Funny Experience in Doha

Can you see the difference?

Building 7

Building 8

Buildings are so much alike in Athlete's Village.  It was used in the 15th Asian Olympic Games at Doha in 2006.  Now it is used as nursing hostels where female HMC workers live.

I was really tired on my first day of work.  I'm thinking of my work adjustment and how to contact my family back home.

Tuloy tuloy ako sa building.  I pressed fifth floor sa elevator.   Nagtataka ako bakit yung isang door sa hallway hindi gumagalaw.  Kasi parang may nagbubukas ng isang door basta naglalakad ako sa hallway towards the flat (unit).  This time tahimik.  Nung sinususi ko na ang door,  I'm wondering why it won't fit.  Tapos nakita ko behind the door 7 ang start ng number. "Ay nasa 7th floor pala ako."  I went back to the elevator and each time I press 5, the door will open.  Sabi ko, "minumulto yata ako."  I went to 4th floor and try to look at the number of the doors...  7 din ang start... Then it snapped me!  "Nasa ibang building ako!!!!"  "Haaaay!!!"  Pasimple akong lumabas ng building na iyon at pumunta sa aking unit... Hahahaha Grabe nakakahiya talaga....  And you know yung door na gumagalaw sa hallway????  Nagmamadali akong buksan ang door namin kasi nag e echo ang tunog ng gumagalaw na door sa hallway... hahahaha...  When my flatmate came... She said, she realized gumagalaw nga ang door... Ang ginawa niya, binigla nyang buksan ang pinto.. Makita na ang makita.. hahahaha...   Kaya pala gumagalaw ang door... Hangin iyon dahil mga ventilating machines ang nandoon... hahahaha

Sa pag aabroad.. Kapag hindi ka pumunta sa English speaking country, don't expect that your english will improve.  Because the more correct your english is..  the more you will not be understood... Trust me...  This time, nakaka-out of place kapag tama ang english.  Isa pa, dapat ipakita na although filipinas are sweet and loving eh strong willed tayo.  Do not be terrorized and bullied by anyone.  Umiiyak nga yung isang kasama ko (foreigner) kasi inuutusan siyang magsinungaling ng senior na kasama niya.  Haay naku...  umpisa pa lang ang mga ito.. marami pa... :)

Arrival at Doha

iPark, Corniche, Doha, Qatar

At the Airport, a HMC transport took us to our housing (Medical City-Athlete's Village) for the female.  The males have their housing outside the Medical City.  I and the others signed documents and received our keys.  We were then brought to the cafeteria to get our dinner.  We are entitled for free meals for three days only.  Fortunately, the next day was rest day because it's the National Day (Holiday) in Qatar. 

 The next day,  we reported to HR to submit required documents (as instructed by the Universal Staffing).  we were given different papers to submit to different departments.  After HR, here are what I did:  I reported to my Supervisor and met some of the staff.  I went to the bank (I did it first since it is nearer) to open an account for my salary ( a letter from the HR is already prepared).  I went to the finance (for the salary advance - I got it the next day).  Then I proceeded to the Immigration which is just behind Finance Dept. Building.  I submitted the photocopy of my Visa (the Visa Copy from Universal Staffing not the sticker in the passport).  I went back to the OPD dept to register for the Medical Examination at the Medical Staff Clinic.  Then I rode a shuttle to go to the Staff Clinic where I was given a schedule for a Medical Exam.  The next day was work orientation.  Not much work.  First three months is training.  In my department, there are few filipinos and they are not in my area.  Mind set must be clear.  "I am here to work no matter how hard and lonely being far from home may be.."

Food after Medical Exam - 6 large test tubes of blood were taken from me :(

Things better to bring (expensive in Doha):

1. Toiletries (Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo (sachet for a few days), Soap (safeguard), lotion (small)
2. Slippers
3. Clothes (for winter (Jackets, Socks etc) and summer - walang ukay dito hehehe; mura pa rin sa pinas)
4. Towels, face towels
5. Combs
6. Ponds, Eskinol (facial wash)
7. Sinigang mix, magic sarap, ginisa mix (if you plan to cook)

"Please note that Filipino products are expensive here!"

Internet access:  At airport, hospitals, malls, iPark Corniche.  At home you can get a post paid internet connection through Qtel or Vodafone.  Qtel will require a Q-ID which will take time to be received.

Journey to Qatar Part II

After the long wait, I reported to Universal Staffing to pay for the Insurances and get my ticket.  HMC will cover everything except for the Paramount Insurance, Philhealth, OWWA, etc.  The fee is still minimal compared to other agencies asking for placement fees.

The challenging part is leaving the family behind.   But with the great hope of a better future, I must be brave to go and do as I should.  Work in Doha, and in the future, get my family and be happy together in Doha, Qatar.

Via Gulf Air, I traveled with some people also hired by HMC.  While waiting for my flight at the Manila International Airport, Terminal I, Gate 3, someone approached me.  To my surprise, he was my classmate in highschool about 18 years ago.  Funny!  But we rode on the same plane.  He was going to Saudi Arabia and me...  going to Qatar.

