Several weeks ago, we shared about the search for the UAE’s Best Nanny Awards 2017, which was brought to us by Rise, a start-up firm based in Dubai. The grand prize is 1,000,000 in the winner’s home currency or AED 50,000 (whichever is lower). Almost 500 nannies were nominated for the grand title.
When we inquired with Rise, they told us that 26 finalists – coming from different countries – were chosen based on a social media poll and an expert panel. And the top three winners are… from the Philippines! What’s more, two Filipina nannies received special mention awards.
This Year’s “Best Nannies” are from the Philippines
This is the second time that Rise held the UAE’s Best Nanny Awards. “This is our way of giving back to the most deserving people,” stated Padmini Gupta, Co-Founder and CEO of Rise. According to her, their aim is to reward “one of the most neglected sections” of the community.
The “best nannies” were determined based on four important criteria, i.e. the ability to:
- Build a caring and nurturing environment for the child/children
- Instill a healthy eating and nutrition plan
- Support the child/children’s learning and development
- Understand child safety and emergency handling
Winners of the UAE Best Nanny Awards 2017
Among this year’s finalists, three nannies from the Philippines bagged the first, second, and third place, respectively. In addition, two Filipinas gained special awards as well. Here they are…
UAE’s Best Nanny 2017:
This year’s top award goes to Melanie Manansala from the Philippines. Her awesome prize includes PHP 1,000,000 and a plane ticket for visiting back home, courtesy of Air Arabia.
Image Credit: Rise FB Page
First Runner-Up:
Also from the Philippines, Demefel Balicog-Polinar is this year’s first runner-up. Judges describe her as “energetic, enthusiastic, and with a great sense of humour.”
Image Credit: Rise FB Page
Second Runner-Up:
Beth Seno is a Filipina nanny who has been working in Dubai since 2010. Described by the judges as “humble, dedicated, and thoughtful,” she is this year’s second runner-up.
Image Credit: Rise FB Page
Longest Serving Nanny:
This special award goes to Erlinda Bechayda, who started taking care of a little girl 27 years ago. Today, the girl is all grown up with children of her own – and Erlinda is still taking care of the family! Judges describe her as “caring and loving, with a heart of gold.”
Image Credit: Rise FB Page
Rise Impact Award Winner:
This award recognizes a nanny who has made a “life-changing impact” on a child. And so, it is not surprising that it goes to Jolibee Banico, a Filipina nanny who lovingly cares for a special young boy who is confined to a wheelchair.
Image Credit: Rise FB Page
Congratulations to all the winners! We are proud to see our fellow Pinoys being awarded for their hard work. We also commend Rise for recognizing nannies who have sacrificed their time – caring for other families as much as they care for their own families back home.
And speaking of nannies… if you are an expat who is just planning to hire a nanny for your kids, check out our guide about how to sponsor a maid or nanny in Dubai.
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