Chapter 5

THE GOVERNMENT of Singapore had planned the gathering at their Penthouse suite. But that was before the significant changes to the planned itinerary had pushed through.

David San Juan had suggested the use of the Manila Hotel instead. Its Ballroom, much more spacious. And it was a historic place, he argued. In the spirit of the times, President San Juan felt they need such a place, rich with history as well as an area large enough to accommodate the new invitees including the Media, who they invited more of. But not at the Palace, that was too much.

So when Lee Chen and the other ministers agreed, Herman Montalban had contacted the hotel. The manager, upon hearing that ASEAN, sponsored by the Singaporean government was holding a dinner and with the hint something historic taking place, had agreed at once.

Calls were made by the Singaporean Embassy to the invitees, informing them of the change in venue, at the same time profusely apologizing for the last minute change.

This being Manila, such last minute changes were after all considered routine. A person living in Manila would have to be flexible and used to dynamic scheduling changes. Suffice to say it hardly raised an eyebrow. But it was rather unexpected most especially coming from a foreign government. Usually it would be a Filipino who would do such last minute change.

It also didn't raise an eyebrow that large sections of the Media were invited. The number of newsies was well planned in advanced of course but with the last minute changes, someone in Montalban's office thought the event ought to have more coverage. So, it was arranged with the Singaporean Embassy to invite additional newsies. And that scarcely raised an eyebrow either. Which was a surprise onto itself as well.

In remarkable time, the grounds around and going to Manila Hotel was prepared. It almost looked like Christmas--- so many lights brightening up the night.

The Presidential Security Group, the Philippine Armed Forces' branch of service assigned to protect the President of the Republic had taken over Hotel Security. They were of course cordial as the hotel staff and the PSG had done this previously, on number of occasions.

The attention given to security and the intricate detail around and going to the hotel also scarcely raised attention. In this day and age of Terrorism, the additional security was common and routine, no one cared anymore.

The slightly more beautiful surroundings ought to have increased someone's curiosity, the media most especially but it didn't. After all they all received the press kit well in advance. Routine ASEAN stuff that the Singaporean Government was hosting on Philippine soil. It was big, but not that big. ASEAN after all routinely met. Nobody ever declined to go, free food and free booze notwithstanding. It was just that kind of night.


SAMANTHA WAS running a bit late for the dinner. It was something, she did naturally, to her father's dismay. At least it was just dinner and not something important, she thought.

Her parents had already left an hour before. Headed to the hotel because her dad had to be there to make last minute preparations. Samantha didn't know how important this night was to her father and to so many people in the region.

It was an ordinary night for her as well. At least her friends would be there. That was rare and something to look forward to during the night.


ALI HAD a dozen plans prepared. He practiced on taking out targets routinely. Even when they were never carried out, it was a form of practice. He knew there were last minute changes to the ASEAN dinner. He had received good intelligence. It wasn't going to be a problem. The hotel was in an excellent spot to conduct an assault.

Ali had two teams in place. Only Team Two would have to alter their attack. Team One was already in place and awaiting for their target. Two was now in final prep. Two will be departing in fifteen minutes, Ali checked. They were on schedule.

It also didn't help that these last minute changes made television coverage possible. You've got to hand it to these people, Ali thought. They made life for him easier when it shouldn't have been.



GREGORIO WAS walking down the road in front of the Singaporean Ambassador's residence. He pretended to be drunk. As the car carrying the ambassador sped by him, he clandestinely sent a text message.

“The chick is not with the mother hen or the rooster.”

All points received it. TEAM ONE quietly stood down. The team leader smiled. This was going to be easier than they expected.

Not thirty minutes later, a car came out of the embassy. It was Samantha Chen.

Team One's Leader went into action.


ALEX DONOVAN, Ryan Angeles and Sonny Gutierrez arrived at Manila Hotel, thirty minutes early. Ryan had drilled to every member of his corporate staff that they must always be early and never late for any appointment. It made good business sense, he believed.

Alex didn't think this was going to be a huge event. Neither did Ryan Angeles. When Alex asked Ryan about it, he said that Ambassador Chen didn't mention it was this big a deal, especially when they saw the security and the number of guests arriving. Alex couldn't remember Sam telling him otherwise about this event.


SARA CHAVEZ was preparing her report. She was a little bit surprised at the turnout for the event.

“Sara,” her cameraman called after her, “we're live in fifteen seconds”.

Sara Chavez composed herself.


JACK RODRIGUEZ was a broadcast journalist for fifteen years before he was promoted to anchor his Network's top rated news program. His face could be seen and the timber of his voice could be heard every week night by millions of Filipinos watching the evening news or listening to their car radios.

He was surprised that his news director told him to prepare for a report from Sara Chavez, reporting live at the ASEAN event. His sources in government told him something was going to happen. Something big. It was a red letter day indeed when the Press Secretary himself asked the network to cover this event.

