Do You know Qatar and Philippines are very closely related to each other. Before 1898 Philippines was under captivation of Spaniard and later the country got independence from the 333 years old suppression. With the location poles apart, you would be wondering how Qatar and Philippines are related. To a surprise Filipinos in Qatar is the 5th most populous community of Expatriates. This when it is said that Qatar has a multi diverse culture then it means that the highly populated country has a pretty fair share of expats from different origin.
Common Practices Transferred by Filipinos to Qatar
By far, the number of Filipinos in Qatar has risen more than 300,000. Due to this number, tiny Qatar is the fourth-largest destination for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) worldwide. Few residents have been living in Qatar for more than 50 years and are a part of the Kabayan community. The community has immensely influenced the locals and their fellow expatriates' way of living significantly. Here are a few cultural exchanges that Qatar has imbibed:
A Morning Routine: Zumba
If you are a tourist in the country, then you must visit, corniche one of the most stunning places to visit in Qatar. It is that place that will enable you to spot the places where you can find colorful slobs grooving on music. There Zumba sessions are organized by Kabayans and the best this that they open it for all. No matter which community you belong to, you are always welcome to join them. To keep things in sync they have a neon-colored dress theme that you must also keep in mind before joining them.
Exchange of Food by Kabayan to Qatar
Filipinos love for food coincides with Qatari’s, thus there are certain dishes that have become favorite here as well. Jollibee is a popular food chain that serves succulent and aromatic chicken. The brand has 5 branches and is potentially planning to expand. The best thing is that the taste intoxicated every foreigner, expat and localities who comes to relish the authentic taste of Philippines. Trying Filipino food is yet another popular thing to do in Qatar. While you are here don’t forget to try their freshly-fried Chicken Joy with a sweet and cheesy Filipino spaghetti. Isn't it amazing how the community of Philippines in Qatar have been accepted with utmost warmth and significantly contributing to the economy.
Volunteering in Qatar Development Programs
There are multiple organizations in Qatar that work towards the betterment of the nation. The focus lies in making Qatar a better place to live by sharing good in terms of deeds and everything. For enhancement and successful conclusion of their programs, Filipino association hire volunteers who are inclined towards social services. While you are exploring the country you will find many programmed going on such as beach cleanup drive and iftar drives. These volunteering drives are very popular and open for all.
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Social Behavior and Liveliness
It is a fact undeterred that Filipinos are the happiest and most happening people. They friendly nature and the interactive social behavior is appreciated by all. In Qatar, Filipinos are known for their lively gestures generally never found eating alone in. Intercultural styles of hospitality seen is an overwhelming feeling driven out by the meeting of two different cultures.
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Children Rearing Similarity
Just like Qatar, children are a very important aspect of Filipino families as well. The entire family revolves around the children of the family. In both the cultures families hire nannies to take care. Good values and etiquettes are imbibed in children. On common that that you would spot in the children is that no matter which culture they belong to, the behavior is always friendly and top notch.
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Karaoke Services in Restaurant
Karaoke is not originally a part of Qatari cultures, but since Mediacom and Karaoke devices are quite popular among the expats of Philippines in Qatar, most food outlets have started initiative Karaoke night. It is believed that when it comes to singing Filipinos are the blessed ones. As a known fact there are not many Karaoke bars in Qatar, Karaoke set ups are found in restaurants that are open till late and cafes. Visit these late night restaurants in Qatar and enjoy a lit evening with fun and entertainment.
Qatar's Multi diverse culture is one of the primary reasons why it is a dream destination for tourists. If you are planning to visit Qatar soon, then be prepared to witness many tourist places in Qatar that will reflect the diversity. With one of the largest community of expats, Filipinos in Qatar have become and integral part contributing their every bit to the development of the country and its economy. It is very normal that when two communities co-exist they tend to transfer their practices and cultures to one another.
FAQs
Yes Qatar is a country with diverse culture, landscape and nationality comprising Expats from other Arabs countries, Nepal, Philippines, Indians, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Yes Filipinos can live as expats through a sponsor or kafeel under the Qatar labor law. A genuine person who want to work in the country cannot enter without Kafeel.
- Gerry's Grill
- Boracay Restaurant
- Hot Pack Filipino Restaurant
Best Filipino dishes in Qatar that you must try are:
- Chickenjoy and Pinoy-style spaghetti
- Halo-halo
- Sinigang na Hipon (Shrimp sour soup)
- Beef Kare-Kare (Beef in peanut sauce)
The kafala is the sponsorship system presenting the relationship between foreign workers and their local sponsor. This system enables the expats to enter the country and is generally found in Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
Kafeel is an integral part of the Kafala system and is the local sponsor, usually the employer of the organization hiring the workers. No expatriate worker can enter or leave the country, without consent of the sponsor.
In Qatar karaoke culture is getting popular gradually by now Megapolis Entertainment Center and Hot Bowl Restaurant are the best Karaoke restaurant in Qatar.
Megapolis Entertainment Center is an indoor amusement place with bowling, karaoke & pool, plus video games & car-racing simulators. It is located in Andalucia Way, Building B12, Medina Centrale, The Pearl، Doha, Qatar.
