Unjoannable's Blog

By Joanna Vidal A road with mountain views in Oman Exploring and discovering the cultures of other countries has always been one of my greatest interests. Let me give you a brief background about the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Sultanate of Oman. From what I’ve learned through conversations and online research, many years ago, the UAE was once a part of Oman. Due to certain circumstances, they eventually separated. Later on, the seven Emirates—Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah—united and formed a federation, officially becoming the United Arab Emirates in 1971. The UAE experienced an economic boom with the discovery of oil, followed by rapid growth in trade and tourism. One of the country’s most iconic landmarks, the Burj Khalifa, was built as a symbol of its success. It is globally recognized as the tallest building in the world. Today, the UAE is one of the fastest-growing economies—not only in Asia but across the globe. On the othe...

By Joanna Vidal A photo of me at the National Mall where the Festival was held. My Experience at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival: Representing UAE Heritage The Smithsonian Folklife Festival, established in 1967, is one of the largest cultural events in the world. It takes place annually on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and typically runs from June 22nd through the 4th of July, overlapping with U.S. Independence Day. After a two-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival returned in 2022 with renewed energy—and I was honored to be part of it. That year’s theme was “UAE: Living Landscape | Living Memory,” with the United Arab Emirates as the featured country. The event highlighted the UAE’s rich history, heritage, culture, and traditions. It was sponsored by several governmental organizations, most notably the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth, and supported by the UAE Embassy to the USA. As someone who has worked in the heritage field for nearly eight years at this...

Braces for a Cause: My Journey to a Confident Smile By Joanna Vidal My Braces installed I had lower braces for over three years. The main reason? I lost both of my lower canine teeth back in high school. At the time, I didn’t think much about it. I didn’t realize how important it was to have strong, healthy teeth—and to take care of them before it’s too late. As the years passed, my lower teeth started to shift. Gaps formed on both sides, and eventually, it began to affect the way I spoke. Air would escape through the gaps when I talked (and yes, sometimes a little saliva too—gross and embarrassing, right?). I started mispronouncing certain letters—my T and F sounded like S, and my R sounded like L. It was embarrassing, especially when talking to new people. My family and close friends understood, but strangers didn’t. I could feel them getting distracted by my speech—or worse, laughing. Since I was studying tourism, I realized I needed to do something about it. I wanted to impro...

My Journey as an Expat in the UAE: From Uncertainty to Growth By Joanna Vidal On October 3, 2014, I took a leap of faith and stepped into the unknown. I arrived in the United Arab Emirates, ready to face a new chapter of my life. I had just turned 23, a first-time Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) with no idea what life abroad would be like. Everything felt unfamiliar. The climate was overwhelming, the time difference disorienting, and the cultural diversity made me feel like a small fish in a vast ocean. I was scared. I doubted myself. As an introvert with little self-confidence, I wasn’t sure I could handle it. But slowly, with time and grace, I learned to adapt. A Reality Check Before You Leave Going abroad sounds exciting, but it’s not for the faint of heart. You’ll feel lonely. You’ll question your decisions. Some people give up early and return home. But this isn’t just a dream, it’s a serious commitment. My parents spent nearly a hundred thousand pesos to help me prepare. I co...