Life in the UAE (back then)

While scanning old photos during my UAE days, got this nostalgia...

I remembered friends and coleagues back in Dubai.During the first year was all about,adjustments,and learning the culture and tradition of the people,life in the country,building new friendship and clients for the company i worked for, parties and events. Coleagues from work are mostly Indians,the company I worked for was already a pioneer in trading business,selling all the best brands of Perfumes & Cosmetics, appliances, cameras and pens and other consumer goods.Owners are also of Indian origin,we were only three filipino employees then.

After working one and a half year from the company, my relationship with my Filipino boss at the time turned sour and under that circumstances that i have to leave the company or should i say, i got fired!!( I provoked the situation )

My Indian coleagues got shocked upon learning my situation,(not expecting that a countrymen should do that to me I would´nt go into details,its a long story).They were all very nice to me and saddened by my leaving the company. Most of them offered for help if ever I needed anything and not to hesitate in asking..

Pictures below are with some of them during company parties.



Photo below was with the company president and his daughter during launching event of a new perfume in the market.While the other photo was with a Jordanian friend and with a Pakistani couple who were also dear friends.I lost touch with them.



To be alone in an Arab country and loosing a job means cancelation also your working visa.When that happens,I have to go back home, but i dont want that to happen because I have 3 kids to suport.I needed to look for work and a company that is willing to sponsor me...I found one but i only lastéd 2 days.This time I have to quit....

The manager told me something that i cant forget..he said....."Aurora, you are an atractive person, on your own,no work,no husband ( i was already seperated for seven years from my filipino husband when i came to UAE)For a woman of your status, you cant expect the men here to just ignore you,whats wrong with going out with your boss?"I dont know..I know, nothing maybe wrong with that but its not in me....So I have to leave....

Later ,I did found work in a new company.The owner was somebody i already knew from my visits to his shop, A local and a well behaved familyman and a gentlemen i must say, as i never heard anything bad about him (like chasing after women),he never showed interest in me personally other than work. My life since then was better,no pressure,no worries and I stayed and worked with the company until i met my portuguese husband now and until we left Dubai..

My Friends Back Home

Today I would like to speak about my friends back home . I woke up this morning thingking and missing my family and friends ( sad to say I have no one here except for my hubby).

Why I value their friendship?

1) I can talk to them and they listen without interuption.

2) They were there for me when I was down .Sometimes friends are more perceptive than our own family about our problems and its easier to let go your tears and sadness ot frustrations among friends rather than to your family.

3) And if ever i needed anything. they are willing to share or lend a helping hand without being asked. ( as im too proud to beg for help)

4) But most of all I love being in their company! We share jokes, problems, sadness, laughter!!!

Yes, I laugh a lot when im in Philippines!! Life is so different when we have joy ang laughter around us.

Now a days I see them only during my visit to Philippines every two years.

Although we all have our own families now, our husbands, children and even grandchildrens.They are all getting acquianted to each other that relationship is almost like one big family on gatherings at weddings, birthdays or baptism.

So you see, sometimes when I have to plan a visit to Philippines, it has to coincide with certain ocassion especially if my presence is requested.

Hopefully, next year in Sept.2008 I have to be there to attend a birthday and wedding aniversary of my friend Tessie. It was a special request that she extended to me the last time we saw each other in Oct. last year.

I forgot to greet Tessie on her birthday last Sept.7, it maybe for this reason that im having this nostalgia about my friends. I hope they are all in good health..

Below is a photo from the company in Philippines where my longtime friendship was cultivated with most of my colleagues during that period.We were all like one big family as it was a new and small company where I worked for four years. Sadly, one year and 3 months later after this photo was taken, I received a good offer to work in Dubai,UAE so with deep regrets that i have to leave my family and friends in Philippines.

Note: I was between two men ( partly covered) on the left side of the upper row.

Another photo was taken at the house of my friend Mina on my right side , Edna on my left and dear Tessie, next to her is Minas daughter Pia.

These last two photos was taken at Shangri-la Hotel during our Ladies Night out!

Chubby mommies or rather grannies enjoying their night out on their own. ( Hubby was with me! Typical portuguese men, he refuse to let me go on my own even with my friends, Lol !)