I smiled and sniffed the not so fresh air in the Philippines.

Let's face it. City air isn't as welcoming as it seems.

And don't forget the traffic.

I stepped out of the airport with the luggage in my hand.

People flocked the arrival gates as they waited for their loved ones exited the airport. Smiles and happy tears await the person inside.

It was a sight to behold. Totoo nga ang sabi nila.

The sincerest goodbyes and smiles are found in the airport.

I was about to book a grabcar to take me home when I heard somebody yelled my name.

"Oliiii!" a woman's cheery voice hollered at me.

I turned to look for the owner of that voice and grinned when I finally saw her.

She never fails to surprise me. Strutting in her flashy red chucks and  bright red haltered tip paired with tight-fitting washed-out jeans, Giselle Cornejo enveloped me in a hug.

Yes. The Giselle Cornejo, the high profile fashion designer in the country.

This woman owns a fashion line which she fondly named as "Graceful and Chic" that is possibly taken from her initials. She alternatively calls it as her baby.

How did we became friends? Believe me, you don't want to know the story. Insert sarcasm.

"Oh, Gee!" I exclaimed trying to match her own enthusiasm. I pulled back from the hug and stared at her long brown curls and puckered lips as she gave me a peck on the cheek.

"Chusera ka, girl! Kung hindi ko pa tinanong si Lou, hindi ko malalaman na nanggaling ka pala sa Singapura!" Giselle chuckled and we walked our way to her proud maserati.

"Grabe ka po! Wala naman akong intensyong ibroadcast sa mundo na pauwi na ako. Hindi ba pwedeng trip ko maglie low man lang." I answered on my defense.

Giselle pressed her car key and opened the trunk. Together, we lifted my luggage and placed it inside before getting inside her car.

"Mukhang may gala ka na naman ha. Hindi ko ata nasasight ang driver mo. " I commented and put on my seatbelt before she maneuvered her car.

Giselle laughed and held on the steering wheel. She casually opened her car stereo and put on our favorite song.

"Still the same observant Olivia." Giselle whistled. "Come to think of it, ang tagal na since we hang out. Let's have lunch first."

"Wala na akong budget, girl. And hinihintay na ako ng mga bata." I said and sighed.

"Alam mo namang mahal kita, girl. At mas mahal ko ang mga bagets mo. Pasalubungan na lang naten. Besides, I'm starving. At hindi ka pa din naglalunch. Past one na po!" Giselle said and adjusted her rearview mirror.

She's right. Medyo nadelay ang flight pauwi ko kanina. I'm still lucky that she waited patiently for me.

My stomach rumbled before I can even answer. She giggled and heaved out a sigh.

"Wag ka ng kumontra. Let me give you a treat. Namiss kaya kita!" Giselle said and honked when another car planned to overtake her.

"Okayyy pows." I said in surrender. "Pero babawi pa din ako sayo. Nagkataon lang talagang wala akong sapat na dala kasi ineexpect ko talagang diretso uwi na ako ngayon."

Giselle nodded and told me to save my breath for our chika later. She suggested to have myself a nap while she drive our way to her new fave restaurant.

I was awed when we arrived at the restaurant. It was Spanish Mediterranean themed and the design on the walls were beautiful. It was cozy and homey.

Giselle lead the way to her favorite spot. It was designed with books as its pillars.

"Ang ganda dito, Gee!" I exclaimed and admired the place. I let my eyes rest on a beautiful centerpiece and finally rested on the sleek chairs.

"Told 'ya." Giselle winked and called for the waiter.

Giselle took care of our orders and we chatted nonstop. It's been months since we last see each other and I was more than happy to bond with her again.

Our orders arrived and we indulged ourselves with it for awhile.

We were in a middle of our conversation when a tall and lovely woman emerged from the entrance of the restaurant.

"Hello, Miss Leni!" One of the waiters greeted her and the woman smiled at them.

The lady is even lovelier than I expected. If I were a man, I would probably woo her into dating me. But the lady I'm talking of seems to be modest and humble. She has short brown hair and small eyes which makes you think of Vanessa Hudghens.

Me and Giselle watched her chat with the woman at the counter and went inside the kitchen.

We watched as the waiters immediately rushed to their posts and were silent compared to earlier.

We realized that a seemingly old man in his forties went inside. He has a strict presence which dominated the whole place.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Salcedo." The staff at the counter chorused and took a quick bow before resuming to their duties.

I raised an eyebrow at Giselle and she did the same with me.

Something is up with these people!