3 awards more to go and lensman Mario Cardenas will hit his 100th target

Mario Cardenas

Imaginative Mind Beyond Compare

Award-winning photographer Mario talks about his obsession for digital painting on frame, his longing for brand new toys and his excitement when capturing moments at the right places on perfect time.

Competitions strengthen one’s photography muscles and just by joining, Mario Cardenas learned a great deal about photography. He bagged numerous awards now exceeding 70. The number is increasing. He is truly grateful for the abundance of blessings he received.

This 2013, he won grand prize at Fujairah Photography Awards. He was a first place winner at Mansoor Photography Awards-portrait category. He baggedTop of Form two major awards, second place for Tourism Fundamental theme and third place for Marine Environment theme at the Shots from Al Gharbia Photography Competition.

He took first place at Art4Sight Photography competition by Noor Dubai Foundation, double first place awards at ADGAS-Earth Hour Photography Competition, first place at Al Dhafrah Camel Festival, and second place  and two honorable mentions at (IPA) International Photography Awards in New York.

In the international scene, he won two Photo Documentary Awards and Performance Award at UNESCO and CFPA-Humanity Photo Awards 2013 in China, grand prize and four silver awards at Photograph of the Year 2013 in Australia, five bronze awards at EPSON Pano Awards 2013 in South Australia, and gold medal award at Egypt International Photo Contest-Architecture category. He was first place winner for Sheikh Zayed Humanitarian Photography Competition, second place winner at ADIHEX 2013-Equestrian category, and first place winner at Al Ain Mall Photography competition 2013 in UAE, and two gold medal awards at Trierenberg Super Circuit in Austria.

A Visual Twist

He was a self-taught painter artist during his younger days. “It was through art that I could truly express myself and totally honest in what I thought and felt. I had always intended to go back to painting, but perhaps I had been busy with my career and family.”

In 2009, he got his first DSLR camera, an EOS Canon 50D with kit lens 18-200mm and something flashed on his mind. “I realized I could bring my ideas to life through another excellent medium that gave faster and superb results.”

Mario attended a formal training on photography. “When I successfully graduated, learning did not stop there. I became hugely interested and motivated to widen my knowledge and hone my skills in photography. I had invested a lot of time, effort and money to improve and learn more about the craft.”

As a person who loves art on canvass, he considers photography as a digital painting on frame.

“Photography has a big factor in developing my personality, I used to consider myself as a quiet artist with lots of creative ideas in mind. I spent most of my spare time painting within the confines of my room, visualizing, internalizing and expressing all my emotions and ideas on canvass.”

“This has somehow pushed me to come out of my shell as interaction with people and environment are necessary if I want my ideas to be captured on a photo. My life has become richer and more colorful as I meet different kinds of amazing people, reach remote places and immerse in wonderful experiences in new and unfamiliar environments. Photography is a great adventure and a lot of fun!”

Artist on Canvass

Mario was born in a very modest family, raised in what we call home along-da-riles in Bayanan, Muntinlupa. “My family couldn’t afford the fancy toys I longed to have when I was a young boy, so I created my “brand new toys” out of scraps, even had sculptures made of putik or mud. The seemingly bountiful materials available everywhere were ready for the taking to my heart’s content.”

“The kind of childhood I had encouraged me to be resourceful, creative and imaginative. I used to supine and visualize various images while looking to the sky. I’d let my imagination roam freely in the clouds.”

He studied BS Architecture in the University of Santo Thomas. He is now an architect by profession working in KEO International Consultants since October of 2008.

Enriching Experiences

For him, photography is not just about capturing a certain moment or subject, but also a good understanding would greatly help in giving justice to the photo and the kind of perspective the photographer is aiming for. “I am always ecstatic whenever I feel that I was able to capture what I’ve conceptualized at the right place, at perfect time.”

Mario confessed he actually hasn’t gone far from the UAE but was able to reach remote locations where, he believes, very few people have reached. “Here, the best about photography is not only the wonderful images it could capture but the enriching experiences involved in it. I  appreciate the people of this wonderful country for giving expatriates like myself amazing opportunities and recognitions.”

Despite his success, he still considers himself  a photography enthusiast. “I won’t rest on my laurels as I continue to harness the craft that I love and little by little, I try to extend my reach to bigger and farther audience.”

He wishes to be remembered simply as “Mario Cardenas from the Philippines” and  intends to join photography competitions even more for as long and wide as he could.

“I’d like my fellow countrymen to know that win or lose, I try to give my very best, and hopefully can contribute even a little to the glory and pride of our country.”

