Emily, a Filipina resident of Milan for 20 years, had to stay at the airport hotel as she didn’t have a visa to enter Abu Dhabi. A Pinoy mother travelling with her two-year-old daughter was helped by my husband as she struggled with 6 pieces of luggage on the way to the busy domestic terminal. They too couldn’t get out to Abu Dhabi City but they were provided free meals by the airline staff.

We met another Italian couple, a Filipina from the Visayas [region] and a retired train worker. They joined us at Golden Tulip Al Jazira Resort. Other Westerners were treated just as well. We were like a big family sharing our stories of joys and pain as we coped with our trying situation. (more…)

by Marie Rea

A few months ago, there was an article in “The Australian” newspaper about some 70 Filipino workers in an iron ore project in the Pilbara being retained after sacking 54 of its Australian workers.

Naturally, there was an expected backlash against those “foreign workers.” Together with our native “kababayans”, the Adelaide based $5.2 billion Chinese-owned Ottoway Engineering have been the subject of intense ire by Australian workers, with the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union questioning why migrant workers are given priority over the local workers. (more…)

Luckily, we booked with Etihad.

You might think you’re reading a paid ad for this airline but I have to tell you what a wise decision we made to fly with them during our recent trip to Europe! As our London and Paris flights have been cancelled last April 16, 2010, we still managed to enjoy the time we spent “stranded” in the United Arab Emirates. (more…)

I feel ecstatic to be back, after a month-long absence in Sydney!

My family of four had embarked on two cruises to Europe. We also visited a few countries before and in between the cruises from Venice and Savona, Italy. We visited various ports in around 10 countries. We thoroughly had a wonderful time despite the volcanic ash dramas getting our London and Paris trips cancelled.

As new threats of closures in European airports loom, this writer wants to share with you our family’s insights on Europe and how Filipinos have truly become GLOBAL CITIZENS of high calibre! This is of course based on our experiences and observations. (more…)

My Fearless forecast: NOYNOY WILL WIN! by Marie Rea

By the time this paper comes out, the May elections in the Philippines would have been held or is being held. Hence, my final word on this issue as I tried to keep quiet during the campaign season:

Despite what his competitors and detractors say that he’s not as wise, not experienced, etc. etc., NOYNOY (Benigno Aquino III) will still win hands down!

Why? This column believes that other candidates are truly well-educated and have a wealth of experience in politics and even in business. Yes, they are all that and more – Yes, they are smarter perhaps, some are more experienced in cheating and plundering! (more…)