BCWMH 2019 😍😍😍 – 3

LDR

I am LUKE ANDREW LIM, 23 year old eldest son of Richard, Alexandra and Maya Lim. I graduated two years ago from PUS (Philippine University of Sciences). I am currently working at Lim Aviation Institute. Since I hope to improve my craft further so I can eventually help Dad run both LAS and LAI in the future and upon consultation w Dad, Mom and Joni, I have finally decided to leave home for awhile to enrol in a master’s program in an aviation school in the U.S.– MSc in Aircraft Engineering.

Dec. 6, 2019

Dad just arrived from Singapore last night and as usual we had a dinner feast to welcome him home. Happy as I was to see him back home, I can’t help but ponder on what my life will be like when I leave for the US next month. Kakayanin ko ba to be away from home for one year and a half?

Here am I at the veranda with Dad. We just finished talking about how things are at LAI.

Luke: And Dad, I think I know who can be a possible replacement for me when I take a leave.

Richard: Sino?

Mommy enters the veranda with a tray of cups of coffee and cake slices.

Maya: Ops. Tama na muna yan. Let’s have coffee.

Richard: You’re the boss, sweetheart. Where’s Nikki?

Maya: (Shares a knowing look with Richard.) She offered to put the twins to sleep. Mag storytelling daw sila ni Abby.

Richard: Oh okay. Son, let’s just talk about your temporary replacement on Monday. Tell him to see me on Monday.

Maya: (Notices Luke’s dazed look) Anak, Luke?

Richard: Son?

Luke: Yes, Dad?

Richard: You’re unusually quiet. Kagabi ko pa na notice. Is something wrong?

Luke: Wala naman po.

Maya: Tungkol ba ito sa pagpunta mo ng Amerika, anak?

I nod.

Richard: Son, this will be good for you. This is a very good preparation for the future.

Luke: Sana po kayanin ko. Nasanay po akong kasama ko kayo all my life. Nanjan lang kayo lahat parati to give me advice.

Richard: Even if you’ll be away from us, son, please know that we’re always just a phone call away. There’s FaceTime, Viber and Skype.

Maya: Wag kang mag-alala anak.

Luke: Opo. Thank you, ‘My. Iniisip ko din po si Joni. Pano kung mainip siya at di na niya ko mahintay?

Maya: Okay lang yan. Marami rin akong kakilala na nag work ang LDR sa kanila. Kaya wag ka masyado mag-alala.

Richard: Wait. What do you mean by LDR.

Mom giggles and I soon follow.

Maya: Naku sweetheart. Yan ka na naman. Hindi ka talaga in.

Richard: (Frowns)

Luke: Dad, LDR stands for long distance relationships.

Richard: (Looks at Maya) Sige na. Say it. I’m not cool at all.

Maya: Sweetheart naman eh. Ikaw kaya ang coolest husband.

Richard: Bola!

Maya: Coolest pero hindi in. 😂😂😂

Richard: Etong mommy mo talaga Luke o.

I smile. I always enjoy light moments like this with mom and dad. I’ll surely miss this.

Maya: Anak, naniniwala ako sa pagmamahalan niyo ni Joni. Maniwala ka sa pagmamahalan niyo. At kahit magkalayo kayo, wag niyong kakalimutan na magbigay oras para sa isa’t- isa. Tingnan mo kami ni Kute. Nasa malayo siya pero updated kami parati sa isa’t-isa.

Richard: Your mom is right. Make time and have faith. If you and Joni are truly meant to be, time and distance can’t ever separate you.

Maya: Mahirap mawalay sa pamilya, pero minsan kailangan natin yun para mas mapabuti ang hinaharap.

Richard: Sometimes our dreams entail sacrifices.

Maya: Nakaya kong mawalay kila nanay dati. Maging ang daddy mo, nakaya din niya mawalay sa mga taong mahal niya.

Luke: Really Dad? Kelan po yan?

Richard: When I started working for Papa at Lim’s Rubber and Steel, I knew I wanted the company to soar great heights, and I also knew that I can only do that if I equip myself w proper training and skills. Ganito din yun. I had to leave Mama and Papa and Manang Fe to take further studies in the US. l had to be away from family and from your mom for 2 years.

Luke: Kayo na po ni Mom nun? Ay. Sorry, ‘My.

Maya: Ano ka ba, Luke. Okay lang yan. Gusto ko rin makarinig ng kwento tungkol sa mommy niyo. Parte siya ng buhay niyo. Ayokong nagso-sorry kayo everytime name-mention si Alex.

Richard: (Smiles at Maya.) Yes. She was already my girlfriend for about a year then.

Luke: How did you and mom survive the two years?

Richard: We wrote letters. I called her once a month.

Luke: Once a month?

Richard: Communication at that time wasn’t cheap, son… Thing is, we survived. After I got my masters, I flew back home and she was right there waiting for me.

Luke: Sana ganyan din kami ni Joni.

Richard: Make sure to give each other time. Communication is so much easier and cheaper now, unlike before. Kami ng mom mo nun, we had to do with writing letters. You and Joni can talk w each other constantly.

Luke: Hindi lang naman po si Joni ang mami-miss ko. Siyempre kayo din pong lahat. I’m also afraid that I might be a stranger to Sky, Sunshine and Matty kasi I’ll be away for more or less 18 months.

Maya: Ganun din tayo, anak. Mag-uusap tayo parati. Besides, pag nagpunta dad mo sa US (for a series of seminars) sa May next year, the whole family will join him din. We can all be together. Tapos uuwi ka naman sa Christmas next year, diba?

Richard: Before you know it those 18 months in the US will have passed by like a breeze. Don’t worry, son. Everything will be just fine, as long as you and the people you love continue to make time for each other. Distance lang yan.

Luke: Thank you, Dad. Thank you, ‘My. I needed to hear this.

Richard: So you’re okay now?

Luke: Yes, Dad. May I be excused? I want to give Joni a call.

Maya: Ok, Luke.

Luke: I’ll leave you two to your coffee date. Alam ko naman po pareho niyong na-miss ang isa’t-isa. Alam mo, Dad, feeling ko si Mommy di kayang mawala ka for a year and a half. 10 days is the longest time you’ve been away from each other and you should have seen her…

Maya: Luke!

Richard: Really sweetheart?

Luke: No worries, Dad, ‘My. Wala naman pong reason for the both of you to be away from each other for that long. Mommy won’t allow it, and I’m sure Daddy won’t allow it either.

Richard: 😂😂😂 I guess you’re right.

Luke: Tama kayo our dreams entail sacrifices. I’ll sacrifice now para later on ma-ensure yung stable future namin ni Joni and magiging family namin.

Maya: Pero that family with Joni won’t be happening soon ha. Di pa ready Daddy mo magka apo. 😂😂😂

Richard: Sweetheart!

Luke: 😂😂😂 Ok good night na po talaga. Bye.

Richard: Good night, son.

Maya: Good night, Luke.

*****

As I leave the veranda, I can’t help but stare at Mom and Dad and tell myself— That’s exactly what I want for my future— a happy, caring, and very loving relationship with my wife and kids. As Nikki puts it, #RelationshipGoals talaga sina Mom and Dad.

My promise to myself: I won’t waste this opportunity that Dad is giving me to better my craft. I’ll give my best in my studies in the US so I can come home a better engineer (who’ll help Dad run our two companies), and a better man ready to take on the challenges life will give. I’m certain Joni will understand.

Bring it on, life!!!

BCWMH 2019 😍😍😍 – 2

I’M HOME!

(Author’s Note: I am overwhelmed by all your comments here and on Twitter. Thank you for your very kind words about BCWMH 2019. Keep those comments coming. They warm my heart and inspire me to write more. ☺️)

I am RICHARD LIM. 52 y/o. Husband of Maya Dela Rosa Lim. Dad of Luke, Nikki, Abby, Sky, Sunshine and Matty. Son of Roberto and Esmeralda Lim. CEO and Chief Engineer of the almost 25-yr old Lim Aviation Services and President of the steadily growing 3 yr-old Lim Aviation Institute.

Dec. 5, 2019 (Thursday)

*Imagine SC pondering, reminiscing, while on board a plane flying back to Manila

Two years and a half had come and gone for my most beloved family. As much as I continue to marvel at the joy and happiness everyday life brings, I am also thankful for the countless milestones, changes and blessings, as well as challenges, that we have embraced and continue to embrace as a family.

(Imagine snapshots of all these moments in chronological order: Richard and Maya announce their pregnancy, Luke’s graduation and his 1st day at work, Abby receives a pet cat for her birthday, 4 in 1 celeb: RM’s 4th wedding anniv, baby shower, name and gender reveal, birth of Matthew Richard with Maya resigning to embrace being a full time mom, Nikki’s 18th bday and her “yes” to Nicolo, Matty’s 1st bday, Maya learns some new skills: baking cakes, designing bento meals and driving, the twins’ 1st day in school, twins bday celeb in San Nicolas at the lot Richard and Maya purchased to build a small vacation house, Richard juggling work at LAS and LAI, and giving talks and workshops for the Asian Aviation Society).

At 52, I have experienced it all. Love and Loss. Happiness and Pain. Success and Failure. Both in love and at work. What is my greatest achievement? To have earned the love, trust and respect of my beloved wife and kids, of course. My numerous successes at work are nothing if I don’’t have a complete, happy and fulfilled family life. My family means the world to me. They are my pride and joy. I thank God for the love of family. If one were to ask me what moves me to be better and to do better, the answer would have to be MY BELOVED FAMILY. Here am I now busy juggling family, work, biking, and golf. Biking and golf, huh? Yes, you read it right. It all started the day I turned 51. I thought it was best to have some form of exercise. Nikki says it’s kinda cool that her dad has become sporty. I play golf twice a week with Ryan and some of my colleagues in the aviation industry, while Maya and I go biking on Saturday mornings. We also go on leisurely walks after dinner at least thrice a week, sometimes w the kids, sometimes just the 2 of us; the other nights we reserve for our coffee dates, of course. But I am not into biking and golf these days because it’s cool. The reason is far from that. I’ve finally embraced my reality. Maya is right. In a few years, pwede na kaming magka-apo kay Luke. After all, my firstborn is already 23.

Reality bites! I am not getting any younger. I have heard of colleagues who are not in the best of health these days because of stress, too much work and lack of exercise. I realize I want to live a long, healthy life and be able to keep up with the energy of my young wife and my elder kids and to still be able to play and go to the park with my toddler kids and see them grow up, reach their full potential, and have families of their own. To be able to do all these, I know that I have to eat healthy and to keep a more active lifestyle.

Everyone says I look younger now and that’s all thanks to biking, playing golf, eating healthy, and Maya, if you know what I mean. 😉😉 My Maya supports me 100%. She prepares healthier meals for me and the family. She’s even learning new dishes for me. Even now that she’s into baking, she makes sure to bake delicious sugar-free cakes for the family. She and the kids even attend the golf tournaments that I participate in. She’s the best wife ever!

My reminiscing stops abruptly as the airplane lands.

I’m back in Manila and I’m finally going home to my beloved wife and family. I was in Singapore for almost 10 days as a keynote speaker for the Philippines in the Asian Aviation Society Summit (the sole aviation arm in Asia of various aircraft and MRO service companies all over Asia, boasting of almost 120 members) and to administer workshops for aspiring aviation engineers. (Since Christmas is fast approaching, I also used some of my free time to shop for gifts for the family.)

Imagine my surprise while waiting at the the arrival area of the airport when I saw our car being driven by Maya. Upon seeing me, Maya gets off the car with a bouquet of flowers. My dear Maya has come to fetch me. I can’t believe she braved the holiday traffic and drove our car all the way to the airport to surprise me! Her first time ever to fetch me driving our car. I’m floored! Isn’t she the sweetest?

Maya: (Runs, hugs and kisses Richard) Surprise, sweetheart!

Richard: Wow! This is a first, sweetheart. Did we just create another new memory? Ikaw na ang nagda-drive para sunduin ako ngayon?

Maya: Na miss kaya kita ng sobra sobra, sweetheart. Ang tagal mo kaya nawala. Kaya naisip ko ako mismo susundo sa yo.

