San Francisco International Ariport

Dear insansapinas,

Travel tips-The beginning of knowledge is the discovery of something we do not understand.

We landed at San Francisco International Airport at exactly 8:00 in March 8 that year. I left the Philippines 6:00 am same date. If I am going to write this in my diary, I have travelled around the globe just in two hours. Hindi naman ako si Darna. Amazing, these time zones.

Every time the aircraft stops, there is a commotion in the cabin. Eveyone wanted to be the first to leave.

Since SFO was my destination, I remain seated and let those other passengers who may be in a rush to catch their connecting flights in another gates get their stuff and make a line towards the exit. Besides, I was also excited. I am now in the United States. I pondered on what life awaits for me. That was the end of my flight but my journey in life continues. A little ray of sun sparkled on the blue-gray clouds..

The knight-in-the-shining-armor (not) guy had disembarked at LAX. I looked around. There was a guy coming towards my direction. I stepped on the seat, reached for my suitcase and as the man got nearer, I made a loud Hmmmmmpppp. " Let me help you." He came rushing to unburden me with the load.

Tip # 1

According to my friend. Timing is essential in getting the help needed during travels.
See to it that there is always a man around when trying to lift a heavy luggage. Make him feel you needed some extra hand with the proper facial expression and little sound of distress.
Ang mga suplada bawal dito. Yon yon eh. Don't forget to say tink yu with a smile.

So I said thank you to the man and smiled the sweetest I could muster. The man smiled back. The lady behind him frowned and showed her displeasure. Might be the missus. Oh well.

After putting on the leather jacket that I bought from Pakistan for 1,500 pesos (I did not know that it costs $ 300 in the US), I took my small mirror and checked if there was a need for me to dab my face with pressed powder. Checked my teeth too for some lipstick smears. I supposed there will be a brief interview in the immigration.

Tip # 2

During orientation, we were advised to wear something decent and appropriate for your profession. When I heard the word appropriate, I asked mentally what's appropriate for a dancer? Like a ballet dancer? Like a chef? But it is just the humorist in me asking. The lady doing the orientation asked me if i have a question. Can people read my mind? Or they are simply amused by my facial expression. I will try to avoid that brow-knitting and raising habits. Promise.

I shook my head to tell her, none. I liked to finish the orientation fast.

She continued with a story that affirms Melanie Marquez' witty saying, "Do not judge him (his brother Joey Marquez) by his cover. He is not a book.". mwehehe.

One Pinoy engineer ' holding a working visa was almost denied of entry because he did not look like an engineer. This time, I raised my hand and asked, so how does an engineer look like? Like me for instance, I am an accountant, do I have to appear grouchy because I could not balance the books or do they have to expect numbers in my face?

The lady did not give me a straight answer.She continued her story about the engineer who was wearing a denim jacket over a shirt emblazoned with some Gothic designs, denim jeans and Rebook shoes. He was shorter than the average height. Filipinos look younger than their age , so the immigration officer must have thought he was a stow-away slash pinabili slash ng suka slash sa kanto slash guy. No brainer but the lady swore to her neighbor's death that it really happened. ' key.

I joined the line of non-immigrant visa holders. It was a slow processing than those with green cards and blue passports.

Then I came face to face with the first Caucasian I met in the US. I remembered my friend's story that she was looking for someone in uniform when she came to the US. She was fond of watching COPS and other police stories.

The immigration officer scrutinized my passport. "Hmmm, so you're an accountant." I wanted to
answer back, "hmmmmmmm so what do you think?" But I just kept quiet. I remembered the other tip.

Tip #3

If the question requires, yes or no for an answer, then respond with a yes or a no. If there is a follow up question, then reply accordingly. Never volunter to offer any information unless asked. I took note of that. Sometimes when I was in my jovial mood, if you ask me my name, I would even tell you the story how my mother changed my name so I would enroll in the first grade.

He looked at me from head to foot. I did the same to him but it was only from head to chest.
He was sitting inside a cubicle with only half body in view.

He looked at my face again. He must be searching for the numbers in my face to prove that I am an accountant? *heh*


Tip # 4

Look straight to the eyes of the person talking to you.

He looked at me again. I look straight into his eyes. I was wearing my prescription glasses. He was wearing a tinted one. Madaya.

I was thinking he would ask me questions just like what they do in the US Embassy interview.
Remember, I skipped the interview for the reason I do not know. But I theorized the following explanations:

1. Probably someone got enamoured to my photo in my passport. Ahem;
2. Someone got scared of my photo that if he will not approve my visa, something bad might happen;
3. Someone got off in the right side of the bed, went to work humming and just stamping the passport with a visa;
4. my passport fell in an inbox tray marked FOR VISA stamping;
5. or they must have seen my work-related travels in my resume.


The immigration officer handed me back my passport and said WELCOME to the US and have a nice day.

I said thank you and with that I walked past the gate. The suitcase felt lighter.

Pinaysaamerika

San Francisco Here I Come

Dear insansapinas,

If you reveal your secrets to the wind you should not blame the wind for revealing them to the trees.

It was the dawn of early March, March 8 to be exact, when we landed at the first destination--LAX. Los Angeles is the second most populated city in the US of A.

Many passengers disembarked in this airport that the cabin was left practically empty saved for some few who were foreigners that we picked up from Japan.

