Tales of Christmas travelers

Having enjoyed these people's company, at 3:15 I entered the

pre-departure area, quite pleased with myself. I found a seat

behind a young woman who looked more European than

Filipina, who was with her two little boys. They were going to

Cebu. The name tag on the stroller says those boys should be

tightly guarded. The mother played with her younger son,

offering him milk. ''Busog na?'' she said. She wins the Centennial

award.

And now, for the ''kalabasa'' award. Airline personnel on the

speaker: ''Cebu Pacific flight will be delayed due to the late

arrival of turn-around aircraft. In behalf of Cebu Pacific, we

apologize for the inconvenience.''

I was at the airport at one o'clock. My Air Philippines plane

arrived Bacolod at past eight. My box didn't have a baggage tag

on. The security guard asked for my ticket in Tagalog before

letting me pass. Taxi drivers, calling me by name, offered me a

ride. A mob was blocking the exit. I carried my box, and

surveying the obstacle, took a deep breath and got out of there.

I'm so glad I got home. Better late than never.