15 reasons why you need Filipino friends in Dubai

One of the largest expat communities in Dubai are Filipinos. There is no place in the emirate where you cannot find them. In fact, the population of Pinoys in the UAE has already reached around 950,000 with about 500,000 living in Dubai alone - that's 21.3% of the total population of the emirate.


If you've been around Dubai for quite some time now, you probably know at least one Filipino.

Many people I met in this country feels good to have Filipino friends because of their consistent happy aura. But do you know we can change your perspective if you hangout a lil longer with us?

I mean...

1. You'll never go hungry

Pinoys eat about 5-6 times a day. Breakfast, snacks, lunch, snacks, dinner, and midnight snack. We love buffet. Our office cupboards are full of, well... snacks.  Our idea of party is pigging out, and you'll always have something to take home from it.

2. You'll always be happy

It is contagious. We always smile, even in low times. Filipinos are the world's walking smileys. We sympathize during rough times but we always find ways to smile.

3. You'll be health conscious (in a weird way)

Because Filipinos are figure-conscious but we really don't watch out what we eat. This consciousness won't stop us having unlimited rice and boodle fights.

4. You'll rethink about your national pride

Our pride of being Pinoy can influence yours - sort of. From car stickers to Philippine flags in the office desks, to the hashtags #ProudToBePinoy, you'll know how proud we are of our culture.

5. You'll have your 15-seconds of fame

We always have a "greeting portion" every time we get a chance on air. You'll hear your name on the radio.

6. You'll appreciate Friday brunch at the park

We love picnics more than hotel brunches - that's our idea of having fun with less or no cost at all.

7. You'll be introduced to our relatives

We are proud to have friends from other nations. It's a "one of a kind" feat.

8. You'll learn to be practical

Most of us are frugal and practical in many ways, but some of us splurge during sale seasons. Haaay...

9. You'll always be on parties

We are festive and we celebrate everything. We'll bring you even to kids parties and you'll find yourself playing some funny parlor games.

10. You're a VIP in the crowd

You will stand out because we want you to feel special while welcoming you as part of the family.

11. You'll learn all the bargains

We don't settle for the price tag. You'll also discover where to buy the cheapest chocolates, apparels and branded perfumes.

12. You'll soon speak Tagalog

You will sure speak the basic Tagalog words in no time. You will be called "Kuya" (brother) or "Ate" (sister) pretty soon.

13. You'll have the longest Christmas ever

You will hear us listening to Christmas songs; you'll see our Christmas trees out as early as September. We celebrate (somehow) Christmas from September to January.

14. You'll be 'diabetic'

Filipino ladies are among the most charming people in the planet. They sound sweet in any conversation - yes, even in times of trouble.

15. You'll take photo ops to the next level

We love picture-taking with or without occasions. And we don't settle for one shot - a wacky shot is a must. Every dine-out is a photo op.

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And that's the Filipino perspective my friend. Even homesickness can't stop the natural joy to show up.