:00 AM so will finish it in just 15-30 minutes.

The Embassy is open Sundays to Thursdays 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

Working Overseas

Why do overseas workers choose to work abroad?

Have you heard of doctors going abroad to become nurses? Why does a medical doctor preferred to become a registered nurse abroad, instead?

I gave birth to my eldest daughter in 2006. Parents always wanted the best for their kids so I have chosen one of the best pediatricians in our city to take care of my daughter, Dr. Arnel. He also happens to be my mother’s student in high school. When I was in the labor room, the interns interviewed me and also asked me who would be my baby’s pediatrician.  I told them it would be Dr. Arnel. The interns were happy to inform me that my baby is lucky because Dr. Arnel is really one of the best. We visited his clinic several times, for my baby’s monthly vaccines, check up for her cough and fever. I can say he is really expert and superb in his profession. But when my daughter was six months old, he informed us that he will be leaving the country. He already passed the nursing board exam and his papers are all processed in working abroad as a nurse.  Yes as a nurse. My mother being her teacher before, discouraged him, but he said, being a nurse abroad is just his stepping stone in pursuing his career as a doctor, abroad.

Some Filipino medical doctors have chosen to become nurses in United States not for their career growth but because they earn more than 12 times what they are earning in the Philippines. There are also cases where engineers are working as technicians or document controllers abroad and some college graduates even degree holders are working as domestic helpers to earn more. There are also lucky ones who are practicing their profession abroad and also earning more but away from their families. There are luckier expats who are earning much and are able to bring their family with them abroad.  

http://pinterest.com/pin/54113632994811190/

The only main reason I see why most expats, OFW’s are working abroad is because of financial stability they want to have for their families. It is the financial stability for the love of family. I am working here abroad so I can give my daughters a better future. I was a QA Team Leader in the Philippines before but my salary is just enough for my personal needs. My husband has a good paying job but still our family expenses are more than what we are earning. We even have loans. Now, we are both working abroad. We are sacrificing being away from our lovely daughters believing we could provide them a better life.

Do you want to see your daughter cry in hunger or see your son cry because  you can not  buy the toy he wants or see your mother suffer due to old age, ailments because you don’t have money to let her be checked by doctors . It is not easy to bring down your pride, disregard your ego, downgrade your professional level, and above all be far from your families but because of the desire of being a good provider to your family so they can enjoy a better lifestyle, expats can endure all of these.  

Be like Maya the Aggressive Dreamer

www.abscbnpr.com

Telenovelas became part of our lives. We get emotionally carried away with the scenes and episodes. It’s like a drug, very addictive. You can’t wait for tomorrow wondering,what happens next. It completes your daily life. You even dream about it during your sleep. Even think about it when at work, and chat with your friends, post on your facebook, click like to the telenovelas FB fanpages. Now you’re smiling because, it’s true.

There is one telenovela craze in the Philippines entitled “ Be careful with my Heart.” Everyone will agree that “Be careful with my Heart" stands out from all other telenovelas. It‘s even a finalist in the 2013 New York Festival World’s Best Television and film in the telenovela category. It is a combination of love and comedy story spiced with simple problems in life. The only telenovela without violence as commented by all .Let me give you a glimpse of “ Be Careful With My Heart."

It is a story of a simple lovely lady named Maya. Due to family financial problems, Maya decided to work in Dubai so she can help her family and take a step to follow her dreams in becoming a flight stewardess but she became a victim of an illegal recruiter. When she arrived in Manila for her flight to Dubai, only then that she knew she was swindled by the woman who offered her the job. Maya was stuck in Manila with no money or place to go.Fortunately, she met Mr. Richard Lim, (also known as Sir Chief) handsome, rich, widower. Sir Chief has a big influence in the Airline Industry so Maya grabbed this opportunity to reach her dream. Maya accepted Sir Chief's offer to be the temporary nanny of his children, in exchange of the help that he will give to Maya, in becoming a stewardess.

Upon entering in Sir Chief's mansion, Maya became so much attached to the family.Since Sir Chief's wife died, the family's joy died with her.Maya gave life to the mansion.She was able to bridge the gap between Sir Chif and his children. Maya made their house a home. A home that is  full of love, joy and "positive vibes."As she became close to the family, Maya fell in love with Sir Chief but this will not stop her from reaching her dreams. She became a working student. Maya is so aggressive in achieving her goals. She is now having her flight attendant training in Time Airways.And the story of Maya and Sir Chief continues in ABS-CBN, TFC and some websites...

What is my point in sharing her story?

Be like Maya.She has her compelling reason why she wants to be successful, and that is her family. That is her "emotional why," which made her very aggressive and desperate in reaching her dream. She gets whatever she wants. She works hard for it with urgency.She is a woman of action.Problems won't stop her.She never                                   gives-up. Maya became stronger in life's challenges and more focused to her goals.She decides what will  be her future.

You can also get anything you want in life, you just need to find your emotional why and act aggressively,urgently.