It was a no event, in Jack's opinion. As much as his was valued by the Network, the news director decided it might be best on their part to do this one favour for the government. It was rare and it might be political currency someday, he thought. Besides, it wasn't a big deal he argued.

So now they were doing the live feed.

“Today, hosted by the Singapore Embassy, ASEAN members are meeting at the historic Manila Hotel.”

What the hell? Historic? The Singaporeans were doing the hosting? Last he checked they were a nobodies in the ASEAN body.

His instinct clicked at once. Something was afoot here. Maybe he should have told his director they should do this one live in the field. He should be doing this himself.

“We now have Sara Chavez, reporting live. Sara?”


WHEN HER name was called, Sara counted to five as she always did before beginning a report.

“Thank you Jack,” She started. “We're here live at the Manila Hotel where in a few minutes the President is expected to arrive. Our sources tell us something is afoot here. President San Juan is expected to make some remarks then followed by an announcement by the Singaporean Ambassador, Mr. Lee Chen.”

“Thats pretty odd, isn't it Sara?” Jack asked on the air.

“Yes, Jack, that is rather odd. Normally, an announcement at event like this is made by the President himself. Days, before this conference was scheduled to be made at the Singaporean Embassy, considered a non-event by the diplomatic community. Our sources now tell us that indeed, there will be some big announcement. In a few minutes we will be interviewing Foreign Secretary Herman Montalban.”

“We look forward to that. Reporting live at the Manila Hotel our correspondent, Sara Chavez.”

Damn Jack thought as he had his smile facing a new camera angle and moved on to the next piece of news.


RYAN ANGELES shook hands with his friend, Lee Chen and kissed in the cheek May-Lyn Chen.

“Lee, May-Lyn, please may I introduce my nephew, Alex Donovan and you know Sonny Gutierrez.”

Lee and May-Lyn shook hands with Sonny who they already know. Then took a bit of time with Alex Donovan.

“I've heard a great many things about you, young man.”

“Its a pleasure to meet you sir.” Alex added.

“Lee, this is the young man our daughter has been talking about.”

“Ah, yes. I see what you mean.” Lee replied. The adults all had a hidden smile on their face that Alex couldn't figure out.

“Where is Sam, sir. I'd like to say hi.”

“Well young man,” She is fashionably late. Then seeing some of Samantha's friends, called them. Here are two of her friends.

When Kimi and Olivia where introduced to the group, Ryan, Sonny and May-Lyn and Olivia excused themselves. Ryan and Sonny walked towards the Thai Foreign Secretary. May-Lyn and Olivia went over to fetch themselves some food and drink and began chatting.

“Have you two met before?” Lee Chen asked.

“Actually we ran into each other a couple of times, sir. We go to the same school and have classes together.” Alex replied.

“So, Kimi, is it you I should be blaming that Sam has met this young man?”

“Sir?” She asked, perplexed. “I didn't introduce them.”

“Actually, we met when you sent Sam to meet with Uncle Ryan, regarding this dinner invite. I think you couldn't make it at that time sir.”

“Where is Sam, Ambassador?”

“Its Lee.”

“Sorry sir--- I can't do that Mr. Chen”.

“Well to be frank, Alex, she should have been here by now.”

Just then his mobile phone rang. It was Samantha.

“Excuse me.” Lee said as he picked it up.

“Samantha dear, your friends have---”



ALI USED Samantha Chen's mobile phone to call Lee Chen.

“Samantha dear, your friends have---” Lee started to say.

“Mr. Chen,” Ali cut him off. “I should call you Lee.”

“Who is this?”

“We have your daughter”. Ali said as he stared at a very frightened Samantha.



LEE CHEN felt a chill as he heard the voice from the other line say that they had his daughter.

Alex and Kimi saw Lee Chen's face ashen. They knew something was terribly wrong.

Kimi immediately grabbed hold of Lee Chen's hand. It was icy cold, trying to comfort her best friend's father.

Ali bin Faruq said that Samantha was still alive. But he needed Lee to do something. Just as Ali hang up, the President of the Republic of the Philippines had finished introducing Lee Chen.

“They have Samantha”.


SARA CHAVEZ had caught up with Herman Montalban. “Sir?” She asked. “Could we have a few minutes for an interview?”

“Certainly, Sara.” Herman smiled honestly. Sara was one of her favorite newsies. Honest, intelligent, straight to the point and not to mention very beautiful.

It took about two minutes to set up a live interview with the Network. Thankfully, their news program was on commercial break when Sara called in.

“We're now live on the floor with Foreign Secretary Herman Montalban. Sir, I know you're pretty busy so I'll get to the point. What's tonight's announcement going to be?”

“Well Sara, as you can see, everybody's here to hear something really extraordinary. For years, your government and the governments of ASEAN members have been debating over the years as to the future of ASEAN. The past couple of months, we believe that moment has arrived and added to that we have a surprise.” Herman said with a smile.

