A Pinoy In Dubai

The Gift

2011-10-14T17:23:00.000+04:00

A gift is always a welcome surprise!

A friend shared this very inspiring story on appreciation and false assumptions:

"A young man was getting ready to graduate college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.

As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box.

Curious, but somewhat disappointed the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible. Angrily, he raised his voice at his father and said, "With all your money you give me a Bible?" and stormed out of the house, leaving the holy book.

Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day. Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care things. When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart.

He began to search his father's important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. As he read those words, a car key dropped from an envelope taped behind the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the
sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words...PAID IN FULL.

How many times do we miss God's blessings because they are not packaged as we expected?"

Rich and Poor

2011-10-10T02:39:00.000+04:00

Model: Rommel Gallego

I want to share this story from one of my Facebook friends: One day, a rich dad took his son on a trip. Wanted to show him how poor someone can be. They spent time on the farm of a poor family. On the way home, dad asked, "Did you see how poor they are? What did you learn?".
Son said, "We have one dog, they have four, we have pool, they have rivers, we have lanterns at night, they have stars, we buy foods, they grow theirs, we have walls to protect us, they have friends, we have encyclopedias, they have Bible." Then they headed, "Thanks dad for showing me how poor we are."

Money is not the only thing which makes us rich.

Potato Exercise

2011-09-26T13:34:00.000+04:00

Image Credits: www.growveg.com

Forwarded message from my inbox:

"A kindergarten teacher has decided to let her class play a game.

The teacher told each child in the class to bring along a plastic bag containing a few potatoes.

Each potato will be given a name of a person that the child hates.

So the number of potatoes that a child will put in his/her plastic bag will depend on the number of people he/she hates.

So when the day came, every child brought some potatoes with the name of the people he/she hated. Some had 2 potatoes; some 3 while some up to 5 potatoes. The teacher then told the children to carry with them the potatoes in the plastic bag wherever they go (even to the toilet) for 1 week.

Days after days passed by, and the children started to complain due to the unpleasant smell let out by the rotten potatoes. Besides, those having 5 potatoes also had to carry heavier bags. After 1 week, the children were relieved because the game had finally ended.

The teacher asked: "How did you feel while carrying the potatoes with you for 1 week?". The children let out their frustrations and started complaining of the trouble that they had to go through having to carry the heavy and smelly potatoes wherever they go.

Then the teacher told them the hidden meaning behind the game. The teacher said: "This is exactly the situation when you carry your hatred for somebody inside your heart. The stench of hatred will contaminate your heart and you will carry it with you wherever you go. If you cannot tolerate the smell of rotten potatoes for just 1 week, can you imagine what is it like to have the stench of hatred in your heart for your lifetime?"

Moral of the story: Throw away any hatred for anyone from your heart so that you will not carry sins for a lifetime. Forgiving others is the best attitude to take!

True love is not loving a perfect person but loving an imperfect person perfectly!!"

The Date

2011-09-24T10:01:00.001+04:00

One of the forwarded message I found in my office mail this morning:
"A date! After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She said I love you but I know this other woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you. ... The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my MOTHER, who has been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work and my three children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally. That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie. "What's wrong, are you well," she asked? My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a sur prise invitation is a sign of bad news. "I thought that it would be pleasant to be with you," I responded. " Just the two of us." She thought about it for a moment, and then said, " I would like that very much." That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed t hat she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary. She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel's. "I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed, "she said, as she got into the car. "They can't wait to hear about our meeting". We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady. After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Large print. Half way through the entries, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips. "It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small," she said. "Then it's time that you relax and let me return the favor," I responded. During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation - nothing extraordinary, but catching up on recent events of each other's life. We talked so much that we missed the movie. As we arrived at her house later, she said, "I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you." I agreed. "How was your dinner date ?" asked my wife when I got home. "Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined," I answered. A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I did to do anything for her. Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place mother and I had dined. An attached note said: "I paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two plates - one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant for me. I love you, son." At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: " I LOVE YOU!" and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than God and your family. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till "some other time."

Repost: A Story Of Appreciation

2011-06-20T09:09:00.002+04:00

One young academically excellent person went to apply for a managerial position in a big company.

He passed the first interview, the director did the last interview, made last decision.

The director discovered from the C V that the youth's academic achievements were excellent all the way, from the secondary school until the postgraduate research, never had a year when he did not score.

The director asked, "Did you obtain any scholarships in school?" the youth answered "none".

The director asked, "Was it your father who paid for your school fees?" The youth answered, "My father passed away when I was one year old, it was my mother who paid for my school fees.

The director asked, "Where did your mother work?" The youth answered, "My mother worked as clothes cleaner. The director requested the youth to show his hands. The youth showed a pair of hands that were smooth and perfect.

The director asked, " Have you ever helped your mother wash the clothes before?" The youth answered, "Never, my mother always wanted me to study and read more books. Furthermore, my mother can wash clothes faster than me.

The director said, "I have a request. When you go back today, go and clean your mother's hands, and then see me tomorrow morning.*

The youth felt that his chance of landing the job was high. When he went back, he happily requested his mother to let him clean her hands. His mother felt strange, happy but with mixed feelings, she showed her hands to the kid.

The youth cleaned his mother's hands slowly. His tear fell as he did that. It was the first time he noticed that his mother's hands were so wrinkled, and there were so many bruises in her hands. Some bruises were so painful that his mother shivered when they were cleaned with water.

This was the first time the youth realized that it was this pair of hands that washed the clothes everyday to enable him to pay the school fee. The bruises in the mother's hands were the price that the mother had to pay for his graduation, academic excellence and his future.

After finishing the cleaning of his mother hands, the youth quietly washed all the remaining clothes for his mother.

That night, mother and son talked for a very long time.

Next morning, the youth went to the director's office.

The Director noticed the tears in the youth's eyes, asked: " Can you tell me what have you done and learned yesterday in your house?"

The youth answered, " I cleaned my mother's hand, and also finished cleaning all the remaining clothes'

The Director asked, " please tell me your feelings."

The youth said, Number 1, I know now what is appreciation. Without my mother, there would not the successful me today. Number 2, by working together and helping my mother, only I now realize how difficult and tough it is to get something done. Number 3, I have come to appreciate the importance and value of family relationship.

The director said, "This is what I am looking for to be my manager.

I want to recruit a person who can appreciate the help of others, a person who knows the sufferings of others to get things done, and a person who would not put money as his only goal in life. You are hired.

Later on, this young person worked very hard, and received the respect of his subordinates. Every employee worked diligently and as a team. The company's performance improved tremendously.

A child, who has been protected and habitually given whatever he wanted, would develop "entitlement mentality" and would always put himself first.
He would be ignorant of his parent's efforts. When he starts work, he assumes that every person must listen to him, and when he becomes a manager, he would never know the sufferings of his employees and would always blame others. For this kind of people, who may be good academically, may be successful for a while, but eventually would not feel sense of achievement. He will grumble and be full of hatred and fight for more. If we are this kind of protective parents, are we really showing love or are we destroying the kid instead?

You can let your kid live in a big house, eat a good meal, learn piano, watch a big screen T V . But when you are cutting grass, please let them experience it. After a meal, let them wash their plates and bowls together with their brothers and sisters. It is not because you do not have money to hire a maid, but it is because you want to love them in a right way. You want them to understand, no matter how rich their parents are, one day their hair will grow gray, same as the mother of that young person. The most important thing is your kid learns how to appreciate the effort and experience the difficulty and learns the ability to work with others to get things done.

Author: Anonymous
Image credits: http://www.alaska-in-pictures.com/

gulfnews : BlackBerry's much-awaited Appstore debuts today in UAE

2011-05-08T15:34:00.000+04:00

gulfnews : BlackBerry's much-awaited Appstore debuts today in UAE

gulfnews : Air India stops new bookings as strike disrupts Mideast flights

2011-05-01T15:31:00.000+04:00

gulfnews : Air India stops new bookings as strike disrupts Mideast flights

TQL’s Bikini Model 2011 Online Search « ThE QuEeR LiFeStYlE

2011-04-30T15:28:00.000+04:00

TQL’s Bikini Model 2011 Online Search « ThE QuEeR LiFeStYlE

Win an Evening Desert Safari for 2 worth AED 520 from One World Travel & Tourism LLC

2011-04-14T21:36:00.000+04:00

Win an Evening Desert Safari for 2 worth AED 520 from One World Travel & Tourism LLC

Dubai Consulate

2011-03-29T11:11:00.001+04:00

I am proud to be a Filipino in Dubai, but when I went to the Philippine Consulate. I was disheartened by their condition and their attitude towards their guest. They are not hospitable at all and their place is swarming with flies. I beg the government to tidy the things up in the Consulate and enrol our representative there in a finishing school to correct their manners and office conduct.

Follow the Facebook Thread here.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi TV Commercial - "It's your turn"

2011-03-24T06:49:00.000+04:00

Ant Problem

2011-02-11T13:10:00.000+04:00

We usually have cockroach and bedbug problems but not ant problem like in the Philippines. I found out that some plants repel ants. Here is a quote from Golden Harvest website:

Repellent plants
Catnip, pennyroyal, peppermint, sage, and spearmint. Tansy which is often recommended as an ant repellant may only work on sugar type ants. These are the ones that you see on peonies and marching into the kitchen.
Warning: You do not want to plant Tansy anywhere that livestock can feed on it as it is toxic to many animals. Do not let it go to seed either as it may germinate in livestock fields.

Barriers
Sprinkle leaves and flowers from sage, mints or tansy around the outside of your house or plants that are bothered by ants. These plants can also be used as a living barrier for ant control, bearing in mind that they are invasive in their growth habit and using cuttings from these plants as a barrier is more effective. We grow tansy in an out of the way place to harvest the cuttings.

Vinegar sprays in and around the hose foundation will repel ants. Keep way from the soil and concrete. Lemon juice concentrate can also be used: mix 50/50 with water and spray.
Ants will not walk through a line of talcum powder or chalk dust. Diatomaceous earth may also be used as a barrier in and out of the household.
Using a silica areogel/pyrethrum spray applied to the base of plants like eggplants and peppers can control fire ants from girdling the stems and killing the plants. This is a good barrier as it stays "put."
Caulk all cracks and crevices in the building to deny them access. Be sure to use high quality pure silicone caulking as these are less likely to shrink or crack once applied.
Distribute cucumber parings as a repellant. Cucumbers contain a compound known as "trans-2-nonenal" that repels ants as well as cockroaches!
Try sprinkling some of those instant grits around the nests. See what happens!
For fire ants try this: Pour half a cup of Epsom salts into the nest and all around it.
Sticky barriers like Tanglefoot makes an excellent barrier and can be applied to tree trunks to disrupt the ants from farming of aphids. This will naturally biodegrade itself towards the end of the season. NOTE: On young trees with smaller trunks or those with thin bark (aspens, birches etc.) do not apply directly to the bark surface. Instead use some thin fabric tied around the trunk with the sticky stuff applied over this. Remove at the end of the season.
On smaller plants a bit of petroleum jelly smeared around the base will stop ants immediately.

Direct Controls

Pour apple cider vinegar down entrance holes to the nest.
Using a sugar soaked sponge works well for light invasions of ants. Use a large sponge with big holes in it. Soak it in a strong solution of sugar water and place it where you want to catch the ants. Rinse the sponge out every day in a container of soapy water. Fix it up with the sugar water again and repeat as often as necessary.
Dusts such as Silica Aerogel can last a long time. Their mode of action is to dehydrate the ants. They work slowly and are easy to use in tight areas such as cracks or crevices.
Make a strong hot water and hot pepper tea. Use the hottest peppers you can find, finely chop them in a food processor, mix with hot water. Pour directly on the nest.
Douse the nests with boiling water several times. Cruel and can be effective.
Repeated flooding of the nest every few days using your garden hose can often be enough to get them to relocate. You must be persistent with this method.
Use equal parts of sugar and baking powder. Place around ant infested area and nests.

Make herbal teas to use as ant repellant sprays from tansy, catmint, peppermint or sage.

To make teas: Take enough cuttings from these plants to tightly pack one 8 ounce cup. Bring 1 quart of water to a boil. Stir in the plants. Take off the heat and allow to cool. Strain this mixture, add 1 teaspoon of castile soap and use as a direct spray. You can also substitute 1 teaspoon of coconut oil soap in place of the castile.

Last Resorts

Pyrethrum mixed with isopropyl alcohol kills ants on contact. Take 16 ounces of ready to use pyrethrum, mix in 1 tbsp. alcohol. Use this as a drench directly on the active nest.

Boric acid: Mix 1 cup of sugar, 4 teaspoons of boric acid and 24 ounces of water in a glass screw top jar. Shake thoroughly until you can see that all the crystals are dissolved. Now put 1 cup of this mixture into a smaller jar which you have filled halfway with loose cotton. Firmly screw the lid back on, seal around the band with weatherproof tape and using an awl punch a few small holes in the center of the lid. Put this near the entrance of the nest or wherever they have made a path to your house. The key is the ants will get into the jar to eat the sugar and return to the nest and pass it on to the rest of the colony. If you find many dead ants by the jar dilute the solution and try again. With a proper mixture the colony may be destroyed in a few weeks. It does take the destruction of the queen to completely eradicate a colony. Keep this away from kids and pets!

Or just transfer to a ant free flat... :-)

GulfNews: New work permit rules in UAE from 2011 will ease job switch

2010-12-21T02:59:00.000+04:00

As part of the ongoing reforms in the labour market, the Labour Ministry will soon introduce new regulations granting foreign workers more freedom to change employers without the six-month work ban or consent of the current employer.

The new rules, which will take effect on January 1, will replace the current formalities of transfer of sponsorship for foreign workers.

