The Visitor

July. Summer. I was at the Winnipeg International Airport, waiting for my special visitor.

It was my mother’s first trip outside of the Philippines. She said she never thought she would be able to visit a different country. Back then, the farthest trip she made was a ferry ride from Bacolod to Manila and back.

To her, going places was just a dream. For someone like her who grew up in poverty, owning a passport and travelling to faraway places is a privilege.

I haven’t seen my mother in 4 years, that’s why I was so happy that she will finally visit me here in Winnipeg.

The Winnipeg airport is small but it looks modern and newly-renovated. Its lobby and other facilities look so much better than before. In fact, this is the first terminal in Canada that is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certified because of its environmentally-friendly design.

I wish all the airports in the Philippines look great, too.

While waiting, I scrolled through our family chats. I looked at her selfies inside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

So everyone went to the airport to wish her a safe travel. My family was complete – my father, my siblings, their spouses and partners, and of course my cute little nieces.

While they were busy chatting, I was busy giving a list of reminders.

Mom, please don’t forget your passport. Could you please check you have it?

Mom, please read all the signs carefully. If you go to the wrong gate, you might end up in China, we don’t have any relatives there.

Mom, do you know what to say to the Immigration officer? Please review what I wrote on the invitation letter.

Mom, when you get to Vancouver please remember to pick up your luggages. You need to take them all before you go to your next flight.

Mom, did you bring your medicines? How about your jacket, it’s cold inside the airport.

Mom, did you bring some Canadian dollars? Just buy food when you get hungry while waiting at the Vancouver airport.

After all what I had said, all she said to me was, “whatever”. She said I sounded like a broken record. She’s a feisty woman, after all, she’s my mother.

…………………………………………………………………………….

I came here in Canada in 2007 as an Overseas Filipino Worker. I only had a one-year work permit, so I wasted no time. I worked overtime everyday. I even took those under-the-table jobs just so I have extra money to send to my family.

We would call each other every night before bed. She would happily tell me how her day went. When I was back home, I never really got to listen to all her stories. But since I moved here, I listened to every word she says.

Jo, I have paid all your mortgage arrears. The clerk said we could move in next week! We are so excited!

Jo, did you see my post about our house? It looks great! Did you like the color of the paint?
Home sweet home! Thank you.

Jo, I have enrolled Josh and Yhan in a private school nearby. I have also bought their stuff. Your little brother was so proud, he was funny. Thank you.

Jo, I went to the bank earlier to settle that loan that we used to pay your recruitment agency. What? The Canadian government sued your recruiter for fraudulent practices? Good for them.

Jo, I also paid our debts, even those money that we borrowed from relatives. Are we debt-free? Yehey!

Jo, I just left the hospital. The doctor prescribed amlodipine. He said I should avoid salty and fatty foods. Sorry, we spent some money for the hospital bills. Don’t worry, I will get better soon.

Jo, your cargo boxes have arrived! Wow there’s plenty of chocolates, coffee, soap, canned goods and even perfume! Did you know that the Canada T-shirts fit us so perfectly? It’s a total chaos here, as if we had just won the lottery. It’s so much fun! Thank you!

Jo, how’s your first Christmas? I just came back from the evening mass. Your siblings are still outside, watching the kids singing Christmas carols around the neighborhood.

Jo, Merry Christmas! We’re having fun here. We miss you. I wish you were here. Why don’t you go home next Christmas? I miss you so much.

Jo, Happy New Year! Finally, I was able to collect all 12 fruits for the first time. They were so expensive though. Oh, I bought cake and ice cream for later because our relatives are coming over since it is your birthday. Are you able to go online so you can see them? You also have to see the fireworks that your brothers bought for you. Happy birthday my dear, I love you.

Jo, how are you? Do you still have bronchitis? Maybe you’re not wearing proper winter clothing. I heard the winter there is terrible. You know that you have very weak lungs. I feel sorry for you. I wished I was there to take care of you.

Jo, I saw in the news that some contract workers are being deported. Are you okay? when are you coming home? I thought you’re only staying there for a year? Isn’t those under-the-table jobs risky? Just come home please. I guess we can manage here as long as we are together.

