Living in Dubai: A Personal Perspective on its Best and Worst Seasons

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Dubai, the glittering jewel of the UAE, is often misunderstood by those who have never set foot there. I’ve had the unique opportunity to live in this city during both its worst months (the scorching summer) and its best months (the ideal winter), and I can confidently say: Dubai is unlike anywhere else in the world. Here’s my take on what makes it truly stand out—and why it’s become one of my favorite places.

1. Safety Beyond Compare

One of the first things you’ll notice about Dubai is how incredibly safe it is. I could literally leave my apartment door unlocked without a second thought. Crime is almost non-existent, and the overall feeling of security is unmatched. This peace of mind is a game-changer, especially for expats or families.

2. A Diverse and Tolerant Culture

Contrary to the misconceptions spread by those who’ve never been to Dubai, the city is remarkably diverse and tolerant. You’ll find people from all over the world coexisting harmoniously. As long as you respect local laws and customs, no one interferes with how you live your life.

3. Residency Made Simple

Dubai has streamlined its residency process, making it incredibly easy for expats, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads to settle here. The government understands the value of attracting talent and investment, and it shows in their efficient processes.

4. A Haven for Crypto Enthusiasts

If you’re into crypto, Dubai is a dream come true. The city is extremely crypto-friendly—you can even buy cryptocurrency directly through your banking app. This progressive attitude towards digital finance sets Dubai apart as a forward-thinking hub for modern investors.

5. Government Efficiency Like You’ve Never Seen

Dealing with government offices can be a nightmare in many countries, but not in Dubai. Processes that would take weeks elsewhere can be completed in hours here. The efficiency of government services is genuinely impressive and something that spoils you once you experience it.

6. Tax-Free Living

No income tax, no property tax—need I say more? While Dubai can be expensive depending on your lifestyle, the absence of taxes makes it an attractive choice for individuals and businesses alike.

7. Affordable Transportation

Getting around Dubai is surprisingly affordable. Taxis, metro services, and rideshare options are cheap compared to many other global cities. However, the linear design of the city means you will inevitably spend a lot of time in transit, especially if traffic kicks in.

8. The Perfect Time Zone for Global Work

Dubai’s time zone makes it an ideal base for remote workers and digital nomads. Whether you’re working with Europe, Asia, or parts of the US, the overlap in working hours is very manageable.

9. A Family-Friendly Environment

Dubai feels incredibly welcoming for families. From world-class schools to kid-friendly activities and safe neighborhoods, it’s a city designed for family living. You can find everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable family life.

10. No “Wokeism”—Just a Relaxed Vibe

One of the refreshing aspects of Dubai is its relaxed and pragmatic social environment. People are chill, and there’s little to no social polarization. As long as you’re not breaking the law, nobody bothers you.

11. Great Food for All Tastes

Dubai is a foodie’s paradise. Whether you’re into local Lebanese cuisine, international fine dining, or street food, you’ll find something to satisfy your taste buds. The diversity of food options is incredible.

12. Free Coworking Spaces for Digital Nomads

If you’re a digital nomad, Dubai will feel like home. The city offers free coworking spaces—a perk that’s as baffling as it is brilliant. It’s hard to figure out their business model, but it’s a boon for freelancers and entrepreneurs looking for inspiring spaces to work.

13. Endless Things to Do

One thing’s for sure: you will never get bored in Dubai. Whether you’re into luxury shopping, outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or water sports, there’s always something to explore. Even in the blazing summer, there are so many indoor activities that you hardly notice the heat.

14. Summers Are Bearable (With a Caveat)

While Dubai summers have a reputation for being unbearable, I didn’t find them as bad as many claim. The key is adapting—staying indoors, exploring malls, and enjoying the city’s impressive air-conditioned spaces. Still, the heat can be a shock for first-timers.

15. Winters Are Perfection

Dubai’s winters are nothing short of paradise. With perfect temperatures, clear skies, and plenty of outdoor activities, winter is when the city truly shines. It’s a season that makes you grateful to be in a place like this.

16. Walkable (In Pockets), Yet Car-Dependent

Certain areas of Dubai, like Downtown or The Palm, are highly walkable. However, the city’s linear design means you’ll still need to rely on cars or public transport to get around. Traffic can sometimes be a challenge, but it’s part of living in a fast-growing metropolis.

17. Inspiring Architecture and Vision

Dubai’s skyline is a testament to human ambition and innovation. Seeing its stunning buildings and infrastructure makes you believe that anything is possible. It’s a constant source of inspiration for anyone living or visiting here.

