Business Bay Station, Dubai Metro

Red Line Metro Station No.26: Business Bay, Dubai, UAE
Buildings behind the station (left to right): 
One Business Bay, The Prism, The Regal Tower, Iris Bay Dubai (partly covered)

Facts:
Line: Red
Zone: 3
Station type: Elevated Type 1, at grade concourse
Parking: small car park
Attractions: Business Bay

Bus connections:
F16 (not in service) – Jumeirah 2 / Burj Dubai station
F18 (not in service) – Jumeirah 2, 3
F20 (not in service) – Al Safa 1

Source: http://dubaimetro.eu/stations/red-line/business-bay

Red Line Metro Station No.26: Business Bay, Dubai, UAE

One of the buildings directly behind (almost black in color) the station in the above photo is One Business Bay. 

One Business Bay is a 35-storey skyscraper at the northern (at Sheikh Zayed Road) entrance of Business Bay, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Designed by German architects Kling Consult GmbH, the tower will have 3 basement floors and a five floor podium with 1000 car park spaces. The developer is Omniyat.

Each floor will be larger than the previous. It will have 774 m² on its 1st floor and 1,420 m² on its 30th floor, while three of its upper floors remarkably extend out of the building. There will be a glass feature on top with a sloping roof. On the roof of the podium a garden will be located including trees and paving.

The building will have freehold offices and high-tech infrastructure and robotics.It was completed in Q3 2009.

Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Business_Bay

Business Bay Metro Station with 
JW Marriott Marquis 
(the two towers with spires on top) on the right

The JW Marriott Marquis Dubai Hotel is the world's tallest hotel, a 72-storey, 355 m (1,165 ft) twin-tower skyscraper complex in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The AED1.8 billion features a 1,608-room hotel run by Marriott International. 

The buildings were completed in 2012, surpassing the Rose Rayhaan by Rotana as the world's tallest hotel. 

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JW_Marriott_Marquis_Dubai

From Dubai, With Love :)

Dubai keychains? I have but I like the magnet better because it's colorful! Of course, this fuss is still part of my 'going home'! Excited, you got it. Anyways, here are a few things which I intentionally took out of my luggage just to take picture to show you! Show off! tsk :p

Dubai Souvenir Magnets

Pasalubong for inaanak :)

Life in Dubai - for kabayans.. PART 1

This write up is long overdue. As straightforward and as familiar as it may sound, I must say that it takes enough caution to turn that contemplation of one’s lifestyle into writing. Choosing a topic that’s very well known to most of one’s readers isn’t easy but I would like to tick this one out of my checklist anyways.. 

(That’s actually a sign of ageing! ..when you learn to let go of your hesitations and just want to move on!! X)

*Note: Not everything may apply to all of us here but I’m quite sure, there will be at least one or two points which one can relate to (hopefully). And so, I will be writing in the first person henceforth.

Why did I choose to work in Dubai?

I have been asked this question many times (although the people who got to ask this were mostly not Filipinos). The answer?

It is not really as if I had a choice. It was easier to enter Dubai and work here compared to other countries. It wasn't a bad choice either. Dubai back then was a place filled with dreams and promises.. ;p Furthermore, my friends are (and were) here and they were the ones who helped me out. To them, I am very thankful.

Most probably, the next question to that would be: 

Why here and not at your home country?

Simple! Money matters. That’s for me. 

People from different professions get more compensated here than at home. That is a fact - although for some, the difference isn’t really that much especially if that involves being separated with one’s kid/s. Sometimes, the latter still outweighs the former.

Furthermore, I had a dream. I was ambitious :p 

When I graduated after college and started working in my previous job (yes, previous.. my job here is just my second job), I met people who have inspired me to dream and to believe in those dreams. I once told myself, “one day, I will ~”

How long will I stay here?

I wish I knew! Usually, people will tell you “maybe 3-5 years”. As for me, my first answer was: “1yr. I will just buy a laptop and then save a little and then I will go back home.” I had that one all calculated in my mind. Who would have thought, adjustment alone took 1~2 yrs!

It wasn't long before I preferred the typical 3-5 yrs answer. And, guess what? I’m here for 4 years now! And if asked the same question again, I would still have the same answer maybe – only, the counting starts now! LOL

So, how’s life in Dubai? This is now an “us”.

Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites may give the impression of us “living a high life” in here! Yes, the pictures wouldn’t and didn’t lie (unless photoshopped! Haaaah!). If the picture showed we dined in “Burj Al Arab” for example or anywhere else, then yes, it’s true. If it showed us doing this and that, then yes, we did. But, please read on and maybe you will understand..

OFWs especially in Dubai, I believe, are the most updated people in such social networking sites. Why? It’s the generation and the environment I suppose. 

