Chapter 25: Returned to Dubai City

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), a branch of the Philippine government had a database of all Filipino citizens with legal cases or not and were recording Filipinos with criminal and civil cases; and other cases under their jurisdiction. Filing for passports and other government entities required this NBI clearance for the purpose of good standing as a Filipino citizen. It's situated along Taft Avenue corner United Nations Avenue that we parked the car in front of the building near the avenue.

A crowd of people was forming the multitude of lines to get the clearance; more fixers were roaming around for getting paid transactions just for easy and quick release of the clearances. I had to hire one for us to do the job, and after ten minutes, Mike got hold of his NBI clearance without hardship.

We traveled from United Nations Avenue going to Libertad Street near the US Embassy for Mike's passport. Again, the same volume of people was queuing the lines for this purpose. We prepared Mike's requirements and he queued alone. I went to Vivian Montoya's house for the gifts and money and returned back. I waited for him inside the car and at that time, I saw Danielle with two men following her behind, enter the Department of Foreign Affairs' main office. With my carelessness, I followed them inside without thinking about the consequences. Danielle's bodyguards saw me and they instantly followed me outside the building. I ran directly to the car and speeded up going to Baclaran and I turned the intersection heading to Magallanes. I drove along the Pasong Tamo and turned left heading to where I came from, Libertad Street. I parked the car in front of Vivian Montoya's house and walked toward the DFA building.

I looked for Mike Luna inside the building and he was still on the line. I approached the counter to transact on how to rush the release of Mike's passport. I paid an amount, and after twenty minutes, Mike's passport was released. We came back to Vivian's house where I met her father.

"Marco thanks for your kindness in delivering the money and toys coming from Vivian. How's my daughter in Dubai?"

"Sir, she's fine...she told me to extend her love to all of you here. Also, thank you for accommodating my car."

We went home to Bacoor, took some rest, and enjoyed our evening with the kids. It's nothing I can do at the moment to look for my lost son. I had to go on with my own life for the sake of what I was dreaming and the values within me as a family man.

I spent my Christmas season with my family and told Mike Luna to wait for his visa, and call me if he's heading to Dubai. I called Edward too, to take good care of the boy, and to check on my family in Bacoor, Cavite.

"Marco, take good care of Ronnie...kindly tells him... that I loved him so much. Call me regularly friend...and if you change your mind...just come back here in the Philippines...and we'll build our business together..."

"Okay Edward, I will."

I processed my papers from POEA and scheduled my plane ticket and other documents that I left with Ayah Isabel for our children; an insurance policy and educational fund. I had to be sure with their future, for whatever reasons therein underlying why I am doing a more pronounced condition for them.

XXX

All members of the family accompanied me to the airport for my departure. I had a mixed feeling when I stepped my right foot on the pavement of the departure area. I hugged them all tightly to fill my heart with love even though I am far from them, far from the strings that are attached to me.

"Ayah, love, take good care of the three kids...and my love for you...remember this, you're the only one inside of me... even though more challenges coming to our ways...bye!"

My heart was broken when I entered the lounge section of the airport where I sat down waiting for my scheduled flight. Those multitudes of forces that I felt were starting to crumble like the ruins of the Roman Empire; the unexplainable feelings that even the ocean cannot fathom its depth for no reason at all. Those times I had spent away from my family was like a lost soul wanting for greater love to endure sacrifices. The shroud that covered my strength to go on turned into a million fears which diffused in different directions. But, this is me, this is my life...

XXX

It was in...

The year 1987 on December 27 - my two-month vacation ended and I returned back to Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Even inside the plane, I cannot straighten my thoughts of delivering something significant it boiled down to my feeling of remoteness. All the images in my imagination are clustered into different forms and colors; a never-ending search for my identity as a human being, a father, and a provider.

After nine long hours, I viewed Dubai from above as the jewels of the Gulf rearing to capture my soul again. It changed my life's perspectives and really amazing to think of these changes with such unknown answers deep inside of me. I started to recall people in Dubai with which I had spent my time.

I hired a taxi cab to go to the Satwa area where I stayed before my vacation leave. I slept inside the room of Ronnie where he carefully prepared for me. I took my overnight rest and when I woke up the next morning, he was having his breakfast on the table.

"Good morning sir Marco, how's your vacation?" Ronnie asked me.

"Fine and good Ronnie...your father told me everything about you...do not worry about what happened to us before...I understand your situation..."

"Have your breakfast sir, I cooked these for you."

"Thank you, Ronnie. How's your store operation.... and the management people?"

"There are some problems but minor only, I can manage sir."

"After our breakfast, I'll report to the main office in Sharjah for my new assignment...I think in Al Ain."

"Yes sir, that's what I heard. How's my brother Larry sir?"

"Yes, he graduated this year...planning to help your father for a new business..."

"Thank you sir for your kindness...."

"Your father told me to watch over you....so behave, okay?"

"Yes, sir I'll do that."

After our breakfast, I went straight to our main office to report which, as I expected, I was assigned to the Al Ain branch. I accepted my assignment and said goodbye to Ronnie and his staff. I telephoned Vivian Montoya and Ryan Mallari to say hello and told them that I was transferred to Al Ain.

XXX