“A surprise sir?”

“Well, not really a surprise if you've been privy to a lot of intelligence of over the years. I won't spoil it. Suffice to say, you should be on air when Lee Chen of Singapore makes the announcement.”

“How come it is Ambassador Chen who will be making an announcement, shouldn't it be our president? Isn't that against our protocol?”

“Well, this is a special occasion, President San Juan, thought this special night be made by the hardest proponent of this ASEAN initiative. He worked tirelessly over the years and this is just one way of thanking him. The President fully supports the ASEAN endeavor. Thats all I'm going to say, its almost time to begin, Sara.”

“Thank you Secretary Montalban. We appreciate you're taking some time to answer our questions.” Sara gave the secretary one of her best smiles.

“Anytime, Sara”

“Jack?”

“Thank you Sara. Reporting live, from the Manila Hotel, correspondent, Sara Chavez. We will be picking up that live announcement in just a few minutes.”



“LADIES AND Gentlemen,” David San Juan started. “This is certainly out of protocol. But I wanted to do this. He has been instrumental in bringing change to our countries and bridge cultures. Yet as he is a man who needs little introduction for most of you. He has in the past few years been instrumental in seeing the vision for ASEAN come into reality. This night is his night as much as it is the men and women throughout the years who have valiantly made this historic moment a reality for our peoples.”

“My friends, I am proud to call this man one of my friends, Ambassador Lee Chen of Singapore”.

A resounding round of applause errupted throughout the ballroom. In the back room, Chen was holding his mobile phone, stunned.

It was Alex Donovan who stared him in the eye and said, “Mr. Chen? Is Samantha, all right?”

“The man said she was fine, as long as I did something...” Chen was still obviously shocked.

“Mr. Chen, what was it?”

“He said to withdraw my government's endorsement if I wanted to see her alive.” It was Alex's and Kimi's turn to feel cold.

“What will you do?” Alex asked, his mind already returning to normal and started thinking.

“I don't know.” Lee Chen said, as he began to walk toward the podium and his mind already coming to grips with what had happened.



TWO SPEED Boats carrying men with some rocket propelled grenades stealthy positioned themselves aft of Manila Hotel. It was a dark night, with scarcely a star above or moon to light up Manila Bay which, the hotel faced. It was the perfect cover.

No one noticed their presence. No one thought of guarding the coastline that intently. The men aboard knew of their orders and were waiting for the moment to strike.



LEE CHEN thought about what the kidnappers said. If he didn't reject the proposals that he himself had worked tirelessly for fifteen years, then Samantha would be dead before the night was over.

If he did so, then the opportunity for so much change and progress for many lives may never come again. His daughter's life or millions more, which was more important to him?

As Lee approached the podium, he could not help but remember the happy times he had with his daughter. Her smile and her laughter lingered in his memory. What a happy person his daughter was.

A far, he could see his wife, puzzled. Lee knew she knew something was wrong by just looking at his face. Then he saw Alex and Kimi talking to her. And at once he knew she knew as her face turned to ash.

Lee started greeting the guests in sequence of protocol, his fellow ambassadors, the Philippine government officials and of course the President himself.

“My friends, I had a prepared speech for tonight's historic occasion. But let me begin be speaking from the heart instead.”



IN ANOTHER part of town, a very frightened young woman had tears flowing from her eyes like an untamed river. Please daddy, Samatha thought, don't give into these bastards demands!


“ASEAN WAS formed to unite our countries in trade and cooperation. We wanted peace and we believed that each of us, together could stand a better chance in building the future together. For years, we labored and succeeded. Yet we come to a point where, there can be little more we can do, if we do not dissolve all barriers for cooperation as one family.”

“I speak of family now,” Looking at his wife intently. “Because they are the most precious in life for me. Together we are strong. Just as ASEAN is strong when we bind together, as a single family. It is with heartfelt joy that I announce several initiatives that ASEAN will vote on.”

I am sorry, Samantha. There are somethings bigger than us.

“First, the dissolution of the Association of South East Asian Nations upon the creation of the Union of South East Asian Nations--- a confederation made up of the present members of ASEAN with plans to dissolve our boarders to one another, initiate actively the creation of a united USEAN Currency, and eventually the creation of a Federal Union Government and military force. Lastly, it is with our great pride and honor to welcome, the People's Republic of Taiwan, an independent nation into ASEAN and into the USEAN upon its official creation with the signing of Treaties by the various governments which I am told is a done deal--- tonight with each ASEAN government signing the USEAN Charter and ASEAN shall be dissolved as soon as USEAN is officially an organization.”

After the initial shock started to fade, there erupted an applause that could be heard until the moon.

