On The Spot With: Damian Pilarski

Damian Pilarski, who works at ‘Serendipity Artisan Café Bar’ in Omagh, is ‘very proud’ to be among the kind-hearted people of Tyrone who have been donating and collecting supplies to send overseas to the refugees of war-torn Ukraine.

A native of Kalosz, Poland, Damian told the Tyrone Herald that he has ‘heard from back home’ that ‘there are a lot of Ukranians coming over the border to Poland in need of help’. “So, anything and everything that people have so generously given to our appeal at Serendipity really will help,” he said.

If you could be invisible for a day, what would you do?

That’s an interesting question. From all the things that are appropriate to say publicly, I would say… Oh wait, there is nothing! Haha. But seriously, I would definitely be enjoying first class flights to places that I would love to visit. Then I would do some funny things to make others believe in ghosts.

What is your least appealing habit?

I would do anything to stop biting my nails. I’ve tried many things, but the only time my nails looked normal was during my three months work experience in Holland. There was no stress, and no worries. That was the best three months of my life. Then I came back to reality and almost ate my whole hands.

What is your greatest trait?

I think my sense of humour helps me a lot. Even in stressful situations I can turn everything into a joke, and turn a serious and uncomfortable scenario into easy to digest solution.

If you could ask God one question, what would it be?

Why is there so much hate in people?

Did you have a role model as a youth?

My granny. She’s the kindest, most giving, understanding person on earth, and even I will never be as amazing as her. I will always try to think ‘what would Granny Zofia do in this situation?’

How would you describe Tyrone to someone who has never been here before?

Full of beautiful places and people. It has that something that brought me and kept me happy for this past 14 years.

What are you watching on television?

I usually watch stuff on Netflix. I normally ask my friends for recommendations.

Tell us a song that reminds you of your childhood.

The Gummi Bears theme song reminds me of the excitement involved in waiting for my favourite cartoon.

Who is your favourite musician?

The one and only Conor McCann from Tattyreagh. He’s a very talented lad. My second best is legendary Miss Britney Spears, as everyone probably knows by now!

What is your favourite film?

‘Prayers for Bobby’, because I like a good cry now and then.

What is your favourite memory?

My favourite memories are always made on the beach where weather, food and banter are incredible. Blue lagoon in Malta is probably the one I’ve enjoyed the most so far.

And your saddest?

The saddest memory involves sickness in the family, but, as they say, there is always sunshine after the rain.

What makes you angry?

There are only two things that make me angry: The sound of my alarm in the morning, and the snooze button function in my phone.

Has there been a defining moment in your life that has got you to where you are today?

It was definitely a big step to move abroad, from Poland to Omagh. It has changed my life, and I wonder sometimes how my life would look had I never made that decision. I do believe that everything happens for a reason. If I had stayed in Poland, I would never met the amazing people that I call my friends now.

What is the most embarrassing thing you have done?

When I was younger, I decided to sing a Christmas song at Mass, thinking I had a beautiful voice. It turned out that I was wrong!

What is your most treasured possession?

When my granny found out that I got a car, she gave me a wee holy sticker with St Christopher’s Prayer on it. I believe it keeps me safe on the road.

Do you have a catchphrase?

Lately I’ve been saying, ‘I don’t know and I don’t care’, quite a lot!

What’s your tipple?

I’m off the booze now, but vodka would be the thing that helps me to make bad decisions.

Who would play you in a film of your life?

Visually, it would be Ben Affleck, but I don’t know how good he is with imitating accents, haha!

What has been your greatest achievement?

I would say the languages that I’ve learned. I learned Russian and German in school, and my English is ok too. I’m actually proud of being able to speak multiple languages.

What is your life’s motto (or favourite quote)?

‘If there is a will, there is a way’, because if you really want to accomplish something in your life, you will find a way to do so if you believe in yourself.

What song would you like played at your funeral?

‘Cry For You’ by September. The chorus would really show the seriousness of the situation.