One Flight Closer to a Dream

Today I’m going to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. As I’m writing this, I’m literally on the plane — one flight closer to my dream of meeting some of my online friends in person.

The feeling is familiar but also strange. I’m still technically in the Philippines, but hearing English spoken with Malaysian accents and Bahasa all around me… it’s hitting me — I’m stepping outside my comfort zone. It’s surreal.

The trip didn’t start smooth though. Actually, early this morning — like 12AM — we missed our connecting flight. Thanks to a delayed takeoff, rain that felt like God was peeing on Manila nonstop, and a coward captain who strictly followed airport rules, we didn’t make it. AirAsia had to rebook us.

Ironically, we were four hours early. If it didn’t rain that bad, we’d already be in Kuala Lumpur vibing. But nope — red warning, grounded planes. Meanwhile, jeepneys still drive through floods like warriors.

So yeah, we ended up staying at Hotel Sogo (yes, that Sogo). But we didn’t do anything wild there — we just slept and prayed for morning to come. Sometimes, life isn’t spicy.

Fast forward — I’m now seated between a Japanese guy and a Filipina who swapped seats with me (bless her soul, even if it was technically against airline rules). I peek through the small airplane window and I can finally see a bit of Malaysia from above.

I’m nervous, excited, and honestly… thankful. Soon I’ll meet Mommy Grape and maybe Aaron — people I’ve only ever known online. I don’t know how this trip will turn out, but maybe all the setbacks are just life’s way of telling me, “Push harder. Earn more. Do it better next time.”

For now, I’ll stay optimistic. This is just the beginning — the real journey starts now.