At the top of Burj Khalifa, you see an astounding view of a thriving city – glittering skyscrapers, bizarre man-made islands, innovative intertwined highways! Dubai is marvelous! And when you look further ahead, you see a vast desert land and there you realize that the wide horizon can actually represent one thing, there is still much room for growth!

Who is Lady Anne…

My name is Lady Anne Bitamor-Abit. I am a Medical Laboratory Technologist and a Travel Blogger. I was born and raised in Silay City, Negros Occidental. I am an only child, well-loved and very dependent to my parents; hence, I found myself seeking for an environment where I can hone my life skills independently a couple of years after college.

I searched for work opportunities abroad, and one of the positive replies I received was from my cousin who lives in Dubai. He gave me the opportunity to visit UAE. I grabbed it without second thoughts and went on with my journey mainly for self-discovery.

You developed a passion to travel, and eventually, blogging…

I consider traveling as one of my tools for personal development. When I travel, I step out of my comfort zone. I get to meet and interact with people, sample different types of cuisine, and experience new cultures.

I created my blog, Lady and her Sweet Escapes, mid-2012 for my friends who often ask for travel tips, directions, and restaurant suggestions. Having a personal blog that they can access 24/7 is the most convenient way of sharing my thoughts and experiences. Here I can write about the things I hoped for, my dreams and I consider it as a venue to promote positivity… and, to showcase living life to the fullest!

Pettit and silent, being recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf…

Because of my blog, I was noticed and featured in various publications and websites. I was also interviewed by Today of NBC News, Dubai OFW website, and The Filipino Times. Yes, recently, I was featured in Illustrado Magazine’s 2017 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf issue.

Several websites have also considered me as an influential travel and expat blogger. Surprisingly, my blog was named as a Top Expat Blog in Dubai by InterNations in 2013, and as a finalist in Expat Star Awards 2014.

Being included in Illustrado Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf for 2017 is an honor and a humbling experience. I am grateful that my person and passion for what I love doing was recognized. On the other hand, it humbled me to be on the list with the people who serve and empower Filipinos. They are a source of inspiration to me. I, too, desire to offer to others a better version of myself by living concretely the values I hold dear.

Burj Kahlifa a symbol to those who dream to be over the top…

The journey to the observation deck of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower is meaningful! You start at the base where you discover Dubai’s past as a small fishing village. Moving to the next level, you see the passion for growth. To reach the top, you take the high-speed elevator and experience a whirlwind of emotions. Ears pop and you’ll feel a little queasy, but you carry on because you are excited to see what lies ahead.

Then, you arrive to an astounding view of a thriving city – glittering skyscrapers, bizarre man-made islands, innovative intertwined highways! Dubai is marvelous! And when you look further ahead, you see a vast desert land and there you realize that the wide horizon can actually represent one thing, there is still much room for growth!

The life of unity and the universal values of the Focolare lived with Ed…

I was officially introduced to the Focolare Movement only two years ago in Dubai, but I have been married to Ed for almost 7 years. And being with a person who lives out the ideals of the Focolare made life simpler and easier to understand. One of the things I have learned from him is to live the present moment. Focusing on the things that I can do today, letting go of the past and not worrying about the future have made me more productive and less anxious.

And by being rooted in the present moment I can be more available to each person I meet and come in contact with. I have yet to understand the whole concept of the movement; hence, I have been attending meetings with the Focolare community in Dubai.

I am truly amazed on how a group of different nationalities embraces the life of unity and universal brotherhood. And living in Dubai – a melting pot of races, this is exactly what I need; a community where I can learn, appreciate, and respect other cultures.

An inspiring word…

Stay true to who you are and be passionate in what you do. Use social media, not just for self-expression, but as a portal to help and inspire other people.

Interview by Romé Vital