I looked out by the window hoping to see blond and blue eyed Americans--my first ever in their own territory. But of course I have met many, back in Angeles City where I grew up. Our neighbor was an American family who had children about our age--Deborah (pronounced as Debra) and little David who was curious why we ate grass when he saw the sweet potato leaves (talbos ng kamote) that my mother made into salad. We were growing them a lot at the backyard. Then during July 4th, we would go to Clark Air Base to eat ice cream and toured the facility for the whole day.

Except for the aircrafts and the baggage carriers, I saw no one.

I decided to move to the five-seater, raised the arm rests with a plan to stretch myself and sleep in a supine position.

A lady who must be over fifty and with a gold-draped fingers sat by my side.

She asked about my destination. I know she just wanted to break the ice. If I did not get off at LAX, then it must be the next stop which was San Francisco. Obvious ba?

She said that her all seatmates took off. I saw her seatmates on my way to the washroom. She looked like a movie star. The other one must be the mother.

According to the lady, the beautiful young lady is a mistress of a big time politician.

"Ow" I responded with matching brow raising and o-forming mouth expression.

"So she's one among those "satellite families". He's not only spreading his oats, he is also spreading his wealth." "And why is she here, vacationing or pregnant? I asked the lady whose name I did not bother to ask.

" Ah she's going to get married", was the short reply of the woman who did not give her name to me.

"Why? Did she break up with sugar daddy? She must be insane." I asked again the lady without asking who she is and what's her name.

" No. She's being banished because Mistress # 3 felt insecure. She's prettier and younger.",
said the lady. She was powdering her nose but I still do not know her name.

"Ow". Another O-forming mouth for me. If I were smoking , I could have puff out perfect circles.

“But why is she not in the business class?" curiously I asked with the hope that woman would tell me her name.

" They're flying incognito. The people in the business class knew her. She's here to get married." This time the lady without a name was reapplying lip color. So she's responding even without looking at me.

"Really?" This is my wide-eyed expression of disbelief. "who is he getting married to? " I was tempted to ask another question and that was what is her name.

"Ah, it is an arranged married to some US citizen guy. Expenses are all paid for including the house where she would be staying with her mother. That's her mother she's with."
Thinking she must have given a lot of information, she went back to her seat.

" Oh by the way? I did not get your name. Are you a celebrity columnist or something?"
Finally I asked.

" Ana. I am not a writer. I am the mother's friend."

The light "Fasten your seatbelt was on. San Francisco, here I come.


Pinaysaamerika

That's Entertainment in the Airplane

Dear insansapinas,

You must first have a lot of patience to learn to have patience.

Time for entertainment. A big screen was at the center of the cabin unlike these days when some jets have small screens at the back of the seats that you can watch whatever you like. Just pray that the guy seated in your front does not recline the chair.

For that airline, the earphones were free. A lady who must be used to carriers which charged extra, refused when offered these ear contraptions. The audio of the movie was muted for the sake of passengers who aren't going to watch.

Some preferred to listen to their favorite music from the different radio channels.

I saw one passenger. He got an earphone and it looked like he was swaying to a bouncy music.
With fingers snapping and all. The end of the earphone was not plugged at the armrest. Oooops.

The screen was blazing with action that most of the passengers were awake. It was mystery and suspense. Kulang na lang may sumigaw ng dali takbo na, ayan na...Kung meron noon, tatayo ako at sasampal-sampalin ko para tumahimik. Haah!!!

But this was just in my thought balloon. I could not do it. I could not even grab the hair of this pesky little girl who kept on running back and forth in the aisle--- shake her,threaten her that I am going to gag her, tie her up in her seat if she will not stop. I am missing all the actions in the movie. But all these evil schemes were just in my thought balloon which was about to burst.

Trust the mother's instincts. The girl's mother must have sensed of my "evil thought" towards her daughter.She grabbed her daughter the moment she run to her direction; gave her something to make her settle down. Then she glanced at me. It was not an apologetic look. It was more of "you just dare, dude to hurt my daughter".

How did she read my mind? Got to prick that thought ballon. It must have become visible to others to read. Whew!

With the little girl gone, I thought I could watch the movie in peace.

A stewardess' butt blocked the view. The two passengers in the seats next to me were complaining. By the time the issue was settled, the sign THE END was streaming down the screen. Waaah.

I did not even get to know who the killer was.

When I was a kid and watched movies with the adult members of the family, I would often hear the shout "Soli bayad." That was when the audience felt they were shortchanged when the movie abruptlyl stopped due to technical glitch or the next roll of film did not come on time becausethe runner who shuttled back and forth between movie houses was stalled somewhere taking a break. I mentally shouted, Soli bayad.

I did not want to wait for the next screening. I wanted to sleep just like my seatmates who were already alternately producing snoring sounds.

I could make use of the earphones. So I closed my eyes and snored too. I wonder if we produced rythmic sounds. Mine could be alto.

zzzzzzzz

Pinaysaamerika

What is your Beef or Chicken?

Dear insansapinas,

-Curious things, habits. People themselves never knew they had them.

Chicken it is.

With it were salad, bread, crackers, jam, butter, sliced fruit, water or soda, coffee or tea.There's also little sachets of salt, sugar and blackpepper and catsup.

I chose soda. A friend in the airline advised me not to drink water not unless it is served in a bottle still sealed. Didn't ask why. The reason is obvious. You do not know where water in the jug or bottle comes from.


I wrapped the bread, crackers and the jam in a plastic and put them inside my tote bag.Shame on me? Yeah. Babaw ko.

But if you have been stranded in a foreign country where you got cash just enough to buy you a bottled water, you may also do the same.

