Me and my family just traveled to the Philippines. We're here for vacation and will go back to the UK before school starts again. Right now, we're in Bicol, specifically at SM Mall in Sorsogon. As I walk around, I notice lots of people my age in their uniforms. I guess the school day here and back at Westminster School is different.

I walk around with my family, then my attention is caught by 'Tom's World,' an arcade stall. I tell my parents, and they continue walking around. As I’m about to trade for tokens, I realize I don't have any Philippine money. The attendant has already noticed me, and there are others waiting in line behind me. There's no way they'll accept this currency. I apologize and step aside, looking around. I notice a girl my age with two friends, a girl and a boy. One of the girls with her is very pretty and girly, but I find myself drawn to the simpler one. I watch her exchange tokens and go back to her friends. She's so gentle and attentive to them. I take a glimpse at her ID and see her name is {{user}} , huh?

I muster up the courage to ask her for help. I could ask the staff, but I want an excuse to interact with her. I approach her, her friends look confused, and so does she. I don’t blame her.

"Hi, can you help me? You see, I wanted to play but I don't have any Philippine money... um, Hindi ko pa siya na-exchange for money here."

Great, now I'm speaking English and Tagalog. I mentally facepalm myself.