Return to Dubai

The purpose: To spend the New Year in Dubai!

About a year ago, I made a promise and I did keep my promise. Last December 30, 2016, I went back in Dubai to celebrate my New Year in UAE.

Day 1
Fortunately, Onil Castillo (fellow traveller) was also in Dubai and we roamed around in Dubai with my very dear friend and master, MJ Corillo! 

December 30, 2016 was my late flight to Dubai and MJ was kind enough to fetch me anew at the airport. and she accompanied me to my hotel.

The following morning, the three of us were on our way to Old Souk.

My trip to Dubai to will not be complete without using their water transport at the Creek.

I was delighted that I was reunited with MJ Corillo. 

We went to Old Souk and did a bit of shopping for my parents and my siblings.

After Old Souk, Maria Crisnel Chin joined us in our trip to Outlet Mall.and enjoyed shopping branded goods such as Lacoste, Northface and Levis 501.

We parted ways afterwards but MJ and I went to Baniyas for my perfume shopping!

And the finale of the day, the fireworks at Burj Khalifa!

The fireworks was spectacular!

Simply AMAZING!

After the fireworks, Marvic Siman. Chin and I  went to a coffee shop and shared  stories.

Day 2

I slept all day and late afternoon I went to one of the malls in the vicinity.


Day 3

The most awaited day!

After nearly 3 years, I will finally see one of my dearest friends, Genine Pedreno. 

First stop of the day was in Miracle Garden. I love flowers!

I went here last year but it was close during November.

We were planning to go to to Souk Madinat. But time was not on our side. Instead, we went to Dubai Marina to visit one of my favorite spots in Dubai.

Dubai Marina

- Speechless -

Dubai trip will not be complete without seeing RJoy Katherine Javier!

She was on-duty on her job but she was gracious in treating us with food and drinks at her place of work. 

Let's drink to that!

Last stop was in dinner in Baniyas. Thank you Genine! I had a wonderful time!

Before going back to hotel, I met up with Denisse Francia.

I left Dubai that night and again, I made a promise - "I will be back!"

Adventures in United Arab Emirates (Dubai) Day 6-7

This is Part 4 or Day 6-7 of my blog in Dubai.

I stayed eight days in Dubai and I divided my blog into four parts. 

I was excited on Day 6 of my adventure in Dubai. Finally, after so many years, I will get the chance of meeting one of my close students in Far Eastern University (FEU). We agreed to meet at the Mall of the Emirates and since there was no metro, I had to use the taxi.

Cath Conda finally arrived after a couple of minutes waiting. And our first stop that day was the Gold Souk. Imagine how far is the Mall of the Emirates to the Gold Souk and we had to use the taxi again. =)

I did a bit of window shopping and I was amazed to see the 24 and 18 karat gold of bracelets and necklaces. 

with Cath Conda

We explored the vicinity and walked towards the nearest taxi stop.

Then, we boarded another taxi and went to Miracle Garden. Unfortunately, it was closed that day for renovation. I did a bit of peeking inside the garden.

Our excitement did not falter. We went back to the Mall of the Emirates but this time we used the metro which opened around 10 am.

And boarded another taxi to Deira to meet some of my former FEU students. There I met April and the rest of her classmates/friends.

After staying for nearly two hours with the group, we went back to the Mall of the Emirates again. But this time to see Cath's former classmate.

After waiting a bit, Judy arrived and we consumed an hour enjoying talking to each other. Thank you Judy for dropping by and the pasalubong. 

Last stop for the day was the World Village.

The Village exhibits the different nations of the world and their respective food, costumes and products. Cath and I roamed around for another hour.

We tasted some of the delicacies and took pictures of the various stalls.

I promised myself that I will be back again next year to see this village anew.

Then, Cath and I separated ways and the last person for me to meet that day was Chin. We met at the Creek.

Day 7

I did not add any thing to do on my last day in Dubai and I simply explored the streets of Dubai. My flight was slated past 7 pm and I had plenty of time to spare.

I even watched a movie at the Deira Mall.

Last person to meet in Dubai.

I tasted the shawarma for the last time in Dubai.

Past 5 pm, MJ escorted me back to the airport.

Boarded the plane and by chance, I met another of my former FEU student.

Thank you Cath for Day 6 in Dubai!