FIERY TEMPTATIONS

Chapter Two: Bambirita's Offer

After three long years we've met again. Bambirita was a transex gender who happens to be a 'TNT' of Thailand. Kung paano ko siya nakilala? Ganito kasi 'yon.

Three years ago, I was strolling around in one of the finest mall in Thailand, hanggang sa may umagaw sa aking atensiyon. May tatlong Thai policemen, looks like they were beating up someone. Due to my curiosity, nilapitan ko sila. There I saw this transvestite---blue and red.

I politely asked those policemen why there were beating up this gay. They answered me that this gay stole something from a food cart at nang mahuli nila ito at hiningi ang passport ay wala itong maipapakita.

Weakly, this man, well sort of kasi mukha siyang babae pero ma-no-notice mong bakla talaga ito, he stared at me. Hindi na niya kailangang magsalita, he needs my help.

"Excuse me," untag ko sa kaniya. "But are you a filipino?" I asked him. His face brightened up, and he just like popped came kneeling down at my feet.

"K-kabayan, t-tulungan mo ako...baka papatayin ako ng mga dayuhang ito," halos bulong na lamang iyon. My heart melted and I pity this poor man, on the contrary kababayan ko pa.

I helped this poor being stood up, I talked with the three thai policemen. I need to tell them white lies, and I used my charm to make them help me.

Mabuti na lang kumagat ang mga ito. They escorted us to the Philippine Embassy. Luckily mababait naman ang mga kababayang nagtatrabaho dun. They have decided to deport this man, wait I still don't know his name.

"Ano pala ang pangalan mo?"

"Madame, ang totoo ko pong pangalan ay Roberto Manlinlang, but you can call me Bambie or Bambirita." He was smiling at me. I took a glance at him from head to foot, talagang kaawa-awa.

"Ano pala nangyari sa'yo? I mean, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Madame, nagpunta ako dito dahil sa boyfriend kong malaysiano," he paused. I think he has been through a lot, I can sense the sadness in his voice. "Nag-meet kami rito after my surgery. It was like a fairy tale dream come true, subalit nang gabing nadiskubri niyang hindi ako isang tunay na Eva, ay sinaktan niya ako at muntikang mapatay. Kinuha niya lahat ng gamit ko, including my money and passport. That's how I ended here in Thailand. Parang hayop, mas pa sa daga kung saan-saan lang."

"There...there..." Alo ko sa kaniya, trying to ease his pain. "Don't worry I'll help you get back home." I assured him.

He smiled at me, and held my hands. I can feel his sincerity when he said thank you. Dahil may Tita akong nag-ta-trabaho sa embassy ay agad na-process ang papeless ni Bambirita. Makakauwi siya ng Pililipinas in within two days.

On the day of his departure, hinatid ko siya sa international airport. He was shocked and teary eyed nang abutan ko siya ng envelope na may nilalaman na pera.

"Miss. Heleina, this is too much," he said between his sobs. "Ang dami mo ng naitulong sa akin," pumiyok ang kaniyang boses.

"No, it's nothing. It feels great helping others, and I'm happy helping you with all my heart," I smiled and gave him a hug.

That was the last time I saw Bambirita, we waved goodbye at each other.

---------------

Narito kami ni Bambirita sa cofetria ng ospital. He invited me for a cup of coffee, maayos naman lagay ni Mommy, kaya I accpeted his invitation. It's been three years, mukhang maraming nagbago sa baklang ito. Mas gumanda siya, kung titignan ay hindi mo aakalaing isa siyang transex gender.

I blankly stared outside, it was heavily raining and the coldness of the weather is coming inside. Tamang-tama para sa kape sa isip-isip ko, then I just realized nagugutom na ako. I didn't eat pa pala.