Waitress feels the pinch

Dubai: Waitress Jocelyn Idioma knows there is a problem because these days many of her regular customers have stopped coming to the restaurant.

"And of course, people are not very generous while giving tips," says Jocelyn, summing up her understanding of the global economic crisis.

She came to Dubai barely a year ago to support her two children, aged 11 and 7.

"I have not been able to save anything yet. I was thinking that from this year, I would be able to. But it seems unlikely now," she says.

According to her, everyone is talking about the global crisis. "But what is it? I have no clue. All I know is many of my people from the Philippines living abroad have lost their jobs and gone back home. That is surely a crisis."

Jocelyn watches television regularly but is only interested in movies and songs.

"I do not watch news and hence do not know what is happening around the world. For me, I have no idea whether I will also lose my job. I really want to save up a bit."

Jocelyn sends Dh1,000 home every month for her children's expenses.

"I cannot miss on that. For other expenses, I am a little careful while spending. I always hear my guests talking about financial problems," says Jocelyn.