
MIAA opens new immigration counters for OFWs at Terminal 3
Dedicated immigration counters for OFWs were officially opened by the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) on April 1, 2025, at NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City.
The counters are located next to the OFW Lounge, aiming to ease congestion at the departure area.
The new counters are expected to serve up to 2,400 OFWs daily, reducing waiting times and improving airport efficiency.
A total of six new counters have been set up, with three already operational and three more undergoing installation. These counters are an extension of the existing immigration area at Terminal 3.
To speed up the process, MIAA assigned 25 more Bureau of Immigration officers to handle the volume of travelers. A help desk from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is also available near the counters to assist with issues such as Overseas Employment Certificates (OEC).
MIAA General Manager Eric Jose Ines said, 'This project reflects our deep appreciation for OFWs' sacrifices, affording them with a dedicated, hassle-free immigration experience.'
The new facility is adjacent to the OFW Lounge, which opened in July 2024 and provides free meals, Wi-Fi, charging stations, and assistance desks through the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Filipino Times
7 days ago
- Filipino Times
Philippine Airlines launches Independence Day seat sale with fares starting from AED 1,300
Philippine Airlines is celebrating the spirit of freedom with its much-awaited Independence Day Seat Sale, offering round-trip fares from Dubai to the Philippines starting at just AED 1,300. Travelers can enjoy special round-trip fares from AED 1,450 for flights between July and November 2025, while those planning ahead can secure AED 1,300 fares for trips beginning January 11, 2026. This deal covers major destinations such as Manila, Cebu, and Davao, with connections via Manila. The promo runs only until June 15, 2025, and seats are limited. For those eyeing a well-deserved break, a family reunion, or simply a getaway to the Philippines, this is a chance to lock in a budget-friendly flight without sacrificing the comfort and reliability that Philippine Airlines is known for. Bookings can be made through trusted travel agents across the UAE or directly at the PAL ticketing office. The seat sale comes at a time when many OFWs are planning mid-year or early next-year vacations. With flexible travel dates and affordable fares, the promotion allows Filipinos to reconnect with loved ones back home or explore more of the country with ease. Philippine Airlines continues to be a reliable partner in bridging the distance between the UAE and the Philippines, delivering convenience, care, and comfort with every flight.


Filipino Times
01-05-2025
- Filipino Times
Online drinks shopping in Dubai just got easier and faster!
For many Filipinos working abroad, every gathering is a chance to feel closer to home. Whether it's a simple dinner with kabayan friends or a big celebration, good food and favorite drinks complete the moment. African + Eastern understands this and has launched their all-new website: – making it easier for OFWs and expats to shop for their favorite thirst-quenching drinks for every occasion. This upgraded website experience is designed to give customers a smoother, faster, and more enjoyable way to shop for their favorite beverage brands from the legal distributor. With a fresh design and user-friendly layout, the new website makes it easier for shoppers to browse and order, whether they're preparing for family get-togethers or planning celebrations with friends. The platform now features an advanced search function, allowing customers to easily find drinks by brand, mood, or occasion. One of the most exciting updates is the Express Delivery service, which ensures that your orders are delivered in 2 hours or less. For those who prefer picking up their orders, the new Click and Collect option is currently available at their JLT, JVC, Oud Metha, and Al Mina stores, and with more locations added every week. This feature also lets customers check real-time store inventory, making the process hassle-free. The faster checkout process and personalized product recommendations make shopping not only quicker but also more tailored to your individual tastes. You can also pay using a variety of convenient methods, including Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Visa, Mastercard, as well as cash or card on delivery. You can also get an extra 10% off if you buy online! Just use the coupon FT10 when ordering your favorite drinks. African + Eastern also makes sure shoppers enjoy great value, with exciting offers, exclusive promotions, and special deals always available—perfect for OFWs looking to stretch their hard-earned money. Whether shopping for a weekend get-together, a holiday feast, or simply restocking favorites, is loved by all Filipinos as the trusted destination for quality and authentic beverages in the UAE. Renewing your FREE License is Easy and Quick! Download LicenseDXB APP or Visit to apply for your beverage license. If you are a resident, all you need is your Emirates ID. And if you are a tourist, all you need is your passport details. Visit today to experience easy browsing, fast delivery, and exciting offers — all designed to make every occasion more enjoyable. African + Eastern is the leading beverage distributor in the Middle East and supplier of choice to the region's leading hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, and international hospitality chains. They operate 45 retail stores in the UAE (34 in Dubai, 10 in Abu Dhabi & Al Ain, 1 in Ras Al Khaimah), and 5 in Oman, stocked with the world's leading brands and some rare finds. African + Eastern is committed to offering authentic, high-quality beverages, ensuring that customers receive only genuine products at the best value. They provide exciting deals and competitive pricing throughout the year. With Every Day Lower Prices, Monthly Offers, and limited-time Price Drops, customers can always find great savings. Whether customers are purchasing their favorites or exploring new options, African + Eastern continues to deliver authentic products with exceptional value.


Gulf News
24-04-2025
- Gulf News
Filipino content creators in Dubai share real-life stories that inspire and connect
Dubai. Thinking of becoming a blogger in Dubai? Before you hit 'post,' hear directly from those who've been there. These content creators open up about the real challenges, the rewarding moments, and the hard-earned lessons every aspiring blogger should know. In a city as fast-paced and vibrant as Dubai, standing out online takes more than just a good camera and clever captions—it takes heart, hustle, and a clear sense of purpose. From documenting everyday expat life to sharing stories that inspire and uplift, Filipino content creators are redefining what it means to blog with impact in the UAE. Meet Michael Banua, Doc Gelo, Rechel Hoco, and Ion Gonzaga—four passionate storytellers who turned personal experiences into powerful digital platforms. Their journeys span food, travel, lifestyle, and honest reflections on life as OFWs in the Gulf. And while each path is unique, they share one thing in common: a desire to connect, uplift, and stay true to their voice. Whether you're just starting your content creation journey or looking to elevate your digital presence, their stories offer insights, inspiration, and real talk on what it takes to thrive as a blogger in Dubai. Passionate about storytelling and filmmaking For Michael Banua, storytelling isn't just a hobby—it's a calling he couldn't ignore. Now a thriving content creator based in Dubai, the 40-year-old has carved out a niche in the UAE's vibrant digital landscape. But his journey didn't begin with hashtags and filters. "Even when I was young, I was passionate about storytelling and filmmaking," he shares. With a background in Chemistry and a career in the industry, Banua's creative spark simmered quietly for years. It wasn't until he moved to Dubai—and the pandemic pressed pause on the world—that he finally leaned into his passion. 'That's when I started blogging—sharing stories and creating content that connects and inspires.' Banua's blog began with a simple love for food. But as he explored his new home, his lens widened to capture the lifestyle and experiences that make the UAE unique. 'Now, it's about more than just food—it's about discovery, culture, and connection,' he says. By staying on top of trends and tailoring them to his audience, Banua keeps his content both fresh and meaningful. With a community of over 175,000 followers across platforms, his voice clearly resonates. That growth, he says, didn't happen overnight. 'Consistency, experimentation, and genuine engagement—that's how you build something lasting,' he explains. Today, Banua wears many hats: blogger, brand collaborator, content strategist. His income stems largely from brand partnerships and creating custom content for marketing campaigns. 'It's not just about creating for myself—I help brands tell their stories too,' he adds. Balancing creativity and deadlines is no easy feat, but Banua swears by his content calendar. 'Time management is everything. I plan ahead so I never have to choose between quality and consistency.' Of course, challenges come with the territory. 'Burnout is real,' he admits. 'And keeping up with trends while staying authentic isn't always easy. But I stay motivated by pushing creative boundaries and always staying curious.' His advice for aspiring bloggers in Dubai? 'Be consistent. Stay true to your voice. Collaborate, stay open to change, and most importantly—keep learning. Curiosity is your best tool in this space.' Finding home through stories abroad What began as a simple way to cope with homesickness has become a powerful platform for Rechel Hoco, a Filipino content creator based in Dubai. With over 1.1 million followers on TikTok and a growing presence across social media, Hoco's storytelling resonates deeply with fellow OFWs and Filipinos around the world. 'I started sharing my experiences as an OFW—food, places, and moments that reminded me of home,' she says. Her first viral hit? A fun clip playing lato-lato, a childhood toy trending in the Philippines. That one video reminded her how even simple moments can connect people across continents. Hoco's content now includes lifestyle, food, and travel stories, told through her engaging series 'Tara, Gala Tayo!' She brings humor, heart, and authenticity into everything she posts, from dining at a local Mandi restaurant to sharing behind-the-scenes moments of her journey as a Miss Universe Philippines 2025 candidate. Beyond content creation, she runs a media channel, managing brand collaborations and digital campaigns. 'I work with Filipino businesses and international brands that want to reach our community. It's about connection, not just promotion.' Despite the glitz, she's open about the challenges—criticism, pressure to perform, and the emotional toll of representing her roots from afar. 'But every kind message, every kababayan who says I made their day—that keeps me grounded.' Her advice to aspiring bloggers? 