My Brother-in-law and Other Stories
By Johnny Novera

Travelling Business Class

We had the chance to travel in some nearby countries. While on a flight to Singapore , we noted that the business section at the front portion of the plane was almost completely empty, except for an elderly Chinese couple and one who to us looks like a Filipino congressman or a businessman. Anyway, they are just the same to me, congressmen are almost always businessmen too.

When the plane was about to take off, we were invited by the stewardess to transfer and seat ourselves in the business class. We liked it .The seats are bigger and there is wide legroom space. Then, after a while, when we were airborne and started to enjoy the comfort, the stewardess requested that the we now return to our old seats, thanking us for our cooperation.

We felt tricked. We did not know that we made as buoy to balance the plane on takeoff!

 A Singapore Brisbane

We were waiting for our turn at the air rocket ship ride in one of the amusement parks of Brisbane , Australia , and seated in a bench outside the building. Later, a fellow Asian in business suit joined us, asking if he may share the bench. Of course, we said “you are welcome,” and he got seated beside us.

We struck some conversation with him. He said he is from Singapore , a businessman , engaged in manufacturing electrical switches. He is on a short vacation. Then he, in turn, also inquired of us. We said we are on vacation too from our job in the bank, and we are from the Philippines . Filipino? He asked. When we said yes, one by one, he gathered his things beside him. Stood up left hurriedly without saving a word.