Vox Populi (inquirer.net)

noel malicdem,uae Says:
December 11th, 2008 at 6:11 pm

shame to those bishops and clergies spreading the shame and humiliation to our beloved Filipinos.
The problem is simple bring back those people involved in corruption to the church instead of taking out your flock to the streets without knowing the real situation in our country. You are supposed to be fishers of men and practice humility towards those people who committed wrongdoings. No one is perfect, so let everybody be given the chance to prove themselves.
People power is not the answer to the current turmoil in our country and spreading shame and embarrasment to the whole world is only an indication that you cannot properly attend the needs of your flock . . lead an example and the rest follows… may God bless you all and I’m proud to be a Filipino!

God is Everywhere...

by Noel Malicdem
(United Arab Emirates)

In life there will always be ups and downs but always remember God will always be there for us no matter what...
Being optimistic in life keeps me going for I know God is everywhere and will look after me.

Letters : Gulf News

Letters

Letters

Gulf News Published: November 04, 2008, 00:23 No religion It was a sad day for Pakistan, when the bomb blasts rocked the country recently (“Pakistan blames Taliban for blast”, Gulf News, September 22). My heartfelt sympathy goes out to innocent victims of the latest terror attacks by extremists who have no regard for life and respect, especially during Ramadan. The world condemns such atrocities, since it is not about any ideology related to faith, but rather a pure act of terrorism. From Mr Noel Malicdem Abu Dhabi

For some, a home remains a dream

By Anupa Kurian, Readers Editor Published: December 06, 2008, 00:14 www.gulfnews.com

Dubai: It is the expatriate dream - a home and savings. Most work hard to realise this vision of hope and painted rainbows.As the realty boom in the UAE spread its largesse, many residents decided to buy. For many it was an investment, to a few the setting up of home.  The graph looked well placed to reach its hungry fingers to the sky but the global credit crisis reared its ugly head.Overnight, investors turned ultra-cautious. As they cast furtive glances from the shelter of safe investments, the realty sector decided to make a move. They are offering monthly instalment options that don't require people to take a loan. Even better, there are offers of easy rental payments.What do Gulf News readers say? Will they bite? Noel Malicdem, a resident of Al Ain and an architect by profession, was very clear on his realty plan. The 39-year-old father of two, said: "No, I would not think of buying. Financially I cannot afford it. It is still too expensive."Malicdem said he falls in the middle-income bracket and lives in a villa with his family. He has been in the UAE for over two years."I would not prefer buying property because you don't know the length of your stay here. This is the reason the realty sector would not attract many middle-income buyers."

Dr Saji Pillai, a dentist living in Ajman with his family, in an apartment, agreed. The 32-year-old has been in the UAE for "nearly five years". He has a one-year-old son.

"I would not invest in the current format of the realty sector. The prices are totally down. But we have to get back profit on the investment. With what is happening that does not seem likely. I am not too keen on investing," he said.

He added that this is because "investing is easy in the UAE. You get a lot of options... wouldn't want to go ahead with property keeping in mind the volatility of the market. I would much rather invest in something else."

Australian expatriate Kellie A. Drayton who has been in Dubai for eight years said that the new offers are just illusions being put up for sale.

The 24-year-old owner of Emirates Writing Studios said: "There is not enough security in the market. These are just quick fixes. In a few years' time the people who buy now will realise that the market has turned and the interest rates will go back up. They will end up realising that they cannot make the instalment ... they cannot afford it."

Contrary to the popular investment notion of buying in when the market is down, Drayton, a mother of two, advises that if you could not afford it earlier, the same would hold true eventually, so "stay out".

"It may be good for the companies to keep people buying," she said.

Mohammad Furqan Khan, a 54-year-old Indian expatriate and an educator who has been in the UAE for over 15 years feels that nothing can attract investors better than "market transparency".

The father for four said: "The terms and conditions of the realty sector favour developers. Speculators have pushed up prices. And there are other hidden problems. Prices were going up in a month by 15 per cent."

The advertisements are "alluring and misleading" but fail to convey the risks he said.

Gulf News readers put the squeeze on festive spending

Gulf News readers put the squeeze on festive spending http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/08/12/23/10269366.html 12/23/2008 07:33 PM | By Rabab Khan, Community Journalist Dubai: Gulf News readers are spending less on presents, celebratory meals and are recycling decorations this Christmas. People are keeping a tab on their expenses in the light of the global economic crisis. George Joseph, an Indian expatriate, thinks Christmas would be a good time to start planning for next year. "If someone says that they have not been affected by the crisis, I would not believe it. Additionally, if the situation does not get better soon, it would have a large impact on our lives and spending habits," he said. Limiting expenses Before the recession, Joseph used to buy gifts for family members and friends on Christmas. However, he intends to fix a limit on the budget this year. "I would definitely buy gifts for children, but at the same time try to keep a control on the expenses." Malcolm Kemp, a British expatriate, agreed. "Regardless of the crisis, I would definitely buy gifts for my friends' children, just to see a smile on their faces," according to him. Noel Malicdem, a Filipino expatriate, has decided to reduce his spending and minimise the buying of gifts. "I would be buying gifts, but to me the cost of the gift does not matter. It is the thought that counts." Ineke D'Souza, a Pakistani expatriate, has chosen to skip eating out this Christmas. "We will probably have a small gathering at home, instead of eating out at a fancy restaurant. My family looked at some places and they were all charging at least Dh300 per head," she said. D'Souza's family has also decided to recycle the decorations from last year. Preparing in advance "We do not know what will happen next year as far the economy is concerned. It is better to keep a pinch on our budget and prepare in advance." Cissy George, an Indian expatriate, seems to be following suit, since she has invited family and friends to her place for a cosy Christmas dinner. "We are fortunate enough to have our jobs while many others have lost theirs. "This year, I will probably purchase inexpensive gifts and be arranging a simple gathering for friends."