Pinoys crave for the best at Mc David’s Restaurant

Miss your mom’s favorite dish and tinapay served at home in the Philippines?

Now, if you’re in Dubai, you don’t have to worry about longing for your fave foods for a hundred plus reasons as Mc David’s have more than hundreds of authentic Filipino dishes and breads to serve you.

Mc David’s Group of restaurants opened four years ago with its newest branch at Al Rigga Street in Diera near Al Rigga Metro Station. It’s a 100 % Pinoy’s best Restaurant and Bakeshop offering only the best of the Philippine Islands authentic cuisines can offer. From as far as Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, they have on their menu signature dishes for each region. Nevertheless, they are considered as the number one and the only 100%  Pinoy’s Best Restaurant and Bakeshop operating in Dubai by many loyal guests.

With its strategic location in Deira’s Al Rigga Street, they come-up with the idea of serving international cuisines as well to cater for tourist around the area. Now, Mc David’s doesn’t only offers Filipino Dishes, expect to have a blend of Italian food, Japanese, Thai cuisines, Chinese delicacies, and very soon, they will unfold the Filipino style shawarma.

One of the best things about why people love Mc David’s is that the restaurant strive to be better each day, from the outdoor and indoor looks of it, you’ll surely love Mc David’s. The restaurant has a garden full of flowers outdoors if you miss your gardens back-home and an indoor fish aquarium to soothe our senses.

As one of the diners say, “I love Mc David’s because they always have a new thing to offer for everyone”. And believe me, they ONLY USE 100% CERTIFIED ANGUS beef on their steaks and ribs.

DELICIOUSLY IRRISISTIBLE

Authentic. Deliciously irresistible. This is how we look at Mc David’s services. “What we have are proudly Pinoy. What we offer to Filipinos are those that we lack in Dubai,” said the owners Paul and Ella, the charismatic owners who have been dropping from one restaurant to another years back because they yearned for that food.

So, they made a great decision of their life to establish their own and satisfy the quest for that absolute Pinoy food. Mc David is actually a name of the owner’s son. “Name all Filipino food and we have it. If we don’t have it now, just give us your request and we will make them available to you.”

Truly, on their menu are mouth-watering Pinoy food such as the original Bacolod chicken inasal, Paella Filipino, Beef Bulalo, Sinigang na Bulalo, Daingsilog, Tapsilog, Chicken sisig, Bangus sisig, fresh Tuna Kinilaw, Pansit Malabon, Pancit Palabok and Lapaz Batchoy. But please don’t brush aside their special lists of signature dishes like – the Balbacua de Cebu, Sizzling Seafoods, Oxtail kare-kare, Relyenong bangus, chicken and shrimps and lumpiang sariwa (fresh lumpia) for if you do, you will regret. May I add, I like their Bopis. It’s great. Oh, the Lechong manok is superb, parang nasa Pinas lang ba.

And when your stomach is full, you have no choice but eat Pinoy desserts for they are simply irresistible. Try their buko pandan, biko, halayang ube – all that appeal to your sense of taste -and you will keep coming back to this food spot.

You can buy their products fairly at Kabayan price. Needless to say, their food can be yours at very affordable prices. “Our customers get good value for their money,” said the owner who has been into food business for many years. Foods are perfectly taken cared of by Filipino chefs whose expertise and kitchen practices of more than ten years can never be underestimated. An all Filipino amiable staff, under the guidance of the owner’s better-half, Ella now numbering to 30 from the original four, are truly prepared for their job so that you will be truly comfortable while you dine in the restaurant.

GETTING BIGGER, FAMOUS

With the excellent management and cuisines, it’s not surprising at all that Filipino celebrities take time out of their busy schedule in Dubai to try Mc David’s. On the record, they welcomed with pride Showtime hosts and Itchy worm vocalists known as Jugs; April Boy Regino, the Pinoy Idol ng Bayan; Slapshock and Wolfgang Bands, the hard core metal band;  Viva Hotbabes, Sarah Lopez, Jaycee Parker, Jennifer Lee; Sexbomb girl Nicole;  and the prince of Philippine Ballads, Gerald Santos. The list of celebrities keeps on growing. Last Thursday, on the celebration of the Philippines 115th Independence, Yeng Constantino and Paulo Avelino have their turn to experience dinner at Mc David’s.

The restaurant has now become popular and demands escalate to a higher level that the owner thought of launching a product distribution scheme, initially in many corners of Dubai. Their specialized packed bread products like their “sweet” pandesal will be made available to supermarkets so that when you go down from your flat, they’re just a grab away.

DISTINCTLY FILIPINO

“Sa lasa, presyo at serbisyo, Mc David’s is simply the best,” said one customer we spotted at the restaurant.

