"Folks, we have begun our descent to Ninoy Aquino International Airport where the current weather is 33 Degree Celsius and we will be in the gate in about 15 minutes, We'd like the flight attendants to prepare the cabin for arrival. And we want to thank you for flying with us today.."
Ugggghhhh! 15 minutes na lang. Mixed emotions ang aking nararamdaman. I am excited and at the same time afraid. I am excited to see Mom and Dad. Although yearly sila dumadalaw sa America, this time, I am definitely back for good. Afraid? Uhmmmmmmmm, afraid coz I don't know what's in store for me. Andami dami na nga kasing nangyari.
Wow! It's been 7 years since I last saw Manila. How time really flies.
"Honey, Wake up! We're here."
"Mom, I am still so sleepy"
"Don't worry Honey, you can continue sleeping once we get to the car. Dada and Mimay are waiting for us outside."
"Ok Mom!" Mahinahin nyang sagot sakin.
"Can you please hold this Honey? I just need to get our luggages. Thank you. " Inabot ko sa kanya ang passport naming dalawa habang pupungay pungay pa rin ang kanyang mga mata.
Kawawang bata. Halatang pagod sa byahe. Good thing hindi sya nahilo considering na first international flight nya ito.
"Thanks God. Our flight went so well." I could only sigh.
While walking to the Immigration, there are a few people who called my name. Some even said "Hi Mika. Idol!"
Kahit pala anlaki na ng suot kong shades, with matching bull cap - narecognize pa rin nila ako. Nakakataba ng puso na kahit pitong taon akong nawala dito, kilala pa rin nila ako.
Pero kinailangan kong umiwas sa mga tao. Pasensya na lang talaga sa kanila. Hindi ako ngumiti pero hindi rin naman ako sumimangot. Direcho lang ako sa paglalakad. Habang pahabol na sumasabay sa akin ang kasama ko. For one, may isang bata akong kelangang proteksiyonan.
Yes! I am a single mom. A proud Mom to a wonderful son, Micoi. He's turning 7, January 14.
Ako at ang pamilya ko lang ang tanging nakakaalam. Not even my closest friends knew about it. AND not even his very own father.
"Dada!!!!! Mamu!!!! Sigaw ni Micoi pagkakita sa Lolo at Lola nya. Takbo sya papunta sa kanila to give them a kiss and a hug.
"Welcome to Manila grandson! How was the flight?" Tanong ng Lolo Migs nya.
"Naku Dad, he was sleeping all throughout our flight. Gigising lang if he is going to pee." Humalik at yumakap din ako sa kanila.
"O tara na! Mamaya na tayo magkwentuhan at baka matraffic pa tayo sa daan". Singit ni Mommy.
"Kumusta Manong Jr? Lalo tayo bumabata ah?" Bati ko sa long time driver namin. Ngumiti lang sya sabay bitbit ng mga bagahe namin papasok ng sasakyan.
Habang tinatahak namin ang daan mula sa airport going to our house in Makati, I can't help but express my thoughts.
"Andami na nga talagang nagbago ano? Hindi ako makapaniwala na wala na yung dating squatters' area dyan sa lugar na yan. Daddy di ba dati sabi mo almost impossible na mapaalis sila kasi may nagpuprotect sa kanila?"
"Eh magaling yung mayor nila ngayon. Walang kinatatakutan. Marunong talaga, in every sense of the word.
"Sino ba ang Mayor nila ngayon?"
"Daddy ni Kiefer!" Walang kagatol-gatol na sagot ng Daddy ko.
