Time flies so fast. In a few months, I will have been in the UAE as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) for two decades. Like life itself, there have been ups and downs, but they haven't stopped me from growing and continuing to learn every single day, despite being far away from home.
Being an OFW is both difficult and fulfilling. Here are six life lessons I’ve learnt over the years that have helped me stay strong and positive.
1. Protect your mental health
Yes, loneliness, homesickness and burnout are real and common. Even after all these years in Dubai, I still experience homesickness.
I try to overcome it by making sure I go home every year to my beloved hometown Cebu, and spend time with my family, relatives and friends – even just for a short while. If not, I take short holidays elsewhere or enjoy local staycations here in the UAE to pause and recharge.
For me, life isn’t all about work – you must find balance or you’ll eventually reach burnout. Build a support system, whether it’s with your partner or friends. If you’re social, join community groups.
To sum it up: Take breaks, talk to someone and never ignore your emotional needs. Always protect your mental health at all costs. Learn to take care of yourself first.
2. Save and invest early
Earning in a foreign currency is a blessing, but it won’t last forever. In Dubai, temptation is everywhere. Many fall into the trap of overspending or constantly sending money home without saving. Live within your means. Don’t spend what you don’t have. Budget smartly, save and invest – whether in property, mutual funds, bonds or business ventures. These are essential for long-term security.
I even have the old-school habit of saving in a piggy bank in addition to my actual bank accounts. I now have my own house in the Philippines and every time I visit, I pat myself on the back and say: “Well done.”
It may sound like a cliche, but always save for the rainy days. Our time as expatriates is temporary, so we must spend our hard-earned money wisely.
3. Set boundaries and learn to say ‘no’
Never feel guilty about saying “no” nor afraid to set financial boundaries. Saying yes to every request can leave you with nothing. There’s nothing wrong with helping families back home, but do so within your means. Don’t send everything you earn and end up with nothing for yourself. I always advocate helping wisely – give a fishing rod, not fish every day. I believe constantly giving money can create overdependence, or worse, encourage laziness.
4. Never stop learning
To keep growing, and earning, you must never stop learning. Skills open doors, but continuous learning keeps you relevant. Consider learning a new language, earning certifications, or upskilling in your field to get better jobs or promotions. Also, learn about financial literacy – it’s just as important as your paycheck.
5. Don’t forget your roots
I sometimes hear fellow Filipinos say they don’t want to return home and would rather stay abroad, and I respect that. But never badmouth or look down on your own country. Success abroad becomes even more meaningful when you stay grounded.
Stay connected with your culture and values. Don’t let pride, comparison or materialism define your identity. The Philippines isn’t perfect, and neither is any other country. But love it anyway, because that’s where you came from. As for me, I will always be proud to be a Filipino – and I wouldn’t trade that for any other citizenship.
6. Plan for retirement and reintegration
I’ve been an OFW for two decades now, and I’m also not getting any younger. I’m at a point where I’m seriously thinking about retirement.
My goal is to retire early, to enjoy life while I still can. As early as now, I’m already planning my exit strategy. Think about what you want to do once you’re back home – whether it’s starting a business, working part-time online or just simply retiring.
Prepare for that chapter of your life now. And part of that preparation is reintegrating slowly. I admit, after so many years abroad, I’m no longer familiar with many things in Cebu – from people I used to know, relatives, friends, even the environment. So, whenever I go home for vacation, I make an effort to reconnect and reacquaint myself with the place I will always call home.
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
Ain Dubai in numbers
126: The length in metres of the legs supporting the structure
1 football pitch: The length of each permanent spoke is longer than a professional soccer pitch
16 A380 Airbuses: The equivalent weight of the wheel rim.
9,000 tonnes: The amount of steel used to construct the project.
5 tonnes: The weight of each permanent spoke that is holding the wheel rim in place
192: The amount of cable wires used to create the wheel. They measure a distance of 2,4000km in total, the equivalent of the distance between Dubai and Cairo.
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Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
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The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km
The biog
Name: Fareed Lafta
Age: 40
From: Baghdad, Iraq
Mission: Promote world peace
Favourite poet: Al Mutanabbi
Role models: His parents
Three ways to limit your social media use
Clinical psychologist, Dr Saliha Afridi at The Lighthouse Arabia suggests three easy things you can do every day to cut back on the time you spend online.
1. Put the social media app in a folder on the second or third screen of your phone so it has to remain a conscious decision to open, rather than something your fingers gravitate towards without consideration.
2. Schedule a time to use social media instead of consistently throughout the day. I recommend setting aside certain times of the day or week when you upload pictures or share information.
3. Take a mental snapshot rather than a photo on your phone. Instead of sharing it with your social world, try to absorb the moment, connect with your feeling, experience the moment with all five of your senses. You will have a memory of that moment more vividly and for far longer than if you take a picture of it.
Mina Cup winners
Under 12 – Minerva Academy
Under 14 – Unam Pumas
Under 16 – Fursan Hispania
Under 18 – Madenat
Results
Stage three:
1. Stefan Bissegger (SUI) EF Education-EasyPost, in 9-43
2. Filippo Ganna (ITA) Ineos Grenadiers, at 7s
3. Tom Dumoulin (NED) Jumbo-Visma, at 14s
4. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE-Team Emirates, at 18s
5. Joao Almeida (POR) UAE-Team Emirates, at 22s
6. Mikkel Bjerg (DEN) UAE-Team Emirates, at 24s
General Classification:
1. Stefan Bissegger (SUI) EF Education-EasyPost, in 9-13-02
2. Filippo Ganna (ITA) Ineos Grenadiers, at 7s
3. Jasper Philipsen (BEL) Alpecin Fenix, at 12s
4. Tom Dumoulin (NED) Jumbo-Visma, at 14s
5. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE-Team Emirates, at 18s
6. Joao Almeida (POR) UAE-Team Emirates, at 22s
World Cup warm up matches
May 24 Pakistan v Afghanistan, Bristol; Sri Lanka v South Africa, Cardiff
May 25 England v Australia, Southampton; India v New Zealand, The Oval
May 26 South Africa v West Indies, Bristol; Pakistan v Bangladesh, Cardiff
May 27 Australia v Sri Lanka, Southampton; England v Afghanistan, The Oval
May 28 West Indies v New Zealand, Bristol; Bangladesh v India, Cardiff
AWARDS
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Honeymoonish
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Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Pathaan
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