Rico Cardonega, who is known as Micmaster and endorser of Day to Day, Pilipinex and Maharlika TV, believes that Filipinos “come here because they like what they eat”. I understand the management makes sure that we will keep on coming back.” Put simply in Tagalog, “balik-balikan at hanap-hanapin mo ang lasang Pinoy” that you have tried here at Mc David’s.

While these complements are heart-warming, the owner stressed that in all the food preparation, they put complete ingredients to suit the palate of customer. “We don’t make tipid with ingredients because we believe that clients deserve only the best.”

And to ensure that Mc David’s will be a unique food spot in Dubai, the owner has created a distinct menu. We can say with certainty that only in Mc David’s you will get the chance to eat the pandesisig or pandesal with sisig inside, pan de empanada, pan de corned beef and ensaymada ala Mc Davids.

Never miss their not your usual pandesal. If it’s time for you to sip coffee or milk, three pieces of pandesal will cost you only one dirham. You can bring more bread on your way home for they will last three to four days.

For a tastier experience, Mc David’s accepts outdoor catering, party packages, accommodation canteens and all catering needs. For reservation inquiries and express delivery, call 04-2395498 or 055-4613458 or email : mcdavidsdubai@gmail.com. (This article was lifted from Kabayan Weekly.)

Visa-Free countries Filipinos can visit

MALDIVES ARRIVAL CARD

Filipinos can now travel to 58 countries on visa-free privilege. While this visa-free access is a far cry from the United Kingdom, Finland and Sweden, whose citizens can visit 173 countries without a visa, this is good news for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) especially those living in Dubai and other parts of the United Arab Emirates.

These countries include most of the Philippines' Southeast Asian neighbors, but also Latin American tourist destinations Brazil, Peru, Bolivia and Costa Rica. “This is good news because many UAE-based Filipinos are travelling on business and pleasure. Now, we don’t have to worry about visas in these countries,” said finance expert and globetrotter John Jay Borja.

As there are changes in visa policies from time to time, Filipino travelers are likewise told to always check with the embassies and consulates before making any travel arrangements so as to avoid inconveniences.

It was learned that the Philippines now occupies the 69thth place in the 2013 Visa Restrictions Index, a global index made by Henley & Partners. This international residence and citizenship planning company ranked the 218 countries according to the number of nations their citizens can access with just a passport. 

Next to Philippines is Moldova, whose citizens can visit 59 countries. Indonesia, meanwhile, ranks 73rd along with Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, Niger and Togo. The citizens of Indonesia  can only visit 53 countries without a visa. Afghanistan, whose citizens have visa-free access to 28 countries, is at the bottom of the rankings.

Henley and Partners emphasized that membership of the European Union (EU) is a key determinant of ease of movement across frontiers. The company’s report added that "there is a strong correlation between average wealth and access to open frontiers."

The report further states  that the other non-EU countries whose citizens have visa-free access to over 170 destinations are wealthy states like Norway, Japan, Canada, Japan, Switzerland and New Zealand. The United States, which presents as a top destination for Filipinos whether for permanent residence or vacation, allows its citizens to travel to 172 countries without a visa. The Philippine government allows citizens from 151 states to stay in the country without a visa for 30 days.

Filipinos can travel to 
58 countries on visa-free privilege.
Globetrotter John Jay Borja, 

who has travelled to 50 plus countries, shares few of his best shots. 

COUNTRIES FILIPINOS CAN VISIT

ON VISA-FREE PRIVILEGE

AFRICA           Conditions of Access

Burundi             visa issued upon arrival

Cape Verde       visa issued upon arrival for EUR25

                        A free 24-hour transit visa issued upon arrival at the airport

Comores           within 24 hours, this must be converted into a full

visa at the immigration office in Moroni

Djibouti             10 days visa issued upon arrival for DJF3,000;

30 days visa issued upon arrival for DJF5,000

Gambia             at port of entry passport 24-72 hour transit pass is issued.

