In a recently uploaded episode, “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” takes viewers on an adventure through Dubai, a city that has transformed from a vast desert into a booming metropolis. The episode, part of the show’s upcoming 20th-anniversary celebrations, marks the first time the team has visited the Middle East, highlighting Dubai’s unique blend of luxury, culture, and innovation.
Jessica Soho, the host, begins by marveling at Dubai’s rapid development, saying, “Once upon a time, there was a desert in the Middle East where all you could see was sand—sand here, sand there, sand everywhere. But who would have thought that after a few decades, from this desert, a very wealthy and progressive city would emerge?” This introduction sets the tone for an exploration of Dubai’s journey from a modest fishing village to a city of superlatives, known for its towering skyscrapers and opulent lifestyle.
The episode features several of Dubai’s iconic landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Soho describes the breathtaking experience of riding the fastest elevator globally, taking viewers up to the 125th floor in mere seconds. “From this vantage point, you can see its very top, the white part that looks like a needle point glowing,” she notes. The team also meets Filipino workers who helped build the Burj Khalifa, highlighting their pride in contributing to such a monumental project. “It’s a privilege to be here and representing as a Filipino,” one worker shared, emphasizing the significant Filipino community in Dubai.
Soho also explores Dubai’s luxurious lifestyle, including a ride on a private yacht, underscoring the city’s reputation as the “playground of the rich and famous.” She humorously reacts to seeing an amphibious car, saying, “Wow, it’s a car that can also go in the sea!” The episode also delves into Dubai’s historical roots in Old Dubai, showcasing traditional souks and water taxis, providing a contrast to the modern skyline.
The episode doesn’t shy away from Dubai’s more adventurous side. Soho and her team embark on a thrilling desert safari and camel ride, where she experiences firsthand the cultural significance of camels in the UAE. Reflecting on her desert adventure, Soho comments, “Dubai’s desert is the first desert I’ve ever set foot on, and I now understand why they call it an urban miracle of the modern era.”
Throughout the episode, Soho draws attention to Dubai’s incredible transformation and its connection to the Filipino diaspora, as hundreds of thousands of Filipinos have chosen to work in Dubai, seeking better opportunities and a more comfortable life.
Watch the episode below:
