“A TRIP TO THE PHILIPPINES”

 

 

“…say I go anywhere you go…”

 

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“Omo! Why did she left without even telling me? Is she mad at me?” A man muttered under his breath as he entered the busy airport. He checked his flight schedule, “I’ll be leaving by 5:00pm. I wonder how long it will be to go there.” He continued walking while talking to himself. Everybody’s looking at him. Not because they knew who he is, but because of what he’s wearing. A man in his twenties, carrying a backpack, with a big black hoodie and a black mask covering his mouth. Not to mention his skinny jeans with high top shoes and the shades that is covering his eyes. Well, to all people there, he looked really weird. They are all whispering as he passed by.

 

“Why is he wearing that mask over his mouth? There isn’t A-H1N1 here in South Korea right?”

 

“Is he a ninja?”

 

“Or some kind of a spy?”

 

“Omo! Is he a kidnapper?”

 

“That’s a normal fashion here right?”

 

“I wonder if he’s an idol... Only idols disguised like that so that people won’t recognize them.”

 

“Maybe. But from what group?”

 

“I’m not sure… Big Bang?”

 

“Who among them? I’m sure Big Bang doesn’t have any schedules abroad.”

 

“Maybe he had a date abroad?”

 

“Or following someone there?”

 

“Who?”

 

He quickened his pace upon hearing those conversations. He shouldn’t be caught. Honestly, he left their building without asking permission from their president. Only the boys knew where he is going. He thought he will be gone for a short while because he is sure that he will find her immediately. But he’s wrong. He didn’t know that he will have an exciting, tiring and mind blowing trip there. He didn’t know that he will learn many things. And he didn’t know that a surprise was waiting for him there. He didn’t know. Not until he arrived there.

 

ENTER_

 

NAME_                               

 

KWON JI YONG A.K.A. G-DRAGON_

 

DESTINATION_

 

PHILIPPINES_

 

GOAL_

                               

SANDARA PARK_

 

PARAPHERNALIA_

 

WON CHANGED INTO PESO_

 

DARA’S FORMER AGENCY ADDRESS_

 

MOBILE NUMBER OF ONE OF DARA’S  FRIENDS_

 

ACCOMPLICE_

 

BIG BANG­_

 

MISSION NAME_

 

“BUTTERFLY EFFECT”_

 

Or simply_

 

“taking my Dara back”_

 

 

 

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“In preparation for landing, please return your seatbacks to the full upright position, secure your seat belts, stow your tray table, and place all carry-on luggage under the seat in front of you. Please turn off all electronic devices. Flight attendants will be walking through the cabin to pick up any remaining service items. We’ll be landing soon.”

 

“We will be landing at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila, Philippines. And the local time is 1900 hours and the weather is fine. On behalf of the captain and this airline we hope you have enjoyed your flight and thank you for flying with us. Come back and see you with us soon.”

 

I snapped out of my reverie when I heard the pilot speaking. I was drowned in listening to my baby girl’s voice over my headphones and lost track of time. Good thing I heard the pilot’s announcement that we will be landing soon. I felt the airplane slowly tilted and glided down the runway. I caught a glimpse of beautiful scenery below.

 

“What a beautiful country.” I muttered and smiled.

 

“It would be a nice place for our honeymoon.” I continued with a playful smile on my lips. I can’t stop myself from smiling just by thinking of it.

 

Then finally, I felt the plane stopped and the passengers are ushered out by the flight attendants.

 

 

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“Finally, I’m here. Where are you my Dara?: I desperately thought as I stepped out of the plane. I have a feeling that everybody is looking at me.

 

“Omo! Do they recognize me?!” I thought as I saw a teenage girl whisper to her friend, point at me and suddenly they both giggle. I quickened my pace. Then I passed by on a group of boys. They are all looking at me with wide eyes. I think I heard one of them said, “Big Bang”. I quickened my pace more as my heart started to beat loudly on my chest.

 

“What if they really recognized me? What am I going to do?!” I finally caught glimpse of the exit. Lucking, I only have my backpack so I don’t need to claim any baggage on the conveyor. But before I reach the exit, I saw a boy of three, clinging to his mother’s hand, suddenly points at me.

 

“Look mom! It’s - - - dragon!”

 

I froze upon hearing it and glanced at them again. I saw the mom looked at me and smiled.

 

“Omo! I’m dead!” I desperately thought and ran fast outside without looking back. I ran until I reached a taxi and finally hop inside.

 

“Get out of here quick!” I said to the driver in English. He looked shocked but he suddenly nodded and smiled. I finally have my breath back when the taxi drove away the airport. I looked back and saw no one chasing after me.

 

 

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“Emily, look! A cute boy was there! If only we can see his face clearly.