'Start with your story. Be real, be consistent, and don't chase fame—chase meaning. Someone out there needs to hear your voice.' Passion for travel, storytelling, and staying true online For Dr Angelo Santos, known to his online community as Doc Gelo, blogging has always been a passion project—not a platform for profit. A licensed physician from the Philippines and now a Senior Medical Manager in Dubai, Doc Gelo began his blogging journey in 2007 with his website which he ran until the pandemic. These days, he continues sharing his stories through Instagram (@iamdocgelo) with over 146,000 followers. 'I started personal blogging in Manila, which evolved into travel and food blogging when I moved to Penang, Malaysia,' he recalls. From 2010 to 2013, he worked as a Medical Lecturer in PreMed and Medicine in Penang. It was there that his storytelling found its audience, earning him Best Expat Blog by Tourism Malaysia for two consecutive years (2012 and 2013). His blog and photography caught the attention of brands across Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and later, Dubai, where he moved in 2014. From premier hotels and restaurants to theme parks like Hong Kong Disneyland and Legoland Malaysia, sponsorships poured in—none of which he ever solicited. 'I've never monetized my blog or social media,' he says proudly. 'Even when an airline flew me to Moscow and back, there were no deliverables. I was simply honored by the trust.' His travels have even taken him as far as Buenos Aires and Estonia, with luxury hotel stays offered purely based on his online presence and storytelling. Despite the recognition, Doc Gelo is quick to clarify: 'I'm not an influencer. I actually dislike the term. I prefer to be called a travel blogger or content creator.' And while he's had his work published in both print and digital media, he humbly notes: 'I'm not a professional photographer—just someone who loves to capture and share moments.' His content focuses on travel and food, with posts that feel more like journal entries than marketing pieces. 'I never post to impress. Social media is my virtual home—a diary of my life's mundane and meaningful moments. Even if only my mom liked my posts, I'd still share them,' he says. Though he works full-time in the medical field, Doc Gelo manages his passion on the side. 'I blog because it makes me happy. I don't compete with others—I'm just here to create and connect,' he shares. As for advice to aspiring bloggers, especially in a place as dynamic as Dubai? 'Be authentic. Don't blog just for freebies or recognition. Stay creative, be responsive, and never lose your integrity. Blog with your heart, mind, and soul—because purpose and passion are what truly last.' Blogging real life from Dubai—with purpose, not perfection For Lionel Gonzaga, known to his online followers as Ion Gonzaga, blogging didn't begin as a career move—it started as a personal outlet. Now 40 and working full-time as an Associate Manager in Digital Product Design in Dubai, Gonzaga has carved out a space online where honesty, relatability, and reflection lead the conversation. 'It started from frustration, honestly,' he admits. 'I always dreamed of working in media, but I didn't get to study it. When blogging came along, I saw a way in.' That opening became his canvas—first for sharing lessons learned as a Filipino expat in Dubai, and eventually for building a space where others could find community and clarity in their own journeys. From career hurdles and cultural transitions to fatherhood and finding balance, Gonzaga's blog focuses on real life in Dubai. 'I share my actual struggles and experiences—no sugar-coating,' he says. 'When a story is honest, people see themselves in it. That's the connection I aim for.' With an organically grown community of around 60,000 followers, Gonzaga has built his audience not through flashy strategies, but by showing up with intent. 'I reply to comments, start real conversations, and always make sure my followers walk away with something valuable—whether that's insight, comfort, or even a laugh.' Though blogging is a side hustle, it's one that's opened doors. Gonzaga earns modestly through ads, affiliate marketing, and local brand collaborations—but income was never the goal. 'This started as a way to avoid burnout, to do something for me. The fact that it also helps others? That's the real reward.' The biggest challenge, he says, isn't time—it's energy. 'There are days when I have time, but I'm too drained after work or family responsibilities. But I keep going because I know someone out there might avoid a mistake I made—or feel less alone—because I shared something real.' So what's his advice to aspiring bloggers, especially those in Dubai? 'Just start. Don't wait for the perfect gear or perfect post. Share your truth. People connect with real stories, not polished ones. Focus on your purpose—if what you share has meaning, the rest will follow.' Now that you've heard their stories—the struggles they overcame, the breakthroughs they achieved, and the impact they've made—what's holding you back? This is your moment to rise and make your mark. Whether you're driven by passion, purpose, or the pursuit of success, the world is ready to hear your voice. Take the leap and turn your everyday experiences into content that connects. Who knows? Your story could be the spark that inspires the next wave of change!