The scene: Midnight arrival on a foreign country, a chaotic airport with missing baggage and a fear of missing your ride to the hotel.

I didn’t need a mirror to tell me how I looked – like a zombie. Bleary-eyed, messy hair due to static from rubbing against the plane’s headrest, uncomfortable skin in need of a bath, and I probably stank.

My worst nightmare was confirmed when I got to the exit. It was teeming with people waiting for friends, loved ones and customers. But not one was waiting for me. Where was the rep with the placard bearing my name or even my hotel?

The little dignity I have left contained the tears and tantrum that wanted so much to burst. I turned to the left and looked – nada. I turned to my right – nada.

Ahh hang on, turned right again and saw this hot guy checking me out. Tall latino with muscly arms and crazy hair that I find so attractive. He smiled knowing that I looked back to make sure I was the object of his attention.

I managed an exasperated smile.

Thank God for small mercies. Even if I was dogtired, hungry and getting madder by the minute, I felt flattered and a little bit better.

Wala makiri talaga ang lola nyo.

I was browsing thru a food magazine  while eating breakfast. pogiBoy saw a picture of a cake and he said we should bake it.

“Then we could be Chinese Restaurant, huh mum?! (getting excited) Upstairs we can have the toilet. Here (pointing to the kitchen) we  cook and people come in the front door. They sit and eat here (pointing to the dinner table). Only kids allowed upstairs for a birthday party.”

He smiles cheesily with his left index finger pointing up “I will have a picture like this.”

I think he meant a poster for the imaginary restaurant.

“I ask people “what do you want please?” and they will say “I will have noodles and bread”"

“When I grow up I want to be Chinese!”

Kumpleto yan.

I’m not sure if he wants to be a chef or a restaurateur. But I’m sure he loves his chinese buffet. He’s even willing to give up McDonald’s for it.