Unjoannable's Blog

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...

My PCOS Journey – From Pain to Empowerment By Joanna Vidal Hello, dearest readers! It’s me again—Joanna. For those of you who are new here, welcome! I love sharing my experiences to inspire and motivate others, and today’s topic is something deeply personal: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, also known as PCOS or Stein–Leventhal syndrome. This condition is a hormonal imbalance that affects millions of women around the world. While it’s not deadly, if left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications like diabetes, infertility, and even certain cancers. Sadly, many women go undiagnosed due to lack of awareness, misinformation, or misdiagnosis. That’s why I’m here—sharing my journey to help others recognize the signs, feel less alone, and take action. How It All Began: My Early Symptoms I started experiencing symptoms of PCOS when I was just 14 years old. My period became irregular and extremely painful. Each time it came, I felt dizzy, pale, and weak. There was even a day when ...

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...