The face-to-face meeting was set on December but things didn't work out for Duncan, the youngest son of Jean Macintyre, my employer. First week of January 2015 however, he emailed me again that the trip to Manila will push through on January 16.
January 16 was one of those busy days in Manila because of the Visit Papal. I thought of traveling early to avoid chaos. At 5am, kids were awake because they, too will travel to Alaminos Pangasinan. At 6am, I was ready and took Partas bus going to Cubao for my trip. It was a long 7-hour travel and another 30 minutes to Makati. Jumped off at Rustan's to have my lunch and a date with Liam Neeson. Oh, I thought about it 'tho! The movie Taken 3, of which part 1 was a hit and part 2 was unviewed so I thought of catching up on part 3 at Ayala Cinemas.
The wildly entertaining movie finished off at 5:30pm. Meeting was at Picasso Suites at Salcedo Village and still in 3 hours. I roamed around Ayala malls but decided to check on the hotel after an hour because I'm not familiar with the place. Found Picasso Suites via Taxi but it's only 6:30 pm. The place is 47 pesos away (about half kilometer) from Landmark and it's a cool place, I should say. Looked for ATM machine to withdraw but instead of getting money from it, it took all my money away instead. ATM machine wasn't working well and my money's gone. I thought of Duncan's promise: reimburse my meals and accomodation! I was calmed hoping he will keep his promise.
I looked for a coffee shop where I can stay and kill the time. Found one at the next block. I indulged on Chocolate Truffle, so sweet but creamy. While I wait, I was able to update Teamwork on my iPad. Teamwork is our website where we (employer and prospective employee) get updates on my application. It's a conventional way to get everyone updated of our progress.
It's 8:00pm and I need to go back to the hotel. Walked through the back door and recheck on myself at the washing room to make sure I look presentable. At the reception area, I saw 2 foreigners checking in. I knew the other one was Duncan, tall, beardless (profile picture on Skype he's full of beard), on his white Polo shirt and beige pants and on his sneakers. He looked at me and said, "Ginalyn". It's Duncan, indeed! He introduced me to Jeff, his companion. Then they went upstairs to have their luggages settled in. He came back and we had dinner at Pablo's, the restaurant at the ground floor.
I was on a hurry! Or I must have been so anxious and nervous, I immediately said, "well, about the application....." He smiled and said, "let's get to know each other first!". So started the conversation. It was a smooth geting-to-know-you phase. Talked of their trip and waiter started taking our orders, too. I couldn't wait to tell him of the progress of my application. He didn't know yet that I already have a visa. One by one, I let him check on my receipt at VFS, then their response that my application has been approved. He was smiling the whole time. Then I showed him my passporf with my visa. He was elated, I mean he must have been surprised! He shook my hands and said congratulations. Jeff came after few minutes. We had wonderful conversations and were able to know each other better while we munch on our dinner. By the way, what I ordered was a mess! I thought I ordered salmon steak! It was a sandwich instead, with full of french fries on the side. I didn't finish it off! Embarrassing! But it's more embarassing when the waitress insisted I have to bring that home because "it's expensive". Duncan said I'm bringing home dog food but he changed his mind when he saw the paper bag that came with the left over.
The meeting lasted til 11pm. I was sleepy and tired and I still need to travel for another 6 hours. When we finally said goodbye and he brought me out to get a taxi. He gave me a hug and we bid farewell. Oh, did he reimburse the money? No! And I only have more than 600 pesos on my wallet! 120 for the taxi, 456 for the bus fare! I still have to get a tricycle to get me to Rulloda compound! Well, I was able to go home with that amount! Annabelle who was on messenger while I waited for my ride and was laughing the whole time. "You should have reminded him", she insisted but shyness set in so I didn't bother.
Home at 6am. Exhausted but satisfied of my trip. Meeting Duncan, talking to him and getting some information about his mom was a breakthrough! At least now I'm ready to meet Jean!
No comments:
Post a Comment