Got this bad experience in Singapore. The connecting flight was delayed for another eight hours because of the storm. My companion and I spent our last few dollars in helping the economy of Singapore; we shopped until we dropped. Cliche. Toink toink. The tourist guide was also partly to blame. He made us feel guilty of not buying from the stores with the blazing signs SALE in exchange of the free city tour with refreshments. It seemed that the tourist bus' GPS always led us to where we can drop a few or hundred dollars.

My lady lawyer/friend/companion in my trips abroad was fond of buying "pasalubong" for everyone in her big household, office and neighborhood. That included the security guards, the janitors and her manicurist/pedicurist. So thoughtful, so kind. Bless her soul.

We didn't expect the delay in the flight that long. We already missed our breakfast. And the time showed that it was already past noon. My stomach started to grumble.To forget the hungry pangs, I walked around the Changgi Airport. The beautiful jewelries, perfumes and books which I used to gloat over had no more effect on me. The jewelries looked more like asparagus or boiled "sitaw" with " sauteed bagoong in a kamatis as dip. The perfume's scent was more of the smell of the pork barbecue and the books looked like the green banana leaves
where steaming rice is spread all over.


Then she remembered the bread, the cracker and the butter and jam that she put away in her bag. She was a weightwatcher so she didn't eat everything served. We bought a bottled water and without thinking that we can come up with a miracle to multiply the single bread, we broke it into two, put a little butter and jam and hungrily devoured it. We were saved from " hunger" by that innocent bread hiding inside the bag saved by my friend instead of leaving it in the food tray to be recycled in the next flight?

Storm over, the flight was resumed. The stewardess barely finished the question, Beef or...?
we chorusedly answered Fish. Then we ate without much talking and burped. We asked each other if we ate like a glutton. The bland fish fillets tasted more delicious than they used to.

This habit could have started when I was a student. My classmates and I used to get extra sachets of sugar, catsup and soy sauce from the fastfood restaurants. They're handy whenever we ate our baon inside the classroom if we have no money to eat out.

My mother too was an influence. She berated us whenever we left something in our plates when we eat in restaurants. She said that every morsel of food was paid for. Even the extra soy sauce and catsup. So when you are invited to dine with us, don't be surprised to find catsup sachets with McDonald or Jolibee brands in the dining table.

Before 9/11, most airlines served food with stainless fork and spoon. Once used, they are sold to recycling companies. If you find some of them in household that means, they were kept as "souvenirs" of the flight.

A friend of mine was an executive in a company that manufactures the disposables and the give-aways of an airline. When it was rumored that the airlines was going to fold up its operation, the wife knelt praying in Quiapo Church.

After the meal, there was a long line to the washroom. I remember when I was a kid and was travelling by bus. The driver used to stop near grassy areas and shout. "O yong magbabawas, magbawas na." Men have advantage over women. They can do it anywhere-- standing. But I saw one lady also doing it--also standing with only the "tapis" as cover. nyahahah.

Time for sleep. It was a long trip. It was already evening but the sun was still shining outside.
The man by the window missed the beautiful sight. Gold rays penetrating the blue gray clouds.

Pinaysaamerika

Up and Up Away to the USA

Dear insansapinas,

We learn by example and by direct experience because there are real limits to the adequacy of verbal instruction.

The cabin of the carrier is much bigger, more seats--three rows, three seaters for the right and left sides and five or was it six in the middle?

I got the window seat at the right side. The steward helped me put my suitcase inside the overhead compartment. No remark, just a grimace of pain and a little smile. Very pr-ish indeed.

I hoped that my seatmates would not make it. Evil thought. bwahaha.

Every time, a passenger walked towards my direction, I wished that he/she would get past me.
But almost all the seats were taken except those two on my left.

A big man in his late fifties came striding with his carry-all bag.He was fat with gold rings, a gold necklace with a gleaming gold medallion draped around his neck.

He looked at the seat numbers.
He stopped, he exhaled and picked up his bag and thrust it in the still open overhead compartment.

Then he talked with a voice that was a cross of those of Morgan Freeman and Franz Drecher. I raised my brows, asking if he's talking to me. Yes, to me. He asked me if we can exchange seats. He liked the window seat. He wanted to see the view. What view?
The cumulus, the cirrus or the stratus clouds?

Another journey of life commences

Dear insansapinas,

This is the twenty seventh in the series of the Family Tree Project that I launched to leave basic life lessons and work ethics for my grandchildren who would never know how their grandmother, biological or adoptive lived before their birth or age of reason.


He who would travel happily must travel light.



Carrying my heavy luggage, my leather jacket that must weigh another few pounds and my tote bag, I searched for my seat inside the cabin.

Mine was the middle seat, sandwiched between a man and a woman. They must be visiting the extra large section of the department store for their garments' need so that starving them during the whole duration of the flight would save them money from another-lose-20lbs- in- one month diet program. I mentally calculated the flying hours from Manila to Japan where we will be taking a bigger carrier. That was how long I have to endure the mental and physical duress in that cramped space.

I looked at the overhead compartment. Hmm pretty high. I should have obeyed my mother to drink my milk when I was a kid. I realized that being vertically challenged is a disability. I was "disable" to reach the compartment to put my handcarry.

A knight-in-a-shining-armour (not) guy helped me lift the suitcase. He was not doing it to help a lady in distress. He was in a hurry to put his-- a backpack.

" Did you bring Manila Cathedral with you. It must have weighed more than a ton." He complained.

"Ow, I did not get the Mayor's nod for the Quiapo Church so I just settled with the cathedral".
I retorted back.

I haven't even warmed my seat when the lady by the window stood up. She's going to the washroom. So I stood up; the man at the aisle seat also stood up.

I waited for her at the aisle because I thought she would be gone only for a few minutes. The clock ticked tocked and I realized that if I have brought a book of Noli Me Tangere, I must have finished the novel before I saw her emerged from the washroom. Did she take a shower or sumtin' ?

The flight stewardess served us peanuts and soda.

After the drinks had been served, the lady stood up again. I just thought if she has a bladder problem , why did she not ask for the aisle seat?

Anyway, so I stood up again and waited at the aisle again. The clock ticked tocked again.
No, I should not be reading a novel while waiting for her. I could have made gantsilyo and finished one bedspread with matching pillow covers for two.

Then we landed in Land of the Rising Sun. First stopover. Got to transfer to another airline.

The knight-in-the-shining-armour-not- carrying- backpack guy grabbed his stuff. It could be my pleading eyes that made him reached for my suitcase minus the sarcastic remark.

Any way I was ready with more names of churches such San Agustin, Baclaran, St. Jude...

Pinaysaamerika

The VISA

Dear insansapinas

This is the twenty sixth in the series of the Family Tree Project that I launched to leave basic life lessons and work ethics for my grandchildren who would never know how their grandmother, biological or adoptive lived before their birth or age of reason.



While other people could not wait to fly to the US even as a tourist, my working visa waited for me for months to use.

My mentor discouraged me from leaving the country. He told me about discrimination practices in the Land of Milk and Honey. I am lactose intolerant so I will just take the honey. :)

But I was depressed and I had one more semester to finish another doctorate in another university. Besides my employer already wrote if I am still interested of the position. Then I decided to go.

I had to give up my clients and when I did, I thought there was no turning back.

So I went to the US embassy for schedule of interview on the strength of the approved working visa of a petitioner.

Another CPA/applicant that I met in the agency where we were briefed how to answer
questions said that his application for the visa was disapproved. The consul asked him about depreciation and he failed to mention the depreciation method that was not discussed in any books in Accounting. I anticipated for some questions about my line of expertise.

When the date for interview came, I waited for them to ask me to come inside and face an interviewer. None. Instead, the lady handed me back my passport.(Today, the travel papers such as passport are delivered via couriers).

The first batch who claimed for their visa (working visa may be approved here in the States but the final decision rests on the local US embassy officers) told me that if the passport is returned without interview, it means it is turned down outright.

So I walked away from the embassy with the passport in my hand. I did not bother to look at it.

I went to the agency to tell them that I was disapproved. The old lady secretary asked for my passport while expressing her surprise why I was not even interviewed. Then she leafed the pages of the passport. And there it was ...my visa laminated in my passport. Life lesson learned, ignore the bad news in pursuing a goal. Other people's experience may be different from yours.

Sabi niya, GAGA. hehehe. You're damned lucky that you were spared from interview. Siguro naman sa dami ng papel mo na ibinigay, they don't need to ask you questions to know if you are really qualified for the job. That's one thing I keep in mind. Be friendly to the receptionist and secretary. Some of them know better than their bosses. And some of them can just call you names without malicious intent. Muntik ko na siyang mahalikan.

I Left my Heart in San Francisco--Driving in Streets of San Francisco

Maalala mo kaya, San Francisco (hikbi)
I left my heart in San Francisco, high on a hill it calls to
me


Dear insansapinas,
Alam mo namang dito ako ibinagsak ng tadhana nang ako ay bagong salta sa US of Ey, mahigit nang sampung taon ang nakalilipas.

Dito ako natutong magdrive, sa turo ng Intsik na binayaran ko noon nang $ 18 per hour para lang ako matutong magdrive dito, kasi naman sa Pinas kahit may lisensiya ako, may taga drive sa akin. Ahem.

Ang lintek na singkit, dinala kaagad ako sa mga matataas na lugar sa Streets of San Francisco na akala mo bundok kong aakyatin sa itaas. Sanay pa naman ako na may clutch kaya ang aking paa ay nagsasayaw sa dalawang tapakan, gas, break at imaginary clutch. hehehe. Hindi sa akin ang video. Hiniram ko lang sa youtube para maipakita kung gaano
kaexciting ang magdrive dito. Yon bang tipong nerbiyos na nerbiyos ka dahil nakaalalay ka sa break,hindi mo na kailangan ang tumapak sa gas dahil bababa ka at bababa pero ang lintek ang daming mga nanggagaling sa kanan. Hoy paraanin ninyo ako.





Related articles:
1. I left my heart in San Francisco-Driving in the Streets of San Francisco
2. I left my heart in San Francisco-Golden Gate na hindi gold
3. I left my heart in San Francisco-Riding in the cable car
4. I left my heart in San Francisco-Walking in the Fisherman's Wharf

5. I left my heart in San Francisco-The Fisherman's Wharf Bushman
6. I left my heart in San Francisco-Fisherman's Wharf-Fire-eating Dude

7. I Left My Heart in San Francisco-Fisherman's Wharf-Sealion

8. I Left My Heart in San Francisco-isherman's Wharf Robot

9. I Left My Heart in San Francisco-Fisherman's Wharf-Aquarium


Pinoy,Pinay, balikbayah,
love,San Francisco,

I Left my Heart in San Francisco-Golden Gate na hindi naman kulay Gold

Mga Alaala sa San Francisco (hikbi)
"When I come home to you, San Francisco, your golden sun will shine for me."



Dear InsansaPinas,

Acshually, noong bagong sulpot ako dito sa San Francisco, nagtatrabaho ako sa downtown pero nakitira muna ako sa aking bossing sa Walnut Creek. Mga lugar ng mga Puti yon. Kalayo sa SF downtown. Siguro ay mga 30 minute-drive kung hahawak ka sa iyong tainga pag nagdadrive ng mabilis yong aking bossing na babae at walang pulis o traffic na istorbo. Dito sa youtube na ninakaw ko (looted, baby)makikita ang pagdadarive papunta doon sa Golden Gate. Kung may makita kayong biglang dumilim ang dinadaanan, yon ay tunnel sa ilalim ng bundok. Yeah baby, pinakialaman nila ang bundok, binutas para lang lagyan ng daanan. (Naisulat ko ito sa libro ko na hindi pa lumalabas dahil naghihintay pa ng maawang magpublish, hehehe) Sabi nga eh. If you cannot make the mountain move, then dig a hole, and it's a big hole.






Nakita mo ba yong Golden Gate, insan. Di naman golden, di va? Noong una nga akala ko golden kaya balak ko sanang magdala ng pang scrape baka makakuha ako kahit kaunti para gawing singsing.

Nakita mo ba yong mga naglalakad sa sidewalk. Ang mga hitad, ang haba niyan. Pagod yan pagkatapos.

Related articles:

1. I left my heart in San Francisco-Driving in the Streets of San Francisco
2. I left my heart in San Francisco-Golden Gate na hindi gold
3. I left my heart in San Francisco-Riding in the cable car
4. I left my heart in San Francisco-Walking in the Fisherman's Wharf

5. I left my heart in San Francisco-The Fisherman's Wharf Bushman
6. I left my heart in San Francisco-Fisherman's Wharf-Fire-eating Dude

7. I Left My Heart in San Francisco-Fisherman's Wharf-Sealion

8. I Left My Heart in San Francisco-isherman's Wharf Robot

9. I Left My Heart in San Francisco-Fisherman's Wharf-Aquarium


Pinoy,Pinay, balikbayah,
love

I left My Heart in San Francisco-Walking in the Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman's wharf

Maalala mo Kaya-San Francisco (hikbi)
I'm going home to my city by the bay.



Dinadala ko dito sa Fisherman's Wharf ang aking mga Turistang bisita. Maraming makikita dito.

Isa mga tao. Maraming tao. Ahahay





Mga Pagkain, Paninda, Sourdough, Banka, kahit anong raket, meron dito.



Related articles:

1. I left my heart in San Francisco-Driving in the Streets of San Francisco
2. I left my heart in San Francisco-Golden Gate na hindi gold
3. I left my heart in San Francisco-Riding in the cable car
4. I left my heart in San Francisco-Walking in the Fisherman's Wharf

5. I left my heart in San Francisco-The Fisherman's Wharf Bushman
6. I left my heart in San Francisco-Fisherman's Wharf-Fire-eating Dude

7. I Left My Heart in San Francisco-Fisherman's Wharf-Sealion

8. I Left My Heart in San Francisco-isherman's Wharf Robot

9. I Left My Heart in San Francisco-Fisherman's Wharf-Aquarium


Pinoy,Pinay, balikbayah,
San Francisco,Fisherman's Wharf,cable cars

I left my Heart in San Francisco-Fisherman's Wharf Bushman

Fisherman's wharf-Bushman

Maalala mo Kaya-San Francisco (hikbi)
I'm going home to my city by the bay.

Haay masaya dito sa Fisherman's Wharf. Marami kang ka-ekekang makikita. Tingnan mo itong bushman na ito. Kumikita siya sa pananakot ng tao. Ang kailangan lang niya ay pinutol na bahagi ng tanim na maraming dahon. Bubulagain ang mga naglalakad na turista. May mga nagugulat, may naglilimos. Pinakamababang bigay ay $ 1.00.
Mantakin mo kung sa libong dumadaan doon, isandaang magbibigay, di may isandaan siya.
Magandang raket. Makahanap nga ng siit.



Related articles:
1. I left my heart in San Francisco-Driving in the Streets of San Francisco
2. I left my heart in San Francisco-Golden Gate na hindi gold
3. I left my heart in San Francisco-Riding in the cable car
4. I left my heart in San Francisco-Walking in the Fisherman's Wharf

5. I left my heart in San Francisco-The Fisherman's Wharf Bushman

6. I left my heart in San Francisco-Fisherman's Wharf-Fire-eating Dude

7. I Left My Heart in San Francisco-Fisherman's Wharf-Sealion

8. I Left My Heart in San Francisco-isherman's Wharf Robot

9. I Left My Heart in San Francisco-Fisherman's Wharf-Aquarium



Pinoy,Pinay, balikbayah,
San Francisco,Fisherman's Wharf,cable cars

I Left My Heart in San Francisco-Fisherman's Wharf-Fire-eating Dude

Fisherman's wharf-Fire-eating Dude

Maalala mo Kaya-San Francisco (hikbi)
I'm going home to my city by the bay.

