A Million Miler baby

MANILA, Philippines - Others find Annabelle Rama feisty and frank. Some even may believe that she is a monster mom. But these are all stereotypes. Behind her “Don’t-you-dare-cross-me” mien is a loving woman.

“I first thought of my grandchildren, my children, my talents and Eduardo. (I was thinking) what would happen to them?,” recalls Annabelle in the vernacular when PR 102 bound to Los Angeles she was riding made an emergency landing due to a tire malfunction.

“They said the plane was making an emergency landing,” she continues. “So, I thought it would explode. If you get into such kind of situation, you make yourself ready to any eventuality.”

At that frightful time, Annabelle was ready to go but her time wasn’t over yet. Perhaps there are more reasons for her to live — and things to fulfill.

“Buti na lang magaling yung piloto,” she says. “Congratulations to you, whoever you are. Ang galing, galing mo, Dong.”

At the LAX Airport, Annabelle’s husband Eddie Gutierrez had been waiting for hours. While the plane was hovering above the city, she tried to get in touch with him.

“I noticed we were still up and going around for a long time,” she remembers. “On the ground, I could see firemen, patrol men, police officers and press people. I thought something happened on the ground that’s why we couldn’t land. That’s what also the pilot announced. It turned out that our plane was in trouble. So, I tried to call up Eddie because we were delayed for three hours. When I got him on the phone, he told me that the plane was making an emergency landing. I immediately turned off my phone and prayed the rosary. After I prayed, the jitters disappeared. It seemed I was prepared to what might happen. Besides, I couldn’t do anything about it. I just felt that something might happen to us that night. That’s why I’m grateful that I’m still here alive.”

Annabelle was happy with the text messages from family and friends who showed their concern. “Bonggang bongga ka, Day. Naalaala mo ang beauty ko, Day,” she relates when daughter Ruffa learned her mom’s plight on that PAL flight. What also lifted up Annabelle’s spirit was when granddaughter Lorin said, “Lola, did you pray the rosary a thousand times?”

A Sto. Niño devotee, Annabelle flew straight to Cebu after her US trip.

“I went there to thank Sto. Niño for saving my life,” she shares. “My promise to Him is to be good to others. Mabait naman talaga ako ngayon kaya hindi Niya ako pinababayaan at sini-save Niya ang buhay ko.”

Recently, Philippine Airlines awarded Annabelle the Mabuhay Miles Million Miler distinction. She just reached the one millionth mile mark of flying with the country’s flag carrier. Annabelle is now part of the 100-member Million Miler elite group. Ten of which are females including Dr. Vicki Belo. Annabelle earned the million miler points by flying in and out of Cebu and the US. She is the first Million Miler from the entertainment industry.

“It’s a dream come true,” Annabelle says. “I’ve been dreaming of it for a long time. Even though I get nervous sometimes, I still choose PAL. Walang kadaladala. I’m not used to getting VIP treatment. You know, I’m cowboy when traveling.”

Photo by VER PAULINO

Will Annabelle forgive those who have wronged her now that she has been given a second chance at life?

“When they say sorry to me (and ask for my forgiveness), I accept,” she replies. “Pero isang tao lang ang di ko matanggap, tanggap (ang sorry).

As a loyal and valued customer, Annabelle will get a VIP treatment from airport of origin to airport of destination. According to PAL officers, there will be no yearly requalification and expiration of membership for Annabelle. She will enjoy such privileges as priority check-in, access to Mabuhay Lounge and additional free baggage allowance. The talent manager will only expect a smooth travel with PAL.

It is something a Million Miler baby like Annabelle only deserves to experience for her jet-setting life.