Dubai Archives – In my HEART

Ten (10) Years, 10 Lessons (as an OFW)

Posted on September 25, 2018August 11, 2018 by JM Kayne

10 years 10 Lessons as an OFW - iamjmkayne.com.png — **UAE Life in 10 (Pictures from L-R )** 2008: My first night in Abu Dhabi. Me and Ate Ann – she’s the cousin who brought me in UAE. 2010 – Darrelle & I in my first CFC-FFL Family Day. Me and my ETSDC cap (my first company). 2012 – Me in the Sales & Marketing Dept. of ETSDC. 2011 – With my first sets of Households and Sisters in Christ (SFL) Ate Amie, Ate Ash & Ate Lou. 2011 – the first SFL brothers and sisters representatives from Abu Dhabi – Empowered Conference in Sharjah. 2015 – ADNOC-NDC UAE National Day celebration. 2017 – Ate Amie’s birthday with the Marvels.

Ten (10) Years, 10 Lessons as an OFW

Disclaimer: All opinions are personal and I don’t generalize all. It’s what I learned and that I notice them too often that it definitely left a mark into this OFW life.

This is my first passport bucketlist ✓: To have my first passport stamped before it expires. lol 🤣🤣🤣

So, I took my passport in 2005 without any intention of an international travel… only to have one solid ID on my belt whenever a government company would require. But at the back on my mind, I told myself – I want it stamped before it expires. Bucket-list checked! ✓

This is another post to celebrate my 10 years in the UAE and as an OFW – I’d like to share the ten (10) of the many lessons learned in my first decade as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW)

Related: Abu Dhabi 30 Places to visit. (Anniversary month post)

Here’s my lesson learned. “10 for 10”.

One: Homesickness is Real

On my very first month right after arriving Abu Dhabi UAE in September 2008, I did encounter my first homesick moment. Didn’t expect that its real. I thought I was okay and that its only a word. But – – – bang! I found myself crying in my sleep. Today, it’s been a decade and some episodes of such moment still find me. A weak point for all OFWs indeed. #TheresNoPlaceLikeHome #HomeIsHome

Two: OFW Life Looks Nice but it’s NOT

Social Media POST vs. REALITY

Most of the time Social media will post nothing but good stuffs. As an OFW we have this “pride” to show our food trips, travel here and there… but rarely our struggles. (hats off those who are real!) What happens when we show the “good kuno/ abundant life daw” is that people back home (not all though) tend to believe that money is as easy as 1-2-3. When we go home during our vacation – we seemed to be tagged as walking banks. When in “fact” #WhatsOnOurMind at week 2 or 3 is – “we want to go back”! hahah #relateka if you know what I mean… (ni hubas na! lol)

Sorry to break this – we may get times 12/13 or 15 of our currency – but we also spend the country’s currency which basically almost similar or more to what we spend if we are in Pinas. So to some (not to all) – because I knew of some families who just keep on asking this and that and this and that – and the list continues . . . – PLEASE! Be considerate!

Also, ask how are you? – he/she may answer I’m good/okay – but stay sensitive and listen (or read since its mostly through FB messenger) . . . a little care goes a long way. Plus a THANK YOU whenever you receive the allotment for the month will also bring us a smile. 🙂 #NagpapakatotooLang #BeTrulySensitive #ALittleCareALittleLove

Three: Filipinos’ Crab Mentality

This may sound negative, but indeed that mentality is evident in a place that requires survival. For 10 years I have seen this mentality inside and outside a Filipino community at work (both here in UAE and even in the Philippines). Sadly it is worst in the international playing fields. Again – it’s not for all. I still find kind hearted ones.

Another encounter with this “crab mentality” thought is when you walk into a high-end store in the the malls – and Ate/Kuya Kabayan is the sales person – they tend to greet only the foreigners. Showing off their best smiles and greetings. But if you are a kabayan – it seemed like you don’t exist 🙁 . Sad! A personal experience that Kokobear and I had was when we went to a steak restaurant – when the server puts us on the waiting list but entertained the foreigner who came late. (ooppps – no they didn’t have reservations). And yes we argued and called the manager. I hope it serves as a lesson.

