A FEW YEARS ago, I was on a Philippine Airlines flight going back to Manila. I had my three sons in tow — one in his teens, one a preteen, and the youngest was just six years old. We were coming from a wonderful vacation with family members who were living in Singapore at the time, but we were also ready to go home. This was a connecting flight for most of the other passengers were were Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) from the Middle East.
The flight had an almost festive vibe as people were looking forward to going home to the Philippines. Almost as soon as we boarded, it felt like we were already home. The cabin crew were welcoming and accommodating, answering questions and smiling. It wasn’t unusual to hear snippets of people’s conversations.
EXCITED TO BE HOME
People spoke to fellow passengers in Tagalog, asking where they were working, what province they hail from, who’s picking them up from the airport. There were stories and laughter, giddiness and excitement.
“Ading, taga-saan ka? Malayo pa ang biyahe ko paglapag natin sa Manila.” (Little sister, where are you from? I still have a long journey after we touchdown in Manila.)
“Anong dala among pasalubong sa nanay mo?” (What gift did you bring for your mom?)
“Dadaan pa ako sa Duty Free para sa pabango ni Tatay.” (I’m going to the Duty Free shop for Dad’s cologne.)
“Puro tsokolate ang laman ng maleta ko.” (My luggage is full of chocolates.)
“Napaayos ko na yung bubong ng bahay namin.” (I was able to get our roof fixed.)
I could hear the pride and sense of fulfillment in their voices. The joyful thought that they were bringing things to their families that were simple yet precious. The well-deserved fruits of their labor were little by little, brick by brick, becoming realities.
As the flight attendants served the meals, there were appreciative nods of approval.
“Mas masarap yung pagkain pauwi ano?” (The food tastes better on the flight going home, right?)
“Na-miss ko yung amoy ng ganitong pagkain.” (I missed the aroma of this kind of food,)
“Nag-serve na ng pagkain, siguro malapit na tayo.” (They already served the meals, maybe we’re almost there.)
One lady even lent us a blanket for my youngest. “Ate, baka giniginaw si bunso.” (Elder sister, perhaps your youngest child is cold.)
When the plane landed and pilot announced over the PA system, “We have arrived. Welcome home.” There was a burst of clapping, tears of joy, and various expressions of gratitude at having arrived safely in their beloved Motherland.
“Nasa Pinas na tayo! Salamat po, Lord!” (We’re home! Thank you, Lord!)
As we all got off the plane, everybody said their goodbyes to each other and to the flight attendants, knowing that it could also be the last they see of each other. A short friendship and camaraderie shared over a three-hour long flight.
BAYANIHAN AT ITS FINEST
We cleared immigration, and were waiting at the carousel for our luggage. As my boys were pulling out our bags, I missed the chance to pull out our big suitcase. It was a green soft-sided bag, very heavy and bulky. Some of the men helped me as it passed them, and they hauled it off the carousel for me. There were also others inquiring if they could help someone with their bags. It was bayanihan at its finest.
“Bai, kay Ate yung green!” (Bro, the green bag is Ate’s!)
“Kanino itong bulaklakin?” (Whose is this floral bag?)
“Ang bigat, siguro puro pasalubong din ito para sa pamilya!” (It’s so heavy, it must be full of gifts for the family!)
“Sa akin din, buti ng naisingit ko pa yung rubber shoes na habilin ng kapatid ko.” (Mine too, good thing I was able to squeeze in the rubber shoes my sibling asked for.)
Laughter all around.
As I stood there with my sons watching our flight mates, tears stung my eyes. My heart swelled with pride at seeing my fellow Filipinos straightened their shoulders as they headed to the exit. They were heaving sighs of relief and happiness. Their years of hardship and tears serving in a foreign land melted away as they saw their families waving on the other side of the arrival gate.
The long journey has come to an end; the wait is over. Here was the Filipino spirit in full display. No groundbreaking event, no cameras, no fanfare. Just another ordinary day in the airport.
But the beauty of the Filipino spirit shines through.
Through all the hardships they had to endure, the sleepless nights, the fear they had to overcome on a daily basis, they bore it all with no regrets for the sake of their loved ones. They find joy in knowing that the child is in the honor roll, that their mother was able to receive medical treatment, the their newly-repaired house withstood the last typhoon. There is no sweeter success.
Without a doubt, this flight touched my heart to the core. I prayed they may all arrive home safe and sound, in the embrace of family and friends. I prayed that their dreams may all come true. I prayed that if they are leaving again, may they be safe and protected. I prayed that their time at home may be filled with joyful memories that they can bring with them when they had to leave again.
Welcome home, kababayans.
#ThePhInsider
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#Balikbayan
#HomeAtLast
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