#NoGoodbyes

In 2014, before attending the BOLD Talks Innovation event held at Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre (DUCTAC), “S” had asked me to see one of her friends. At first I made fun of his name, I thought “S” was joking. I tried to search for his stall during the break and after the event, but I did not manage to see him.

A year after, when I started joining “S” in attending social media events, I got to meet her friend that she wanted me to see back in 2014 and I am glad that I did meet that person.

Nowadays, it is very rare to find someone who has a positive outlook in life. During our camping at Al Aryam, I got to know him as a person. He recently lost his job but instead of complaining about it, he turned it into an opportunity. He deemed it to be the final push that will get him started on his long-planned journey of the world. While waiting for the day he leaves Dubai, he continues to be an inspiration and made use of his free time in a way where he can both earn money and work on his passion. As the founder of a sustainable journal crafting business, tirelessly he made use of his remaining time in Dubai to create and sell as much as he can. During our visit to one of his market event, I was proud to know that a fellow Pinoy ‘s craft is being sought after by different nationalities.

An Architect by profession, an Artist and a Craftsman by trade, it seems like anything he touches turns into a work of art. Regardless of pain and injuries he sustained making his creations, his passion never fades. He has a certain effect on people, he can change anyone’s mood from gloomy to fun and lively. He managed to reach a stage many would not have been able to do, even at the age of retirement. Sad to say that on Sunday, he would bid farewell to the country he called home for the last few years.

I would be glad to add him as one of my friends with benefits, (discounted ticket) for next year (this year is already allotted, unfortunately). My only condition is that he would get out of DXB during a transit and spend time to tell us about his journey.

I wish that someday, he would tell us the story on how he managed his finances because it will certainly be a good lesson for me and I am sure others as well. Who wouldn’t want to retire early – right?. I also wish that my daughter will grow up and have a friend just like the one her Mom have.

Happy trip and see you soon #nogoodbyes.

Who would have known that the person whose name I made fun of in 2014 would be the same person who will be an inspiration for me in 2016 and whose name I will be telling everyone about. A person named Kenneth Surat.