Up to this day, I still experience it. But somehow I have been a little considerate. Patience and understanding will still come handy. 🙂 Of course lots of prayer on the side too! #LordForgiveMe #AskAreYouOkayKuyaOrAte?

Four: Family is always a Priority

At the end of the day, family will always be a priority. To be honest, there is a security in my heart that no matter how far I am with them – love and trust is there. Personally I only chat with them most of the time. A good morning, how are you and a few pictures sharing. True I have been busy with community life – but never ever did I forget to raise them in my prayers and in my heart they are my top priority. After all being an OFW started because I want to help my family. #ILoveYouTheBELTS #ILoveYouKokobear

Five: Kabayan is Single (daw)

Another top of the list sadly OFW life reality. . . There’s been quiet a big number of broken families because Kabayan (both male/female) is “single daw”. It’s hard to identify who is who. It’s hard to trust and it’s hard to “kalas” once you are deeply in love. Judging them will not make us better… I guess it is all up to that person’s conscience and integrity on how he/she brings himself or herself in the public.

A sad story in fact is I have known a few people who is inside the community (religious/church based) that claims to be one – but they aren’t. I have to mention though that I appreciate them being inside the community – because somehow a part of them knows that they need constant reminder of God’s teachings. I hope that with God’s grace and the Holy Spirit will enlighten them.

Dear Kabayan,

Your wife/husband and children are waiting for you. Show up and be honest. Have faith that with God, all temptations will be broken. Stay close with Him. God bless! – JM

Six: Leaving home for the —nth time – is always 💔 heartbreaking

Ten years means nine or eight times of opportunity to be back home (for a month’s vacation) and every single time is heartbreaking. It never cease to end… You shed tears whenever its time to say our goodbyes. Even while typing this part of the post makes me teary eyed. It’s always a hard time. But we keep on fighting, we keep on surviving. Thank Lord for that! This is hats off to all other OFWs who have gone long more than me, I know how you feel. #IFeelYou #ThatFeeling #AirportJitters

Seven: A Community will help you get through tough times

I realized that not all people are meant for community life. Some realize that they need it a bit later, some tried and stopped. Some tried, stop, tried again and stayed. As for me, a year later when I arrived in Abu Dhabi – I know I am meant for this community life. Nine years later – with God’s grace I am still here. The Lord has kept me grounded by ebing a part of this beautiful group of diverse lovable & unlovable creatures 😀 . Community life – again is not an easy journey. This is where your Loving God and Loving they neighbor following thy commandments are bring tested! When all has been said and done – I still find myself in this community of sinners claiming to be better. Being inside the community doesn’t mean you are a saint – in fact it means you are a sinner – willing to change for God. And through all the hardship – it made me appreciate life that CFFL has given me people, teachings and encounters with God worth keeping and sharing. #CommunityLifeIsLove #ItsMoreFun #TrueChristianTestIsHere

Eight: Love life can come in many shapes & forms 💚

Love often is defined for family & to someone special. But being away from home and being an OFW + being a part of God’s community through CFFL, I found out that love comes in many forms and shapes. Love for family, love for your GG (God’s Gift: husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend) is just the base. In my part a new found love has grown too. Love for my FAITH, love for neighbors (including strangers!), love for what actually matters)

*Love for faith – If I didn’t join the community, I guess I will be swayed with another religion. Not knowing exactly which is which. But with this eye-opener – I am solid and secure with God and with where I am as a Catholic.

*Love for neighbors – Second greatest commandment. Practices, tested and survived! Not claiming to be perfect – but hey I know I have become better… What I am practicing now too is – loving strangers & the poor (not just materially but those of spirit). They too are God’s people!

#LoveWhatMatters #TheOtherFacesOfLove

Nine: Patience is tested with Patience

When you pray to God, Lord – please give me patience for my work, for my boss, for my workmates etc… God is actually answering you! He answers you with more test on patience! This realization just came in to me in 2015. When I was tested to the highest level and realize that I shouldn’t pray that my ____ change. With God’s grace – my ___ didn’t change, instead I did! #IkawTalagaLord! #PatiencePaMore #LovePaMore #TestPaMore

Ten: God is never away.

