Slice ng Life

Pang-tatlumpu't Isang Slice

Jet's POV:

"🎶Passengers of flight PL 615 from New York, please pick up your luggage at carousel number 7. Passengers of...🎶"

Upon hearing the announcement, I walked towards the carousel and joined the other passengers waiting to get their things. It took at least five minutes for the carousel to finally get loaded and start running. Long enough for people to start crowding around.

While I was waiting for my bags, one of the airport employees approached me bringing with him this metal cart. Wearing this very big smile on his face, "Filipino sir?" "You need assistance?"

I took my shades off and gave him a gentle smile, "Sure kuya."

After getting all my things into the carts, we headed for the arrival area of the airport. Actually, he had to call two more guys and add two more carts to carry all my stuff. That is expected, I'm moving back in - an entire house is with me.

My parents, or my brother, I'm not expecting any of them to pick me up. For sure, they're busy working at the company this hour. Also, they don't really know the exact date of my arrival. I simply told them that I'd be coming home at least a week before school starts.

At the arrival, I immediately saw kuya Alex waving and smiling at me. Kahit years na since last ko syang nakita, hindi nagbabago ang face ni kuya Alex. He still looks as jolly as ever.

Quickly, he came to me. He's all smiles, "Sir welcome back." "Musta byahe nyo?"

Returning the favor, I flashed him my own, "I'm good kuya." "Nice to see you again."

For a minute, he stared at me, "Lalo kang gumaguwapo sir ah. Parang di kayo tumatanda."

Taken back by his sudden comment, no words came into my mind for a reply. Instead, I just gave out a laugh at his remark.

We all headed for the parking area. The weather's too hot, very humid. The sun is shining intensely. Good thing, I'm wearing a light shirt. I gave out a sigh and thought, "I'm finally back and sinalubong ako ng init with open arms." "Nasa Pinas na nga ako." That in my head, I just can't help but chuckle.

The guys, with the help of kuya Alex, loaded my things in the car. They were all so courteous and handled my things with great care. So, after accomplishing their task, I gave each of them some generous tips - as always.

"Thank you sir. Pinoy ka pala. Di halata."

"Salamat po."

"Ingat kayo sa byahe sir."

Inside the car, I was just laying back, quietly observing the outside from my window. The streets, the posts, the sidewalks and of course, the people - they all feel so familiar. Ang tagal ko ring nawala dito sa Philippines. In the length of my entire course sa States, almost a week lang ako bumalik dito. That was during my sister's wedding. Sa mga nakikita ko sa view, I feel very happy and nostalgic. Reasons why I'm automatically smiling.

Iba talaga iyong feeling once you're home. It feels so warm and so familiar. There is this unexplained comfort that comes with it. Even if the Philippines is far in comparison to other countries in development, home is home and this is where I belong. But, sadly, you really can't appreciate it until you've left it for a really long time - which I did.

"A really long time."

With that thought, my mind started asking these questions that I always grapple with, ever since umalis ako.

"Why did you leave in the first place?"

"Why go so far?"

In moments like this, there is a part of my heart , which I tried to push back in the corners, that wants to resurface again. Pero sa tagal na rin ng mga nangyari, I learned to get myself over things. Or at least try to get over things. In fact, with my recurring thoughts, brushing them off is a skill I've developed. To push aside and laugh at them, that's what I do.