Ito ang lalaking kumakain ng apoy, kahit hindi sumisindi dahil malakas ang hangin. Talagang malakas ang hangin sa Fisherman's Wharf. Tabing dagat eh. Nakita ninyo ang sponsor ng kaniyang maliit na palabas? Geyser. Bottled water. Para bang ibig sabihin, bili kayo ng tubig and put out the fire. hehehe





1. I left my heart in San Francisco-Driving in the Streets of San Francisco
2. I left my heart in San Francisco-Golden Gate na hindi gold
3. I left my heart in San Francisco-Riding in the cable car
4. I left my heart in San Francisco-Walking in the Fisherman's Wharf

5. I left my heart in San Francisco-The Fisherman's Wharf Bushman

6. I left my heart in San Francisco-Fisherman's Wharf-Fire-eating Dude

7. I Left My Heart in San Francisco-Fisherman's Wharf-Sealion

8. I Left My Heart in San Francisco-isherman's Wharf Robot

9. I Left My Heart in San Francisco-Fisherman's Wharf-Aquarium





Pinoy,Pinay, balikbayah,
San Francisco,Fisherman's Wharf,cable cars

I left my heart in San Francisco-Fisherman's wharf-The Aquarium

Fisherman's wharf-The Aquarium

Maalala mo Kaya-San Francisco (hikbi)
I'm going home to my city by the bay.

Dito sa Fisherman's Wharf ay may aquarium kung saan makikita mo ang pating, sting ray, star fish na naglalanguyan sa iyong tabi, saiyong uluhan. Ang daan kasi ay nasa ilalim ng aquarium kaya para ka ring nasa ilalim ng dagat, hindi nga lang nababasa.









Related articles:

1. I left my heart in San Francisco-Driving in the Streets of San Francisco
2. I left my heart in San Francisco-Golden Gate na hindi gold
3. I left my heart in San Francisco-Riding in the cable car
4. I left my heart in San Francisco-Walking in the Fisherman's Wharf

5. I left my heart in San Francisco-The Fisherman's Wharf Bushman


Pinoy,Pinay, balikbayah,
San Francisco,Fisherman's Wharf,cable cars

I Left my Heart in San Francisco-Fisherman's wharf-Robot

Fisherman's wharf-Robot

Maalala mo Kaya-San Francisco (hikbi)
I'm going home to my city by the bay.

Iba-iba talaga ang raket dito sa Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco. Ito naman, nagpipintura sa sarili na kunwari robot. Binibigyan siya ng turista ng isang dolyar o limang dolyar para makasama sa retrato. Mura yong mga binibigay natin sa mga Igorot.






Related articles:

1. I left my heart in San Francisco-Driving in the Streets of San Francisco
2. I left my heart in San Francisco-Golden Gate na hindi gold
3. I left my heart in San Francisco-Riding in the cable car
4. I left my heart in San Francisco-Walking in the Fisherman's Wharf

5. I left my heart in San Francisco-The Fisherman's Wharf Bushman


Pinoy,Pinay, balikbayah,
San Francisco,Fisherman's Wharf,cable cars

I left my heart in San Francisco-Fisherman's wharf-Sealion

Fisherman's wharf-Sealion
Maalala mo Kaya-San Francisco (hikbi)
I'm going home to my city by the bay.

Ito ang mga sealion sa Fisherman's Wharf. Hindi ko alam kung bakit tawag sa kanila ay sea lion dahil ang tingin ko mukha pa silang dagang malaki at ang ingay naman nila ay parang asong tumatahol. Ito ang ginagawa nila maghapon, pasakay-sakay sa kanilang "bangka".





Minsan di ko alam kung nagpapapansin din sila sa turista pero laban din sila.

O loko, hulog ang isa.



Related articles:

1. I left my heart in San Francisco-Driving in the Streets of San Francisco
2. I left my heart in San Francisco-Golden Gate na hindi gold
3. I left my heart in San Francisco-Riding in the cable car
4. I left my heart in San Francisco-Walking in the Fisherman's Wharf

5. I left my heart in San Francisco-The Fisherman's Wharf Bushman
6. I left my heart in San Francisco-Fisherman's Wharf-Fire-eating Dude

7. I Left My Heart in San Francisco-Fisherman's Wharf-Sealion

8. I Left My Heart in San Francisco-isherman's Wharf Robot

9. I Left My Heart in San Francisco-Fisherman's Wharf-Aquarium


Pinoy,Pinay, balikbayah,
San Francisco,Fisherman's Wharf,cable cars

Si Pinay at ang Traidor (pipilitin kong alamin ang pangalan mo hudas)oops

Ito ang mga nakaraang kabanata.
Part 1,Part 2,Part 3,Part 4Part 5,Part 6,Part 7,Part 8,Part 9,part 10, Part 11,Part 12



May epilepsy pala ang taong nangisay. Wang wang kaagad ang sabi
nilang 911. Inilagay sa stretcher ang tao at dinala sa ospital.

Sa Pilipinas yon sa isip niya, marami mo nang ususero bago
darating ang ambulansiya. At kung teleserye naman yon, may
iyakan muna at patawaran, hangang mapugto ang hininga ng
may-sakit. Tsee.

Natapos silang kumain at tumuloy muna sila sa opisina.
Maraming mga nakaupo sa labas. Salita ay mga Kastila
at mga Pinoy.

May isang mukhang malditang nagpapatahimik sa kanila
Naghahanap ng mga pansamantalang trabaho ang mga ito.
Bawa't tawag sa telepono ay may kinakausap ang maldita
at pinapupunta kaagad sa lugar kung saan sila kailangan.

Nandoon si Mrs. B. Kuntodo nakamasikip na damit ito na
parang gustong ipitin ang taba niya sa katawan. Pero
kahit anong ipit niya, lumalabas naman sa ibang bahagi ng
katawan niya.