After a good three minutes later, Ambassador Chen added, “After I affix my signature on the document signifying my country's involvement with USEAN, I shall resign my position to live a quiet life with my wife and daughter. I thank my friends who have in the years been very instrumental in making this vision of ASEAN which we all share a reality for future generations to take part in and make their own.”

A hushed and surprised silence filled the room. Then just before Lee stepped down from the podium he added, “Your mother and I love you so much, Samantha.”


SAMANTHA CHEN gaged and tied up heard her father's announcements on television. I love you too daddy.

Knowing by now her life was forfeit, Sam looked around the near empty room and started to use her head searching for a sharp object to use to untie her.

There! she saw it, gleaming under the little light there was in the room. Slowly, struggling, she gave it all her effort to reach it.


ALI KNEW Chen would not agree to his demands. With Chen's withdrawal of his endorsement, then the whole thing would be derailed and may even collapse. But Chen was a stubborn man. He gave the order.



THE MEN on the speed boats received their instructions and immediately, they loaded up their weapons and fired, four then five then six rounds. The hotel lit up like a match.


AS LEE walked down the podium, pandemonium erupted. Explosions rocked the hotel. Sprinklers began to pour down the huge hall.


MARIA HAD had ridden herself to ecstasy for more times she could count that night. When she walked in the room, she had no idea, Charlie Young could provide her with such pleasure. She should be paying him, Maria thought. The room recked with the smell of sex.

From what she could tell, she had that sort of talent--- Charlie, though not as handsome as she would like, was also loving every minute of their session together. After catching their collective breath, she got up excused herself and went to the bathroom. Charlie had paid her a night's worth of fun but he could afford her. They were just catching their breath.

While Maria was busy, Charlie checked his mobile phone for messages. There was a message from Ali. It was underway. Charlie smiled at that. Turned on the TV. It was all over the news. Even Cable News had picked it up.

A few minutes later, Maria then came out of the bathroom. Charlie turned off the TV as Maria started to give him some rather special tender loving care. Then he thought of the news item, his libido increased, Charlie turned her over and smiled lustfully at the woman under him. He owned her tonight. Maybe he'd make it permanent. He'd make her his regular mistress. The other one was getting old.

Was he a sick bastard? Charlie could have asked himself had he had time to process it but he was distracted by the beautiful sexy object he possessed.



SAMANTHA CHEN took minutes to untie herself. Thankfully, her kidnappers were probably busy with their other plans to dispose of her. But she knew her luck will probably not last long. She had to get away. Turning the door knob, it was unlocked. She had to smile at that. She prayed (Samantha never did that)--- hopefully to get out of here alive.

Walking out the corridor, she could hear men walking. Their voices were growing louder by the minute. They planned to rape her before make her disappear permanently.

Heading towards the opposite direction, she found an more passages and an empty room. She felt something in her pocket--- it was her mobile phone! The bastards forgot to take it. Stealthly making her way out of the building, she started dialing her dad. It was busy. She dialed Alex Dononvan.



FIRE FIGHTERS were rushing toward Manila Hotel from all over Manila. Military Police took control of the grounds while their civilian counterparts secured traffic and protected the outer perimeter. In the confusion, an assassin slipped passed security, drawing a steak knife, in the heat of confusion, no one noticed him slip it in between Lee Chen.

The old Singaporean diplomat fell to the ground, nearly being trampled had not Alex Donovan and Kimi Chen were dragging his arm.

“MR. CHEN!” Alex yelled, surprised.

“MEDIC!!!” He instinctively called as he and Kimi dragged Mr. Chen out of the burning building. “MEDIC!!!”

“Mr. Chen,” Kimi said soothingly, “Everything will be all right. Stay with us, we're nearly at the ambulance.”

Just then two volunteer firefighters arrived and helped the injured ambassador.

“He's had a stab wound, we don't know who did---” Kimi said.

“Sure ma'am,” as they carried Mr. Chen to their ambulance. “Can you take care of him, Kimi?”

“Yes, I'll go with him, Alex--- but why is this happening?”

“We'll find out OK? Can you please stay with him?”

“Yes, but please, if you see Olivia, please tell her where I am, OK?”

“No problem. Take care Kimi, I'll be back really soon.”

With that Alex walked away searching for Ryan Angeles, Sonny, Olivia and Mrs. Chen.


GAIL AND CHUCKIE were driving along a few blocks from Manila Hotel when both their cellphones buzzed. Gail picked her's up and her frantic editor was asking where she was and was appraising her of the situation at Manila Hotel. She was just a few blocks away. She was to proceed there and meet up with TV News. They needed more reporters on scene.

Chuckie on the other hand had received a missed call from Ibrahim. After returning his friends call, the latter was telling him about the situation at Manila Hotel. They by now were worried. Their friend Alex was going to be there. Ibrahim said that he was on his way to the hotel to meet up with him.

With common purpose, Gail and Chuckie headed to Manila Hotel. Chuckie drove his car as quickly as possible. He prayed Alex was all right.


