The Negotiator

February 15, 2006 is a day to remember for me not because of its post-Valentine atmosphere; but because I had the privilege to sit and talk with one of IUJ’s respected alumni – Mr. Qais Saleh. I was very glad when he accepted my invitation for a meeting.  Our meeting that lasted for more than an hour at the Scarlett’s Café at the Emirates Towers in Dubai was very productive.

Mr. Quais Saleh is a product of Graduate School of International Relations (GSIR). He is living in Dubai for more than 3 years now and is managing Awtad Investments as Chief Investment Officer.  My experiences are not different from his.  He has been a Consultant for a long time before venturing into his own investment company.

The insights that Mr. Saleh have shared with me serve as inspiration for me to pursue my MA studies in International Development Program at the GSIR at IUJ.  Japan and ASEAN is not a strange place for me anymore; being part of the SSEAYP International Exchange program opened my understanding and gave me an opportunity to explore Japan and ASEAN. But the experiences and ideas that Mr. Saleh have told me gave me a new dimension in learning the country of Japan and what IUJ can offer to me as a student and as a future leader.  Our meeting was right on time, he just returned from his trip to IUJ.

February is a festive month especially for those involved in the flowers and chocolates business; as well as those in hospitality industry. The huge cue in flower shops; the non-stop calls for hotel bookings; and also the sales over the net are remarkably boosted. Valentine’s Day is one of the most celebrated occasions in the whole world. Countries with cross-cultural influence from the West like the Philippines have been leaning heavily on commercializing this event.

Valentine’s Day celebration in Dubai is not different from the West since people residing here are mostly expatriates. Being the Gold capital of the world, it has a big share on the occasion through the newly-made Dubai Flower Center in Dubai International Airport – a hub for growth for the floriculture industry in the 21st century. Hotels with their fine dining activities capture couples and tourists, as well.

While walking with my sister in Riqqa Street (as what we normally do) on the eve of the Valentine’s Day, we have observed that most of the crowd are couples having their romantic dinner. A few days back, different government and non-government organizations marched along Al Riqqa Street to promote AIDS awareness. Too much commercialization of Valentine’s Day promotes sexual promiscuity to the youth leading to unwanted pregnancies and abortion. Valentines does not come only on a good bouquet of flowers, hearty chocolates and a sumptuous dinner; it also brings heart aches and suffering; Suffering in terms of the physical, spiritual, financial and most importantly, emotional.

V-day is good if it affects married couples by bringing them closer together through the romantic mood. But if promotes extramarital affairs, then it is not good. In my personal point of view, I think that husband and wife should stay together. There are so many broken vows nowadays. Sadly, people falsely assume that broken marriages are normal in Dubai even though it should be not. The rates of broken marriages as well as the number of fatherless kids are increasing. But what I fear most is the alarming increase on the sale of prohibited drugs that cater to abortion.

Let us pray that God will save these nations and that God will always bless us abundantly and give us our hearts’ desire. Not to desire on the things of the world but to crave for more of His Words. 

"if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

It’s been 2 months since the last time I post on my blog. I was pretty occupied for the past weeks. I am struggling on many deadlines.  I have to submit my application to IUJ. Thanks GOD I was able to finalize everything on time.  I just have to mail it today.  Another thing that keeps me frenzied is the daily battles in the office. My desk was clogged; so many papers and submittals need to sort out. Not mentioning my guitar class as well as the youth group and choir practices that literally consume a lot of my time due to travel. Heavy traffic is my worst enemy these days. I have to fly to Sharjah for my Church activities as well as my extra curricular one.

I will try to post more exciting activities and experiences that happened lately. I pray that I will be free in the next few days to share to all of you those things… till next time…

“A faith that cannot be tested, is a faith that cannot be trusted” Sounds interesting??? We’ll share about this later… got a book - Don’t Curse your CRISIS….