Maskulado pa rin siya. Ahaahay. Pero pula ang kaniyang labi,
malantik ang kaniyang pilikmata. Kitang kita mong parang
mapa ang kaniyang make-up sa maitim niyang balat.
Dapt maturuan nang tamang pagpili ng kulay ng make-up.

Beso, beso, beso. Di naman nagtatamaan ang pisngi. Mainit.
Akala pa naman niya malamig sa Estet. Hinubad niya ang
kaniyang makapal na jacket.

Naku hija, may heater ang building kaya mainit. Paglabas
natin, malamig ulit yan.

Pinaysaamerika

Hindi raw siya doon magtatrabaho. Hahanapan niya ng petitioner
para magkaroon siya ng papel. In the meantime, tulong-tulong
muna siya para matuto siyang gumamit ng fax machines, copier
at ng computer.

Bandang alas seis ng gabi, umalis sila at pumunta sa isang
apartment. Doon nakatira si Nelia. Dinatnan nila si Teddy,
boypren yata ni Nelia dahil nagkiss sila at napakatamis ng
kanilang ngitian na sobrang tamis magbibigay ng cavity sa
ngipin.

Nalaman niyang may-asawa si Teddy sa Pinas. Ugh...

Abangan ang susunod na kabanata. hekhekhek

Si Pinay at ang Traidor (Malapit na kayang malaman ang pangalan niya?)

Ito ang mga nakaraang kabanata.
Part 1,Part 2,Part 3,Part 4Part 5,Part 6,Part 7,Part 8,Part 9,part 10, Part 11



Lumanding na sila sa LAX (Los Angeles Airport). Nagsimula nang
magtayuan ang mga pasahero upang kunin ang gamit sa overhead
compartment. Kesehodang laktawan ka nila. Nagmamadali. Para bang
takot sila na umandar ang eruplano at madala sila sa sunod
nitong stop, ang San Francisco.

Nang wala na halos tao sa aisle, saka siya tumayo at inabot
ang kaniyang maliit na bag. Tuloy-tuloy din siyang lumabas
sa eruplano at sinundan ang daloy ng tao. Hindi niya
alam ang pupuntahan niya kaya sama na lang siya.

Dadaan sila sa imigrasyon. Isang pila ng mga turista at ibang
pila ng mga verde at mga US Cit.

Tiningnan siya ng immigration officer. Tinanong siya kung gaano
siya katagal. Tiningnan ang bitbit niyang maliit na bag.
Sabi niya baka tatlong buwan lang.(Patawarin po NINYO)siya
sa pagsisinungaling. Tinatakan ang passport niya.
Anim na buwan. Hehehe. Sa isip niya tamang tamang maghanap ng trabaho.

Sunod ulit siya sa mga tao. Dinala siya sa kung saan puwedeng
i-claim ang checked-in luggage.

May nakita siyang dalawang babae na may hawak ng papel kung
saan nakasulat ang pangalan niya. Haay salamat, hindi siya
maghihintay.

Si Nelia ang isa. Taga Mindanao at si Sonia ang ikalawa,
taga Maynila. Inutusan sila ng boss nilang sunduin siya.

Idinaan muna siya sa Mc DOnald para kumain. Kaliit na Mc Donald
yon. Hindi kagaya sa Pinas na magagara ang building at talagang
astig ang dating.

Nagtatrabaho si Nelia sa opisina ng babaeng tumulong
sa kaniyang makakuha ng tourist visa. Tawagin natin siyang
Mrs. B. Ang opisina nito ay isang temp agency at nag-aayos
din ng papel ng mga taong nakakuha nang magpepetition
sa mga tourist visa ang papeles.

Habang sila ay nag-intro-introduce ay may taong biglang
nangisay sa malapit sa kanila.

Abangan ang karugtong.

Pinaysaamerika

Si Pinay at ang Traidor na Kailangang Binyagan ng Pangalan

Ito ang mga nakaraang kabanata.
Part 1,Part 2,Part 3,Part 4Part 5,Part 6,Part 7,Part 8,Part 9,part 10

Dear insansapinas,

Nagising siya nang may nag-iingay sa bandang middle aisle.
Hay naku away ng babae at lalaki. Ito raw si lalaki
ay nanghihipo. Kunwari raw ay natutulog pero huwag
ka, pag nakitang tulog na ang katabing babae, ay kunwari
babagsak ang kaniyang palad sa dibdib ng natutulog na
dilag. Sistema niya bulok.

Heniweys, sinampal yata siya ng mataray na babae.(Bote nga sa
kaniya).

Nagpalitan ng upuan at takip mukha ang lalaki. May hiya
rin pala siya.

Tiningnan niya ang kaniyang relos, hmmm tatlong oras na
lang nasa Los Angeles na sila.

Ano kaya ang mukha ng Amerika. Malamig siyempre.
Ipapasundo daw siya ng babaeng nag-ayos ng papeles
niya.

Naalala niya ang kaniyang boypren sa Saudi.Naalala niya
ang kaniyang nanay na hindi alam na umalis na siya.
Naluha siya.

Nasa tabi na naman niya ang batang makulit. Inabutan
siya ng tissue paper.

Awwww.

