A New Beginning

May 25, 2009 - 5:00 A.M. (Cebu - Manila) This was the day that marked a new beginning for me. A new place to stay, new people to mingle with and new work to enjoy. My brother, Reymar and Reyn together with my cousin, Ate Marilyn sent me to Mactan Domestic Airport for my early flight. I wasn't apprehensive about the changes that will happen in a day. I was more concerned of not getting into emotional state as I bid goodbye to my loved ones. Personally, I was containing my emotions. I was setting an excitement mode as soon as I woke up that day. Bravo to me! I didn't cry at all but I know my heart was terribly in pain. My brothers and cousin embraced me before I checked-in and I didn't looking back at them when I entered the check-in area.

I arrived in Manila around 6:00 A.M. I made my way going to NAIA for my flight transfer. I looked for a place to have my brekky and a security instructed me where to go.

While waiting for my flight, I decided to use up my phone calls to inform some of my friends. I called up Edan, Edilyn, Ate Luisa, Maritz, April, Chan2x, Debbie and Urly but they were not able to answer my call. It was only Ma'am Menette who just arrived from a night duty whom I was able to say goodbye. Luckily, my parents called me up to check my condition. I was trying hard to be bubbly so that they won't worry about me. My mother was already crying over the other line. However, I embodied still a cheerful persona. On the other hand, when I was already talking to my father, that was the time it sank into my consciousness that I'm not going to see them for a while. Hearing my father cried was such an excruciating pain. I put my music to the loudest volume so that I won't feel the sadness.

At 9:00 A.M. -Philippine Airlines PR 211 was bound to Sydney, Australia. When I walked towards the plane, I suddenly stopped and looked back the door I entered. I smiled and gave out a big sigh before I turned my back again. When the plane finally departed, I closed my eyes and said a brief prayer: Lord, thank you. Finally I'm starting anew. You take care of him. Someday we will still see each other. Hopefully we will learn to smile like nothing happens.

At 7:00 P.M. I arrived at Sydney International Airport. My good and ever-trusted friend, Paolo was there to welcome me. When I saw him in a black jacket with a big black umbrella, I couldn't help but screamed out his name. It was a reunion for both of us after a year of not seeing each other. Obviously, we talked and talked and talked like there is no tomorrow. We laughed so hard like without bothering if someone will be annoyed by us.

We had our dinner at Mackers (McDonalds). This is the first time I had to talk with a pure Aussie teenager who got a very strong Aussie accent. The funny thing is that it took me a while to comprehend her question. She asked me (this it how it sounded to me), "e he o t way". I said "HUH??" 3 times. On the 4th attempt, thanks to my common sense, I knew what she meant. The actual question was Eat Here or Take away? Paolo and I were laughing at my bloopers. (hahaha! charge to experience) After which, we finally arrived home and I got to meet new friends, namely: Ate Janeth, Ate Arlene, Ruby, Shine, Sanju, Sunit, Geli and Allan.

leftmost: Paowee, top: Ate Arlene

bottom: Ate Janeth

~*~manelle~*~