At the plane, I have mixed emotions.  I am worried with my family at the same time I'm a little nervous of what lies ahead of me in Doha, as a first timer-OFW.  At the plane, I watched movies (so many) at the TOUCH SCREEN monitor.  The first movie I watched is Happy Feet 2.  I also watched Rush Hour 2, Every Breath You Take (Piolo and Angelica), Glee Series.  The rest room is at the middle.  Water is served every now and then or upon request.  There's a blanket and pillow provided and an earphone too for watching movies or listening to music.  At the monitor one can also see where the plane's location is.  I also played games at that monitor because I'm really getting bored and I don't want to think too much of home because I don't want bulgy eyes as I report to my Supervisor... :)  A satisfying lunch is also served. A snack was served too.    

There's a 2 hour stop over at Bahrain.  We met another HMC Staff who will be working with the others I'm with.  There are two more we haven't met.

At Bahrain, where we stop for 2 hours (with other HMC Staff)

At Doha Airport, passports were checked.  I realized that I should have brought dollar instead of peso because the money changer in Doha Airport won't change my peso to Qatar Riyal.  All of those I'm with were able to buy a Qtel Sim except me.  Luckily, the next day the husband of my flat mate came and brought us to Landmark.  A moneychanger there changed my peso to riyal.  I bought a sim and was able to contact my family to tell them I'm safe and fine.


Click here for the my TIPS from my Personal Experience in Doha for HMC Staff

How to go to: Sta Rita Medical and Diagnostic Center

Sta Rita Medical and Diagnostic Center is located at 1705-B Dian cor Finlandia Sts,, Brgy. San Isidro, Makati.


Coming from Edsa, alight at Buendia MRT Station then take a bus ride (LRT Leveriza).  Alight at Dian Stop Light.  Landmark:  Mercury Drug Store (Sta Rita Medical and Diagnostic Center is across the road with a blue sign board, no need to ride a pedicab)

Coming from LRT/Manila, alight at Gil Puyat LRT Station then take a bus ride (LRT Leveriza).  Alight at Dian Stop Light.  Landmark:  Mercury Drug Store (Sta Rita Medical and Diagnostic Center is across the road with a blue sign board, no need to ride a pedicab)

Tip:  Don't forget to bring 2x2 pic and the referral form from the agency.

How to go to: Universal Staffing Services

Universal Staffing Services is located at 5477 Boyle St. Palanan, Makati, Philippines.

Coming from Edsa, alight at Buendia MRT Station then take a bus ride (LRT Leveriza).  Alight at Filmore Stop Light.  Take a pedicab (pay P20) then ask the pedicab driver to take you to Unistaff (Boyle St).

Coming from LRT/Manila, alight at Gil Puyat LRT Station then take a bus ride (LRT Leveriza).  Alight at Filmore Stop Light.  Take a pedicab (pay P20) then ask the pedicab driver to take you to Unistaff (Boyle St).

Journey to Qatar Part I

I never thought I will go and live in Qatar.  Actually, right now, I'm still waiting for my plane ticket.  A friend helped me apply in Hamad Medical Corporation.  I was called for an interview last June 2012.  Employment Offer came last week of July from their partner agency here in the Philippines, which is Universal Staffing Services.  Credential Verification forms were emailed first week of August.  The agency then emailed me before All Saints Day, that my VISA IS READY.  I was told to report for some paper works and for the Medical.  As expected, I am FIT TO WORK.  I then went to ASCOP (Association of Service Contractors of the Philippines) for my PDOS (Pre Departure Orientation Seminar).  PDOS is a requirement for those who will leave the country for work or migration.  In my case, I will leave Philippines and live in Qatar to work.

PDOS (Pre Departure Orientation Seminar):
During the Orientation, I found out that those who were with me in that Seminar were not all bound to Qatar.  Actually there were only 2 if not 3 of us going to Qatar.  Most of them are going to Saudi Arabia.  There were many reminders given, especially on how to respect the Muslims.  "We were told not to step on the carpet of a praying Muslim nor pass in front.  Never be alone!  Wear conservative clothing even in Qatar.  Etc..."  I'll soon find out if all those were for real.  But respecting other people's belief is a big deal to me too.  I definitely respect other people's beliefs.
We also had guest speakers in the PDOS.  A Western Union Representative came to inform us that they have agents in Qatar. A BPI representative also came to discuss savings.  We were given free International ATM Card to be used for savings.  Transferring money from specific Qatar banks will only cost P200 per transaction regardless of the amount.  An OFW organization also came to inform us that in case we need help, help will be available.  Arabic to English Small dictionary is also available at a reasonable price.  We were told that Smart Telecommunications has stronger signal so if we want to buy, it is available at a cheaper price.  I'll soon find out if Smart Telecomm. is better than Globe Telecomm in Qatar.

I just received an email from Universal Staffing Services asking me of my booking preference or if first week of December is fine with me.  I'm really impressed with how they deal with applicants.

I have friends and relatives who live in Qatar.  So to them and to Qatar... "Here I come!"

Click here for Tips from my Personal Experience in Doha for HMC Staff