Expat Media. The Wear Your Culture Pilipinas is happening at Al Ghurair Center in Dubai on October 22 and 23. ARCHIVE

Filipinos are taking over Al Ghurair Center in Dubai on October 22 and 23 for the Wear Your Culture Pilipinas pop-up market and cultural event. The event is open from 10am until 10pm on these two dates. Here are nine reasons you absolutely must not miss Wear Your Culture Pilipinas:

Catch pop star Alira in action

Emirati pop star Alira will be the head judge of the singing competition where 12 finalists will battle for the title from 6pm on October 22. The Take Flight hitmaker has a surprise number at the end of the competition! It could be another viral Filipino ballad!

Shop Philippine-made products

This is your chance to buy unique Philippine-made products—from edibles to collectibles—brought exclusively to Dubai by Filipino artisans and Philippine businesses. Shoppers, the pop-up market awaits you!

Watch Masskara Dance Parade

Dancers in elaborate, colourful costumes will go on a parade to open the Wear Your Culture Pilipinas at 12pm on October 22. Similar to Brazil’s Rio Carnival, the Masskara Dance Parade by Lunhay will be a real riot of fun! Get your party mode on and your cameras ready!

Attend a free birthday party

Join the birthday fairies in one giant birthday party for some of the UAE’s less privileged children! As part of their long-running community outreach, Birthday Bliss, along with event organizer Events for Change UAE, will be giving a free birthday party at the mall to all young October birthday celebrants whose families can’t afford it. There’s going to be cakes, food and gifts for the celebrants and attendees between 2pm and 5pm on October 22. Find out more about Birthday Bliss here

Go on a free shopping spree for your wardrobe

We haven’t seen this done in Dubai before but the Clothes Swap from 12:30pm to 1:30pm on October 23 promises to be a whole lot of fun! Imagine swapping your old clothes for new-to-you ones! And just like that, your entire wardrobe, replaced for free!

Watch Filipino fashion show

Some of the top UAE-based Filipino designers will be showcasing their work in an elaborate fashion show starting at 6pm on October 23. Expect the amazing.

Sing and dance with talented Filipinos

When it comes to singing and dancing, you know Filipinos set the bar high. There's plenty of free entertainment on the main stage throughout the two-day event. Don’t miss the amazing intermission numbers of UAE-based talents G Expat Dancers, UFCA, The Paper Plane Band, Alvin Pancito, Pinoy DXB and G Swag.

Attend workshops and activities

There will be plenty of workshops on Filipino arts and crafts, as well as lots of activations and activities from 1:30pm on October 23! Perhaps this is your cue to pick up a new hobby or gain a new friend.

Get the latest updates from Philippine experts

Get inspired by Philippines-UAE updates straight from the experts at Philippine Consulate General, Philippine Business Council, Department of Trade and Industry and Dubai Tourism, who are set to take the stage at the opening ceremony just after the noon dance parade on October 22. ICA/Expat Media
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