Welcome, fellow wanderers, to another exciting blog post! Today, I'll be sharing a delightful tale happened a few years back from my first-ever VIP airport experience.

In the heart of Manila's festive chaos, the airport was a pulsing artery of yuletide spirit, where the scent of puto bumbong and bibingka mingled with the harmonies of carolers, creating a uniquely Filipino Christmas concerto. Amidst the cacophony, the rhythmic rumble of suitcases and the drone of boarding calls, my travel companion HB and I were just specks in a sea of holiday travelers, blissfully unaware that our provincial pilgrimage was about to spiral into the realm of the extraordinary.

Our adventure commenced with the familiar shuffle through security, a ballet of beeps and buzzes at the x-ray scanners. As I finished gathering some of our belongings, a surge of adrenaline coursed through my veins. Little did I know that this seemingly ordinary moment would soon transform into a heart-pounding encounter. While waiting for HB, who was diligently attending to our remaining luggage at the security checkpoint, I couldn't help but scan the bustling crowd of travelers. And that's when I saw him - a man in a striking uniform, exuding an air of authority that set him apart from the rest. He wasn't clad in the typical attire of a security guard or airport staff; his uniform was crisp, adorned with insignias that spoke of authority. He stood out like a hawk among sparrows, his eyes scanning the throng with a predator's keenness.

In an instant, my instincts kicked into overdrive, warning me of potential danger. I couldn't shake the feeling that this man had ulterior motives, lurking beneath his facade of importance. It was as if he was on the prowl, searching for unsuspecting victims to exploit. Determined not to fall prey to his sinister intentions, I swiftly devised a plan.

Pretending to be engrossed in inspecting the luggage I'm holding, I discreetly observed his movements. I desperately hoped that diverting my attention elsewhere would make me less enticing to his predatory gaze. But to my dismay, when I glanced up, our eyes locked once again. There was no escaping his piercing stare, which made me nervous.

My heart raced as he began to approach me with a calculated precision. My mind raced with thoughts of evasion, silently pleading with the universe to steer him away from my path. Every fiber of my being screamed for him to stay away, to leave me alone. As he drew nearer, my intuition reached a crescendo, a symphony of warning bells echoing in my mind. "

"Oh no, please, don't come near me!"

Oh my god,  is he on the hunt for a mark, perhaps seeking a "Christmas bonus" in the form of bribes or handouts? 

Such practices weren't unheard of here.

But fate had other plans, cruelly orchestrating our paths to intertwine. The man was upon me, his presence looming like an unwelcome shadow. "Hello Mam, where might you be traveling today?" he inquired, his voice smooth, almost rehearsed. I could feel the trap being set, the web of his authority beginning to ensnare me. Determined not to engage, I simply pointed towards HB, hoping the man would take the hint and leave me be. Yet, he was undeterred. With a polite nod, he pivoted and made his way to HB, posing the same question with an air of casual interrogation. HB obliged and revealed our destination, perhaps unaware of the silent drama that had just unfolded. To my utter astonishment, the man's demeanor shifted. His face cracked into a smile, and with a swift, almost protective motion, he took command of our heaviest suitcase.

"Follow me, I'll show you to the check-in," he declared, his voice now carrying a note of unexpected warmth. As we navigated through the sea of travelers, I found myself torn between relief and suspicion. Was this unexpected escort a guardian angel in disguise, or was there a more sinister motive behind his helpful facade?

With each step, I remained on high alert, watching his every move. Deep within my thoughts, a lingering question persisted. Why was he going out of his way to assist us, treating us as if we were significant individuals. The man seemed to know the airport like the back of his hand, deftly avoiding the snaking queues and leading us down less-traveled areas. The check-in loomed ahead, and I braced myself for whatever might come next in this unexpected airport thriller.

Feeling Like VIPs: 

In a matter of seconds, we found ourselves being whisked away, bypassing long queues and sidestepping the arduous check-in process. It was as if we had been granted VIP status! The efficiency and speed left us in awe, and a wave of mixed emotions washed over me. "Oh my God," I thought, a mix of exhilaration and disbelief swirling within me, "So this is the life of the privileged." I couldn't deny the thrill of being treated like a VIP. On the other hand, I felt a tinge of shyness as some curious onlookers stared at us, wondering who these seemingly important people were.

Luck or Fate?

I couldn't help but ponder the twist of fate that had led to this moment. It's true, the thought of someone else getting this treatment while I stood in line would have soured my mood. A part of me couldn't shake off a pang of guilt. What about all those other people? The fairness of it all weighed on me, even as I relished the unexpected privilege. It may seem unfair, right? But life's like that sometimes, isn't it? A roll of the dice, a flip of a coin, and today, it landed in our favor.

 As we settled into our seats, far sooner than we'd anticipated, I couldn't help but smile. Maybe it was the holiday magic, or maybe just a stroke of luck, but either way, it was a Christmas airport encounter that we'd never forget. And as the plane took off, soaring into the sky, I realized that sometimes, just sometimes, feeling like a VIP is the universe's way of saying, "Happy Holidays!" 

Though the encounter began with apprehension, it quickly transformed into a whirlwind of efficiency and special treatment. It's moments like these that remind us of the magic and surprises that travel can bring. So, fellow adventurers, embrace the unexpected and keep your eyes open for those extraordinary moments that make your journey truly unforgettable. Until next time, happy travels!

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