Richard: Matagal? But I was away for only 10 days. Plus didn’t I tell you you can fly to Singapore and join me kahit sa last 3 days lang cos my schedule is no longer as hectic, so we can actually squeeze in some shopping and some you and me time.

Maya: Kasi po sweetheart, ang dami ko rin ginagawa para sa bahay, sa school ng mga bata…

Richard: Ikaw kasi. Masyado kang hands on.

Maya: Sweetheart, alam mo namang enjoy ako sa ginagawa ko. Kaya ok na ha…

Richard nods.

Maya: Na miss pa rin kita! Nang sobra sobra. (Hugs him) Hmmm, ang bango mo talaga!

Richard: I missed you, too, sweetheart. (Leans in to her for a kiss.) I love this surprise!

Maya hands him a bouquet.

Richard: O, kanino naman galing yan? New suitor? When will they ever stop, Mrs. Lim? We’ve already been married 6 years.

Maya: Sweetheart naman, eh. Sa min ng mga bata galing yan.

Richard: (Laughs) I know. I know. (Puts the luggages in the compartment.) Get in the passenger seat, sweetheart. Let me drive.

Maya: No! Passenger kita ngayon. Ako ang magda-drive pabalik sa bahay.

Richard: But I’m excited to see the kids. If I allow you to drive, baka bukas pa tayo makarating.

Maya: (Pouts) Iniinsulto mo ba ko, sweetheart?

Richard: (Mischievous smile) Of course not! I was just stating a fact! Hahaha!

Maya: (Laughs) For your information, Mr. Lim, I’ve been practicing and mas magaling na ko mag drive ngayon.

Richard: Well then, prove it. Tara na! I’m hungry.

Maya: Nagbaon ako siyempre, sweetheart. May kape at sandwich diyan. Baka ma-traffic, eh.

Richard: Great!

Of course, Maya being Maya, she came prepared for battle. You know how bad traffic is during the holidays, right? She knew it’ll take us a while to get home, so she made sure we won’t get famished. Hence, a thermos of coffee, a couple of sandwiches and some sugar free cookies.

When we got home, the kids were only too happy to see me and to report to me just how lonely their mom was while I was away, and insisted that the next time I go out of the country for a week or more, I should take their mom with me.

“But weren’t we on Skype together every single night, sweetheart?” I ask my dear wife.

“Iba pa rin talaga yung magkasama tayo, sweetheart. Na-miss talaga kita ng sobra.”

Well, what else can I do, but give my dear sweet Maya, a tight hug and multiple kisses on the lips while our kids watch us and enjoy our display of affection. Dinner that night was extra special. Maya cooked my favorite kare-kare and the kids regaled me with stories of their adventures and misadventures while I was away. I did notice that Luke and Nikki both had that faraway look, though. Could Luke be having second thoughts about leaving for the U.S.? What about Nikki? Could it be about Nicolo or school?

*****

Dec 11, 2019 (Wednesday)

This morning, Maya and I went to watch the Christmas program of our twins, Sky and Sunshine, and join their class Christmas party. For a while there, I thought our grumpy little chief wouldn’t perform. But Maya just had to scratch and tickle his tummy a bit and give him multiple kisses, and in a matter of seconds, he’s in a good mood already: laughing and giving his mom a big hug and a wet kiss! I just love my wife! She’s an amazing mom! Seeing our twins sing and dance together was such a joy to watch! I’m a very proud daddy! Can’t wait to gather everyone to watch the video I took of the twins’ performance.

Oops, for a while there I know Maya got jealous. The reason? Elise (imagine Agot Isidro as Elise). Remember her? My prom queen? My first girlfriend? Coincidentally, she was there to watch the program, too…

After the program, Maya and I join the twins in their classroom for the class Christmas party. While we were busy helping the twins with their food, I receive a tap on my shoulder. I turn around.

Elise: Richard? (smiles) It’s you!

Richard: (smiles) Elise? What a pleasant surprise!

We make beso. And Maya’s doe shaped eyes get real big. She clears her throat, “Sweetheart?”

Richard: Yes, sweetheart?

Maya: Hindi mo ba ako ipapakilala?

Richard: Of course! Elise, meet my wife Maya, and our twins, Sky and Sunshine. Maya, this is Elise, a high school classmate.

Elise: Hi! (Gives Maya a buzz)

Maya: Elise? (Gives Richard that knowing look)

Richard smiles and nods at her. She smiles back.

Elise: Great to meet you, Maya. And over there is my daughter, Lizbeth and her little boy, my grandson, Jacob Philippe.

Richard: Really? You already have a grandson?

Maya: Pasensya ka na sa asawa ko, Elise. Allergic sa word na apo. Ahahaha… Daughter mo pala si Lizbeth? I met her during the first week of classes and has seen her several times, sa mga PTC dito. Sweetheart, friend ng kambal si Jacob. He’s a new student this year.

Richard: Small world.

Elise: Haha. Richard, how old is your eldest na ba at ayaw mo pa magka apo?

Maya: Luke is 23.

Elise: Same age as my Lizbeth. She had Jacob when she was only 18. Long story. Oops, look at the time. I’d really love to stay and catch up, but I’m supposed to meet my husband, Philip, for lunch.

Maya: Ay sayang naman. Maybe we can invite you sometime to have dinner sa bahay. You can bring Lizbeth and Jacob with you. And of course, your husband, too.

Elise: I’d love that. Nice meeting you, Maya. Bye, Richard.

Inside the car

Maya: So, that’s Elise. Ang ganda pala niya. Mukha pa ring prom queen, Mr. Prom King.

Richard: Don’t tell me nagseselos ka?

Maya: Slight. May beso pa kasing nalalaman.

Richard: Wow, kilig naman ako. Nagselos ang misis ko.

Maya: Umayos ka, Ricky ha… Sweetheart, ano nangyari? Bakit kayo nagkahiwalay?

Richard: It was young love lang.

Maya: Gano kayo nagtagal?

Richard: (Shrugs and pouts) 2, 3 months. I can’t really remember. Once we were off to college, we drifted apart na. And that was it.

Maya: In fairness ha! Ang galing ng taste mo, sweetheart. Ang ganda naming lahat. So may Elise, then si Alex, at ako? Sino pa, sweetheart?

Richard: Well, there were Shiella, Nikita, Patty, Regine, Cristy, Suzette, Angeli…

Maya: Talaga?

Richard: Sshh… I’m not done yet. Lorna, Jo, Mec, Brenda… I guess that’s it.

Maya: Ang dami naman! Kelan ko makikilala yang mga yan?

Richard: Hahaha! Joke lang, sweetheart. Yung kay Elise that was just young love. Then there was Alex. And now, there’s you! I will love only you and our 6 kids for the rest of my life!

Maya: Awww! Good answer! I love you, too, sweetheart! Always!!! Pa kiss nga!

Sunshine: I love you, Mommy and Daddy! (Hugs & kisses them)

Sky: Love you!!!😘😘😘 and (pouts his lips) I want hug and kish, too!

—Although Maya says she didn’t really get jealous, I know she did. A little bit. She loves me way too much. She got jealous the way I still get jealous of Capt. James Ventura sometimes. Nothing to be jealous of, my dear wife. I can’t imagine a life without you, sweetheart. No one can ever compare.

By next week, extended family will be visiting to celebrate Christmas with us. We’re all excited to see everyone. Ah, life is good! Thank you, Lord, for this second chance at happiness.

I’m also excited to have Jules and her family celebrate Christmas with us. Abby is beyond ecstatic! She’s just so happy to celebrate Christmas with Lianne, her newfound cousin and best friend. Wasn’t it just 4 months ago when Maya and I were called to the office because these two girls were fighting? But let that be a story for another day… 😊

 

BCWMH 2019 😍😍😍

Happy 6 Years, Mom and Dad!

I am NIKKI GRACE LIM. 20 y/o. A 4th year college student in PUS graduating mid next year with a course in BS Developmental Communication.

Nov. 16, 2019 (Saturday)

*Imagine Nikki vlogging

The day has finally arrived. And it’s time to surprise Mom! Great! I don’t think I can keep this secret any longer. Mom doesn’t even have a clue. Haha. Dad swore Kuya, Abby and I and everyone to secrecy, after all. We’re celebrating Mom and Dad’s 6th wedding anniversary today with a renewal of vows.

Nikki: Ahhh! You’re really the sweetest, Dad! Mom is so lucky!

Richard: I’m the lucky one, Niks!

Luke: They’re both lucky, Niks.

Nikki: I know… Just curious Dad. Why marry mom again on your 6th wedding anniversary. Why didn’t you do this last year?

Richard: Parang cliche kasi if we do something like this on the 5th year. Don’t you think there’s more of an element of surprise if we do this now?

Nikki: Oh my G!!! You’re right, Dad! I’m just so happy for you and mom! You’re really perfect for each other.

Luke: Aren’t you glad you changed your mind about them, Niks?

Nikki: Kuya! Daddy si Kuya o!

Richard: Your Kuya’s right, Niks.

Nikki: Daddy!

Richard: 😂😂😂 Just kidding, baby. Thank you for helping me plan and execute this surprise.

Nikki: You should thank everyone, too. Group effort ‘to, Dad.

Richard: I know. Kapit-bisig, right?

Luke and Nikki: Yes, Dad! Kapit-bisig! Happy Anniversary, Daddy!

Richard: Thanks! So is everything ready?

Nikki: Yes, Dad! And you should see mom! She’s beautiful!

Luke: And you’ve nothing to worry about, Dad. Our Ate Abby and Sky, Sunshine and little Matty are keeping her company.

Richard: You’re vlogging this, Niks?

Nikki: Yes, Dad.

Richard: You do know—

Nikki: Dad, relax. I know your rules. Promise, I’ll keep the really personal and private family stuff, private.

Richard: Ok then. I guess it’s time. Let’s go get your Mom and your siblings. Speaking of…

Maya and their other kids enter the room.

Maya: Sweetheart, naku may ibang plano si little Chief natin.

Richard looks at Sky. “What is it, Sky?”

Sky: Daddy, let’s go shimming.

Richard: Sky, it’s dark na and we have to eat dinner. We can swim all you want tomorrow.

Sunshine: With the dolphins, Daddy?

Abby giggles.

Richard:You met the dolphins and the seals na this morning, diba?

Sunshine nods. “Yes, they’re very big and cute, Daddy!”

Sky: Can we take one dophin home, Daddy? Shineshine and I will swim with the dophin at home in the pool.

Abby: Babies, we can’t take them home because this is their home. We can visit them naman next time.

Richard: That’s right, buddies. Don’t worry. Tomorrow we’ll swim naman with Mommy, Kuya Luke, Ate Nikki, Ate Abby, and Matty.

Sunshine: You’ll swim, too, Daddy?

Richard: Of course, buddy!

Maya: Promise yan, sweetheart ha. Magsi-swimming ka ha. Hindi mo kami tutulugan.

Richard: Sweetheart!

Maya, Luke, Nikki and Abby share a laugh, while Sky and Sunshine and 2-year old Matty clap their hands and jump. Happiness evident in all their faces.

*****

Oh my G! I’m just so excited about today!!! Mom thinks it’s just Dad and us kids who’ll be boarding the cruise ship for a sumptuous dinner and family pictorial later. Mom doesn’t know that she and Dad will be renewing their vows in a cruise ship here in Subic. Awww. Isn’t Dad the sweetest? (Who else are here aside from us 6 kids and Ate Doris? Well, there are Lolo Lola, Lolo Tatay, Lola Nanay, Cho, Nicolo, Joni, Emman, Ate Doris, Ate Sabel, Kuya Joma, Ate Lea, Mang Anastacio and Manang Fe.) Dad has reserved the upper deck for the renewal of vows and the dinner after the ceremony.

Mom actually thinks it’s just going to be a very short vacation for the family here in Subic. We arrived last night and will be on a road trip back to Manila by late afternoon tomorrow. What she doesn’t know is that Dad has prepared something really special. I can just imagine how surprised Mom will be by all this. Dad is really the sweetest! I still can’t help but reminisce about that day almost 6 1/2 years ago when I learned that Dad was in a relationship with Mom.