Life is like a telenovela. Problems always come and go, we laugh and cry but these should not stop you in wanting to improve your life in whatever situation you are in now. I want to quote this from Brother Bo Sanchez," Don't just watch your life, be the script writer of your life and make it a happy ending."

God will be with you throughout your journey.

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References: 
http://www.abs-cbn.com/Weekdays/article/11213/becarefulwithmyheart/Be-Careful-with-my-Heart.aspx

A Broken Promise of an Expat Mom

Cuttie

It was a very sad moment last January 1, 2012, when I had to go back here in Abu Dhabi. Me and my husband spent our Christmas and New Year in the Philippines. It's been a year now since I last kissed and hugged my two daughters but the feeling of bidding farewell is still here with me.I can still remember when it’s time to say goodbye, my eldest gave me a drawing of our family,which you can see in the video and a small puppy stuff toy named Cuttie.

“Mamiy, here is Cuttie, she will be with you in Abu Dhabi.”

I already had teary eyes.

“Thank you Baby. I promise, Mamiy will be back on your graduation. Three months only and we will be together again. We will play again.”

And she gave me a smile, but I can see, it was a smile with a lonely emotion deep inside her.

She was graduating from Kindergarten in March. I wanted to be with her during that special day. I know for some, this is not so important. But for me, I see this as her first big accomplishment. It was a significant stage of her life that I had to be with her. 

I kissed my daughters and hugged them tight. Then I walked away. I heard their cry as we left the house, and it really torn my heart.

Due to career growth and word of honor, I had to change my job last February. But I told my Boss, that I will be going home in March for my daughter’s graduation. That is my condition before transferring to his company. He agreed. On the same day I signed the contract, my husband lost his job. I only received small amount of “Indemnity” from my previous job. Financial crisis struck us. March came, and I wanted to go home to the Philippines as promised to my little girl, but I had no money. I was broke. My credit card was already maxed out. I could not buy my air ticket. I even owed my Boss AED500 and I could not ask for more.

I had to tell my daughter that Mamiy is breaking her promise, that Mamiy cannot attend her graduation.

 It really breaks a mother’s heart to disappoint her loving daughter.

A week before her graduation, even though I told her that I will not be coming home, she was still asking...

“Is Mamiy coming home already? Are you going to pick her up now?” and glanced at the door.

Even a day before her graduation, she was still hoping I will be with her….

We can never return back time. I missed this stage of her life and never can I rewind it to play again and be with her on their Kindergarten Graduation. I would love to be with her on stage, seeing her wearing toga, watching her sing their graduation song. I would have kissed and hugged her that day. 

It would be of great joy for a mother seeing her daughter so happy and proud of herself for her achievement. I missed that.

Again, I’m going to miss her 7^th Birthday this coming January because of job responsibilities, I cannot go home...

Unwise time investment indeed…..

I hope someday, when she reads this and watch the video from youtube, she will know how much I longed to be with her during those days she wanted me to be beside her….

For my fellow expats, OFW’s, working parents….type your comments below and express how much you love your kids and how much you long to be with them every single moment of the day…

Please also watch this video dedicated to my daughters.... You will see here my daughter's drawing, related to the word FAMILY.

Zayed Mosque

Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Mosque, is now known to be the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates and the eighth largest mosque in the world. Imagine the area of a football field, make it five times and that is how large the size of the Zayed Mosque is. It can then accommodate over 40,000 worshippers. I always passed by the Mosque everyday when our office was still in Mussafah because it is majestically situated at the entrance to Abu Dhabi City Island, markedly visible from the three main bridges, Maqta, Mussafah and Sheikh Zayed Bridge. The location of the Mosque is believed to be a symbolic expression of the emotional connection the Mosque has in the hearts of all Emiratis because of the existence of the graveyard of the father of the nation, in the vicinity of the Grand Mosque in addition to its spiritual and architectural design and timeless monument. 

The artistic beauty of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is seen during the night because of its lightning system. So if you are planning to visit the Mosque schedule it from 4PM to 8PM so you will witness its magnificence. 

The general visiting hours is from 9am - 10pm Saturdays -Thursdays.

This is the lighting effect in the night.....

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is branded for its pure white marble color on the external surfaces. The architects designed the mosque with 82 white crown shaped domes of various sizes with gold crescent shaped finial. I am not yet sure if it is true that these crescents are made of 24 Karat gold as many expats are saying.

There are seven crystal chandeliers installed inside the halls and foyers. These are made from gilded stainless steel and gilded brass. Glass panels studded with Swarovski crystals were incorporated in all of them. 

This is the huge carpet in the prayer hall made of 2,268,000,000 knots and 35 Tons heavy. 

The Mosque is a very HOLY place. There is dress code in visiting the Mosque. Woman are not allowed to enter the mosque with sexy clothes exposing the skin. Women are required to wear abaya when they enter the mosque. There are available abayas for rent in the area. For men, you are not allowed to wear short pants and sleeveless shirts .

Here are some more photos:

Share your experiences in the Zayed Mosque.... feel free to comment below!

Photo Credits: Sherif Azab

Sources/References: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheikh_Zayed_Mosque

                              http://www.szgmc.ae/en/