THE MEET UP

Ely Yamadachi went to the Philippines to inspect the Tuna Supply from the General Santos City buying station and also to see her daughter.

From the airport, he was fetched by his subordinate executive to go directly to the General Santos Fish Port. He visits the Tuna suppliers, the boats, and the history of their supply. Discussed how to develop the fast transfer of quality fish from the fish port to the airport to Japan plant for further processing or direct distribution to restaurants or to the cannery.

He ate with the executives and talk about work-related issues. Then asked for a car rental. He wants to drive a car to fetch his daughter from school.

Jacky knows that his Dad is already here in General Santos City. She knows that he will call after school hours. She finished her research in English and other projects in Filipino and Math.

"Jacky, I'll go ahead. I know your Dad is coming to fetch you." Juan said hurriedly while getting his books and papers on his Backpack.

" Why in a hurry? Where are you going?" Jacky asked wondering.

" I'll go straight to the boarding house, I just need to be hurry because I need to finish my other project," Juan replied running.

"He can do it here in school, why need to rush?" Jacky thinking.

Broom... A car stopped.

"Dad you are here! She embraced her Dad and introduced him to her classmates who are near... " This is my pogi(handsome), Dad! Mr. Ely Yamadachi.

Her Dad bowed Japanese style. All the girls bowed also in response, they know that's how to greet a Japanese.

"Dad, this is Rose, this is Geraldine, this is Nilda, and this is Meldrid," Jacky pointing to each one of them.

"Where is Juan? Ely whispered.

Jacky blushed.

" Dad... he is already home," Jacky said shyly.

"OK, we will visit his home. Ely whispered.

"What, why?" Jacky enquired holding his Dad in his arm and pulling him as if she wants them to go to the car he drove.

"Bye classmates" Jacky waved.

"Whose car is this Dad? Company car?" Jacky asked.

" No, I rented it. Where is the way? To his apartment?" Her Dad asked.

"Dad it is a boarding house with four students per room. Are you sure you want to see Juan? Why? You make me nervous." Jacky said as she attached the seat belt.

" Why? yes, I have to see my daughter's crush! Ely smiling.

"Dad, you are teasing me" Jacky blushing more.

"No, where is the way? His Dad asked.

Jacky pointed and wondered what is happening. Why would my Dad want to see Juan?

They rode just for a few minutes and they are in front of the boarding house. "You stay here Jacky," Ely said seriously.

Jacky got nervous and blushing more.

"What on earth is happening to my Dad?" She thinks loudly.

Ely approached an old man and asked about Juan. The man pointed and called out, "Juan, someone is looking for you. Come out here for a moment"

Juan replied, Yes Manong(elder).

He did not know who is in front of the door, the man with an eyeglass, in a tie and black suit. "Yes sir, what can I do for you?" Juan asked.

Ely approached him and extended his arm to a handshake. Juan received it and they handshake and nod with each other.

"Can I invite you to eat outside, I want to talk about Martha," Ely whispered, not to let Jacky hear.

"You know my Mom? Are you Jacky's father? Juan surprised.

" I know your Mom. Will you go with me?" Ely asked."

"Ahh... OK, Sir, I will just change for a minute. Juan replied and changed the T-Shirt and went to the car. She did not notice Jacky inside because of the window tint.

While inside, Jacky is more getting uneasy and blushing because Juan is going with his father and she has no idea what is happening.

Ely told Juan to sit in the back seat. He opened the door and Juan entered.

Ely said, "OK let's go."

They went to Roland Steakhouse. Both Juan and Jacky were silent, uneasy because of Jacky's father.

They find a table for four and Jacky sitting near his father while Juan in the opposite of Ely.

Ely told Jacky to take the order. Jacky ordered three Porter House, Medium cooked and three mango juice, and three potato salad as a side dish.

Ely asked Juan, "What's the news about Martha? I heard from Jacky that she was lost in her return to Japan and She has Alzheimer's?"

"Yes sir, that is what Aunt Nancy told Dad" Juan sighed.