Ah, I was such a drama queen then. I almost ruined their relationship! Just so glad that it didn’t take long for me to accept Mom into our lives. She’s definitely the best thing that ever happened to us after Mom (my biological mom, Alex, that is, passed on). Dad was angry with the world and grieved for like five years, until Mom came, and like magic, transformed our once very lonely home into a happy one. I still believe Mom (Alex) had a hand in all this. Mom (Maya) is our answered prayer. Today, I can’t ever imagine life without Mom and the 3 more siblings that came after she and Dad got married. She’s the best thing that ever happened not just to Dad, but to me, Kuya and Abby, as well. She’s such a loving mom, and the most awesome best friend anyone can hope for. I love her so much! We’re such a happy family, and I hope and pray that we will always stay this way. Mom and Dad just love each other so much! It’s such a joy to see them always together– holding hands, teasing, whispering sweet nothings, kissing and hugging. They’re each other’s best friend, too. Ahhh… #RelationshipGoals. They’re inseparable. Ah! It’s true! I have the best family in the world.

Our family (we’re all in white) enters the upper deck and an instrumental rendition of Please Be Careful with My Heart starts playing. Mom, upon seeing familiar faces, is in tears… Here comes my very handsome Dad, all smiles and radiating with much happiness, carrying our youngest brother, Matty, as he walks down the very short aisle with Lolo and Lola, followed by Kuya, the best man, then Manang Fe and Mang Anastacio, then Ate Sabel and Kuya Joma, Ate Doris and Emman, Nicolo and Joni, followed by Cho, the coin bearer and Sky the ring bearer then Abby and Sunshine, our cute flower girls, then I get to walk down the aisle, too, as Mom’s maid of honor. Mom, the bride, her happy smile identical to Dad’s, walking down the aisle with Lolo Tatay and Lola Nanay this time. Oh my G! She gets to walk down the aisle this time with Lolo Tatay. Dad hands Matty to Lola Nanay before he takes Mom’s hand and leads her to the altar.

Aaaw! It was such a beautiful, heartwarming and touching ceremony. Mom and Dad’s impromptu vows in between happy tears were the best ever!

Richard: (Looks at their beloved family.) I promise to keep this short as our impatient grumpy little chief is hungry and sleepy already… (Looks at Maya) Sweetheart, thank you for six awesome years as your husband and the father of your children. You’re an amazing wife and mother. Thank you for helping me raise the sweetest, most thoughtful, most loving and most responsible children. I love you so much, sweetheart! Thank you for coming into my life. We’ve had a wonderful, fun-filled journey so far and I look forward to spending forever with you. I love you so much, my sun, my life and my chief!!!

Sky: I love you, Daddy!!!

Laughter ensues.

Richard: I love you and all your siblings, Sky! Can you join Ate Nikki first while we listen to mommy?

Sky: Ok. But what’s a vow?

Richard: A promise.

Sky: Ah. Mommy, promise me it’s short lang ha…

More laughter.

Maya: (Looks at Sky) Yes, honey. Mommy will keep it short… (Turns to Richard) Sweetheart, thank you sa napakagandang sorpresang ito. Sobrang unexpected pero ang saya-saya ko. Ikaw talaga! Hindi ka nauubusan ng mga surprise. Tulad mo, I look forward to spending forever with you. Mahal na mahal na mahal kita at ang mga anak natin. You are God’s greatest gift. Salamat sa pagdating mo sa buhay ko. I love you always, sweetheart.

Matty: Love Mommy Daddy! Yay! (Claps his hands)

And everyone joins in the applause.

Before long the priest announces that Dad may kiss Mom… Awwww! My family’s so sweet talaga. I’m really so lucky and blessed to be part of this family. Thank you, Papa God.

*****

Dinner followed soon after. There were impromptu speeches, dancing, singing and picture taking, as well. Definitely one of the best days ever! Tomorrow, we go swimming til noon, have lunch and a short siesta, and then we’re on a road trip back to Manila carrying a threshold of happy memories from this unforgettable celebration of Mom and Dad’s 6th wedding anniversary.

Six years of marriage and yet nothing much has changed. Dad and Mom just keep falling more and and more in love with each other. We’re the luckiest and most blessed kids ever! 😜

MAMON’S L❤️VE JOURNEY TO THE GRAND FINALS

*Last Friday, September 14, 2018, we were all so sad to bid goodbye to Sana Dalawa Ang Puso, the TV series which kept us company for the past 8 & 1/2 months. As expected, it was a happy, feel good, kilig ending for our beloved pair, Martin Co & Mona Bulalayao. Can’t help but imagine though what transpired after the proposal and how the MaMon wedding came to be. Inspired by last Friday’s proposal scene, here goes another made up scenario — from the MaMon proposal to their much anticipated garden wedding. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did writing it. Can’t help but hope to see something similar to this play out in our TV screens soon. Paging, @StarCreatives. Hahaha!!! Wishful thinking!!! Thank you, Star Creatives for giving us an unforgettable #JoChard series like S2P… Thank you, #MaMon #JoChard!!! Hope to watch you in another unforgettable TV series or movie again soon!

Chapter 1: After the Proposal

Martin: I love you, my Mona Co.

Mona: I love you, too, Martin Co (ko).

And then Martin holds Mona close, his hands on both her cheeks and kisses her gently. They share loving gazes and then hug each other tight.

Then some more kisses followed…

Mona: Ikaw ha. Nakakainis ka! Akala ko talaga binabawi mo na proposal mo.

Martin: Ikaw kasi eh. May nalalaman pang mga sign sign.

Mona: Martin, totoo na ba ‘to?

Martin: Yes, honey. Totoong-totoo na. Let’s get married next month.

Mona: Agad-agad? Di ka naman masyado nagmamadali, honey?

Martin: Kung pwede nga, bukas na agad eh. Kaya lang siyempre, gusto ko maka-prepare din tayo ng maayos for a garden wedding.

Mona: (Smiles dreamily) Garden wedding.

Martin: Yes, that’s what we both want diba?

Mona: Totoo na talaga? Alam mo bang pangarap lang kita dati? Di ko inakalang magiging tayo talaga.

Martin: May duda ka pa rin ba na ako ang Sharamdara mo?

Mona: Wala siyempre. Ikaw lang naman talaga laman nito eh (points to her heart). Baka ikaw pa, honey.

Martin: Of course not! You’re the only one I see myself spending forever with.

Mona: Tama na nga pagpapakilig mo, honey!

Martin smiles mishievously and lets his lips land on Mona’s.

Mona: Ikaw talaga!

Martin: (Smiles) Anyway, let’s talk about wedding plans.

Mona: Simple lang, Martin ha. Ayoko ng engrande.

Martin: Yes. Simple lang. Small, intimate wedding. That’s what I want also.

Mona: Yan, gusto ko yan.

Martin: So, let’s go?

Mona: Saan?

Martin: Home.

Mona: Ha??? Anong home?

Martin: Di ka pa ba gutom? Mag-dinner muna tayo at my parents house. I want you to meet my parents. It’s only a 15-minute drive from here.

Mona: Ah eh. Sigurado ka? Naku ang laki ng atraso ko sa kanila dahil sa mga nagawa ko sa yo ‘nun.

Martin: Everything’s been forgiven and forgotten, Mona. Lalo na kay Mama. The day after I had that closure with Lisa and we became a couple, I went home to tell Mama about you, about us. She knew I was hurting so much before Tagpuan. She was just so happy to see me so happy. And she wanted to see you right away, get to know you, and thank you for making me the happiest man daw. But then, nangyari yung sa Tagpuan, and di na nagka-chance for you to meet her then.

Mona: Ah. Eh ang Papa mo?

Martin: It took longer before I was able to tell Papa about you cos medyo may conflict, diba?

Mona: Ah…

Martin: There he was hastening the sale of Tagpuan cos he wanted to secure my chairmanship of C&C when he retires, and there I was trying to find ways for the sale of Tagpuan not to come through or at least man lang magawan ko ng paraan sana na even if C&C will buy Tagpuan, we will leave Tagpuan as it is. Then Steve happened… Papa has given us his blessing, too. He knows you’re the only woman who can make me happy.

Mona: Pero Martin, kinakabahan ako. Pwede bang pass muna sa hapunan na yan?

Martin: Hon, hindi na pwede. Hinihintay nila tayo sa bahay. Wag kang mag-alala. Pangs, Mangs, and Tita Sandra are there, too. And I’ll be there to hold your hand. Pero ngayon pa lang, let me assure you. Everything will be fine. You’ll love my parents. Para lang sila sina Pangs and Mangs.

Mona: (Shakes her head and laughs)

Martin: O bakit?

Mona: Ikaw honey ha. Parang siguradong-sigurado ka nao-oo ako sa proposal .

Martin: (Looking as smug as he looked when he uttered, “Joke lang” to Mona earlier.) Siyempre naman. Diba patay na patay ka sa kin???

Mona: Oo na. Ikaw din naman ah.

Martin: (Smiles) Oo naman. Don’t worry, honey. My parents love you already. Mas lalo ka pa nila minahal when they learned about how you risked your life by becoming an asset sa Dagitab because you wanted to prove my innocence from all those anomalous transactions at C&C. And they’re also grateful to you dahil nahuli si Steve. Thanks to you, C&C is safe now.

Mona: Pati yun alam nila?

Martin: Oo. I can’t wait for you to meet them.

Mona: O tara na nga. Gutom na ko. Chibog na tayo.

Martin: 😂😂😂 Okay. Let’s go, honey.

Chapter 2: Meet the Parents

When Martin & Mona enter the Co mansion, Mona sees her Pangs, Mangs and Nanay Sandra happily conversing with Martin’s parents in the living room.

Martin announces their presence, “Good evening, everyone. Ma, Pa, meet Mona, my future wife.”

Mama Resa stands up and welcomes Mona with a tight hug, as Mangs and Pangs smile at them from a distance. “Welcome to the family, Mona,” smiling Mama Resa says.

Mona: Good evening po, Ma’am Resa at Sir Miguel.

Resa: Mona, call me Mama.

Miguel: And call me, Papa.

Mona: Good evening po, Mama, Papa…(Gives both of them a buzz on the cheeks.)

Martin kisses and hugs his Mama and then hugs his Papa.

Resa:  (Looks lovingly at her son and tears up)

Martin: Mama?

Resa: (Clutches her heart as Martin hugs her again.) Oh! I’m just so happy my baby boy is finally getting married.

Miguel: Masanay na kayo kay Resa. Mahal na mahal ang baby boy niya.

Laughter.

Lena: Naku ok lang ho yan. Ganyan din si Ramon kay Mona. Tingnan niyo po o. Naiiyak na rin.

More laughter. Mona goes to her Pangs to hug him.

Miguel: Looks like dinner is served. Let’s go? Lead the way, son.

Sandra’s phone rings and she excuses herself first.

Martin: (Leads Mona to an empty seat and then sits beside her.) Let’s eat. Wow, favorite natin, hon. Shrimps!!!

Mona: (Smiles)

Resa: Enjoy dinner! Pareho pala kayo ni Martin, hija. You both love shrimps.

Mona: Oo nga po eh.

Lena: Martin, nagdala rin ako ng kakanin.

Martin: Talaga po? Thank you, Mangs.

Martin and Mona happily serve each other. While they are enjoying the feast in front of them, Sandra enters the dining area.

Sandra: Sorry, I had to take that call. Martin, Mona, I just got off the phone with Lisa. Congratulations daw.

Mona: Talaga ‘Nay? Tawagan ko na lang po siya mamaya. Di pa nga po kami nagkakausap simula nung kinasal sila ulit ni Leo.

Martin: Thank you, Tita.

Sandra: Martin, I think it’s time you call me Nanay, too.

Martin: (Smiles) Sige po, Nanay.

They all happily engage in a light, fun conversation as they partake of the delicious dinner.

Chapter 3: Wedding Plans

After dinner, Miguel and Resa lead their guests to the garden for coffee and dessert.

Mona: Mama, ang ganda-ganda naman po ng garden niyo. Sobrang laki pa. Ang gaganda ng mga bulaklak. Tapos may mga tanim pa po pala kayong mga gulay.

