Such a Lovely Place, Such a Lonely Place

A lot of Filipinos are still dying to get to Dubai, despite government's implementation of a more costly and strict visa and labor rules. Some would even sell their properties or mortgage their lands back home for a chance to work in Dubai. And why not? Dubai is probably one of the few places in the world where the global financial crunch is hardly felt. The lucrative construction and property business is making the night day and transforming the once all-sand city into an ultra modern oasis of soaring skyscrapers, magnificent artificial islands and center of entertainment, cultural, shopping and business activities.

Dubai is fast becoming a tourist's haven, just as what the government has wanted. Ten million arrivals in two years time, ambitious! But very achievable considering Dubai's current attractions and superlative offerings. Guiness should place an ofice here. Dubai is moving the earth to the seas and the seas inside the sprawling desert lands. Handsomely insane and ridiculously genius! That what makes Dubai different and lovely.

As development, at its grandest scale and scope, continue to shape and transform Dubai, thousand of jobs is also something that will not cease to continue. And that is what attracts thousand of Filipinos to leave their homes and their hearts for a piece of gold in the desert. The truth just hurts that what a Sales Manager can earn in the Philippines, can be received just as much by an ordinary salesman/saleslady here in Dubai.

But aside from sources of living, Dubai indeed has gone a long way from being a creek-based trading mecca twenty years ago. Now, it stands in the forefront of sustainable and landscaped engineering never to be found elsewhere. It is a newly built city founded on a resilient conservative culture. An amazing feat considering that modernity usually contradict the very source of Dubai's existence. But here it blends well and the result is an amazing kaleidoscope of people, buildings, nature and life.

But while a lot of people back home wishes to set their feet to Dubai with high hopes of landing a better job, one soul in this enticing land of sands, seas and sun is searching for purpose. While everyone else is pretty contended and basking their efforts in their highly prized jobs, he quit without reasons. Despite the immeasurable joys he could find with what surrounds him, he chose to see the minute details of what would make him uncomfortable and incomplete.

The thrilling sights that Dubai has to offer has passed before his eyes. In two days, the world's biggest shopping mall, the Dubai Mall, is opening to public. It would have been exciting to be there when it happens. But what will he do there? Buy clothes? If he does, who will tell him that he has chosen the right clothes. Take a picture of himself? Watch group of people passes by? He had enough of desolation and loneliness. The lovely place that is Dubai, with all its opportunities and wonders, isn't enough to brighten up his cold heart that has long longs for company.