18. A Water Lover’s Paradise

If you love water—whether it’s beaches, pools, or water sports—Dubai is perfect for you. The city has some of the best beach clubs, marinas, and water-related activities in the world.

19. Ultimate Convenience: Everything Delivered

Life in Dubai is all about convenience. You can get practically anything delivered to your doorstep, from groceries to luxury goods. This level of service makes day-to-day life incredibly easy.

20. The Palm: The Best of Dubai

Of all the places to live in Dubai, The Palm stands out as the crème de la crème. Its unique design, stunning views, and premium amenities make it one of the most sought-after areas in the city.

Challenges and Drawbacks

Of course, Dubai isn’t perfect. The air quality isn’t the best, and the cost of living can be high depending on your lifestyle choices. It can also be difficult to make friends if you’re new and don’t have an existing network. But these are minor issues compared to the overall quality of life.

Final Thoughts: Dubai is Awesome

Having lived in Dubai through its extremes, I can confidently say it’s one of the most exciting and livable cities in the world. The combination of safety, diversity, innovation, and sheer convenience makes it an incredible place to call home. It’s not just a city—it’s a testament to what’s possible when ambition meets opportunity.

If you’re considering living or working in Dubai, go for it. You’ll have very few complaints—and a life full of unforgettable experiences.

Three Presidents, One Life: The Mary Jane Veloso Case

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The case of Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipino migrant worker facing drug trafficking charges in Indonesia, has spanned the terms of three Philippine presidents, each taking distinctly different approaches to her situation.

During his presidency, Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III (2010-2016) took an active diplomatic stance in 2015 to prevent Veloso's execution. As quoted in the image, Aquino stated, "It seems to serve both of our interest to keep her alive to be able to testify." His administration worked through diplomatic channels, emphasizing the importance of Veloso's testimony in identifying those responsible for trafficking operations.

The situation took a dramatic turn under President Rodrigo Duterte's administration (2016-2022). Known for his hardline stance on drugs, Duterte's approach marked a significant shift from his predecessor's. According to the image, in September 2016, he appeared to give Indonesia the go-ahead, stating "Go ahead, proceed with the execution."

Most recently, under President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s administration (2022-present), a new development emerged. The image indicates that as of November 20, 2024, Marcos announced, "We managed to delay her execution long enough to reach an agreement to finally bring her back to the Philippines."

This case highlights how different presidential administrations can take vastly different approaches to similar diplomatic challenges. From Aquino's diplomatic engagement to Duterte's apparent acquiescence, and finally to Marcos's successful negotiation for her return, each president's stance reflected their distinct foreign policy approaches and views on drug-related cases.

Personality Profiles of the Three Philippine Presidents Based on the Mary Jane Veloso Case

1. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III (2010-2016): The Diplomatic Negotiator

Approach: Aquino demonstrated a calm, strategic, and principled approach to diplomacy, focusing on justice and due process. His decision to emphasize Veloso's testimony as critical in identifying the real perpetrators showcased a leader who valued cooperation over confrontation.

Personality Traits:

Pragmatic: Aquino's decision to push for Veloso to testify suggests a problem-solving mindset, working towards solutions that benefit both nations.

Empathetic: His willingness to engage diplomatically implies a leader who understood the personal and social dimensions of Mary Jane's case.

Conscientious: Aquino likely placed value on legal processes and ensuring that justice was served not just for Veloso, but also in dismantling larger trafficking networks.

Behavior in This Case: A president who believed in leveraging diplomacy, taking the time to foster partnerships, and acting with measured decisiveness.

2. Rodrigo Duterte (2016-2022): The Hardline Realist

Approach: Duterte's infamous war on drugs and his statement—"Go ahead, proceed with the execution"—revealed a hardline stance against anyone connected to illegal drugs, regardless of circumstance. His foreign policy often reflected a prioritization of domestic agendas over global relationships.

Personality Traits:

Authoritarian: Duterte was known for his uncompromising and unapologetic leadership style, which often emphasized control and deterrence.

Blunt and Unfiltered: His public statements, including on Veloso’s case, showed a leader who preferred direct and unambiguous communication, even when controversial.

Nationalistic but Rigid: While Duterte prioritized national sovereignty, his approach to drug cases often failed to consider the nuances of individuals caught in systemic issues, like trafficking.

Behavior in This Case: Duterte's stance appeared unsympathetic and uncompromising, driven more by his war on drugs ideology than by diplomatic flexibility or individual compassion.

3. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (2022-Present): The Pragmatic Negotiator

Approach: Marcos Jr.’s announcement of delaying Veloso’s execution and negotiating her return signals a leader focused on achieving tangible outcomes through practical diplomacy. His approach reflects both strategic patience and adaptability.

