DUBAI: For the first time in UAE’s history, two of the country’s top tourist destinations, namely Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower; and Dubai Festival City Mall, displayed a light show on Philippine Independence Day.
For the first time as well, major parks in Abu Dhabi and Dubai rolled out special offers and treats for the Filipino community on this momentous occasion marking the 121st year that the Philippines became a sovereign nation.
Coinciding with the celebrations is an official announcement by the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on June 11 – a day before the actual Independence Day – revealing the country’s pavilion design for Expo 2020 Dubai.
This year also marks the sixth anniversary of The Filipino Times, which has through time, stood witness to and has become among the driving force of the community’s growth.
Indeed, call it inter-planetary alignment if you will, but TFT interviewed Filipinos who have been in the UAE for the past 30 years or so and all were one in saying they have never seen an Independence Day celebration of this scale.
In other words, the Filipino community is now being celebrated in the UAE.
Long weekend
From June 12 to 15, various activities have been slated for what could yet be the first-ever long weekend of merriment in recognition of the day the Philippines’ evolution into a sovereign nation began.
It was on June 12, 1898 that Filipino revolutionaries proclaimed independence that ended 300 years of Spanish colonization.
Here are the events and places to check out.
Record-breaking show
The Dubai Festival City Mall (DFC) hosts a uniquely customized two-time, record-breaking IMAGINE show – a spectacular display of lights and sounds from June 12 to 15 featuring the colors of the Philippine flag and iconic landmarks back home.
Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes inaugurated the first show that took place June 12. The lights, water, and laser event has with it whimsical fountains lit up with the flags’ red, blue, white and yellow colors choreographed to popular tunes.
The Imagine show will have re-runs on the succeeding days, from June 13 to 15 with the following timings: 7:30 pm; 8:00 pm; 9:00 pm; 10:00 pm; and 11:00 pm.
The mystifying show is made up of a number of towering combinations of fountains, lasers, and special effects.
Burj Khalifa lights up with PH flag colors
Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, lit up with the beautiful colors of the Philippine flag.
Ambassador Hjayceelyn Quintana shared that Emaar’s gesture will inspire many Filipinos in the UAE. “I received a letter from Emaar to say that they want to pay tribute to the Filipinos by lighting up the Burj Khalifa with the colors of the Philippine flag. I was so delighted to hear that news because I know that it will inspire a lot of Filipinos in UAE,” she said.
Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes, said: “That both DFC and the Burj Khalifa are commemorating our Independence Day is a testament to the confidence and acknowledgment of the entire UAE community of the influence and contribution of the Filipinos in this society.”
Dubai Parks and Resorts rolls out a Dh39 treat
The largest integrated theme park destination in the region will be welcoming Filipinos from all over the UAE from June 12 to 15 with access to Motiongate, Bollywood Parks, and Legoland for only Dh39 to access all three theme parks. Apart from the one-time fee, they can also get to enjoy all-day food and merchandise offers and live entertainment. Regular one-day pass 1 day pass at Bollywood Parks is Dh175; Motiongate Dubai is Dh245 and Legoland Dubai is Dh 245.
What’s inside:
MOTIONGATE Dubai. The region’s largest immersive Hollywood-inspired theme park features rides for individuals of all ages including indoor roller coasters, family rides, shows and play zones.
BOLLYWOOD PARKS Dubai. The world’s first and only Bollywood-themed attraction gives visitors a deep dive to the colorful, vibrant culture dedicated to Bollywood fans.
LEGOLAND Dubai. Dubai’s unique, interactive theme park for families especially for the young ones brings the well-known LEGO brick to life in a playful learning environment. This is in addition to free access to themed zones, street ambiance and numerous shops and restaurants at Riverland Dubai.
Other great discounts and offers are available at Yas Waterworld and Wadi Adventure and Aventura Parks.
Cebu Pacific, PAL holds Independence seat sales
Cebu Pacific joins in the celebrations as it gives UAE residents the chance to fly to more fun to the Philippines for as low as AED 1! From June 12 until June 14, all domestic and international routes, including Dubai-Manila, are on sale, with travel period covering August 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020.
Meantime, in celebration of the country’s 121st Independence Day, Philippine Airlines has started their seat sale June 12 and has announced that its promo will be extended until June 16.
Dubai-Manila-Dubai flights starts at Dh1,300 and domestic flights are also on promo, starting at Php399.
