Filipina Lea Oribias had never imagined that she would find a ‘home’ in the comfort of her newfound friends in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Oribias, who arrived in Abu Dhabi in November 2016 to find a job, told her story to Sunstar, a news daily in Davao, how her Filipino flatmates in Abu Dhabi welcomed her like family.
Back in her first few months in Abu Dhabi, a group of Filipinos she met there while she on a job hunt had shown generosity and kindness amid the short period of time of meeting her.
They had given her bus fares, free food, toiletries and other stuff when she was just starting.
“Grabe ang tulong nila sa akin. Inaalagaan ako nila nang mabuti since day one up to now. I am forever grateful for their support and kindness.”
Little did she know that her friends had planned something grand for her birthday. January 18, 2018, upon her arrival from work, a wall designed with a birthday banner, balloons, and pictures greeted her.
Her newfound family also prepared some dish for her simple birthday celebration.
Overwhelmed with the surprise, the Filipina said it felt like she celebrated her 18th birthday. She has proven as well that Filipinos’ hospitality and warmth remain even miles away from home.