“ALEX?” SAMANTHA asked. She could barely hear him over the loud screaming and fire engine noises.
“SAM!” Alex yelled, is that you?
“Yes!” Samantha said in a whisper, afraid to draw attention to herself as she raced down the fire exit. “I don't know where I am, Alex! I'm scared!”

“Can you find out where?”

“She took a moment to peer into a broken window. She could see RCBC tower from where she was. It was very far. “I can see RCBC tower, but it seemed far.”

“Try to find a police station--- or landmark. I'm headed to my car and will go there myself!”

“I'm scared Alex!”

“I'm right here, baby”

Just then, Samantha heard her kidnappers rush down the fire exit. she was four floors ahead of them. “ALEX!”

“What?!”

“They found me!” Alex felt his blood go iced cold as he heard Samantha raced down the flight of stairs, panting.

“Alex, please tell my dad, I love him!” Samantha was really scared now. “I wanted him not to give in to these bastards,” she said bitterly.

“You'll be all right, Sam, you'll be telling him personally.” Alex said as he saw Chuckie park his car.

“CHUCKIE!!!”

Chuckie saw his friend who was on the phone. Just then, Alex heard a shot and Sam grunted over the airwaves.

“SAM?!” Alex asked over the phone.

“Alex, who're you talking to?

“Get back in the car, damn it! Sam's been kidnap we need to get out of here.”

“What?!” He asked as Alex jumped into the backseat.

“Drive MAN!!! Drive!!!” The young woman riding shotgun, Alex knew to be Gail So picked up her mobile and started to talk to her editor. She explained the emergency and was not going on air. This was more important she said.

The three friends drove off. “Alex, where we headed?”



“ALEX!! I'M outside.” Samantha said, panting and blood dripping off her shoulder. The paid was unbearable but Samantha willed herself to move forward.

It was raining hard that night. It was a darkened alley, with trash piled up everywhere. Samantha picked a direction and ran there, turning into a corner, she barely eluded her captors who went on to the other direction.

But the hit on her shoulder was enough to make her groggy. She was loosing blood and fast. She stumbled onto a pile of garbage.

“Alex?!” She said barely a whisper. She didn't know her phone had gone dead. battery empty.


ALEX, I'M outside was all Donovan heard from Samantha Chen. “Samantha?!” The other line was dead. He tried to reach her. He dialed the number again. She wasn't picking up.

Could she have lost her phone? Her battery drained? Was she captured again? Or worse--- Alex couldn't even think about it.

“We need to find her”. Alex said.

“But how?” Gail asked.

Alex had an inspired idea. “Chuckie, I need your phone. I'm going to call Ibrahim. Sam might call mine--- so we need it open.” His friend handed him the phone.

It was ringing.

“Ibrahim,” Alex started.

“Alex, thank Allah!”

“Buddy. Listen. Samantha's been kidnap. I need a trace of her last call. Can you hack into WorldTel servers and locate her last phone call?”

“Dude, I can hack into anything. But you've got to understand, this ain't the movies. Breaking into a system takes a lot of planning!”

“IBRAHIM! Please try! Samantha's life is on the line!” Alex was pleading.

“WAIT?!” It was Chuckie. “All you need is the info right? Which cellsite? to narrow down the area we'll search right?”

“Yes,” Alex replied. “I have friend to that. She works at WorldTel accounting.”

“She?” Gail was almost jealous. She was surprised at that knowledge.

“I may not be able to help you with the Hack, Alex, but you'll need a pair of eyes and more transport. Lets meet up at dela Costa.”

“Roger that.” Alex said cut the call and handed it to Chuckie who dialed his friends mobile. Thankfully, their luck was holding. She was in fact just off work and still in the lobby. When Chuckie explained the situation, his friend agreed. A life was on the line and not just any life, an ambassador's daughter and because she knew what was happening at Manila Hotel. This was important, she thought. She was bending the rules just this once.

It took her close to two hours to get back inside WorldTel and get the information from their database.


ALI BIN FARUQ saw the young woman laying between the pile of garbage. Blood gushing from the bullet wound that he gave her. He wanted to give the young woman a painless death. But Allah didn't grant his wish.

“Help me...” She begged weakly.

She would be joining Him soon enough, Ali thought. With that, he and his men walked away and gave order to evacuate the area. They were done, mission completed and more.



SAMANTHA CHEN lay between piles of garbage. Her blood mixing with the filth and a river of rain water as the huge downpour was falling from the sky. She tried to open her eyes and command her feet to stand. But she was too tired. All she wanted to do was sleep.

Then she saw her dad. “Hi sweetie,” He said.

“Hi dad”. All she wanted to do was hug him. Where was mum? She wanted to ask but somehow she knew her mother was fine.

Its going to be all right, her dad said. Suddenly she was peaceful. The young woman reached out to her dad and together they held each other.

