Filipinos are usually a ray of sunshine. They value and appreciate the trait “pakikisama,” which shows in their daily lives, whether it’s with close friends or co-workers.
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), hundreds of thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) share living spaces with fellow residents, embracing the opportunity to build new friendships with flatmates.
However, some Filipinos just can’t avoid the flat-sharing drama. In a Tanong ng Bayan post, The Filipino Times readers shared with us some of the scenes they experienced in their flats.
Eksena 1: Scheduled Ligo in the Mornings
“Beep! Beep! Beep!” You need to hurry up when you hear your phone alarm ring. Otherwise, you might not be able to take a shower! This is Dubai-based Lloyd Hisugan’s biggest takeaway from living in shared spaces.
Hisugan said he only had 15 minutes to shower because many flatmates use the shower in the morning.
“Scheduled ang pag-ligo sa umaga,” he said. “My shower schedule before was 6 AM to 6:15 AM. Fifteen minutes only ang shower kasi maraming pang-umaga ang pasok. If you’re late on your scheduled shower time, maligo ka nalang after work mo.”
Eksena 2: Tara, Kain!
Although many people live in the same flat, it also has an advantage, especially when it comes to dining together. One Filipino tradition that many OFWs have embraced here in the UAE is inviting their neighbors to dine with them. This is a unique way to combat homesickness, offering OFWs a comforting taste of home away from home.
A commenter said: “Nakaka-miss yung salo-salo kumain, lalo na kapag Friday!”
Moreover, Filipinos are renowned for their generosity and hospitality. It’s common to witness them freely sharing their food with neighbors, without expecting anything in return.
“Andaming pagkain dito sa flat namin,” another commenter said. “Ang kapitbahay ko nagluluto at namimigay ng pagkain. Ako, kumakain lang. Masarap ang libre!” they added.
Eksena 3: Sharing is Caring
Another common delight of cohabiting with strangers is when people randomly find food on the dining table with a note that says “for all,” meaning it’s intended for everyone to consume.
One commenter said that they always see food with a note that says “for all,” which shows that many flatmates give kindness and love by sharing food.
However, as a general tip or common courtesy, people should not be hasty to consume food or even use items unless there’s a note that says “for all.”
Ayem Gaile, a Premium Travel and Lifestyle Consultant, shared her techniques on how to discourage her flatmates from using her cooking ingredients.
“Noong una, ginamit ko yung packing tape na brown. Pero tinatanggal pa rin nila,” she said. Since the first type of tape did not work out, she resorted to using industrial tape, hoping that a stronger adhesive tape would prevent her flatmates from using her things. However, it still did not work.
After a while, Gaile moved out into a new room with fewer neighbors. She shared that she doesn’t have the same issues compared to her previous flat, proving that some shared living spaces are peaceful, too.
Eksena 4: Tulung-tulungan sa Gawaing Bahay
The flat is also a place where OFWs demonstrate their helpful nature, extending support to their fellow residents by helping them with chores.
“Yung sampay ko, pagbalik ko, nakatiklop na,” one TFT reader commented in the Tanong ng Bayan post, expressing their surprise about their considerate roommates. OFWs living far away from their relatives find a second family in the UAE because of moments like this.
One TFT reader, Mary Joy Campita, shared about how she and her three flatmates tried to implement a cooking rotation in their flat.
After buying the groceries, they found out that not everyone could participate in their flat’s cooking rotation. “May plot twist! Hindi pala lahat marunong magluto,” she said, saying that her two other flatmates did not know how to cook.
“Lugi pala kami. Dapat kasama sa charge namin sa kanila ang delivery at cooking fee,” she joked.
Sometimes, living in a flat not only deepens friendships and camaraderie but also teaches you how to hone your life skills.
Eksena 5: The Smell of Tilapia at 3 AM
Meanwhile, TFT reader Arbee, an educational consultant in the UAE, shared a story about a neighbor who loves to cook.
“Di pa ganoon kalalim yung tulog mo, magigising ka nalang kasi may nagpi-prito ng isda or tilapia around 3 AM,” he said, sharing how his neighbors cook tilapia almost three times a week.
Despite the smell of fish in the flat, he said that everyone is flawed and faces problems in life, which is why we need to be considerate.
“We are not perfect. We have our own silent battles every day. Others can manage to put up a smile and others cannot,” he said. “But I think if others would be considerate enough and be a little sensitive towards their housemates, then that flat would be like a home worth staying in.”
“Iyong tipong pagod ka or bored ka, pero it gives you a feeling of ‘Tara, uwi na tayo sa bahay’ kind of vibes,” he added.
Eksena 6: Okay na Okay sa Karaoke
When several Filipinos live together in a flat, it becomes an inviting place that makes you want to come home after a long tiring day, especially when karaoke is involved!
Karaoke is undoubtedly an important part of the Filipino culture. Many OFWs have carried the spirit of partying the Filipino way here in the UAE.
“Every weekend may karaoke,” one commenter said, proving that Filipinos would celebrate regularly, even on days when there are no occasions.
“Yung magigising ka nang hatinggabi sa lakas ng palakpakan sa katabing partition,” one commenter said, showing how their flatmates continue the fun and celebrations until midnight.
Living away from their families, OFWs often discover a second family among their flatmates in the UAE. Although some flat dramas cannot be avoided, these encounters provide invaluable lessons that shape who we are, from honing our life skills to understanding the importance of neighborly consideration.
Nevertheless, one thing is for sure: the camaraderie among OFWs sharing living spaces adds vibrancy and warmth to life here in the UAE.
How about you? Anong eksena sa flat niyo?
