We are planning to go for a long drive at mag-camping; have some relaxation and be far from busy Dubai
DUBAI: Most overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the UAE already have their long weekend holiday locked in, with most opting for a staycation, a sojourn in the Seychelles, parade-watching and camping in the outdoors now that December temperatures have started to be friendly.
The UAE private sector is headed for a three-day weekend starting Nov. 30, according to the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE): while the public sector gets four, according to the Emirates News Agency.
There will be at least three holidays happening from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2 – the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday and Martyrs Day on Nov 30 and the UAE’s National Day which will celebrate the 46th founding anniversary of the country on Dec. 2.
Parades and fireworks will mark National Day celebrations even as the festive mood fills the air throughout the holidays.
The Filipino community joins in the merriment, from doing potluck karaoke parties at the flats to other more private activities.
“I will go to Seychelles for a short break,” said Rubie Evangelista, who works at a multinational energy company.
“Fujairah camping it is for me and my friends,” said Mina Togonon, asst. operations manager at a Media City public relations firm. “We are planning to go for a long drive at mag-camping; have some relaxation and be far from busy Dubai,” Lon Hipolito, an electrical engineer, for his part, said.
“Jebel Jais kami,” said Gemma Garme of Dubai. Jebel Jais is a mountain between UAE and Oman.
“Staycation ako and catching up with pending work,” Aileen Amparo, producer/director said. Likewise it’s a staycation for Paula Lim, junior accountant. “Magsasama-sama kami ng mga pinsan ko, (My cousins and I will be getting together),” she said.
Still other OFWs who have relatives in the neighboring emirates plan on having a visit. “Matagal ko nang hindi nakikita pinsan ko sa Fujairah. Baka dalawin ko sya, (I haven’t seen my cousin in Fujairah, I might see her),” said Adonis Semptor, a service crew at a Dubai fastfood chain.
But while seemingly the rest of the community is having a break, others wouldn’t. “I’ll be in duty,” said Mike Bonuz, who works as a circulation staff at a media company in Barsha Heights.
Ange Alicante, also a PR practitioner, has a more pressing thing to do: “As much as I want to relax, my MBA class is coinciding with the holiday dates,” she said.
Will go to seychelles island for a short break
we are planning to go for a long drive at magcamping. to have some relaxation. far from busy dubai. hehe