Samantha closed her eyes.

Chapter 4

IT WAS a bright and warm Thursday morning. Alex found himself in Father Rey's Church going over somethings with the aging priest.

“Father Rey, these are the materials that you need”.

“Alex, thank you very much for your help---”

“Its not a problem, Father Rey, never been.”

“You know its not customary for people to be doing this sort of work---”

“Father Rey, I've never seen children go hungry in my life. I've always heard it, seen it on documentaries. It seemed different to see children go hungry when half the time, you see high rise complexes standing over this city.”

“I know son.” The priest said with sadness.

“Is there a God then, Father?”

“Son, when you were there, didn't you see their eyes and their smile? When we handed that little girl a piece of pie, wasn't her first instinct to share it with her younger brother? That in spite of their lot in life, they still get a chance to smile, to share.”

“Its your runabout way of saying, that even amidst all that evil that God was there”.

“Well yes.” Father Rey said with a grin. “Walk with me.”

Alex followed Father Rey out of the Church and they started to walk around the little community. Father Rey's Church was at the center of a shanty community. It was started some thirty years ago by a small family from the province of Leyte, East of Cebu Island.

A community started to form there when more and more people started building shanty houses. They began with wooden materials that with a gale force wind could be wiped out. Over the years and as the community grew, concrete was used as pillars and foundation for the various houses.

This being a Catholic country, a Church was soon formed. Roman Catholic and named after the Filipino Saint, Lorenzo Ruiz, this Church soon came into the hands of Father Rey. He has lived here for twenty years now and a beacon of hope amidst hopelessness. Father Rey knows everybody here. He has been a witness to baptisms, weddings and funerals.

As they walked together, Father Rey panned his attention to a shanty house twenty meters from his Church.

“See that house?” With eyes doing most of the pointing, Father Rey asked amidst Jeepney engine noises, flying cocks and gambling in the side street. And all this before noon.

“Yes,” Alex replied. “Thats Mrs. Dela Cruz's house. You introduced us a couple of weeks back”. He could hear Maria dela Cruz's four month old baby. By the window, they could see her breast feeding her child.

“Yes, she goes to confession every week.”

“Every week?”

“Don't be shocked. Some here go to confession everyday.” Father Rey said with a smile.

“Have I introduced to you her husband?”

“Thats the guy right? The one we just passed, cockfighting and gambling.” Juan dela Cruz was a huge man. He wore only a pair of shorts and nothing else. He had a cigarette on one hand and his rooster on the other.

“Yes, thats him. Juan dela Cruz.”

“He was a nice man.”

“He was stoned that day.”

“What?! I thought he was just drunk.”

“Didn't you notice the eyes? Bloodshot? He was also drunk.”

“His wife--- Maria right before they hooked up about five years ago was a prostitute. I'm still trying to convince them to marry. But they keep putting it off, they say they don't have money for a wedding. Even when I say its free.”

Maria dela Cruz, twenty-eight years old was a pretty woman. Though her eyes would tell you she's a good few years older than that. Fair complexion with a pretty face and though having had three small children, age four months, three years and four respectively still commanded the attention of men everywhere, for a price of course. It was the miracle of luck that she's still clean.

“Maria is a hardworking woman. She's had various jobs over the years and had she not had her last baby would still be at it. I helped her find those jobs. She worked as a secretary several times. It is sad you know, I saw her talking to her old pimp the other week. She should be back on the street soon, if not already.”

“Wouldn't Juan be pissed---”

“Juan? He's been in and out of the city jail. With a rap sheet longer than all the toiler paper you could wrap around my church. He gambles, drinks and smokes pot at every opportunity and not to mention does it with his wife whenever and whereever he chooses.”

“Whoa--- you're a priest and---” Father Rey cut him off.

“Just because I am doesn't mean I don't know the birds and the bees. And besides, I'm sure the whole neighborhood heard. They don't hide it very well.”

Their next stop was a bit run down household. Inside though, it was filled with appliances and a very expensive 27” colored TV.

“Isn't that Mrs. Reyes' place?”

“Yes, she has five kids and one on the way.”

“What?! Wait, they look like they're doing much better.”

“Her sister, a former teacher works in Hong Kong and earns five times as much as a domestic helper. She sends money here and feeds her sister, her nieces and nephews and that bastard husband of her sister.”

“A former teacher turned to a maid?”

“Yes. Did you see who Juan dela Cruz was cockfighting with?”

“Yeah.”

“Thats Mr. Fred Reyes. He's pretty strong, used to work at the docks.”

“He was fired?”

“No.”

“Why did he quit then?”

“Well he didn't. He just didn't show up for work one day.”

“What?! Bloody, lazy!”

“I asked him once, you know. He said, why work when everything he needed was already provided for? His sister-in-law is an old maid and struggles to keep her sister from going hungry because Fred Reyes refused to work.”

