Most Filipinos who live in flats know about the horror stories of losing the meal they prepared to ghosts or “snipers”. We managed to interview Rany “Gold” Akol, a Filipino Hairstylist based in Abu Dhabi who, in his 10 years of work in the UAE, has lived in around 15 flats already.
“Buong Abu Dhabi yata naikot ko na since dumating ako dito noong 2008. Pero so far the best yung tinitirahan ko ngayon. Malinis ang building, tapos yung flat namin malinis talaga.” shares Akol. There were years when Akol lived with people who weren’t really keen on cleaning, even in their own places. “Minsan di mo maiiwasan ang mga tao sa flat na burara.” He went on to explain that they themselves clean their own rooms, including the comfort rooms which he stressed is very important to keep clean since all of the people who live in the flat use it.
If the living conditions here in the UAE surprised us right now with around 8-10 people in a room, Akol shared the “sardinas” that he saw on one of the flats he used to live at. “Unang experience ko yung ‘sardinas’ – imagine sa isang double deck, dala-dalawa tao dun, partner partner. Bale apat sa isang double deck, para lang makatipid. Noon yun around 2010.” shares Akol.
Na-“Sniper” ka na ba?
Akol still remembers when he was victimized by a “sniper” (someone who steals your food). “Dito di pa naman ako nawawalan ng gamit o pera, pagkain lang. Yung pagod na pagod ka, tapos gutom na gutom ka tapos pagdating mo sa bahay nakain na yung pinrepare mo para sa sarili mo. Pagdating mo nganga, kaya nag 360 ang dugo mo. Mawawalan ka na ng gana kasi magluluto ka pa, tapos ang mga ingredients, akala mo me mga kamatis pa, ang natira pala plastic na lang.” laments Akol.
Finding lifelong friends
Despite his experiences, Akol still managed to find friends who he’s proud to call as his “family”. “Nakahanap naman ako ng lifelong friends dito at in touch pa rin kami. Ganyan naman ang maganda sa flat e, parang isang pamilya lang. Sa flat namin okay naman – mga friendship naman sila at pamilya.” said Akol. He also mentioned that they all share their blessings, celebrations and triumphs in life despite the hardships they experience here in the UAE.
Meron mang ibang flat na may mga nakatira na walang pakialam sa mundo, sa flat naming okay naman, mga friendship naman sila at pamilya. Kung anong meron sila, nag s-share sila ng mga blessings, especially mga ulam ganun.
Words of advice for new flat-sharers?
“Dapat kailangan kung sa flat ka nakatira, Miss Friendship ka.” said Akol – he further said that it would be best to share whatever you have to foster a sense of togetherness as if you’re a family since no one else would be nearby to seek help from, especially if you live alone and no one is quicker to help out a Filipino than a fellow Filipino as well. (NB)