Resa: I’m so glad you like my garden, Mona. Every time Martin is here, he also tends to my garden.

Mona: (Smiles at Martin) Nakwento niya nga po na gusto niya magtanim at magdilig.

Martin: Pareho kayo, Ma. She loves gardening. That’s why when we build our house, I’ll make sure magpapa-landscape ako ng magandang garden for Mona. (He gives his Mona a knowing look.) We will plant, tend and water our garden together.

Resa: That’s great to hear. Pero sana sa malapit lang dito kayo magpatayo ng bahay ha…

Miguel: O bago pa mapunta kung saan yung usapan, we better plan your wedding na. It’s only a month away.

Martin: Mona and I want a simple, intimate garden wedding with friends and family.

Resa: Can we help?

Mona: Opo naman. Ma, tulungan niyo din po ako pumili ng mga bulaklak.

Lena: Tutulong kami anak.

Martin: Mangs, tulungan niyo po kami ni Mona sa menu para sa wedding.

Mona: Tsaka wala po akong alam sa mga make up at wedding gown na ganyan. Papatulong ako kina Lisa, Kim at Leb.

Sandra: I know a jeweller. Dun na kayo magpagawa ng wedding rings.

Martin: Okay, Nanay!

Miguel: And what do I do?

Martin: You and Pangs will help me plan what we’ll wear at the wedding, Pa. This coming week naman, Mona & I will search for the perfect wedding venue, go to City Hall to check whatever requirements they have to secure a marriage certificate, and also try to meet up with *Father John and ask him if he can officiate our wedding.

Resa: Martin, I’ll prepare a care package for your uncle. I’ll have Oyo bring it to you at Brandenburg. Be sure to give it to him when you and Mona go to see him.

Martin: Okay, Mama.

Mona: (Whispers) Sinong uncle?

Martin: Si Father John. He’s Mama’s youngest brother.

Mona: (Continues to whisper) Ah okay. Siya ba yung pari nung sa, nung sa… kay Lisa?

Martin: Nope. That wasn’t Father John. You’ll love Father John. He’s my favorite uncle.

Mona: Ah.

Miguel: I know it’s going to be a small and intimate wedding, but can we have a wedding after party perhaps the weekend after your wedding so we can all celebrate with your friends, employees and extended family?

Ramon: Maganda nga po yan. Siguradong yung mga mahal nating kapitbahay magtatampo pag di natin naimbitahan sa kasal niyo.

Mona: Okay lang po sa akin kung okay kay Martin.

Martin: Fine with me, too.

Sandra: Pwede bang ako na bahala mag -organize nun, mga anak? With the help of Resa and Lena, of course.

Martin: Sige po. Let’s have that wedding after party, the week after we get back from our honeymoon.

And the Cos, Bulalayaos and Sandra Tan continued to happily discuss wedding plans.

Chapter 4 – Mama Resa Shares a Story

Before calling it a night, Mama Resa leads everyone to the grand piano in their living room and asks Martin and Mona to sit beside each other. Mama Resa also asks Martin to play the piano and he obliges by playing the refrain of Titibo-tibo.

Afterwards, Mama Resa tells everyone. “Alam niyo, it was at this exact same spot sometime ago that I heard Martin happily conversing with a girl. The girl made him laugh so hard, and even after their phone call was over, his smile lingered. I felt so happy for my son, so I asked if it was his fiancée Lisa he was on the phone with. You remember what you told me then, son?”

Martin: Yes, Ma. I told you it’s not Lisa, but Mona.

Mona: Hmmm? Talaga?

Resa: Yes, Mona. I remember clearly what my son said then, “No, Ma. It’s Mona, yung handler ng manok. She’s actually very funny.” I looked at my son and wondered if that meant something. I suddenly became curious about you. Even then, you already made him laugh. Lisa never made him laugh like that…

Sandra: Ang dami ko pa palang hindi alam sa love story niyo mga anak. Mukhang nakakakilig. Kwentuhan niyo ako minsan ha.

Martin: Ok, Nanay! She’s always been the one, Ma. Ang daming detours, but the universe always brought us back together…

Mona: Yunibers talaga, hon?

Martin shrugs his shoulders, smiles and kisses Mona in front of everyone.

Resa: Naku, bilis-bilisan na natin yang wedding na yan.

Miguel: Excited na ko magka apo.

Martin: Don’t worry, Ma, Pa. Ilang apo po ba gusto niyo?

Mona: Martin!

Martin: 😂😂😂

Papa Miguel and Mama Resa share a smile that lit up their eyes, immensely happy to see the look of love and happiness in their beloved son’s eyes.

Chapter 5: A Garden Wedding to Remember

The perfect wedding venue turned out to be in the Co house, at Resa Co’s beautiful flower and vegetable garden. Mona fell in love with the garden the first time she saw it, but was just too shy then to ask Mama Resa if she and Martin can get married there.

When Mona eventually told Martin, and Mama Resa found out about it, Martin’s Mama was only too happy to have her son marry the love of his life in her beloved garden. She even promised to personally make Mona’s wedding bouquet and her headdress for the wedding.

It’s only a couple of hours before Martin & Mona’s wedding.

Martin, together with Oyo, James and Patrick, is in his room getting ready for his wedding.

Patrick: Uncle Martin, thanks again for inviting me to your wedding. I’m just so happy for you.

Martin: You’ll always be like a son to me, Patrick. I want you to be here, of course.

Oyo: And I want to thank the yunibers for this bery special day, Sir Martin. Are you haffy, healthy and excitement all over???

Martin: Ano?

Oyo: Wala po, Sir! Ibig ko sabihin po congratulations! Labas po muna ako, baka may kelangan si Sir Miguel at Ma’am Resa. Check ko din po kung andyan na sina Sir Juancho, Leo at mga kapatid niya.

Martin: Buti pa nga.

In the meantime, at a nearby hotel, Mona is a bundle of nerves. She’s finally marrying the man of her dreams and she is more than ecstatic. Lisa, Leb, and Kim are busily fussing over Mona, making sure she looks perfect on her wedding day.

Mona is wearing the perfect white flowing dress for the wedding. And she looks so beautiful in her very light make up.

Leb: Beshie kinakapatid, ang ganda mo! Sobrang mabibighani si Sir Martin pag nakita ka mamaya.

Mona: Ayus! Salamat sa inyong tatlo.

Kim: Tayong lahat ang magaganda okay?

Lisa: Yes, tayong lahat. We’re wearing the perfect colors, too.

Leb: Lisa, bagay na bagay sa yo ang lilac dress na yan. At si Kim naman ang ganda sa light yellow. At siyempre bagay na bagay sa blush on ko ang pink dress ko.. Hay, excited na ko!!!

Lisa: Maganda nga suggestion ni Martin na all pastel colors ang entourage and mga guests then sila lang ni Mona naka-white. Mona, it’s your wedding day. I’ve taught you how to walk like a proper lady. Do that later when you walk down the aisle ha.

Mona: Susubukan ko, kambal. 😂 Palagay ko naman kahit ano paglakad gawin ko, papakasalan pa rin naman ako ng honey ko.

Lisa: Mona!!! (Then shakes her head and giggles.) Ikaw na nga bahala.

***

Here they are now at the beautiful garden decorated with more flowers. It’s 6 P.M. Father John is at the makeshift altar.

The wedding march plays and Victory ‘Oyo’ Domingo, Martin’s best man starts walking, followed by the handsome groom, Martin, then his parents.

Then the other members of the entourage follow suit—

Mr. Juancho Laureano (primary sponsor) and Dr. Rebecca Santos (primary sponsor)

James Gonzales (groomsman/ candle sponsor) and Kimberly Torres (bridesmaid/ candle sponsor)

Patrick Sovichel (groomsman/ veil sponsor) and Kristina Tabayoyong (bridesmaid/ veil sponsor)

Leo Tabayoyong (groomsman/ cord sponsor) and Lebereta Manatad (maid of honor/ cord sponsor)

Bamboo Domingo (ring and coin bearer)

Tamara Tabayoyong (flower girl)

Elisabeth Laureano-Tabayoyong (matron of honor)

Then Mona, beautiful and all smiles, walks down the aisle, her beautiful doe eyes focused only on Martin. Her groom, just like her, is also looking at her with much love and affection. Halfway thru, Mangs, Pangs and Nanay Sandra join her to walk her to her Martin Co.

Martin and Mona’s wedding goes on without a hitch. When it was time to say their vows, the guests were in fits of laughter and tears as they listened to the happy couple—

Mona: Martin Co, honey ko, heto na tayo sa grand finals. Sinong mag-aakala na ikaw pala ang one time big time Sharamdara ko. Mahal na mahal kita. Mahaba man ang nilakbay ng pagmamahalan natin, may mga problema man tayong kinailangan lampasan, nagkasakitan man tayo, masaya ako na hinding-hindi mo ako sinukuan. Salamat sa lahat ng pagmamahal at pag-unawa sa pagiging pasaway ko. Sa pag- intindi at pagtupad sa mga signs na hiniling ko sa yunibers. At kahit alam kong hindi ako ang babaeng pinangarap mo, gusto kong malaman mo na ikaw ang nag-iisang lalaking pinangarap ko! Mahal na mahal na mahal kita, Martin ko!!! Nangangako akong mamahalin kita at ang ating mga darating na chikiting habambuhay. I love you, honey!!!

Martin: Ramona “Pasaway” Bulalayao, I officially met you almost *10 months ago at another wedding altar, and I guess everyone knows exactly what happened then. That episode hurt both of us so much. I had to let go of you and our beautiful friendship then because of the pain I felt, only to have the universe bring us back in each other’s lives again. We have truly come full circle, honey! No matter how I tried my best to avoid you after that fateful day, and no matter how you tried to avoid me after Tagpuan, the universe knew exactly that we are truly meant to be and found a way to bring us back together… We may have hurt each other, yet we also healed each other with our love. Honey, our road papunta sa tamang panahon, sa grand finals may be long and winding, but I am only too happy and excited to face forever with you. No one else but you. You are my dream come true. I vow to always love, honor, respect and protect you and all the children God will bless us with. I love you forever, my one and only Mona Co.

(Author’s note:*10 months— Kim hooked up with James and got pregnant with their child around the time of the SaTin wedding. Martin proposed a few days after Kim gave birth. Then the MaMon wedding happened a month after Kim gave birth. Hence, 10 months.)

And then Martin and Mona kiss much to the delight of all their guests, and to the shock of Father John who has yet to announce that Martin may kiss his bride.

Laughter and applause ensued after the priest finally announced that Martin may kiss his bride. And Martin heartily did so with all the love he is feeling.

The reception followed near the pool area of the Co mansion. A long table that can sit a group of 30 was set up near the swimming pool. A small stage has been set up near the long table and Tads and Patrick are singing a medley of love songs for the happy couple. Afterwards, Patrick announces Martin’s special surprise for his bride, “Ladies and gentlemen, let’s all welcome Uncle Martin’s special gift for Aunt Mona. A round of applause please for Moira De La Torre as she serenades the happy couple.”

Moira goes on to serenade Martin & Mona with Titibo-tibo, Tagpuan, and a medley of Tagalog love songs.

And there they all were, Martin & Mona’s happy family and friends, celebrating their most momentuous occasion with each other as they— Papa Miguel, Mama Resa, Pangs, Mangs, Nanay Sandra, Daddy Juancho, Tita Adele, Leo, Lisa, Tisay, Tinay, Tads, Tamtam, Patrick, Leb, Chot, Kim, James, Oyo, his son Bamboo & wife Ging, Mama Resa’s younger sister– Rebecca, children Jacob and Justin, & husband Bernard, Father John— enjoy the delectable dishes that have been served.

It was truly a garden wedding to remember for our most beloved couple— Mr. Martin & Mrs. Mona Co!!!

Shortly before 11 PM, Martin & Mona bid all their guests goodbye to head to Brandenburg Hotel where they wish to spend their first two wedding nights together, before they head to the airport and catch a flight to South Korea’s Jeju Island for their honeymoon…

Chapter 6: At Brandenburg

Mona: Grabe, honey. Sobrang dami ko naaalala sa lugar na ito. Pero sobrang di ko malilimutan yung unang beses na nakapasok ako dito at nakita kita.

