CHAPTER 61: HANA’S ARRIVAL TO THE PHILIPPINES

December 26th, 2024.

Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Terminal 3 Arrivals.

Timothy sat on one of the metal benches inside the arrivals hall, scrolling absently on his phone while passengers and families bustled past. The air smelled faintly of coffee and fried food from the nearby kiosks. He checked the time. Her flight should have landed by now.

He opened Messenger and typed quickly:

Timothy: Are you on your way out?

The dots appeared almost instantly.

Hana: Yes, walking now. Just a few more minutes.

He leaned back, pocketing his phone, and scanned the flow of people coming from the sliding doors. Businessmen in suits wheeling carry-ons, families dragging boxes of pasalubong, students with backpacks.

And then he saw her.

Hana stepped out of the crowd, and for a moment she stood out without even trying. She wore a white blouse with a bow at the collar, tucked neatly into a fitted coral-pink skirt that fell just below her knees. A small white handbag dangled from her hand, and pearl earrings glinted under the bright airport lights.

Timothy couldn’t help but pause. She always carried herself well, but today she looked even sharper—like someone who could walk straight from the airport into a boardroom and command attention.

Hana spotted him quickly. A faint smile tugged at her lips as she approached, lifting her free hand in a small wave.

"You’ve been waiting long?" she asked when she reached him.

"Not really," Timothy replied, standing and taking her luggage from her without asking. "Flight okay?"

She nodded once. "Smooth. No delays."

He glanced at her outfit again as he adjusted the handle of her luggage. "You’re dressed... different today."

Her smile widened just slightly. "I thought I should look professional when I arrive. First impressions matter, right?"

Timothy gave a small chuckle. "Fair enough. You succeeded."

"My ride is at the parking lot, so let’s go there. But first, have you eaten? There’s a lot of restaurants here that you can choose from."

"I ate before my flight so I’m fine. Thank you for the offer," Hana replied with a smile.

"I see, then let’s go," Timothy led the way out of the airport and walked across a pedestrian crossing that connected the airport to the open parking of terminal 3.

In the parking, Timothy walked to the place where he parked the Ford Raptor. The black pickup stood out among the sedans and vans, freshly washed, its chrome details catching the afternoon sun.

Hana followed beside him. When they reached the truck, Timothy opened the rear door first and slid her luggage inside. Then he moved to the passenger side, pulling the door open for her.

"Thank you," Hana said politely as she climbed in, adjusting her skirt before settling into the seat.

Timothy circled around and got into the driver’s seat. The engine roared to life with a steady hum. He pulled the seatbelt across his chest and glanced at her. "Comfortable?"

"Yes," she replied with a nod, placing her handbag neatly on her lap. She looked around the spacious interior of the truck.

"What is it? You like my ride?" Timothy said.

"Hmm, yes I do like it," she said and added. "Is this your personal vehicle?"

"Yes, it’s second-hand. In the future, I will be only using TG Cars. This is temporary. Now this is your first time in the Philippines right?"

"It is my first time," Hana confirmed.

"Great. I would love to show you around but today is not the time. Have you already finished the task I gave you?"

"The headhunting firm has already replied to me," Hana said, folding her hands over her handbag. "I’ve completed the task. They agreed to help us locate executives for the subsidiary of TG Mobility Holdings—TG Motor Philippines."

Timothy gave a faint nod, his eyes still on the road as he merged into traffic. "Good. Though technically, TG Motor Philippines isn’t formalized yet."

"That’s what I was concerned about," Hana admitted. "I wasn’t sure if I should proceed with the firm since the company isn’t official on paper."

Timothy smirked slightly. "Don’t worry about that. I already handled the paperwork these past few days. The registration is in motion. By the time we’re ready to announce, TG Motor Philippines will exist legally."

"What’s the name of this firm?"

"Robert Walters Philippines," Hana answered.

"Robert Walters Philippines..." Timothy repeated, tapping the wheel lightly. "Sounds reliable."

"They’ve already booked us an appointment this afternoon," Hana continued. "Their office is in Bonifacio Global City. They’re expecting both of us."

Timothy raised an eyebrow. "This afternoon? That fast?"

"Yes," Hana replied. "They said their senior consultant cleared his schedule for us. They want to understand the positions we need filled and the type of executives you’re looking for. I thought it was best to accept right away."

"Good call," Timothy said and added. "That means no time to rest. We’ll go straight there after dropping your luggage."

"That’s fine," Hana said without hesitation. "I came here to work, not to rest."

Timothy glanced at her briefly, noting the firm look in her eyes. She really did mean it.

Traffic thickened as they entered Bonifacio Global City. The streets were lined with Christmas lanterns strung across light poles, malls glowing with holiday décor, and families walking on the sidewalks with shopping bags. Despite the festive atmosphere, Timothy’s mind was locked onto the next step of the plan.

"Here’s what I need from them," he said, his tone turning sharper. "A Chief Executive Officer who can run TG Motor Philippines independently, but still reports to us. A Chief Financial Officer to keep the books tight. And a Chief Human Resources Officer who can manage thousands of employees. For the rest—operations, supply chain, marketing—we can build step by step. But those three are the priorities."

Hana nodded, already pulling out her tablet. "I’ll make sure those requirements are the first thing we discuss with Robert Walters. I’ve prepared draft job descriptions and benchmark salary ranges for executives in Manila."

"Good," Timothy muttered. "I don’t care if we have to pay top-of-the-market rates. I want the best."

Ten minutes later, they arrived at the building where the office of Robert Walters was located. They entered the underground parking but was stopped at the gate where they were handed a parking ticket to which they will have to pay when leaving the premises.

He drove through the basement and searched for a parking spot. And there was one. He parked the Raptor and killed the engine.

He unbuckled his seatbelt, and glanced at Hana. "We’re here."

Hana tucked her tablet back into her handbag and straightened her blouse. "I’ll lead us up. I confirmed with their receptionist earlier."

Timothy stepped out of the vehicle and just as Hana was about to do the same, he was already on the other side and opened the door for her.

Hana was a bit surprised by that action but she smiled and spoke.

"Thank you!" she climbed down and then said. "You shouldn’t be doing that, Mr. Guerrero, you are the CEO and I’m your secretary."

"I know, but it wouldn’t hurt to act gentlemen to a lady, as I am a gentleman myself" Timothy said.

Hearing that, Hana’s cheek reddened slightly.

"Le...let’s go. They are waiting," Hana walked forward with her head facing downwards. She whispered. "Moah...why are you acting cool dummy."

Timothy didn’t hear that and simply followed her to the elevator.