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This ‘Emaratino’ – half Pinoy, half local – loves pigar-pigar and ‘mano po’
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – This “Emaratino” – an Arab man born to a Filipina – is making waves here for his love of Filipinos and Filipino culture.
Known online as the “Emaratino Traveler,” Fahed Alblooshi usually gets asked for selfies wherever he goes in the UAE.
Just recently, Alblooshi sang Ogie Alcasid’s “Nandito Ako” when he visited the Winter Night Market here in Rigga.
The predominantly Filipino crowd were moved at how a man in a kandura, a traditional Arab garment for males, could sing OPM (original Pilipino music).
After his rendition of the popular song, Alblooshi introduced himself as “Emaratino, because I’m half-Emirati and half-Filipino” – to the delight of the audience.
‘Mano, po’
Alblooshi, who will turn 37 this month, values Filipino culture. He enjoys the tradition of “mano po,” a greeting and sign of respect in which a younger person takes an older person’s hand and places it on his or her forehead.
“What I love about Filipino culture is the ability to carry the weight of the world and still smile genuinely,” he told GMA News Online.
“Life’s most fulfilling moments come from doing more of the things you truly love.”
Alblooshi has two degrees – one in aerospace engineering from the University of Washington and another in aeronautical science (with flight) from the Florida Institute of Technology in the United States.
A former executive director in the banking industry, Alblooshi was born to a mother who hailed from Dagupan City in Pangasinan.
His mother previously owned a bukayo factory but she later sold it when her father fell ill.
‘Pigar-pigar’
Alblooshi has previously visited his mother’s hometown.
He grew up with Filipino food, with Pangasinan’s “pigar-pigar” as his favorite Filipino dish. It is a stir-fry of thinly-sliced beef, vegetables, and onions and is a popular dish in Dagupan City.
Last month, Alblooshi was in Cebu where he helped distribute water and other necessities to residents affected by the September 30 magnitude 6.9 earthquake and recent typhoons that hit the island. He shared photos and videos of his visit on his Instagram account.
Alblooshi also enjoys a strong following on social media – with almost one million followers on Facebook, 46,300 on Instagram, and 271,000 on TikTok.
“But the focus is never on numbers – the mission is to truly connect with people,” said this Emaratino, who previously produced several documentaries and dreams of making films in the future.
Among the works of Alblooshi – now a full-time influencer and owner of a creative media agency – are five documentaries shot in the Philippines entitled “Embrace the Journey.” — JMA, GMA Integrated News