The generation.

Perhaps, years ago, if one mentions Saudi, one would picture a mid 30’s – 40’s man with “maong” jacket and gold necklace and watch. Say Dubai. What will I picture out? A crowd (now both men and women) somewhere between 25-35yo but not with a jacket – instead, the following: iphone & blackberry (Y’11-‘12), ipod (Y’08-‘10), dslr (Y’10-’12), and of course laptops (Y’08-11).. Reader, is the same true for you?

To be continued...

Dubai, Cityscape - Nightshots: Photography 02

Can you guess where this is in Dubai??! 


Looks bustling yet magnificent right? Very well lighted. Ahhh ~ Dubai, the city of dreams.. This is yet another 'beaten' track for many. Of course, where else could this be?! It's Sheikh Zayed Road - Up close! Tower here. Tower there.

Do you still remember what it looked like from above? Here's the previous post for comparison: http://kharensarroza.blogspot.com/2012/02/cityscape-uae.html

Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road

This post was inspired by my friend. We both share the same passion in photography. This is to show that "it" can be done! Nightshots can be a little difficult and tricky but with practice, great shots are definitely attainable.

Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road

Have you got your camera too? Here's for you.


The principle here is to use long shutter speed. The photos shown are no less than 6 seconds. Use a tripod. Use a remote control if possible too. If you don't have the remote, set the camera to self timer. Never ever shake the camera (touch) when taking night shots! Keep a low ISO for lesser megapixel cameras. Set the ISO setting not to Auto. Set it instead to say 100 or 200 so that the picture will not be grainy :)

So there, have fun viewing! Let me know once you tried it, ok?

Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road

Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road

Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road

Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road

The Beaten Track - Al Rigga, Dubai

The "beaten" track. It is. If you live in Deira, Dubai, I'm sure you are very familiar with this road just as I am! Six days a week, I spend about 15 minutes walking along Al Rigga or Al Riqqa - from Union station where I get off from work only to work again at Al Ghurair Residences back to our place near Al Riqqa Station (is that too much info?!). That's approximately 1.2km and about 1,500 steps for me!


This post is for a friend who wanted to see what my life is like in Dubai. He suggested that I post some pictures.. And so, here we go:

Al Rigga Street

This is the beaten track - a vibrant and 'kabayan-filled' street. Walking along the street would make you feel like you are just in the Philippines as Filipinos make up most of the crowd.

Pedestrian Crossing Close to Union Metro Station

Now, take a look at the picture above. Count how many kabayans there are :) *I hope you can still recognize them inspite of the blur. As for the shop, that is Gift Gallery. They sell almost anything - souvenir keychains and magnets are the best sellers. Although I've said earlier there are many Filipinos, there are also a lot of foreigners in the area hence, the souvenir sales. This is because there are a lot of hotels nearby. Look across the street and you'll find hotels. Look on the side, there is another hotel. Move forward and it's the same!

Shops Along Al Rigga

Yes! That's our flag in the photo above! And, did you notice? One of the shop's name is "Manila" Phones! I would say, a lot of business establishments here cater to and rely on Filipinos although of course, there are also Arabs, Indians and Chinese. Read between the lines.. ~most foodchains' customers = kabayans: We love to eat!

Al Rigga Street

Popeyes Chicken! This is +/- halfway to my destination. 600 steps away. 
Passing through this street almost everyday is fattening x) 


Sometimes, fastfood is just irresistible no matter how well aware you are that it is unhealthy! In fastfoods, most likely, I would order the cheapest meal. That is "lunch box" / "snack box" - however you call it. That would be 2pc chicken with fries but without drinks x) worth 11 dhs or 120php - the cheapest you can get.

Al Rigga Street

Aside from Popeyes, there's: Merrybrown, KFC, Hardee's, Burgerking, Pizza Company, Baskin Robins, Haagen Daazs and the healthy alternative - Subway not to mention the Arabic restaurants and shawarma stalls. Mind you, that's just along the street! There's actually a lot more in the Mall at the end of the street - Al Ghurair Mall!


And yes, I would have to add as Restte would have it, it's in fact one of the safest place in Deira! Pass by Al Rigga at 7pm or 9pm or 11pm.. even past midnight, the scenes are but the same! Without checking your watch, by the count of the people in the street, you wouldn't think that it's already late in the evening! x)

Al Rigga Street
Comfort food from the numerous fastfood chains are just within every corner! - Mae Ann

Al Rigga Street

Ahhh ~ Karen, how could I miss the annual DSF (Dubai Summer Festival)?! The month-long festival itself happens January to February of every year! People would gather along the street to witness the fireworks display from afar, colorful and festive parades, street performances, and even to try their luck at fairs! 

Al Rigga Street. How colorful can it get?!

