Banana leaf, buckets and #puso... How's 2014 for Filipinos in Dubai

This is a year when many "Filipino thingy" happened in Dubai. Here's rounding up the highlights of the activities, events and everything about 2014 for the community:

Foods #KainanNa

Boodle fight dining is a winner this year in terms of Pinoy cravings.

There's this good news at the start of 2014 that the number one and real Jollibee food chain franchise will be opening stores in Dubai this year. Whatever happened to that?  Well I asked Jollibee about it and they assured that I'll know it once concrete details become available. #PR

Good thing, Tapa King opens.

Many of us craved and eventually went to have boodle fight style dining.

Seafood in a Bucket was a big hit this year.

Juice World proved to be an unsung Dubai wonder as many of us became tourists of its unique and fruity store decorations  (in addition to buying liters of avocado shake).

Sports #LabanPilipinas #Puso

We cheered our hearts out at the Al Ahli Stadium for a week to support the underdog Batang Gilas Pilipinas team as they compete against the world's best young basketball talent in the FIBA Under 17 World Championships.

We participated in various running events, fun run such as The Color Run and marathons like Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon, Dubai Women's run and recently, the Nike #WeRunDXB.  Huge chunk of the participants are Pinoys.

Pinoy Pride 27 boxing event in Dubai World Trade Centre allowed us to witness triple Filipino victories in Genesis "Azukal" Servania, Rey "Boom-Boom" Bautista, and "King" Arthur Villanueva against their foes.

Negotiations about the dream bout between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather being held in Dubai were rumored to have started this year. #RUMOR

Manila Mavericks participated in the inaugural International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) which had its final leg in Dubai. The Mavericks were led by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Daniel Nestor and Kirsten Flipkens. Maria Sharapova and Andy Murray played for the Philippine team in the Manila leg.


Social Media #PinoyNetizens

We had our share of the Ice Bucket Challenge. We gave support to the studies being done to discover cure for ALS.

We had fun in Make-up Transformation memes.

Flappy Bird got us frustrated when we cannot advance further.


Gadget #SelfiePod

Our servers and waiters couldn't be happier as they need not to take our photos anymore. Thanks to the trendy selfie pods! This year, you have at least one friend who bought a selfie pod.

Entertainment and Media #PinoyConcerts

ASAP gave us a super treat with 2 full shows at the beginning of 2014

Return of the Pinoy Rock - Bamboo returned and rocked Dubai as he always do. Rivermaya, Kamikazee and Gloc-9's were also huge.

Sarah G closed the big concerts this year with her Perfect 10 Tour.

Another Filipino publication, The Filipino Times, launched their free print version.


Entrepreneurship #CakeBusiness

This beautiful cake was baked and decorated by our good friend Jennifer Ann Nepomuceno.  

We know at least one housewife from our circle of friends who have started her cake / cupcake business this year.


Others #BuhayOFW

Online OEC application was launched. The consulate has also greatly encouraged us this year to apply for OEC in the Philippines.

Let's bring more cheers, more celebrations and a consistent positive mindset on to 2015.  More "very Filipino" things promise to come our way next year.

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Did I miss anything? Appreciate if you could put it in the comment below.