They say if you haven’t dared left your comfort zone you will only be reading one page of a great book.

Those of us who have been lucky enough to experience the thrill of stepping into another country will tell you that there is this priceless rush that comes from the moment you first set foot on foreign soil.

Everything seems so exotic – the air, the weather, the street signs, the food, public transportation, people talking in a language you don’t understand. You take this all in as you assess the possibilities before you. It is frightening, yes, but it is also rewarding to have that chance to be a brand new person, open to new adventures ahead.

There was a time when travel was not exactly popular among Pinoys, when the word “abroad” only brings to mind three things – a) you’re family is loaded rich, b) you have relatives abroad who petitioned for you, or c) you are an OFW bound for a tough life in the Middle East, Europe or Canada.

Times have changed, however. Nowadays with cheaper international fares and better opportunities, we see Filipinos from all walks of life, not only making their way but also planting roots across globe.

Masters at the art of adapting and integrating, Pinoy expats are proving that although there might be no place like home, there is also no limit to the places you can call home.

If you’re thinking of spreading your wings and moving to certain parts of the world, we’ve gathered some insights from our fellow Filipinos living in key places around the globe to help you plan your next big move.

USA

Mindy Rule – Los Angeles, California

Mindy Rule, an accountant based in Los Angeles and moved to the US back in 2002 to be with her eldest sister. She says, “Moving to the LA as a fresh grad, I took a job in a small company as a secretary and then I went back to school to get more credentials in my field. I worked full-time and attended night classes. Now, I’m working as an accountant in a multinational corporation.”

Famous for NBA and Hollywood, Mindy enjoys LA’s multi-cultural scene and appreciates how traffic rules and regulations are followed over there. A big Filipino community in LA also made it easier to settle.

“Filipinos are in the top 5 immigrants here. They can become immigrants through employer petition or through family petition, but based on experience, it’s a challenging and long process, so you have to be patient.”

Rowena Olores – Dallas, Texas
Rowena moved to the US in 1991 when she was offered a job as a physical therapist for a hospital system in Lufkin, Texas. “I landed here with a working visa and a temporary license to practice while reviewing to take the State Board/Licensure Exam for a permanent license. I have since practiced and pursued a post graduate clinical fellowship and now specialize in Manual Therapy/Ortheopedics,” she explains.

“I like the efficient healthcare system of the US. As far as I know they do not deny anyone of medical care, especially in emergency situations despite your inability to pay.” She adds, “Culturally, Americans are in general, courteous and generous people. They practice the principle of right of way, they would hold a door out for a stranger, will acknowledge your presence by making eye contact or by nodding or greeting you. They also have excellent highway systems – you can see where your taxes are going. Shipping and mailing services are dependable. Freedom of speech is upheld here and personal and professional advancement is open and accessible to everyone regardless of race, ethnicity or economic status.”

Although living in the suburb has its downside, Rowena shares. “You don’t see much people around the street, so you don’t expect much community interaction unlike in the Philippines. You have to be very intentional to reach out to make friends with your neighbors. People tend to stay in their own homes unless you live in more thickly populated areas like New York or California.

As for migrating to the US, she says, “You can move here via an employer based/sponsored petition or a family based petition. They need to be in a profession that is currently in demand. In the 90’s the country was open for medical professionals. Nowadays, the demand is for Information Technology and telecommunications engineers. They can hold a working visa and then, apply for a green card/immigrant visa after a year or two. They will eventually be eligible to apply for citizenship after five years of being a permanent resident. You can find comprehensive information on immigration rules at www.uscis.gov.”

Rowena also shares a few dos and don’ts – “Beware of the lure of credit cards. American Society is encouraged to ‘build credit score’ and that entails borrowing money or using your credit cards to show your ability to pay for loans. Your mailbox will be filled with application forms whether you like it or not. As for dos –

Connect with Filipinos to ease the feeling of being homesick. Make sure you know how to drive. Public transportation is in place in bigger cities but limited in smaller towns. Be mindful of their culture and how you interact. Learn by observation, reading and interaction. Be open to change some of our old cultural habits like “bahala na”, because that can go against you as Americans are very process and result-oriented.

Listen and discuss, instead of assuming. Also, be comfortable in your own skin. We, Filipinos, are very hard working and are naturally caring individuals and Americans will see and acknowledge that. That way ,you can make the common phrase ‘America, the land of opportunity’ work for you.”

Want to know how to survive when moving to another country?  Check out our tips here –

Joni Cham – New York City

Joni Cham is a book author/research analyst who migrated to New York with her Fil-Am husband towards the end of 2013. “I live in Brooklyn, in one of the boroughs of NYC. I like it because it’s away from the touristy hustle and bustle of Manhattan, and yet it’s also close enough for the occasional show or dinner and drinks. I’m a writer in New York, which is such a cliché. The alternative is a housewife, which I am too plus a few other words. Currently, I’m on the hunt for a full-time job. In a sense, I feel like I don’t think I can really know this city well enough until I get out there and be part of it.”

For Joni, the two major challenges of settling in NYC are the cold and the high cost of living.

“I like the diversity of NYC. I like that I can try so many different cuisines, for instance. Oh, and I love, love, love the library! Free access to knowledge is definitely one thing that the US is doing right. Many Americans take this for granted but I always feel a sense of gratitude every time I go to my local library.

For the more mundane things, I like having fast Internet and a (relatively) good subway system. Traffic is never as bad as it is in Manila. It’s the everyday things after all that make up a life.”

Art Simplina, Tampa Bay Florida

Art Simplina came to the US in 1999, from Saudi Arabia, to be with his wife, Filipino-Japanese nurse Meiko, whom he met in the Philippines.

“While looking for a job, I enrolled at a local community college in Clearwater, Florida which eventually became St. Petersburg College. I got my certifications for Microsoft Network Systems Engineer and Cisco Certified Network Associate. These qualifications later on helped me land a job at GE where I worked for 7 years.”

America is a land of opportunity. It has given us the chance to improve our lives compared to our conditions back in the Philippines. Working hard will reward one’s effort and things that were not previously affordable are within one’s reach.

“Going from one place to another is easy. People observe the road courtesies; traffic flow is organized and smooth. “

CANADA

Joy Duyan – Toronto
Joy Duyan moved to Toronto in 2005 as a caregiver. She was on a working visa for two years. “After I finished the caregiver program, I applied for an open permit (which allows the holder to work for any employer) while waiting for my permanent residency. After I received my open permit in 2008, I started working in a construction company. “

According to Joy, “Canada is a the best country to live in with pretty good job prospects, social programs that help out people when in need, a reasonable cost of living, an average life expectancy of over 80 years for its citizens, and free health benefits for residents.”

For Filipinos who want to migrate to Canada, Joy shares, “If you want to migrate to Canada, there are a few different ways to apply. You will need to decide which immigration program will work best for you and your family. It is also important to know about credential recognition. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) recommends that you review the resources on the Foreign Credentials Referral Office’s website to learn about the steps you need to take to get your credentials and qualifications assessed and recognized in Canada.”

She also advises, “As we set our sights to immigrate to a new country, one of the most important tasks is to get hold of a job. It is advisable to segregate our job search in two phases. The first job is the one that pays the bills, and the second job can be your aspiration. Reason being, many of the fields in which we were working back home are regulated, meaning we need a license to practice. Also there is a need for “Canadian Experience.” Both these aspects can be fulfilled if we get hold of a survival job first for necessities. This also gives us some time to contemplate on the type of job we want to go after. It is also advisable to get a temporary accommodation for a period of 2-3 months as one goes into a new geography. This temporary accommodation can be a basement of a house or a shared one to keep expenses to a minimum. This will also help you understand the city better.

Once you identify the location you prefer, you can then tackle the decision of whether to buy or rent for the long term. When you get to be financially stable, you might want to consider getting a Life Insurance and a Educational Savings Plan (RESP) for your children’s education. In this way you are securing yourself and your family.”

Want to know more about migrating to Canada? Read first hand migration experience here –

Brisbane, Australia

AUSTRALIA

Cristy Guadiz – Sydney

Cristy Guadiz, a Financial Controller based in Sydney, relocated to Australia just last year, after in a multinational for 6 years in Dubai.

“I live in west of Sydney. I had previously applied for and then managed to get a transfer in the same company where I was working in Dubai before I moved. ”

Cristy mentions that she appreciates the laid back vibe and beautiful landscape of the so-called ‘Land Down Under,’ famous for its great outdoors. But the downside for her, especially as a traveler who got used to being conveniently located in the Middle East, is being very far from the rest of the world now.