Reforms

A new resolution issued by Saqr Gobash Saeed Gobash, the Minister of Labour, says a new employment permit will only be granted to a worker after the end of his work relationship with his employer without consideration of the legitimate six-month period which is usually calculated after the cancellation of the worker's labour card, but stipulates two must-do conditions:

1. The two contracting parties must have ended their work relationship cordially;

2. The worker should have worked with his employer for at least two years — the duration of the new labour card which will be issued by early January.

The labour market reforms, as stated by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in his National Day speech, are a challenge the UAE is addressing as part of its human development process.

Shaikh Khalifa said the Government "will press ahead with the process of updating legislation, regulating the labour market, supporting Emiratisation and empowering the private sector, encouraging it to shoulder social responsibilities, to invest in national human resources, to adopt environment protection mechanisms and to meet the needs of society".

The resolution defines two cases in which the worker can obtain the new work permit after the end of the job contract without the agreement of the contracting parties:

1. When the employer fails to honour his legal or contractual obligations;

2. In the event of expiry of a work relationship where the worker is not responsible for it, but there is a complaint filed by the worker against the firm, an inspection report should prove that the firm has been out of business for more than two months. As well, it should determine the worker has reported the same to the ministry.

The resolution says the labour dispute should have been referred by the ministry to the court and it issued a final ruling ordering the employer to pay the worker at least two months salary in compensation for the arbitrary sacking or termination of the contract prematurely, or any other rights.

Right to work permit

The resolution also defines three cases in which the worker shall have the right to get a work permit without fulfilling the condition of working at least two years with the employer:

1. When joining his new job, the worker should be classified in the first, second or third professional class and that his salary should be not less than Dh12,000, Dh7,000 and Dh5,000 if he is in the first, second and third class respectively.

2. Non-compliance of the employer with legal and labour obligations towards the worker or in the event the worker has no role in terminating the work relationship;

3. Transferring the worker to another firm the employer owns it or has stakes in it.

Gobash told the Federal National Council (FNC) on Tuesday the long-term goal of reforming the sponsorship system is to create a flexible labour market that meets development requirements. "Our labour market must be flexible, efficient and committed to Emiratisation policies as top priority."

A Story of Appreciation

2010-11-12T18:12:00.000+04:00

Let me share this inspirational story forwarded by my boss:

One young academically excellent person went to apply for a managerial position in a big company.

He passed the first interview; the director did the last interview, made the last decision.

The director discovered from the CV that the youth's academic achievements were excellent all the way, from the secondary school until the postgraduate research, never had a year when he did not score.

The director asked, "Did you obtain any scholarships in school?"
the youth answered "none".

The director asked, “Was it your father who paid for your school fees?"
The youth answered, "My father passed away when I was one year old, it was my mother who paid for my school fees.

The director asked, " Where did your mother work?"
The youth answered, "My mother worked as clothes cleaner.
The director requested the youth to show his hands. The youth showed a pair of hands that were smooth and perfect.

The director asked, " Have you ever helped your mother wash the clothes before?"
The youth answered, "Never, my mother always wanted me to study and read more books. Furthermore, my mother can wash clothes faster than me.

The director said, "I have a request. When you go back today, go and clean your mother's hands, and then see me tomorrow morning.*

The youth felt that his chance of landing the job was high. When he went back, he happily requested his mother to let him clean her hands. His mother felt strange, happy but with mixed feelings, she showed her hands to the kid.

The youth cleaned his mother's hands slowly. His tear fell as he did that. It was the first time he noticed that his mother's hands were so wrinkled, and there were so many bruises in her hands. Some bruises were so painful that his mother shivered when they were cleaned with water.

This was the first time the youth realized that it was this pair of hands that washed the clothes everyday to enable him to pay the school fee. The bruises in the mother's hands were the price that the mother had to pay for his graduation, academic excellence and his future.

After finishing the cleaning of his mother hands, the youth quietly washed all the remaining clothes for his mother.

That night, mother and son talked for a very long time.

Next morning, the youth went to the director's office.

The Director noticed the tears in the youth's eyes, asked: " Can you tell me what have you done and learned yesterday in your house?"
The youth answered, " I cleaned my mother's hand, and also finished cleaning all the remaining clothes'

The Director asked, " please tell me your feelings."

The youth said,
Number 1, I know now what is appreciation. Without my mother, there would not be a successful me today.
Number 2, I by working together and helping my mother, only I now realized how difficult and tough it is to get something done.
Number 3, I have come to appreciate the importance and value of family relationship.

The director said, " This is what I am looking for to be my manager. I want to recruit a person who can appreciate the help of others, a person who knows the sufferings of others to get things done, and a person who would not put money as his only goal in life. You are hired.

Later on, this young person worked very hard, and received the respect of his subordinates. Every employee worked diligently and as a team. The company's performance improved tremendously.

A child, who has been protected and habitually given whatever he wanted, would develop "entitlement mentality" and would always put himself first. He would be ignorant of his parent's efforts. When he starts work, he assumes that every person must listen to him, and when he becomes a manager, he would never know the sufferings of his employees and would always blame others. For this kind of people, who may be good academically, may be successful for a while, but eventually would not feel sense of achievement. He will grumble and be full of hatred and fight for more.

If we are this kind of protective parents, are we really showing love or are we destroying the kid instead?*

You can let your kid live in a big house, eat a good meal, learn piano, watch a big screen TV. But when you are cutting grass, please let them experience it.

After a meal, let them wash their plates and bowls together with their brothers and sisters. It is not because you do not have money to hire a maid, but it is because you want to love them in a right way. You want them to understand, no matter how rich their parents are, one day their hair will grow gray, same as the mother of that young person.

The most important thing is your kid learns how to appreciate the effort and experience the difficulty and learns the ability to work with others to get things done.

"Society does not go down because of the activities of criminals,
But because of the in activities of the good people." -
Swami Vivekananda

SMS Quiz Controversies

2010-11-09T23:29:00.000+04:00

Gulf News, the number 1 English Newspaper in UAE, has been running a series about the sms quiz promo contests from the 2 mobile service provider in the Gulf, namely, Etisalat & Du.

This started when Gulf News compiled the complaints of their readers about the quiz contest. The contest seems like a rip off. It keeps asking you to answer questions which cost from 2DHS up to 5DHS per sms response. Their logic: the more you answer, the more entries you enter and the more chances of winning. But what I think made this looked like a hoax was the absence of winners when they say that daily and weekly draws are being made.

The best way to do this is to announce the winner drawn every time a winner is proclaimed. This is the only way to erase the doubts from the participating subscribers. I do not know why the think tanks of the 2 telecom giants cannot think of an easy solution to this controversy. They are too busy with the mechanics of the contests that they forgot to notify the public who won in these contests.

I never participated because of budgetary constraints. But had I have extra load, I would gladly answer some questions and win some prizes.

Uses of Honey & Cinnamon & it's Benefits

2010-10-13T11:55:00.001+04:00

My boss forwarded me an email outlining the uses of honey & cinnamon. I hope you find this list useful.

It is found that mixture of Honey and Cinnamon cures most of the diseases.

Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Ayurvedic as well as Yunani medicine have been using honey as a vital medicine for centuries.

Scientists of today also accept honey as a Ram Ban (very effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases.

Honey can be used without any side effects for any kind of diseases. Today's science says that even though honey is sweet,if taken in the right dosage as medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients also.

A famous magazine named Weekly World News published in Canada dated 17 January 1995 has given a list of diseases that can be cured by Honey and Cinnamon as researched by western scientists.

ARTHRITIS:
Take one part honey to two parts of Luke warm water and add a small teaspoon of cinnamon powder, make a paste and massage it on the itching part of the body. It is noticed that the pain recedes within a minute or two. Or for arthritis patients daily morning and night take one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If drunk regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured.
In a recent research done at the Coppen Hagen University. It was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week out of the 200 people so treated practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.

HAIR LOSS:
Those suffering from hair loss or baldness may apply a paste of hot olive oil, one tablespoon or honey, one teaspoon cinnamon powder before bath and keep it for approx. 15 min. and then wash the hair. It was found very effective even if kept for 5 min. also.

BLADDER INFECTIONS:
Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of Luke warm water and drink it. It destroys the germs of the bladder.

TOOTHACHE:
Make a paste of one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and five teaspoons of honey and apply on the aching tooth. This may be done 3 times a day daily till such time that the tooth has stopped aching.

CHOLESTEROL:
Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of cinnamon powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water if given to a cholesterol patient,it reduces the level of cholesterol in the body by 10% within2 hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken 3 times a day any chronic cholesterol cured. As per the information received in the said journal,pure honey taken with food daily relieves complains of cholesterol.

COLDS:
Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon Luke warm honey with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder daily for 3 days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold and clear the
sinuses.

UPSET STOMACH:
Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomachache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root. GAS: According to the studies done in India & Japan, it is revealed that if honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

HEART DISEASES:
Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread or chappati instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast.It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from
heart attack. Also those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily, are kept miles away from the next attack, Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat.
In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that due to the increasing age the arteries and veins, which lose their flexibility and get clogged, are revitalized.

IMMUNE SYSTEM:
Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks.
Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constants use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION:
Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food, relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.

INFLUENZA:
A Scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ingredient, which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY:
Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly arrests the ravages of old age. Take 4 spoons of honey 1 spoon of cinnamon powder and 3 cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup. 3 to 4 times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans also increases and even if a person is 100 years old. Starts performing the chores of a 20 years old.

PIMPLES:
Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste.
Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily for two weeks. It removes pimples from the roots.

SKIN INFECTIONS:
Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures Eczema, Ringworm and all types of skin infections.

WEIGHT LOSS:
Daily in the morning 1/2 hour before breakfast on an empty stomach and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup water. If taken regularly it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also drinking of this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER:
Recent research in Japan and Australia has reveled that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month 3 times a day

FATIGUE:
Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful than detrimental to the body strength. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts are more alert and flexible. Dr.Milton who has done research says that half tablespoon honey taken in one glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 p.m. when the vitality of the body starts decreasing. Increases the vitality of the body within a week.

BAD BREATH:
People of South America, first thing in the morning gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water. So their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS:
Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder taken in equal parts restores hearing

Mission Impossible 4 to Shoot in Dubai

2010-10-12T05:30:00.000+04:00

Probably the last installment of the very successful movie series, Mission Impossible 4 starring Tom Cruise, will film some scenes in Dubai. They have called for casting for more than 1,000 extras which includes 3 speaking roles. Mission: Impossible 4 will be directed by Brad Bird with Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Paula Patton, Ving Rhames, Lea Seydoux, Josh Holloway, Michael Myqvist, Vladimir Mashkov.

There has been some news that Indian superstar Anil Kapoor will be included in the movie. He is quoted saying that the movie production have offered him a role and he accepted.

The movie has already started filming in Prague. They will head to Dubai for 3 weeks before filming in Vancouver, Canada.

It is scheduled to be released on December 2011.

Unsecured Online Banking

2010-10-07T22:00:00.002+04:00

I just received an SMS from Emirates NBD:

"Please do not click or respond to emails asking for account, card or internet banking details. Emirates NBD will NEVER ask for such info. To report call 600 54 0000."

Emirates NBD gives a great service, even online. If you do double online transaction, they will immediately contact you and verify the transaction. Even for very small amounts.

Unfortunately, this is the opposite to my sister's bank - Standard Chartered Bank. She lost more than AED 26,000/- in her bank account in less than an hour last February 2010. Somebody hacked Standard Chartered Bank online banking system and bought Etisalat mobile load worth AED 26,500/- in less than an hour and their system did not detect anything suspicious about the transaction.

She made the complaint on the same day to Standard Chartered Bank when she received a system text message saying that she doesn't have enough money on her account to do the last transaction. It was very illogical to not send successful online transaction text messages but only for failed online transactions.

Later on they told her to follow up with Etisalat since the money was with them now. My sister has been feeling down and hopeless for several months now. She never thought that she would lose that amount of money while deposited in a bank. I cannot imagine the mental torture that she is having on how to get her money back from Standard Chartered Bank.

My opinion was Standard Chartered Bank should upgrade their online banking system like Emirates NBD which can detect scrupulous online transactions like what happened to my sister. Isn't buying online load worth AED 26,500/- very uncommon and should be regarded as a phishing activity?

Standard Chartered Bank should return her money and they should file a case against the people who hacked their online banking system. Their employees are the only ones who has access to their system and they can find out who these culprits are. The loads were passed to several phone numbers here in Dubai and the UAE has a very strict policy when buying sim cards. The identity of the culprit is in the record books of Etisalat. Only the police has access to that. We tried calling Etisalat and they told us that we should file a case with the police which was already done by my sister. But I think that Standard Chartered Bank should be the one who is doing these since the money was stolen from them. It was stolen not from my sister's purse but from their online banking system.

I just pray that this will get resolved and that my sister will get her money back.

Gulf News features Pinoy Human Trafficking

2010-10-07T11:47:00.002+04:00

Abu Dhabi: A Filipina charged with running a human trafficking ring in the capital was Wednesday sentenced to 13 years and seven months in jail, and also fined Dh50,000 by the Abu Dhabi Criminal Court of First Instance. M.F. was also charged with possession and sale of alcohol, employing people not under her sponsorship and encouraging prostitution.

Another defendant, J.M., charged with trafficking, encouraging prostitution and working (illegally) for a non-sponsor received a sentence of three years.

E.B., a third defendant, was also sentenced to three years in jail for human trafficking and prostitution.

Fourteen other women, who were also accused of prostitution as part of the same case, received jail terms of three years. All the defendants are from the Philippines and will be deported after serving their prison terms.

To read the whole report visit the following link:
http://gulfnews.com

Bowling at DFC

2010-10-05T18:35:00.000+04:00

One of our weekend activities is Bowling at Dubai Festival City. Before going, be sure to tear out the coupons from your Good Living Book voucher. They usually offer buy 1 get 1 free. And we usually go for the free abra ride before eating at the food court.