Wedding? When? Are you sure about that? Please think about it and don’t just rush into things.

Jo, you look so beautiful in your wedding gown. I am sorry I couldn’t be there for you. I pray that God will grant you love and happiness.

…………………………………………………………………………….

May 1st. I was watching TV Patrol where Noli de Castro was reading the news about the huge labor day march in Mendiola.

It was my mother’s birthday. We chatted. She asked me what I was doing. I said I was just eating pancit which I cooked for her birthday while watching the news. She then said that if I was in the Philippines, I would be at the rally too. Before I could say anything she said, it’s okay. I am used to it.

I changed the topic. I asked her what she wanted for her birthday. “Just you”, she replied.

To which I replied, then come to Canada to get your gift. She laughed. She thought I was kidding.

When I emailed all the visitor visa documents to my sister Jane, that’s when she realized that I was really serious about bringing her to Canada.

After 2 weeks, her visa was approved. She immediately phoned me, saying she was like a kid jumping for joy. She proudly showed me her passport, and even asked me to pinch her to see that she wasn’t dreaming.

She got busy the next few days shopping for her trip. She kept calling me, asking me what local food I wanted her to bring for me.

Jo, how many Creamsilk should I get? How about the Goldilocks polvoron, what flavors should we get for your friends? And what was that, the Max’s caramel bars – does it taste good?

Do you still suffer from painful cramps? Would you like me to bring some Efficascent oil? How many bottles? How about Salonpas? Alaxan? Biogesic? Diatabs too?

Oh by the way, your Nani Candi also wants to make some special suman for you. Oh my, what about the piyaya, I am sure they don’t have it there.

Jo, can I bring mangoes and dried fishes? How about the Chicken Joy and peach mango pie. Your brother Janjan is teasing me, he says they will deport me if I bring all these “illegal food”.

Wait, so what’s the weather right now? You said summer, but Yhan says it’s actually snowing there right now. Oh so it really is summer? (laughs) Oh my your siblings are crazy, they’re driving me nuts!

…………………………………………………………………………….

I was so busy reminiscing that I didn’t notice that the passengers have started to arrive.
Most of them were Filipinos.

There’s a group near the coffee shop holding a big tarpaulin sign that says, Welcome to Canada, delos Santos family.

Somewhere near the escalator I saw 2 men holding a sign that says, Welcome to Winnipeg, Mr. Juan dela Cruz, from your Maple Tree Hog Farms Family.

The group beside me had balloons of every color. They’re with the 2 young girls who were both holding boquets of flowers.

Meanwhile, the small kids just wouldn’t stop running around the luggage carousel. One kid suddenly started crying. He tripped and dropped his halo-halo dessert. When the janitor picked it up and threw in the garbage, he cried even louder.

This is one the things that I like about Filipinos. Everyone wants to be there for you when you leave. They also want to be there when you return. Some people laughed, some cried. I didn’t really appreciate this before until I became an OFW. It feels reassuring to know that your loved ones back home love you – that they’ll miss you when you leave, and they’re excited to welcome you back.

I looked up at the big monitor to read the flight information: It was 11:49pm.

The passengers started to descend from the escalator. They waved at their families downstairs. Everyone smiled. I couldn’t help but smile as well.

Eventually I saw my mother. She was wearing a denim jacket and a green sling bag. She had short hair and was wearing glasses and her favorite red lipstick.

My heart smiled. At last, my visitor has arrived!

I approached her and hugged her tightly. I felt a tear running down my cheek. Tears of joy.

I still couldn’t believe that she’s finally here. My dream finally came true.

I asked her if she’s ready for our next big adventure. She excitedly said, of course!

She said she really wants to see the snow. I told her there won’t be any until November, but I promised her we’ll take a lot of pictures in the snow. I am sure she’ll enjoy it. I wasn’t just sure if she could endure the minus 40-degree windchill.

She held my hand. She kept thanking me, for making her dream come true. I jokingly told her to stop being a crybaby. But seriously, you deserve this.

What I didn’t tell her was that I should be the one thanking her for making my dreams come true. Thank you, Mom, for your love and sacrifices. Now that you’re here, I will take care of you. I will make sure to give you an enjoyable and memorable vacation in Canada.