“Plan carefully, especially if you are relocating with your family. Learn as much as you can about Australia or whatever that country you’re planning to relocate to. Research – there’s a lot of information out there on the internet – i.e. the , the average rent prices, the cost of furniture or appliances, food, etc. If you are making your exit from the Philippines for your initial entry to Australia, the CFO ( on Filipino Overseas) has a mandatory orientation that you need to attend.”

As for getting settled, she acknowledges the very helpful local Filipino community there. “I was very fortunate to find Pinoy AU Sydney group on Facebook. There’s lots of information there from the forums and discussions and lots of nice and friendly people, too. You’ll be surprised even more that there are Filipinos who are very willing to help out fellow Pinoys. “

Here’s another account from another Pinoy expat who lives in Australia –

Jun Tacio – Melbourne 
Jun moved to Australia in July of 2008., by the invitation of his company, Novartis OTC to join their IT department as an Infrastructure Systems . He moved to Australia via a company sponsored work and has been based in Melbourne, voted the most livable city in the world for four consecutive years.

Jun , “Life in Melbourne is actually laid back compared to Manila, Riyadh or Cairo (cities where I previously worked and lived for years). And yet, the city is very sophisticated. Melbourne is known as the arts and culture as well as the Sports capital of Australia, so there are events and festivals going on whole-year through. Then, there is always that option to drive to the scenic mountains and valleys that rural Victoria has to offer. Orchards and vineyards are also open to the public for day drives. Melbourne is also a culinary hotspot, with everything from burger joints to posh eateries, and there’s also a thriving bar scene and café culture.”

“It’s a bit more to live in Australia compared to the US and Canada and most of Europe. But it is cheaper compared to the UK and Singapore. Singaporeans actually prefer to study down here. Also, it is cheaper to live in Melbourne compared to Sydney. But there is always a trade-off. and Aussies enjoy very good medicare which is not available in the US.”

“Filipinos can move to Australia via skilled migration, family connections, and sponsored work transfer. Filipinos can independently apply to migrate to Australia provided their skills are listed in the Skilled Occupations List (SOL) at www.immi.gov.au/Work/Pages/skilled-occupations-lists/sol.aspx. Migrants can eventually secure citizenship once they met the required number of years of residency in Australia. The Australian website can offer more details about this – www.citizenship.gov.au.

Jun some of the dos and don’ts to consider when applying for migration to Australia. “Australian migration requirements can be daunting. The lengthy process and equally lengthy forms required to be filled up will put you off at first but this is the norm. So have patience.

Do not be tempted by some offering you short cuts in the process. There is no short cut to the Australian process.

NEW ZEALAND

Ella Sison, Auckland
Ella Sison moved to New Zealand four years ago to be with her family. Her mom and sister have been based there for the past five years prior to her arrival. “I came to New Zealand on tourist visa at first, coming from Dubai, then my mom helped me to enroll in university and get a student visa. I can eventually apply for citizenship after gaining full time . The only thing is, it will take five years, so we need to be patient. She ,

“The Lifestyle in New Zealand is good compared to Dubai, its simple, laid back and close to nature. It’s ideal for families but maybe quite a challenge for singletons, as there’s not much of nightlife or party scene. Social services and education are good so it’s really an ideal place to raise your kids.”

“My advice to Pinoys who want to migrate to NZ, is that they should prepare for the involved. Check the government website for the skills required as that would make their application process faster.”

GERMANY

Jenny Altai, Herten

Jenny Altai, whose husband is an EU citizen, moved to Germany from Dubai in January 2007 were they bought rental properties. Self-employed, she shares, “We live in a small quiet town. Living here is less stressful as we are our own bosses. We have German acquaintances but unfortunately, we did not manage to find close friends.”

“It is a good place to raise a family with a high standard ‘free of charge’ education and a health care system that gives you access to doctors and treatments without waiting. Safety is also a plus factor especially in the smaller cities or villages where crime rate is very low.”

She points out some drawbacks – “English is still not widely spoken though. A lot of the locals tend to assume that if you are a foreigner, then you are either a refugee or receiving social benefits. They also prefer to pay cash or with electronic card, so paying with credit card is not widely accepted.”

Jenny notes, “There is always a demand for highly skilled workers but Germany is not attracting a lot of them due to the language issue. Few companies do offer jobs that don’t require German knowledge but the majority, requires basic or even advanced German. If someone is really interested to migrate here, the best way is to find work in bigger cities that doesn’t require German. If not, learn the language and then secure a job before coming here.”

She cautions, “The situation here is not like in other countries wherein you apply for a visit visa, and then try your luck. One advantage of working here is the possibility of applying for permanent residence after five years, then citizenship after 8 years (7 years if you’ve done an integration course).”

Planning to travel to Germany?  Get information from Illustrado’s travel writer on Berlin –

Cecile Smago, Germany

Dentist Cecille Smago recounts, “My husband Carsten who is German, works for a Telecom company so on his international assignment I was always along. We lived in Vienna, then Brazil, Costa Rica and then back to Germany. We are now here for a total of 10 years. I have two sons, one is born in Brazil and one in Germany and it is because of them that I decided to be a full time mother here.”

Cecille shares, “There are a lot of good reasons to live in this country. Generally, Germany is clean and organized and education is free in public schools and universities. Best of all, the economy is in good shape compared to neighboring European countries. Another good thing is that every registered individual is required to have health insurance. If you cannot afford it you can go to social welfare and they will help you.”

She adds, “The segregation of trash here was completely new for me when we arrived here but after awhile it became a routine. When it comes to food, the groceries here are reasonably priced so if you cook every meal, it’s quite cheap to live here. The only downside would be that as a Filipino, we are used to the friendliness and openness of our people and we love to chit chat even for few minutes – whether we are in a bus, in a parlor or market, it doesn’t really matter. But the Germans will take years to warm up.”

Some dos and don’ts in Germany – “Carry your residence card or passport at all times. Be punctual and apologize if you are not. Always remember to use the formal pronoun “Sie” when talking to people unless they tell you otherwise. Shake hands all the time – it’s part of their culture. Learn how to properly recycle. Don’t do drugs. Don’t drink and drive as they treat driving under the influence very seriously. Don’t do the Nazi salute as it is considered a criminal offense. Don’t walk in the bicycle lane.”

“If you don’t have family or friends already living here, then you will have a hard time adjusting, especially if you don’t speak basic German and you chose to live in a small town where nobody can understand you. Plan, research and study everything about the company you want to work for and the town or place you will end up living before deciding to move.”

“Germany is a beautiful country. The only hindrance is that it hasn’t yet recognized the importance of adapting English as a second language. They still have this notion that you have to speak German if you want to live here. All I can say is that if you are young, highly skilled and willing to learn, then Germany will welcome you with open arms.”

UNITED KINGDOM

Precious Baque, London England
Precious came to London almost four years ago. At present, she works as a full time Accountant, while doing fashion styling in her free time.

“Living in England is like driving in the fastest lane, there are so many things to do in so little time,” she remarks. “I like the openness especially in art/fashion. Inspiration is everywhere – from the landscape, to language, to architecture and to people. I love their politeness and open-mindedness here. They are not bothered about your uniqueness at all. Government policies are good, and every citizen is protected.”

“The only thing I don’t like here is the weather. Believe it or not, it has massive impact on your mood and emotion. Out here where it’s always rainy or gloomy you tend to get homesick a lot.”

“If you are interested in moving to the UK, you have to check the government website and see which skills are in demand annually. Keep in mind that England is part of the European Union. A lot of the members of the Union and other neighboring countries also have skilled workers are interested to work here, so the job market is very competitive. But having good qualifications can help you settle.”

Precious advises, “Be confident emotionally and financially. Your salary may look higher than what you get in Philippines but you have to factor in the cost of living here. You must have enough savings to keep you going and to sustain your needs. You also have to adapt quickly, learn the culture, practice the good and analyze the bad. Eventually you’ll learn and practice both cultures, keep your values intact. Make friends and they will be there for you for life – that will help you feel at home.”

She adds, “Be careful of scammers – you have to be alert. It’s a must to know what’s going on around you, from daily news to financial updates. Keep improving your qualifications, education and career. Keep learning, do your homework, research and study before making any drastic decision.“

IRELAND

Ronald Belzena, Donegal, Ireland
Ronald Belzena moved to Ireland in 2005 in a town northwest of the island called Letterkenny, County Donegal. He says “I am mostly living a simple and quiet life away from the stresses of the big city.”