Gulf News features Recruitment Scams

2010-09-30T13:16:00.000+04:00

UAE's biggest recruitment racket exposed
XPRESS Deputy Editor poses as a job applicant to expose what could well be the country's biggest recruitment racket

Dubai: I am a dim-witted moron - a good-for-nothing lousy fellow with a horrendous track record, suggests my CV in big, bold letters. And yet I am flooded with job offers. There are so many companies wanting to solicit my services that I am spoilt for choice.

On September 18, I registered different versions of my inglorious CV with two UAE-based placement agencies - Dubai Gate and Al Aidy Al Mahirah. And voilà, 24 hours later, I was hired.

My employer, who has offered me a Dh18,000 basic salary plus accommodation, Dubai Free Zone visa and a slew of benefits for a sales position in Jebel Ali, doesn't baulk at my credentials. My CV, "forwarded" to him by Dubai Gate, states: "I bring about a steady erosion of values and company ethics... and have hastened the doom of many companies in the past." But he has no qualms. Similarly, the fact that I make "perilous graphics and inconsistent logos" hasn't put off a British company from taking me on board as graphic designer with an equally attractive pay package. "They [the client] are very happy with your CV. Actually we forwarded them seven candidates but out of seven they shortlisted your CV," [sic] I was told by an Al Aidy Al Mahirah staff.

The conversation is on tape with XPRESS.

King Cons

Welcome to the world of job scams where employment agencies are duping unsuspecting job seekers in the UAE by the minute and, by a conservative estimate, making up to Dh25,000 per day.

Last fortnight, I randomly approached two placement agencies as a job aspirant after responding to situations vacant advertisements in a newspaper's classified section. As part of the sting operation, I made sure I had the worst CV in the city.

My first stop was Dubai Gate Management Consultancy & Employment Services, operating from apartment No 210 in Sharjah's Al Mawarid Tower Offices which also houses a popular supermarket.

After waiting at the reception for a few minutes, I was directed to a room where several young Asian women in abayas sat behind rows of desks. There were around five cellphones on each table. On the desk where I was asked to register my papers, I saw eight cellphones and a landline. The phones rang incessantly.

Shabana, the lady manning the desk, went through my CV and smiled appreciatively. "Nice, very nice. We will land you a good job with Dh15,000-Dh16,000 salary, but you have to first pay Dh300 as urgent registration fee," she said.

"But doesn't your advertisement clearly say there will be no charge from the candidate?" I protested.

"It does, but if you don't hear from us by tomorrow, you can get a full refund," she replied, fishing out a company business card and writing "Paid Dh300" on it along with a reference number. "Consider the job as confirmed, wait for our call tomorrow," she added as I stepped out.

After walking out of Dubai Gate, I headed to Al Aidy Al Mahirah Employment & Management Consult Services who had advertised for the post of a sales executive. "We're conducting walk-in-interviews right now so you better hurry," they told me over the phone as I drove down to their office in apartment No 301, Dubai Islamic Bank building on Sharjah's King Abdul Aziz Road. Here, I was ushered into a room with a similar set-up as in Dubai Gate - several Asian women and lots of cellphones.

A woman who identified herself as Bushra went through my outrageous CV without so much as batting an eyelid.

"Impressive, you're just the kind of candidate our client is looking for," she said, nodding approvingly before asking me to pay Dh100 as registration fee. "You will get an interview call by tomorrow," she promised.

I played along and handed her the money just as countless others have in the past.

Dentist S. Agarwal gave Dubai Gate Dh400 for a job with Royal Hospital, which never had a vacancy in the first place; Aishwarya paid Al Aidy Dh400 for a non-existent Emaar opening; Fatima Ali paid Dubai Gate Dh500 for a customer service job, as did Ruchil Maknava for a position in the finance sector. The list is endless. None of these people heard from these agencies again. Phone calls went unanswered and efforts to contact the representatives of these agencies in person were rebuffed - in some cases with grave threats.

Just as I was promised, the following day I was called by both Dubai Gate and Al Aidy, informing me that I had been selected for the job and that I should come along with a copy of my passport, four pictures and deposit Dh500 as processing fee.

Show me the money

I went to Dubai Gate and was escorted into the cabin of Rana who introduced himself as the company's HR Manager. After pleasantries, Rana said: "Congratulations, you've been hired by a British company. Your appointment letter will be ready soon. You'll be getting Dh18,000 salary plus family accommodation, travel allowance and even a BlackBerry. Have you brought the processing fee?" he enquired. When I asked him how a dumbed down CV like mine was considered, he lost his cool. As did his boss of Middle Eastern origin who arrived at the scene following the commotion. Perturbed at my persistent questioning about fraud recruitments, they asked me to get out.

Outside their office I met Vijay Kumar 35, Zarina, 27, Ryan, 30, and Mini 35, all of whom alleged they had been conned by Dubai Gate.

Around 7pm the same day, Imran from Al Aidy Al Mahirah called me saying there was "some confirmation related to my job" and I should come to their office to negotiate the salary with the employer.

"Have they seen my CV?" I asked.

"Yes... and they are very happy with it. Actually we forwarded them seven candidates but out of seven they shortlisted your CV," Imran told me.

The following day, I rang up Sami Makaram, believed to be the owner of Al Aidy Al Mahirah. I asked him the same questions I asked at Dubai Gate, but instead received a barrage of abuse and threats of physical assault.

At the Buhairah Police Station, a senior policeman said: "Not a day passes when somebody doesn't come up with a complaint about recruitment frauds."

He's not exaggerating. XPRESS met with three victims who have contacted Buhairah Police in this regard recently.

String of complaints

Aishwarya lodged a complaint with them on September 17, Hamid Raza on September 19 and Akbar Pirani on September 21.

They were all told to file a case at the Sharjah court.

"We cannot do anything as this is not a criminal case," a Sharjah policeman said on condition of anonymity.

According to the Ministry of Labour, it's illegal for recruitment firms to charge candidates a fee. Yet the racket continues unabated.

And because action has rarely been taken against the cheating recruiters, their numbers have increased in a frighteningly grotesque proportion. XPRESS investigations reveal that there are at least five such agencies in Sharjah, two in Dubai and one in Ajman.

An insider who works for one such agency said that it is just one family that runs many of these companies. "We are given a minimum target of Dh25,000 each day," he said.

It appears that the economic downturn and subsequent job cuts have come as a windfall for these unscrupulous firms.

Not surprisingly, internet forums are full of complaints by victims of recruitment scams in the country. One website, www.complaintsboard.com, lists scores of comments from people who claim they have been duped by Dubai Gate, Al Aidy, Foreigners Employment, New Future, Waseela and a few others.

I did not register with Foreigners, New Future and Waseela but made enquiries for some ridiculous job positions.

At Foreigners Employment Management & Consultancy near Buhairah Corniche my query for a position of Hotel Manager cum Outdoor Salesman was met with an affirmative response from Valerie. At New Future in Al Ghusais, Samantha confirmed she had an opening for Dentist cum Accountant.

And at Waseela near Sharjah City Centre, I asked Asma: "I am a qualified elephant trainer from Ching Pong institute in Thailand, but since there are no elephants in the UAE could you help me get a job as an elephant trainer abroad?

Asma's response was quick: "My dear.. if you want me to send you to our company's branch office outside the UAE then you have to make a visa payment of Dh300. We do have our company branch in Canada. We have a whole veterinary hospital there and institute... including zoo... there we have more than 300-400 elephants... and not just elephants but other animals also... we have many trainers but we are looking for more trainers. If you pay us Dh300 we can send you to Canada within 15 to 20 days and also give you a one-way ticket." Asma's jumbo offer is also on tape with XPRESS.

Beware

Be wary of employment agencies which ask for money to register your CV. In all probability, they will dupe you. According to the Ministry of Labour, it’s illegal for recruitment firms to charge candidates a fee.

Report such companies to 800-665

Source: Gulf News.com

What is a Friend?

2010-09-16T00:19:00.001+04:00

Sometimes living away from your family makes you long for home. And most of the time, there will be other people who will comfort you. These people love you but they are not your lover. They care for you but they are not your family. They are ready to share your pain but they are not in your blood relations. They scold you like your Dad. Care for you like your Mom. Tease you like a Sister and irritate you like a Brother. They are called FRIENDS! They can never replace your family but it is the next best thing to having a kin out here in Dubai.

Life's Oxymorons

2010-09-13T05:16:00.000+04:00

Before, I hated forwarded emails. I always delete them instantly. Especially the ones with curse at the end if you don't forward the email. But recently I come to appreciate some. Here is one which amused me.

If swimming is a good exercise to stay fit,
why are whales fat?

Why the place in a stadium where people sit,
is called a STAND?

Why is it that everyone wants to go to heaven?
But nobody wants to die?

Shall I say that there is racial discrimination even
in chess as the white piece is moved first?

In our country, we have freedom of speech,
then why do we have telephone bills?

If money does not grow on trees then
why do banks have branches?

Why doesn't glue stick to its bottle?

Why do you still call it building when
it’s already built?

If it’s true that we are here to help others,
what are others here for?

If you are not supposed to drink and
drive why do bars have parking lots?

Why do they say that endings are new beginnings?

11 Things You Will Not Learn In School According to Bill Gates

2010-09-12T15:54:00.000+04:00

Love him or hate him, he sure hits the nail on the head with this!

Bill Gates recently gave a speech at a High School about 11 things they did not and will not learn in school. He talks about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the real world.

Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it!

Rule 2: The world doesn't care about your
self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.

Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.

Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.

Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.

Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.

Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.

Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.

In You Eyes Showing in Dubai

2010-09-11T13:09:00.001+04:00

"In Your Eyes" is now showing in Dubai. Starring Anne Curtis, Richard Gutierrez & Claudine Baretto. The movie is about the story of two sisters who fell in love with the same man. The movie reportedly made more than 33.5 million pesos in its opening week. Viva Films and GMA Films collaborated to make this movie. Directed by Mac Alejandre. I saw it last night at Deira City Centre with my two sisters. Some of the crowds have very amusing reactions while watching the movie. Claudine was great, a little chubby now. Anne was great. She gave a very nice performance. Richard made my sisters very happy with the movie. :-)

If you are going to see the movie, watch out for the car keys of Claudine which was already in the car parked out in the street. My youngest sister greatly amused with this inconsistency.

I did not like the resolution of the movie but I guess it can be written with several good endings and the writers opted for this one.

It is a good movie and nice to watch in the theater. You can still catch it this week.

What to say when greeted "Eid Mubarak"

2010-09-11T12:55:00.000+04:00

I knew that Friday is Eid Al Fitr and that people in Dubai would usually greet each other with "Eid Mubarak" instead of the usual greetings.

My Pakistani friend was teaching me over the phone how to respond but, having a very poor memory, I easily forgets. The proper response would be "Alayna Wa Alaykoom" which loosely translate to "for me and for you as well" since "Eid Mubarak" means "happy Eid" it is like saying "Happy Eid to you too".

Some basic greetings that come in handy are the following:
• Ahlan Wasahlan - Welcome
• Marahaba - Hi
• Kaif Halak - How are you? (boy)
• Kaif Halek - How are you? (girl)
• Kaif Kan Youmak El-Youm - How was your day today?
• Tfadal - Come in.

It is ok for non-Muslims to say "Eid Mubarak" to Muslims. Mubarak, like Saeed, means happy. It comes from the Arabic word "Mabrook" which means "Congratulations".

Eid Al Fitr

2010-09-06T08:53:00.000+04:00

GulfNews.com: The Eid Al Fitr holiday for federal ministries and departments will start on Wednesday, Ramadan 29 (September 8) and end on Shawwal 3, according to a circular issued by Humaid Obaid Al Qutami, Minister of Education and Chairman of the Federal Human Resources Authority.
Work will resume on Shawwal 4.

Al Qutami congratulated President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates on the advent of Eid Al Fitr, and wished them good health.

The minister also congratulated the people of the UAE and those of the Arab and Muslim world on the happy occasion.

The following chart shows the major Holidays and Islamic events in the UAE for the years 2008-2010.

Occasion	Duration	Hijri Year	Gregorian Year 2008	Gregorian Year 2009	Gregorian Year 2010
New Year●	1	-	1 Jan 08	1 Jan 09	1 Jan 10
Hijri New year’s Day *	1	1 Muhrram	9 Jan 08 29 Dec 08	18 Dec 09	7 Dec 10
Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday *	1	12 Rabul Awal	20 Mar 08	9 Mar 09	26 Feb 10
Israa & Miaraj Night *	1	27 Rajab	30 Jul 08	20 Jul 09	9 Jul 10
Ramadan expected to begin	29/30	1 Ramadan	1 Sep 08	21 Aug 09	11 Aug 10
Eid Al Fitr *	3	1 Shwwal	1 Oct 08	20 Sep 09	10 Sep 10
UAE National Day ●	2	-	2/3 Dec 08	2/3 Dec 09	2/3 Dec 10
Arafat (Haj) Day *	1	9 Zulhajja	7 Dec 08	26 Nov 09	15 Nov 10
Eid Al Adha *	3	10 Zulhajja	8 Dec 08	27 Nov 09	16 Nov 10

* Islamic holidays (exact date is subject to moon-sighting)
● Fixed Holidays

Source: www.visitabudhabi.ae

Police bullets killed hostages in Luneta Grandstand

2010-08-25T20:35:00.000+04:00

I have been a little busy with work and was shocked this afternoon to learn that there are questions about whose bullets killed the hostage victims. At first I was a little doubtful about this but after I saw several footage of the shoot out, I am now very much afraid that we are actually paying these people to carry guns!

I would like to express my deepest condolences to all the family members of the hostage victims who died that day. I am not an expert in hostage victim negotiations but it should always be a rule to never put the lives of the hostages at risk by provoking the hostage taker.

