Rhodora Tan, a registration officer from Isabela in the north west of the Philippines, moved to the UAE in March 2013. She tells us her favourite spots in the capital
What’s your favourite restaurant?
I really like P.F. Chang’s, because I love Chinese food and Asian cuisine in general.
Various branches including ground floor, Yas Mall, Yas Island. Sun-Wed 11am-11pm, Thu-Sat 11am-midnight. Contact: 02 492 6670 www.pfchangs.com
Where do you buy speciality Filipino groceries from?
I buy Purefoods corned beef, Royal spaghetti, Cheez Whiz spread, Eden cheese, Mama Sita’s seasonings and Lucky Me! pancit canton – a Filipino noodle dish with fish, meat and vegetables – from LuLu Hypermarket and Baniyas Co-Operative Society.
LuLu, various branches including ground floor, Khalidiyah Mall. Daily 8am-midnight.
Contact: 02 635 4000 www.luluhypermarket.com
Baniyas Co-Operative Society, Street 9, on the Abu Dhabi-Al Ain road, Baniyas. Daily 8am-midnight. Contact: 02 583 1315 www.baniyascoop.ae
What’s your favourite salon?
I have my hair done at Authentic Angels, a Filipino salon with helpful staff. It costs AED 50 for a wash, hot oil conditioning treatment, trim and blow dry.
It also has free wifi.
Mezzanine floor, pink building, tower 501, Electra Street. Daily 10am-10pm. Contact: 02 644 1545 or search for Authentic Angels Salon N Spa on Facebook.
What’s your favourite shop?
I like the souk in World Trade Center Mall because it’s cosy and the atmosphere echoes
old Arabia. I like browsing for Arabic souvenirs.
Hamdan Street. Sat-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Fri 10am-11pm. Contact: 02 810 7814
[email protected] www.wtcad.ae
Can you recommend a course or workshop?
I am studying Arabic at The Mother Tongue Arabic Language Center. I find the language interesting and it’s helpful for my job.
Bin Fardan Tower, Zayed The First Street, same building as Ajmal Perfume Arabian Oud, Khalidiya. AED 2,000 for 30 hours of lessons three times a week over five weeks, for groups of four to eight. Reception open: Sun-Wed 9am-9pm, Thu-Sat 9am-2pm, 4pm-9pm. Contact: 02 639 3838 [email protected] www.mothertongue.ae
Where do you play sport?
I used to play volleyball in the Philippines but I haven’t played here yet. I like to jog on the Corniche, though, and in the city’s many parks.
What advice would you give to someone new to Abu Dhabi?
Be respectful of local religion and culture by not indulging in public displays of affection, such as hugging or kissing; and do not eat or drink in public during the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast during daylight hours.
Want to play volleyball?
Check out Duplays Abu Dhabi, which hosts regular indoor and beach volleyball tournaments. Contact: 055 649 2022 [email protected] www.duplaysabudhabi.playpass.com
If running is more your thing, join Abu Dhabi Striders. Contact: 050 109 4055 [email protected] www.abudhabistriders.com
If you’re Filipino, save these details in case of emergency…
Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines, Villa number 8, Street No. 8, Al Qubaisat, near the UAE Academy. Sun-Thu 8am-5pm. Contact: [email protected] www.philembassy.ae/contactus.html
