London, England
"Hey England, Japan sent us a memo about the meeting, your project with Philippines." England boss greeted him as he opened the door.
"Fine, what about it?" he replied.
"The meeting will be held on Philippines, your flight will be this evening be ready" his boss said and laid an envelope on his desk, he knew that it is the plane ticket.
"Fine, Thanks." He thanked his boss as he leaved the room. He gazed at the window beside his table 'Philippines, I haven't met that country, I wonder what kind of place it is'
Manila, Philippines
Arthur arrived earlier than the estimated time of arrival, 'surprisingly , maybe I should sight-see first, I'm a little early in our meeting' Arthur said to himself. After claiming his luggage he took a taxi and leave airport. He ended up at the bay, he suddenly remember his 'pirate days' as he look at the ocean.
"Hey Kuya! Want to ride ?" he look below and saw a boy waving to him. Beside him is a small boat
"Sure!" he waved back and smile.
The boy immediately prepared the bout as Arthur reached him. "Here, Mister!" the boy instructed England. He showed England everything , on that area ,fish ponds, ect. England liked the breeze 'quite relaxing, maybe I should set a vacation house near this area'
Suddenly caught his attention, a black haired girl fixing her fishnet she's a little bit smaller that Japan (by height), then suddenly she trip over and fell in the water. Both surprised the boy and England, he suddenly dive and reach for the girls hand, and swim upward. The boy immediately assist him in lifting the girl on the boat. 'Thank God she's conscious' he taught "Hey! WHAT THE BLOODY HELL YOU COUD'VE DIED !" the girl smile "Sorry I was gathering pearls im sorry" and kept on apologizing .
After that, They were taken in the shore by the boy , the girl reached him out "Uhm, Sir are you any by chance going to a important business?"
"Well, Actually I am." He replied scratching his head.
"Then, Let me treat you a new suit, as a token of my appreciation in saving me." England didn't protest 'It might be rude if I reject her offer.
"By the way Sir, What's your name?"
"Arthur, Arthur Kirkland" he smiled and reach out his hand.
"Maria! Nice to meet you!" and shake hands.
After that Maria lead Arthur, to the most finest fashion house, near the place Maria greeted the clerk 'they seem to know each other' he looked around and find that the suit are made by the most famous fashion designers in the Philippines. 'looks expensive' he quote again to himself.
"Erm, Sir Arthur what kind of meeting are you going to attend to?" Maria asked him.
"Business type, I guess." He answered.
"With whom?" That question startled Arthur,
"Uhm.."
"Miss Maria, I think it's a private one." The clerk interrupted them.
"Yeah, I guess. Then I know what will fit you!" she immediately drag Arthur to the fitting room and threw him a Barong Tagalog.
"Wear it." She said and smiled to England.
"Uhm, Is this fine?" said as he step-out the fitting room. He is wearing a Modern Style-Barong Tagalog made with Pineapple thread and hand embroidered .
"Fits perfectly on you. Sir" The Clerk said. He approached Maria and asked "Is this really fine?"
"Of course it is! Besides it is popularized as formal wear by President Magsaysay" she continued.
"If you ask me , Look expensive though"
"I have money don't worry!" Maria replied happily 'What a blunt person' he let a sigh to know that i-won't-argue-anymore.
As they leave the store they bid farewell to each other. England gaze at his watch 'Perfect, I need to get going to meet Philippines' . He went back to airport and pick the car prepared by his Boss and go to
Malacañan Palace while driving he can 't forget Maria's deeds. He reached and introduce himself, he was warmly accepted by the officials, they lead him to the conference room. 'Good I arrived early than expected'
"Please wait here, Sir England."
"There's no problem, Madam." And the maid leave. 'Philippines have a warm and friendly people' he smiled.
"What Miss Philippines , sneaked again?" this news startled England 'good grief'
"Yes, she didn't leave her room this morning, she's about her stomach and didn't like to be disturb"
"Oh my! Sir Englan- . Ma'am Philippines ?"
"Sorry for being late."
Philippines banged the door. "I'm sorry I—"
"YOU?" both of the exclaimed.
"It seem like you know each other." the maids joked and step out the room.
An awkward silence filled the room, until England decided to break it "I can believe Philippines is a clumsy person!" he smirked.
"No I'm not!" Philippines protest , "I just helped the boy gather some pearls." England stared at her.
"Forget that." England instructed. "Let's proceed to our meeting."
The meeting was properly done between the two countries, England and Philippines have ideas that's helpful in the project.
"Ok the project will last 6 months, we need to wait for America and Japan" England said. And set out of the room.
"Sir England!" Philippines called. "Do you mind staying at my house?"