Qatar Motor Show 2013

 Last weekend (Friday), a close friend of one of my housemates (co-nurse) invited us to watch the annual event of motor show and exhibition at Qatar Exhibition Center (Qatar Tourism Authority). A day before Friday, my housemates and I already arranged of going to Villagio Shopping Mall for lunch as well as buy some personal stuff there. Luckily, this friend of my housemate texted him if all of us wanted to watch the said event. Since we don’t have so much to do that day, we agreed instantly to go since his friend said he will fetch us up in Villagio Mall before dusk.

In short, we arrived in the venue of the affair past 7 pm. In the exhibition ground (outside the Qatar Tourism Authority building) the motor exhibition had already started its first phase of the show. The bleacher is fully loaded from top to bottom. The exhibition ground was also surrounded by numerous boisterous spectators all busy from taking pictures of the ongoing motor exhibition. Since we can’t find any space or place that we could watch the show clearly, we just decided to proceed to the motor show instead which was held inside the QTA building. After registering and paying for the tickets, we went through to the main door and whooah! finest sports and luxury cars of various top motor companies mesmerized my eyes – a collection of costliest and luxurious motor vehicles. I have taken some pictures of them because I can’t resist taking a shot each of them.

Ramdom Pics

We went out of the show room a past 9 pm and decided to watch the other event – the motor exhibition which was held outside the QTA center. Luckily, we got some empty seats at the upper part of the bleacher and also just in right time for the start of the final phase of the series of exhibition. The show was another jaw-dropping performance from top professional drifters and motor sport stuntmen who came from different countries such as Great Britain, Mexico, and some others of which I don’t remember.

And here's a peak sample video during the motor show:

We left the venue after the exhibition ended its final segment that night at around 11 pm.  Then we went first in a certain Turkey food stall (famous for Shawarma take outs) for a snack before we went home. Another experience of Thank-God-Its-Friday syndrome just ended as I closed my eyes for sleep that time. What an awesome night. Til next time!

Qatar National Day on December 18th

This was my second time in Qatar where the state celebrated its annual national day on every 18^th day of December. Thousands of locals and expatriates of different race usually flock along the corniche, which is the heart of the event, to witness different series of programs organized by the government of the world’s wealthiest country in the world – the Qatar. The series of events were air show (parachuting, synchronize flying jets with colored trails), civic parade participated by the students and personnel of the ministries and non-government organizations, the military parade which showcases the state’s latest and state-of-the-art military artilleries and armored vehicles together with the battalions of Emiri guards and Armed Forces and traditional grand fireworks display at night. However, I missed the previous year’s celebration because I have no one to go along with. Whilst a multitude of people were considerably enjoying the huge event, I just spent my entire day inside my room getting updates online from others in social networking sites. But this year, I have sworn to myself that no matter what happens, I would definitely go outside and witness for myself how the world’s wealthiest country, the Qatar celebrates its foundation day. Several days prior to the national day celebration, I already told my fellow roommates and we agreed to go out and watch the celebration. For the reason that this might be my last year to see how Qatari people celebrate it, no one is more determined going out than them but me. 

The entire national day celebration was really an expression of remarkably and admirably evidence of strong nationalism of the Qatari people. Every houses, building and establishments, street lamp posts, popular landmarks, and passing cars, is either carrying giant-size flags or flag lets. Even some cars and people faces are also painted with white and maroon – the country’s flag colors. You could see these colors here, there and anywhere. The roads too were so busy and people of different races were passing by the main streets now and then.

Let me give you some insights on the history of their National Day. It is observed because of Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammad Bin Thani, who courageously led in unifying the oft-divided local tribes and gaining sovereignty for them. In December 18, 1878, the State of Qatar was founded which was established by the decree of the Emir in June 2007. However, the date of national day was not really a full freedom since the state was still a British colony until 1971. Nevertheless, 1878 was recognized because it basically commemorates the unity and solidarity first exhibited by the Qatari people led by the Al Thani family, amidst conflicts and hardships endured by different tribes. Until now, the people of Qatar, show high respect, affection and gratitude to the Al Thani family, the current leaders of Qatar, not just during this kind of event but even in any ordinary days.