No explanation needed. Amen-Amen to this! He is with me. He is with us at all times and anywhere. Everywhere!

Jeremiah 29-13 - iamjmkayne.com

Related Story: My first blog entry as OFW.

What about you?

Are you an OFW?

Which of these lessons resonate so well to you?

Any other additional lessons? Feel free to share it in the comments…

JM Kayne, signing in on my 10th year here in the UAE!

God bless us all,

JM SIGNATURE-black - iamjmkayne.com

On Honesty & Dishonesty (Transpo Edition)

Posted on September 17, 2018September 8, 2018 by JM Kayne

honesty & dishonesty transpo edition - iamjmkayne.com

This is a long overdue blog post. I’ve intended to publish this while I was still in Cebu. It’s actually a short sharing on #Honesty & #Dishonesty in these five (5) types of transportation in the Philippines.

TAXI – LTFRB set a new calibration scheme for taxis in Cebu. That is a 40 PHP flag down, an additional 13.50 PHP for every kilometer and 2 PHP running for every two (2) minutes waiting in a traffic. This set up though is only applicable if the taxi franchise has calibrated the new meter and has installed the new requirements before using this fare format. As I sat on the taxi and noticed that it has updated with the new system, I asked the driver; (in Cebuano) So, kumusta man ning bag-ong scheme bai? How’s this new scheme bai? (bai – is like “bro”) He said this idea is better for both the driver and the taxi franchise owner, but a bigger expense for the passenger. In fact over the past weeks, his personal experience is that the number of passenger is lower than expected. Nevertheless, he is expecting it to pick up and the riding public will eventually get used to it… Sad for the passenger, better for them. An #honest answer!

TRICYCLE – My house to Gaisano Fiesta Mall will take 15-20 minutes by tricycle (it’s a motorcycle with an attached cart that can accommodate 6-7 persons. #Honesty: Although I know that the fare is 7 pesos, I have intentionally asked again. He said 7 PHP. #Dishonesty 🙁 On the way back, I rode another tricycle, didn’t ask this time and gave the 10 PHP coin, only to end up receiving 2 PHP change. I was surprised but can’t complain because I paid as I went down from the tricycle and it went off fast.

TRISIKAD – Our neighborhood takes around 10-15 minutes walk from the highway to our house. Trisikad makes it shorter. My cousin who visited us for the first time took the “trisikad” (it’s a bicycle that has a cart that can carry 2-3 persons in one round. It’s one way fare is 5 PHP per person. But as he came to the pick up point, there was no other passenger, he was alone and took the trisikad. The driver seemed to recognize that he is a first timer – took advantage and asked for 20 PHP!!!!!! #Dishonesty 🙁

JEEPNEY – This time, let’s talk about the #honesty that a passenger abides by pure honesty and conscience. Majority of the people in the Philippines have been truthful and trustworthy that they are giving the fare. Of course, some might do the tricks [#dishonest 🙁 passengers!] but I want to emphasize more on the veracious act all Filipinos riding a jeepney. I’ve been outside the country for almost a decade and yet this honest system still works! Hats off to all of those who are reputable and truthful! 🙂

UBER + GRAB – It is given that using GRAB or UBER will cost more than a taxi. So most drivers tend to choose and sometimes will not take your booking if its out of their way… What my personal experience on the other hand is an #honest driver who willingly explained to me and my friend on the ins and outs of becoming a GRAB/UBER driver (even though his place is north while ours is going south) … Another honest and alarming thought he shared too is that it is a fact that both companies have made Cebu more congested and traffic! 🙁

So this post resurrected because of my current encounter here in Dubai.

I went out to meet a friend…

To commute in Dubai means you need to take the bus, the taxi and the metro. As I draft this, the dark side has been tempting my mind to use the Silver* card (for the train/metro) but ride in the Gold* cabin. I actually have both and because community service events are way too far from our location, Kokobear and I have intentionally purchased the Gold card for long train minutes or hour/s as applicable. Anyway, of course; “I fought that thought” and did the right thing.

