COVID-19 remains at the center of major news headlines and continues to impact the OFW community in the UAE immensely. Here’s a rundown of TFT’s biggest, most-read stories in 2021.
Pinay flight attendant found dead in Makati hotel on New Year’s Day
A flight attendant was discovered dead In a Makati hotel on New Year’s Day.
The 23-year-old flight stewardess, who was identified as Christine Dacera, was found lying in a bathtub by her friend, according to the Makati Police.
OFWs who got COVID-19 can avail of gov’t assistance
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) In the UAE who got infected with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) can still get assistance from the government despite having been covered by their own health Insurance.
Over 20 million Filipinos now registered for Philippine National ID System
The Philippines has successfully pre-registered over 20 million Filipinos to the country’s national ID system as of March 2021, similar to that of the UAE’s Emirates ID.
UAE CUSTOMS: Failing to declare any prohibited goods at airports will be classified as smuggling
The UAE’s Federal Customs Authority (FCA) warned that falling to declare any prohibited goods at airports will be classifled as smuggling.
It said in a statement: “Regarding the penalty for smuggling, according to the Uniform Customs Law, customs smuggling ranges from a fine to a period of 3 months to 3 years, or one of these two sentences, or confiscation of goods and tools. [The penalty is based on] the type of smuggling offence and commodity.”
Typhoon Odette dampens Christmas celebrations in PH
Typhoon Odette has dampened the Christmas spirit in the Philippines as hundreds of thousands of people are struggling without homes, adequate food and water, electricity and mobile connections.
Rabiya Mateo: ‘My stockings had blood, but I kept fighting’
Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rablya Mateo turned emotional as she apologized to some pageant fans Immediately after the National Costume competition of the beauty pageant on May 14.
The country’s bet slayed her performance but still ended up saying sorry to Filipino fans who were asking why she did not wear the complete ensemble. Her costume was a creation of the late Filipino International designer Rocky Gathercole, who had once been based in the UAE.
FACT CHECK: Is Miss Universe Andrea Meza married?
Following her victory at the 69th Miss Universe competition, Miss Mexico Andrea Meza is facing rumors of her supposed marriage with her long-time boyfriend.
Photos of the 26-year-old beauty queen with what appeared to be wedding photos surfaced online as soon as she was declared winner of the Miss Universe.
UAE-born Filipino kid stuns America’s Got Talent’ judges
A proud 10-year-old Filipino boy, who was born in Abu Dhabl, received a standing ovation from all four Judges during his “Incredible audition” on “America’s Got Talent.”
Peter Rosalita was part of the auditionees for the 16th season of the talent competition.
PH now allows entry of UAE- based OFWs who are part of non- gov’t repatriation efforts
The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) against COVID-19 on June 4 (Friday) has allowed entry of Filipino repatriates coming from the United Arab Emirates, Oman, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal–even if such repatriation program is not organized by the national government. The Palace said that they must take the RT-PCR test within 48 hours before departing from a foreign country.
Willie Revillame speaks up on reported rift with John Lloyd Cruz
Willie Revillame has addressed rumors that he had issues with actor John Lloyd Cruz pending their planned sitcom project in the Kapuso network. The controversial TV host reportedly backed out from a sitcom he planned for the award-winning actor with Kapuso actress Andrea Torres.
‘Lubog na ako’: Aljur Abrenica regrets posting about Kylie Padilla
Actor Aljur Abrenica admits he regrets his action posting about his estranged wife Kylie Padilla hinting that she “cheated” on their relationship first. In a press briefing, Aljur said that he acted impulsively by writing the controversial post.
UAE now included in PH’s ‘green list’
The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) has approved placing the United Arab Emirates under the green list category, effective November 16.
UAE introduces ‘condensed working week’
Employees in the private sector can now opt to have the weekly requirement 40 working hours finished within three days, starting from February 2, 2022
OFWs now included in NHA’s low-cost housing program
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) have now been made eligible to apply for the National Housing Authority’s (NHA) low-cost housing program, as part of the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) initiative.
Filipina housemaid killed in Sharjah
Sharjah Police is investigating the death of a 40-year-old domestic worker in the emirate.
The Filipina housemaid was reportedly killed after a heated conversation with her employer, according to reports from TFC News.
UAE airline to hire 500 customer service agents at AED 5,000 monthly salary
A leading UAE airline is looking to employ some 500 customer service agents in Dubai at a monthly salary of AED 5,000.
Opening Day of Philippines pavilion ‘Bangkota’ draws over thousands of visitors
Over 5,000 of Expo 2020 Dubai’s first wave of 53,000 visitors explored the wonders of the Philippines’ pavilion ‘Bangkota’ during its opening day last October 1, 2021.
New work systems in UAE’s private sector all set!
A slew of labor reforms is slated to immensely transform the work systems in the UAE’s private sector.
This, as the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization on Monday announced Federal Decree Law no.47 of 2021 that aims to unify the working systems in the public and private sectors. The new law upholds Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2022, which will come into force starting February 2, 2022.
Air ticket prices shoot up as PH lifts travel ban
Prices of flights has shot up as the Philippines’ travel ban on 10 countries including the UAE is lifted starting, Sept. 6.
According to travel agents in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, they have received double the usual number of flight inquiries leading to significant increase in air fare.
‘Sila ba?’: Katrina Halili, John Lloyd Cruz spotted together in actor’s Batangas rest house
Netizens are wondering whether there’s a brewing relationship between John Lloyd Cruz and Katrina Halili.
It comes after the Kapuso actress was spotted in the A-List actor’s rest house in Nasugbu, Batangas.
Husband surprises OFW wife with fully finished home, ‘padala’ savings
An overseas Filipina worker (OFW) from Kuwait was surprised by her husband, who saved P300,000 cash from the remittances she had been sending.
Emirati vlogger warns Pinoys about gossiping in UAE
A recent Facebook video of Filipino-Emirati vlogger Fahed Alblooshi a.k.a “Emaratino Traveler” reminded Filipinos in the UAE about an important lesson: gossiping or rumor- mongering is illegal in the country.
Fahed’s sister, who was with him in the video vlog, shared her utter disappointment for making her and their elder sister the subject of “chismis” in a salon.