“Irish people are generally friendly. They have the same extended family culture as Filipinos. There are a few things I do not like here, the cost of living is not as cheap, but at least not the most expensive in Europe. The healthcare system is not reliable and it’s hard to get specialists or it would take months before you can consult one. Since Ireland is not a part of the Schengen area, work visa holders are also not allowed to travel around Europe without a Schengen tourist visa.”
“The only way to move here is to get a work permit/work visa. Spouse and children can also secure visas tied to the work visa. However, a spouse is not allowed to work unless a separate work visa is granted. After five years of employment, one may apply for citizenship. For now, applications only require filling up a form with personal and work employment details. There are no examinations in place yet. Processing could take a year to complete and once done, the spouse and children can also apply for it.”  Ronald advises,

“Be friendly with the locals as they would be well-suited to give you advice about your community. Meet up with the Filipinos. It’s the best way to cure homesickness and they would most likely give a helping hand if needed. Also, make an effort to understand Irish history (Catholics and Protestants troubles), so you understand what could be deemed offensive. Do not be sensitive with remarks from locals, especially when out socially. Irish people love the banter and it only means they are comfortable around you when they say funny remarks about you.”

“Even though it’s not cheap to live here, try and enjoy as much of the surroundings. Go to scenic places and enjoy hikes, especially since there are no big shopping malls in the countryside. There’s so much to appreciate in this place and you do not have to spend much, even though you may have to get your own car and learn to drive to get around. Ireland is a wonderful place to settle with the family, so it’s worth taking the risk.”

SINGAPORE

Ahmed Shawbaki, Singapore
Ahmed moved to Singapore almost four years ago by invitation of his company. “My role takes care of building, developing, maintaining regional/global customer relationship for APAC. If I were to describe my life here in one word, it’ll be – convenient. Getting around is easy. Singapore is quite small, transportation infrastructure is fantastic, traffic jams – in the Filipino sense – is almost non-existent. There are as much food centers (hawkers/coffee shops as they call it here) as we have sari-sari stores at home, and everything can be done online – even paying your taxes. Everything here is efficient and organized; in 15 minutes you can register your business online and start operations.”

Ahmed also enjoys the safe environment offered by the Lion City, “A friend told me before that you can run alone in a dark street at 3AM in the morning holding/flaunting gold bars in both hands and nothing will happen to you. I would say that that is an accurate, albeit slightly exaggerated, statement about Singapore’s public safety.”

“Filipinos who work here, depending on their Visa type and with some exclusions, can eventually apply for permanent residency and then citizenship here,” he reveals. He cautions, however,

“Do your research and be wary of the rules and regulations they have (they have a lot) from traffic to immigration and try not to break any of them. Be mindful of what you say about your host country, especially when it is something negative. That is not to say that one cannot voice out opinions, however, it is rarely what we say, but how we say it. So keep in mind that you are guests, and act accordingly.

I go by a rule that I read somewhere and this applies to anything that you say or write. Before speaking or hitting the send button, ask yourself if whatever you’re about to say or write might end up as tomorrow’s headline news.”

Traveling to Singapore? Get info from a Pinoy Singapore resident here –

THAILAND

Gibran Tocao, Bangkok Thailand
Gibran has been in and out of Bangkok since his early teenage years, now he’s helping his family run a perishable goods export business. Gibran shares, “Thailand is known for the food, good vibes, and its full moon parties and red light districts that gather tourists from all over the world. But what I like about Thailand is that it’s relatively safe and cheap to live here. Generally people are very lighthearted, though most of the locals do not understand English.”

“For Filipinos, no visa is required. They give you a month for tourism purposes. If you’re a woman and marry a local, citizenship is possible. If you’re a guy, probably wait till you are 60. You can be an English teacher, a nurse or be a staff at a hotel. It will be ASEAN next year so no visa stay restrictions.”  Gibran advises,

“Do save up money. You can have a pretty decent lifestyle here with cheap food, clothing and accommodations. I’ve seen a lot of Pinoys get stuck here because they didn’t manage their money well and eventually they try pawning their passports. Always save.” He adds, “If you have a degree with some units related to education, English teachers have the highest paying jobs here.”

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

April Perez – Dubai
April Perez works for Sony Music Middle East, she came to Dubai in March of 2008 on Tourist visa. “I got hired by Sony Electronics as a Vaio Specialist a few weeks right after I came to Dubai.

There are plenty of opportunities in the emirates in general, and although it’s a Muslim country, I like how it is very open and tolerant of other cultures. We have every kind of nationality and religion here, living side by side peacefully. As long as you don’t bother anyone, you keep a decent job and stick to the rules, you won’t have a problem. There are also so many Filipinos here so you won’t have a hard time adjusting.”

She adds, “The heat during the summer is something that takes adjustment though, but you will eventually get used to it. Working with people from different backgrounds i.e Arabs, Indians, Europeans can be a challenge so you need to patient. Otherwise, we all enjoy the tax-free salary!”

April advises, “Be careful about your finances. In Dubai it’s very tempting because everywhere you go, there’s always a sale. If you get carried away with your credit card and your finances get out of hand, you will eventually end up with nothing. Be mindful and respectful of the rules, Dubai is a very modern open city, but you got to learn to respect the culture of your host country and remember at the end of the day you are still their guest. Also, be open to opportunities, don’t put limitations on yourself and be open to working your way up. Enjoy the many benefits that your host country has to offer.”

PERU

Kach Medina – Arequipa, Peru
Kach Medina used to live and work in Kuwait (4 years), Kurdistan, Iraq (5 months) and Hanoi, Vietnam (7 months), and has now been living in Arequipa, Peruf for the last 7 months. “We arrived as a tourist looking for a great place to live as expats and luckily someone helped us with the relocation and visa issues. We teach English and recently just started our Yoga and Ayurveda Massage business.”

“Peru is known for a lot of tourist destinations but not a place to live as an expat. Here, we have great options for food, the house rent is relatively cheap and there’s a lot of income generating opportunities. Who wouldn’t love living in Peru?”

Kach shares, “It’s on the immigration website that we Filipinos can get 183 days tourist visa on arrival. If you want to volunteer or study Spanish, you can use the same visa but if you decide to work, then you have to process your work visa – your employer should process it for you and while processing it you can remain on a tourist visa for as long as you won’t do illegal stuff like overstaying!”

She continues, “Never overstay. Adapt and be flexible. Learn how to speak Spanish then everything will be alright. This place is beautiful and if you’re looking for a real change in scenery and a different kind of lifestyle or adventure, Peru and Latin America is something to think about. If you need more information on our stay in Peru, check us out at – www.twomonkeystravelgroup.com

Visit other exotic travel destinations through the eyes of other Filipino travelers

The post Filipinos Abroad: A Filipino Expat Guide to Settling Abroad appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Home is where you heart is. For Cecille Basco-Östlund, this couldn’t be truer as she found not only a home, but a lifelong love in Sweden.

City:

Stockholm, Sweden

Since when have you been staying there?  Can you recount briefly why you moved there?

I have been living, for a year now, in Stockholm and in Sweden since 2007.  I work for a Swedish multinational company.  I started with them in the Philippines in 2000 and was assigned to Shanghai for three years in 2004.  After China, a job in Gothenburg, Sweden seemed like a good next step for me, so I relocated.  Three years on in that post, I moved to the company’s headquarters in Stockholm.  It’s easy to think that all the moving was because of the job, but the truth is I am in Stockholm because this is where I found love.  All the steps that I took to get here were simply following a greater plan.

In 2005 while in Shanghai, I met a Stockholm-based Swedish guy online. We did not think we would ever meet in person and I had no idea that my next assignment would be in Sweden.  As fate would have it, we did meet when I was in Gothenburg for interviews, 14 months after we started talking online. For three years, we commuted between Gothenburg and Stockholm, a 500 kilometer and 3-hour train distance, to see each other.  In November 2010, in front of families and friends, we got married in Manila.

Tell us about your host city/country

Stockholm is a beautiful city.  Spring and summer are fantastic. They make up for the darkness and coldness of winter.  You can easily see the effects the weather has on people.  During the winter, people tend to keep to themselves staying mostly indoors, lighting lots of candles to make their homes cozy.  As soon as you can wear flip-flops again (for some who can’t wait, this happens even if the temperature is just above 10 degrees Celsius) the atmosphere changes to one that is festive.  The restaurants start putting tables outside and people gather with friends and families where they can expose themselves to as much sunshine as possible.

The most famous landmark in Stockholm is probably the city hall which faces Lake Mälaren.  This is also where the Nobel Prizes are awarded every 10^th of December (all Nobel prizes are awarded in Stockholm, except for the peace prize which is awarded in Oslo, Norway).  My favorite place in Stockholm is the old town or “Gamla Stan.” I can spend hours sitting on a bench in the town square simply admiring the old buildings around and watching people passing by.