Now I took the taxi going to the first metro stop (@JLT Station) because I’m a bit out of schedule. Took a cab and asked him to drop me to JLT. A couple of minutes before reaching the destination, his meter broke… He didn’t panic, neither do I. He called someone over the phone and although I didn’t understand the whole convo, I know he was asking the cost. As we reach the station, I gave the fare and he was ready with his change. He charged me 16/- AED. I stopped and asked 16? His face changed – a bit worried I supposed. Yes, my friend told me so, he answered. I smiled. Gave him an additional 2 AED, I think it’s 18. Here, thank you for your honesty! I responded and got off.

This simple encounter, made me smile and has reaffirmed my trust to the honesty of humanity. Not that I don’t have, but just a concrete example here.

Praise God for that! 🙏

Be blessed & be God’s blessings!

JM SIGNATURE-black - iamjmkayne.com

*Dubai Metro (NOL Card) has color coding metro and bus cards, it has blue, red, silver and gold. Although majority uses Silver – for the general public and Gold – a special cabin that has lesser passenger because it costs double than the regular fare with §the silver card.

How to process a Husband/Wife’s Visa in Dubai UAE

Posted on July 1, 2018August 2, 2018 by JM Kayne

How to process a Husband/Wife’s Visa in Dubai UAE

(Guide for First Timers)

For 9 years, almost 95% of this blog has tagged Abu Dhabi because I’ve been a resident there for that period… But this year a change has come. As I bid goodbye to 2017, I also waved bye bye to Abu Dhabi and moved to Dubai for a new challenge and chapter of our life (collectively together with Kokobear!)

Yes, you read it right, starting now you’ll see more Dubai related blog posts and we are starting now!

I spent 5 months back home (in the Philippines) and waited for the transition that both Darrelle and I have where he will now become my visa sponsor. Ergo, I needed a husband’s visa. This is the process on how we did it; a guide for first timers. 🙂

Step 1 – Prepare the documents for the Entry Permit Application (for Dependent/s)

Note: Sponsor = Your husband or wife

Dependent’s Photo (original) – mandatory
Dependent’s Passport (copy) – mandatory
Sponsor’s (your husband or wife) Salary Certificate, Contract or Partnership Contract
Tenancy Contract, Ejari with current DEWA Bill
Sponsor’s Original Passport – mandatory
Sponsor’s Residency Page – mandatory
Sponsor’s IBAN Number
Sponsor’s EID Card (Original) – mandatory
Marriage Certificate (Original & attested)
3 months latest Bank Statement

Optional (Based on your needs)

Mother’s/Father’s residency visa and passport for a child
Unmarried Letter for parents sponsoring Daughter above 18 years old.

2 - iamjmkayne.com

Step 2 – Apply for ENTRY PERMIT – Proceed to AMER (They are the authorized Typing Centre)

Present these documents and they will open up your file in the system. Applying a new profile will cost 300/- AED. We did mine at IBN Battuta Mall AMER Center.

From the typing center takes 1-2 weeks to submit to the immigration. Once approved, an sms/email will be sent to your given information. An e-visa will then be released. So you’r wife/husband/child will be ready to fly.

Cost: 440/- AED

Suggestion: There is typing centre right in the same building of the Immigration Office at Manara Center, I suggest you do this process there, so that it would be easier to fix things up in case some missing files/documents are not in place.

On your dependent’s side on the other hand . . . will do step #3.

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Step 3 – Book a Flight Schedule and Fly.

In the airport, make sure to have with you your sponsor’s last OEC.

For Filipinos:

Keep these documents handy:

Original & copy of your Marriage certificate,
Your husband/wife’s latest OEC, (the payment receipt/ the exemption – whichever is applicable for him or her)
Copy of Original working permit and contract.

These items will probably be checked by the Travel Tax Desk at he airport – before you can proceed to your assigned gate in the airport.

My Personal Experience: I took the Philippine Passport holder lane for Immigration since I am no longer an OFW – which at that time during my flight has a looonnng line of OFWs too!

No questions asked (probably because I’ve been an OFW for almost a decade now and just transferred the visa under my husband). Not even a question of how long we’ve been married or asking for a copy of our marriage certificate; nothing at all! All I did was give my passport, ticket, the copy of my Residence E-visa and the dreaded departure slip which causes the long, hassle and delay most of the time – (Sorry, excuse my complaining tone… hahah)

Once you arrive . . . proceed to the next step.