Here are some of my shots during our sight-seeing experience during the holiday:

my co-nurses along Corniche

parade of cars by Qatari nationals

the traditional Dhow boat

a local waving the white-maroon flag

flock of spectators along the Corniche

By the way, we were not able to catch up the events shown in the morning, the worst consequence of getting up late in the morning. Air force colored-jet trail shows, civic and military parades, navy speed boat exhibitions and grand fireworks display at night (due to limited transportation, we agreed to go home at past 6pm wherein the fireworks display will start at 8pm) were just some of the action-packed holiday we missed!

Eid Al Adha!

Yes! Tomorrow, Friday - 26^th of October, would be the start of another vital Muslim holiday. This is because of the annual celebration of Eid Al Adha or literally called the “Feast of Sacrifice.” But for many expatriates including me, this is just a good break from our work.

Being here for almost 20 months, I am already pretty aware about the National Holidays of Muslim countries particularly in State of Qatar. The first major public holiday is the Eid Al Fitr (3 days) which marked the end of Ramadan and the other one, which is usually celebrated 70 days afterwards, is the Eid Al Adha (4 days). Literally, also called as “Feast of Sacrifice” or Eid Al Adha commemorates the act of Abraham to willingly sacrifice his first son (Ishmael) to God but at the end God interfered and instead a sheep was offered as a sacrifice. Thus in present days, all financially-able Muslims shall sacrifice an animal. This is widely practiced here in Qatar.

the familiar crossed-swords entering old Doha Souq (Market)

Since the Muslim is on religious holiday, Filipino Christians really looked forward for this long break. Some of them goes for swimming or does sand dunes, some dines out and does shopping, some visits their relative and friends, and some just stay from and home and take rest. And me? Maybe I would just visit and go along with my friends whatever their plan is.

Again to our brother Muslims around the world - Eid Mubarak!! May Allah accept all your good deeds..

Things I observed in the State of Qatar

I have been staying in this gulf country for almost 15 months now and at that period I have adjusted to the life of being in a desert country. Qatar is one of the very rich countries in terms of crude production and its people including the expatriates are benefiting so much for that. A former British colony, the State of Qatar is blissfully enjoying its sovereignty and freedom. High-end structures, towering commercial buildings, hotels, apartments, and landmarks are continuously proliferating around the city. There are so much to talk about this tiny state and so far I have listed some of these plain observations below:

• Ana is not my friend’s name, either of my colleague’s name or any woman’s name. Actually it refers to me.
• Khalas is the most used Arabic word in the conversation.
• Aiwa is not an appliance brand; it is basically yes.
• The most common private vehicle of the Qataris or Locals is the White Land Cruiser. You see them freely parked outside in every Qatari’s house.
• If you’re a boss or office staff in your work, everything inside is served. If you want a glass of water – you ask; if you need a tea – you ask; if you need something to photocopy; you ask again. The office has someone tasked to do that for you.
• A liter of gasoline and a quarter liter of water costs 1 Qatar Riyal each. Water is 4x more expensive than gas. And that’s a fact.
• Expatriates are larger than the Qatari Nationals – in terms of numbers.
• The largest populations among the expats are the Indian Nationals.
• The number 1 enemies of the people inside their house are the bed bugs.
• Summer time means spending your time inside your house or playing your favorite games in an indoor area.
• Highest temperature reaches as high as 50-something degree Celsius during summer.
• Every house has air conditioner (aircon). It’s a must.
• Ramadan is the best time for shopping.
• Date trees are everywhere in the city.
• If you want to buy something in a grocery store or fast food chain – just honk the horn of your car. Someone will come from the store to get your order. By the way, this is mostly done by Qataris. Just like a privilege enjoyed by the Qatari nationals.
• Holding hands in public by two lovers is not prohibited.
• People always bring with them their Qatar ID (Pataka in Arabic).
• Every mobile SIM used by the people is registered in the government.
• You see Indian nationals everywhere.
• Public parks from afternoon until night on Fridays are prohibited to persons who are singles unless he is seen with a woman or kids.
• Trees, plants and even grasses do not grow freely. They are being taken care of everyday.
• Markets (Souq) or shopping malls are livelier at night than in day time. People prefer to shop after sun sets.
• Pepsi products are popular than Coca Cola products.
• Chicken meat is widely consumed than any other meat livestock products.
• Public transport is solely run by the government.
• It usually rains when change in season is imminent.
• In driving, you will get used to round-abouts instead of intersections in the street.
• Say signal instead of traffic lights, flat instead of apartment, lift for elevators, fridge for refrigerators; petrol for gasolines
• When talking with other nationals (except British, Australians, Americans) – carabao english is more preferred than grammatically-correct english
• KFC and McDonalds don’t serve spaghettis.
• Rain is very rare. Maybe more or less 5 times it pours annually.
• Police officers don’t carry fire arms on their belts.
• Condoms are visibly displayed in the pharmacies.
• ...

