logo
FilSoc's Kalayaan 2025 is set to bring festive spirit to Dubai Filipino community

FilSoc's Kalayaan 2025 is set to bring festive spirit to Dubai Filipino community

Filipino Times14-04-2025
The Filipino Social Club's (FilSoc) 127th Philippine Independence Day will be celebrated in Dubai on June 14, 2025, through a full-day event at Zabeel Hall 3 of the Dubai World Trade Centre.
This is the official Kalayaan 2025 event of the Filipino community and will run from 8 AM to 8 PM. Entry to the venue is free.
The celebration is organized by FilSoc, a non-profit and non-commercial community group licensed by the Government of Dubai's Community Development Authority (CDA) since 2019.
In a teaser post, organizers wrote: 'KALAYAAN 2025 is about to get extra lit! Vibes pa more as we celebrate the 127th Philippine Independence Day — mas pina-chill, mas pina-cool, at mas pinasaya!'
Kalayaan is the Filipino word for 'freedom,' referring to the day the Philippines declared independence from Spanish rule on June 12, 1898. Filipino communities in Dubai and around the world traditionally hold large celebrations in June to honor this national holiday.
This year's Kalayaan event promises a vibrant gathering for Filipinos in Dubai, featuring entertainment, cultural performances, and activities that celebrate Filipino identity and pride.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Keeping the Filipino identity alive: How an OFW is reviving Baybayin in Dubai
Keeping the Filipino identity alive: How an OFW is reviving Baybayin in Dubai

Filipino Times

time6 hours ago

  • Filipino Times

Keeping the Filipino identity alive: How an OFW is reviving Baybayin in Dubai

Dubai's streets bustle with over 200 nationalities, reflecting a city where cultures intersect and identities constantly adapt. For many overseas Filipinos living here, it is easy to be influenced by foreign languages and lifestyles, especially when daily life revolves around English, Arabic, and other tongues. Yet even in this multicultural mix, Filipino identity continues to thrive, with Gino Banola as one of its most passionate champions. An OFW, Bicolano artist, and martial arts practitioner, he preserves a piece of his homeland by breathing life into a script many thought was fading into history. Spending 14 years in Dubai carving a life as a 3D designer, entrepreneur, and martial arts practitioner, Banola now adds teaching Baybayin calligraphy to his roles to showcase the beauty and resilience of Filipino culture. Baybayin, a pre-colonial Filipino writing system once considered dying, becomes, in his hands, more than a script—it is art, pride, and a bridge connecting Filipinos abroad to their roots. Inspired by Arabic calligraphy In an interview with The Filipino Times , Banola recalls discovering Baybayin while developing his clothing brand that celebrates Filipino culture, heroes, and heritage. Though he initially didn't know how to read or write the script, experimenting on a whiteboard of his child ignited a passion. 'Nilalagay ko ang Baybayin sa bawat design ng shirt, pero hindi pa ako marunong magsulat at bumasa. Then one time, I tried to write it sa whiteboard ng anak ko, then 'yun na. I found the beauty of it, 'yung flow, and I felt proud of our identity, that we have our own writing system,' he shares. Dubai's own embrace of Arabic calligraphy further shaped his vision. Observing how Emiratis preserve their cultural identity even in the futuristic spaces, such as the Museum of the Future, Banola found inspiration to do the same for Baybayin. He notes that if Arabic script can thrive alongside modern ambitions, the Filipino writing system deserves the same pride and recognition. 'Mayroon din tayo nito. May mailalatag din tayo sa lamesa na pwedeng makipagsabayan sa Arabic Calligraphy, which is the Baybayin or Philippine Script calligraphy,' he says. Although learning Baybayin scripts comes naturally to Banola, his journey is shaped by long nights of practice and research to find his own artistic voice, all while balancing life as an OFW, a parent, and an entrepreneur. He had no mentors, and the process wa largely self-taught, as not many practiced Baybayin calligraphy, especially overseas. 'That's why most of my Baybayin calligraphy is insipred by Arabic calligraphy, kasi 'yun ang laging nakikita ko,' he adds. Introducing Baybayin in Dubai It wasn't long before Banola felt compelled to share his passion with others. Partnering with Krishna of Tribe Creatives, he launched his first workshop in November last year at the Dubai Public Library in collaboration with Dubai Culture. This was followed by a series of workshop that continued to attract both Filipinos and non-Filipinos. 'Nakakataba ng puso na parang naibalik ko ulit sa kanila ang isang part ng identity nila,' he shares. 'For non-Filipinos, namamangha sila na mayroon din tayong sariling way ng pagsulat, at the same time nakakalungkot din kasi nagtatanong sila bakit hindi natin ginagamit.' Just recently, in time for Buwan ng Wika celebration, Banola also held a Baybayin calligraphy workshop in collaboration with the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai. 'We should embrace it as Filipinos because no one will do it for us. Isa itong yaman,' he says. A calling to promote and preserve Banola believes that promoting Baybayin internationally can have a greater impact than limiting it to the Philippines, offering a platform to showcase Filipino culture globally. However, teaching abroad comes with its own set of challenges. Even in the Philippines, the script was not commonly used, so introducing it to a foreign country required extra effort. 'Kaya siguro kaunti lang may alam nito lalo na dito sa UAE, kasi marami tayong obligasyon, trabaho, kaya hirap um-attend yung iba sa workshop dahil sa schedule,' he says, adding that he tries to address this by holding workshops on Sundays and choosing easily accessible venues. He also emphasizes the timeliness and broader cultural significance of his work, noting how modern Filipino society is heavily influenced by foreign cultures. 'It's my calling here abroad to promote it, preserve it, and I think it's the right time kasi sa panahon ngayon, naco-colonize na ulit tayo without knowing it,' he says. 'Tandaan natin, mas madali maging alipin ang isang tao kapag hindi niya alam ang kanyang pagakakakilanlan, kaya sobrang importante [ng Baybayin].' Banola's efforts extend beyond workshops. Baybayin was also woven into his teaching of Filipino martial arts, particularly Arnis, both of which he considered as traditional Filipino art forms at risk of being forgotten. 'When I practice or teach Arnis, lagi kong sinasabi na nagba-Baybayin din ako. I always introduce Baybayin, and I also give a Baybayin calligraphy to attendees of workshop as a giveaway,' Banola says Inspiring the youth and future generation After more than a decade of working abroad, Banola built his own family in the UAE, and even for his children, he wanted the Filipino script to serve as a stepping stone to understanding their roots. For Filipinos born and raised in the UAE, Baybayin serves as a bridge to identity, Banola says, as it provides a tangible link to their heritage, offering a deeper understanding of who they are and the richness of Filipino culture. 'I hope my Baybayin art inspires the future generation to find their identity, to be proud as Filipinos, so then they always carry the flag, and represent it sa kahit ano mang ginagawa nila, small or big,' he adds. Through these efforts, he hoped that Filipinos would begin to give Baybayin the recognition it deserves, integrating it into their branding and becoming part of a movement to spread awareness. He believes that if the Filipino community in the UAE collectively adopted Baybayin, its impact would ripple back to the Philippines, especially the younger generation. Through workshops, clothing designs, and martial arts, Banola is ensuring that a script once at risk of fading lives on—linking the past to the present, the Philippines to Dubai, and a sense of identity to every Filipino willing to trace their roots. By reviving Baybayin overseas, Banola reminds the Filipino community that heritage does not fade with distance; it thrives wherever we carry it.