Martin: You must be mistaken, honey. Never tayo nagkita dito sa loob ng condo ko. Every time you were here inside the condo for Sharamdara, eh wala ako dito diba?

Mona: Bago ko pa kaya alagaan si Sharamdara, nakatungtong na ko dito. Kasama ko pa nga si Leb eh.

Martin: What? Seriously? And when was that?

Mona: Honey, talagang hindi mo maaalala kasi tulog na tulog ka nun. Mukhang lasing ka pa yata. Napadpad ako sa kwarto mo para maglinis tapos nandun ka. Tulog na tulog at ubod ng gwapo!!! Tapos siyempre kilig na kilig ako ng magising ka ng onti at hinawakan mo ang pisngi ko!!! Tapos sabi mo, “It’s you.” 😂😂😂

Martin: What? Kelan yun?

Mona: Siguro mga ganitong buwan din yun. So mag iisang taon na.

Martin: That must be around the time Lisa wasn’t talking to me… So pinagsamantalahan mo ko habang wala akong malay?

Mona: Anak ng tinapang bangus naman, Martin! Hindi ah!

Martin: Honey, mag-asawa na tayo so okay lang kung aminin mo sa kin kung pinagsamantalahan mo ang kagwapuhan ko noon!!!

Mona: Hindi nga! Ang kulit ha…

Martin: Okay na, honey. 😂😂😂 JOKE LANG!!! ✌🏻 Tara na nga…

Mona: Saan na naman?

Martin: Sa kwarto natin para magtanim at magdilig siyempre…

Mona: Martin!

Then Martin carries his bride inside their bedroom and before long the inevitable happens.

Wink wink. ***

SAY YES, MONA!!! 😍😍😍

“If you will allow me gusto ko na maging forever na Martin mo. Mona, will you marry me?” -Martin

***

“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” – Paulo Coelho

Inspired by S2P’s September 12, 2018 teaser, here goes another made up scenario. Oh, be still my MaMon heart. Happy reading!!!

***

Inside the cockpit arena, Miss Sandra, Pangs and Oyo are now seated in the bleachers, awaiting the arrival of Martin’s honey Mona.

Mangs holds true to her promise. She’s finally brought Mona to the ‘sabungan’.

Mona: (Anak ng tinapang bangus! Bakit ba ko kinaladkad ni Mangs dito sa sabungan? Pilit ko na ngang kinakalimutan si Martin, tapos dito pa ko dadalhin ni Mangs! Ang dami kaya naming alaala dito ni Martin! Mangs naman!!!) MANGS! Bakit ba tayo nandito? Mahuhuli na ko sa interbyu ko. Ano bang meron? Mangs, ano bang gagawin natin dito? Aalis na po ako.

Mangs: Mona!!! Wala ka bang tiwala sa akin?

Mona: Meron po. Pero ano bang meron dito, Mangs? Kanina si Pangs din gusto magpunta dito. Ano bang meron?

Mangs: Basta, anak. Importanteng araw—

Leb suddenly appears out of nowhere!

Leb: Hay salamat, nandito ka na rin, beshie kinakapatid!

Mona: Ano ‘to, Leb? Mangs? Anong meron ha?!?

Before Mona could get an answer from either Mangs and Leb, she hears someone shout, “Guys, guys andito na si Mona!!!”

Then Leb shoves her to the center of the cockpit arena as she sees everyone cheering her on…

Mona: (Rubs her nose) Anak ng manok na panabong! Ano bang meron?

Then she finally hears an all too familiar voice speak from behind her, “Mona?”

Mona turns around and sees the only man she’s ever been in love with, her handsome Martin Co, looking at her with love, hope and longing. She’s speechless and is suddenly worried. She has creases on her forehead.

Mona: (Ops, ops! Kalma, Mona. Hindi pwedeng maging kayo! Baka kung anong mangyari sa mahal mong si Martin Co. Bakit may pa-bulaklak pa siya? Naku! Naku!)

Martin hands her the bouquet of flowers. She stares at him.

Then on bended knees, he opens a small red jewelry box right in front of her, and lovingly tells her, “If you will allow me gusto ko na maging forever na Martin mo. Mona, will you marry me?”

Mona: Ah eh, Martin… (Ano na Mona? Anong isasagot mo sa gwapong lalaki na nasa harap mo at mahal na mahal mo??? Wag na wag mo siyang sasaktan!!! Sobra-sobra na siya nasaktan nang dahil sa yo!)

Stunned and speechless still, all she could offer him is a worried smile as she looks around the cockpit arena, where she first laid eyes on him. She finally sees Pangs, Miss Sandra, even Oyo, nudging her on. Mangs and Leb has joined them, too.

Then Mona looks right back at the man she loves with all her heart. He’s still on bended knees awaiting her answer.

A light bulb moment!!! Via a series of flashbacks of her unexpected meetings with Martin in the past (“Sa sabungan, sa theme park, sa Brandenburg, sa pag train kay Sharamdara, sa pagpapanggap bilang Lisa, sa Tagpuan, sa bus, at ngayon dito ulit sa sabungan…”), Mona finally understood the message of the universe. The universe has finally conspired to give her her heart’s desire. She closes her eyes, looks up, and offers a short prayer to the Lord.

Then she opens her eyes and sees her man smiling right at her, patiently waiting for an answer…

Mona: (Smiling) Martin… Tayo ka muna.

She helps him stand.

Martin is smiling and is not worried at all. He’s so certain she’ll say yes. Patay na patay nga daw si Mona sa kanya, diba? Hahaha!

Martin: Mona?

Mona: (Smiling) Pwede pakiulit ng tanong?

Martin laughs as he shakes his head then shouts for everyone to hear, “MISS RAMONA “Tulala, Pasaway, Sobrang pa-miss” BULALAYAO, will you marry me?

Mona happily smiles and shouts, “YES, YES!!! Pinakamamahal kong Martin Co! Pakakasal ako sa yo!!!”

And Martin is finally able to slip the ring on her finger… Mona stares at the beautiful ring on her hand and whispers to Martin, “Totoo na ‘to! Hindi na tulad ng palarang singsing dati.”

Martin: Yes, totoo na, honey. Pero kahit noon pa man, kahit hindi ko pa alam na ikaw si Mona, sigurado akong mahal ko yung babaeng nilagyan ko ng foil ring ng mga oras na yun.

Mona: Ops, palusot ka pa, honey Martin ko! Pero ako din, mahal na mahal na kita noon pa man! I love you, hon!

Martin: I love you more, honey.

Then unmindful of everyone around them, Mona tiptoes, embraces her honey and suddenly kisses him on the lips. Martin kisses her back with all the love and passion he feels for her… Mangs, Pangs, Miss Sandra, Leb and Oyo are overjoyed as they smile, applaud and cheer on their beloved MaMon from the bleachers…

A month after, their dream MaMon garden wedding ensues…❤️❤️❤️

***

Oops, dear readers, looks like I’ll be late for work if I don’t end this muna. I hope to write a possible MaMon garden wedding scenario later. Would sure love to know what you think about this scenario. 

S2P WISH LIST FOR MARTIN & MONA ❤️❤️❤️

Saddened by the unexpected news that S2P is ending in three weeks (I still don’t get why they’re saying doble saya ang big announcement.😢), I’ve come up with a wish list of Martin and Mona scenes I hope to see before this serye ends.

I’d surely love TO SEE—

… Martin and Mona go out on a date and eat buckets of shrimp together— aren’t shrimps their absolute fave? We know they both love shrimps, but we have yet to see them eat shrimps together…

… Martin take Mona to the dream orphanage he had built. All thanks to Mona & Sharamdara… That dream orphanage is what brought Martin, Mona and Sharamdara together in the first place. We deserve to see that dream orphanage!

… Martin learn that he and Mona have had multiple meetings in the past already— sa sabungan,  as taong puno, sa condo while he was fast asleep and drunk, etc. Truly meant to be!!!

… MaMon’s dream garden wedding, their honeymoon, a future in their dream house w their 2 kids. We want to see their shared dream become a reality, after all!

… Martin ride his motorbike w Mona as passenger. Cool & kilig yun!!! 😍😍😍

… Martin teach Mona how to swim. We do have to address the concern about Mona almost drowning before, so Martin has to teach her how to swim!!! 

… Mona bond with Mama Resa and Papa Miguel. We seriously want to see Martin’s loving parents!!! They were very much a part of this show from the very beginning. It will be truly heartwarming to see Mona bonding with her in laws!

… Martin become CEO of C&C World when his Papa Miguel retires. No one else deserves chairmanship of C&C but Martin!!!

… Mona become more ladylike 😂, and realize her dreams, too!

… Martin visit Patrick and bond with him. Right from the start, it was shown that Patrick is like a son to Martin, afterall. We deserve to see them bond again!!!

… Mona’s co-workers bump into Martin and Mona at Brandenburg. Would be fun to see Boss Anya’s look of disbelief!!! 😂

… Martin bring Mona to Cosovich to introduce to his employees as his girlfriend. Would surely love to see how happy his employees will be to finally see Martin happy! 😊

… Martin & Mona confide in each other again like they used to. 😍😍😍

CTO

Would also love TO HEAR

… the word Sharamdara mentioned again pertaining to Martin & Mona’s love for each other.

… Pangs recall that convo he had with Martin before where he wished for someone like Martin for Mona. That was so heartwarming to hear before from Pangs. Would love to hear him say that again!!! ❤️

***

As Martin did say in yesterday’s episode (ep 149, #S2PSubukanNgTiwala, he plans on pursuing Mona ASAP. Game na, Martin Co! Can’t wait to see you woo the love of your life!!!

And to somehow satisfy our SaTin hearts (Don’t you just love SaTin’s friendship?!? 😍), I hope it’s Martin who’s the second person whom Lisa calls to rescue her from her troubles after she’s disheartened to learn that Leo’s phone is with Mona, and that Leo & Mona are together on their day off…

And lastly, can that Prim/ Ordonata arc and the jealousy arc that somehow sprung from it end this week already??? We want to feel kilig and witness only good vibes in the last two weeks of the show we fell in love with for its happy, romantic vibe in the first place!!! Admit it or not, this show didn’t thrive at all with the entry of violent ‘contrabidas’ out for revenge. 😳 Hence, we don’t want to see any over the top psycho-antagonists giving our characters hell in the last two weeks.

What this show needs— KILIG, ROMANCE & GOOD VIBES!!! Please give us just that, Star Creatives! 😊

Let’s keep watching S2P on weekday mornings !!!

MARTIN & LISA: AN UNEXPECTED MEETING AT THE BRIX FAMILY DAY 😁

‘Been wondering when Martin and Patrick will meet and catch up again, AND when Lisa and Martin will finally cross paths at Brix. Well, here goes another made up scenario…

 

 

Chapter 1

Brix Family Day 2018. Bring one or more family members. Bond with family. Perform a special talent with a family member and win some special prizes.

In Tads’ house. Tuesday night.

Paano na kaya? Di pa makakabalik si Kuya Leo. Hindi rin pwede si Ate Tisay and si Ate Tinay. Sinong sasama sa kin sa Family Day? I know!!! I’m sure sasamahan ako ni Ate Lisa. Baka pwede rin namin isama si Tamtam. Tanungin ko si Ate Lisa mamaya.

In Patrick’s house. Friday night.

Family Day. Hmph. Mom’s in a far away country and won’t be back anytime soon. Who will I bring sa Family Day? I’ve never even spent a day with my biological dad. I miss Uncle Martin. We haven’t been in touch for almost half a year now. He’s always been the one who accompanied me with mom to events like this before. Wonder how he’s doing these days. I hope he’s recovered from his heartbreak. Should I give him a call now??? I know he won’t mind. He’s always said we’re family.

 

Chapter 2

Family Day. First event of the day- Eucharistic celebration. Then breakfast with the family in the cafeteria.

Lisa, Tads & Tamtam were happily enjoying their breakfast when Patrick approached them.

Patrick: Good morning, Tads and Tamtam! Good morning, Ma’am!

Tamtam: Good morning, Kuya Patrick!