I know this list is not yet over. Everyday's life here is a continues learning and discovery. I will go back to this post once I learned another something new and interesting about Qatar.

Me in the city center Doha

Ramadan Mubarak!

Today would be the start of Ramadan to all Muslim people all around the world. It begins when a new moon is sighted at the ninth month which last for almost 30 nights (the sightings of the next new moon marks the end of Ramadan).

Ramadan Mubarak to all Muslims

During this blessed month, all Muslims observe complete fasting during broad daylight. Abstinence from any food, drinks, sex, and other physical needs are mandatory. But, more than the fasting, Ramadan is the month for repentance, spiritual reflection and worship, and increased generosity.

Ramadan is not only for Muslim people, so as myself as part of the Christian expats here in the Middle East, I encourage the non-Muslims to support our colleagues by not eating, drinking, and smoking in public places from sunrise to sunset. By this, we truly respect their religion.

I wish Allah will hear all the prayers of my Muslim colleagues and friends!

FYI: to the information of all, the phrase “Ramadan Kareem” is not correct to wish. Literally, Ramadan Kareem means Ramadan is generous. The preferable phrase to greet would be “Ramadan Mubarak” which means Blessed Ramadan.

Source: http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/sheikh-ibn-'uthaymeen-(rahimahullaah)?before=1315497685

My 15/24th-Month Duty

Today marks my 15th months of being an occupational health nurse away from home. Nine (9) more months to wait and my contract in my current company will end. So far, I am doing well in this structurally booming gulf-country of Qatar. I have endured 15-month of homesickness, isolation, extreme heat and cold climate, early wake-up duties, and speaking Arabic-Hindi-English languages at one time.

During my 15 months of on-site duty, our first site (Samrya Twin Towers) where I did my first duty is almost done. The 45-floor commercial building is on its finishing stage.

My company's site project - Samrya Twin Towers

And at this moment, my duty was already transferred to our new project site. A 44-floor apartment named G44. The company is on digging and basement-construction phase.

my company's new site - G44 Project

Random Events

A lot of things occurred this past few days in relation to my work but I couldn’t scribbled any of these during my spare time in the clinic or even in our accommodation because of one reason: my internet mobile broadband subscription has reached its maximum credit limit! My subscription was temporarily disconnected. In short, I’m offline for the past few days.

I was thinking twice if I would permanently cancel my mobile broadband since my 12-month subscription will end this coming July. This broadband provided me headaches during the course of my subscription because most of the times I exceeded to my mobile data usage limit. It sucks to know I have to pay more than 600 riyals again instead of only 160 riyals for my monthly subscription. Good thanks for the Pacquiao-Bradley Fight, Boston-Miami NBA Western Conference Finals, and Papa Jack of Love Radio because these cost me a lot of data usage for their live streaming. Anyhow, those events or programs were worth to watch and listen to. But, I just can’t get over with my bill yet – yes! until now because once this bill is converted to Peso it costs me 7,000+ pesos, enough to buy an Adidas Adizero shoe! :/


Thanks for the unsecured wifi in the vicinity of our new site (offices) i could get online though the signal is very scant and slow. Pwede na pagtiyagaan! 