"If that is the case, where could she be? do you have the latest picture of her? Ely said.

"Here sir, on her Facebook. This is her last post and she is just one week in Japan with this post." Juan said.

" I miss her. Jacky said.

" I'll take these pictures, I think we can start with this, there are people in Japan who can help us with this. I just hope that she is in kind people who take care of her." Ely said.

" She is lost for about a year now. Hoping and praying." Juan said.

Martha said before, as far as I can remember, " God does not give a challenge or problem to destroy you but to arrange your life to the greater blessings he prepared for your joy" Ely said remembering.

"Nanny said that?" Wow! that's meaningful and full of faith. Jacky said.

"Yes, she quoted a verse in the Holy Book, that is in Romans which says, All things work for good," Ely said.

"Romans 8:28, that is one of her favorite verses and she shares it often," Juan said.

"Juan, focus on your studies, tell me if you need help or assistance anytime... we always as a family owes from Martha the life of Jacky which she saves before.

I will try in all my power and influence to find Martha. Let's trust her God to guide us." Ely said reassuring Juan.

" OK, the food is here, let's eat," Jacky said.

"Let's eat, dig in Juan, you are a family. Ely said.

"Eat, Brother..." Jacky said.

Juan and Jacky laughed.

"Children, Let's pray Martha is safe," Ely said.

They have a little silence as they eat the delicious Porter House steak, Juan's first time to taste an expensive dinner. He thinks that someday, yes, someday I will treat my family in a restaurant like this.

Ely breaks the silence, how's the plan after high school?

" I'm thinking, I will take pre-med course its ether Biology, Chemistry, Nursing or Medical Technology. Nothing final yet I will see what the NSAT(National Secondary Achievement Test) result will be." Jacky told her Dad.

" Your Mom will be happy with that. She is also pre-med. Biology."

"How about you Juan?" Ely asked.

"I will take mechanical engineering" in Mindanao State University...

" That's good, that is in demand even in Japan," Ely replied.

" You can apply for a scholarship in our company, you take the scholarship test, tour in our plant and you need a sponsor to boost your personal character, I can provide you that if you are interested," Ely told Juan encouraging him.

" That is so good of you Sir. Will, it is not a burden to you sir? Juan shyly said.

"Not at all, Juan. Your mother has done so much to us, especially to Jacky. So don't feel ashamed. You are a family. Speaking of family, how's your father, and your brother and your youngest. Martha is telling us inspiring stories about them. I wish I can see them also before I go home?"

Juan did not answer right away.

Jacky look at him and signaled him as if saying "what?"

"You want to go to the farm, sir?"

"Yes, how about you Jacky?" Ely turned to Jacky.

"I want it, Dad! Sure, when?" Jacky replied.

"I will suspend my trip home on Saturday to Monday, I will call your Mom. Let's do it on Friday after class. What you two say?" Ely planning to bring the rented car.

"I feel uncomfortable, but if you insist Sir, I will be obliged," Juan replied.

"Then it's settled," Ely said.

"No, I forgot, we still have a project to submit on Saturday morning. I think we go Saturday morning. Jacky said.

"OK then, Saturday," Ely said.

Juan nodded.

Jacky was so happy, that her Dad reached out to Juan. She is so excited to visit the farm and meet Juan's siblings and father also.

Ely and Jacky fetch Juan to his boarding house and also Jacky to her apartment but he meets with the executive for an emergency meeting about an employee who had a health problem being infected by Hepatitis B. He needs to meet them to help the affected and how to deal with it not to affect the food company.

Juan thanked Ely and Jacky as he went inside. Jacky waved and said, "see you, tomorrow Brother!"

"Why do you call him brother?" That is our secret, I will invite you also on Sunday, Dad." Jacky said.

" Are you in a fraternity or something?" Ely asked.

"No Dad, not that kind, it is a good thing for sure," Jacky said.

"OK...Good night My dear, I will overtime this time." Ely went to the car and went to his meeting.