Philippine comedian in Dubai sheds light on experience of Filipino workers in Middle East

Imah Dumagay’s jokes offer an unfiltered glimpse into the life, triumphs and challenges faced by the 2.2 million overseas Filipino workers

Many of them care for families or wait tables but face abuse and isolation in countries that often treat them as a disposable, low-paid workforce

Reading Time:3 minutes

Imah Dumagay left a white-collar career to venture into comedy. Photo: YouTube

Published: 9:19pm, 10 Aug 2021Updated: 10:44pm, 10 Aug 2021

Peering out into the darkened audience of a Dubai bar, comedian Imah Dumagay leaned into the microphone and addressed the mistaken perception that many people have across the Middle East when they see a Filipino at a nightclub.

“I am from the Philippines, but I am not taking any orders tonight,” she said, drawing chuckles as her fellow nationals served beers and bar food at this rooftop bar in sight of Dubai’s Burj Al-Arab luxury hotel. “Where is that guy asking for water earlier? Sir, we are not all waitresses.”

She waited a beat and added: “But if you’re looking for a maid, I’m available on Saturdays. I’m very good at cleaning; I clean from the ceiling down to your jewellery box.”

Tucked within her slightly risqué set, Dumagay’s rapid-fire punchlines offer an unfiltered glimpse into the life, triumphs and slights faced by her 2.2 million compatriots.

They care for children, wait tables and otherwise power economies across the wider Middle East. Those Filipinos provide billions of dollars in remittances back to their families still living in the Philippines, but face abuse and isolation in countries that often treat them as a disposable, low-paid workforce.

“I want to kind of be a voice for them,” Dumagay said before a recent show. “When you use your platform, you send a message to people. Comedy is a great method to send your message across.”

Philippine stand-up comedian Imah Dumagay. Photo: Facebook

Dumagay, 38, of Mindanao, worked in Dubai for years before deciding to leave her job to pursue comedy full-time. That is not an easy task in this skyscraper-studded tourist destination where most bars and nightclubs focus more on drinks and music than variety shows.