Another thing that should have happened is that the police men around the victims should have never fired back if there were still civilians near the hostage taker. I think that this is a clear indication that the PNP needs to clear their ranks of these undeserving people who wear the uniform.

When will President Noynoy do something about this? An apology is very much welcome but clearing the ranks of policement and SWAT would be better. I just hope that this never happens again to anyone.

Ramadan in Dubai

2010-08-11T16:01:00.000+04:00

Ramadan has started today, 10 August 2010, since 4am. Muslims are observing Ramadan by day fasting.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. And it begins based on observing the first crescent of the new moon.

Not only here in Dubai is Ramadan observed, but all over the world. Muslims spend 30 days observing fast bettering themselves in the principles of their faith and performing charitable acts.

Children below twelve years and those who travel for long distances are exempt from fasting.

Many Muslims use Ramadan to make resolutions, similar to New Year's resolutions for Christians.

Muslims don’t just abstain themselves from food, they also strive to cut out bad habits like anger, envy, greed, malice, gossip, lust and the likes.

Followers try to read the entire Qu’ran during this holy month.

Delicious and nutritious Ramadan dishes include: fig and lemon chicken, lentil soup, Moroccan soup, beef meatballs, fresh fig cake and rich semolina cookies.

Ramadan is followed by Eid Al Fitr, a time of enjoyment with gifts for the kids and wishing all near and dear ones Eid Mubarak!

Death toll in Pakistan floods exceeds 1,400

2010-08-04T12:12:00.001+04:00

The recent flood in Pakistan reminded me of Ondoy.

Sadly, some of my friends lost some family members because of the floods. A friends uncle recently retired from Dubai and went back to Pakistan. He's already 65 years old and can no longer work here in Dubai because of his age. Sadly, he was one of the thousands who perished in the recent calamity. Let us help Pakistan.

TorontoSun.com - The worst floods in memory in Pakistan have affected more than 3 million people so far and the death toll has climbed over 1,400, a spokesman for the U.N. Children's Fund said on Tuesday.

Read the full story at TorontoSun.com

Pakistan Flood - July 31, 2010

2010-08-03T08:52:00.000+04:00

The Express Tribune - Khyber Pukhtunkhwa Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain said on Friday that the death toll from the flooding in the province has passed 400.

Iftikhar said boats have also been arranged for and sent to the affected areas to assist and evacuate the people. He said the current calamity is a natural disaster and advised his party-members not to politicise the issue.

Punjab’s land route to Khyber Pukhtunkhwa through GT Road and Motorway has been disconnected, while areas from Mullah Mansoor to Attock have been submerged.
Large numbers of livestock have been swept away and crops soaked in the floods. Routes from Charsadda and Attock to Peshawar are closed and heavy traffic jam can be seen on many parts of the GT Road.

Due to heavy rains and floods, communication and road infrastructure have also been completely suspended in the areas. Shahra-e-Karakuram has been closed for traffic while Shangla has lost its ground contact with Kohistan Alai and Batgram. Peshawar Motorway and GT road Nowshera are also closed for all kinds of traffic.

The Met Office has predicted scattered thunderstorms and rains with isolated heavy falls over the province during the next 24 hours.

DI Khan is also among the worst hit districts where –according to reports pouring in – five tehsils have been submerged completely. Army troops dispatched to the affected areas started rescue and relief efforts eary this morning.

Read more at http://tribune.com.pk/story/32755/floods-wreak-havoc-across-pakistan/

UAE to ban BlackBerry services

2010-08-02T09:51:00.001+04:00

Blackberry web services will be banned in UAE starting October and KSA will also do the same. Internet access through Blackberry is deemed as a threat to national security by UAE Sheikdom. For more details visit news.yahoo.com

Image credits: www.corbisimages.com

A Devil in St. Mary's Church

2010-06-27T23:06:00.000+04:00

I love going to church on Sundays. The Pinoy priest gives good sermon and it makes me feel good every time I go to church. This Sunday, however, our mommy was on the phone and my sister could not hang up in time for us to attend the mass. Everyone was on their way home when we reached St. Marys. The volunteers were cleaning the church and there was a queue to the image of Virgin Mary of Perpetual Help.

We sat on the second row and my siblings and friend started praying solemnly. I usually pray together with my siblings but this time I just sat down and watched the queue.

In the middle of their prayer, a man approached us and politely said "Brothers and sisters if you like to pray transfer to the other side. We need to clean the chairs." And two horns sprang out of his forehead and a tail from his behind lashed out on the wind. I was looking at a devil telling my siblings to stop praying to God. And in the blink of an eye he became human again.

My imagination started running wild and I began to think about the man who approached us.

He was going all over the church asking every praying soul to stop talking to God. My brother heard him asking the queue to hurry praying to the Virgin Mary. I began to wonder if he is really in the church to help or to discourage people to pray.

I started to ask myself, is he a devil in the guise of an angel? Is there a devil in St. Mary's church discouraging people to pray. Is he a servant of the Lord or the opposite? Please let me know if you have been to St. Marys.

Dubai Desert Safari

2010-06-13T09:48:00.000+04:00

Plan out your next adventure to the sand dunes, camel rides, thrilling desert safari rides and other camp activities from sunrise till sundown at One World Travel & Tourism. Come and experiment with quad bikes and dune buggies, desert safari and camel rides during the day. Take in the great expanse of the desert and as night falls experience an exciting dinner by the campfire with the dazzling and mesmerising belly dance, Tanoura dance and fire dance, and savour the international cuisine. It's a desert experience that you can treasure for a lifetime from One World Travel & Tourism.

www.desertsafaridubai.ae

www.owtravels.com

2010 Online Election Results

2010-05-10T17:01:00.000+04:00

To monitor the result of the 2010 elections, follow this link: http://electionresults.ibanangayon.ph/res_reg4404001.html

7 New Stations on Red Line Operational

2010-05-01T09:42:00.000+04:00

The seven (7) Dubai Metro stations which openned last Friday, 30th April 2010, include: Emirates, Airport Terminal 1, Al Karama, Emirates Towers, Dubai Internet City, Marina and Ibn Battuta. All stations are found on the Red Line of the Dubai Metro. This resulted in the shortage of Silver Nol Cards — the most popular economy class prepaid travel card used on public transport. Blue Cards ar temporarily issued during the shortage. The RTA ran out of Silver cards as the shipment was delayed from Europe due to recent flight disruptions because of the volcanic ash issue.

Commuters would get Blue Nol Cards which will be loaded with same features as Silver Nol cards and it the cost will also be the same. Nol Blue Cards are issued as a personalised card with the picture and personal details but it will now be sold as normal card just like Silver Nol Card for a limited period. No date is given date as to when the Silver Nol Cards will be made available.

Currently, 18 Dubai Metro stations are working. It is expected to rise to 21 stations on May 15, 2010.

The trains will run with frequency of six minutes during peak hours and eight minutes frequency during off-peak time.

Trivia:
The Metro has lifted about 13.68 million passengers and the number of daily commuters is about 80,000 passengers. The number is geared to rise in excess of 140,000 with the opening of the new metro stations. The number of the metro users is estimated to hit 35 million passengers in 2010 and is likely to receive a further boost in August 2011 with the operation of the Green Line, which serves vital areas with intense commercial and public activities. 90 percent of the 2 million cards issued are Silver Nol cards.

A Pinay Found Rotting in the Desert

2010-04-29T16:47:00.000+04:00

Gulf News had this headline today: Decomposed body of unknown woman found in desert"

Victim was wearing gold jewellery, she was not carrying identification as reported by Bassma Al Jandaly a Senior Reporter of Gulf News.

Here is the rest of her report:
The decomposed body of an unidentified woman was found earlier this week in the desert in Dubai, police sources told Gulf News.

The victim had no identity papers on her, but police sources said they suspect she may be from the Philippines.

Police said the victim was wearing gold jewellery, including rings, ear rings, a necklace and a bracelet and officers were investigating whether she bought them in Dubai.
Last month a Filipina woman was allegedly murdered by her live-in partner, who is accused of strangling her with her own hair and belt.

Passers-by found the body of the 35-year-old victim abandoned in Al Twar area.
Early this month police arrested a 40-year-old Filipino bus driver, the victim's boyfriend, in connection with the crime and he has been charged with premeditated murder.
Police were able to arrest the accused in their search for illegal Asian workers living in the emirate.

Source: gulfnews.com

Movie: City of Life

2010-04-23T14:44:00.002+04:00

Princess Velasco: Right Now

2010-04-22T15:11:00.000+04:00

Princess Velasco will be performing tomorrow, 23 April 2010, Friday night at Ratsky 2 in Ramada Continental Hotel.

Addicted to Acoustic Princess

2010-04-18T19:49:00.000+04:00

Princess Velasco will be performing at Ramada Continental Hotel along Abu Hail Road on April 23, 2010 - Friday. For ticket inquiries please call 04 266.2666

Win Free Evening Desert Safari for 2

2010-04-15T11:22:00.000+04:00

One World Travel & Tourism
Win an Evening Desert Safari voucher for 2 worth AED 400 from One World Travel & Tourism LLC

One World Travel & Tourism offers desert safari, dhow dinner cruise and various sightseeing tours. As a one-stop-shop travel agency offering airline tickets and hotel reservations it also handles corporate events, group incentive tours and team building activities locally and abroad.

To enjoy a complimentary evening desert safari for 2 worth AED 400 all you have to do is join this competition NOW!

Facebook Invitations

2010-04-05T20:49:00.000+04:00

Got this invitation from one of my facebook buddies.

Hanifah invited you to "CAMPING @ MAMZAR BEACH CORNICHE" on Thursday, April 8 at 9:00pm.

Event: CAMPING @ MAMZAR BEACH CORNICHE
What: Club Party
Start Time: Thursday, April 8 at 9:00pm
End Time: Friday, April 9 at 12:00am
Where: OVERNIGHT CAMPING, SWIMMING,EATING, FUN

Dubai has several open beaches. The nearest to our place (Al Baraha) is the Mamzar Beach Corniche. But the most famous is probably the Jumeirah Open Beach 3 where the Burj Al Arab is visible.

British Couple Jailed for Kissing in Public

2010-04-05T20:24:00.000+04:00

A British couple fighting to avoid jail time for kissing in public has lost their appeal.

Ayman Najafi and Charlotte Adams received a month in prison and were fined nearly $300 back in November.

The ruling came as the judge spoke only Arabic, and the couple's defense lawyer had to relay the news.

"I want to go to jail straight away," Adams, 25, said after the verdict, The Sun reported.

"I'm stuck in this country with no money and I can't work."

"I just want to serve my 30 days and get out of here," said Najafi, 24, according to the British paper.

The two have 30 days to file another appeal.

A 38-year-old woman with her daughter filed the complaint that got the couple busted, which reportedly occurred at the Jumeirah Beach Residence.

The couple's defense attorney claimed the incident was not seen by the woman, but her 2-year-old child, the BBC reported.

The pair also claims they only kissed one another on the cheek. But the judge dismissed their statements and upheld the sentence.

Source: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/2010/04/05/2010-04-05_british_couple_lose_appeal_in_dubai_over_30day_jail_sentence_for_kissing_in_publ.html

Kidney Transplant

2010-04-01T12:19:00.000+04:00

I received this email today:

"Kidney Transplant: A wealthy Saudi business man (his name is Maen Al-Sanea) has donated the sum of money equivalent to cost of 60 kidney transplants to be done in a Saudi hospital. Until now the hospital has only received 14 cases. If you know anyone who requires or in need of a kidney transplant and cannot afford cost of such operation please inform them of this.

They can contact the hospital on: Phone: 0096638826666 / 0096638826666 Extension: 4176 , 4444.
Please send this to all you know, you never know, you might save someone’s life! Please do share this message with people who are in need of same, Jazak-Allah Khairan! Allah Bless you all!"

3-Days Mourning for Sheikh Ahmed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

2010-03-31T21:40:00.000+04:00

We have been waiting for the official announcement if all celebrations will be stopped during the three days of official mourning which began today across the UAE as a mark of respect after the death of the president's younger brother. Rulers from across the emirates paid their tributes to the president after the body of Sheikh Ahmed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, brother of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was found. He died when his glider crashed in Morrocco.

Dubai Desert Safari For Only AED99

2010-03-18T18:12:00.001+04:00

You can now enjoy an Evening Desert Safari for only AED99 per person! This package includes the following:

Transfers from meeting point in Deira and Bur Dubai
Dune Bashing/Dune Drive
Sunset Photostop
Welcome Treats (Arabic Coffee, Tea, Dates)
Camel Riding
Sand Boarding
Sheesha/Hubbly Bubbly
Henna Tattoo
Unlimited Water, Tea, Coffee and Softdrinks
Snacks
BBQ Buffet Dinner with Veg & Non Veg dishes
Belly Dance
Tanoura Dance
Fire Dance
Separate Toilet facilities for both Men & Women
Drop back to the meeting point in Dubai

Available facilities/services for extra cost:

Alcohol beverages at the bar
Dune Buggy
Quad Bike

Call 04 3372010 for reservations. This promotional rate is available daily but with only limited slots so make your reservations early before it runs out!

Mirdif City Center Grand Opening

2010-03-17T12:31:00.000+04:00

Mirdif City Center openned yesterday with a very huge crowd. The car park was humongous with a capacity of 7,000 vehicles! They've complimentary Hotel Shuttle bus service with pickup and drop-off at the Grand Hyatt Dubai, Raffles Dubai, Fairmont, Crowne Plaza Dubai, Al Khaleej Palace, Emirates Concerde & Park Hyatt Dubai. RTA buses are available at the Rashidiya Metro Station to transport customers directly to the Mall since yesterday, March 16, 2010.

We went there and bought a mini laptop for only AED 799, a WII for only AED 999! The cellphone promo with 3 celphone loads was sold out when we arrived.

