ABU DHABI // Filipino expatriates have wasted no time in mobilising aid efforts by organising a brunch fund-raiser, a fashion show and a concert to help typhoon victims in their home country.
Super Typhoon Haiyan, known locally as Yolanda, tore through the Philippines on Friday, leaving thousands dead and hundreds of thousands more displaced.
Filcom, which represents community groups in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, will hold a brunch fund-raiser at the Philippine consulate in Dubai from 11am to 4pm on Friday.
Bayanihan UAE, its counterpart in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, donated Dh10,000 from its standing fund.
On November 22, the Abu Dhabi Fashion Guild will hold a benefit fashion show in Le Meridien Hotel from 11am to 4pm.
Members of the non-profit Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mangaawit sa Abu Dhabi have plans to stage an evening concert at the same venue,
“The proceeds will all go to the victims of the typhoon,” said Bayanihan UAE’s president, Ernesto Refugio.
Since Sunday, Mr Refugio has been receiving calls from a variety of nationalities wanting to send donations to the typhoon victims.
In Dubai, a Lebanese national pledged Dh50,000, while others will hand over their in-kind donations at the brunch fund-raiser on Friday, according to Matilyn Bagunu, Filcom’s president.
“We’ve had an overwhelming show of support from individuals of various nationalities, hotels and companies,” she said. “We are so grateful for their generosity.”
Hotels, schools and companies have pledged to donate boxes of blankets, children’s clothes, 10,000 pairs of shoes and other relief goods.
“A number of employers of Filipina maids whose families back home have been affected by the typhoon said they would also like to help,” Ms Bagunu said. “We are deeply touched by their kindness.”
An Abu Dhabi resident, April Joy Montaniel, said she hoped aid would reach the hungry survivors.
“Each family received only a kilo of rice, two canned goods and a few packs of rice noodles,” said Ms Montaniel, 27, who is from the island of Polopina in Concepcion, Iloilo. “I hope my relatives have enough food to eat. I’m particularly worried about my 11 nephews and nieces.”
She was relieved to find out that her 56-year-old father, a fisherman, had been found; he had been missing for two days.
“He and the other fishermen were found safe and well on another island,” Ms Montaniel said.
But her family’s home, and those of her four siblings, were washed away. They all had to set up a make-shift shelter.
"Maybe they don't have anything to eat," she said. "My sister and I plan to send boxes of relief goods. We cannot just rely on our government."
Planes, ships and lorries were all on their way to the region, loaded with generators, water purifying kits and emergency lights – vital equipment needed to sustain a major relief mission.
Airports were reopening in the region, and the US military said it was installing equipment to allow the damaged Tacloban airport to operate around the clock.
Iris Diel, 25, a nurse from Dubai, said while her family’s home in EB Magalona, Negros Occidental, was spared, some of her relatives had to seek refuge at an evacuation centre.
“Power has not been restored in our area,” she said. “Whenever I watch the news, I can’t help but break down and cry.”
rruiz@thenational.ae
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
A general guide to how active you are:
Less than 5,000 steps - sedentary
5,000 - 9,999 steps - lightly active
10,000 - 12,500 steps - active
12,500 - highly active
Tenet
Director: Christopher Nolan
Stars: John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Dimple Kapadia, Michael Caine, Kenneth Branagh
Rating: 5/5
The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
Anghami
Started: December 2011
Co-founders: Elie Habib, Eddy Maroun
Based: Beirut and Dubai
Sector: Entertainment
Size: 85 employees
Stage: Series C
Investors: MEVP, du, Mobily, MBC, Samena Capital
Company%20profile
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The specs
Engine: four-litre V6 and 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: six-speed and 10-speed
Power: 271 and 409 horsepower
Torque: 385 and 650Nm
Price: from Dh229,900 to Dh355,000
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20M3%20MACBOOK%20AIR%20(13%22)
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TO%20CATCH%20A%20KILLER
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