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.