Personality Traits:

Strategic: Marcos appears results-oriented, prioritizing long-term solutions and utilizing negotiation to achieve favorable outcomes.

Pragmatic: Unlike his predecessor, Marcos demonstrated a willingness to engage diplomatically without undermining domestic policy priorities.

Image-Conscious: As a leader seeking to enhance international relations and public perception, Marcos may have seen Mary Jane’s case as an opportunity to showcase his administration's effectiveness.

Behavior in This Case: Marcos displayed a balance between diplomacy and assertiveness, achieving an outcome that reflected both sensitivity and strategic leadership.

Summary

The contrasting approaches of the three presidents—Aquino's empathetic diplomacy, Duterte's rigid hardline stance, and Marcos's pragmatic negotiation—reveal not only their leadership styles but also their priorities. Aquino leaned on justice and cooperation, Duterte prioritized deterrence over nuance, and Marcos aimed for a solution that resonated both diplomatically and domestically. Each approach reflects their unique personalities and governance philosophies in addressing the same human rights and diplomatic challenge.

BSP Unveils New Polymer Banknotes: A Smarter, Cleaner, and Stronger Future for Philippine Currency

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) marked another milestone in the country’s monetary history with the launch of the First Philippine Polymer Banknote (FPP) Series. Following the successful release of the P1,000 polymer banknote in 2022, the BSP introduced new polymer banknotes for P500, P100, and P50 denominations in a ceremony held at Malacañang.

Why Polymer Banknotes?

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona emphasized the significant benefits of transitioning to polymer currency, describing the new banknotes as “smarter, cleaner, and stronger.”

Smarter: The polymer banknotes incorporate advanced anti-counterfeiting features that make them more secure, with a smaller carbon footprint due to their sustainable production.

Cleaner: Unlike traditional paper bills, polymer banknotes are resistant to moisture and grime, and viruses and bacteria survive for shorter durations on their surfaces.

Stronger: Designed to last significantly longer than paper currency, the polymer banknotes are more durable, reducing the costs associated with frequent replacements.

Governor Remolona’s remarks highlighted the BSP’s commitment to innovation and efficiency, ensuring the Philippine peso keeps pace with global advancements in currency technology.

Fresh Designs Reflecting Filipino Heritage and Biodiversity

The new polymer banknotes embrace both modern functionality and Filipino identity by featuring native species and intricate local weaves, celebrating the country’s natural and cultural treasures:

P500: The Visayan Spotted Deer, an endangered species endemic to the Visayas, takes center stage.

P100: The Palawan Peacock-Pheasant, a striking bird found in Palawan’s forests, symbolizes the country’s rich biodiversity.

P50: The Visayan Leopard Cat, another native species, highlights the Philippines’ commitment to wildlife conservation.

These designs follow the precedent set by the P1,000 polymer banknote, which featured the iconic Philippine eagle. The creative blend of wildlife imagery and local weave patterns reflects the BSP’s intent to preserve and promote Filipino heritage in every peso.

A Smooth Transition to Polymer

The new polymer banknotes will enter circulation in the first quarter of 2025, but the BSP has confirmed that limited quantities will already be available starting this month.

During the launch, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. reassured the public that traditional paper banknotes will continue to be accepted and remain valid alongside the new polymer series.

“By upgrading our currency, we are making sure that every hard-earned peso stays safe, whether it is saved, whether it is spent, or whether it is invested,” Marcos said. He also urged Filipinos to view the shift to polymer as a step towards a more modern and resilient currency.

“There is no need to worry about that—the cash in your wallet still has its value. The polymer banknotes are simply a step forward—stronger, more durable, better suited for today’s demands, while still preserving the essence of what makes our currency truly Filipino.”

Global Recognition and Moving Forward

Despite earlier criticisms of the P1,000 polymer banknote, its groundbreaking design earned international acclaim, receiving the prestigious “Banknote of the Year” award in 2023 from the International Banknote Society. This recognition underscores the BSP’s vision for a more innovative and secure Philippine currency system.

With the launch of the FPP Series, the Philippines joins a growing list of nations adopting polymer banknotes for their durability, security, and environmental benefits. The new series reaffirms the BSP’s role in safeguarding the integrity of the Philippine peso while honoring the country’s heritage.

Looking Ahead

As the BSP takes this bold step towards modernizing the nation’s currency, Filipinos can look forward to safer, cleaner, and longer-lasting banknotes that not only meet today’s demands but also showcase the beauty and richness of the Philippines.

The polymer revolution is here, and it’s stronger than ever.