This week’s Into-yous features Filipina expat Annie Servillon.

Tell us a little about yourself
I am a working mother here in Dubai for the past 4 years. A simple wife for my loving husband and good daughter. It is very difficult to leave our homeland but opportunity only knocks once in your life so I just tried to grab it.

When did you move to Dubai and what brought you here?
I’ve been here for 4 years with the help and sponsorship of my brother-in-law. Luckily, I got employment in a foodstuff company as a clerk and now I am working as Assistant Purchase Manager at an Auto Parts company.

Have you been an expat elsewhere and if so, where?
This my first time working outside my country. I don’t want to move anywhere else as I miss my children so much.

The best advice you were given to prepare you for life in Dubai
The best advice is; “Be yourself and make the most out of it! Give my very best to show to the world that I am a Filipina.”

What surprised you most about Dubai?
Dubai is really a good place to work for any nationality, safe and free country.

What area do you live in?
We are currently renting 1 room in the heart of Dubai called Karama.

If money were no object, where would you most like to live in Dubai?
I keep on dreaming to live in Atlantis like a queen.

Your favorite Arabic word or phrase you have learned so far
Mafi malom Arabic (Don’t know Arabic). I need to say first during the conversation so that Arabic people know in advance.

Your least favorite word or phrase you have adopted since moving to Dubai
Until now I am really not familiar with Arabic words.

What has been your best experience in Dubai to date?
My best experienced is working and dealing with so many different nationalities that only in Dubai you can encounter.

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
My holidays are mostly spent on chatting with my husband, children and my entire family. I am not keen on going out, I would rather spend the whole day at home.

Who is the person you most miss when you are in Dubai?
My circle of friends in Balay ni Garutay who are there for me during my ups and downs.

What is your favorite restaurant in Dubai?
Nandos Restaurant in Al Gurair because every time we have some celebration, it is Nandos that is the place to be!

What grocery item do you most miss from your home country?
I really miss All Filipino foods like bagoong, daing, kakanin and pastillas.

When friends and family visit you in Dubai where will you absolutely take them?
I depends on the budget, we can go to all the malls & museums then some shopping in Naif (near Deira) and finally take the 1 dirham Abra boat ride over the creek.

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The team at Expat Echo Dubai would like to feature you in our Into-yous section

Please complete our 5 minute interview and submit your answers along with a profile picture (in JPEG format).