Al Rigga Street

Finally, below is a photo of the mall.. taken almost 2 years ago.. Did I improve in my skills? X) You'd notice the difference :) This is about 1,500 paces away.. And this is the destination.

Al Rigga Street -Al Ghurair City - One of the oldest malls in Dubai

Pierchic @ Al Qasr Madinat Jumeirah - Part 1 (DUBAI)

Pierchic! Sounds chic? It indeed is! 

So, what and where is Pierchic? 

Pierchic is one of Madinat Jumeirah's signature restaurants - a popular culinary destination mostly among tourists. It is an award winning restaurant in Dubai which boast of its 'finest seafood dishes' and unmatched ambiance - perfectly situated in the Arabian gulf offering a panoramic view of  the iconic Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Souk Madinat.


Part 2: http://kharensarroza.blogspot.com/2012/04/pierchic-al-qasr-madinat-jumeirah-part.html

To note:

"Madinat Jumeirah, owned by Jumeirah who also owns the World's 7 star hotel Burj Al Arab, is a luxurious 5 star resort in Dubai and is also the largest resort in Dubai, spreading across over 40 hectares of landscapes and gardens. It is designed to resemble a traditional Arabian town. The resort comprises two boutique hotels (Al Qasr and Mina A'Salam) and a courtyard of summer houses called Dar Al Masyaf. The resort has over 40 world class restaurants, and is said by many to be one of the most luxurious resorts there is." - Wikipedia

Pierchic, The Restaurant

Pierchic and Burj Al Arab

It had been ages since we were eyeing this fancy restaurant! Consider this - if one counts the number of virtual visits we had, perhaps one would say we are 'regulars'!! We'd be earning hundreds of Sirius points already (Sirius Card - Jumeirah's sort of loyalty card).. seriously! LOL 


Pierchic is one of those places to go which we have discussed, planned and brainstormed countless times! Imagine that?! X) However, it had been postponed countless of times too for so many reasons (valid and invalid) such as ~ scorching hot summers, sandstorms, laziness, resto being fully booked and of course, us being broke! 


Nonetheless, it isn't our personality to easily give up! nahks! We remained positive on this happening and eventually, alllll that wishful thinking finally came to an end - just last Saturday!


We had lunch booked a week before. We opted for their promotional lunch set since it was the cheapest! It's a four course meal served from 1:00pm until 3:00pm, all throughout the week. The portions for the lunch will be small as it is only a, sort of, sampler of what they have. Their dinner however is the recommended one! It would be perfect to visit this place with the sun setting!


Anyways, lunch it was. When we made the booking, we requested to be seated outside - hopeful that the weather will be tolerable! ..It's only April but some days the temperature already rises up to 40!


So, here's where we were seated: (at the edge)

Pierchic outside seating - With Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel as backdrop

We were supposed to try it out with a couple of friends. Unfortunately, for some reasons, none of whom were able to make it. *sigh. Hence, it was only me and Charmaine - who was even feeling sick on the way!


What was on the menu? Here, take a look! But, don't be deceived as the menu pictured here is only the lunch 'promotional' menu. Mind you, bring enough cash just in case! :p

Pierchic - The Promotional Lunch Menu

Pierchic - Wine Suggestions with the Lunch

Pierchic offers two options for every meal. They also have wine recommendations by the glass to go with the meal. And, as we were not familiar with this kind of food, we did a little research about the choices so as not to be completely taken aback when we get there! In addition, it would greatly help to remember fine dining cutlery basics!   

For the appetizer : 
a) Foie Gras (French for 'fat liver') b) Risotto (Italian dish made of rice)

I chose Foie Gras although I'm not really fond of eating liver while Charmaine had risotto. I chose it because I wanted to know how a good Foie Gras tastes like.. atleast once in my life! 


As I have learned from a quick look up, it usually comes with a toast and the proper way of eating it is to cut and not spread it! Yes, I had that in mind! However, when served, it wasn't a block of Foie Gras.It was somewhat semi fluid in consistency! (not a block! not which I had prepared for! and which I usually see in google images hence the cutting!)! 

Pierchic - Appetizer A - Sarrade Foie Gras Parfait

Pierchic - (Mheng's) Appetizer B- Carnaroll Risotto

For the intermediate : 
a) Truffle and Cauliflower Soup , b) Essence of Lobster and Mudcrab Bisque
I only had this photo of the soup. At the center is balik salmon - considered to be one of the best salmon in the world as Wiki has it.

Pierchic - Intermediate - Truffle and Cauliflower Soup: Balik Salmon + Almond

For the main : Our choice,
a) Pan Fried Sea Bass. That's braised savoy cabbage on top with veal bacon and sweet corn puree at the base.