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Step 4 – Process the MEDICAL EXAMS, MEDICAL INSURANCE and EMIRATES ID

A. Medical Exams – I did this right after I arrived, basically I arrived on a weekend so I did this process on the first work day – Sunday. This is blood and X-Ray.

Costs:

345/- AED – Normal (2-3 days results)
410/- AED – Result is within 48 hours

B. Emirates ID – I processed my medical exam in IBN Battuta which lucky an AMER station is avialble, so I went their and they informed me that I could process my Emirates ID side by side my Medical Insurance so that when both of them arrives, I will proceed directly to the Visa Stamping.

Cost:

270 AED for 2 years
370/- AED for 3 years (applicable for Government employee’s families)

C. Medical Insurance – This maybe shouldered by your husband/wife’s company so there is no need to worry. But for those who will be shelling it out from their own pocket, Amer has this service too. Just enquire and they will give your the options. Basic package usually starts at 1000++ AED.

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Step 5 – Finally, last 2 steps are Visa Stamping & Collection of Emirates ID.

Once above 3 are ready (Medical Results, Emirates ID application & Insurance Card), return to Amer and pay for Immigration/Visa Stamping.

Prepare these documents at hand.

a. A copy of all the mentioned documents above on Step 1

b. The Original Medical Insurance Card + 1 photo copy of it

c. Original Medical Exams Results

d. Original Emirates ID of the Sponsor (Original Passport may also be needed)

e. One more passport size photo.

Cost:

430/- AED – Normal (2-3 days)
510/- AED – Urgent (1 day) – 80 dirhams difference

This process will take another 2-3 days depending on your preferred payment. After the stamping comes you Emirates ID release! An SMS/email will also be sent to your mobile phone for the collection of your Emirates ID.

OVERALL

This is the breakdown of expenses (for my application)

Husband -Wife's visa application cost in Dubai - iamjmkayne.com.png

That’s it! I do hope this post can help you smoothen the process.

God bless,

JM SIGNATURE-black - iamjmkayne.com

Life Lately + See you soon, Dubai!

Posted on May 27, 2018June 7, 2018 by JM Kayne

Life Lately . . .

Before the year ends (2017), #TheKokobears (Darrelle and I) hit the road from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. A new life + adventure + service awaits us there. Hitting the road didn’t end there, I also hit the air (haha) by flying back to the Philippines and closed 2017 in Cebu.

Allow me to give you an overview of how’s life lately and once again, I’m hitting the road/air back once again – heading to Dubai this time (Well, I guess I might just landed when this post goes public.)

December 2017

💫 Went home on the 29th and arrived Cebu at 6 AM on the 30th.

💫 Celebrated New Year at home with the family once again.

2018 January

💫 My brother tied the knot on the 2nd day of the year and as I have shared before, I did their wedding invite as one of my #passionprojects for 2017 – check out DIY: G+M Wedding invite.

💫 Mamo and Dado’s 33rd Anniversary, bought a cake for them.

💫 Met Gemma and Jackie – dinner in SM. Also took a chance to separately bond with them. Gemma and I went site seeing. While Jackie and I went to Simala and Archbishop Teofilo Camomot’s church.

💫 Sessions with Mamo and Auntie VK at HiPre clinic in Tabunok. Health is wealth you know 🙂

2018 February

💫 Visited Naga Boardwalk with Dion, Clea and Chin2x, The Pyramid, Sirao Flower Farm and Temple of Leah

💫 I’m officially an AUNTIEEE!! 🙂 A Tinang ^^ Auntie-Ninang! Our very first nephew in the family is Baby Grey! Born on 12th Feb 2018.

💫 Attend two Saturday healing sessions with Bro. Julius (of Divine Mercy) at San Roque gym with Mama and Auntie VK.

💫 Faced a health breakthrough on 28th Feb. Thank you Lord.

2018 March

💫 Dan2x’s birthday. We got him a little cake 🙂 and wrote “Happy Birthday PAPAsio“ – From Grey.

💫 Recorded a few more vlogs for Dion’s walakokasabotpasabatako YoutTube channel. That was all fun! Helped him in figuring it, editing and uploading it.