Crowne Plaza Dubai Deira Serves Up a Weekend Feast Like No Other at Spice Island
Crowne Plaza Dubai Deira Serves Up a Weekend Feast Like No Other at Spice Island

Web Release

time15 hours ago

  • Web Release

Crowne Plaza Dubai Deira Serves Up a Weekend Feast Like No Other at Spice Island

Dubai's culinary scene is no stranger to brunches and buffets, but Spice Island Restaurant at Crowne Plaza Dubai Deira is rewriting the weekend dining playbook with a flavour-packed trio of experiences that cater to every kind of food lover — from cocktail-sipping brunch-goers to grill-night enthusiasts and families looking for flavorful fun. Located in the heart of Old Dubai, Spice Island brings together global cuisines, live cooking stations, and themed dining nights — all in a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you're unwinding after a long week, celebrating with loved ones, or simply craving an indulgent spread, Spice Island's weekend lineup is set to impress. Flaming Fridays: Fire Up Your Weekend at Spice Island. Every Friday | 7 – 11PM | Starting from AED 125 Turn up the heat every Friday night with Flaming Fridays at Spice Island — an all-you-can-eat grill fest that brings bold flavours from around the globe straight to your plate. From succulent Mongolian stir-fries to smoky Arabic kebabs, Filipino-style BBQ, classic Western cuts, spiced Indian favourites, and a vibrant vegetarian spread, every station is a passport to something sizzling. Set against a lively backdrop and paired with free-flowing drinks, this is the ultimate way to spice up your weekend — one perfectly grilled bite at a time. Family Brunch Saturdays: Where Big Flavors Meet Bigger Fun Every Saturday | 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM | AED 125 (including unlimited cocktails) Saturdays are made for family, food, and a whole lot of fun — and Spice Island's Family Brunch delivers all three in delicious style. Dive into a world of global cuisines, fresh seafood, and live cooking stations, crafted to please every palate at the table. Meanwhile, the little ones can unleash their creativity in the Kids Corner, packed with hands-on activities like pastry baking, face painting, and more interactive fun designed just for them. With unlimited cocktails flowing for the grown-ups and endless excitement for the kids, this brunch is your new Saturday ritual — one bite, sip, and smile at a time. Sparkling Sundays: Bubbles, Buffets & Brunch Bliss Every Sunday | 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM | AED 159 (including unlimited bubbles) Wrap up your weekend in style with Spice Island's Sparkling Sunday Brunch — a feast that fuses indulgence with effervescence. Enjoy a lavish international buffet brimming with global flavours, plus a live Mongolian grill station firing up made-to-order perfection. The highlight? Unlimited bubbles that flow as freely as the good vibes. Whether you're celebrating something special, catching up with friends, or simply savouring your last slice of weekend freedom, this brunch is your golden ticket to bubbly bliss and culinary satisfaction. Crowne Plaza Dubai Deira combines convenience, comfort, and culinary creativity in the heart of Old Dubai. Known for its genuine hospitality and vibrant dining scene, the hotel offers an experience that's as welcoming as it is memorable. With live entertainment, international flavours, and generous beverage packages, the weekend offerings at Spice Island are fast becoming one of the city's favourite destinations for authentic food, lively vibes, and unbeatable value. For reservations: call or WhatsApp 056 216 9048 Location: Spice Island Restaurant, Crowne Plaza Dubai Deira