Lisa: Hi! Good morning!

Tads: Ate Lisa, ito nga po pala si Patrick.

Lisa: Yes, I remember. You’re the student council president.

Patrick: Yes, Ma’am! San po si Kuya Leo?

Lisa: Kilala mo rin si Leo?

Tads: Yes, Ate Lisa. Nakapunta na siya sa bahay dati. Wala si Kuya Leo, Patrick. Nasa out of town work pa.

Patrick: Ah. He puts down the food tray he’s carrying on the table. Patong ko po muna ‘to dito ha, while I wait for…

Tads: Ikaw, sino kasama mo?

Patrick: Si Uncle Martin. He went to the men’s room lang, while I volunteered to find us seats.

Lisa: Why don’t you join us then? We’re only three, anyway.

Patrick: Okay lang po ba?

Lisa: Of course, Patrick.

Patrick: Thanks po. Looks around and sees Martin. Oh there he is. He waves his hand at Martin.

Martin sees Patrick and approaches him. He’s surprised to see Lisa. Lisa is surprised, as well.

Simultaneously…

Lisa: Martin?!?

Martin: Lisa?!?

Patrick: Suddenly remembers. Oh shoot! 😬 This is the woman Uncle Martin almost married. Oh that’s why you look familiar po. You do know each other nga po pala. Ma’am, I’m the son of Rachel Sovichel.

Lisa: Oh. Smiles. Small world then. Hi, Martin!

Martin: I know! 😊 Good morning, Lisa!

Patrick: Okay lang po ba?

Lisa: No worries, Patrick. Let’s eat?

Martin and Patrick join them at the table.

Patrick: Okay po. Whispers to Martin. Are you sure Uncle Martin?

Martin smiles at him and nods.

Lisa: Martin and I are okay now, Patrick. We are very good friends. In fact we’re together at work.

Tads: Ah parang narinig ko nga po kay Ate Tinay na may kasama kayong kaibigan sa work.

Lisa: Where’s your mom by the way?

Patrick: She’s out of the country po and will be back next month, that’s why I asked Uncle Martin ast night if he can accompany me today.

Martin: Magtatampo talaga ako if hindi ako ang tinawagan mo. Looks at Lisa. Patrick has always been like a son to me, Lisa.

Lisa: Yeah, I remember. And this is Tads, Leo’s sister.

Tads: Hello po, Sir. Schoolmate and friend ko po si Patrick.

Martin: Nice to meet you, Tads. Aside from Leo, it’s only your sister Tinay I’ve met so far.

Tads: Nice meeting you, Sir.

Martin: Nice meeting you, Tads.

Tamtam: Good morning po. Ako po si Tamtam.

Martin: Hi Tamtam!

Lisa: She’s Tisay’s daughter. Niece namin ni Leo.

Martin: Buti na lang I was on my way back to Manila from Estrella when Patrick called.

Lisa: Oh. Galing ka ulit dun. How are things there?

Martin: Ok naman. Busy si Leo, we didn’t get a chance to talk. He smiles. But I’m making progress with Mona. I even had dinner with her and her family. Then he suddenly remembers Mona’s incident with Prim. Kaya lang… Oh, forget about it.

Lisa: Kaya lang??? Feeling kinda jealous of Mona again…

Martin: Medyo long story. I’ll tell you later.

Lisa: But they’re okay?

Martin: Yes. Don’t worry, Lisa. Okay sila.

They happily converse some more with each other as they eat the hearty breakfast prepared by the school. Most onlookers present actually thought they’re one happy family enjoying the family day festivities.

Martin and Patrick had 6 months worth of stories to catch up on, while Lisa, Tads and Tamtam excitedly talk about their performance for the talent show…

Lisa: Ayaw niyo ba talagang kayo na lang ni Tamtam mag perform? I’ll just take a video of your performance para mapanood na rin ng Kuya Leo niyo.

Tads: Pero Ate Lisa mas maganda kung kasama ka po talaga.

Lisa: Looking nervous. Tads

Tamtam: Tita Boss Ma’am, mas matutuwa po si Tito Pogi pag kasama po kayo sa pagkanta.

Lisa: Pero…

Tads: Ate, please?!? Na practice na naman po natin diba?

Martin: You’re singing, Lisa? Wow!

Lisa: Martin! Wag ka nang mang-asar! Alam ko magaling ka kumanta.

Martin: Ikaw din naman ah. Diba we had videoke night in Boston a long, long time ago with some friends?

Lisa: Naalala mo pa yun?

Martin: Oo naman. 😂

Lisa: Napilitan lang ako nun cos we lost a bet.

Martin: Even so. You did great naman!

Tads: Yun naman pala Ate Lisa eh.

Patrick: Don’t worry po, Ma’am! Uncle Martin will sing, too. And kagabi ko po lang nasabi sa kanya. Di pa nga po kami nakapag-practice eh.

Martin: Oo. And medyo kinakabahan din ako Lisa. I haven’t done this in a long time. And Lisa, wag kang mag-alala, kami ni Patrick bahala mag-video ng performance niyo.

Tads: Ate please???

Lisa: Okay, okay. Ano pa ba magagawa ko?

Tads: Thank you, Ate!!!

Third event. Bonding time with the family. Everyone’s free to check out the booths and rides. Lisa and Martin go their separate ways. Lisa bonds with the two girls, while Martin bonds with Patrick.

Fourth event. Lunch with the family. Martin, Patrick, Lisa, Tads and Tamtam hastily eat lunch so they can practice for their respective performances.

Chapter 3

Event highlight. Perform with a family member.

Emcee: May we now call on Tadhana Tabayoyong, star of this year’s Theater Club production for her number with her family.

Tads comes out of the stage.

Tads: Good afternoon po. Family Day is different for me today. My Kuya isn’t here now as he has out of town work po, but I’m glad to introduce to you a new addition to our family. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Ate Lisa Laureano Tabayoyong, my Kuya Leo’s beautiful wife. She’ll be the one to perform with me po together with our niece, Tamtam. Ate Lisa, Tamtam???

Lisa and Tamtam join Tads on stage.

Tads: This song is memorable for us kasi po eto po pinangharana ni Kuya Leo kay Ate Lisa ko po…

Martin who’s listening to the introduction by Tads is no longer affected by all this. He’s just happy to see Lisa, his ex-fiancée turned good friend, happy. Everything is crystal clear. It’s Mona he loves and he can’t help but hope that his beautiful, astig 😁 honey will forgive him soon.

But Prim! He’s made it quite clear to her it’s Mona he loves, and he’s not interested in Prim at all. But that girl simply won’t take no for an answer!

Martin: In deep thought. Prim says the reason he hurt Mona is she mistook her for someone else, someone who looks exactly like her. Could she actually mean Lisa??? Or Baka naman she’s just lying.

Lisa, Tamtam and Tads perform. And as promised, Martin takes a video of their performance.

Dahil Sa Yo

Araw araw ikaw ang gusto kong kasama

Buhay ko’y kumpleto na tuwing nandidito ka

Sa tabi ko o aking giliw di pa din ako makapaniwala

Na ang dati kong pangarap ay katotohanan na

Ikaw ang tanging inspirasyon

At basta’t nandito ka ako’y liligaya

Dahil sa’yo ako’y matapang

Dahil sa’yo ako’y lalaban

Para sa’yo pagmamahal na walang katapusan

Dahil sa’yo merong pangarap

Pagmamahal ko sayo’y tapat

Para sa’yo pagmamahal na higit pa sa sapat

Gagawin ko ang lahat para lang sa’yo sinta

At basta’t nandito ka ako’y liligaya

Minuminuto naghihintay ng tawag mo

Marinig lang boses mo masaya’t kuntento na ko

Wala ng iba pang hahanapin basta’t ikaw ang aking kapiling

Lahat magagawa dahil kasama ka

Ikaw ang tanging inspirasyon

At basta’t nandito ka ako’y liligaya

Dahil sa’yo ako’y matapang

Dahil sa’yo ako’y lalaban

Para sa’yo pagmamahal na walang katapusan

Dahil sa’yo merong pangarap

Pagmamahal ko sayo’y tapat

Para sa’yo pagmamahal na higit pa sa sapat

Gagawin ko ang lahat para lang sa’yo sinta

At basta’t nandito ka ako’y liligaya…

Mid-way through the song, Lisa’s phone rings. Martin hands the videocam to Patrick as he checks who’s calling Lisa’s phone. It’s Leo. Thinking it might be urgent, Martin leaves the auditorium for awhile so he can answer Leo’s call.

Martin: Hello?

Leo: Hearing a male voice answer, he looks at his phone again.

Martin: Hello, Leo? This is Martin.

Leo: Martin?

Martin: Lisa can’t answer the phone now. She’s performing w Tads and Tamtam.

Leo: Nasa Brix ka din?

Martin: Yes. Long story. Small world. Nagkagulatan nga kami kanina eh. Anyway, pasensya na sinagot ko yung telepono thinking baka urgent yung tawag mo.

Leo: Smiling in disbelief. Ah Martin, wala naman. Kakamustahin ko sana silang tatlo.

Martin: Their performance is about to end. Maybe you can call after 5 min. I’ll let Lisa know right away that you called.

Leo: Sige Martin. Salamat.

Martin: Ok Leo. Kamusta pala kayo jan ni Mona?

Leo: Wag kang mag-alala, Martin. Ok si Mona. Balita ko magkasama kayong naghapunan kagabi.

Martin: Ah oo. Salamat, Leo. Wag ka rin mag-alala, okay din si Lisa.

As Leo put the phone done, he can’t help but feel a tinge of jealousy for a fraction of a minute then let it go. He trusts Lisa and Martin…

…

For our final performance, may we now call on our student council president, Patrick Sovichel.

Patrick comes out of the stage.

Patrick: Good afternoon, everyone. The person I’m performing with today may not be my biological dad, but he’s the only father I’ve ever known since I was little. He’s the best father anyone can hope for. I’m just glad po that he’s a part of my life. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Uncle Martin Co. Martin joins Patrick on stage. Ladies and gentlemen, Uncle Martin and I are performing an impromptu number. Over lunch, we both learned that we both have the same current song favorite on our respective playlists. Hence, our song choice, Perfect by Ed Sheeran. It’s a song he says he dedicates to the woman he hopes to spend the rest of his life with, si Miss Mona. I hope to meet you soon, Miss Mona. 😁

Patrick starts strumming his guitar, then Martin sings almost the entire song. Patrick only joins him in the refrain part. Martin’s performance is heartfelt as it’s Mona he’s thinking and dreaming of the entire time he’s singing.

I found a love for me

Darling just dive right in

And follow my lead

Well I found a girl beautiful and sweet

I never knew you were the someone waiting for me

‘Cause we were just kids when we fell in love

Not knowing what it was

I will not give you up this time

But darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own

And in your eyes you’re holding mine

Baby, I’m dancing in the dark with you between my arms

Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song

When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath

But you heard it, darling, you look perfect tonight

Well I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know

She shares my dreams, I hope that someday I’ll share her home

I found a love, to carry more than just my secrets

To carry…

Lisa can’t help but smile as she took a video of Martin & Patrick. She’s just happy to see that Martin has found his perfect match in Mona. Lisa is excited to show Mona the video. She’s pretty sure she’ll be so happy to hear Martin sing. Martin and Patrick’s performance, as expected, was well-received by the audience.

Chapter 4

At the Brix parking area.

Lisa, Tads and Tamtam bid Martin and Patrick goodbye.

Lisa: Well, that was fun! Nice meeting you, Patrick.

Patrick: I had fun din po.

Tads: Sayang ‘no? Sana Cocoy could join us.

Lisa: Who’s Cocoy?

Tads: Schoolmate po namin who had to leave school cos of family and financial problems.

Patrick: Tads and I are helping him now to review and apply for the school’s scholarship program. Para he can go back to school.

Martin: Let me know if you guys need help. C&C has a scholarship program kasi. Maybe we can help him.

Tads: Talaga po?

Martin: We started that scholarship program for deserving students about five years ago as a way of giving back to the community.

Patrick: Sige, Uncle Martin. We’ll go see you in case hindi si Cocoy ma-qualify sa scholarship program.