On another incident, last weekend I attended my first ever Immediate Life Support (ILS) training here in Hamad International Training Center, the lone department of Hamad General Corporation that provides training to medical practitioners within the state of Qatar. The ILS provider course is in accordance to the standards of European Resuscitation Council and its counterpart of it in the Philippines is the Advanced Cardio-Pulmonary Life Support (ACLS) of American Heart Association (AHA). The primary aim of this ILS course is to train health care personnel in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, in simple airway management and safe defibrillation (manual and/or Automatic External Defibrillator – AED), enabling the providers to manage patients in cardiac arrest until arrival of cardiac arrest team and participate as members of that team. So as one of the healthcare providers, it is my duty to equip myself with apt skills and knowledge. The course runs over for one day which consists of lectures and practical stations. Our course manual was given to me upon my application which was several weeks ago before my final schedule. The training started at 8:00 AM and ended at 4:00 PM. So far, the training went very smoothly without hitch, all the candidates were eager to learn and participate, and all the lecturers were skilled as well as humorous. Generally, I enjoyed the training throughout the course.

My ILS Manual, Certificate, and License Card

FYI: For those who want to undergo such training or other courses, drop by at the Hamad International Training Center I: PO Box 3050, Doha, Qatar (near the White Palace Intersection/Signal) or visit their website at http://site.hmc.org.qa/hitc1/index.htm

Also, last Sunday, when I was preparing myself for site duty at 4:00 AM, our time keeper knocked at our room and asked for help if I could check one of the Nepali labors at room 36 in our accommodation. He said, the person was not responding or moving anymore in his bed. So without hesitation, I went to the said room straight away and find the person in right side-lying position (almost in prone position). I tapped his shoulders to wake him up and yes he was right, there was no response. So I grabbed his shoulders and positioned him to lie on his back (at that time I could feel his cold and quite stiff body). I got my mobile phone (with LED light) and checked his both pupils using my phone. Unfortunately, his pupils were already dilated (didn’t react to light anymore). I palpated for his carotid pulse but it was already pulseless. His lips were almost grayish. His body was cold and rigid. His left hand was in closed fist and holding his left chest. His right hand was also in close fist and his elbow was flexed. His appearance was most probably a signs of  struggles from heart attack. So based from his current situation, I never attempted for resuscitation. The guy was already lifeless for 2-3 hours, I guess. So I told his roommates that I felt sorry for them because he was already dead. My fellow nurse entered the room and tried to check again for any signs of life. But he failed to find any. 


Then everyone in the room started to buzz. Commotion arouse. So we went outside of the room because a crowd of labors began to go inside and see for themselves the situation going on. They started calling up our camp manager (campus). Just in few minutes, our campus arrived and checked the person’s body. Right away, he called up the ambulance (999). The ambulance and the Qatari police arrived in few minutes and tried dismissing the people to go outside the room. Then, inquiry and investigation took place. At that time, a large number of labors, consisting of Nepalese and Hindi (Indians) agreed not to go to work (site) anymore. Their longed grievances and sentiments towards the company started to unleash. They find an ally in the presence of the police. I, myself was a witness of unpleasant condition of my company’s labor force. 


But in fairness to my company, we have a much secured vast accommodation, water and electricity are abundant. However, they complained for the food prepared by the mess hall, the dirty toilets, their overcrowded rooms, and their 2-3 yrs old bed. Some of these were truly acceptable but in my own personal experience living with them, some of these are none to be blamed but the labor themselves. The toilet became dirty because most of them spit out anywhere (it makes even worse because of the presence of tobacco they were spitting out – it stains the toilet cubicle walls), they twist the faucet facing up so the water would come like a shower, they took a bath using the sink’s faucet rather than cubicle, sometimes they left the toilet bowl without flashing their feces. So, what made it worst, the campus never implement rules regarding these kinds of poor deeds. I think my two cents here is that both parties have shortcomings from each other. The company failed to provide a new and clean bed, sufficient food supply, or enough rooms for them however its employees should also exhibit proper care to the facilities provided to them like the toilets. Really, every races or nationalities have different manners and behaviors. I myself, I have to adapt and extend my tolerance in pleasing them. Anyways, I felt sad about what happened to the Nepali guy who suffered a heart attack that morning but at the same time happy because of the decision of the labors for work holiday. By the way, I kept on speculating, how this 26-year old guy suffered from heart attack? Hmmm.