💫 Opened a Carousell account: #ShopJMKayne, where I have the chance to sell my pre-loved books and other items. Which was pretty fun, because just a day after I opened it – I automatically got some enquiries and sold a few books! 🙂

💫 Visited Lolo Delfin, also gate crashed in Vibang’s 2nd daughter’s Christening in Bogo.

2018 April

💫 Celebrated Auntie VK’s birthday + Easter Sunday in North Sky Resort in Sogod.

💫 Met an old friend back in UC-ESL – Yham, an old cd reminded me of her so, Dion and I took chances of looking for her on Facebook and we’ve successfully found her! 🙂 Thank you for the time Yham!

💫 Rendezvous with RC who flew back from UC after 6 months! Her hubby gave her a gift to be back here in Cebu for at least 15 days. 🙂 We had lunch and took some chikka sessions at DepEd + JCo in Ayala.

💫 Ina arrived for her vacation and brough some cutie goodies for Baby Grey.

💫 Yay! A new breakthrough came, I was interviewed for a Podcast! 🙂 Back in 2017 I just shared my 5 favorite podcast and fast forward, I will be on it. I was interviewed for a podcast that will be released hopefully mid-May 🙂

2018 May

💫 Attended Musical Festival with Dion in Liloan. (05 May 2018)

💫 Edited Dado’s Reunion video. Watch it here > BCS Batch 1072-1973 Reunion.

💫 Home for Mother’s Day and Local Election Day.

💫 Got a chance to meet Sis Cath in SM City Cebu. A quick chitchat and catch up! (12/May)

💫 Launched The Creative Passport Facebook Community. JOIN HERE.

💫 Kokobear surprised me with a flower bouquet + cake for our 4th Anniversary! Thank you Kokolove ❤

💫 Self care day on 20th May – Rebonded and pedicure c/o Sis-in-Law Yvette.

💫 Celebrated my 33rd birthday in Lantaw SRP with family.

💫 Finally finished reading a book I’ve been shelving for years . . . (probably more than a decade now!) … Never thought I’d be entertained this much!👌 Thought-provoking, a few basics and some needs processing…. Read it on All I Need to Know, I Learned in Kindergarten book review. Read: All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten.

💫 MORE AND MORE IDEAS coming in, thoughts of this and that on creativity is all over my mind, gotta make it a system and hopefully put them in order so I could get started! hahaha 🤣🤣🤣

💫 24th May, in transition back to Dubai, UAE! 🙂

During these months, as I enjoy family time I also binge watch the following movies/TV series:

Pinoy TV Shows/Series/Teleserye: Sana Dalawa Ang Puso Ko, Showtime, Hanggang Saan, Blood Sisters, Araw Gabi, Ang Probinsyano, Bagani, The Good Son, Since I Found You,
Korean Dramas/Movies: Battleship Island, W, Chicago TypeWriter, Doctor Crush (ongoing)
Read some books: Steal Like an Artist, Show Your Work, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, Everyone Can be Creative etc.
Listened to Podcast/Youtube: Arriane Serafico, Lavendaire, Happier, Our Food Aventures etc.
New Inspo/Goals: Aileen Xu, Elizabeth Gilbert, Marie Forleo!

💫 That’s it for now… please include me in your prayers… 🙂 💫

Thank you Lord, bring it on!

God bless,

Concert Experience: Hillsong United Live in Dubai

Posted on May 3, 2017July 23, 2017 by JM Kayne

Dubai, UAE: Hillsong United Live in Dubai!

Ticking off a bucketlist when the chance is at hand? Why not!?!

Right after hearing that Hillsong United is visiting the UAE this 2017, Kokobear and I decided to level-up praising God with this concert! It is actually one of our bucketlist! It’s a 2-day concert and 28th April just went soldout. So here we are on the 2nd day, 29th April – Saturday! Our transportation was arranged with fellow CFFL member, we rented a carlift and hit the road at 5:00 pm to reach Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium inside the Irish Village.

We arrived at quarter to 7, right in time when the gates opened. Sis Rose, Sis Dianne, Sis Mariel & Sis Vielinda of SFL were with us! But we have to part ways because we’re in the platinum area!

