Dubai - Not all kabayans are created equal.
Published: Tue 21 Feb 2017, 1:55 PM
As one of the largest nationalities in Dubai, Filipinos have a lot of positive air around them with other nationalities admiring their sense of humour, industriousness and their grace under pressure. They're also one of the happiest people to be with because of their unwavering optimism.
In Dubai, this attitude reflects in their work as well. There are, however, some misconceptions about Filipinos, and we end up laughing off most of them because of their absurdity. Here are just six myths you probably might have believed about Filipinos in Dubai.
We're big spenders on style
Not at all! While we do splurge on Louis Vuitton bags or Nike shoes, you can't deny that after a hard day's work we deserve something new to add to our collection. It's our little way of rewarding ourselves after an honest day's work.
We all work in 'hospitality'
Yes, our culture is famous for being nice and accommodating, but surprise, surprise, some of us work (and excel) in other fields, be it film, literature, engineering or science. You have Miss Saigon's Lea Salonga, Guardians of the Galaxy star Dave Bautista and White House chef Cristeta Comerford.
We sing good. REALLY GOOD
Yes, we love to sing, but not all of us sound like the next American Idol. What we are really good at is showing our friends and family a good time, even if that means singing our hearts out. Here's a secret: Majority of us have a penchant for belting out to songs by Adele, Whitney Houston or Air Supply - generally anything with high notes.
We're pretty extreme for eating 'balut'
In defense of balut, it's really good and we recommend you try it! It looks like something they make you eat in Fear Factor (which they do) but appearances aside, it tastes like a normal hardboiled egg. If balut isn't your cup of tea, why not try our other dishes chicken adobo, kare-kare and sinigang are some fine examples.
We don't really look "Asian"
In our minds we keep tabs of the many: "Oh I thought you were from (insert country here that isn't Philippines)" statements that we get most of the time. In a multicultural country such as Dubai, identifying us as Filipino can be a guessing game.
We have discovered the Fountain of Youth
Our youthful appearance is both a blessing and curse. Partygoers can specifically attest to this. Most of us look youthful that sometimes we're asked identification in some clubs in town. "Yes, I'm 30 and I look like I'm only 20 thank you very much." For the men, our struggle to grow a beard also serves as an impediment.
This story is satire and is not meant to be taken seriously.
- keith@khaleejtimes.com
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