Parking Fee Hike

2010-03-16T11:03:00.001+04:00

I was surprised the other day when my 1 dirham was not enough to get a parking ticket for my sister's car. As it turned out, the parking fee hiked up from one (1) dirham to two (2) dirhams for the first hour in all parking zones and can be fined any time of the day, including holidays, for parking vehicles illegally. Photo inset shows a man inserting a coin on a solar powered parking meter.

Photo credits: http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0gRm8920bfga2/x610.jpg

Air-conditioned Bus Stops

2010-03-13T15:43:00.000+04:00

One of the surprising thing about Dubai is their air-conditioned bus stops. It is the first air-conditioned bus station in the world. More than 900 of them are planned in the coming years.

Each bus station is 2.5 metres wide and six metres long and has a capacity for 14 people. Eight people can sit while six can stand inside the shelter.

Dubai is the first city in the world to offer the luxury of air-conditioned bus shelters for passengers. The aim is to lure people into using public transport, and ease the pressure on its crowded roads.

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) plans to have nine air-conditioned luxury bus terminals to replace the existing bus stations in Dubai, Gulf News has learnt.

The multi-storey terminals will have comfortable seating, restaurants, cafeterias and shopping areas. A parking area will also be provided. The new terminals will cater to the increasing demand for bus services.

I find this very useful espacially during the coming summer season! I just wonder what is the position of Green movements all over the world on this luxury bus stops.

Pacquiao vs. Clottey

2010-03-12T15:25:00.000+04:00

It will be an interesting fight this Sunday morning here in Dubai when every Filipino will be watching the Pacquiao vs. Clottey live match on Pay-Per-View via TFC. Joshua Clottey has expressed his confidence in one interview of espn. To quote ESPN:

Clottey clearly believes his size will prove a huge advantage.

"I am a very big welterweight," he said after the news conference. "I want to feel Manny Pacquiao's punches and see what he can do to me. He throws thousands of punches, but I block thousands of punches. I throw fewer punches, but my punches land and they hurt. And they will do damage."

Nowab - A Man From Iran

2010-03-10T23:12:00.000+04:00

Nowab is my Iranian friend who lives in International City, Persia cluster. He's been in Dubai for 27 years. He drives for an Arabic family in Friday market.

He lost his only brother and parents in the violence in Afghanistan. That is why he is not fond of Americans.

Nowab has a jolly personality. He always has a ready smile to greet you. But the most notable thing about Nowab is that he looks exactly like Saddam Hussein!

Counting in Urdu

2010-03-08T22:56:00.006+04:00

Here's how they count in Urdu.

One, Two, Three - Eik, Do, Tin ایک،دو،تین
Four, Five, Six - Char, Panch, Che چار،پانچ، چھے
Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten - Saat, Aath, Nau, Das سات،ﺁﮢﮭ ،نو،دَس

Source: http://www.linguanaut.com/english_urdu.htm

Falling Off A Bridge

2010-03-07T22:06:00.001+04:00

Sunday. First day of the work week and the day we go to mass to the only Catholic Church in Dubai, St. Marys.

I went with my sister, Vilma, & the couple Eli & Budjoy.

The Priest's sermon was about sins. He told the story about a priest who encouraged his congregation to go to confession. He said to just say that they fall off the bridge should they have committeed fornication or adultery to make it less shameful. Many were encouraged and when they go to confession, they just say that they have fallen off the bridge and father would know.

The priest was later on replaced. But he was not able to tell the incoming priest about their code phrase during confession. So the new priest got worried that many were falling off the bridge.

He went to the mayor and told him seriously, "Dear Mayor, we have a very big problem. There is something badly wrong with the bridge, many are falling off."

The mayor gave a loud hearty laugh knowing the code phrase during confession. The Mayor said, "It's nothing to worry about father. It is nothing serious."

"It's very serious, Mayor." the priest replied, "Your wife fell off the bridge three times last week."

Do Not Eat At KFC Dubai Mall Food Court

2010-03-05T22:18:00.003+04:00

If you love having ketchup during your meal, as much as possible, try to avoid eating at KFC in Dubai Mall Food Court. Why? They're selling their ketchup sachet for one (1) dirham a piece. This is madness! This is not a hate campaign. I love KFC but selling ketchup sachet for AED 1/- a piece is a bit too much!

Sloka's Dubai - Paradise

2010-03-04T06:00:00.003+04:00

I was searching the net for a 3-word description of Dubai. I found this very nice blog by Sloka. Here's what she wrote:

"Dubai is the commercial capital of UAE (just like Mumbai is to India). It's an ultra modern city buzzing with activity all through the day and night and all through the year. To me, Dubai is just a modern version of Mumbai, complete with the crowds (which is cosmopolitan but dominantly Indian), the streets, etc. The difference is that DXB is spick and span and there's no way you'd find people openly and indiscriminately littering about the place - they do it discreetly!!!! Being a small country, UAE is a lot easier to manage than Mumbai, yet the cleanliness has got to be appreciated. Dubai has developed immensely in the past 10 years mainly and I've seen it grow in front of my eyes. One day I travel on a road and there's a multistoreyed tower under construction and the next time I go there, the tower is fully occupied and operational and not just that - there's a new skysraper springing up beside it!

The latest feather in Dubai's proverbial 'cap' is the emerging of The Palm and The World - 2 prestigious man-made islands coming up pat in the middle of the Arabian Sea and where someday, I hope to own a plot and a sea-facing bungalow!

Dubai is culturally very rich too, and at the heart of all the modernisation is a Dubai that is still rooted to its.....well....roots! Ladies and girls are respected and have zones reserved for them at all public places. The Holy month of Ramadan is a period of fasting from dawn to dusk for the followers of Islam but also a period when mutual respect for relegion is displayed in all its fervour as people of all faiths refrain from eating/drinking in public. All festivals - be it Muslim or otherwise - are given due respect and celebrated with aplomb - crackers are burst and festivities abound for Diwali, Onam and Christmas alike! There is freedom of religion out there....they don't stop you from practicing your religion and culture - all they ask is for you to respect theirs!

It's quite safe at all times though the perennial risks of theft or crimes of a more serious nature are always there - but then I'd like to see some place in the world that's insulated against these risks! The public transport system is amazing and its perfectly possible and even easy to survive there without owning a vehicle.

As is well known, Dubai is a tourist and shopper's paradise - it's a melting pot of all cultures in the world, Its brimming with pristine beaches (clean ones too!), sprawling and lush gardens, amusement parks and a few zoos and the world's best hotels and resorts. Dubai's climate is not as bad, considering it is bang in the middle of a desert. The months June to September are unbearably hot and frustratingly humid but the lovely months of December to February are so pleasant, cool and breezy that they almost make up for the heat! The other months are generally pleasant. The occasional showers in the winter months are an absolute delight and a thrilling respite from the regular heat!

To read her full blog, please log on to http://slo-sugarspiceneverythingnice.blogspot.com/2006/04/dubai-to-describe-it-in-one-word.html

Piture inset is Raffles Dubai. It opened in November last year, the 19-story hotel features a striking pyramidal design inspired by ancient Egypt, coincidentally, where I am going for vacation next week! Located at Wafi in the heart of Dubai, Raffles Dubai is only 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport and a short drive to the business district.

The hotel has 248 suites, each at least 750 sq. ft., wireless Internet connections, and even an espresso machine. There are 11 restaurants and bars, the highlight of which is the contemporary Chinese restaurant, the Noble House, recently voted Restaurant of the Year and Best Newcomer by TimeOut Dubai.

Rooms start at AED 3,500 (approximately $975).

Sheikh Rashid Road, Wafi
P.O. Box 121800, Dubai

Flood in UAE

2010-03-03T03:00:00.002+04:00

UAE is a well developed country, but it has a very poor drainage system. Little rain will result in minor floods. Yesterday night rained heavily, resulting in the closure of Emirates Road because of floods. Several desert camps were closed because of damage from the 2 consecutive nights of rain. My sister got stuck in Sharjah for more than 2 hours in traffic because of the minor floods. Even in International City, my Pinay officemate was complaining of flood in their area.

This is something that the government should look into when designing their city. It hardly rains in the desert but when it rains, it really pours. Below is a video of the usual flood after the rain in Sharjah two years ago.

Important Numbers in Dubai

2010-03-02T18:28:00.001+04:00

When going to a different country, I usually make up a list of important numbers. When in Dubai, here are the numbers that you should know as a tourist or resident:

Directory Inquiries:
Local: 181
Int'l: 151

Country Codes:
UAE: 00971 (+971)
Philippines: 0063 (+63)

Local Area Codes:
Dubai: 04 (+971 4)
Manila: 02 (+63 2)

Mobile Codes
Du Mobile: 055 (+971 55)
Etisalat Mobile: 050 (+971 50)
Smart Mobile: 0918 (+63 918)
Globe Mobile: 0917 (+63 917)
Sun Mobile: 0922 (+63 922) Sun has no automatic roaming in UAE as of this writing.

Dubai Emergency Numbers:
Police: 999
Ambulance: 998
Fire: 997
Rashid Hospital: 04 337 1111
Welcare Hospital: 04 282 7788
American Hospital: 04 336 7777

For getting around:
Taxi: 04 208 0808
Airport: 04 224 5252

Tour packages: 04 3372010 (Look for Ricky or Vilma)
City Tours www.dubaitourcompany.com
Desert Safari www.desertsafaridubai.ae
Dhow Dinner Cruise www.dhowdinnercruisesdubai.com
Fun Tours like Hot Air Balloon www.owtravels.com

For Airlines:
Emirates Airlines: 04 214 4444
British Airways: 800 441 3322

Philippine Consulate
Mr BENITO B. VALERIANO
Consulate General of Philippines in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
#35 Beirut Street,
Ext. no. 2 Villa No. 48, Al Qusais Area 3,
P.O. Box 94778, Dubai
Phone: (971-4) 254-4331 or (97150) 654-4047 -Duty Officer
Fax: (971-4) 254-4229
Email: pcgdxb@pcgdubai.ae,pc.dubai@dfa.gov.ph

Photo inset is the Burj Al Arab, the only 7-star hotel in the world.

Useful Arabic

2010-03-01T10:03:00.023+04:00

Here are a few phrases to help you get around Dubai.

For greetings:
Hello: as-salam alaykum
Hello (response): wa alaykum e-salam
Goodbye: ma'a salama
Welcome: marHaba
Good morning: sabaH ala-kheir
Good afternoon: masa' al-kheir
Good night: tisbah ala-kheir

Some basic phrases:
Yes: aiwa/na'am
No: la
Please: min fadlik
Thank you: shukran
You're welcome: afwan
Excuse me: lo tismaH

For small talk:
How are you?: kef Halak?
Fine thanks: zein al-Hamdulillah
What's your name?: shismak?
My name is...: ismi
I understand: ana fahim
I don't understand: la afham
I speak?: ana atakallam

For travelling:
Where is the airport?: wein al-matar
Where is the taxi?: wein maHattat tax
Do you speak English?: Tek Kalam Ingleezi?
How much is this?: Kum Hada

Photo inset is the world famous Palm Jumeirah during its construction. It has become a great tourist spot with the Atlantis Hotel as a premiere destination here in Dubai. For a Dubai City Tour booking, visit One World Travel & Tourism website.

Things to Know When Going to Church in Dubai

2010-02-28T22:42:00.000+04:00

It was not my first time to attend the mass at St. Marys. I have gone several times with my sisters, but usually we came late and the mass has already started when we arrive. I never had the chance to take communion.

One time, I went with an office colleague, Eli, and her husband, Bijoy. Eli is one of my colleague at work. She's from Visayas and she is married to Bijoy, an Indian whom she fondly calls Bitoy.

We were early and had time to eat at the canteen of the church before the start of the mass. When we went inside the church we couldn't sit together because the church was jam packed. The mass was great. The priest had a sense of humor and he is very good during a sermon.

Then the communion started.

I was not very observant that time. I was a little puzzled why nobody was standing up to take communion. So I took my back pack and stood up and went to the queue at the middle aisle of the church. Everybody stared at me, as I approached the queue, I noticed that the people taking communion was taking turns. The first row went first, then the second row! I was at the third to the last row!

The usherer, an Indian, was whispering to me uncomprehensively. I realized my mistake but I just play dumb and went to the queue and had my communion. I didn't go back to my seat. After the communion I went out and lighted several candles and went home laughing at myself.

A Pinay Cutting the Line

2010-02-21T15:53:00.001+04:00

Friday in Dubai is like Sunday in other parts of the world. Government offices, banks and most establishments are closed. And it is the worker's day off.

I decided to go with my younger sister to Mall of the Emirates and watch a movie. She wanted to see Jacky Chan's Spy Next Door and I wanted to see Avatar. When we got there, we settled for Valentine's Day starring a long list of superstars and cute newbies including Julia Roberts, Jessica Alba, Kathy Bates, Jesica Biel, Ashton Kutcher, Eric Dane, Patrick Dempsey, Jennifer Garner, Taylor Lautner and a lot more!

We were in queue to buy food and drinks. We decided to split up and queue on different lines. A lady cut in my line. As it turned out, she was a Kababayan. If we had been in the Philippines, I would have made a scene and asked her to go to the back of the line, but unfortunately, we were in Dubai. So I took a deep breath and held my anger.

What would you have done in my place?

Prophet's Birthday

2010-02-18T15:56:00.000+04:00

The Ministry of Tourism (DCTM) has issued a circular effective from 6pm of February 25, 2010 until 7pm of February 26, 2010 in observance of the Prophet's Birthday. Establishments are advised to refrain from serving alcohol and holding entertainment. This circular is implemented in all restaurants, clubs, desert safari camps and dhow cruises.

This will imply that desert safari camps cannot serve alcohol in the bar and they cannot perform belly dance, fire dance or tanura dance. The dhow cruises cannot also serve alcohol in the bar nor can they hold magic show, tanura dance and song performances.