This must be converted into a full visa valid up to

1 month at the immigration department in Banjui

Kenya               90 days visa issued upon arrival for US$25

Madagascar      90 days visa issued upon arrival for MGA 140,000

Mali                  visa issued upon arrival

Morocco           90 days

Mozambique     30 days issued upon arrival for US$25

Saint Helena      visa issued upon arrival

Seychelles        30 days

Tanzania           visa issued upon arrival for US$50

Togo                7 days issued upon arrival

Uganda             180 days visa issued upon arrival for US$50

Zambia             90 days issued upon arrival for US&50

ASIA-ASEAN

Brunei               14 days

Cambodia         21 days

Indonesia          30 days

Laos                 30 days

Malaysia           30 days

Myanmar           28 day visa issued upon arrival for US$40

Singapore         30 days

Thailand            30 days

Vietnam            21 days

ASIA-NON ASEAN

Georgia                        90 days visa issued upon arrival for GEL50-for a 90 day,

single entry visa; GEL 100 for a 360, multiple entry visa

Hongkong         14 days

India                 30 days visa issued upon arrival for US$60

Iran                   30 days visa issued upon arrival (free of charge)

Israel                90 days

Macau              30 days

Maldives           30 days visa issued upon arrival (free of charge)

Mongolia          21 days

Nepal                15/30/90 days visa issued upon arrival for US$25/40/100

Sri Lanka          30 days

Taiwan              30 days if holding a valid visa for Australia, Canada,

Japan, New Zealand, Schengen countries,

United Kingdom, United States/online registration required

Timor-Leste                   30 days visa issued upon arrival for US$30

EUROPE

Kosovo                                    90 days

OCEANIA

Cook Islands                 30 days

Fiji                                120 days Visitor’s permit issued upon arrival (free of charge)

Marshall Islands            30 days visa issued upon arrival (free of charge)

                       

Federated States           30 days

of Micronesia

Niue                              30 days

Palau                            30 days visa issued upon arrival (free of charge

Samoa                          60 days Visitor’s permit issued upon arrival (free of charge

Tuvalu                           30 days visa issued upon arrival (free of charge)

Vanuatu                        30 days

NORTH AMERICA

Costa Rica                                30 days

Dominica                                  21 days

Haiti                                          90 days

Nicaragua                                 30 days visa issued upon arrival for US$50

Saint Kitts and Nevis                 14 days

Saint Lucia                                6 weeks visa issued upon arrival for US$50

Saint Vincent and                      30 days

The Grenadines

Turks and Caicos Islands           30 days

SOUTH AMERICA

Bolivia              90 days

Brazil                90 days

Colombia          90 days

Ecuador            90 days

Peru                 183 days

Suriname          90 days

Adventure of a Lifetime at Iceland Water Park

Have you ever been to one of the coolest place in the United Arab Emirates? By the word “cool”, I mean an unlimited access to all the rides, as well as the use of rubber rings and life-jackets and fun-filled day at one of the best water park in the Middle East. If not, then hop in for a ride now.

Whenever a holiday trek comes on your mind, you don’t only search for your own intriguing package but one that points towards providing excitement for your children and loved ones. Popular theme parks across the globe appear as appealing for a large number of visitors thus contributing to the unprecedented, monumental economic growth of the host country. They have one thing in common. They both serve children and adult - a great source of entertainment for the whole family.

About 80 kilometers north of metropolitan Dubai, or approximately an hour drive, there stands Iceland Water Park, a sprawling entertainment getaway which entices its guests with profound happiness and excitement. It was established as the first offering of the 120 acre family entertainment destination dubbed as WOW RAK now being developed in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.

Ras Al Khaimah accords the immense pleasure experience of shopping, but, if it is said that it presents as an origin of an adventure as well, then that is an undeniable fact too. Owing to its strategic location along the coastal waters of the Arabian Gulf, Iceland has thus evolved as an impeccable and splendid symbol for Ras Al Khaimah’s emergence as an ultimate Adventure Capital of UAE.

The Best Among The Rest

This huge facility is all about rides and fun and it’s no surprise at all that they cater to more than 10,000 guests on weekends and holidays. “We are now on our third year of operations and we’re doing the best we can to make your enjoyable stay and experience what seems to be an adventure of a life time. Celebrate your bonding moments with us and I am pretty sure, you and your loved ones will keep coming back.”

Iceland is proud to have been declared to be the first certified water park in GCC.

Very recently, Ice Land Water Park Managing Director and owner Santokh Singh Chawla received the World Waterpark Association Al Turner Award for Excellence at the WWA Symposium 2013 at West Palm Beach, Florida. This award recognizes those who have achieved excellence in the water park industry.

It was reported that with over 50 attractions, Ice Land caters to all age groups from the toddlers learning to swim to the water sports enthusiast seeking a thrill. It is proud to announce that to date, its clean, wholesome and complete family entertainment package was availed by more than 700,000 visitors.

Gigantic Home of Penguins

Inspired by the phenomenon of global warming, the experience at Ice Land Water Park is all about a new home land for the penguins along the coastal waters of Arabian sea. Extensively themed as Penguin Home Land, the park spread across an area of 103,000 square meters with several traditional attractions.

