My Brother-in-law & Other Stories
By Johnny Novera

Stewardess

I was taking an early morning flight to Manila .  There was somewhat inclement weather when we took off.  

When the stewardess explained the use of the life jacket and other safety features of the plane,  I thought she was merely acting and smiling, while putting on and off the life jacket and demonstrating the other safety features of the plane.

I was right!  She spoke no single word of what came out of the sound system in the plane in English or Pilipino.  It was pre-recorded.

So, later, when I wanted a blanket to wrap myself because it was cold inside the aircraft, I signalled the stewardess to come near. I had to make sure and asked first:  Can you talk?

"Why, of course!"  she replied somewhat surprised by my question.

I asked again:  Do you speak English or Pilipino?  "Yes!"  was her emphatic reply to my second question.

Thanks.  I was relieved to find that the stewardenss can after all speak.  Then I requested for the blanket, wondering why the airline gag them when they can speak good English or Pilipino.