Lisa: I’m glad you found really good friends here sa Brix, Tads.

Tads: Ako din po. Parang they’re my family away from family.

Patrick smiles at Tads.

Lisa: Martin, I took a video of your performance earlier. I’ll send it to you para mapakita mo kay Mona.

Martin: Haha! You think she’ll like it?

Lisa: Oo naman. Si Mona pa! Just be patient, Martin.

Martin: I am. And I won’t stop wooing her until she forgives me and welcomes me back in her life.

Lisa: Well, that’s good to hear. Good luck. See you at work on Tuesday.

Martin: Bye Lisa. Nice meeting you, Tads and Tamtam:

Tads: Nice meeting you din po.

Tamtam: Bye din po. Ang galing niyo po kumanta, Tito Sir Martin!

Martin: Smiles. Oh. Thanks, Tamtam.

In Martin’s car.

Patrick: Thank you for today, Uncle Martin. I really had a great time.

Martin: Anytime, Patrick. You know I’m always here for you, buddy.

Patrick: Thanks, Uncle Martin.

In Lisa’s car.

Tads: Ate Lisa, thank you po talaga. Sobra ko pong na-appreciate ang pagsama niyo po sa akin.

Lisa: Family tayo, Tads. Nag enjoy ako.

Tamtam: Sa Family Day ko po, Tita Boss Ma’am pupunta ka din po ha.

Lisa: Oo naman!

*****

Happy to see that after all that drama in the past, all is well between Lisa and Martin… 😀 Here’s hoping Martin and Mona get back together this week naman… 😍😍😍

Let’s keep watching S2P on weekday mornings before It’s Showtime.

 

 

 

 

 

 

MARTIN & MONA, MISSING EACH OTHER!!! ❤️❤️❤️

With all that has transpired these past weeks for our favorite S2P, I can’t help but share with you this scenario in my head. I hope you enjoy it as I enjoyed writing it. Happy reading!!! 😀😀😀

Part 1

It’s the morning after and Mona is all alone in the cockpit arena in Estrella thinking about how blessed she is to still be alive after that fateful episode with Mr. Supapi the night before. She’s thinking about Mangs, Pangs and Leb, and she can’t help but think about Martin and reminisce about the very first time she saw him.

Mona: Ano na kaya nangyari dun? Mukhang kinalimutan na ko ah. Nagsawa ka na agad, Honey?!? Este ex-Honey pala! Kinwento na ni Lisa kung ano nangyari sa kin, tapos di mo man lang ako kinamusta. Di mo pala ko titigilan ha? May pasabi-sabi ka pang aaraw-arawin mo ko hanggang mapatawad at matanggap kita ulit. Oh eh ano, nasan ka na ngayon, Martin?

Out of nowhere, Leo arrives…

Leo: Tol, wag mo masyadong isipin si Martin. Wag ka mag alala. Mahal ka din nun.

Mona: Tol naman eh. Di ko kaya iniisip yung Martin na yun! Sina Mangs, Pangs at Leb kaya iniisip ko.

Leo: Talaga? Ni minsan di ba sumasagi sa isip mo si Martin?

Mona: Hindi nga!

Leo: Kawawang Martin. Sabi pa naman sa kin ni Lisa nagpunta pa sa bahay namin si Martin kagabi para alamin kung nasan ka at kung okay ka lang.

Mona: Ows? Wag ka ngang nang-aano Tol. Bakit naman ako iisipin nun eh tumigil na nga sa kakukulit sa kin yun! Di na nga ako pinupuntahan o tinetext eh. Ilang araw na.

Leo: Uy, pati araw binibilang ah. Miss mo na kung ganun, Tol?

Mona: Di kaya! Malamang naisip niya di talaga kami bagay. Hayaan mo yun! Sa gwapo niyang yun, makakatagpo din yun ng bagong girlfriend.

Leo: Gwapo pala ha.

Mona: Oo naman. Ay! Ang ibig kung sabihin…

Leo: Gwapo at mahal mo.

Mona: Hindi nga Tol!

Leo: Wag ka mag-alala Tol, basta matapos natin ang misyong ito, ibabalik kita sa love life mo.

Mona: Malabo na yun Tol.

Leo: Bakit malabo?

Mona: Di kaya kami bagay. Ang layo ng agwat namin sa buhay!

Leo: Mahal na mahal ka nung tao. Yun ang importante.

Mona: Ikaw talaga Tol kung magsalita ka parang siguradong-sigurado ka!

Leo: Talagang sigurado ako Tol. Kasi nagkausap kami ni Martin.

Mona: Ha?

Leo: Nung isang araw nagpunta siya sa bahay para magpasalamat na tinulungan kita dun sa nangyari sa bahay niyo.

Mona: Maniwala ako! Eh di nga niya ko kinamusta eh.

Leo: Hindi ka niya tinawagan o pinuntahan o tinext kasi nirerespeto niya ang gusto mo na layuan ka niya. Binibigyan ka daw niya ng space na gusto mo. Pero di ibig sabihin nun na give up na siya at di ka niya na mahal. Ibinilin ka kaya niya sa kin na habang di mo siya pinapayagan lumapit sa yo, eh siguruhin ko daw na alagaan kita.

Mona: Di nga?

Leo: Oo nga, Tol!

Mona: (Smiles giddily then covers her face)

Leo: O wag nang itago. Tagos sa buto ko kilig mo! Wag ka nang mag-alala mahal ka nun!

Mona: Tol naman, eh!

Leo: Oh okay ka na? Pwede na tayong magtrabaho?

Mona: (Nods and tries to hide her smile)

Leo: Okay, Tol. Galingan na natin para makabalik na ko sa mahal ko at maibalik na kita sa love life mo.

Mona: Tol naman eh!

Leo: Okay okay, balik na tayo sa misyon. Nakahanda na lahat sa pagki-kristo mo sa sabungan…

Part 2

Upon reaching YTC, Martin heads to Lisa’s office at once just so he can ask about Mona. Leo and Mona left for out of town work just the night before and Martin wants to find out from Lisa if Mona got there safe. When Martin gets there, it’s Kim he finds.

Kim: Oh. Hi, Martin!

Martin: Good afternoon, Kim! Where’s Lisa?

Kim: We just had lunch pero she stepped out for a while. May iko-consult daw kay Miss Sandra. Sandali lang siguro yun.

Martin: Okay lang ba if I’ll just wait for Lisa here?

Kim: Sure. (Rises) Coffee?

Martin: Sige. Kamusta na?

Kim: (While fixing Martin his coffee) Eto. Excited and nervous. I’m giving birth in a couple of months.

Martin: Oo nga eh. I was with James actually the other night. He consulted me about a business prospect.

Kim: (Hands Martin his coffee) Ah.

Martin: Thanks.

Kim: Na-mention nga ni James when we had a check up and bought some more baby stuff yesterday.

Martin: Excited ah. Ninong ba ako niyan?

Kim: Siyempre naman. Ninong ka and Ninang si Lisa… Kamusta na kayo ni Mona, Martin?

Martin: (Smiles and shrugs his shoulders.) I don’t really know if I’m making any progress, but I’m not giving up. I’m giving her the space she needs for now, so I haven’t called, texted or visited her in a while.

Kim: Ah. Don’t worry. Sure na sure ako na mahal ka ni Mona. Mapapatawad ka din nun. So tama, just give her time.

Martin: Sure na sure? What do you mean?

Kim: Let’s just put it this way. Alam ko ayaw na nating lahat balikan yun… Yung nagpanggap si Mona bilang Lisa. Pero nun pa man, nakita ko na kung gaano ka niya kamahal.

Martin: What do you mean, Kim?

Kim: Umpisa pa lang ng pagpapanggap niya, I already sensed how much she admires and values you. Hirap na hirap siyang tarayan ka.

Martin: Seryoso?

Kim: Hahaha! Oo nga! Di nga niya maintindihan bakit di ka gusto ni Lisa eh sobrang gwapo at bait mo daw!

Martin: (Smiles) Haha!

Kim: Mahal na mahal ka ni Mona kahit noon pa, Martin. Ang daming beses nahuhuli ko siyang kausap ka at nagso-sorry sa pagpapanggap niya…

Martin: Ha? Kausap ako? Paano?

Kim: Hahaha! Hindi sa yo pero dun siya sa pinagawa kong standee mo siya nagso-sorry. Kasa-kasama niya si Martin standee sa room niya sa condo ko.

Martin: So that explains where that standee came from. Sa yo pala.

Kim: You know about the standee?

Martin: Long story, but it’s with me now.

Kim: That standee is surely going places. Hahaha! I think Mona survived that episode because of that standee. Madalas kausap ka niya. Napagalitan ko rin nga siya before kasi feeling ko sobra niyang binago si Lisa sa paningin mo as you spent time together.

Martin: (Smiling)

Kim: Ramdam na ramdam ko how she was slowly falling for you kaya napagalitan ko rin siya on several occasions. Kasi naaawa din ako sa kanya that her feelings won’t be reciprocated.

Martin: (Smiles) But it’s been reciprocated. I love her so much, Kim. I’ve reassured her about that already. It’s always been her. It’s always been Mona. Akala ko lang si Lisa.

Lisa suddenly enters the room…

Lisa: Huh, Martin? You were saying?

Martin: (Stands up) Hi, Lisa!

Kim: We were just talking about that switch with Mona you had before.

Lisa: Oh. Forgiven na ko diyan, diba?

Martin: Of course. I’m just glad that Kim and i got to talk about it.

Kim: Martin, just go back to all those times you spent with Mona then— sa couples retreat, sa team building, and all those times you spent together. I think that was more Mona than Lisa she showed you. Mahal ka na niya nun pa man.

Martin: (Smiles) I know. Thanks, Kim.

Lisa: And Martin, since we’re talking na rin about that. I just thought I’d let you know na rin. Mona didn’t accept the final payment sa switch na yun. She was so remorseful for having done that to you.

Martin: Knowing Mona, na-sense ko na rin naman yun, Lisa. But thanks for telling me pa rin.

Lisa: She blamed herself for putting you through so much pain. And sorry din kasi alam ko you were good friends na before the switch. Pati budding friendship niyo, nasira ko.

Martin: Everything’s been forgiven and forgotten, Lisa. I’m just glad we’re all friends now.

Lisa: Thanks, Martin. Oh, why are you here pala? Diba bukas pa training natin?

Martin: Ah. I just thought I’d drop by to ask about Mona. Did she and Leo get to their out of town work safe?

Lisa: Wag kang mag-alala, Martin. Ok si Mona. Hindi siya papabayaan ng asawa ko. Kausap ko lang si Leo kanina and kinamusta ko sila.

Martin: Thanks, Lisa.

Lisa: Since you’re here na rin, why don’t you stay for a bit? I need to get your thoughts about something Kim and I are planning for Elizabethan Beauty.

Martin: Sure. My next appointment at C&C is still in two hours. I have time.

Kim: This is nice! Who would have ever thought the two of you can work this harmoniously with each other? Eh dati…

Lisa: Kim!

Martin: Hahaha. Better believe it, Kim! Otherwise baka tarayan na naman ako nitong bestfriend mo!

Lisa: (Smiling) Martin!!!

Part 3

It’s 9 P.M. and Martin’s finally home at Brandenburg Hotel. Dinner earlier with his Mama and Papa at home has been wonderful. He’s glad to have spent time with his Mama as she asked about his progress with Mona. She says she can sense from all his stories that Mona loves him as much as he loves her, which his Mama now admits, she never sensed from Lisa then. She calls it her Mama instinct. Mama Resa reminded Martin to be patient with Mona and just wait until she’s ready to welcome him back in her life.

Thinking about his Honey, he’s once again tempted to give her a call or at least send her a text to profess his unending love for her, but he knows he shouldn’t. Instead, he opens his laptop and decides to type away his thoughts to her. Dear Honey…

Unknown to Martin, Mona is sleeping soundly in Estrella with the red scarf he gave her as her blanket. Thanks to Tol and Lisa, she’s happy to have been reassured of Martin’s love. Mona’s smiling in her sleep as she’s dreaming about her most beloved Honey. They’re watering the plants in the garden of their lovely home while their little boy and girl are happily playing tag.

