OFW Interview with Apple, Flair Bartender in Dubai

Our next OFW interview features Apple, who has been living in Dubai for about 3 years now. He is currently working as a Flair Bartender for OUNCE Facilities Management LLC. Prior to this, he was a bartender for TGI Fridays at the Mall of the Emirates.

Due to his outstanding talent and skills, Apple has made a name for himself in the bartending world. He has won the World Bartender Championship in the Middle East region. What’s more, he had the honor of representing the UAE at the Asia Pacific World Bartender Championship held in Taiwan.

Behind all this success and achievement is a man who has great love for his family. As the father to a lovely pair of twins, Apple considers his daughters as his greatest inspiration. You can read more about his story in the following OFW feature:

Apple is an award-winning flair bartender based in Dubai.

OFW Profile: Flair Bartender in Dubai

Nickname: Apple Labuyo
Age: 30 years old
Current Profession: Flair Bartender, OUNCE Facilities Management LLC
College Course: Hotel Restaurant Management
Years in Dubai: 3 years

1. Tell me about yourself.

My name is Apple Tuvilla Labuyo 30 yrs old from Iloilo City Philippines. They called me Pol or Apple. Completed Hotel and Restaurant Management (2yrs). I’m working here in dubai as a Flair Bartender of Ounce Facilities Management.  Already 3years in Dubai. I started to work in TGI Fridays in Mall of the Emirates Branch I finished my 2years contract.
I was the First TGI FRIDAYS World Bartender Champion in Middle East and also Represented UAE in Asia Pacific World Bartender Championship 2015 held in Taiwan.  I joined in different various competition since I was in the Philippines. Won different title as well. Recentlly won in BOTTLE TIN IS KING CHALLENGE in Club of Asia and MAXX FLAIRTENDER CHALLENGE in CityMax Hotel and the last is Bottle Tin is King in Hard Rock Cafe ( Second Place ). I used to join also in Talentadong pinoy in TV 5, Pilipinas Got Talent and Its Show Time in ABSCBN Chanel 2. 
The source of my strength is my Family specially my twins. Im happily engaged.
Apple currently works as a Flair Bartender for Ounce Facilities Management LLC.

2. Why did you come to Dubai?

I came here to help provide for my family, especially for my twins. And also to help build our own house in Iloilo, Philippines.

3. What were your previous jobs?

I have worked as a waiter for three different restaurants in the Philippines. Then here in Dubai, I was a bartender for TGI Fridays at the Mall of the Emirates.
He has also worked as a bartender for TGI Fridays at the Mall of the Emirates.

 4. How do you find your current job? Are you happy/satisfied with it?

Sir Alberto Opena, the owner of OUNCE, discovered my skills and potential when I was still with TGI Fridays. I’m happy naman po because I learned a lot of things at marami akong nakilala at napuntahan na places here in Dubai, para mag perform and to show my talent as well.

5. Are you able to save in Dubai? Why/How?

Yes, sir. Nasanay na rin po ako mag-budget ng pera sa Pinas pa lang… Dito every salary, bina-budget ko na pera ko para sa pamilya ko sa Pinas, sarili ko, and savings ko.
Apple has won major awards in bartending.

6. Is it difficult to live in Dubai? What are/were your struggles? What’s life like outside work?

At first it was not easy to adjust myself sa lahat ng bagay. Pero habang tumatagal unti-unti ko nang natutunan ang laro ng buhay dito sa Dubai. Naging daan ko yung pagkapanalo ko sa World Bartender Championship sa buong Middle East. Lumaban din ako sa Taiwan to represent the UAE sa Asia Pacific World Bartender Championship.

7. What do you Like about Dubai?

Syempre, everybody knows that Dubai is one of the most famous cities in the world. Napakaraming nakaka-amaze na places and adventures na pwedeng puntahan, open and safe na country pa. Good thing pa dito is tax-free. Mas nakaka-save ako dito and mura ang ibang bilihin. I really Love Dubai!
He’s got major skills in bartending!

8. What do you NOT Like about Dubai?

Wala naman so far! Yung init is normal na lang sa akin every summer, kasi even in Pinas naman sa tirik din ng araw ako nagtatrabaho….hehe.

9. What are your plans in your career/family/future?

Gusto kong mag-grow pa yung career ko at mas marami pang matutunan at makuhanan ng mga idea… One step at a time, ika nga… Basta may tiyaga ka sa lahat ng bagay, makukuha at makakamit mo rin yung bagay na pinapangarap mo… Sa family, yun mapagtapos ko ng pag-aaral ang kambal kong anak at matapos ang bahay na pinapagawa ko para sa kanila. I also want to put up a business in the Philippines someday.

Apple’s greatest inspiration? His beautiful twin daughters!

10. You have any tips for Kabayans when working/finding work/living in Dubai?

Tips ko para sa ating mga kababayan na OFW sa lahat ng sulok ng bansa… Maging matiyaga lang tayo at mahalin ang ating mga trabaho… Normal lang na maka-experience tayo ng mga hindi maganda. Isipin nyo na part lang yan ng pakikipag-sapalaran natin for us to be stronger para sa ating mga pamilya. Gawin natin silang inspiration. Mag-save tayo ng pera natin. Isa ito sa pinaka importante. Alagaan natin ang health natin dahil ito ang pundasyon natin. Pray tayo, always have faith in God at sa mga sarili natin.

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*Photos provided by Apple

Are you an Expat in Dubai? Do you want to be featured in the website? Send us an email telling us you want to be featured at admin@dubaiOFW.com and we will send you the set of questions! Let’s help other Pinoys who want to come to Dubai understand what life in the UAE is like through your story.