No flip-flops, miniskirts: PHL consulate in Dubai strictly implements dress code

Filipinos wearing flip-flops, sandals, short pants, mini-skirts and sleeveless upper garments are now barred from entering the Philippine Consulate in Dubai, which is strictly implementing a dress code for visitors.

Consul General to Dubai Frank Cimafranca told UAE news site Gulf News they had to strictly enforce the dress code to show "respect" to the consulate.

“We’re a service-provider and we try to accommodate everyone. The consulate belongs to our people … but we must also observe proper decorum. It is sign of respect for the institution,” he said.

The report said those who violated the dress code were "politely but firmly" turned away at the gates by security guards.

Cimafranca also said those wearing slippers and sleeveless basketball jerseys will also be turned away, although they could be more lenient with miniskirts.

“We’re not that strict with miniskirts, as long as it’s not too revealing. And we don’t really encourage it. Those who come in puruntong (below-the-knee shorts) are acceptable, as long as they are wearing shoes,” he said.

On the other hand, the report said the consulate's Facebook page already warned Filipinos against wearing slippers, sandals, short pants, miniskirts or sleeveless upper garments.

The Gulf News report quoted a Filipino community leader, Alan Bacason, as saying Filipinos’ habit of "dressing down" is a “culture thing.”

“In general we’re quite fun loving, which is a good trait. But sometimes we overdo it and tend to take things really lightly,” he said. - VVP, GMA News