The park’s Penguin Falls is acclaimed as the world’s largest man-made water fall which stands at 120 feet tall and 540 feet wide with 100,000 gallons of water cascading down its contour each minute. This mighty falls is portrayed as an evolutionary extension of the Hajar mountains.

Peculiar Attractions

Besides the traditional water park attractions, Ice land offers top of the line thrilling experience at Penguin Bay, a 6000 square meter rain dance pool with stage, a place to dance and celebrate at the "Rock Hoppers Den" and "Disco Disco.”

The Rocky Polar Mountains boosts of the world’s largest assortment of 27 water slides emerging from 7 towers; the Arctic Waves, the largest wave pool with an area of 3,600 square meters; and, Pengu Pool, an olympic size swimming pool built to competition standards where penguins practiced for competitive swimming.

The kids will surely be amazed of the Coral Isle. In this snorkeling pool, global warming has seen a change in sea temperatures leading to coral bleaching and as portrayed, their survival at Ice Land is a blessing of nature.

It was also stressed that the baby penguin chicks wanted a place of their own and discovered the "Kids Cove", with shallow waters and gentle play areas – indeed, a dedicated kiddie water park of 12 water slides and attractions. The Eddy Pond, the new water park attraction and whirlpool experience,  is a mysterious under current which churn the still waters into spiral motion of vortex.

There are Tundra Baths. The Snow River passes through exciting caverns where a  melting glaciers and tidal waters found their way to the low lands and the mountain stream is tamed into a Lazy Rivers

Enjoy Polar Game which is akin to Arctic games with the first time ever regular soccer fields with soft turf, shallow water and rain showers for you to play Aqua Soccer in spite of inclement weather conditions.

 Top High Thrill Rides

At Iceland, you may enjoy high thrill rides, aggressive ride action requiring control and or strong swimming skills for in shape guests having no medical restrictions. Here is the list of rides facilities.

Go on top the Fury of Nature where raging snow storms, thunderstorms, typhoon and blizzards are.

At Mt. Tempest and Mt. Boomerango, experience glacial movement of advancing glaciers causing mass of earth and rock debris to form mountain rails glacier slides and cresto burrows.

The Mt. Cyclone is an exciting escape from the mountain through Dark Rapids, Avalanche Panic, and Arctic Hurricane made at the Iceber Rally and Aqua Shute. Be on alert with the striker, raider, and sortie at Mt. Attack.

Great Tornado and Cyclone are ways of life.

Relax and Dine

While at the park, pamper yourself at the Cabana and call it a place of your own for the whole day. It’s an air-conditioned shelter good for 8 persons with a private sun lounge, bed lounge, private dinging, mini-bar and locker.

Once hungry, just go to a food court with sea side seating for 650 covers offering multi cuisine fast foods. The Snow Castle Restaurant is a captivating spot overlooking the Arabian Sea offering a fine dining experience and The Platter altogether offer wide dining options from fast food to a fine dining experience.

The opening hours of the park from Thursday to Saturday are 10am to 7pm, Sunday to Wednesday from 10am to 6pm, and on Friday, it will be 10am to 6pm. 

The water park insists that visitors should wear swimming costumes. Swimwear should not contain buckles, zippers, snaps or other metallic things. Chains are not permitted and the long hair has to be tied up. Normal diapers should not be used, and the water park allows wearing swim diapers.

Panoramic View on the Rise

With Iceland now gaining popular attention and loyalty from locale and tourists, the management has set its eyes on expansions. WOW RAK is envisioned  to include amusement park, shopping mall and resort facilities. With a scenic, all-embracing view of the Al Hajar Mountains in the east and the Arabian Gulf in the North, the venue blends the picturesque beauty of the mountains and the spirit of the sea to provide a very rare setting for the water park. 

To enter the park, you have to buy tickets directly from the park itself or through online booking. Your ticket is your passport for unlimited use of park facilities. You can dance, eat and drink, slide and swim, and play at Iceland.

Discounted rates may be availed by corporate people for products launch, team building events, dealer meets and get together for employees. Celebrating your birthday will be a marvelous experience as you can select from various birthday packages.

What more? On ordinary days, workforces of the hospitality industry (hotels and airline employees) are free from paying admission fees.

Take your worries off your forehead. Experience rides and thrill-filled adventures to indulge in, swimming, slides and much more, come on down to Ice Land and join in on the fun! If you’re in Dubai, avail of the free pick-up at 10 am and drop-off from Dubai Shopping Center (next Deira City Center) and join tourists for an hour ride to RAK via an air-conditioned bus. Prior booking is required. For reservation, call 050 3944052.