Labors readying themselves for work

Another dilemma surfaced this week was that my laptop’s keyboard was now crazy! I don’t know what the real crux because the cursor kept on jumping to another line while I am typing. When I pressed the space bar, the right-click option appears, and so the other key pads. As a matter of fact, I made this post the entire day (I was just lucky because no accidents happened in the site) even my laptop is crazy. And what makes the worst of all these dilemmas? This 1-year old laptop will end its warranty this week and the LG service center where I purchased this one is indefinitely closed until further notice because of the mall’s failure from fire and safety inspections by the Ministry of Civil Defense.

My laptop with crazy keyboard!

Summer in Qatar as Nurse

Just yesterday, the Ministry of Labor released a notice reminding all companies and establishments especially those which engages in construction sites that the working hours of all employees/workers/labors should not exceed 11:30AM and at afternoon the work shall not start later than 3:00PM. The notice was in accordance to the memorandum No.16 of the ministry in relation to the extreme summer felt by the state. Extreme heat is typically recorded during the June until the end of September. The hottest mean temperature is usually 40 degree Celsius and even higher. There are instances that the state experiences 50 degree Celsius between June and August.

So, to lessen the number of people working in bare sites who experiences the ill effects of extreme heat and high humidity, the ministry obliges all employers to post the required time table and their workers/labors be notified. So any work sites which disobeys the memorandum would be sanctioned appropriately.

Change of working hours during summer in construction sites in Qatar

As a nurse from bare sites, summer season is the busiest duty for us. A considerable number of labors/workers experience heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and or even death in which they suddenly collapse while working which may be caused by working under  extreme hot weather and high humidity. Most commonly, the patient/s experiences severe headache, dizziness, dehydration, high blood pressures, hypoglycemia (blood sugar depletion); these signs and symptoms need immediate medical response and first aid from us. We even provides glucose solution with water and salt to replenish the water and minerals they have lost through perspiration.

Our company's work time table this summer season

My company, which is basically, engages in trading and construction industry also changed our working schedule from 6:30Am – 5:30PM to a broken working hours: 5:30AM – 11:30PM then from 3:00 – 7:30 PM. Personally, this schedule really sucks. It seems that I am on duty the whole day (of course without overtime pay). Imagine being in the clinic for 14 hours without overtime excluding the 2 hours trip we spent going from and to our accommodation. Most probably, there's no spare time left for me to play basketball or even watch a single movie. Tsk tsk.. this is just one of the bad parts of being an occupational health nurse based in construction sites. I always go with the labors schedule. Our labors working time is also my working time. As of this time, it’s almost 5:50PM. I should have been inside the bus on trip going back to our accommodation. But here I was, tipping my laptop’s keyboard. As a consolation to myself, if not with this present change of work schedules, maybe, it would take me some time to update again my blog. Now i have  ample time to think and write something worthwhile to post :) Alhamdullah!

Why not try Qatar?

To be exact, I have been working in the State of Qatar for 9 months and 15 days already. I worked here as an occupational health nurse in a certain construction company. This was my first time to work outside the Philippines. My first few weeks here were kind of awkward, I was very cautious, and I rarely went to the city proper to roam around and make friends to some fellow Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).  My mindset for Arab countries such as Qatar was extremely strict in terms of their culture and religious laws. However, this proves me wrong during my early few months stay in this country. Qatar is not like any other Arab countries in the Gulf. This is an open Muslim country just like some other republican or democratic countries we known.

Just an overview, the State of Qatar is ruled by the Al Thani family since mid 1800’s. It has a population of 848, 016 (July 2011, estimate) excluding the expatriates. Mostly, expatriates here are Indians, followed by Pakistans, Syrian and Iranians, then Nepalese and Filipinos.  When Amir Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani overthrew his father in a bloodless coup in 1995 and resolved its border issues with the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in 2001, the progress of the country tremendously grew up due to gas and natural oil revenues. In 2007, the country was among with the highest per capita income in the world. It is interestingly to note that, Qatar was never affected by the uprising political turmoil happened in its fellow Arab countries like Tunisia, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Yemen, Libya, and Syria and so on in 2010-11. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) data, Qatar has now the richest country in the world in terms of gross domestic product and per capita income surpassing the Luxembourg in 2010. Besides, Qatar has been tagged by the United Nation as the safest country in the world (together with Malta), according to its Annual World Risk Report for 2011. And how about knowing this little country is hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022?

