This week’s Into-yous features Filipina expat Maricel Trinidad Mondragon.

Tell us a little about yourself
I am a Nurse working as a Senior Nurse In-Charge in a newly open state of the art ambulatory care centre the Br Medical Suites located at Dubai Healthcare City. A mother of two. I have been in Dubai for almost 6 years to help my partner raising our two daughters. I acted as a father and he as the mom. My husband is having a third generation mascular dystrophy. I am so dedicated to my profession and my job I can say as it feeds my family and extend. I am a person who loves to smile…believing that if you smile to the world , the world will smile to you! =)

When did you move to Dubai and what brought you here?
I came 2006 on a visit visa searching for a better job. I wanted my kids to be in a better school but to do that I needed to earn more. What brought me here is basically the need to give what is best for my kids. To achieve that I needed to sacrifice by living far away from them. I am an internet Mom!

Have you been an expat elsewhere and if so, where?
No. Never been to other place yet to work other than here.

The best advice you were given to prepare you for life in Dubai
“Think of your kids…What you want them to be tomorrow depends on the choices you make today.” Words of my mother…No mother wants to be away from their kids…NO ONE!…but in my case, I just need to make a stand for them for a little while… need to save a little. I can use my energy now to have some for their future and live a life with them after.

What surprised you most about Dubai?
Fancy places, views , tall buildings, lights at night and the most everyday I am amazed with the Muslim men going to the mosque during prayer time as I always compare them to my place you need to nag and beg the guys to go to church….=)

What area do you live in?
I live in Al Dyafa, just behind all the lovely restaurants and food shops from day 1 till now… I love the place because on Thursday nights, I can just have a walk along the street and see lots of fancy bikes which I love… from Ducati to BMW’s to Harley. I just love it!

If money were no object, where would you most like to live in Dubai?
I would be on the Marina side…JLT. Nice and bubbly place morning till dawn. If ever Money were no object, anywhere in Dubai with my kids around!

Your favorite Arabic word or phrase you have learned so far
Wallahy, Shukran, Kifak and Masalama! most common words I love to say!

Your least favorite word or phrase you have adopted since moving to Dubai
Mafi mushkila!

What has been your best experience in Dubai to date?
Maybe when I celebrated my birthday last year in the The Address Dubai Neo’s Bar with my best friends. It was so fancy and fab!

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
Hopefully if within a budget(lol) to have a stay in Hilton Hotel in JLT this coming holiday….

Who is the person you most miss when you are in Dubai?
Very few friends that I treasure for a lifetime like Joanne, Nessy, Anton and Jude whom I have been with for 4 years in a row. Friends I consider for life.

What is your favorite restaurant in Dubai?
I love the St. Andrew’s in Rydges. Also, Automatic which serves my favorite Arabic food plus Beirut not to forget. Uhm, Noodle Blow that serves my all time favorite Chinese food….yum yum!

What grocery item do you most miss from your home country?
Nothing in particular as I can get most Filipino items here in most grocery shops.

When friends and family visit you in Dubai where will you absolutely take them?
Jumeirah beach, Madinat, Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa …do a Dubai tour with the big bus!!!! easy! lol

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

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