ALASTAIR ARMENDAREZ

CHAPTER 17

"Mabuhay! Welcome to the Philippines.." Pagkalabas na pagkalabas ng aming team sa airport ay sinundo kami ng staff ng hotel kung saan kami tutuloy.

"So this is Philippines." Zara, one of my team members speak.

"This is your first time Zara, right?" Miles added.

Napalinga linga ako sa paligid. Mainit ngunit presko ang hangin.

"Welcome back, Ara. It's been five years.." tanging iyon lamang ang nasabi ko sa aking sarili at pumasok na sa sasakyan.

Naririnig ko pang nag uusap ang mga kasama ko ngunit nanatili lamang akong tahimik at pinikit ang aking mata. Nakakapagod ang ilang oras na byahe at lay over sa mga airport. Gusto ko lang humiga at magpahinga.

It took 1hr before we arrive at our hotel due to heavy traffic. May kanya kanya naman kaming room kaya dumiretso na ako sa aking kwarto. Nag ayos muna ako ng aking ng gamit at umidlip sandali sa kadahilanang may dinner kami mamayang gabi.

Dalawang oras lang siguro akong nakatulog at ginising na ako ni Monica. Naligo naman ako pagkatapos at sinuot inihanda nitong damit sa akin.

It's long black fluid dress that fit my body. Ako na rin ang nag make up sa sarili ko dahil bukas pa dadating ang mga HMUA team. I spray my perfume all over my body tsaka lumabas na.

We were early as we arrive at the fancy restaurant. Nakita ko na agad ang mga kasamahan ko doon kasama ang iilang business partner ng company.

"Hi everyone! Good evening." Binati ko ito at ngumiti sa kanila.

"This is our brand ambassador, Ms. Amara Hommerson." ani Zara sa mga ito. "This is our business partner, Ms. Hommerson." she continue.

"Hi Ma'am and Sir, it is my pleasure to meet you.." I smiled at them.

"Hi Ms. Hommerson, I am Jonas Amedeus–the COO of the LV Inc. I am glad to meet you!" he even handed his hand. "This is our project director, Mr. Vinz Allore and this is our vice president Ms. Georgina Armendarez." the man in suit continue speaking.

I was about to show to them my perfect and nice smile–but it suddenly fade away as I heard the last word he mentioned.

"Hi Ms. Hommerson, you look so gorgeous tonight. I am Georgina Armendarez." the girl stood up and handed her hand to me.

"Hi Ms. Armendarez.." I keep my voice natural. "It's nice to meet you." I added back. She just smiled to me.

Sandali akong natiwangwang at napaisip ngunit kaagad rin namang nakabawi.

I just keep my face casual and just smiling at them. At some point, there is something inside my chest. I just can't explain.

We introduce ourselves to each other to be formal. Nagsimula na rin magsidatingan ang mga pagkain. We talk about the business and the company. Doon umikot ang topic namin.

They mentioned as well the beauty of the Philippines and they keep insisting to visit the famous landmarks and places. But in my mind, I just want to finish this 5days work and head back to my country where I belong.

The feeling I felt five years ago is still hunting me this time. Lalo na't marinig ang pamilyar na salitang iyon. Maraming pumapasok na mga katanungan sa aking utak. Maliit ang mundo. And this woman with me right now is the living proof.