Pinaysaamerika

Si Pinay at ang Traidor na Walang Pangalan Pa rin

Dear insansapinas,

Ahahay, bagong taon na mga dahleengs at dapat bagong buhay
na rin pero ito tsismosa pa rin si Pinaysaamerika kagaya nang
pinsan niyang si Kiwipinay.
Pansamantala nating iwanan ang kuwento kong hindi naman
pelikula (peks man)tubuan man kayo ng kulugo. Masaya ang
mader dear ng aking kaibigan dahil madalas ang dalaw ng
kaniyang Hani sa kaniya kahit na binobola pa rin siya.
Hige, hayaan ninyo siya sa kaniyang kaligayahan. Pag
may breaking news lang, saka natin sila babalika.

Itutuloy ko ngayon ang nauntol kong kuwentong si Pinay
at ang Traidor (na ayaw pa rin sabihin ang pangalan niya).
Iniwanan natin siya sa kabanatang siya ay nasa eruplano
at kasalukuyang binubuwisit ng isang bubuwit.

Ito nga pala ang mga una at mga sumunod na kabanata.

Part 1,Part 2,Part 3,Part 4Part 5,Part 6,Part 7,Part 8,Part 9

Lumapit sa kaniya ang flight stewardess. Tinanong siya kung ano ang gusto
niya, chicken o beef?

Wala bang iba? Wala raw. Dalawang choices lang daw. Parang may
nakita siyang baloon sa itaas ng ulo ng flight stewardess na
may nakasulat, "Anong akala mo dito turo-turo?".

Angengee. Tsuplada. O sige na nga. Chicken na lang.
Pagkalampas ng stewardess, sumilip ang bata sa kaniya.
Inuugoy-ugoy ang upuan sa harapan. Umuugoy-ugoy tuloy ang
pinanonood niya. Bakit ba may mga batang nilikha para
mang-inis sa mga nakakatanda.

Pinandilatan niya ang bata. Biglang tingin naman sa kaniya nang
kamag-anak nito sa kabilang upuan. Pinikit-pikit niya
ang kaniyang mata na tila ba pinag-eexercise niya ang kaniyang
mga eyelids. One, two, one, two.

Buti na lang dumating na ang pagkain. Nawala ang ulo ng bata
sa upuan sa harapan niya.

Uhmm kaliit na plastic na ang laman ay kanin at dalawang
hiwa ng chicken. Hindi nga niya nakilala kung chicken
nga ito o balat lang na naligaw sa plastic na iyon.

May karampot na salad, may maliit na cookie at hiwa ng
cake. May butter at may kape sachet.

Humingi siya ng orange joyce. Saka na ang kape.

Itinago niya ang natira niyang cookie at palaman. Sayang.
Kasama sa binayaran niya sa ticket yon.

Ipinikit niya ang kaniyang mata pagkatapos kunin ng
flight steward (lalaki siya beybi) ang tray.

Ano kayang kapalaran ang naghihintay sa kaniya.

Bago siya pumikit, nakita niya ang batang nakatayo
sa may tabi niya.

Itutuloy.

Si Pinay at Ang Traidor (Pakisabi nga ang pangalan)

Dear insansapinas,

Kinabukasan ay maaga siyang nagising. Nananakit pa rin ang kaniyang katawan. Maputla pa rin siya. Hitsura ng isang biktima ng Drakula na ginawang "bloody Mary ang kaniyang dugo.

Hindi man lamang siya kinumusta ng kaniyang ina na ang buong buhay yata ay nasa kaniyang minamahal.

Tinapos niya ang mga gawain niya sa opisina bilang paghahanda sa pag-alis pagpunta sa Amerika.Namili rin siya ng mga bagong damit, underwear at mga sinulid pantahi na para bang hindi sibilisasyon ang pupuntahan niya.

Ang kaniyang mga damit na balak iwanan ay kaniyang inilagay sa maleta at ibinalik sa closet. Para hindi na mahirapan ang mag-aalis noon. Sa isip niya.

Kaunti lang naman ang dadalhin niya. Isang maletang maliit. Maghihinala ang Imigrasyon niyan pag dinala niya pati ang kaniyang pares pares na sapatos.

Parang hinila ang araw, isang tulog na lang at aalis na siya. Wala siyang natanggap na tawag sa boypren niya. Marahil talagang nakalimutan na siya. Pati ang perang pinahiram niya. Marahil kung si Claudine Barreto siya, isang dram na naman ang iniyak niya. Pero ayaw niyang umiyak. Tamad siyang magretouch ng make-up. ehek.

Kinabukasan, tulog pa ang buong kabahayan nang siya ay nanaog at tumawag ng taxi.
Nag-iwan lang siya ng sulat sa mother niya. Parang pag-papaalam na pupunta lang siya sa Baguio.

Dinaanan niya ang mga magkakamag-anak na nagpapaalaman. Siya, walang maghahatid.
Tuloy na siya sa departure area pagkatapos ang kaek-ekan pag checheck-in.

Mahigit ding isang oras silang naghintay bago sila pinaakyat sa eruplano. Ilang
bilang na lamang ng isandaan at malapit na niyang kutusan ang makulit na batang
aali-aligid sa kaniyang upuan.

Panalangin niya. Huwag sanang malapit ang upuan sa kaniya ng bulilit na iyon at baka makasuhan siya ng child abuse pagpinitik niya ito sa ilong.

Pagkatapos makipagit-gitan sa aisle ng eruplano, nakaupo rin siya. Haaay, salamat.
May mukhang sumungaw sa harapang upuan niya. Ang makulit na bata.
Mahabang araw ito. Naisip niya, sana ay may holy water siyang pangwisik.

Pinaysaamerika