Our baggages were big and heavy. Partly because women and children need to have a lot of things with them when they travel, and partly because I have to bring most of my camera and accessories stuffed into one big KATA bag. I was so tempted to travel light with my things but if you went to an occasion, you’d better be dressed for it. Walking the walk, not just talking the talk. A single magical shot passed by because you were not ready for the moment is the disappointment of a lifetime.

I looked at my Philippine Passport rather sadly. It’s like bidding someone very close goodbye. This will be the last time i’ll be using them. When I come back in Singapore, I will be trading it for something different (next time for that).

It was the first time that I flew with Cebu Pacific out of Singapore (the last time I came home I went with Qatar Airlines), and I understood finally why they can afford to give cheaply affordable fares. First, you have to walk from the departure lobby and out to the plane parking field to go up to your aircraft (yeah, much like in any other domestic flights in the Phils). Second, the plane was so small and cramped, I had trouble sleeping (good thing I brought my sketch book with me so I drew the time away). What’s more is that you have to get up every time someone who sits beside me takes a leak! Third, no meals! Yeah, I’m so Dofus I never knew this that I ended up paying $5 for the cup noodles and water I picked. But as I said, I understand. And it was a fair deal for the ticket price. I don’t mind trading a few comforts if it means I save more than twice the money I spent if I flew on a 5-star airline. What was important was that we got home, safe and sound with my family. The flight got delayed though, around 3 hours—but no fuzz. We did have home. And at the end of that day? Guess what—it’s all that really mattered.