Viva Las Felipinas

It's a pleasant night, but quite windy. The full moon paints the murky cumulus clouds to gray, yet its blue light gleams the cold colors out through the dark, and beneath there joins an airplane gliding down smoothly onto the runway.

'The flight was perfect.' As they say, they all had a perfect view of the moon and stars glinting in their dreamy eyes. But now that the show is about to be finished, they're forced to be awakened by the sweet nostalgic feeling of homesickness, excitement, and adventure.

A conspicuous man in his reflecting safety vest at the middle of the runway, his arms up high as he thrusts it back and forth, waving in proper body signal accordingly with the support of those neon bright beacons in his hands. The marshaling wands remain within his grasp, guiding the plane until it lands directly in the right parking spot.

It's another one of those special nights, the passengers congratulate the pilot for getting them home safely. They applaud right before they stretch up and widen a big smile on their faces. Finally, they're blessed amidst the land and air of their home, their skins are kissed by the memorable cold winds of the season, and their feet are stepped upon the grounds of the national airline.

The passengers are greeted by the country's flag, the rectangular bicolor of blue and red, beside it is a white equilateral triangle, consisting of the sun and its three golden stars at every corner.

But as they enter, they're utmost welcomed by the colorful Christmas decorations. The famous "Parol", is also known as the Filipino Christmas lantern. Their iconic five-pointed star-shaped ornamental display on the ceilings. It's traditionally constructed with sticks and wrapped with paper or plastic full of colors that bring its glow.

And never forget one of the tallest Christmas trees ever stood up in the interior of the airport, bringing attention to all as it gets surrounded by tourists and a family of locals taking pictures.

However, there's an exception in a crowd full of joy. In this sonderous moment, there always would be less distinctive and unthrilled people walking among the mass of glee.

Just like the tall girl there fully covered with her hoodie, and along with her is a blue-eyed foreigner.

Every time people walk past them, she lowers and veils her face with her gray hood. Not even the black umbrella would stop her from absently covering herself as the two exits out of the airport.

They walk across the laughter, the children's embrace with their working fathers and mothers from overseas, and long-distance lovers engulfed of their kisses, rewarding each other of love with their patience.

They walk across the happiness the girl never had.

Even when the fine weather changes, the breeze causes the clouds to drift and gather together to start pouring over the families and couples outdoors. Their happiness and the pure essence of Christmas never stops. The only valid cover is their smiles blanketed over their soaked selves from the rain.

And yet the only thing awaiting the girl in return is a sumptuous ride home. Her private driver in a suit opens the car door for them after the luggage has been stored in the trunk.

"Merry Christmas, ma'am and sir." The private driver in a suit casually greets the girl and the foreigner together. As usual, Christmas felt like nothing, it was like another normal day for them.

She has everything, she's able to enjoy traveling peacefully in a Ford SUV after hours of tiring flight. But looking back, those people might not be as privileged as her, but was it special? As special as experiencing pure genuine love like them?

"Was it worth it?" She ponders deeply, as she watches them through the drenched window inside of the vehicle.