It was ...In the year 1987 on November 4, when we left the Bantayan Island going to Cebu Airport, then, to Manila, Philippines.We left the Bantayan Island by boat going to Cebu International Airport, but along the way, I still recalled the history of this island. The provincial capital Cebu was an important port known to Europeans with the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. Its bustling port, protected by outlying Mactan island, handles most interisland commodities and was second only to Manila in International trade. Already a thriving port when Ferdinand Magellan arrived in 1521. The Spanish made their first Philippine settlements on Cebu. Was it in my blood... Spanish blood?Edward purchased two airplane tickets scheduled for the evening going to Manila. We settled in a Filipino restaurant and ate some of our favorite Filipino foods; bulalo, Kare-Kare, kilawin, sinugba na Bangus, and fresh fruits."Edward, it's too heavy for me....can you cut some of the orders?""Marco, no p
We headed to Greenhills Shopping Center and observed the mansion house near it, where Danielle's staying. The house has a perimeter fence made of wood and hollow blocks, guarded and, had beautiful exterior designs.Mike Luna used a binocular to observe the house's surroundings and its activities. He spotted a lady, dressed in white who helped the boy carry his things going to the wooden chalet. Another woman in uniform was behind them with the baby's stroller, and a beautiful lady looking at where the two were going."Marco, Edward, look at this..." Mike gave the binoculars to me."Yes, a boy of seven-year-old with a maid....and a baby in a stroller...Danielle...you bitch!" I said while using binoculars."Marc, behave...cool...we'll follow our plans tomorrow, and not now...okay?" Edward warned me."Edward, Mike....quick, they're going out...."We hurriedly ride in the car and positioned ourselves to wait along the street where Danielle's car will pass by. My calculation gave us the ed
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
It was in...The year 1988 January 7 – When I transferred to Al Ain, the United Arab Emirates as my new job assignment.I traveled for almost five hours by taxi cab going to Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. Al-Ain was small in area and population compared to Dubai; a quiet and remote area within the emirates but rich with beautiful sceneries and places. And, locals said, the place where the Head of State was born.When I arrived, I went upstairs to my room on the second floor where I cleaned, arranged, and decorated my new habitat. I visited the store, greeted the staff, and posted a notice on the bulletin board for a store meeting the next day. I was able to talk to one of the staff about the store's condition and management. Also, I observed that I was the first Filipino to work in the Al Ain branch. The more I wanted to know about the business and people of Al Ain, the more I missed the Dubai environment.I accepted my fate totally to enable me to function properly with my job, and th
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
After the show, some guests were dancing on the dance floor where I spotted Danielle Gustilo and Ryan Mallari. I controlled my anger that Vivian noticed it and asked, "What's the matter, Marco?""Those people....they're bad...looks at them!""Ryan and the woman wearing apple green dress?""Yes.""Ryan's our friend, isn't it?""Yes....before, but now, I have to do what I can do...""Glenda's around here too?""No, he's only using her.....I think."I saw Ryan go to the comfort room where I stood instantly, and followed him while Vivian was behind me. When he was inside the comfort room, I entered, punched him continuously and he hit me back. We fought each other hand-to-hand when suddenly the two CIDs wearing casual clothing halted us. We were brought to the patrol car and detained at Murraqabat Police Station. We're inside the prison cell with the other four detainees without saying a word to each other.The next morning around ten in the morning, Ronnie and Roger visited me at the Pol
"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
Danielle told me that we had to settle this matter as early as possible, for us to work it out whenever it needs time. Danielle called all the house staff for a meeting and I observed the proceedings. She relayed some information and asked about the happenings inside the house, especially about the boy. Also, she asked the maids and kitchen staff to cook something special tonight."Papa will be with us tonight at the dinner table," Danielle told me while she asked the maid to call Marco junior. After a while, Marco junior ran to her; Danielle kissed and hugged him, "Mommy, I missed you so much!""Me too darling!"I viewed them as Ayah Isabel and my boy, an instant reaction to my hidden part as a father. The reality, knocked me off that I faced personally my first offspring on this earth. The love for him deep inside of me pulled apart to form a unique feeling toward him."Mommy who is he?""Marco, his name is the same as you.""True mommy?""Yes because he's your father!"Marco junior