What do you there do for a living?

I work for SCA (Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget) as head of Group Business Control.  SCA is a hygiene, forest and packaging company operating globally and employing some 45,000 people. I am proud of working for SCA because sustainability and care for people and the environment are integrated into how it operates.

Is there a Filipino community there?

There are a few organizations listed at the Philippine Embassy in Stockholm website, but I have not been able to participate in any of them yet.  There are about 13,000 Filipinos living in the whole of Sweden.

I think Asians in general are treated well here.  The country’s society is based on people working and I think Asians are perceived to have good work ethics.  Some people also think that Asians assimilate relatively easier.
Many Swedes are not very familiar with the Philippines.  If I ask someone new what they know of the Philippines, they would say “not much except Imelda’s shoes and the eruption of Mount Pinatubo.”  That’s my cue to talk about our beautiful beaches and the warmth and friendliness of Filipinos.

Tell us about your life there.

Moving to a new country is always a challenge as you learn how things work.  Settling in Sweden was relatively easier for me compared to how I did in China mainly because of the language.  Swedes speak English very well so asking for directions, eating out, locating things or shopping is fairly straightforward.  The flipside of that is that my spoken Swedish has not really progressed as I would have wished, as it is always so easy to switch to English.

My husband and I like to travel and in the years that I have been in Sweden, we have managed to visit a lot of different places both in Scandinavia and in continental Europe.  If we usually don’t fly into city break locations; we like to take the car and go on road trips.

The traffic situation is different from how it is in Manila.  I remember a taxi ride from the airport on my first time here.  The driver warned me that it was rush hour, so I was mentally prepared for heavy traffic on the motorway.  After a while, and as we continued to drive as fast as the speed limit allowed, I asked the driver about the rush hour.  He pointed to the other vehicles and said that if it was not rush hour, there would hardly be any other vehicle on the road.

I also appreciate that a lot of information can be found online.  Whatever you want to do, chances are, you can do a large part of planning via the Internet.  Once, I typed in my name on a people finder website and saw that not only were my address with a map and a street view photo of my living room window displayed, but also my phone numbers and my birthday for everyone to see.  I was so spooked that I immediately called my then boyfriend.  He said, “Welcome to Sweden!”

What I still find difficult though, is adjusting to the darkness during winter.  I have learned to cope with the cold by dressing appropriately, but the short daytime for an extended period is tough.   On the other hand, when it is so sunny, the Filipino in me wants to walk around under an umbrella.  Swedes don’t do this and they think it’s strange when I always try to find shade under which I could sit.

What cultural practices/behaviors have you acquired from your host country?  Do you still observe Filipino customs and traditions?

My in-laws practice a lot of traditions.  Herring is a big thing in Sweden and you will find it on the table in a lot of occasions; whether it is mid-summer or Christmas.  Easter is celebrated by exchanging colorfully decorated Easter eggs filled with candies and other goodies.  Real spruce trees are decorated for Christmas.

I have learned to eat and like traditional Swedish food; some of which you eat with lingon berries.  Thursday is pea soup and pancake day.  Most restaurants serve these for lunch. You start with a bowl of pea soup and then you finish with some pancakes topped with whipped cream and strawberry jam.

For our wedding, while we had a traditional Catholic ceremony, we also combined some Swedish traditions.  My husband’s whole family did the pamamanhikan, bringing gifts to my family and had lunch at our home a few days before the wedding.  On the other hand, we also practiced the Swedish tradition of “morgon gåva” or morning gift where the groom presents a gift to the bride the morning after their wedding.

There are two things though that I have refused to adapt to at home: square pillows and eating with a fork and knife. The Swedes use square pillows which I can never get used to.  I also eat with a spoon and fork at home and with knife and fork elsewhere.  It amazes my husband how I can cut my food with my spoon and fork.

Your message to Filipinos across the globe –

It is not easy to be far away from home. Still, regardless of what brought you to where you are now, I believe that it is an opportunity to enjoy life, to learn and to grow.  It is our humanity, not our nationality, which matters when we reach out to people and find the special connections and build relationships that will last a lifetime.

Each place I have lived in has become a part of me.  My experiences have shaped the kind of Filipino I am today.  I am proud of my heritage but I am also here looking out for opportunities to make myself a better person everyday.

Thank you for reading snippets of my life in Stockholm.  I hope that you are having a good Pinoy life wherever in the world you are.

Related Articles:

My Pinoy Life in Denmark

See how Filipinos are living in other countries across the globe.

The post Filipino in Sweden: My Pinoy Life in Stockholm appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Filipinos in Denmark: My Pinoy Life in Copenhagen

CHRISTINA APARENTE

 Your City: Copenhagen, Denmark

Since when have you been living there? Can you recount briefly why you moved there?

Before moving to Denmark in July 2007, I lived as a nurse in London for eight years. At that time, I was in a relationship with my Danish boyfriend – now husband, Michael – who I met while on a holiday in Boracay. We maintained a long distance relationship for a time, as he was still living in Copenhagen. We finally tied the knot in 2005. As soon as that had sunk in, we both knew it was only a matter of time until one of us had to move, and off to Denmark I went!

Tell us something about your host city/country.

Denmark is home to Hans Christian Andersen, who authored the classic, “The Little Mermaid.” The statue of Denmark’s “Beloved Daughter” stands in the harbor of Copenhagen and is not only the most famous attraction in the country’s capital but also now the national landmark.

Historically, the Danes came from a line of some of the most fearsome Viking sailors of the pre-medieval ages. With its rich history, Copenhagen has retained the grandeur of its fine olden day architectural structures dating back to the reign of the monarchs.

Today, Denmark has a population of approximately 5 million. Bicycles are favored over buses, trains and subway systems as a means of public transportation. Denmark experiences cool summers and mild-to-moderate winters. Recently though, heavy winters have been common, with temperatures as low as -20 degrees in some parts of the country.

Coupled with a beautiful harbor, Copenhagen’s places of interest include the long, cobble-stoned pedestrian shopping street called Strøget, which is a huge treat for shoppers during Christmas season. Copenhagen is also famous for its amusement park, Tivoli, which is located at the heart of the city. One of the oldest of its kind, Tivoli inspired Walt Disney, shaping his vision for what was later to become Disneyland. While in town, must-try delicacies include Danish pastries, bacon, Lurpak butter and yes, the famous, Carlsberg beer.

What do you do for a living?

Since moving, I have been working as a full time surgical nurse at Rigs Hospital, one of the largest medical facilities in the country. There are not many Filipinos working here – you could probably count them with your fingers – and there are not much foreigners either. Elsewhere, however, is another matter entirely.

Is there a Filipino community there?

There are about 8,000 Filipinos in Denmark, along with a few organizations that cater to them. One of the biggest, the FAD (Filipino Association in DK), spearheads annual events like the Barrio Fiesta, which provides wholesome entertainment, food stalls featuring Filipino delicacies, and fun activities for all ages. They also organize Philippine Independence day celebration parties every year. I join the activities once in a while, when my schedule permits.

Tell us about your life there.

I could best describe my life in Denmark as a bittersweet chocolate bar; it has its moments, as well as its drawbacks. Starting out and getting over the language barrier, for one, was a struggle. It’s no surprise that landing a job was problem for me, too. Imagine attempting to immerse yourself with people who speak a language totally different from yours. One should be mentally prepared for the battle before entering the country. It is probably one of the most difficult languages in the world to learn! Most of my classmates in the language school said so (they come from all over the world). Them of course, there’s the problem of landing a job due to the language barrier. Mind you, it will take years for one to become fluent. Four years maybe is acceptable for the gifted ones. It’s really tough!

I started working after my first year of learning the language. I had a probationary job at one of the hospitals in the city. I took the plunge, thinking that it would give me the advantage of assimilating into the society faster. It did help, but it also meant being put under an enormous amount of stress. I was totally out of my comfort zone, away from good old English-speaking London. Now that’s definitely something I never thought I could do – all in the name of love.

Living in London before moving to DK gave me an edge when it came to adjusting to the Danish system and culture. Keeping an open mind and being patient and understanding helped me cope. It may have taken me three and a half years to accomplish, but I have finally settled.

Life here is a bit more laid-back than it is in London. It’s cozier, cleaner and the crime rate is much lower too. What I like most about this place is being able to cycle or walk back home after a night out with friends – I don’t have to worry about someone mugging me on the streets.

