When a man was being mocked at for wearing a torn pair of shoes, there was one Filipino who decided to extend a helping hand.

Mark Ronald Melecio was saddened to see Rajkumar Kerthi, an Indian worker, with worn-out shoes and bought him a brand-new pair. The emotional encounter happened in 2014 when Melecio worked in Dubai and met Kerthi on his way to the Dubai Mall at Al Jafiliya metro station.

Melecio told The Filipino Times in an online interview that he approached Kerthi and learnt that he earned Dh1,200 a month as loader in a company. From his meager pay, Kerthi spent Dh450 for flat rent, Dh250 for food, and the remaining amount was sent to his family back in India to help them settle their debt. Kerthi also told Melecio that his father committed suicide in December 2013 due to the mounting debt on the family. 

Melecio was touched by the glum in Kerthi's eyes and bought him a new pair shoes to add a little cheer in his life. However, the kind-hearted Filipino never met his Indian friend after that as he returned to Cebu where he works as freelance account executive there. Melecio wishes to see Kerthi again when he returns to Dubai to meet his wife and 15-year-old daughter.

Although the incident happened four years ago, photo of Melecio and Kerthi resurfaced on the internet recently which they had clicked together. Hoping to meet Kerthi again, Melecio said, "My friend, it's been four years now since we last met. I never had a chance to meet you again after that. But thank you for your trust in sharing the story of your life to me. I know that the pair of shoes I bought had worn out, but I hope that it would always remind you that you have a friend in me and in every Filipino in Dubai."

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