Official holiday declared for Thursday, May 2, 2013

Finally, the million dollar question finally got an answer and thanks to HM Sultan Qaboos for this 3-day weekend we're about to enjoy by both public and private sectors. This holiday was declared in order to make the transition from a Thurs/Fri weekend into Fri/Sat. So now Oman will be enjoying the weekends similar to what all GCC countries are enjoying, except for Saudi Arabia which is also planning to make the same move.

I asked a Muslim colleague if their juma/sabbath day will also change to Saturday due to the transition, but I was surprised as I didn't know that Friday will always remain to be their holy day whatever change there may be. Obviously still so many things I don't know about Muslims. Anyway, found out that our church isn't changing sabbath day as well, so will remain on Friday.

PCO Youth Garage Sale on 10th May 2013

PCO Youth Garage Sale will be held to help raise funds for a mission trip to the Philippines this summer. As I have stated in my earlier post, anyone who would like to donate money or any usable items are very much welcome. Just drop off the things in Ruwi or Ghala church compound, or you may contact Jess at 99260146 or Andre at 93658059.

Garage Sale Donations for Mission Trip Fund Raising in PCO Church

Our PCO church is accepting donations (money or any usable item) until 10th May 2013 for raising funds for their mission trip to the Philippines. All usable items will be very much appreciated as it will be sold in the garage sale. The money that they will be able to raise will be used to help poor people in a local community in the Philippines, and church.

If you are leaving Oman for good and would like to donate items for the Youth Mission Trip in the Philippines such as household items, linen, electrical items, books, clothes, toys, etc. please contact Jess at 99260146 or email jess.pco@gmail.com. Garage Sale is on May 10th from 8am – 1pm then 4-8pm.

Justin Bieber concert in Oman cancelled

Sorry for the Beliebers fans in Oman but the concert will not push thru. Apparently, the show which was supposed to be held in Muscat on May 6th was moved to Dubai for his 2nd concert as there are much more die hard fanatics of Justin in the UAE. ;)

Here is the offical word from Alive Entertainment.

JUSTIN BIEBER BELIEVE TOUR MUSCAT MOVED TO DUBAI

16 April, 2013 –Muscat, Oman:

Alive Entertainment regret to announce that the Oman show will no longer take place due to overwhelming regional demand a second show in Dubai has today been announced for May 5th.

Ticket holders for Oman who purchased online from Box Office ME will be contacted directly and will either be able to avail of swapping their tickets to equivalent concert tickets to the new Dubai date or get a full refund. Valid tickets purchased from other channels can be exchanged or refunded at MacKenzies Cafe & Deli in MQ before April 22nd. 

Dubai gig details: www.boxofficeme.com
Tickets www.boxofficeme.com
Refunds: gigs@aliveoman.com

Entertainer Oman Book

The Entertainer book is actually a coupon book (full of buy one, take one free vouchers) of different hotels, cafes, restaurants, etc. with offers on food/dining, attractions, leisure activities, spas, and so much more. As of now, the price of an Entertainer Oman 2013 book is worth 29.5RO, but usually, when they're about to sell the book before the start of the year it should be used for, they'll give a 10-15% discount if you purchase online which is better if you want to save more. Each merchant offers 3 coupons.

When using some of the coupons especially for dining, you can use 1 coupon per visit or if you have friends with you as a group, every 2 persons can use 1 coupon, 4 persons can use 2 coupons, and so on..

If you're not that big of a spender or on dining outside but still want to have a feel of this book, I suggest you can share the cost with a friend or 2 and just divide the amount and coupons among the 2 or 3 of you. In that case, you were able to: 1) save on buying the whole book, 2) get to try the offers and save once again on the meals and other offers, and 3) great excuse if you haven't tried some of the merchants like me who doesn't really go to hotels just to dine, then this is my excuse to try hotel's restaurants. :D

If you still haven't purchased one, its not yet too late to get this book.

For more information on all the books they have all over the world, check out their website: www.theentertainerme.com

Alatool Muscat

This is one of the sites I mainly check for getting good deals (well, aside from my Entertainer 2013 book). This site is trusted as I've purchased quite a few food deals from here like the Just Grilled promo where I paid worth 0.500 Baizas for 2 mini slider burgers + Mint drink, worth it right? I also purchased the Golden Orxy restaurant voucher worth 5RO but that was good for a food bill worth 10RO, and some more. So guys, if you want to buy something, make sure to check this site first as they offer lots of items, from mobile phones to cleaning services, foods, as seen on TV products and a lot more.

For more information, you can check out their website: www.alatoolmuscat.com

Happy buying!

Table Top Sale at BSM on 2nd May 2013

MAKE SOME MONEY FROM ITEMS YOU NO LONGER WANT OR COME & HAVE A BARGAIN!

