An Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) commissioned a Filipino artist to paint a mural of the present and past leaders of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on a basketball court in Sta. Cruz, Manila to pay tribute to their support for the Philippines and generosity to migrant workers.
The tribute basketball court in Sta. Cruz, Manila painted with the images of the present and past leaders of the United Arab Emirates to honor their support for the Philippines and generosity to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). (Photos courtesy of Bong Son)
Manito Hwang, a philanthropist, said the mural was their way of acknowledging the profound impact of UAE leaders on the lives of countless Filipinos through their exceptional leadership and generosity.
The mural artist, Maya Car Andang, painted the images of UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, former President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Dubai leader Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Emirati politician Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.
The mural was painted on the open basketball court on Lope De Vega Street in Sta. Cruz, Manila. The location has a lot of significance as most of its residents started to live better lives after working in the UAE. They are also avid basketball enthusiasts.
"Marami dito sa Lope De Vega ang sinukuan na ng pag-asa pero simula ng makapagtrabaho sa UAE ay biglang nabuhay ang pag-asa at ‘di na bumalik sa dati nilang bisyo. Sa awa ng Diyos ay maganda na ang buhay nila. Kaya naman on behalf of the Filipinos na nagbago ang buhay ay isang pasasalamat na rin ang mensahe ng [mga] ipinintang larawan (Many people in this area already gave up and lost hope but since they started to work in the UAE, their hopes were revived and by the grace of God, they are now living a good life. The mural is a testament to how their lives changed through their employment in the UAE. We want to thank the UAE leaders through this art),” Hwang said.
Hwang added that the artwork is a testament to the unwavering support extended by the UAE to the country during crucial times - typhoons, earthquakes, and other calamities.
The UAE had always been one of the first to extend help to the country by providing aid to Filipinos affected by calamities, such as the 2018 and 2020 Taal and Mayon volcano eruptions.
The UAE's donation of around 100,000 Pfizer vaccines against Covid-19, RT-PCR machines, and numerous opportunities for Filipino nationals in their country, are also being acknowledged.
"We extend our deepest gratitude to the United Arab Emirates and its revered leaders for their compassion and generosity that have touched the lives of millions," Hwang said.
"This tribute is a reflection of the enduring bond between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates, showcasing our profound appreciation for their selfless support," he added.