 

“You’re right May. I wonder why he’s hiding his face…”

 

“Oh, look! He looked at us!” They looked at each other and giggled.

 

 

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“Wow! Guys, look at that outfit! I felt like dancing now!” Alexis told his crew as a hooded figure passed them.

 

“Yeah right bro! The outfit looks simple but by the was he wore it clearly indicates that he’s a dancer. Right guys?” Everybody nodded.

 

“That’s what you called, Kpop style. Hmm.. Looks like Big Bang style, I think.” Alexis continued smiling.

“I wonder who he is. I’ll ask Manie later.” He thought.

 

 

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The boy saw him and tugged at his mom’s hand. “Look mom! It’s a dragon!” he said with a wide smile on his face and pointing at the man’s’ jacket. His mom looked at the man and saw what her child was pointing at. The man looked at them and she smiled. But suddenly, the man paled and ran outside with the speed of a cheetah. She was shocked. “What’s wrong with him?” she thought and just shrugged.

 

 

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“Excuse me sir. But where will I drop you off?” the taxi driver suddenly asked me. I looked at him.

 

“Oh, I’m sorry I forgot to tell. Could you just drop me here?” I handed him a piece of paper with the address of Dara’s former agency here in the Philippines.

 

He read it and said, “ABS – CBN sir?” I remember Dara mentioned it before.

 

“Yes.” I said. “Thank you.”

 

“Don’t worry sir, we’ll be there in an hour or two.” He said smiling warmly at me again. I smiled back and turned to the window outside.

 

“Boy, people here are good in speaking English. And they are kind too.” I thought as a smile kept plastered on my face.

 

 

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The ride was interesting as I watched what’s happening outside. I saw different automobiles. Cars, taxis, and buses. And then I saw something unfamiliar to me. I think Dara already told me what it is but I can’t remember its name. It sounds like my name.

 

“Ji---Ji---Ji---Argh! I can’t remember! But I really want to know.”

 

“Excuse me. Can I ask something?” I tapped the driver’s shoulder.

 

“Yes sir, you can.” He smiled at me and waited patiently.

 

“What’s that called?” I said pointing at the unfamiliar automobile outside.

 

“That’s a jeepney sir. It’s where ordinary people here usually ride to go to places. It can only be seen here in our country.”

 

“Oh, okay. A jeepney. Thank you.” I said.

 

“It’s not a problem sir. You can ask me if you want to know something.” He answered with a smile.

 

I smiled too and turned back looking on the window. I busied myself observing the scenes happening outside.

 

“E-D-S-A.” I uttered reading the sign I saw outside.

 

The driver looked at me and said, “That’s what this road is called sir, EDSA, Efifanio delos Santos Avenue, formerly called Highway 54.”

 

I just nodded. At least I learned something about this country that Dara treasured so much. I smiled and the ride was silent again. Then the taxi takes a U-turn and turned right leading to a street. Then the taxi stopped.

 

I looked at the driver as he spoke, “Here we are sir.”

 

“Oh, thank you so much sir.” I said handing him my fare fee. I was about to go down when he spoke.

 

“This is too much sir. Please wait for your change.”

 

“Oh no, that’s okay. I want to thank you also for the things you’ve told me.” I smiled at him to reassure it’s alright.

 

But in the end, I lost. The driver insisted on giving my change. And now, here I am left standing with the money on my hand. I just scratched my head and thought, “What a kind and honest person he is.” I sighed and put the money back on my wallet. I looked up the building in front of me, saw a guard and walked towards him. He looked up and looked startled as he saw me.

 

“What can I do for you sir?” he asked, like the taxi driver, in perfect English. I smiled. I felt nervous and excited at the thought of seeing my Dara after just a day.

 

“Ahmm… Is this ABS-CBN?” I asked him.

 

“Yes sir.” He answered.

 

“Do you have an appointment inside? To whom?” he continued consulting a list of names, probably the appointments today.

 

“No, I don’t have an appointment. I just want to know if Sandara Park was inside. Is she?” I nervously asked.

 

“Ah! Ms. Sandara Park. She’s here a few hours ago but I saw her left for about an hour now.” He said consulting his watch. I frowned. He must have noticed it and add, “But maybe Ms. Melissa know where she went to. Do you want to talk to her?”

 

“Melissa? Is she, Melissa Ricks?” I asked upon hearing that name. it sounds familiar to me.

 

“Yes sir. Ms. Melissa Ricks. I’m sure she knows where Ms. Sandara is. Do you want me to call her?” I just nodded. I pulled out my phone and browsed on my contacts. “Bingo! I have Melissa Ricks number.” I smiled and called her.