Here are a few of the songs they’ve performed in this 2 and a half hour concert:

Touch the Sky
Oceans
Prince of Peace
I surrender
Let There Be Light
New Songs: Beautiful Name, Even When it Hurts, One Day.

If I have counted it correctly, there were around 22 songs and every single one speaks directly to the heart. I have to mention too, that the in between prayers were as powerful as the songs! And one of the many is this:

. . . “Don’t just go to the church, BE THE CHURCH” – JD

Song after song, I found myself swept away. Memories of life comes flooding through my thoughts. I found myself having difficulty in containing the emotions especially when From the Inside Out was playing. I raise my hand, sang, shouted, cried, lifted my heart and of my pains, worshipped and praised God. Never did I expect an emotion so strong that made me feel every single word of the lyrics to be so full, soulful and meaningful at its peak! Such a spirit filled ambiance, I hear some people praying in tongues. Emotions? ECSTATIC! In Awe of how Great JESUS is!

Let me share some lyrics that have captured my heart and indeed pierced it:

“Every word u have spoken, I will not be shaken”

.

“A Passion worth living”

.

“Oh be Still My Heart, I know u are God, I know u hear my prayer”

.

“Spirit leads me my Trust”

Check out these few snaps we’ve taken during the event.

Who wont remember this?!? – “**LET THERE BE LIGHT**” – Photo by Bro. Gab Rios of SFL Abu Dhabi

You can see more of our photos in this concert at #ByahengKokobears – Hillsong.

A #MustExperience and I highly recommend this concert to everyone!

God Bless!!!

All other photos are by yours truly and of my husband (Kokobear – Darrelle) of Ellerrad.

NOL Card Recharge thru ADCB App

Posted on June 28, 2016January 16, 2018 by JM Kayne

I rarely use a bus, but in some circumstances I do. So recently I found out that instead of making a queue to re-charge your NOL Card, here is actually an app that provides a faster way to re-charge!

But you have to be an ADCB user… (I’m not sure if other banks do have their own app) – as of me ADCB App (from the App Store). Here is the step by step guide to that.

Of course you have to download the ADB App first, which looks like this:

Photo from : http://adcb.android.informer.com

1. Log-In to your app

2. On the main page are the options:

Choose PAY BILLS

3. Then click the option NOL TOP UP (second choice on the right)

4. Add a PAYEE

Press PAY NOW and follow further required details

5. Add your NOL TAG ID – This is the 10-digit number at the back of your NOL Card.

Swipe the button to choose ADD LIST OF REGISTERED SERVICES so that you don’t need to repeat this process again in your next transactions.

6. Give this Service a name. In my case I call it NOLjm.

7. Enter Amount. They have a minimum of 20 AED.

Enter your desired cash and hit next.

8. Verify Payment

Click submit

9. Enter OTP (One-Time-Password) which they will send to your mobile and click continue!

And it will show you this!

Hope this one helps!

God bless!

Dubai Miracle Garden

Posted on January 27, 2016February 14, 2018 by JM Kayne

To be surrounded with beautiful, sight-satisfying, colorful flowers in Dubai’s Miracle Garden is a gratifying feeling. Many of those who visit this place are amazed by the wonderful landscape it has! And I am no different from them J

What you see:

This 72,000 square meters botanical garden will show case unlimited flowers, flowers, flowers!!! But not just simply flowers; flowers of different styles, of different colors of different shapes and of different forms. It includes landscapes of the world’s popular & iconic buildings such as the Eiffel Tower and more. Also an over whelming houses designed by the various flora.

What you can do:

For your 30 AED entrance, you can a whole lot of pictures!!! Unlimited pictures! Also relax, take your spot and just feel the ambiance. Of course food stalls are open too!

How we get there:

Because we have some friends in Dubai, Kokobear and I (plus my cousin Ina) took the ride with The Piras (Benjie-Pinky-Cookie& Franco) with their car! And honestly, I have not thought about the road to DMG J

But for those who are commuting either by bus or metro, below is their official website to be guided of the transportation method.

I am leaving this post short and sweet so you could go and see this beautiful place yourself… as of writing – weekend is starting to knock so go on and explore DMG!