Dubai consulate marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a Filipino handicrafts workshop as UAE pickleball clubs rally for cancer causes

The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai held a Filipino handicrafts workshop with Al Jalila Foundation's Majlis Al Amal on 26 October, while pink-themed pickleball tournaments in Abu Dhabi and Dubai raised cancer awareness.

The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai, in partnership with Majlis Al Amal by Al Jalila Foundation and in collaboration with Casa Filipina, held a Filipino handicrafts workshop on 26 October to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The Filipino Times reported.

Kalimbahin workshop

Dubbed "Kalimbahin: Filipinana Handicrafts Workshop", the gathering brought participants together for a hands-on activity showcasing Filipino handicrafts made from locally sourced and repurposed materials.

"Human compassion provides reassurance that no one should have to face life's most difficult moments by themselves," Consul General Ambrosio Brian Enciso III said. Nada Alhajeri, Manager of Community Engagement at Al Jalila Foundation, said such activities create "opportunities for connection, creativity and shared moments of joy".

Myrtle Verano, founder of Filipina Cancer Warriors UAE, said gatherings like these give members time with people who understand their experiences, describing how even a short gathering can offer a break from the challenges of living with cancer.

Pink tournaments on court

In Abu Dhabi, Picklebud Club (PKLBD) staged its Pink Awareness Tournament in support of OFW Cancer Warriors UAE, a non-profit group that assists cancer survivors, The Global Filipino Magazine reported. The event drew 64 competing players, while 122 PKLBD member-visitors turned up to watch.

• Elite division: Sherlock and Jenny won, ahead of Majo and ArEm
• Rookie division: Cherry R and Manilyn won, with Rowena and Liezel second

Organisers said the tournament aimed to raise awareness about cancer, encourage women to adopt fitter and more active habits and spotlight groups that help cancer survivors.

Earlier in the month in Dubai, the Al Nahda Picklers community held its 2nd Ladies Tournament at Sheffield Private School, dedicated to Pink October. "Better to be early than late!" the group said, urging women to prioritise routine health check-ups. Player Gerlie Saldivar said it felt good "to be part of something bigger than just playing pickleball".

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