The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), a branch of the Philippine government had a database of all Filipino citizens with legal cases or not and were recording Filipinos with criminal and civil cases; and other cases under their jurisdiction. Filing for passports and other government entities required this NBI clearance for the purpose of good standing as a Filipino citizen. It's situated along Taft Avenue corner United Nations Avenue that we parked the car in front of the building near the avenue.A crowd of people was forming the multitude of lines to get the clearance; more fixers were roaming around for getting paid transactions just for easy and quick release of the clearances. I had to hire one for us to do the job, and after ten minutes, Mike got hold of his NBI clearance without hardship.We traveled from United Nations Avenue going to Libertad Street near the US Embassy for Mike's passport. Again, the same volume of people was queuing the lines for this purpose. We prepa

After a minute, Roger was back with my suitcase and sports bag. We took off his pants and cleaned his bottom with my T-shirt through the penlight between my teeth, threw the bloodied shirt, and change to a new one. We tried to put on the pants and helped him stand. We went outside to the roadside and waited for a vehicle to pass by. I observed the place again; it was a remote area in the desert but along the highway. I thought that we had a chance to get a ride up to Dubai City. We waited for almost half an hour when a vehicle appeared from our view. Roger held Arnold in his arms while I positioned and gave a sign to the approaching vehicle."Sir, we're heading to Dubai for an emergency purpose.....can you accommodate us, please? I said to the Indian guy on the wheel."Yes of course.""Wait sir, I'll help my companion at the back."After a minute, I went back to the front seat near the driver. He speeded up the highway and thanked the Almighty for saving us. While traveling along the

"Yes Marco, that's the truth.""He's in the good hands right now.""Thank you, Marc.""Thank you.... for you, that you gave me a son. For now, I'll leave you. Are you alone here?""Yes Marc, bye!"I kissed her goodbye but my mind kept on reeling about why I had to behave like this in front of Danielle. Maybe, that's the way I treated her in my mind for the past years; as an enemy of my life or an angel from above? I wanted to finish my dream; I wanted life to be easy and reachable with my capabilities.I went to Bank Street where Mike was working inside the mall, in a Coffee Shop, owned and operated by an American businessman, as I read in the newspaper. Businesses of this kind started to flourish in Dubai and more international fast-food chains of restaurants were mushrooming around this city.I sat in the open dining area, ordered a cappuccino, and sliced blueberry cheesecake. Mike Luna served my order and gladly greeted me."Marco my friend, I'm glad you visited me...I have somethi

"Don't worry I'll remind him. Anything you want just ask Ayah about it, okay?" "Yes Marco, thank you so much!" "You visited your child?" "Yes, Marc, he's fine." I hugged Lina Luna and she cried in my arms. She's distraught with her husband, Mike Luna. "Don't worry, I'll talk to Mike about it....just enjoy tonight, okay?" "I'm happy for you Marco....you developed your life for the past years, while for us...it's slowly breaking apart." "I'll help you and Mike." I separated from Lina to offset the situation, and held the microphone for a toast, "Attention everyone, this occasion is for my newborn daughter, and for my son...who lost because.....okay, let's have a toast!" We drank our beverages and began to eat. Everyone enjoyed the food while the music was on the air to remind us...reminded me that I was sold my soul to the devil. Edward took the microphone and sang, "My Prayer" and after a while, Lina had the microphone and sang. "I Don't Know How To Love Him." They simultaneous

It was in the year 1993 of June when I visited my parent's house in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental.Along the way going to Bacolod City, we stopped by my parent's house in Hinigaran. My brothers and sisters thanked me for all the support I extended to them by sending money every month. And, my mother and father were very proud of my present status."Marco, stay with us for a month, so that we talked together with your mother," Father suggested."Yes father, mother...I love to stay with you.""Come children, come to grandpa...,." my father said."No, come to grandma....come....children...,." mother said while hugging them all."Mommy, we'll stay here in grandma's house?" Anne said to Ayah."Yes Anne, we'll stay for vacation."My parents, sisters, and brothers liked us to stay which I thought to be the best option for me and for my family. I needed answers to some of my inner thoughts for a long time; and the interaction of my children with their grandparents and relatives. The family con