Balikbayan

Who is a balikbayan?
Not me, because I am not a box.
I qualify for the balikbayan bisa,
But on the immigration form to enter the Philippines,
I am compelled to check off “Tourist.”
Balikbayan seems meant for OFWs.
Besides, I didn’t have a balikbayan box.

More compelled by the scenes at the NAIA departure gate:
Of future balikbayans leaving for the first time.
The anticipation of their first airplane ride,
The feeling of escape.
(My friends refer to those who work overseas as “nakalabas” or “nakagawas”
As if they’ve managed to squeeze out of a cage).
One man called what seemed like everyone on his contacts to use up his cell “load,”
And cried after hanging up with his mother.
He had to go to the bathroom and collect himself.
This must be what my parents felt.

Upon arrival at JFK,
The immigration officer asked,
“What’s the purpose of your visit?”
He looks at my passport.
“What am I saying? You live here.”
He stamps it and lets me in – back into where I live.
I still look like I’m fresh off the boat.