Desert Safari

2010-02-10T12:26:00.023+04:00

One of the highlights when visiting Dubai is going to the desert safari. For AED 200/- per person, you will be picked up directly from your hotel and taken to the desert for a Dune Drive. There will be a photo stop for the beautiful sun set in the middle of the desert.

You will be taken to an Arabic desert camp where you can do camel riding and sand boarding. To pass the time before dinner, you can have sheesha or a henna painting.

There is an unlimited supply of water and softdrinks. Snacks are provided before the barbecue dinner buffet which has vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

There will be a belly dance performance before you are brought back to the city filled with fond and exciting memories of all the activities of the evening desert safari.

Tax Free Dubai

2010-02-09T00:07:00.000+04:00

One of the most surprising thing in Dubai was that personal incomes, including all forms of salary and capital gains wherever arising, are not subject to taxation in any of the Emirates of UAE. There is no enforced federal income tax legislation for general business. An income tax decree has been enacted by each Emirate, but in practice, the enforcement of these decrees is restricted to foreign banks and to oil companies.

It is very upsetting to remember that in the Philippines everybody is required to submit themselves to withholding tax, which eats out more than 20% of your income. And what do you get in return, lousy government service, dilapidated roads and several billions of debt by the government from other countries.

Where do the Government of UAE get their funds?

"Foreign banks are taxed at 20 percent of their taxable income in the Emirates of Abu-Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. The tax is restricted to the taxable income which is earned or deemed to be earned in that particular Emirate. Oil Companies (which include any chargeable person that deals in oil or right to oil both off-shore and on-shore) pay a flat rate of 55 percent on their taxable income in Dubai and 50 percent in the other Emirates. In addition, they pay royalties on production.

Under the terms of an agreement on customs tariffs with countries of the GCC, all Emirates are bound to levy a minimum customs duty of 10 percent on luxury goods and 4 percent on the C.I.F. value of all other goods imported, excluding certain items such as alcohol and cigarettes. Recently, the federal government has approved a tobacco tax rate of 50 percent.

In practice, however, exemptions are made for a wide range of goods. In cases where customs duties are charged, it is generally restricted to 1 percent.

Municipal taxes are levied in most Emirates on annual rental paid at 5 percent for residential premises and 10 percent for commercial premises.

Other local taxes include a 5 percent tax on hotel services and entertainment."

Source: http://www.government.ae/gov/en/biz/business/taxes.jsp

The Songbird & the Songwriter in Dubai

2010-02-08T02:07:00.001+04:00

Last Friday, I went to Zabeel Park to watch The Songbird & The Songwriter.

The tickets had three (3) denominations. AED100 for the bleacher seats, AED200 for VIP & AED350 for VVIP. I bought the second one.

The venue was a big open field arena in the middle of the park. I bought dinner for AED45!

The concert started with several raffle draws and games officiated by two radio deejays. They had one question which they did not know the answer themselves.

"Which song did Regine & Robin Padilla sing as a duet in one of their movies?"

Several answers were wrong. "Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw" "Maging Sino Ka Man" "Hanggang Ngayon"

I was waiting for "Tuwing Umuulan" which they sang in the movie "Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw". One of the VVIP audience gave this answer and the announcers said that it was wrong. They declared "Alipin" as the right answer. The girl DJ was recalling from her memory that Regine & Robin sang that song in the soundtrack album of the movie "Till I Met You".

The Dubai Champion of "Are You The Next Big Star" sang "I Believe I Can Fly" as a front act. I was not impressed. It felt like she was just shouting not singing.

The show started with Regine and Ogie singing Black Eyed Peas' "I've Got A Feeling". And then the "mall show" continued. :-)

I was a little bit disappointed with the show. It felt like a mall show to me. Regine was underdressed. The song line up was not impressive.

Regine & Ogie are good singers. But it was Rico J. Puno who made my night.

The lipsync of Marian Rivera during the duet with Dingdong Dantes was not surprising but unwelcomed. Sana sumayaw na lang siya ng sumayaw.

I felt I was robbed. The show was okay but not good enough. It was an effortless event. SOP is even better.

If they ever come back, maybe I will pass next time. It is not worth your money.

How To Recall Emails with Mistakes

2010-02-07T02:06:00.000+04:00

There was one time I did a very stupid thing. I replied and put the date 30th February 2010.

I wanted to recall my email but I did not know how! I didn't know that Microsoft Outlook had the ability to recall your email and replace it with a new "correct" one.

Just go to your Sent Item folder and open the email you sent. In the Other Actions drop down menu, there is a command there Recall This Message. A prompt will appear asking you whether you want to "delete unread copies of this message" or "delete copies and replace with a new message".

There is also a check box which will enable you to know if the recall is successful or not.

For more info, visit this link:

http://www.ehow.com/how_113821_recall-e-mail.html

Prohibited Items for Travel to Dubai

2010-02-06T10:01:00.030+04:00

One of the most important things that I bring along during travel to other countries are prescription free medicine for common sickness like headache, cold and fever.

For my headache I usually take Dolfenol and for my fever Bioflu. As it turned out, there are several drugs that are prohibited in the UAE.

As a customs regulation. visitors to Dubai can bring in duty-free:

4 litres of alcohol, or 2 cartons of beer (1 carton = 24 cans not exceeding 355 ml)
400 cigarettes
50 cigars
500 g of loose tobacco

Prohibited items include:

Drugs
Firearms
Pornography

Below is a long list of controlled medicines and medications, registered with the Ministry of Health in the UAE and enforced by the UAE Ministry of Interior and International Narcotic Controlled Board (INCB). It is best to consult UAE Government to be sure.

UAE Ministry of Health’s Drug Control Department
Abu Dhabi, P.O. Box 848
Fax: 971 2 6313 742

"These items are essentially available only in hospitals and in large community pharmacies, under the prescription of doctors. The Ministry of Health advises that unlicensed, controlled medicines can only be imported into the UAE through hospitals and not by individuals.

However, the Drug Control Department of the Ministry of health does have special regulations for personal import of such items: patients or travelers carrying prescribed prescription medications must have their prescriptions issued by licensed U.S. doctors, attested by a notary public, and duly authenticated by both the secretary of state of one’s U.S. state, and finally also authenticated by the Secretary of State of the U.S. Government in Washington, D.C."

