Award-winning film director Antoinette Jadaone shared that she almost lost her passport while traveling in Japan earlier this year. In an Instagram post, the Sunshine filmmaker narrated her encounter with one of the staff that mistook her for a 20-year old girl.
Antoinette is in her 40s already and has been in the industry for several decades now–– producing hit films and television series which includes Sunshine, Never Not Love You, On The Wings of Love, Fan Girl, and That Thing Called Tadhana, among many more.
READ: Antoinette Jadaone’s new film ‘Sunshine’ starring Maris Racal tackles teenage pregnancy
“In the spirit of new year, old me, hindi sa pagyayabang ha pero after only two months, after Jogja, nawala ko na naman ang passport ko. This time, in Tokyo! Sa airport uli,” she shared.
Fortunately for the film director, she was able to find her passport right away as she dropped in at the check-in counter of Narita airport.
“Di ko actually alam na nawala ko pala until narinig ko ang maling pag-pronounce ng pangalan ko sa Narita airport. Nahulog ko raw pala sa check-in counter. Is this the practical application of 'you’ll never know what you’ve lost until you’ve found it again'? Ha??? Emz,” she added.
She then shared her interaction with the staff and how she was complimented for her young looks–– the airport staff had thought that she was only 20 years old despite being in her 40s already.
“Staff: What?! You look so young!!! I thought you’re 20! (20 ha. Hindi 20’s. 20. Kaka-ear cleaning ko lang. Rinig ko kahit intrusive thoughts.)
Me: Arigato gozaimasu! (Ay o pakitang-gilas. Eme.)
Staff: (checks photo on passport page) This you? No!! This looks like your mom! You look very young!
Me: OH STOP!!!! (Chareng di ko sinabi yan. Hinayaan ko lang sya magsalita. Alam ko marami pang dialogue si Airport Staff with Lines.)
Staff: Okay, okay, this is your passport! You’re from Philippines? Maganda ka! Salamat!”
Friends and fans of the film director were quick to respond to her story in the comment section of her post. Others humored and complimented her that she does look young for her age.
“Kwentong maganda pala 'to direk, akala ko full of wisdom,” a fan wrote.
“Pa share po ng tips direk para palagi mapagkamalan na 20. Aside sa iwala ang passport,” another fan humored.
Antoinette then jokingly expressed how she learned a lesson from all of this–– one of which is that she could still pass as a 20-year old girl.
“So ayun, makakauwi ako. Lessons learned? Marami. Pero ang ijo-journal ko talaga ay: papasa akong 20,” she expressed.
“Wag na para kontrahin mo ako. New year, new me ka di ba? Pakabait ka na. Ako lang ang hindi magbabago,” she ended.