From feeding sharks to drawing on sand

Alapide, who was then an aquarist for a popular five-star hotel in Dubai, said he enjoyed creating sand art so much it became a hobby. He would be seen heading to the beach on his day off or any chance he could get, waiting for the perfect low tide to create his next masterpiece.

His full-time job was also unique. He got to swim with the sharks and stingrays that he also feeds in a giant tank while visitors looked on. But it was sand art that had a different pull. 

“One day I got a call and the guy on the other line said, ‘Do you want to do this full time?” he said. The call was from Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

Alapide admitted he took his time before making a career move. “I had to think for a month because I was trying to balance [everything]. It's fun to take risks, 
but you have to take calculated risks as well,” he said.

It was a risk that paid off and he became the iconic hotel’s resident sand artist, sharing his art to groups of people who like to learn the art, as well as creating sand art memories for guests. He starts his day at 8am, doing sand art in the morning and afternoon when the tide is low, and interacting with hotel guests in between.

Creating his own job

He still finds it surreal, never imagining he would one day make a full-time job of art that he loves to do.

And he has created a niche for himself, effectively creating his own job. 

“I wasn't really planning on creating a job for myself but I just followed what I loved doing,” he said.

“I love doing what I do, creating things for people to share but at the same time I would get messages from other people who say I've inspired them. Knowing that you inspired people by doing what you love is really rewarding. I feel lucky and 
grateful,” he said.

What was the most memorable comment he has received?

“I was at the beach and creating my art when this old lady from Russia came up to me and said, ‘Ah, you make this beach special’,” he shared.

He plans on doing a sand art tour in the Philippines' most pristine beaches from June, when he heads home for a break. He also plans to take his art to the US.

“Art really brings people together,” he said.

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