During spring and summertime, I love going out on fishing trips and cycling around the city and the outskirts with my friends. We visit a lot of beautiful beaches too, but the frigid water temperatures keep me from swimming. I also enjoy going to bars with my friends in the evenings, and spending some “me-time” at fitness clubs. Sometimes I go and visit my Filipino friends to cook Filipino food and sing karaoke.

I am also interested in traveling. I love touring around Europe and America, and I’d love to visit countries I haven’t gone to yet. We have six weeks of vacation here in Denmark, too. What’s there not to love?

I have also discovered my latest passion, diving – though I’m not too keen on diving in the icy waters of Scandinavia. I’m already looking forward to my next planned vacation in Florida this August. I’m also looking forward to my Philippine dive this Christmas. I’ll be able to see my family and embrace the Philippine seas once more. There is definitely no place like home!

What cultural practices/behaviors have you acquired from your host country?

I became a staunch abider of traffic regulations. I found myself steering clear of the occasional slip-up – hitting the accelerator on a red light, especially when there are no cars at all. I have also taken to drinking beer with my meals. It’s the Coke to our Filipino dishes. I quite like it. I have also learned to pay back every single penny owed – even if it’s just one Peso. Nothing, no matter how small, should be ignored.

Despite being surrounded by the Danish community, we still preserve important Filipino customs here like the proper observation of Lent and Easter, and Sunday Mass attendance. In keeping with the close-knit relationships Filipinos share with their families, I stay in touch with my relatives in Manila and General Santos City through phone and email.

Your message/greeting to Filipinos across the globe –

I would like to congratulate those Filipinos who survived the initial difficulties of settling in a new country. You all deserve a pat on the back for not considering quitting an option.On the other hand, for those of you starting out, don’t scare yourselves too much. If anything, I believe that people of different nations, regardless of color, creed and language can live together peacefully through shared compassion and understanding.

Related Articles

My Pinoy Life in Japan

See how Filipinos are living in other countries across the globe.

The post Filipinos in Denmark: My Pinoy Life in Copenhagen appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

By Rav De Castro

Filipinos love their food. We are always proud to say that our favorite dish is our mom’s adobo, or our lola’s sinigang.

Filipinos also love showing off their food. Whenever a visitor from another country pays our home a visit, we make sure that we let them savor our most prided dishes: be it kare-kare, dinuguan, pancit, or lumpia. And of course, it will not be a real Filipino feast without the lechon.

Filipinos abroad are known to squeal in delight whenever they discover an Asian grocery in their neighborhood, because finally, they can cook in their home away from home their favorite Filipino dish. Nothing beats homesickness better than a steaming plate of rice and a bowl of your favorite ulam.

But despite the sheer number of Filipinos scattered all around the world, Filipino cuisine seems to take the backseat in the international food scene. While our Southeast Asian neighbors continue to gain popularity with their pad thai’s and their pho’s, we have yet to bring our beloved adobo to the center stage.

This is exactly what prompted John Carasig to join MasterChef Australia, a popular and well-loved TV program that features amateur home cooks competing for the title, each with his or her own food dream. And for John, his food dream is to finally bring Filipino cuisine to the limelight.

“My vision is to modernize our cuisine, but at the same time, respect its history and allow the flavors to come through—like it did the classic way,” John says.

A Filipino-born home cook who migrated with his family to Australia when he was a kid, John was a contestant in the 7^th season of MasterChef Australia. He was known for creating Filipino dishes with a twist, and has wowed both the show’s judges and viewers with his creative take on Filipino food.

One of his signature MasterChef dishes is “Cheese and Crackers,” a dessert made of blue cheese ice cream, goat’s cheese ice cream with spiced poached pear, Botrytis Semillon caviar and a butter pecan tuille. Essentially, this is his version of his favorite ice cream flavor back when he was a kid in the Philippines—cheese. Cheese is not a very common ice-cream flavor in Australia, and in this dish, he showcased the palatable dance between his two cultural backgrounds, Filipino and Australian.

John gets a lot of inspiration from his travels abroad. Being a flight attendant, he has sampled many different cuisines from many parts of the globe, and for him, Filipino food has what it takes to delight diners all over the world, if given the right treatment. In MasterChef, he has learned restraint of technique and respect for ingredients.

In one of the episodes, he was criticized for over-complicating his dishes, and using too many elements. But for him, having a myriad of culinary experiences sometimes made it a challenge for him to translate his vision in one simple plate. John is full of flavor, and he is rarely apologetic for it. Just like Filipino food, he could be appallingly spicy at first, then delightfully savory towards the end—just like our favorite Bicol express.

A lot of people named John as one of their favorites in the show, and this lot includes not only Filipinos. He became known as a top contender, and in one of the show’s team challenges, John’s team’s winning dish, Roast Chicken with Prosecco and Grape Jus, was touted by the judges as the “best chicken in MasterChef history.”

Although John may have cooked some of the best dishes in the show, and presented the judges with Filipino food done with a modern aplomb, he faltered somewhere along the way, and got eliminated. He was in MasterChef Australia’s Top 13, and he exited with memorable dishes that introduced Filipino dishes to the Australian palate.

In one episode, he came up with a modern and classy rendition of our beloved halo-halo, and the judges were amazed by the dish’s novelty and its surprising symphony—they never thought that a mixture of milk, ice and fruits could create such a lovely dessert. His halo-halo may look different from our regular halo-halo served in a tall glass, but its exciting and refreshing flavors were there. John used milk granita with sweet cannellini beans, poached pear, peanut brittle, crème caramel, and soft meringue to recreate the unofficial Filipino national dessert.

He also did not hold back, and brought a new version of our adobo to the table. Adding a very Asian coconut rice on the side, it instantly became a favorite among the judges.

Now that he is out of the MasterChef Kitchen, John decided that he will continue pursuing his food dream. He has started a pop-up venture called Adobo Kitchen, an online-based food business where he creates his version of Filipino food that he loves, including ice cream with flavors that we Filipinos consider ‘normal,’ but Australians and the rest of the world would call ‘exotic,’ such as avocado, coconut, ube, and of course, cheese.

Adobo Kitchen will be mainly distributed in Australia where he is based, but since he is also traveling a lot, and has made many friends in Dubai, he is planning to do a pop-up event here in 2016. John’s Adobo Kitchen is his personal take on Filipino food with a modern twist, a great way to introduce the pomp of Filipino flavors to the global culinary community.

John is grateful to become part of MasterChef Australia, and he considers this as a truly amazing experience, not only for himself, but for Filipino food as well. It is about time that someone with a Filipino heritage show Australians and the rest of the world what our dining tables are made of; we Filipinos cook with much flavor, much hominess, much heart.

“The television is an amazing thing, and editors can pull out things and make a story or drama out of any scenario,” John shares. Indeed, it was.  And finally, the world has seen that Filipino food is more than our different versions of adobo, or our sauce-based iterations of the Spanish-born afritada. Filipino food has all the drama and the colorful story that could get any discerning diner hooked.

Sure, there are many Filipino restaurants that pepper many cities around the world where there is a Filipino community present. But the wide reach of the television is an effective way to let the world know about our beloved cuisine. Hopefully, John’s version of adobo and halo-halo is appealing enough for the rest of the world that people will also start craving it. And when there are more Pinoy restaurants in the world, the less homesick we become. Because after all, home is where our favorite food is.

The post Mastering the Filipino Flavor: MasterChef Australia’s John Carasig appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Photos by Eros Goze

Filipino Culture showcased at prestigious Terno Ball in Dubai

Illustrado, under the patronage of the Diplomatic Ladies of the Philippine Consulate General together with the Ladies of the Filipino Community in the UAE hosted a unique and prestigious showcase of Filipino culture in the United Arab Emirates for a select group of VIPs.

The Terno Ball, attended by some 300 diplomatic dignitaries, as well as leading community figures, was held on the 7^th of November at The Atlantis Hotel – The Palm Jumeirah.  A highlight of the event is the “Rigodon de Honor” – a traditional Filipino-Spanish quadrille folk dance, performed by select Philippine Consulate General staff members.  Dancers from the United International Private School and the Filipino Dancesport Social Club performed folk dances “Sayaw sa Bangko” and “Tinikling.”  Filipino fashion designers, including Michael Cinco, Ezra Santos, Jimi Buenconsejo, Bandoix Flores, Carla Fuentes, Alberr Fontanilla, Bambi Alcantara and Nelson Buhain, also showcased one-of-a-kind Filipiniana-inspired couture gowns.

