This week’s Into-yous features Filipino expat Meads Mendoza.

Tell us a little about yourself
I am accountant by profession in a shipping & forwarding company for the last 2 years.

When did you move to Dubai and what brought you here?
I got here to Dubai in summer 2008. I am looking for a better job opportunity. I am also in Dubai to experience what life has to offer outside my comfort zone.

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

The best advice you were given to prepare you for life in Dubai
Be attentive and always know the rules.

What surprised you most about Dubai?
The heat, I mean the temperature when it is summer time!

What area do you live in?
I’m living with my sister and friends. So still looking!

If money were no object, where would you most like to live in Dubai?
Probably, along Sheikh Zayed Road.

Your favourite Arabic word or phrase you have learned so far
Shukran.

Your least favourite word or phrase you have adopted since moving to Dubai
None so far!

What has been your best experience in Dubai to date?
I love the celebrations during Eid Mubarak because it seems like everyone get to celebrate, giving gifts to the less fortunate through donations and goods, kindnesses etc.

Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
I’d love to go to Tuscany or in Rio for a summer.

Who is the person you most miss when you are in Dubai?
My family way back home in the Philippines.

What is your favourite restaurant in Dubai?
So many choices actually but I prefer mostly Japanese restaurants.

What grocery item do you most miss from your home country?
Definitely all the home-made food from the Philipines.

When friends and family visit you in Dubai where will you absolutely take them?
I have already had visitors, so we took them dune bashing, shopping of course and to Dubai’s Burj al Arab, Burj Dubai and Atlantis The Palm and we sampled the Arabic food.
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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).