 

“Hello?” she said on the line. “Who’s this? Do I know you?”

 

“Ahmm… I’m Kwon Ji Yong, Sandara P--“

 

“Kwon Ji Yong?!” she sounds surprise.

 

“Yes.” I uttered.

 

“You’re Sandy’s boyfriend right?” she asked.

 

“Yes. I just want to ask if--“

 

“Excuse me Ma’am Melissa. Someone’s looking for Ms. Sandara Park outside. I told him she already left and he wasn’t to talk to you.” I recognized the guard’s voice talking to her.

 

“Okay.” She said, I think to the guard. “Please wait for me there.” I think she said to me because she hanged up. I waited patiently outside then a woman approached me.

 

“Kwon Ji Yong, right?” I looked at her and saw a woman taller than Dara with fair skin.

 

“Yes. Sorry to bother you but I just want to know where Dara is.” I said with an apologetic voice.

 

“Sandy’s right. You’re really handsome.” She answered.

 

“Excuse me?” I just asked.

 

“Oh, nothing. She already left with another friend, Roxanne.”

 

“Where did they go?”

 

“I think they went to Dangwa to buy flowers.” She said.

 

“Dangwa. How can I go there? Should I ride a taxi?” I asked her.

 

“Hmm… I think you can but it’s hard to get a taxi here. I think you better ride a bus to Cubao, then a jeepney to Divisoria.” Melissa explained.

 

“Bus to Cubao and jeepney to Divisoria…” I muttered.

 

“Did you get it?” she asked.

 

“Yes, thank you.” I bowed and left.

 

 

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“Hmm… I wonder why my Ji Yong didn’t call yet… He must have known by now that I left.” I thought as I gazed on my phone. “Maybe he doesn’t want to talk to me because I haven’t told him I will go here in the Philippines…” I sighed as Roxanne waved at me and pointed a bouquet of flowers. I put my phone back on my bag and approached her.

 

 

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“Sorry.” I mumbled as the bus suddenly stopped and I bumped into a girl in front of me. “I’m sorry miss.” I repeated as I straighten up again and hold on the safety bars. I was standing on the middle of the bus I was riding because all the seats are already taken. I can feel my sweat trailing down on my back.

 

“Boy, it’s hot here though I’m riding an air conditioned bus. Philippines is really a tropical country.” I thought.

 

The girl then looked at me and stared. I gulped and thought, “Does she recognize me? I’m not wearing a mask.”

 

“It’s okay.” She said as she smiled. Then some passengers got off and finally, I was able to take a seat. I took a deep breath and stared outside the window.

 

“Ticket sir?” the conductor asked me.

 

“Huh?” I asked.

 

“Do you already have a ticket sir?” he asked. “Oh, a ticket.” I thought. I just shook my head.

 

“Where is your destination sir?”

 

“Cubao?” I half asked and half answered him.

 

“Twelve pesos sir.” He said pulling out tickets and handing it to me.

 

“Oh, okay.” I said taking money and giving it to him.

 

“Here’s your change sir.”

 

“Thank you.” O smiled and looked at the ticket. “Boy, it’s really different here and in Korea when riding a bus.” I looked at the window again. Then I remembered, “Excuse me.” I said to the conductor. He looked at me questioningly. “Ahmm… Could you please drop me there? I don’t know that place…” I shyly said.

 

“Certainly sir.”

 

“Thanks.”

 

 

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“It’s already Cubao sir.” The conductor said to me.

 

“Oh, thanks.” I said as I take a last look on the movie I’m watching inside the bus.

 

As soon as I got off the bus, I scratched my head. “Omo! I don’t know where to go!” I thought. I saw three girls huddled in a circle. I took all my courage and approached them. “I don’t care if they would recognize me, I should go to where my Dara is.” I thought.

 

“Excuse me.” I said. They all wheeled around and looked at me. Then their eyes widened in surprise.

 

“G-dragon?!” the tall girl asked.

 

“GD?!” one of the petites said.

 

“JI YONG-OPPA?!” the petite bespectacled girl exclaimed.

 

“Err… Yes…” I shyly said. They obviously know who I am so there’s no need for hiding my identity anymore.

 

“What can we do for you?” the bespectacled girl asked smiling. Then she leaned at me and whispered to my ear, “Are you looking for Dara-unnie?” I was shocked and just nodded. The two other girls just looked at us.

 

“Hmm… Where will I ride a jeepney to go to Divisoria?” I asked her.

 

“Oh, there. Come let us show you.” She said walking with me. The two girls followed us.

 

“We’re going to school too. We will be riding that same jeep too. Right Bjo, Jen?”