According to Mrs. Lucila Cimafranca, wife of Philippine Consul General Frank Cimafranca and main patron of the event, “It is our hope that through this event, we will able to share and champion the magnificent beauty of the Filipino culture on the world stage. Many Filipinos have experienced great triumph in the UAE. This momentous gathering is an opportunity to pay tribute to these trailblazing kabayans, and also a chance for us to show our gratitude to the country and community that has been a truly gracious and generous host to the Filipino people.”

The event is sponsored by BMW, Ghena Tourism, Ayala Land International, Al Saif Group of Companies, The Farm at San Benito, Ariel Weddings and Rotana Hotel.

Special thanks to: MODELS:  Ann Llagas, Glacy Marano, Benedickte Namia-Gamelgaard and FLC Models and Events; HAIR & MAKE-UP TEAM:  Jhoana Nelissen, Yhence Sioting, Maricel and Bobby Caparas.

The post Filipino Dubai: The First Terno Ball in the UAE appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Filipinos in the UAE, like any other foreigners are subject to the provisions of Federal Law No 6 of 1973 on Entry and Residence of Foreigners as amended.

The General Directorate of Naturalization and Residency (GDNR) is the authority responsible for the issuance, renewal and cancellation of entry permissions and visas pursuant to the rules and instructions issued by the Ministry of Interior.

Residence Permits

There are 2 major types of residence permits:
a. For employment – under the (1) government, federal, public sector, international bodies and corporations, (2) private sector as a worker, employer
or employee and (3) individuals as professionals, domestic servants and the like; and
b. For residence without employment – granted to those who will (1) join his family, (2) enroll in a university, college or institute, and (3) join a training or specialty course in one of the public corporations or entities.
The holder of residence permit shall be authorized to reside in the UAE during the granted period, and shall, upon the expiry of or earlier cancellation of the permit, leave UAE within a maximum period of thirty days.
The residence permit shall be deemed cancelled if the holder stays outside the UAE for more than six months.
Visit visa holders are not allowed to work anywhere in the UAE with or without payment or for his own as employer. If the visa is issued for employment, the holder cannot work for another without the written consent of the GDNR.

 Deportation

A foreigner who has no expired or cancelled residence visa shall be deported at his own expense by an order of the GDNR. However, the Ministry of Interior may issue an administrative order for deportation of any foreigner, even if the foreigner has a residence visa, in the following cases:
a. if he has been convicted and the court has issued an order for his deportation;
b. if he has no apparent means of living; and
c. if the security authorities see that deportation is dictated by public interest, security or morals.
The order of deportation issued to a foreigner may include the members of his family who are under his sponsorship. If the foreigner against whom a deportation order has been issued has interests in the UAE which require to be settled, he can be granted respite to settle such interests after providing an acceptable sponsorship provided that such respite will not exceed three months.

Blacklist

The Blacklist contains the names of individuals prohibited from entering or leaving the UAE for committing a crime, for claims of civil rights against them or for posing a threat to public security. According to Article 94 of the Executive Regulations of Federal Law No 6 of 1973 as amended by Ministerial Decree No 83 of 2002, the following are prohibited from entering the UAE:
1. Those who have previously committed crimes and a deportation order from the UAE has been issued against them by the competent court;
2. Those who were deported according to administrative orders issued by the Ministry of Interior;
3. Those whose activities were reported by the International Criminal Cooperation Administration;
4. Those who were proved to be have HIV or AIDS or other diseases that the Ministry of Health deems to be threat to public health; and
5. Those who were deported from GCC countries on criminal grounds.

The same article provides the list of individuals who are prohibited from leaving the UAE:

1. A person against whom an order has been issued by the Public Prosecutor or a representative thereof in a case under investigation;
2. A person against whom a written order has been issued in a case by a competent court; and
3. A person who is indebted to the government and a prohibition order has been issued by the Minister of Interior or his representative.
In addition to the blacklist, there is also an Administrative List which contains the names of individuals prohibited to enter UAE due to cancellation of their residence permits and those who cannot leave the country and are to be apprehended due to an absconding case filed by their sponsors.

 UAE Immigration: Visa, Deportation, Blacklist & Appeals

Penalties and Fines

A foreigner against whom a deportation order has been issued may be held in custody for a period not exceeding two weeks wherever such custody is essential for the execution of the deportation order.
In Dubai, holders of expired or cancelled residence visa is subject to AED100 fine (after the 30-day grace period) plus AED25/ day of overstay. Holders of expired tourist visa is subject to AED100 fine plus AED100/ day of overstay.
Failure to pay the fine will mean jail term for a maximum of three months and the courts may likewise order deportation after serving jail term.

Overturning Deportation Orders
A person who has been deported may not return to UAE unless a special permission is secured from the Ministry of Interior. The mechanism to overturn an order of deportation varies as to the cause of such deportation:
• An amnesty law issued for the crime committed by the deportee or a pardon decree issued for the crime will allow the deportee to return to the country
• Legal rehabilitation • A court decision passed for the deportee

Check out our video on the UAE Law – UAE Code of Conduct, Black Lists and Debt-Related Issues

Common questions regarding visa, immigration, deportation, blacklist and appeals –

The General Directorate of Naturalization and Residency (GDNR) is the authority responsible for the issuance, renewal and cancellation of entry permissions and visas pursuant to the provisions of Federal Law No 6 of 1973 on Entry and Residence of Foreigners as well as the rules and instructions issued by the Ministry of Interior.

Who are deemed foreigners? Is dual citizenship recognized in the UAE?

Any person who is not a citizen of UAE is considered a foreigner subject to the immigration laws of the country. The UAE does not recognize dual citizenship. If you are a dual citizen, you must present the same passport in entering and exiting the country.

If a Filipina marries an Emirati, will she automatically become a citizen of UAE?

No. She is required to renounce her Philippine citizenship and apply for Emirati citizenship. Children with Filipino mother and Emirati father can acquire Emirati citizenship.

What are the types of entry permissions to UAE? If issued in Dubai, can it be used in Abu Dhabi?

The GDNR issues visit/tourist visas, residence visa for employment and residence visas without employment (such as those sponsored by their family).

The entry permits/visas, regardless of place of issuance, is valid in any emirate.

Can I work under a visit visa?

No. A visit visa will not allow you to work, whether paid or not. Even if you are self-employed, you are not allowed to perform any work on a visit visa.

If your visa is issued for employment, you cannot work for another without the written consent of the GDNR.

Can a visa be cancelled without notification to the holder? Can I be deported even if my visa is still valid? 

The Ministry of Interior can cancel a visa/entry permit at any time, even prior to expiry date for reasons of public interest.

As a general rule, only those who have no, expired or cancelled visa are deported. However, the Ministry of Interior may issue an order for deportation of any foreigner, even if he holds a valid visa, in the following cases:

1. if he has been convicted and the court has issued an order for his deportation;
2. if he has no apparent means of living; and
3. if the security authorities see that deportation is dictated by public interest, security or morals.

What are the rules being observed by the UAE Immigration regarding a foreigner’s passport?

The passport must conform to the following in order for its holder to enter UAE:

• must have a validity of not less than 6 months
• no manipulation of photo
• no removal or alteration in the particulars
• no apparent damage that prejudices the particulars
• no irregularities in pagination/page numbers/missing/pulled pages

If the grace period (following the visa cancellation) has lapsed, can I just pay the overstay fine while waiting for my new visa?

You can pay the overstay fine as long as your previous sponsor has not yet filed an absconding case against you. Your sponsor has the right to report you as an absconder if you failed to leave the country or get a new visa after the lapse of your grace period following cancellation. Even if you are willing to pay your overstay fine, the Immigration will still require you to clear your absconding case.

Can my employer file an absconding case against me if I’m not in the country?

As a general rule, an absconding case can only be filed if the employee is inside the UAE. However, your employer can file an absconding case against you and cancel your visa if you are out of the country for more than 3 months.

What is an exit prohibition order?

It contains the list of individuals who are prohibited from leaving the UAE due to:

• an order has been issued by the Public Prosecutor in a case under investigation;
• a written order has been issued in a case by a competent court; or
• indebtedness

If I have a pending Police Case, can my visa application be granted?

It depends where you are at the time of application. If you are in the UAE, your visa application will be denied unless you will be able to clear your case. If your visa application is being processed while you are outside UAE (meaning a case has been filed against you after you left UAE), then your visa will still be approved as the government is interested to acquire jurisdiction over your person and proceed with the case when you enter UAE.

Is it true that those who were deported can return to UAE after a year?

The automatic removal from the blacklist has limited application. Only the following can re-enter the country one year following their deportation: (1) domestic helpers whose visas were cancelled prior to expiry of contract; (2) those deported for overstaying and (3) those who did not pay their overstay fine in full.