S.No., TRADE NAME, GENERIC NAME, FORM

1, 123 COLD Tablets, Codeine phosphate 8mg, Acetaminophen 325mg,Cafeine 30mg,Carbinoxamine maleate 3.06mg,Phenylephrine 5mg, Tablets
2, ABILIFY 10mg, Aripiprazole 10mg, Tablets
3, ABILIFY 15mg, Aripiprazole 15mg, Tablets
4, ABILIFY 20mg, Aripiprazole 20mg, Tablets
5, ABILIFY 30mg, Aripiprazole 30mg, Tablets
6, ACTIFED compound linctus, Codeine Phosphate10mg, Triprolidine1.25mg, Pseudoephedrine 30mg/5ml, Linctus
7, ACTIFED DM, Dextromethorphan 10mg , Triprolidine1.25mg, Pseudoephedrine 30mg/5ml, Linctus
8, ACTIVELLE , Estradiol & Norethisterone, Tablets
9, ADOL cold, Dextromethorphan HBr 15mg, Pseudoephedrine HCL 30mg, Paracetamol 325mg, Caplets
10, ADOL COLD HOT THERAPY, Paracetamol 650mg, Pseudoephedrine HCL 60.0 mg, Dextrometorphan HBr 30.0 mg, Sachets
11, ADOL compound, Codeine phosphate 10mg, Paracetamol 150mg,Cafeine 50mg,Salicylamide 200mg, Tablets
12, AKINETON 2mg, Biperiden HCL 2mg, Tablets
13, AKINETON 5mg, Biperiden Lactate 5mg/ml, Injection
14, AKINETON RETARD 4mg, Biperiden HCL 4mg, Tablets
15, ALGAPHAN, Dextropropoxyphene HCL 25mg Paracetamol 300mg, Tablets
16, ALGAPHAN, Propoxyphene HCL 75mg Chlorobutanol 10 mg/2ml, Injection
17, ANAFRANIL 10, Clomipramine HCL 10 mg, Tablets
18, ANAFRANIL 25, Clomipramine HCL 25 mg, Tablets
19, ANAFRANIL S.R 75, Clomipramine HCL 75 mg, Tablets
20, ANDRIOL 40mg, Testosterone undecanoate 40mg, Capsules
21, ANEXATE 0.5mg/5ml, Flumazenil 0.1mg/ml, Injection
22, ANEXATE 1mg/10ml, Flumazenil 0.1mg/ml, Injection
23, ARTANE 2, Benzhexol HCL 2 mg, Tablets
24, ARTANE 5, Benzhexol HCL 5mg, Tablets
25, ARTHROTEC 50, Misoprostol 0.2mg Diclofenac sodium 50mg, Tablets
26, ATIVAN 1, Lorazepam 1mg, Tablets
27, AURIMEL, Carbinoxamine maleate 2mg , Dextromethorphan HBr 5mg , Phenylephrine HCL 5mg , Sodium citrate 325 mg/5ml, Syrup
28, AURORIX 100, Moclobemide 100mg, Tablets
29, AURORIX 150, Moclobemide 150mg, Tablets
30, AURORIX 300, Meclobemide 300 mg, Tablets
31, BARNETIL 200mg/2ml, Sultopride 200mg/2ml, Injection
32, BARNETIL 400, Sultopride 400mg, Tablets
33, BENZTRONE 5mg/ml, Oestradiol Benzoate 5mg/ml, Injection
34, BEPRO, Papaverine HCL 12.5mg, Codeine Sulphate 125mg, Calcium Iodide 1gm, Glycerine 5gm/100ml, Syrup
35, BRONCHOLAR, Dextromethorphan HBr 7.5mg Guaifenesin 50mg,Ephedrine HCl 7.5mg,Chlorpheniramine maleate 1.25mg/5ml, Mixture
36, BRONCHOLAR forte, Dextromethorphan HBr 15mg Ephedrine HCL 7.5mg,Guaifenesin 50mg,Chlorpheniramine maleate 1.25mg/5ml, Mixture
37, BRONCHOPHANE, Dextromethorphan HBr 125mg Diphenydramine HCl 100mg,Ephedrine HCl 150mg,Guaifenesin 1gm/100ml, Syrup
38, BUCCASTEM 3mg, Prochlorperazine Maleate 3mg, Tablets
39, BUSPAR 10 , Buspirone HCL 10mg, Tablets
40, BUSPAR 30 mg, Buspirone HCl 30 mg, Tablets Dividose
41, BUSPAR 5 , Buspirone HCL 5 mg, Tablets
42, CAMCOLITE 250, Lithium Carbonate 250mg, Tablets
43, CAMCOLITE 400, Lithium Carbonate 400mg, Tablets
44, CANTOR 50, Minaprine 50mg, Tablets
45, CELLCEPT 250mg, Mycophenolate mofetil 250mg, Capsules
46, CELLCEPT 500mg, Mycophenolate mofetil 500mg, Capsules
47, CIPRALEX 10mg, Escitalopram (as Escitlopram oxalate) 10mg/tablet, Tablets
48, Cipralex 10mg, Escitalopram, Tablet
49, CIPRALEX 15mg, Escitalopram (as Escitlopram oxalate) 15mg/tablet, Tablets
50, Cipralex 15mg, Escitalopram, Tablet
51, CIPRALEX 20mg, Escitalopram (as Escitlopram oxalate) 20mg/tablet, Tablets
52, Cipralex 20mg, Escitalopram, Tablet
53, CIPRALEX 5mg, Escitalopram (as Escitlopram oxalate) 5mg/tablet, Tablets
54, CIPRAM 20, Citalopram 20 mg, Tablets
55, CLIMEN, Micronised Estradiol Valerate(pink) 2mg/1tab, Micronised Estradiol Valerate(white) 2mg/1tab, Micronised Cyproterone Acetate (Pink) 1mg/1 tab., Tablets
56, CLOPIXOL 2, Zuclopenhtixol diHCL 2mg, Tablets
57, CLOPIXOL 25, Zuclopenhtixol diHCL 25mg, Tablets
58, CLOPIXOL -Acuphase 100mg, Zuclopenhtixol acetate 100mg/2ml, Injection
59, CLOPIXOL Depot 200, Zuclopenhtixol decanoate 200mg/ml, Injection
60, CLOPIXOL Depot 500, Zuclopenhtixol acetate 500mg/ml, Injection
61, CLOPIXOL10, Zuclopenhtixol diHCL 10mg, Tablets
62, CLOPIXOL-Acuphase 50mg, Zuclopenhtixol acetate 50mg/ml, Injection
63, CODAPHED, Codeine phosphate 8mg Chlorpheniramine maleate 2mg , Ephedrine HCL 15mg/10ml, Syrup
64, Codaphed Plus, Chlorpheniramine Maleate Ephedrine HCl,Codeine Phosphate,Ammonium Chloride , Syrup
65, CODILAR, Dextromethorphan HBr100mg Phenylephrine HCL 40mg,Chlorpheniramine maleate 20mg/100ml, Syrup
66, CODIPRONT, Codeine 30mg, Phenyltoloxamine 10mg, Capsules
67, CODIPRONT , Codeine 11.1mg , Phenyltoloxamine 3.7mg/5ml, Syrup
68, CODIPRONT Cum Exp., Codeine 200mg , Guaiphenesine 1gm,Phenyltoloxamine 66mg , Thyme ext. 1gm/100gm, Syrup
69, CODIPRONT Cum Exp., Codeine 30mg , Phenyltoloxamine 10mg,Guaifenesin 100mg, Tablets
70, CODIS, Aspirin 500 mg,Codeine Phosphate 8 mg, Tablets
71, COLDEX-D, Dextromethorphan HBr 10mg , Pseudoephedrine HCl 30mg, Chlorpheniramine maleate 1.25mg, Glyceryl guaicolate 50mg/5ml, Syrup
72, CYTOTEC, Misoprostol 200mcg, Tablets
73, DEANXIT, Flupentixol diHCL 0.5mg, Melitracene HCL 10mg, Tablets
74, DECA DURABOLIN 25mg/ml, Nandrolone Decanoate 25mg/ml, Injection
75, DECA DURABOLIN 50mg/ml, Nandrolone Decanoate 50mg/ml, Injection
76, DEHYDROBENZ-PERIDOL , Droperidol 2.5mg/ml, Injection
77, DEMETRIN 10, Prazepam 10mg, Tablets
78, DEXTROKUF , Dextromethorphan HBr 15mg/5ml, Syrup
79, DEXTROLAG, Dextromethorphan HBr 10mg , Guaifenesin 100mg, Chlorpheniramine maleate 2mg,Amonium chloride 25mg/5ml, Syrup
80, DHC CONTINUS, Dihydrocodeine tartrate 60mg, Tablets
81, DIALAG microclysma, Diazepam 5mg/2.5ml, Rectal solution
82, DIALAG microclysma, Diazepam 10mg/2.5ml, Rectal solution
83, DIAPAM 10, Diazepam 10mg, Tablets
84, DIAPAM 2, Diazepam 2mg, Tablets
85, DIAPAM 5, Diazepam 5mg, Tablets
86, DIARSED, Diphenoxylate HCL 2.5mg , Atropine sulphate 0.025mg, Tablets
87, DIAXINE, Diphenoxylate HCl 2.5mg, Atropine sulphate 0.025mg, Tablets
88, DIAZEPAM 2, Diazepam 2mg, Tablets
89, DIAZEPAM 5, Diazepam 5mg, Tablets
90, DICTON retard 30, Codeine 11mg , Carbinoxamine 1.5mg/5ml, Syrup
91, DIPRIVAN 1% w/v, Propofol 1.00% w/v, I.V. Infusion
92, DIPRIVAN 2% w/v, Propofol 20mg/1ml, I.V. Infusion
93, DISTALGESIC, Propoxyphene HCL 32.5mg Paracetamol 325mg, Tablets
94, DOGMATIL 100, Sulpiride 100 mg/2ml, Injection
95, DOGMATIL 25mg/5ml, Sulpiride 25mg/5ml, Solution
96, DOGMATIL 50, Sulpiride 50 mg, Capsules
97, DOGMATIL Forte, Sulpiride 200 mg, Tablets
98, DORMICUM 15, Midazolam 15mg, Tablets
99, DORMICUM 15mg/3ml, Midazolam 15mg/3ml, Injection
100, DORMICUM 5mg/ml, Midazolam 5mg/ml, Injection
101, DORMICUM 7.5mg, Midazolam 7.5mg, Tablets
102, DORSILON, Mephenoxalone 200mg,Paracetamol 450mg , Tablets
103, EDRONAX 4mg, Reboxetine 4mg, Tablets
104, EFEXOR 37.5, Venlafaxine 37.5mg, Tablets
105, EFEXOR 75, Venlafaxine 75mg, Tablets
106, EFEXOR XR 150, Venlafaxine Hydrochloride 150mg, Capsules
107, EFEXOR XR 75, Venlafaxine Hydrochloride 75mg, Capsules
108, ESTRACOMB TTS, Oestradiol 4mg,Norethisterone acetate 30mg(Patch 1)+Oestradiol 10mg(Patch 2), Patches
109, ESTRADERM TTS 100, Estradiol 8mg/20cm2, Patches
110, ESTRADERM TTS 25, Estradiol 2mg/5cm2, Patches
111, ESTRADERM TTS 50, Estradiol 4mg/10cm2, Patches
112, ESTROFEM , Oestradiol 2mg, Tablets
113, ESTROFEM FORTE, Oestradiol 4mg, Tablets
114, FAVERIN 100, Fluvoxamine maleate 100mg, Tablets
115, FAVERIN 50, Fluvoxamine maleate 50mg, Tablets
116, FEMOSTON 2/10, Dydrogesterone (Y) 10mg, Estradiol (O) 2.0mg, Estradiol (Y) 2.0mg, Tablets
117, FLEXIBAN, Cyclobenzaprine HCL 10mg/tab., Tablets
118, FLUANXOL 0.25, Flupenthixol 0.25mg, Tablets
119, FLUANXOL 0.5, Flupenthixol 0.5mg, Tablets
120, FLUANXOL 1, Flupenthixol 1mg, Tablets
121, FLUANXOL 3, Flupenthixol 3mg, Tablets
122, FLUANXOL Depot, Flupenthixol 20mg/ml, Injection
123, FLUANXOL Depot, Flupentixol decanoate 100mg/ml, Injection
124, FLUOXONE DIVULE, Fluoxetine 22.4mg, Capsules
125, FLUNEURIN 20mg, Fluoxetin 20mg/1capsule, Capsules
126, FLUTIN 20mg, Fluoxetine Hydrochloride 20mg, Capsules
127, FLUXETYL 20mg, Fluoxetine ( as F. Hydrochloride) 20mg/capsule, Capsules
128, FRISIUM 10, Clobazam 10 mg, Tablets
129, FRISIUM 20, Clobazam 20 mg, Tablets
130, GARDINAL SODIUM, Phenobarbitone sodium 200mg/ml, Injection
131, GENOTROPIN 16 IU (5.3mg), Somatropin 16IU/1Cartridge, Powder for Injection
132, GENOTROPIN 36 IU (5.3mg), Somatropin 36IU/1Cartridge, Powder for Injection
133, HALDOL 0.5, Haloperidol 0.5mg, Tablets
134, HALDOL 2mg/ml, Haloperidol 2mg/ml, Drops
135, HALDOL 5, Haloperidol 5mg, Tablets
136, HALDOL 5mg/ml, Haloperidol 5mg/ml, Injection
137, HALDOL Decanoas, Haloperidol 50mg/ml, Injection
138, HALDOL Decanoas, Haloperidol 100mg/ml, Injection
139, HEMINEVRIN, Chlormethiazole 300mg, Miglyol(812) 125mg, Capsules
140, IMUKIN 100mcg/0.5ml, Recombinant Human Interferon-gamma 6000000 IU/ml, Injection*
141, INSIDON 50, Opipramol 50mg, Tablets
142, INTARD, Diphenoxylate HCl 2.5mg, Atropine sulphate 0.025mg, Tablets
143, INTRAVAL, Thiopentone Sodium 0.5g/1vial, Injection
144, IXEL 25mg, Milnacipran 25mg/capsule, Capsules
145, IXEL 50mg, Milnacipran 505mg/capsule, Capsules
146, KAFOSED, Dextromethorphan HBr 15mg/5ml, Syrup
147, KEMADRIN 10mg/2ml, Procyclidine HCL 10mg/2ml, Injection
148, KEMADRIN 5mg, Procyclidine HCL 5mg, Tablets
149, KETALAR 10, Ketamine HCL 10mg/ml, Injection
150, KETALAR 50, Ketamine HCL 50mg/ml, Injection
151, KLIOGEST, Oestradiol 2mg,Norethisterone 1mg, Tablets
152, LAGAFLEX, Carisoprodol 300 mg,Paracetamol 250mg, Tablets
153, LARGACTIL, Chlorpromazine HCL 25mg/5ml, Syrup
154, LARGACTIL 10, Chlorpromazine HCL 10mg, Tablets
155, LARGACTIL 100, Chlorpromazine HCL 100mg, Tablets
156, LARGACTIL 25, Chlorpromazine HCL 25mg, Tablets
157, LARGACTIL 25mg/ml, Chlorpromazine HCL 25mg/ml, Injection
158, LARGACTIL 50, Chlorpromazine HCL 50mg, Tablets
159, LARGACTIL 50mg/2ml, Chlorpromazine HCL 50mg/2ml, Injection
160, LARGACTIL100, Chlorpromazine HCL 100mg, Suppo.
161, LEXOTANIL 1.5, Bromazepam 1.5 mg, Tablets
162, LEXOTANIL 3, Bromazepam 3 mg, Tablets
163, LEXOTANIL 6, Bromazepam 6 mg, Tablets
164, LIMBITROL, Amitriptyline 12.5 mg, Chlordiazepoxide 5 mg, Capsules
165, LIORESAL 10, Baclofen 10 mg, Tablets
166, LIORESAL 25, Baclofen 25 mg, Tablets
167, LOMOTIL, Diphenoxylate HCl 2.5mg, Atropine sulphate 0.025mg, Tablets
168, LUDIOMIL 10, Maprotiline HCL 10mg, Tablets
169, LUDIOMIL 25, Maprotiline HCL 25mg, Tablets
170, LUDIOMIL 50, Maprotiline HCL 50mg, Tablets
171, LUDIOMIL 75, Maprotiline HCL 75mg, Tablets
172, MELLERIL 0.5%, Thioridazine HCL 0.5%, Susp.
173, MELLERIL 10, Thioridazine HCL 10mg, Tablets
174, MELLERIL 100, Thioridazine HCL 100mg, Tablets
175, MELLERIL 25, Thioridazine HCL 25mg, Tablets
176, MELLERIL 50, Thioridazine HCL 50mg, Tablets
177, MENOGON 75IU, Menotrophin HMG 75IU/1Ampoule, Injection
178, MUSCADOL, Orphenadrine citrate 35mg , Paracetamol 450mg, Tablets
179, MYOGESIC, Orphenadrine 35mg,Paracetamol 450mg, Tablets
180, NEOTIGASON 10, Acitretin 10 mg, Capsules
181, NEOTIGASON 25, Acitretin 25 mg, Capsules
182, NOBRIUM 10, Medazepam 10mg, Capsules
183, NOBRIUM 5, Medazepam 5mg, Capsules
184, NOCTRAN 10, Clorazepate dipotassium 10mg, Acepromazine maleate 1.016mg, Aceprometazine maleate 10.16mg, Tablets
185, NORACOD, Codeine 10mg,Paracetamol 500mg, Tablets
186, NORCURON 10mg, Vecuronium Bromide 10mg/ampoule, Powder for injection
187, NORCURON 4mg, Vecuronium Bromide 4.0mg/ampoule, Powder for injection
188, NORDITROPIN 12IU, Somatropine 12 IU, Injection
189, NORDITROPIN 4IU, Somatropine 4 IU, Injection
190, NORDITROPIN Pen set 12, Somatropine 12 IU, Injection S/C