What: TABLE TOP SALE AT THE BRITISH SCHOOL MUSCAT
When: THURSDAY, 2ND MAY 2013 / 8-10:30 AM

• Entrance fee for buyers is 500 Baizas per adult and children can enter for free
• Sale will be held in the bottom carpark at BSM
• Tables cost 10RO each: To book a table, please place your contact details & 10RO in an envelope & give to ANGELA at the British School Reception
• Tables in the shade will be provided and limited number of clothes rails available

 For any queries, please contact SUE on 98226174

GAP in Muscat City Center is on Sale up to 50% off from 10th April 2013

GAP fans, hurry now to Muscat City Center to see what's on Sale. We went there last Thursday, but didn't buy anything as we're trying to resist any sort of temptation for now (saving for something else.. haha). I asked a staff up to when will the sale be and he said for a month, so expect it to be there until around 2nd week of May. ;)

First ever Tagalog movie "It takes a man & a woman" in Oman's cinemas on 18th April 2013

Yes fellow Kababayans, the rumor is true! City Cinema in Oman will be screening the movie of John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo entitled "It takes a man and a woman" on April 18 in their Shatti Qurum and MGM branches. I believe that this is the first time that a Filipino movie will be showing in cinemas, so a good move there, and I hope that this is just the beginning of more good movies to come. 

As of now, it is still under the "Coming Soon" category, and let's just hope that ticket prices will be lower than 4RO so more Filipinos can watch. 

"It takes a man and a woman" is the tandem's 3rd romantic/comedy movie playing their previous roles as Miguel "Miggy" Montenegro and Laida Magtalas. Their previous movies were "A very special love" and "You changed my life".

I've heard that simultaneously, this movie will be aired in TFC's pay per view and will be playing for 24 hours if you do subscribe, can be watched my more people or by the whole family, and at whatever time they may want to -- a cheaper option. But then for people like me who didn't bother subscribing to TFC, then a first movie date in MGM would suffice. :D

For more information, you can visit their website: www.citycinemaoman.net

OR 

like them on facebook: City Cinema Oman

OR

download their app from the Apple App store or Android Play store 

Here's a preview from their official trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADgo3rGmbPk

Climbing Charity Event on 11th April 2013

OPEN CLIMBING DAY at the Wall for The Children of Jebal Shams ...Because giving Rocks!! THURSDAY, APRIL 11TH 2013 DOORS OPEN: 11am - 5pm ADMISSION: 4 OMR ATTIRE: Shoes with toes covered, loose clothes LOCATION:The Wall in Al Khuwair Way # 4509, Building # 1003 CONTACT NO: 2448 4559 or 2448 5663 For more information, email at marie@holiday-in-oman.com / justin@holiday-in-oman.com / info@holiday-in-oman.com / instructor@holiday-in-oman.com OR Visit their facebook page: TheWall Climbing Centre (Oman) THE CHILDREN OF JEBAL SHAMS The Children of Jebel Shams’ is a charity project set up to promote education and reading in the remote areas of Jebel Shams, the highest mountain in Oman. Through generations several villages have remained spread out over the mountain often with little or no access to proper education.

These days the children attend government schools in the nearby town of Al Hamra, but getting there is still an arduous daily journey. The result is that many children drop out of school early and stay in the village to help their family tend the goats and sheep, trying to supplement their family’s income by selling home-made key rings and hand-woven rugs to the tourists.

It is not only the tiresome journey at the back of a pick-up truck down the mountain in the early hours of the morning, but the struggle of having to keep up with a world of education where computers and internet is as normal to the other children as the spinning of wool is to the children of Jebel Shams.

To help the children make learning and education a nice experience through facilitating books, stationery and computers directly to the villages, it encourages the children to attend and stay in school.

Contact 'The Children of Jebel Shams’
Rachael MacIver
maciverterry@hotmail.com

Mutrah Souq Treasure Hunt on 25th April 2013

Do you want to have fun with your family or friends?
Do you want to discover hidden stories of the Mutrah Souq?
Come and join the treasure hunt and be one of the first to discover the brand new map of the souq made by the Centre for Omani Dress!

Registration costs 25RO per team (2-4 people, age 12+)

For more information, you can visit their website: http://www.centreforomanidress.com/

OR

Facebook page: Museum of Omani Dress

Muscat Mums Yard Sale on 11th May 2013

Come one, come all! For all of you guys looking for a bargain especially for baby items, then this is the place to visit. This time the yard sale will be held indoors on Saturday from 9-11 am at the Dolphin Village Banquet room.

The Muscat Mums yard sale is an excellent chance to have a good clearout of all the stuff you no longer need and sell it off to those who do need it. Also a chance for a browse, to grab some bargains and catch up with a few people.

Sellers 

- The sale will start at 9 am (set up for stall holders by 8 am) and will finish at 11 am
- You can sell anything, old / new, baby kit, toys, clothes, crafts, baking, household items, anything as long as it is legal. Just bring along a wadi mat or table to display your stuff
- Muscat Mums members will get priority and it will be free
- Non Muscat Mums members will be charged 5RO
- Pitches are allocated on a first come, first serve basis.
- To book a pitch please send an email to yardsale@muscatmums.com

Buyers

- Everyone is welcome. Bring your friends and housemaids, spread the word!

Muscat Mums

Muscat Mums is a non-profit informal social and support group for expecting mums and mums of pre-school children. Mothers (and Fathers!) of all nationalities are welcome to join Muscat Mums.

