My phone beeped with a text. It was way after work hours, around 9:10 pm. It was a stressful week, like any workweek when writers are pressed for stories while under unreasonable constraints. But I got some pride in my work.

The text was from Bob Yusof saying that he was available to do the interview.

It was one of the fastest turnarounds for an interview with someone I have ever had. And to think this man is one of the few who earned the title of artist and celebrity.

I initiated the text less than 12 hours before, requesting for an interview. I respect that he is a busy man. Fully expecting that the interview would be scheduled the week after, I was caught off guard by the respect I felt that Bob gave me in return.

He did not brush aside the idea of rescheduling the interview that I was offering, but he still pursued and offered to do the interview the same day.

When night fell, I thought nothing much of it. Until that text arrived.

We talked for over an hour.

Bob was generous with his stories, kind with his words, and modest with his personality. He even sent the pictures I needed that same night. I had to do the story right to repay his kind-heartedness. The result was this published story and I think I did a fairly good job.

Thanks to him, I met my nonsensical story quota of the week. I could only wish all my interviews were this easy. 

Bob Yusof Instagram