Next month my very good friend Rey Monreal will be leaving Doha for good - again! He left Qatar two years ago and went back to PI to look for better oppurtunities. But luck was not on his side that time. Well, not at all. After a year of no work, his Qatari employer took him aboard again and thus his love affair with the State continued.
I came to Doha in September 2004. Always a chicken, my first year here was short of good memories. I was afraid to go out alone and explore the city. If you know what I mean. It was just work and home. Church sometimes and City Center a lot. Movies shown in theatres were old - those I've seen in PI one year before I left for Doha. So my weekends before were barely enjoyed.
I met Rey at a cafeteria where he worked as a waiter. I was an engagement auditor then of Qatar Steel. His catering company served food to that company. Six years ago, finding a Filipino serving you food is such a joy - much more become your new friend. I really cherished those times where you are greeted first time by a kabayan at McDonalds souq or at KFC City Centre. Takes away the terrible homesickness. Anyways, Rey is a good worker. He remembers my favorite juice and gives extra servings of my food. Eating was my best friend those times so I loved such gestures!
He later introduced me to a schoolmate who has friends that eventually became my friends. Thus, the start of my new days in Doha. We hanged out a lot - weekends and weekdays. But after some time, our group vanished. Some went back to PI - some voluntarily and some forcibly. Some had broken ties with somebody. Some stayed but chose to live a quieter life.
When Rey came back to Qatar, he stayed in Al Khor, some 50 kilometers from where I live. I used to drive to his place to visit him - and his male friends. Hahaha! But after a while our work became too hectic. Or is it mine only? We don't see each other anymore. I wish to see him before he leaves Doha - again!
I wish Rey a more exciting and blessed life in this next chapter of his journey. Hope to see you in Manila in 2011.
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