Even though they are far from the Philippines, many Filipino Catholics living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are still keeping their Lenten traditions strong. Lent is a special time for Christians when they remember how Jesus Christ suffered, died, and rose again. It’s a season of prayer, fasting, and reflection.
Even in a mostly Muslim country like the UAE, Filipinos are allowed to practice their faith freely, and they are thankful for that. Let’s meet some of them and learn how they keep their Lenten practices going—even abroad!
Billy Azarcon: A Devoted Dad on a Faith Journey
Billy lives in Abu Dhabi and works as a document controller. He’s been in the UAE for almost 20 years. Every year during Lent, Billy and his wife join Couples for Christ, a Catholic group, to visit churches in all seven Emirates—this is called a pilgrimage.
They also:
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Don’t eat meat on Fridays
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Attend the Stations of the Cross (a prayer walk remembering Jesus’ last steps)
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Go to confession to say sorry for sins
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Celebrate Palm Sunday together as a family
Even Billy’s eldest daughter helps out in their church in Abu Dhabi!
Raquel Arsenio: Starting Lent with Ash Wednesday
Raquel is from Iloilo and works as a cost control engineer in Abu Dhabi. She makes sure to go to church on Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Lent. She gets a cross of ashes on her forehead—a reminder to be humble and kind.
Even though she’s busy with work, Raquel always finds time for church. She’s thankful her church uses social media to keep people updated about Mass schedules and activities.
Ridel Sozalo: Embracing Lenten Traditions as a Family
Ridel, who is from Agusan del Norte, works in HR. She and her husband are attending a Lenten retreat in Ras Al Khaimah this year. They also do Visita Iglesia, which means visiting several churches during Holy Week.
Some of the churches they visit include:
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St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi
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St. Mary’s in Dubai
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St. Paul’s in Ras Al Khaimah
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Many others across the Emirates
Ridel said that Lent in the UAE still feels close to how it is back home in the Philippines—just with some small differences.
Stephanie Pangco: First Lent Abroad
Stephanie moved to the UAE last year and works as a procurement assistant. This is her first time experiencing Lent outside the Philippines. She plans to attend Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday Mass at St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
She says that even though it’s her first Lent abroad, it’s not hard to keep the tradition because there are lots of Filipinos and freedom to worship.
Chier Ann Serano: A Methodist Keeping the Faith
Chier Ann is a data entry worker and a Methodist Christian. Her family uses the Lent season to remember Jesus’ Last Supper, death, and resurrection.
They do things like:
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Wash each other’s feet (a symbol of humility)
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Reflect on the Seven Last Words of Jesus
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Attend Good Friday and Easter services
Though she misses her family back home, she continues to honor the season with deep faith.
Honey Mae Biscocho: Teaching Lent at Home
Honey Mae is from Batangas and works as an admin professional. She says observing Lent is harder in the UAE because of different work schedules and having small kids. But she still teaches her children the meaning of Lent and makes time for prayer and reflection at home.
Even if they can’t fast like they used to, Honey says the most important thing is to remember Jesus’ sacrifices and live with love and kindness.
Julie Ann Ferniz: Staying True to Family Traditions
Julie Ann has lived in the UAE for 11 years. She still follows the Filipino tradition of not eating meat for one whole week during Lent. She attends Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday Mass, although back in the Philippines, her family attended every Mass during Holy Week together.
She says things aren’t as strict in the UAE, but the meaning of Lent stays strong in her heart.
Final Thoughts
Even if they’re thousands of miles away from the Philippines, Filipino Christians in the UAE continue to honor the spirit of Lent. Through prayer, church visits, family traditions, and support from fellow believers, they keep their faith burning bright—just like they would back home.
