As it is my hobby to check the Cebu Pacific site everyday, I impulsively booked a flight back to Philippines after more than a month of being in Shanghai. Though I know that the fare was not on promo, I still booked it anyway.

It was my first time to travel alone. I was more excited than nervous. I can recall myself saying “oh my gosh” with every little thing I am experiencing the first time. Also, Kaka, Sugarfree’s drummer, was with the same flight as mine. I don’t want to look like a crazy fan girl so I tried my best not to look at him from time to time. But I really wanna go up to him and tell him that I’m really a huge fan of their band, and it really hurts me thinking there won’t be new Sugarfree songs in the future. So anyway, it was a bumpy ride home. The turbulence was no problem because I slept it off. I’m too scared to be awake so I tried bundling my coat to make a comfy pillow, but I still had a small strain around my neck. Plus, the Cebupac flight attendants were rude. Also, there was trouble with the plane’s engines, thus, the 30-minute delay in takeoff.

But I was home at exactly 5:30 in the morning of March 10th. My mom and brother were waiting for me somewhere in the airport so I rushed into immigration and baggage claim so I can finally get out of the airport rush. NAIA Terminal 3 has this weird viewing deck for well wishers. It’s faced in front of the escalator just behind the immigration counters so the families of the people arriving can view and wave to their loved ones and rush to see them. So when it was my turn to the escalator, it was really an awkward feeling seeing my mom and brother waving at me while I wait 10 seconds till I reach the floor below. After the person from the Customs counter gave me a poker face while asking me what was my business in Shanghai, I literally ran to my family (the person beside them said I was nagmamadali haha) and felt home at last.

The Manila air was humid as usual. Early morning Manila was like afternoon Shanghai, except for the humidity of course. Highways were full of vehicles. There were gas stations everywhere. Though I have lack of sleep, I’d rather stay awake to see the way going home to Lipa.

I had my taste of afritada and batchoy courtesy of my mom and lola. Others were rellenong bangus and danggit. I missed the taste of home, especially calamansi as there were no calamansis in China.

I also went to see my co-workers from a previous company. A close co-worker and I met up at Conti’s in Serendra, my favorite pastry shop. I ordered their pork adobo meal, she ordered beef tapa meal. I also met up with my team lead also from my previous company and handed her pasalubong. She treated me coffee and cinnamon swirl from Starbucks in Cybergate Tower 2. I didn’t have the chance to meet up with several people, maybe on my next flight home.

I also had the chance to meet up with him. We spent the time eating out and talking. It was the shortest nine hours of my life and it was really sad not knowing when I will see him again.

I also met up with my childhood friends. This night was the most fun I had since last year. I swore to myself I won’t get drunk that night so I volunteered on passing the shots of The Bar plus the Sprite chaser. When I hear them blaming The Bar drink the next morning, I know I have done my job. *evil grin*

Before I left for Shanghai, my mom and I bought stuff from Duty Free. It was really priceless to see a smile on her face. I know someday I’ll take her load off and tell her not to work anymore and have fun. Someday.

It felt like a month, but it was all just 5 days, two of which include my arrival and departure. It was sad leaving again for Shanghai, but my biggest motivation is the better life I’m having here. I can send money and save for myself at the same time. I always thought that the Philippines is just 3 hours away from China, so it would not be a problem getting home whenever I miss everyone. Another thing to do to wash the sadness away is to explore Shanghai via the subway. It is really therapeutic to discover a new place here.

I’m still hooked to checking airline websites everyday so I won’t miss the promo seats. I hope there would be a promo for October and December flights. Until then, it’s Shanghai and I.

Lastly, I’ll be starting the 30 Day Blog Challenge anytime soon, starting from Day 1. Stay tuned.