Muscat Mums is a voluntary organisation aimed at supporting and facilitating the relationship between mothers and children, providing opportunities to promote the physical and social development of infants and children, and also enhancing friendship and support between mothers.

For more information, you can visit the website: www.muscatmums.com

And you can also request to join the Closed group facebook page Muscat Mums (Please note, its MUMS, not MOMS). You can get loads of information and advice from this page, even buy or sell child-related items up to approximately 12 years old (I repeat, child-related items only as the admins have made restrictions here in order to avoid the page from being flooded with so many furnitures for sale, services, etc. or repeated ads thus losing the main purpose of the group), find activities for your kids to do, and so much more.

I suggest mums in Oman, especially new ones or new to Oman do join officially and by that, I mean paying a fee of only 5RO (as to date) as the benefits are worth it. Here are some reasons why you should join:

• You can be added in the Muscat Mums Paid Members only facebook group. In this group, there are no restrictions on whatever items you want to sell be it furniture, appliances, clothing, or anything you wish.
• You can borrow any item from the Lending Library with a minimal fee - large toys (bouncy castles, etc.), toys, baby gear, cake tin, books & DVDs, and premature clothes (which are hard to find in Muscat)
• Once you're added to the mailing list, you will receive a monthly bulletin which includes information/announcements for Muscat Mums. You can also advertise or submit any write up which will be helpful to any of the sections in the bulletin
• You can get to attend play dates and group meetings depending on your child's age group (Bumps: expectant moms, Bumps & Babes: newborn-1 year old, Scallywags: 1-2 year old, Cheeky Monkeys: 2-3 year old, Twins & more: babies of multiple birth) 
• You have access or be invited to special events such as Easter egg hunt, Christmas party, Mums night out, etc.
• Lastly, you can get to know more mums just like you in Oman. :)

Akon Live in Oman on 11th April 2013

R&B and hip hop artist Akon is also coming to Oman! Hope you were able to buy your tickets at Al Fair. ;)
For more information on the event, please go to their main website: http://akonliveinoman.com/

OR

the FB event page: www.facebook.com/lightandshadowllc

Justin Bieber live in Oman on 6th May 2013

For all of you avid Belieber fans out there, well here's a great chance to see him perform live in Muscat on 6th May 2013! If I was such a fanatic, I'll surely grab this opportunity because compared to watching concerts back in my home country, I think its more relaxed and comfortable watching in Oman, and I'm sure the number of people who would be watching a concert like this back home would maybe be double, or even triple than here (Yes, that's how obsessed they could be when it comes to their idols especially the young ones). Anyway, if they could reunite and bring the Spice Girls to perform here, that I might consider watching. :D

Anyway, I hope you were able to get your tickets as Im sure it would've been sold out already. ;)

For more info, visit the official website: www.justinbieberoman.com

Redbull Soapbox Race in Oman on 18th April 2013

Hey guys.. if you're up for something exciting to do for this coming Thursday, April 18th 2013, why not head towards Bausher Sand Dunes at 2pm for some fun watching the Red Bull Soapbox race event where non-motorized, creative-looking carts are to participate as they go downhill. These carts will be judged based on their creativity, speed and showmanship as detailed in the website. Well, we should be ready to see some crashing and parts flying in the air, I just hope "no one" will be flying though. Best of all, entrance is free!

I've read that it was supposed to take place in Dayqah Dam at an earlier date but they had to cancel and change the location due to maintenance in Dayqah Dam. The change I believe is much better as it came closer to Muscat, so hopefully more people can go and watch.

If you want to have an idea on what to expect during the race, then you can check youtube for old videos of the race which took place in different countries.

For the main information, you can visit the website - http://www.redbullmea.com/cs/Satellite/en_MEA/Red-Bull-Soapbox-Race-Oman-Phase2/001243325458756

or the Facebook event page - https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/480360178661897/



Below are some cute and funny photos posted at the facebook event page, couldn't resist grabbing and sharing it with you guys. ;)

See you there! ;)

Weekend in Oman to be changed from 1st May 2013

Yes its official as I saw it in Times of Oman newspaper already. Currently, Oman is following the Thursday & Friday weekend (just like its neighboring Arab country Saudi Arabia), and due to the recent Royal Decree from His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, it will be changed into Friday & Saturday starting this 1st May 2013.

Good move by HM I believe in order to follow other GCC countries' weekend especially for those in the banking world. For us non-Muslim, that doesn't really change anything, but atleast planning a trip to other GCC countries and visiting friends would be great since both will enjoy the same weekends.

Other than that, HM has also stated that number of holidays for both the public and private sectors will be equal in order to remove the gap between both sectors which I believe is the best part especially for those people who are in the private sector and have been complaining for years already. Something good right? ;)

I would say that Oman is really blessed to have HM Sultan Qaboos as their leader as he is always looking after the welfare of his people, and I pray that God would continue to bless and guide him. And its not only Omanis who are blessed because of this, but also expats like us who are working in Oman for we are able to enjoy the same benefits such as these. Of course Omanis do enjoy a lot more, but a little bit of rain for us is more than enough.