Those deported for other reasons can return to UAE by appealing their cases before the Immigration, Prosecutor or the courts.

Is it legal to buy a visa? How can I legally stay in the country if I do not have a sponsor?

Buying of visa is illegal. The easiest and most practical way to have your own visa is to create your own company that will sponsor your residence visa.

You will not need to lease an office space or find a local sponsor. You can even split the cost of setting up a freezone company with your friends as all of you can become shareholders and at the same time be sponsored by your own company. A freezone company can provide you up to 3 visas valid for 3 years for only AED35,000. If you have more friends who wants to become shareholders, you can setup a company with up to 6 visas for only AED45,000.

Related article:

 How you can avoid a Debt-Sentence in the UAE 

Most common legal problems in the UAE and how to solve them

Check out other resources:

UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

_______________

ATTY BARNEY ALMAZAR

Multi-awarded advocate Atty. Barney is a partner at Gulf Law in the Middle East, Philippines and United Kingdom. He holds Juris Doctor and MBA dual degrees with concentration on International Business and European Union Law (University of London). He is a partner at Avanti Gulf, a recruitment company with access to 400 firms and 16,000 recruiters across six continents.  For more information, visit www.gulflaw.info or call 971 4 444 94 04 . You may also write to Atty. Almazar at barney@gufllaw.info

Read about more about Atty Barney Almazar in Illustrado’s 100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

The post UAE Immigration: Visa, Deportation, Blacklist & Appeals appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Angel Jerlin Balais

Since when have you been staying there? Can you recount briefly why you moved there?

I came to Thailand in 2005 to join volunteers assisting programs for migrants and refugees at the Thai-Myanmar border. At that time, I was working as Educational Assistance Program Coordinator in Families and Children for Empowerment and Development (FCED) and a basic literacy educator in Tahanan Sta. Luisa, a drop-in center for young street girls below 18. I was also studying in U.P. Diliman, graduate program for a second degree in Social Work. The volunteer work opportunity was so difficult to ignore. So with support from my family who are also attached to community service, I flew to Thailand. In the first 3 months of my stay, I had been immersed in different settings, dealing with different issues in Southern and Northern Provinces of the Land of Smiles – as a replacement teacher in a school in Phattalung; to distribute relief goods for Burmese victims of Tsunami in Krabi, Phuket and Phang Nga; organize a learning center for the children of Burmese migrants in Mae Sot; visit refugee camps in Mae Ramat and also to reach-out to the stateless people, and Kareni tribes, in faraway, nameless mountains along the borders of Thailand. It was a life-changing experience indeed.

Tell us something about your place?

South of Thailand, Songkhla province’s main city Hat Yai, hosts the third largest reclining Buddha in the country.  It is also known as the capital shopping area in the South where they have the Talat Paet Thai (Asian Trade Market) open every Thursday to Weekends. Songkhla city however is far from the busy life in Hatyai. My city is located beside two wonderful beaches- the Samila Beach where the famous Golden Mermaid is, and the Chalatat beach famous to locals for water sports and family picnics. Here you can have a clear view of the Cat and Mouse Islands or rent a boat to explore them. A kilometre walk from Samila Beach, you can go to the Tangkuan Hill where there is a temple and you can have the amazing 360 degrees view of Songkhla. This hill is also known as the ‘Monkey Hill’ because troops of monkeys roam around the area freely.  Songkhla Aquarium was recently opened to educate the community and tourists about the marine habitats and resources of the province. Near Songkhla Aquarium is the ‘Great Nag’, somewhat like the Merlion of Singapore but this one has a head of a Dragon. The town is clean and green, people are friendly and this is where most tourists settle because it is where the embassies, oil companies, universities, government offices and naval base are.

Thailand is my second home, and it has a lot in common with the Philippines – the things, food, weather and places look similar, except that there are certain elements that make them distinctively Thai. I also like their many festivals which run throughout the year.

What do you do for a living?

I am an educator and liaison officer at the Fairview International School. Like the five other Fairview International Schools in Malaysia which boast 30 years of experience in international education, our school here in Thailand has produced excellent results. I have a great team of super teachers and staff in which more than half of them, I am very proud to say, are Filipinos.

Is there a Filipino community there?

Filipinos are everywhere! In Thailand, the biggest percentage of OFs is in the field of education. Then there are those who are excelling in engineering, those who work for call centres in Bangkok, and managers in hotels and resorts in different parts of the country. We have the Organization of Filipino Educators/Expatriates in the South of Thailand (OFEST) which helps support and deal with Filipino community issues in this side of the country together with the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok.

Tell us about your life there? 

More than five years away from the Philippines and travelling across borders, seeing the reality of other’s lives, living with the amazing locals-my life is an open journal of learning, celebration, adventures and misadventures.

In my busy schedule, I still get homesick once in a while. Good thing we’re just five minutes away from Chalatat beach. I’d often draw, paint, write poems, do my photo walk sessions, read books, meditate and on stressful times, I’d shout crazily at the strong waves with my friends while we’re having our own luau party in its vast sands. The quiet waters of the Thailand Gulf has become our safe place, our sanctuary.

When we want to get posh, half-an-hour ride from our place would bring you to the city of Hatyai where all the hotels, shopping malls, restaurants and bars are. Our favorite hang-out is a bar which is managed by a kabayan who also happens to be the lead vocalist of the live band there. Within the Filipino community, we celebrate birthdays, and other occasions. Filipinos also meet in Catholic and Christian churches in the city.

What cultural practices/behaviors have you acquired from your host country?

If there is one thing, that would be ‘jai yen yen’ (keep your heart cool). Thais are generally warm, gentle and slow to anger.  I am a patient person but have become more patient as I understood Thai beliefs and culture more. There is a reason why they call this ‘The Land of Smiles’ – people are so friendly that ‘smiles’ would often be enough to connect to each other.

Your message to Filipino across the globe?

Kumusta na mga kababayan lalo na sa aking kapwa mga kababaihan? Salute to all of you! No matter where we are, no matter what we are doing, never let other people from another country or fellow Filipinos, nor yourself put YOU down—stand out and be proud. When doing something, let us consider the impact of that action not only on our personal lives but to all Filipinos around the globe because each of us bears each other’s name. We are one. Let us help end the stereotyping and discrimination by starting it within ourselves. We can do it. We are Filipinos, born to survive and to make a difference. Mabuhay tayong lahat!

The post Filipino Thailand: My Pinoy life in Songkhla appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Daniel Francis Maningas, Network Engineer – PHD Network Solutions, UAE

Daniel Francis Maningas works as a network engineer for PHD Network Solutions UAE. To perform his job, he has to get his hands dirty, and probably his body, too.

“I deal with wireless devices, network switches, cabling and configuration of network devices,” he explains.

He spends most of his day crawling on all fours to reach inaccessible places to connect a cable link. The upside though is his “connections” take him to the most prestigious places like the JW Marriott Marquis.

His biggest dream is to have a project in the tallest of the them all – the Burj Khalifa, but Daniel is confident that this will come soon enough.

It’s not just the swanky places that Daniel likes about his job. Daniel says the work enabled him to visit the six emirates and he is now looking forward to visiting Fujairah for the seventh. “My job involves being in the field, where you have to drive long roads and bask in the sun,” says Daniel.

For Daniel, the most important thing is to complete his work, effectively and gracefully at that. Daniel emphasizes that by doing the job right, you know you are going to be well-equipped for anything: moving up the corporate ladder, your next employer or to set up your own business.

Michelle Mingi, Quality Surveyor – Khasaheb Civil Eng. LLC

Engineer Michelle Mingi currently works as quantity surveyor at the roads and infrastructure division of Khansaheb Civil Engineering LLC, one of the oldest construction companies in UAE. As quantity surveyor, she is responsible for project control, monitoring and technical coordination. She also conducts regular site visits to assess the progress of each project.

Michelle joined the company in the middle of a challenging construction market. Luckily for her, she was among the first applicants at the interview site and as the saying goes, the early bird catches the worm, or in this case, the position as the only female engineer in her team. “Now three years and counting, our team continues to contribute positive values to the business even through tough economic circumstances,” says Michelle.

Michelle’s message for her fellow Filipinos is that while it is true that the OFW’s remittances propel the growth of the Philippine economy, “It is our unwavering faith and courage to face any challenge in order to provide for our loved ones that make us true heroes.  Let us always strive to be the best in whatever we do and show to the world the exemplary qualities of the Filipino.”