Alex scarce realized they had reached the community's boarder. Sonny Gutierrez was standing beside a Toyota SUV.

“Son,” Father Rey looked the boy in the eye. “This is the other half.”

Alex nodded, still processing all the information Father Rey said and trying to construe it all.

* * *

CHUCKIE KIM arrived at Gail's office at exactly twelve o'clock, noon. As he walked in, Gail's back was to the door and she was completely oblivious to anyone coming and going, obviously caught up with what she was working on.

“Hey” Startled she turned around.

“Whoa!”

Chuckie grabbed a seat beside her without asking. “I'm here, what do you need.”

“Good morning to you. Wasn't last night's game, a blast?!” Smiling.

“It was exhilarating.”

“Exhilarating?! That's all you could say? Come on! It was GREAT!”

“Hey, you weren't the one who had five Gs running on that game. I thought I'd lost it. I owe Ibrahim, a lot.”

Gail got up, started fixing her stuff.

“Wait, where are you going? Weren't we suppose to talk about that thing you needed from me?”

“Well, I'm hungry. We can talk over lunch. I figured you had a HUGE windfall, and thinking I got you all that money... I'm due for some free meal, don't you agree?”

Chuckie chuckled.

“Well? Come on. I'm starving!”

Chuckie Kim got up and followed her out. “So where do you want to eat?” Chuckie asked.

“I dunno yet. I have my car just around the corner Chuck.”

“Wait--- you're driving?”

“No one but me can drive my VW Bug, well except my dad may be, he did pay for it. And you're parked half way across campus! I'm not walking out that far. Hello! I'm starving here. So just follow, no questions asked. Don't worry, OK? A girl driving you around won't damage your male ego. Besides, you're paying for lunch, least I could do.”

This was some girl, Chuckie thought. He followed Gail to her car and soon found themselves at a mall a five blocks away.


DAVID SAN JUAN wasn't exactly shocked when Herman Montalban reported to him regarding his mission to Taiwan. Thinking it through, it was probably the best way to go. Not exactly the easy way, but he was the last person to say that he wouldn't want to give this one a shot.

A politician for the greater part of his life, David San Juan had played the game well, as well as any Filipino politician in the last four decades. He has had his share of amassing fortune, as politicians in his country did even though his family was already wealthy in its own right even before he started his career in politics.

After a minor battle with Cancer, David San Juan became a changed man, a more religious man. In a country where religion has been a daily fact of life, his was more of the true kind, as true as can be. In his three terms being senator, he placed his country first over his interests. He was instrumental in writing changes to the Philippine Constitution and became a statesman in a time when it was frowned upon.

But the people saw his sincerity and his intelligence. Also, his photographic face didn't hurt at all. So now, after three terms as Senator, he was now President for the past four years and running again in a few months. But fight for the highest post in the land was not the easiest way.

Leadership rarely was and people resented some of his choices because they weren't that popular. So his popularly wasn't that high and he might even lose the elections. But he was a fighter and he'd stand his ground.

Still, the elections were months away and his political advisers were working on that one. This ASEAN problem was interesting, to say the least. It would upset the status quo, to say the least. Yet the long term benefits! They were staggering. And so he gave Herman the go-ahead. He knew this path was going to take his country, his people forward.

For better or ill, David San Juan wanted the best for his people, even when they knew little how to make it happen. It was a funny thing, really. People rarely knew what was best for them. But isn't that what they voted him for even if they didn't know nor appreciated it. Thats what leadership was all about anyway yet at the back of his mind, he was asking himself, what was that thing they said about the road to hell?

For the life of him, he couldn't remember.


KIMI AND OLIVIA had prepared for the party like normal women do. It was the first Embassy party they were attending. They were naturally excited like women were at these things.

They checked their invites and after carefully checking everything, off they were. Mr. and Mrs. Fuentes of course bid them farewell and at each other's minds wished them well and worried over the two young women.


SAMANTHA CHEN had too many experiences with these dinner-cocktails. They were boring. Well at least now, she had Kimi and Olivia to look after. So it wouldn't be that boring. And Alex would be there, which was something in itself she didn't understand.

“Sam, dear, its almost time”. Her mother called through the door.

“Yes, mother”.

Parents, she added in her thoughts.



ALEX DONOVAN had driven to the office. He and Ryan Angeles had agreed to meet up there and together go to the Singaporean Embassy Dinner Party.

Sammy was unusually detained in some function his Uncle Ryan had made up so Alex had to drive himself. It was not a problem but that rarely happened. It must really be something important. Both men were busy, off to some business for the better part of the afternoon.

It had been a long day. He knew it would be longer still. This was business of course and he rarely had fun in these events. But then Sam would be there, wouldn't she? That brought a smile.


