Dubai stopover

I do not really know how to express the feeling in words, but maybe this is what racial kinship is about.

On my way to a pilgrimage and wedding anniversary celebration this week, I had the good fortune of stopping over at Dubai. The layover was not long enough for me to go to the desert, be near a camel or see that famed tall building — the Burj Khalifa. It was, fortunately, long enough to meet and say hi to six kababayans, a lovely and helpful Fijian and take a photograph with a camel, never mind that it was a brass one.

Arriving at Dubai International close to midnight, it was impressive to see so many Filipinos working at the airport. Several were calling the attention of passengers bound for Australia and Singapore, four were facilitating at the security check area, one at Duty Free and another one walking around as she helped show passengers the way to their connection desks or boarding gates.

I realize that ever since living overseas for over seven years, I have subconsciously made more of an effort to take notice of and greet a fellow kababayan who is working or based outside of the Philippines. Seeing them reminds me of the kinship and bayanihan spirit back home, a shared heritage and culture.

I have a bit of an idea of how they feel and how a genuine, “Magandang umaga po” or “Salamat po” can be that small uplifting phrase that gets us through the day’s feeling of homesickness. I do not really know how to express the feeling in words, but maybe this is what racial kinship is about. Perhaps part of it is what our flag carrier Philippine Airlines means when it says, “heart of the Filipino.”

Upon arrival at Charles de Gaulle airport, we were met by a Filipino who has been operating a tour and private transfer business for several years now. There are a number of them who provide this service, three of whom we got to meet during our stay. I was impressed by their work ethic.

Days after, my family and I went to Lourdes and was happy to meet a Filipina-French lady who runs her restaurant serving delicious Asian and Pinoy recipes. Finally, steamed rice in France! My parents-in-law were pleased. We dined there three times and the food was outstanding each time.

That four-hour Dubai stopover, a few days in Paris and three meals at a Filipino restaurant in Lourdes remind me yet again that Filipinos are a hardworking lot with the kindest of smiles. And yes, the whole world knows it. Or so they should.