❤️❤️❤️

Can’t wait to have our dear MaMon get back together. Lagot na! May chikitita (si Primera Ortega) pang parating this week, Mona! Martin, beware! Dear S2P writers, please don’t make us wait too long. We want MaMon back together ASAP!!!

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Yay! It’s already week 27 this July 30- Aug 3, 2018! Glad to know our fave S2P has been extended! Let’s keep watching high rating Sana Dalawa Ang Puso on weekday mornings before It’s Showtime! 😀

MARTIN, MONA, LISA, LEO: INTERTWINED LIVES ❤️❤️❤️

From the onset, I’ve enjoyed how this show has intertwined the lives of its four leads and how it always surprises us with unexpected plot twists.

Suddenly, they’re ex-honeys!

So much has happened since my last entry here three weeks ago. Who would have thought that Martin and Mona’s relationship would be put on halt only a mere 2 days after they promised to love and nurture their relationship forever??? But then again life happened. And Martin not coming clean to his HONEY Mona (love their TOE of choice! 😍) soon enough about Tagpuan caused the sudden end of their budding, sweet and uber kilig relationship. Even more tragic is the death of MommyLa in the midst of all that has happened. Martin has been seeking his honey’s forgiveness and wooing her to no avail since then, never mind if we feel she’s already being too OA. Si Martin Naming Lahat yan, Mona! Arte arte mo ha! 😂😂😂 Martin’s simply not not giving up and we believe that when the time is right and Mona has completely healed from everything that has happened between them, everything will be alright. They’re meant to be after all.

SaTin and LeMon

Martin’s new assignment in C & C (one that his dad says might just secure him chairmanship of C & C) leads him to work with Yi-Tan Corp’s Sandra Tan and its newly hired VP, Lisa Laureano Tabayoyong. Nice one, writers! Thank you for giving us what we’ve craved for then! Great to see Martin & Lisa in good terms, working harmoniously with each other and finally, as good friends. Perhaps this is really Lisa and Martin’s purpose in each other’s lives— to help, learn from & support each other at work. (What amazing chemistry RY & JSM have!!! Whether they’re SaTin or MaMon, both look perfect for each other. Hope Lisa’s the third one who’ll play cupid for Martin and Mona. 😁)

Then there’s Mona who’s been offered a job at Tabayoyong Cleaning Services by ‘Tol (Leo) himself. Kinda interesting to see that Martin and Leo have switched partners when it comes to work.

Leo’s obviously feeling a little insecure knowing Lisa will be working with Martin especially after the bonding he had with the scheming Daddy Juancho. Wonder if Mona will get jealous of Lisa again. How cute is it that the lives of these four keep intertwining?

Supapi’s back?!?

Never saw this one coming! I’m sure all of us thought Mr. Chua had surely gotten Mr. Supapi killed from those series of bullets his body got from him then. Oh well.

Once again, the writers are making me kinda wonder why Lisa and Martin have been led to work together, and why Mona has also been led to work for Leo.

Leo, being an agent who works for the government, will surely be able to help & protect Mona from the evil Supapi and Mr. Tan (the man who replaced Mr. Chua; any relation to Sandra Tan, Mr Tan???) who are both after Mona for the missing red diamonds. Wooh! It might even take a while before Leo uncovers the truth about why Supapi’s men are really after Mona as she doesn’t really know the real reason why they’re after her…

(Could the syndicate leader, UNO, really be JUANcho?!? And what about Mona’s past? Who are her real parents? The only clue to her parentage is that necklace with red diamonds. And why can Lisa always sense when Mona’s in danger??? Wonder how the writers will play this one out. They’ve told us at the onset that S2P is a story about identical strangers Mona & Lisa, and not another story of identical twins separated at birth.)

I hope it’s Lisa who’ll tell Martin that Mona and her family are in danger. (Cute that Martin can sense Mona is in trouble even before anyone else. Twin souls din kaya sila like Ser Chief and Maya? 😍) Wonder how Martin will be once he finds out his honey is in deep trouble.

Martin to the rescue

I’d like to think that the inconsistencies Martin discovered in LGC before, as well as the current anomalies that may possibly be happening in C & C Shipping now, are both somehow connected to the syndicate who’s looking for Mona.

I’m guessing Martin is soon bound to discover that his cousin from hell, Steve Co, has gotten himself involved in several anomalous transactions in C & C Shipping (that’s why he doesn’t want Martin to get involved with C & C Shipping). Could C&C Shipping, thru Steve Co, somehow be involved in bringing in illegal and banned stuff to the country? Could the anomalies Martin will soon uncover be somehow connected to the syndicate who’s after Mona? Will Martin ever tell Lisa the irregularities he once noticed in LGC, too? It was only Daddy Juancho he discussed this with then. We know how good S2P is with plot twists and intertwining the lives of its four characters. We now know why Mona has been led to work for Leo. Yet we still have to find out why Martin & Lisa have been led to work with each other, too. With Sandra Tan, no less, whom everyone’s guessing could be Lisa’s long lost mother.

(This Sandra Tan is kinda mysterious, too, as seems to be living a double life, as one scene showed her holding a gun. If she’s possibly Lisa’s mom, why was there no recognition from Juancho when they came face to face? Is Juancho telling Lisa the truth that her mom left them or did Juancho at one point hurt Lisa’s mom so bad <she left to save her life> that Lisa’s mom could possibly have needed surgery.)

I am hoping like all others that it’ll be Martin who’ll rescue Mona from all the bad guys. Would love to see Martin in some action stunts, too. Let’s hope the Creative Team doesn’t disappoint. 😀

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Still so much to see in this high rating S2P. Let’s keep watching S2P (now on week 26) on weekday mornings, from 11:30 A.M. to 12:15 P.M., on ABS-CBN.

Martin to Mona: IT’S ALWAYS BEEN YOU! ❤️❤️❤️

What an event-filled week #S2PWeek22 turned out to be for Martin Co! We saw many facets of Martin this week!!! Jealous Martin. Businessman Martin. Thoughtful Martin. Surprised Martin! No longer angry Martin. And finally, MARTIN IN LOVE! Woohoo! 😍😍😍

We’ve known all along that Martin loves Mona! He just thinks it’s Lisa he loves, but it’s always been Mona! So glad he’s finally caught on with the truth and embraced the reality that he’s in love with the most amazing woman, his dear Mona! Yay!

Martin to Mona : “I love you! IT’S ALWAYS BEEN YOU. Kelangan ko lang puntahan si Lisa para sa closure. Hindi lang dahil sa ginawa niya sa kin kung hindi yung mali na ginawa ko sa kanya. Para pag nakaharap na kita tapos na yung tungkol kay Lisa. Kaya nga dala ko yung kotse na ginamit natin sa road trip. Gusto ko isakay ka dun pag nasabi ko na yung I love you… I LOVE YOU. Hindi ko alam kung kelan nag umpisa ‘to. Basta alam ko mahal kita ngayon. At mamahalin kita habang buhay. I love you dahil ikaw si Ramona “Pasaway” Bulalayao. Hindi dahil kamukha mo si Lisa. Hindi dahil rebound ka or kung anu-anumang mga sinasabi mo dyan. I JUST LOVE YOU… Mahal na mahal din kita!”

Awww! What a wonderful, unforgettable, romantic episode to cap the week! Martin and Mona have finally confessed their love for each other!!! ❤️❤️❤️

We were simply not forewarned that MaMon will give us the most ultimate kilig last June 29 (incidentally, 5 months since S2P premiered). Si Martin at si Mona na!!! Yes!

Can’t wait to see them tell tell Mangs, Pangs, Leb, Oyo and MommyLa about them, go on romantic dates, share sweet and kilig moments together, and so on. We’ve known it all along— they’re the perfect fit and the ones who are truly meant to be.

Closure for Martin & Lisa

Happy to finally see Martin get his closure from Lisa. Hope they eventually become really good friends, too. ‘Nuff said. Haha.

Would still love for Lisa to see what an amazing guy Martin is and to see her feel a tinge of regret for not giving him a chance at all. (Tweak nga natin sinabi ni Leb, “Ako nga pala si Martin, ang lalaking sinayang mo.” 😂) Had Lisa seen Martin past his Papa’s betrayal to her dad and given him a chance, she would have had experienced the love of this amazing guy, too. 😳 But then again, they’re really not meant to be.

Papa Miguel and Mama Resa

Martin, hasn’t your Papa noticed the positive change in you since Tagpuan? We know the businessman and father in him has every reason to be concerned about securing your chairmanship of C&C, but shouldn’t the father in him also be happy to see you’re no longer angry and shutting people out, that you’ve overcome your pain and are okay now?

Where’s your Mama Resa, Martin? Why didn’t she at least check up on you the whole time you were in Tagpuan? I would love for her to see that her precious son is back— happy, whole and in love!!! Wonder how she’ll accept Mona as the woman in your life. Can’t help but recall an instance in the past when Mama Resa saw you smiling after a phone convo you had with Mona and asked if it was Lisa you were on the phone with, and you told her, “No, Ma. Si Mona, yung handler ng manok. She’s actually very funny.” Perhaps even then she had an inkling there’s something there. Remember her response? With a knowing look, she said, “Mona… Funny…” Perhaps, even then she knew that Mona means something to you.

Martin, we hope you’ll take Mama Resa to Tagpuan soon to meet MommyLa, Mona and her fam and to fall in love w Mona and Tagpuan, too! That’s a definitely possibility diba? I hope she’ll be able to help you convice your Papa that there’s no need to tear down Tagpuan.

Martin-Oyo Bromance 😁

Don’t you just love that Oyo’s the chauffer and BFF of our Martin Co? Great tandem, amazing bromance! 😂 Oyo may be the funniest ever (tactless at times pa!), but how we love his sound love advices to Martin, too. And tama siya, kahit anong angle tingnan, hamak talagang mas gwapo si Martin Co kay Leo. 😀

The Teaser for #S2PWeek23 #S2PLoveAlwaysWins

Oops! Just when we thought everything is finally okay with our beloved MaMon, here comes a bummer! The sale of Tagpuan has come through and Martin has not even had even a chance to come clean with Mona… Just like in everything they’ve been through, we’re positive they’ll surpass this trying time, too. As today’s hashtag says it, LOVE ALWAYS WINS naman, diba?

So excited to see what happens next. There’s so much more to look forward to in our favorite daytime habit, S2P!!!

RY, JSM & The Bus Terminal Scene 👍🏻👍🏻😊

As much as JSM should be commended for doing an amazing job as both Mona and Lisa, two characters who are total opposites, props should be accorded to RY, too, for his excellent portrayal as Martin. He also has the ability to convince us even more that Mona and Lisa are two different persons by how differently he reacts and relates to the two characters. One can easily see by the end of Friday’s episode that Lisa is just a friend to him now, while Mona is his everything!

The bus terminal scene teeming with passengers during what looks like its peak hour was simply wow! 👏🏻👏🏻 It was simply a stroke of genius for the S2P team! Thank you to who ever thought of having our beloved MaMon confront their feelings for each other in that busy bus terminal! It was definitely way too grand in scope as the scene involved tons of extras who did what they had to do, and be unmindful of the fact that there were two big stars in their midst professing their love for each other. The hugot lines of the barker were funny, witty and spot on for what Mona was feeling, too! 😂

And our Daytime King and Queen were simply remarkable in their delivery of their kilometric lines! So sincere and heartfelt!!! We totally felt how much in pain Mona was believing that it’s still Lisa in Martin’s heart, how undeniably in love Martin was with Mona, and how immensely happy Mona was to finally learn that the only man she’s only ever been in love with for the longest time loves her back, too! Props to RY and JSM! Love seeing the glow of love in your eyes, your happy smiles and the sweet kisses you shared! Your magical, incomparable and palpable chemistry once again came to the fore and weaved its magic and we were all goners! Someone should have at least warned us that the kilig-o-meter for our MaMon hearts will skyrocket then! Whoa!!! What an episode! My absolute favorite thus far!!!

Let’s keep watching high rating and uber kilig S2P on weekday mornings, 11:30 A.M. to 12:15 P.M.