This week’s Into-yous features Filipino Expat Maria Theresa Azores

Tell us a little about yourself
I am Filipino, from the Philippines. I am career driven. I love to eat and watch movies. I am a home body and I love to potter around the house at the weekend. I am not very good with names but I easily remember faces! So if I pop in to say hi, you can be sure we have met somewhere! I am here to work hard and to fulfill the promise I made to my Mother.

When did you move to Dubai and what brought you here?
I moved to Dubai on the 15th August, 2006 after I received a job offer. I signed with the agency two weeks after the offer and was on my way!

Have you been an expat elsewhere and if so, where?
Dubai is my first experience of expat life.

The best advice you were given to prepare you for life in Dubai
In the Philippines we have a book that tells you all about life here. The Arabic culture, law, food and life in the city.

What surprised you most about Dubai?
Dubai roads change daily. Google can not keep up! Life here is fast paced. I found the book very helpful and a good introduction to life in Dubai.

What area do you live in?
JLT.

If money were no object, where would you most like to live in Dubai?
Jumeirah 3. I would like to live in a real house, a villa perhaps.

Your favorite Arabic word or phrase you have learned so far
Yalla Walk! I am always using it!

Your least favorite word or phrase you have adopted since moving to Dubai
You don’t really want to know that!

What has been your best experience in Dubai to date?
iFly – Indoor Sky Diving at Playnation in Mirdif City. It was awesome and I can not wait to do it again!

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
I would love to holiday in the Maldives, Munnar or Kerala India.

Who is the person you most miss when you are in Dubai?
My mother, she’s the best.

What is your favorite restaurant in Dubai?
I love to eat so this is my favorite question! Arz Lebanon, Kamat, Gazeboo and Tony Roma’s!

What grocery item do you most miss from your home country?
Fish Balls.

When friends and family visit you in Dubai where will you absolutely take them?
Desert Safari, JRB (for free car shows!) & The Marina Walk.
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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).