Like Prince Harry, I've been lobster-shamed
Like Prince Harry, I've been lobster-shamed

Gulf Today

timea day ago

  • Gulf Today

Like Prince Harry, I've been lobster-shamed

The big reveal in the new trailer for Netflix's With Love, Meghan — the second season of the Duchess of Sussex's cookery and lifestyle show — is that Prince Harry won't touch lobster. In the clip, Meghan is seen preparing a seafood dish, in the rented California house close to her and Harry's Montecito mansion where the TV series is filmed, when she casually mentions to José Andrés, a celebrity Spanish-American chef, and says: 'You know who doesn't like lobster?' 'Who?' says Andrés. 'My husband,' Meghan says, dropping the news like a bombshell — or a helpless crustacean into a pan of boiling water. 'And you married him?' the chef retorts, while Meghan falls about laughing. But don't worry, Harry, you're not alone. I, too, have been shamed for not eating lobster. Last week, during a Greek getaway, I was invited to dinner at a fancy beach restaurant in Zakynthos when a huge specimen was brought out of the tank to our seafront table, the waiter presumably thinking he'd spare us the trouble of walking to pick one ourselves. But he made a terrible faux pas. As it tried to move its legs and claws, which had been bound tightly, my kids screamed. Our meal quickly descended into a horror show with floods of tears. As diners at nearby tables turned around to watch, I could tell they thought my children were just badly behaved. I tried to calm the kids down as the waiter retreated, sending the lobster back to the tank. My friend had wanted to order lobster for us all as a treat, but the whole episode only left a bad taste. I'd always thought that lobsters screamed when they were boiled, which was also off-putting. However, the reality is far worse. They suffer in silence. That shrill, high-pitched sound you hear if you're close enough to the kitchen — often mistaken for a scream — is steam escaping through pores in the shell as the organs boil. But this was not the first time I've been looked down on for not eating lobster. I always feel embarrassed when I say 'No, thanks' — lobster-shamed, you could say. When I politely refuse, other diners assume I'm just a picky eater — but I'm doing it on principle. My local fish shop in Notting Hill sells 'Live Scottish Native Lobster' from £59, which you can take home alive, to do whatever the hell you like with, no questions asked. It's barbaric. According to a 2023 YouGov poll, 61 per cent of the British public think it is unacceptable to cook decapod crustaceans, such as crabs and lobsters, by boiling them while they are still alive. For Harry, it's unclear whether his aversion to lobster is on moral grounds, or — more likely — a long-accepted family tradition: the royals usually steer clear of shellfish to avoid the possibility of food poisoning. But it's not a hard and fast rule. Former royal chef Darren McGrady offered confirmation that the royals 'do actually eat shellfish' when he shared on social media a royal menu from a 1989 banquet at Windsor Castle that shows that the late Queen dined on soufflé de homard, for starters Whatever Harry's reasons for not eating lobster — and, as a friend of Sir David Attenborough, he will doubtless be aware of it being a cruel culinary practice — he shouldn't be made to feel like a misfit. In countries like Switzerland, Norway, and New Zealand, it is illegal to boil lobsters without stunning them first, usually either by an electrical shock or by chilling them in cold air or an ice slurry to minimise suffering. In the UK, lobsters and other decapod crustaceans are now recognised as sentient beings, under the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022. The law was introduced after a report by the LSE found compelling scientific evidence of the levels of pain and distress these creatures can experience. Yet, somehow, boiling them alive remains legal. It's a cruelty we can no longer ignore — and we should thank Meghan for inadvertently drawing our attention to it. If one good thing comes out of her Netflix series, let it be that she has given poor crustaceans a voice.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store