Personally, my stay here as a company nurse is generally safe and easy. I have to work eight hours for six days in a week and an off during every Fridays. That is the Muslim’s weekend. Every days off, I have the chance to visit my friends here or do some relaxed walk in Doha, buy some good stuffs in the Souq (market), eat biryanis in a Turkey resto or “nilagang baka” in a Filipino resto. Most of the time, I do this with a company, but sometimes I do it by myself. That’s the good thing here; you could walk around the city alone without the hassle of being robbed, without any security threat. People here, especially most of the expatriates would never do harm against you. They rarely steal others belongings. But, since this is a country of expatriates of different races, there are very few incidents of racial discriminations, some robberies, and isolated rape cases. Some cases were resolved and some were unresolved. Most of the expats involved in such offensive doings were the Pak*&$@ns (I am not generalizing them). On the other hand, local citizens (Qataris) were also involved mostly in traffic violations and confrontations with other drivers. Other than that, the state is generally peaceful and orderly. 

Taken near City Center, Doha at 5pm. People are still at work
that's why no  people could be seen in the highway.

Are you a Christian, or a Buddhist or Hindu? Then, Qatar may be a good place for you to exercise your religion even in public. The government respects each and every one’s faith to God as long as you have to respect also theirs. As a matter of fact, they made one place where all the religion’s churches/temples/shrines were built. Here’s a glimpse of the Holy Rosary Church in Qatar:

Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, Qatar

Different races of the same belief gather here every day. Different languages were also delivered in a scheduled-mass basis. Thus, no one is deprived to his own religion. Last December 2011, I attended the Christmas mass in the Holy Rosary and I saw a large volume of people (mostly Filipinos) inside and outside of the church. It’s a great feeling to express my love to God wherein no one hinders you from doing it so. Feels like I am home in the Philippines.

How about transportation and communication? Public transportation here is solely run by the government. It’s called Karwa-Mowasalat buses and taxis. There is no light rail transit here. So obviously, if one doesn’t have a car, one may take a karwa bus or taxi. Fares are accepted either as cash or as by smartcard. Smartcard is a fare card pre-loaded with certain amount of money and is swiped in the computer (near the driver’s seat) before and after riding the bus. Once you ran out of loads, one may go to the nearest authorized card re-loader. Trips to all destinations by buses lasts only until 10 at night while taxis are available 24/7. Waiting areas are designated to a certain place for picking up and reloading of passengers. This policy lessens the traffic and gives orderly to the streets. Personally, I usually use the Karwa bus whenever I go to Doha because it is much cheaper and safer than metered taxis.  By the way, take extra caution in riding to car lifts (private vehicles hiring for passengers) with Pak*&$@n’s driver (as what I have mentioned earlier, they are mostly the law offenders here). Usually, I do prefer Indian and Filipino drivers. Indians are very kind and polite while Filipinos make your trip safe, always. These are how buses and taxis look like:

nature-inspired Karwa buses and taxis 

There are only two mobile network registered in Qatar. The most widely used is Qtel and the other one is Vodafone. The mobile code of the country is +974. Personally, I am using a Vodafone sim because of their free internet mobile usage unlike Qtel’s which charges for every minute of internet usage. Text messaging (SMS/MMS) and calling are almost with same charge, locally and internationally. But when it comes to wireless broadband internet, Qtel’s service is widely used by the people. Presently, I am using the Qtel’s mobile broadband internet USB. This gives me the chance to be online wherever I go.

Why not try Qatar? To my fellow Filipinos planning to work overseas, I highly recommend giving a shot to the Qatar. Especially the engineers of all fields, nurses and other medical practitioners and skilled workers, the country may be the best place for you to start and build your dreams. Due to Qatar’s successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the infrastructure and construction here are on the boom. Hospitals, football stadia and gymnasiums, commercial buildings and apartments, the new airport and proposed light rail transit are on the rise. These are only few of the many opportunities the country has to offer which is worth grabbing for. Inshaallah!

Population and other Qatar facts were taken from: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/qa.html