An unexpected friend

While in Manila during Sarah's Bachelorette's party weekend, I came across two foreigner backpackers who were quite lost in an MRT train station. I offered help simply by telling them they need to go down the north bound station, take the footbridge to get to south bound station bound for Shaw Blvd. station. Before these backpackers could even thank me, I left and walked down the stairs. The white guy suddenly spoke behind my back with in his American accent saying, "Thank you for saving us back there." I simply replied, "No worries. I am heading the same way too. I was on my way to visit Remy in VRP Hospital Mandaluyong that time. I was in a hurry. After boarding the train bound for Boni Station, I saw again those two backpackers I helped missing the train by only 2 minutes short. At least they are okay now.

I am always like that because aside from appreciating and envying backpackers' adventurous life, I also have a high regard for white people. Growing up, we had the kindest white neighbors; Pastor Walter and Mrs. Pauline Routh. Their family were our very first neighbors and they treated us like the own grandchildren as well. I was already in 6th grade when they lefttheir missionary life in Philippines to retire in USA. Even though it may sound a bit weird for others, I honestly imagined myself marrying a white guy. Thank you also HBO and Cinemax for that! In fact, my first love was a white Macedonian guy I met on then Friendster when I was in high school.Unfortunately, before Sash and I could see each other for the first time I suddenly disappeared and dated a real person, a Filipino guy.

After my courtesy call in ABSCBN for my Korean trip, Robi and I went to SM Megamall for a little shopping and lunch with my lawyer friend. Yes, I won a trip for two to Korea thanks to the short essay I submitted last September 30. Once everything has already been settled, I started my journey home. That is where I met him. A lone backpacker with thick European accent was trying to buy a ticket from Supercat bound for Calapan City. He politely asked, "One ticket please for White Beach." I glanced at the boat trips bound for Puerto Galera and uttered to myself, "You're in trouble. No more White Beach trips."

I sat conveniently inside the terminal then realized we still have to wait an hour and a half before the last boat leaves for Calapan. Thirsty. I stood up, fetched my water bottle and headed to the water refilling station when I saw this beautiful stranger again. He looked at my direction and I could see him holding his wrong ticket. I had a feeling he mimicked what I did because he walked past me and also bought a bottled water. He walked in front of me again before he finally sat down on his spot and plugged his earplugs. Pitying the somewhat lost backpacker, I mustered the courage to tap his back and ask few questions.

Me: Hey, are you a backpacker?
Him: Yes. I am. Sorry my English not good.
Me: No problem. Where are you heading to?
Him: White Beach, Oriental Mindoro.
Me: May I check your ticket because I think you bought a wrong one.
Him: Hands over his Supercat ticket. This is for Puerto Galera?
Me: Oh no. You are heading to my city. Wrong ticket. I think they no longer have trips for Puerto Galera.

So that's how our friendship started. I am just amazed at how a simple gesture could have a huge impact on a stranger's life especially those a little worried about their safety. He was thankful that I had put him in perfect conditions even though his trip had been a little deviated to Calapan. I only tried to help a stranger yet I gained a decent, celebrity-looking foreigner friend blessed with tall stature, a beautiful face and blue-gray eyes like Tita Pauline Routh's. And lest not forget, he looks like Nick Carter of Backstreeet Boys during the latter's younger days.