 

“Yes.” The two girls chorused. I smiled at them. The other petite girl was called Jen blushed while Bjo, the tall one, laughed. I turned to the girl beside me.

 

“How did you recognize me… Err, what can I call you?”

 

“Just call me Manie, Ji Yong-oppa.”

 

“Okay Manie, how did you guys recognize me?” I repeated.

 

“I’m your fan oppa. A V.I.P., a Blackjack and an appler.” She smiled at me knowingly. “Of course I will recognize you even if you’re far. We, your fans, are like that.” She smiled at me. I smiled back.

 

 

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“Bye oppa!” the three girls waved at me as they hop off the jeepney.

 

“Bye girls!” I answered.

 

“Good luck on finding unnie! Aja!” Manie said to me before the jeepney started moving again. I’m so happy to met an appler, to be specific, a Filipino appler, a fan of me and Dara together. I chuckled. And they are all V.I.P.s too! I hope to meet a lot of applers here. The jeepney continued its journey and I reached Divisoria. I said what Manie taught me a while ago to say when I will get off the jeepney.

 

“Para!!” I said louder for the driver to here. Then the jeepney stopped. “It sounds like Dara…” I thought smiling.

 

It’s already noon and I’m already hungry. I ate on a carinderia, it was sort of a small restaurant here. I ate ‘sinigang na sugpo’, if I read it right. It was my Dara’s favorite. After eating, I walked around and asked how to go to Dangwa. They said it was where you can buy flowers. They also said I can go there walking. So I walked and walked until finally, the smell of flowers filled my nose.

 

“But where is my Dara?” I frowned not seeing her among the customers there. I walked along the line of flowers on both sides and looked here and there. I saw one vendor looking at me. I approached her.

 

“Ahjumma, can I asked you something?” I said, not realizing I used a Korean word.

 

“Yes?” the flower vendor asked.

 

“Hmmm… Have you seen a Korean girl about this height, with a Filipino girl with her buying flowers here?” I said demonstrating Dara’s height comparing it to mine.

 

“Sandara Park? She left minutes ago.” She suddenly said startling me.

 

“Do you know where did she go?”

 

“I overheard their conversation. They said they are going to Luneta.”

 

“Oh, thank you so much ma’am.” I immediately said as the vendor knitted her brows, probably trying to remember who I am. So I briskly get out of there. I walked again and asked someone how to go to Luneta. He told me the details and I was off to ride a jeepney again and then arrived there. It’s already late in the afternoon and the sky started to turn orange as the sun is going to set any minute now. I’m so tired searching for Dara. I wonder where she is. I sighed. I shouldn’t give up. Then a man approached me.

 

“Want to ti\\ride a calesa sir?” again, in perfect English. I’m not surprised anymore. I noticed Filipinos are really good in speaking English. Oh well, Shaun Evaristo and Aimee Lucas were Filipinos too right? I asked myself.

 

“Okay.” I said and stand up from the bench I’m sitting. Boy, Luneta is near the sea. I smiled and followed the man. Then I saw a carriage attached to a horse. So this is a calesa.

 

“I’ll help you mount sir.” The man said as he assisted me on riding it.

 

“Thanks.” I said as I was finally seated comfortably on the passenger seat as you may call it. “This  is exciting! I will definitely enjoy this!” I thought.

 

 

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I was busy enjoying the ride when my phone rings. I saw Seung Ri’s name and immediately answered it.

 

“Hello, Seung Ri, what’s up? Is YG President looking for me?” I asked worriedly.

 

“No hyung. It’s just that…” his voice suddenly became weak.

 

“Ji Yong?” I froze upon hearing that sweet voice.

 

“Da-Da-Dara!” I exclaimed loudly.

 

“Neh. Ji Yong, why are you there? I’m already back here in Korea. Just arrived an hour ago and then Seung Ri told me you’re there. Do you followed me in the Philippines?” I heard her saying as she giggled. I was speechless.

 

“Ji Yong, come back here now. I missed you, Jagiya. I’ll wait for I love you. Bye.”

 

“I love you more Dara.” I said before she hanged up.

 

I looked at the horizon. The sun was already set. Its reflection dances over the sea. The sky is beginning to darken declaring the beginning of night. The calesa continued moving as I was still shocked from what I heard.

 

 

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ENTER_

 

NAME_                               

 

KWON JI YONG A.K.A. G-DRAGON_

 

LOCATION_

 

PHILIPPINES_

 

GOAL_

                               

SANDARA PARK_

 

MISSION NAME_

 

“BUTTERFLY EFFECT”_

 

MISSION SITUATION_

 

FAILED_

 

REASON_

 

THE GOAL IS NOT HERE. IT’S ALREADY BACK FROM WHERE I CAME FROM

 

 

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