Filipino in UAE: It’s What I Do

The post Filipino UAE: It’s What I Do appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

A look into the lives of professional Filipinos abroad

ANTHONY DE LEON

English Editor – CommuniGate Middle East, Dubai, UAE

I work as an English Editor for CommuniGate Middle East, a full-service integrated Public Relations (PR) agency based in Dubai, with a wide network of offices and affiliates located across the GCC, Arabian Gulf, Levant, Egypt and North Africa. I am in charge of developing and creating editorial content—press releases, feature articles, Q & A’s, brochures, catalogues, ad copy and speeches—for a diverse list of clients, which includes leading brands in IT, Travel and Tourism, Banking and Finance, Oil and Gas, Government, Aviation, Construction and Real Estate to name a few. Aside from this primary task, I am also part of a team that helps develop social media-based activities for clients like doing twitter messages, managing Facebook group pages and even writing specialized blogs. It’s an exciting job that allows me to be up-to-date with what’s new, what’s hot and what’s trending in the Middle East region, in particular and the UAE in general.

My day usually starts at 8AM. I peruse various print and online news publications; taking note of the latest technology trends, reports from various industry verticals and timely forecasts from business research and intelligence firms. I then line-up client editorial requirements and meet with a team of editors to distribute work assignments for the day. It’s all writing, editing and proofreading written content from that point on. Fortunately, having worked previously as a correspondent for INQ7.net helped in honing my skills as a writer and an editor.

After a hard day’s work, I try to relax with a good book or a movie—spending a quiet evening with my wife and son. Weekends means hitting the local bowling alley and also meeting up with my frat brothers from the Order of Demolay.

I have been in the UAE for almost eight years now and have since then, enjoyed working with different nationalities. Filipinos, however, are admired and usually singled out for their efficiency, industriousness and ability to adapt to any working environment. With the UAE winning the bid to host Expo 2020, I am upbeat with the notion that Filipinos will play a large part in the preparations for this truly global event—something that we can all be proud of.

Looking around, you will notice that Filipino’s make up a large share of the UAE’s workforce, a feat that is truly fantastic if you ask me. Each of us here are ambassadors of goodwill — let us remain world class in the work we render and continue to showcase our talents and skills to the wide international market that is the UAE. At the end of the day, it all boils down to skills and talent — something that we Filipinos are abundant of.

KAREN “KAZ” PEACHEY

Singer and Songwriter, Former Resident Singer at the Hard Rock Cafe, Dubai

Most people would think that singing is a cool job – most people would be right. Working as a professional singer and songwriter is every bit as awesome as it sounds, and I wouldn’t trade it for any other job in the world! I consider myself very blessed to have found a way to make a good livelihood out of my passion for music. As the saying goes, find a job that you love and you wouldn’t have to work a day in your life. I can honestly say that this is the perfect job for me.

Currently I perform six days a week as lead singer for a band called the Smooth Criminals, at one of the most popular nightspots here in Dubai. I am also the band leader, which means that I’m responsible for preparing the set lists, updating the repertoire, facilitating rehearsals, and coordinating directly with the bar management. Performing every night can be very tiring, but once I hit the stage, I automatically forget every ache in my body. Even after years of singing professionally, I still get excited about being in the spotlight, meeting people and making sure that they are having the best night of their lives.

My typical day begins with a few laps in the pool or a dip in the beach. I am fortunate enough to live near the sea so I normally kick-off my day with a swim to help me wake up after a long night. At sundown, I begin to prepare for the night’s work. Choosing my outfit and putting on make-up doesn’t take me very long, as I am the type of person who knows what she wants. Plus, I’ve been a singer for such a long time, I already have the pre-performance ritual down to a tee! I travel to work at around 7:30 pm to prepare the set lists and brief the band about any additional requirements for the night as specified by the management.  At 8:30 pm the show begins, and we play four highly entertaining sets, finishing at around 1:00 am.

Part of my job is to look polished and composed at all times, but I’ve had more than a few embarrassing moments onstage. For some reason, I have a funny tendency to break the heel of my shoes mid-performance. One time, I tried to do the moonwalk and my heel snapped. I tripped backward, right smack into my poor unsuspecting guitarist and we both fell down, much to the amusement of the audience. It’s an occupational hazard, but I will never, ever give up wearing stilettos. A girl’s gotta have her shoes!

I take great pride in representing the Filipinos in the highly diverse entertainment industry of the UAE. In my time here in Dubai, I’ve had the opportunity to work with other nationalities, and I can honestly say that the Filipino artists are truly at par with the world’s best and brightest talents. My advice to my fellow kabayans who are trying to make a mark here in the city: enjoy the experience, and persevere! Don’t give up on your dreams, no matter the challenges that come your way. Any good singer will tell you that no performance is perfect. Sometimes, it’s all about holding your head up high and putting on a brave face. Find your voice! I did.

The post Filipino UAE: It’s What I Do appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.

Filipino in Papua New Guinea – My Pinoy Life in Lae

TESS GUESE

City:  Lae, Papua New Guinea

Since when have you been staying there? Can you recount briefly why you moved there?

I moved to Papua New Guinea (PNG) in August 1998 to work as a Chief Accountant with a biscuit manufacturing company.

I worked and built my career in the banking industry in the Philippines for seven years but, unfortunately, I found that only the stress and pressure grew – not my bank account. A colleague asked me if I was interested to work overseas, and I said why not give it a try. So I signed a three year contract in 1998 and have been renewing it for the last 13 years.

Tell us something about your place

Papua New Guinea is popularly known as “The Land of the Unexpected,” or the Island Paradise. PNG is very diverse in culture and has very rich natural resources.  If you love nature this is the place to be.  You will be surrounded by verdant surroundings.  There are heaps of untapped rainforests and rich marine flora and fauna.

The people of PNG are quite unique.  PNG has around 20 provinces, and the people in each province have their distinct physical features, culture and language.

PNG is located above Australia and has two major local airlines – Air Niugini, which is the national carrier that flies to domestic routes and international routes such as Australia (Cairns, Brisbane and Sydney), Singapore, Honiara, Fiji, Tokyo, Manila and Hongkong.  AirlineS PNG, on the other hand, flies domestic routes, as well as to Australia (Cairns and Brisbane).

PNG’s capital city is Port Moresby.

I live in Lae City in the Morobe Province, the second largest city in PNG.  Lae is also the industrial city of PNG where most manufacturers set up their businesses.  Lae City is the gateway to the highlands and the islands with easy access to the highlands highway. It also has the largest shipping facility in the country.  Also called the garden city, Lae has an amazingly verdant environment due to frequent rainfall.

In October, the Morobe Province celebrates the Morobe Province Agricultural Show which showcases the agricultural and industrial produce the province has to offer.  This is also the time when various villages’ put their culture and tradition on parade and display.

Is there a Filipino community there?  

There is a Filipino community here in Lae and around Papua New Guinea.  In fact, I think you can find Filipinos anywhere in the world. In Lae, I believe we already have over a thousand Filipinos living and working here including their dependants.

We have a Filipino association which helps fellow kababayans  in times of need, though we also have our civic obligations to the community we live in.  Our Filipino association holds fund raising activities to assist not only Filipinos who are in need, but also extend assistance to our adoptive communities here.  We give donations to the public hospitals, schools and churches.

We also have Filipino sports associations – basketball, badminton, tennis and golf, which keep camaraderie alive in our community.  The Filipino golfers of PNG normally hold their annual golfing competition in conjunction with the Queen’s birthday which normally falls on the second weekend of June.  This tradition revolves around five key cities – Port Moresby, Lae, Madang, Goroka and Rabaul – which take turns in hosting the event annually.  This event is another medium to get to know more of our kababayans around the country.

Tell us about your life there

Life in PNG, especially in Lae is so simple but can be boring to some, since there are no malls and no movie houses. Supermarkets, including just a handful of restaurants, open at 8am and close at 6pm.

But 13 years of living here has allowed me to adapt to the slowpaced life PNG has offered me.  On the plus side, you still breath fresh air, wake-up to the chirping of the birds, get your eyes refreshed time and time again with the lush green environment.  Besides, there is also no traffic congestion, though you have to be careful and avoid potholes when driving around town.

During the weekends my life revolves around golf. I also assist in some community services like organising fund raising events for churches, public schools and some non-governmental associations.

What I have learned in this country is to be more vigilant and aware about your surroundings. This country also taught me how to be patient, because you will not get anywhere if you’re not.

Your greetings to Filipinos around the globe

To our kababayans out there – hello and mabuhay from the land of the unexpected Papua New Guinea!

The post Filipino in Papua New Guinea – My Pinoy Life in Lae appeared first on Illustrado Magazine - Filipino Abroad.