Ready... Jet Set... Fly!

8th of January 2006, Edwin, Cerise and I arrived Manila, Philippines. It had been nearly 6 years since we last had a dose of this city.

Right after the new year celebrations and while we were getting packed for the much anticipated trip, Cerise asked me why I was putting away all our christmas decorations, in an undeniably protesting and sad tone. "Because Christmas is over.", I quipped, feeling triumphant that I managed to avoid the impending argument and negotiation. So that at touchdown in Manila and as soon as we stepped out of the plane... as we made our way to customs and found ourselves surrounded by lights and a heart-stirring atmosphere brought about by the live music and the warm smiles and voices of those musicians greeting us, Cerise's first words were "But Mummy, why do they still have their christmas decors up?!" I knew that question marked the beginning of a debate I thought I successfuly avoided.

In situations like this, I would normally stick to my word (that christmas is over) and give her a straightforward answer in which case I would have said, "They just haven't got around to putting them down yet." End of story. Instead, I replied with "Because Christmas here is not over yet. Because they love Christmas here." I went on to explain "In Manila, it's Christmas everyday!" And to myself I whispered "I am home.", fighting back tears.

I expected Cerise to argue and remind me that I said Christmas was over and there's just no way the case would be different in some other parts of the world. Instead, she believed and accepted that Christmas in the Philippines goes on and on and on. Perhaps because in her heart the Philippines is simply THAT special. The streets were still alive with Christmas trees and heaps of beautiful parol (traditional christmas lantern) whose colours made a huge impression on her.

We couldn't tell exactly how but both Edwin and I agreed the airport had some marked improvements. It was just waaaaay different from when we were there in 2000. Could it be the Christmas spirit enveloping the entire building? The new tiles and carpet? Weren't they there before? Better airconditioning maybe? Or could it be that we simply felt very much at home again?

The heat wasn't too bad either. I remember in May 2000, stepping out of the plane, I felt difficulty in breathing. Even more when we stepped out of the airport. So now I've come up with a list of reasons why January is the best time to travel to Manila.

1. Cerise is on school holiday for that entire month

2. the heat is totally bearable

3. christmas and new year being over, public places are not as crowded and busy

4. i'm bound to shop hard! I mean, I already knew the shops in Manila have the potential to put me on high (is that how you say it?). But this time around, with christmas and new year being over, retail shops were on sale! And I'm talking about mouth watering sale! Like, got-to-wear-comfortable-shoes-and-clothes-and-ensure-I-take-my-iron-tablets-and-nourish-my-body-with-good-food-and-plenty-of-water-and-get-enough-sleep-for-quick-and-straight-thinking-and-good-judgment-because-time-is-of-the-essence-and-I've-got-to-be-able-to-handle-the-madness sale!