ALI HAD received two calls today. The activation code came on line just minutes before. So he ran the Internet Relay Chat channel that was secure enough for such conversation. Capturing IRC traffic was still a difficult thing to accomplish, so it was a method of communication by the underworld. It didn't take him long to figure out the target for this mission. It was clear enough.

Not five minutes had gone by when Charlie Young had placed a call himself. They were to meet. It was urgent.

So he drove himself to the intended meeting spot. Charlie had passed on instructions from the Chinese Politburo of all people. The younger man himself couldn't believe it.

But Charlie was pissed off that the Politburo knew how to reach him. Such security failure shouldn't be let go!

“Ali! Someone must have squealed! We need to get to the bottom of this at once!”

“Calm down Charlie! Calm down!”

Charlie settled down a bit.

“There are a thousand ways for people to find us. Be thankful they will not pass this information along to the United States. But if you insist, I can look into it.”

“Yes, look into it. We can not be too cautious.”

“Is that why you called me?”

“No, they left instructions.”

“Instructions?”

“A project for us. Here is flash drive that they've sent.”

“So what is it?”

“I wouldn't know. Its heavily encrypted. They said that you could break it.”

Taking the device from Charlie, he plugged it into his notebook computer. His system detected the algorithm used. It was one of the many that his terror networked used last year.

Opening the file, he soon discovered that the same instructions that he had received was being forward to him through other channels.

This can't be good, he thought.

Someone wants this to happen and really quickly.

“So?”

“Funny thing, Charlie. I got these very same instructions from my boss.”

“I'm your boss”.

“No, I meant from the network.”

“Coincidence?”

“No I don't think so. Someone just doesn't want this to happen, for a number of reasons I suppose.”

“So what will we do?”

“I will carry out the mission.”

“Can it be done?”

“At such short notice? No. Thankfully, my masters had given instructions days ago. I have most of the elements needed to successfully carry out this mission.”

“Then my friend, good luck. Look after yourself.”

* * *

MARIA DELA CRUZ walked the bright lights of Makati City. She was dressed like a woman five years her junior. But then, she looked the part anyway. Who would think this young woman would be mother?

Maria had left her home town of Cebu years before. She had graduated at a technical school there and had entered into various jobs upon arriving in Manila.

She had saved quite a lot six years ago. Until she got knocked off by some client, got an abortion and promised to stay away from her life. She lasted four months and seven days on that promise. Then she met Juan dela Cruz who took her in.

She swore not to do this again. Motherhood changed people. But then, what else could she do? No one was hiring. Maria went back on her promised then, when she was running out of money to feed her children. Juan, she could never count upon. That was two weeks ago.

Her brand new mobile phone buzzed. She bought it three days ago. It was a text message. Show time, she thought. Maria then waltz into a very posh hotel in downtown Makati.

Who would think she would be back here?

At the back of her mind, Maria felt the eyes of every man looking at her. Was it just her imagination or her guilt? She drew up her courage and pressed the up button to take her to the seventeenth floor. Even though it was for her kid's future, she would at least try to enjoy it, Maria thought while rubbing the crucifix necklace that she wore.


JUAN DELA CRUZ held a beer bottle. Fred Reyes was opposite him. Night time and children where still out in the streets playing. You could hear the blaring TVs through out.

Suddenly, Juan stared into nothingness. Then, he suddenly fell. Drool dripping from his mouth through broken teeth.

Fred Reyes was too drunk. He too fell into face first.



LILY REYES picked up a baby bottle. Her little one was crying. She rubbed her stomach. She could feel her new baby kicking. Children, her parents told her were a gift.

May be thats why she already had five.

Her mobile phone rang. It was her sister. She picked it up.

“Hi,” It was her sister Sally.

“How are you?” Lily smiled.

“Fine, sis. Your nieces and nephews are having dinner. How about you?”

“I'm taking a bit of a break now.”

“I missed you.”

“I missed you too sis.”

“Hows my new niece?”

“She's kicking like hell.”

“Do you need anything?”

“No, we're OK here.”

“Your bastard husband, is he there?”

“No. he's out drinking.”

“When are you leaving him Lil?”

“You know my kids need a father.”

“But not like that.”

“Lets just drop it OK?”

From there on their conversation when to other things. Sally asked Lily about their parents and many other things. Lastly she asked about her favorite soap opera. The Filipino Channel aired it in Hong Kong. It was hers and Lily's favorite.

* * *

LEE CHEN was anxious. It was going to be a big night. It was going to be the culmination of years of preparation, of vision and of planning. That was going to be the easy part, Lee knew. The harder part was selling this to the people but harder still the road that they were going to thread would not be easy.

Yet like his friends, his fellow foreign ministers, his mentor, the Old Premier and even the Philippine President and so many others hoped, this will be a historic night that generations would look back to.

He checked his speech again. It was not even printed yet. There might be some last minute changes. So he read it again and again.

It was a big night.