Pierchic - Main Course - Pan Fried Sea Bass

For the dessert : Our choice,
a) Baked Toffee Banana Pudding - vanilla ice cream with banana mousseline + little sweet caramel tasking cakes. The ice cream really tasted like banana!

Pierchic - Dessert 

Pierchic - Dessert - Vanilla Ice Cream Banana Mousseline

Any special occasion?
As I've mentioned earlier, we were suppose to dine with some friends. A friend's birthday was like a month ago. So, when I booked, I said we were dining to celebrate a birthday! And here's what we got: 


Although I said that she couldn't make it, they still gave us the cake. I was glad that there was no serenade though! Otherwise, we'd have to show our acting skills and pretended like one of us was her! *wink! The worst case? If they had asked for an ID for record purposes - that would be a disaster! LOL The cake was delicious for a freebie. We even packed what was left (As you will notice in some pictures, I'd be carrying a small box. That's the cake!) >>>To be continued..

Pierchic Complimentary Celebration Cake from Madinat Jumeirah for Ms. Lee's Birthday!! Awesome!

Pierchic - Slicing Ms. Lee's Birthday Cake - Cheesecake+Berry+Chocolate Mousse

Jollibee Padalang Langhap Sarap!

Time in Dubai is indeed fleeting! It's March! ..and it's one of my dearest friend's birthday! One of the dearest.. one who has helped me too many times already, so I planned on giving her a present. 


At first, I thought of the traditional cake-giving. I'd ask my sister's help for that. Then I'd rethink. I'd reconsider.. again and again. Then I found myself walking.. on my way home, still thinking. Halfway then, I realized that I had to send money for my family back home. So, I stopped at a remittance center and noticed a flyer on the counter. I took a look and immediately made up my mind! 


Food remittance service! That would be new and least expected! And, I'm guessing, not too many people have tried that. Well, thanks to both Jollibee and BDO for making this possible! 


What to send? They have the following good meal packages to choose from:
As to the payment, the prevailing exchange rate would be used plus the remittance charge of 15Aed. Quite reasonable, don't you think?

Jollibee Langhap Sarap Meal Package - with BDO 

So what happened? 
Unfortunately, it was a "surprise" that when the crew from Jollibee tried to contact my friend, they got dismissed by her several times - thinking that it was just a prank call!!! :x ..bad idea, to surprise someone! hhaha Hence, I, myself, tried to reach her to explain. Of course she would answer my call since she knows me and so we got it resolved finally! That took 3 days! 
What can I say? All's well that ends well! xo

Remittance Centers are lined up on the road leading to my place.

DUBAI - Burj Khalifa Dubai At the Top!

It was October when we finally decided to visit the world famous Burj Khalifa (previously named “Burj Dubai”). And, with a group of about 20, the visit was quite a memorable one for it was all our “first”s.

Tickets were booked earlier since it would cost you a fortune to get it on the day of the intended visit itself. It can be purchased online conveniently. However, slot availability is limited. If it suits your needs, go with the online booking otherwise visit its main ticketing outlet in Dubai Mall for better timings. Booking ahead costs 100dirhams ( approx. Php1,200 or $27) while the latter costs 400 dirhams! It surely pays to plan ahead in this kind of situation!! More information here: http://www.burjkhalifa.ae/observation-deck/ticket-information.aspx

Surprisingly, to this date, the rates are still the same!

The “At the Top” experience, as they aptly call it, begins with walking, walking, and walking! At one point, you will be asked to pause and smile for a photoshoot with the chroma key backdrop (that kind which they use in studios so you can easily be overlayed in a ‘proforma’ image; the photo would cost 200 dhs if you would like a print).

Then commences the actual experience – a ride in the fastest lift which transports its guests to the 124^th level (approximately 442m above the ground) in no more than a minute!

..Yes, pressure can be felt in one’s ear. If you’re not claustrophobic, then you will be perfectly fine! As for those who regard themselves as ‘acrophobics’ (with fear of heights), you will be fine too! *wink. The viewing deck is totally safe.  It was engineered, secured with thick glass panels about 2meters high. During our visit, there wasn’t so much wind gusting too. In general, it was calm.

So, this is what we came to see...

From there, immediately below, you can see Dubai Mall's dancing fountain, and can even hear its music playing! 

Zooming In

Pictured above, with tall buildings on both sides, is Shiekh Zayed Road - what can be considered as the business district.  Hotels line the street - Dusit Thani, Shangri La, Sheraton, Rotana, Emirates Towers etc. But as you can see, there actually aren't so much skyscrapers in this side of Dubai as many might have imagined - perhaps you can find more in other areas like Marina! 
Let's talk about that on the future post!

The group of 'about 20' - I was just actually guessing a while back..!