Pinoy Lyp in Dubai: The Untold Stories Series - Last Two Parts

Series 2 – Pinays in Dubai: How much?

It’s sad to know that we, Filipinas are branded as “housemaids”. Again, it’s not actually being one but the negative connotation that comes with it BUT it’s sadder to know that others would see Filipinas especially here in the UAE as, worst, “babaeng mababa ang lipad”.

Yes, whenever we go out it’s no longer a surprise to be greeted with “How much?” by some locals and other nationalities. And as a “foreigner” in this foreign land, you can’t do otherwise but to go straight off and shrug off the comment.

But then again, you will give it a thought and can’t blame them somehow as we have to admit that there are really kabayans who turns into one for all kinds (and sizes?) of reasons – kapit sa patalim, haven’t found work for months, need cash for exit, trip! Yes, some would really just get into it because they just want to do it. Period. Are these reasons enough? Isn’t there any hope?

I am not in the position to speak up for them. It’s their decision…It’s their life. But sometimes you can never help but wonder how can they go through these all? And after this, what’s next? How do they feel about it? And their family left back home – how would they feel if they’ll learn that the precious money sent to them from their daughters, nieces, sisters, aunts – is actually from having to “sell” and “work” their selves out to all kinds of nationalities?

I am not to condemn these kabayans but I feel especially for those who came here using family’s last money saved; from loaned out money by their parents – and had not found there luck here. Sometimes, even how you oppose doing such thing when situations come and you feel like there’s no way out – you’re left with no choice.

Only, it’s a sad, unfortunate choice.

Or is it really the ONLY choice?




Series 3 – Ako Legal Wipe – Aling Bekang’s Story

I would like to end this Series with a story.

I first met Aling Bekang when I first came to “Dubai”. At first look, you can never tell that behind the lady’s soft look is a shadow of a silent fiend whose wickedness just waits for her bait.

Aling Bekang lives in a make-believe castle where she reigns like the REAL queen to the KING but alas! It was discovered that the Red-Ribboned “Scroll” she would boast is nothing but null and void. How? The King has his REAL QUEEN in another kingdom called Philippines.

But of course, the real Queen does not know this though, she might have it sensed. But because the King is a clever person, he has made to believe his real kingdom that he is out in a battle and will be back once war is won.

Poor Real Queen…Poor little princess and princes. Go on, listen to your King!

So, a fancy life goes on for Aling Bekang – from a ran-away servant to being a “queen to the king” – or would it continue?

Will it be like to every fairy tale of a happy ending?

Only when it happens that we would know.


(I’m sharing with you this story not to rock one’s boat but simply, to impart a fact. And as I lead you to this story, may there’ll be wives with husbands working in “Dubai” be able to read this and both – man and wife be enlightened. QUERIDAS! Please know where to stand!)