191, NORDITROPIN Pen set 24, Somatropine 24 IU, Injection S/C
192, Norditropin SimpleXx
10mg/1.5ml, Somatropin, Inj/
Solution
193, Norditropin SimpleXx
15mg/1.5 ml, Somatropin, Inj/
Solution
194, Norditropin SimpleXx
5mg/1.5 ml, Somatropin, Inj/
Solution
195, Norditropin Nordilet
5mg/1.5 ml, Somatropin, Inj in Prefilled pen
196, Norditropin Nordilet
10mg/1.5 ml, Somatropin, Inj. in Prefilled pen
197, Norditropin Nordilet
15mg/1.5 ml, Somatropin, Inj. in Prefilled pen
198, NORFLEX, Orphenadrine citrate 30mg/ml, Injection
199, NORFLEX 100, Orphenadrine citrate 100mg, Tablets
200, NORGESIC, Orphenadrine citrate 35mg Paracetamol 450mg, Tablets
201, NUBAIN 10mg/ml, Nalbuphine HCL 10mg/ml, Injection
202, NUBAIN 20mg/ml, Nalbuphine HCL 20mg/ml, Injection
203, Nuvaring, Etonogestrel & Ethinylestradiol, Vaginal Ring
204, ORAP , Pimozide 1mg, Tablets
205, ORAP Forte, Pimozide 4mg, Tablets
206, OXETINE, Fluoxetine Hydrochloride 20mg, Tablets
207, PARACODOL, Codeine phosphate 8mg , Paracetamol 500mg, Eff.Tab.
208, PARACODOL, Codeine phosphate 8mg , Paracetamol 500mg, Tablets
209, PHENSEDYL, Codeine phosphate 8.9mg Promethazine HCL 3.6mg Ephedrine HCL 7.2mg/5ml, Linctus
210, PHYSEPTONE, Methadone HCL 10mg/ml, Injection
211, PHYSEPTONE 5, Methadone HCL 5mg, Tablets
212, PREPULSID, Cisapride 1mg/ml, Suspension
213, PREPULSID, Cisapride 30mg, Supp.
214, PREPULSID 10mg, Cisapride 10mg, Tablets
215, PREPULSID 5mg, Cisapride 5mg, Tablets
216, PRIMOTESTONE depot 100mg, Testosterone Enanthate 110mg, Testosterone Propionate 25mg, =Testosterone 100mg /ml , Injection
217, PRIMOTESTONE depot 250mg, Testosterone enanthate 250mg/1ml , Injection
218, PROGYLUTON, Estradiol Valerate 2mg/11white tab., Estradiol Valerate 2mg &Norgestrol 0.5mg/10 orange tab., Tablets
219, PROKINATE, Cisapride 5mg/5ml, Suspension
220, PROKINATE 10mg, Cisapride 10mg, Tablets
221, PROKINATE 5mg, Cisapride 5mg, Tablets
222, PROLIXIN 25mg/ml, Fluphenazine decanoate 25mg/ml, Injection
223, PROPESS, Prostaglandin E2 10mg/pessary, Vaginal Pessaries
224, PROTHIADEN 25, Dothiepin HCl 25mg, Capsules
225, PROTHIADEN 75, Dothiepin HCl 75mg, Tablets
226, PROVIRON, Mesterolone 25mg, Tablets
227, PROZAC, Fluoxetine 20mg, Tablets
228, PROZAC, Fluoxetine 20mg/5ml, Liquid
229, PROZAC Weekly 90mg , Fluoxetine ( as F. Hydrochloride) 90mg/capsule, Capsules
230, REDUCTIL 10mg, Sibutramine Hydrochloride Monohydarte 10mg, Capsules
231, REDUCTIL 15mg, Sibutramine Hydrochloride Monohydarte 15mg, Capsules
232, REMERON 15 mg, Mirtazapine 15mg, Tablets
233, REMERON 30 mg, Mirtazapine 30mg, Tablets
234, REMERON 45 mg, Mirtazapine 45mg, Tablets
235, Remeron Sol Tab 30mg , Mirtazapine, Tablets
236, REVACOD, Codeine Phosphate 10mg, Paracetamol 500mg/1 tab., Tablets
237, RHINOTUSSAL, Dextromethorphan HBr 20mg Phenylephrine HCL 20mg,Carbinoxamine maleate 4mg, Capsules
238, RIAPHAN 15mg/5ml, Dextromethorphan HBr 15mg/5ml, Syrup
239, RISPERDAL 1, Risperidone 1mg, Tablets
240, RISPERDAL 1mg/ml, Risperidone 1mg/1ml, Oral Solution
241, RISPERDAL 2, Risperidone 2mg, Tablets
242, RISPERDAL 3, Risperidone 3mg, Tablets
243, RISPERDAL 4, Risperidone 4mg, Tablets
244, Risperidal Consta 25mg, Risperidone, Inj/ Suspension
245, Risperidal Consta 37.5 mg, Risperidone, Inj/ Suspension
246, Risperidal Consta 50 mg, Risperidone, Inj/ Suspension
247, RITALIN 10, Methylphenidate HCL 10mg, Tablets
248, RITALIN SR 20mg, Methylphenidate HCL 20mg/1tab., Tablets
249, RIVOTRIL 0.25%, Clonazepam 0.25%, Drops
250, RIVOTRIL 0.5, Clonazepam 0.5 mg, Tablets
251, RIVOTRIL 1mg/ml, Clonazepam 1mg/ml, Injection
252, RIVOTRIL 2, Clonazepam 2mg, Tablets
253, ROACCUTANE 10, Isotretinoin 10mg, Capsules
254, ROACCUTANE 2.5, Isotretinoin 2.5mg, Capsules
255, ROACCUTANE 20, Isotretinoin 20mg, Capsules
256, ROACCUTANE 5, Isotretinoin 5mg, Capsules
257, ROBAXIN, Methocarbamol 100mg/ml, Injection
258, ROBAXIN 500, Methocarbamol 500mg, Tablets
259, ROBAXISAL, Methocarbamol 400mg,Aspirin 325mg, Tablets
260, ROBITUSSIN-CF, Dextromethorphan HBr 10mg , Guaifenesin 100mg,Pseudoephedrine HCl 30mg /5ml, Syrup
261, ROMILAR 1.5%, Dextromethorphan 15mg/ml, Drops
262, ROMILAR 15, Dextromethorphan 15mg, Dragees
263, ROMILAR EXPECTORANT, Dextromethorphan 3.06mg , Ammonium chloride 18mg, Panthenol 11mg/1ml, Syrup
264, SAIZEN 4 IU, Somatropine 4 IU, Injection
265, SALIPAX, Fluoxetine 20mg, Capsules
266, SANDOSTATIN 0.05, Octreotide 0.05mg/ml, Injection
267, SANDOSTATIN 0.1, Octreotide 0.1mg/ml, Injection
268, SANDOSTATIN 0.2, Octreotide 0.2mg/ml, Injection
269, SANDOSTATIN 0.5, Octreotide 0.5mg/ml, Injection
270, SAROTEN Retard 25, Amitriptyline HCL 25 mg, Capsules
271, SAROTEN Retard 50, Amitriptyline HCL 50 mg, Capsules
272, SEDOFAN DM, Dextromethorphan HBr 10mg Triprolidine 1.25mg, Pseudoephedrine HCL 30mg/5ml, Syrup
273, SEDOFAN-P, Dextromethorphan HBr 15mg, Tablets
274, SERENACE 0.5, Haloperidol 0.5mg, Tablets
275, SERENACE 1.5, Haloperidol 1.5mg, Tablets
276, SERENACE 10, Haloperidol 10mg, Tablets
277, SERENACE 5, Haloperidol 5mg, Tablets
278, SEROQUEL 100 mg, Quetiapine 100 mg, Tablets
279, SEROQUEL 200 mg, Quetiapine 200 mg, Tablets
280, SEROQUEL 25 mg, Quetiapine 25 mg, Tablets
281, SEROQUEL Patient Starter Pack, Quetiapine 100 mg/tab. (2 tablets), Quetiapine 25 mg/tab. (6 tablets), Tablets
282, SEROXAT 20, Paroxetine 20mg, Tablets
283, SERZONE 100mg, Nefazodone HCL 100mg, Tablets
284, SERZONE 150mg, Nefazodone HCL 150mg, Tablets
285, SERZONE 200mg, Nefazodone HCL 200mg, Tablets
286, SERZONE 250mg, Nefazodone HCL 250mg, Tablets
287, SERZONE 50mg, Nefazodone HCL 50mg, Tablets
288, SIRDALUD 2, Tizanidine 2mg, Tablets
289, SIRDALUD 4, Tizanidine 4mg, Tablets
290, SOMADRYL compound, Carisoprodol 200mg Paracetamol 160mg,Caffeine 32mg, Tablets
291, SONATA 10mg, Zaleplon 10mg/1capsule, Capsules
292, SONATA 5mg, Zaleplon 5mg/1capsule, Capsules
293, SOSEGON 50mg, Pentazocine HCL 56.4mg, Tablets
294, ST.JOSEPH cough, Dextromethorphan HBr 0.1179%w/w, Syrup
295, STADOL 1mg/ml, Butorphanol tartrate 1mg/ml, Injection
296, STADOL 2mg/ml, Butorphanol tartrate 2mg/ml, Injection
297, STADOL 4mg/2ml, Butorphanol tartrate 4mg/2ml, Injection
298, STELAZINE 1, Trifluoperazine 1mg, Tablets
299, STELAZINE 10, Trifluoperazine 10mg, Capsules
300, STELAZINE 15, Trifluoperazine 15mg, Spansule
301, STELAZINE 2, Trifluoperazine 2mg, Spansule
302, STELAZINE 5, Trifluoperazine 5mg, Tablets
303, STEMETIL, Prochlorperazine maleate 0.1%w/v, Syrup
304, STEMETIL, Prochlorperazine maleate 25mg, Tablets
305, STEMETIL, Prochlorperazine maleate 5mg, Tablets
306, STEMETIL, Prochlorperazine maleate12.5mg/ml, Injection
307, STEMETIL, Prochlorperazine maleate 25mg/2ml, Injection
308, STERANDRYL RETARD 250mg, Testosterone Hexahydrobenzoate 125mg, Trans-hexahydroterephtalate of n-butyl and Testosterone 125mg/ampoule, Injection
309, STESOLID, Diazepam 0.4mg/ml, Syrup
310, STESOLID, Diazepam 2mg, Tablets
311, STESOLID, Diazepam 5mg, Tablets
312, STESOLID, Diazepam 5mg/ml, Injection
313, STESOLID, Diazepam 5mg/2.5ml, Rectal solution
314, STESOLID, Diazepam 10mg/2.5ml, Rectal solution
315, STILNOX 10mg, Zolpidem Tartrate 10mg/1 tab., Tablets
316, STIVANE 300, Pyrisuccideanol dimaleate 300mg, Capsules
317, SUBUTEX 2mg, Buprenorphine HCL 2mg/1tab., Tablets
318, SUBUTEX 8mg, Buprenorphine HCL 8mg/1tab., Tablets
319, SURMONTIL 25, Trimipramine maleate 35mg, Tablets
320, SURMONTIL 50, Trimipramine maleate 69.75mg, Capsules
321, SUSTANON 250mg, Testosterone Propionate 30mg, Testosterone Phenylpropionate 60mg, Testosterone isocaproate 60mg, Testosterone decanoate 100mg, Injection
322, TEKAM 10, Ketamine HCL 10mg/ml, Injection
323, TEKAM 50, Ketamine HCL 50mg/ml, Injection
324, TEMGESIC 0.3mg/ml , Buprenorphine HCL 0.3 mg/ml, Injection
325, TEMGESIC 0.6mg/2ml, Buprenorphine HCL 0.6mg/2ml, Injection
326, TEMGESIC Sublingual, Buprenorphine HCL 0.2 mg, Tablets
327, TIAPRIDAL 100, Tiapride 100mg, Tablets
328, TIAPRIDAL 100mg/2ml, Tiapride 100mg/2ml, Injection
329, TICLID, Ticlopidine 250mg, Tablets
330, TIXYLIX, Pholcodine 1.5mg Promethazine HCL 1.5mg/5ml, Linctus
331, TOFRANIL 10, Imipramine 10mg, Tablets
332, TOFRANIL 25, Imipramine 25mg, Tablets
333, TRAMAL 100mg, Tramadol 100mg, Supp.
334, TRAMAL 100mg/2ml, Tramadol 100mg/2ml, Injection
335, TRAMAL 100mg/ml, Tramadol 100mg/ml, Drops
336, TRAMAL 50mg, Tramadol 50mg, Capsules
337, TRAMAL 50mg/ml, Tramadol 50mg/ml, Injection
338, TRAMAL Retard 100, Tramadol 100mg, Tablets
339, TRAMUNDIN RETARD 100 mg, Tramadol 100mg, Tablets
340, TRAMUNDIN RETARD 150 mg, Tramadol 150mg, Tablets
341, TRAMUNDIN RETARD 200 mg, Tramadol 200mg, Tablets
342, TRANXENE 10, Clorazepate dipotassium 10mg, Capsules
343, TRANXENE 5, Clorazepate dipotassium 5mg, Capsules
344, TREXAN 50, Naltrexone HCL 50mg, Tablets
345, TRISEQUENS, Oestradiol 2mg(blue tab),Oestradiol 2mg,Norethisterone acetate 1mg(white tab),Oestradiol 1mg(red tab), Tablets
346, TRISEQUENS forte, Oestradiol 4mg(yellow tab),Oestradiol 4mg,Norethisterone acetate 1mg(white tab),Oestradiol 1mg(red tab), Tablets
347, TRYPTIZOL 25, Amitriptyline HCL 25 mg, Tablets
348, TUSCALMAN, Noscapine HCL 15mg , Aether Guaiacolglycerinatus 100mg/10ml, Syrup
349, TUSSIFIN with codeine, Codeine phosphate 75mg Chlorpheniramine maleate 25mg,Glyceryl guaicolate 1gm,Sodium benzoate 3gm,Potassium citrate 3gm,Liquorice 7.5gm/100ml, Syrup
350, ULTIVA 1mg, Remifentanil 1mg/vial, Injection
351, ULTIVA 2mg, Remifentanil 2mg/vial, Injection
352, ULTIVA 5mg, Remifentanil 5mg/vial, Injection
353, UNIFED DM, Triprolidine HCl 1.25 mg, Pseudoephedrine (HCl) 30mg, Dextromethorphan HBr 10 mg/5ml, Syrup
354, VALIUM, Diazepam 2mg/5ml, Syrup
355, VALIUM , Diazepam 10mg/2ml, Injection
356, VALIUM 10, Diazepam 10mg, Tablets
357, VALIUM 2, Diazepam 2mg, Tablets
358, VALIUM 5, Diazepam 5mg, Tablets
359, VECURONIUM BROMIDE FOR INJECTION 10mg, Vecuronium Bromide 10mg/1 vial, Powder for Injection
360, VECURONIUM BROMIDE FOR INJECTION 20mg, Vecuronium Bromide 20mg/1 vial, Powder for Injection
361, VESANOID 10mg, Tretinoin 10mg, Capsules
362, VIRORMONE 10mg, Testosterone Propionate 10mg, Injection
363, VIRORMONE 10mg, Testosterone Propionate 10mg, Tablets
364, VIRORMONE 25mg, Testosterone Propionate 25mg, Tablets
365, VIRORMONE 25mg, Testosterone Propionate 25mg, Injection
366, XANAX 0.25 , Alprazolam 0.25 mg, Tablets
367, XANAX 0.5, Alprazolam 0.5 mg, Tablets
368, XANAX 1, Alprazolam 1 mg, Tablets
369, Zeldox 20mg/ml, Ziprasidone, Inj/Powder
370, ZOLOFT, Sertraline 50mg, Tablets
371, ZYPREXA 10 mg, Olanzapine 10 mg, Tablets
372, ZYPREXA 10 mg, Olanzapine 10 mg, Injection
373, ZYPREXA 5 mg, Olanzapine 5 mg, Tablets
374, ZYPREXA 7.5 mg, Olanzapine 7.5 mg, Tablets

Source: http://abudhabi.usembassy.gov/restricted_medication_.html

Dolphin Show with Chinese Circus in the Dolphinarium at Dubai Creek Park

2010-02-05T18:40:00.000+04:00

Last night, I went to Dubai Creek Park to watch the Dolphin Show with Chinese Circus. I went with my officemate Eli. Her husband, Bidjoy, was already in the park when we arrived.

Hussein, another coworker, saw us make a wrong turn on the second stop. We reached the park just about the same time.

The show was great but the people at ticketing gave us seats far apart from one another. Good thing the show was great.

After the show I bought a cotton candy and rented a bike to go around the beautiful and huge Dubai Creek Park.

My sister fetched me around 8:30pm at Gate 1 and we proceeded home to Al Baraha.

A Pinoy In Dubai

2010-02-05T18:20:00.002+04:00

I flew to Dubai late last year. My almost three months stay has been filled with lots of memories I want to cherish and share. Call me Pinoy and I am in Dubai.