Hindi mapagkakaila na galing sa maimpluwensyang pamilya ang pinanggalingan ni Silver Sevilleja, ang kasalukuyang alkalde ng Nueva Vizcaya. Her home is an eye-catching mansion, characterized by its sleek, gray-coated modern style design that captures the attention of any passerby. The sprawling property boasts an impressive gate that stands several meters away from the main entrance.
Idagdag pa ang ilang mamahaling kotseng nakaparada sa labas nito, at pag pasok ay masisilayan ang naglalakihang crystal chandelier na ilang talampakan ang layo mula sa makikintab nilang tiles. Panigurado ay hindi rin mabilang sa kamay ang mga tauhan nila na nakapalibot sa loob at labas ng mansyon.
Silvano Sevilleja Sr. Kilala bilang former at ika-13 presidente ng Pilipinas. Tatay ng yumaong gobernador ng Nueva Vizcaya, at Lolo ni Silver
Makapangyarihan at maimpluwensya ang pangalang Sevilleja, sa loob at labas 'man ng bansa in politics and business industry.
A peaceful night in the mansion of Sevillejas. The sound of cutlery clinking against fine white plates echoed through the dining room, creating an ambiance of elegance and refinement.
Silver was seated at the side of the long, beautifully set table, while her grandfather Silvano occupied the head of the table, expertly slicing his meal.
"Hija, kamusta naman ang pamamalakad mo bilang alkalde?" Tanong ng lolo niya habang naghihiwa ng pagkain, glancing at her curiously
"Maayos naman po, lo. But this Wednesday, I'll be at the press conference, tungkol doon sa issue ng smuggling at drugs na kinokonekta sa pangalan natin." She replied, her tone reflect the weight of burden of the situation. Isa na rin siguro sa mga cons nang pagiging Sevilleja ay ang ilang ulit na paglilinis ng pangalan nila.
"Hayaan mo, apo. Panigurado naman wala silang makukuhang ebidensya laban satin dahil unang-una wala naman tayong ginagawang illegal." Silvano spoke in composed and confident demeanor, glancing at his grand-daughter with reassuring smile.
"I'll talk to your tito about it para tulungan ka about this issue."
"Thank you, lo. Pero ako na ang kakausap kay Tito Fabian. Kami nang bahalang mga apo mo at sila tito ang gagawa ng paraan. You don't have to worry about it." Silver assured him. Ayaw niya na rin kasing gambalain ang tito niya na nakaupo sa senado, thinking that he has a lot on his plate.
Sa lahat ng apo ni Silvano ay si Silver ang pinakamalapit sa kaniya. Dahil hindi lang matalino ang dalaga, bagkus magaling at competent din ito bilang alkalde.
"I know I can rely on my favorite apo. Basta, if you need help, don't hesitate to call me."
"Lo, retired ka na. Tsaka you can trust me, ako kaya ang pinakamagaling na Sevilleja."
Pabirong sabi ng dalaga habang taas-baba ang galaw ng kilay nito, dahilan para matawa ang dating presidente.
~
“Ngayon nga’y tayo ay nasa pinanggalingan ng krimen kung saan pinaslang si alyas Ramon na kinikilala bilang head ng drug syndicate. Ayon sa mga awtoridad ay hindi pa rin tukoy ang suspect at hanggang ngayon ay inaalam pa rin ang motibo ng krimen. Kasalukuyang din nga na nakalagay ang labi ng biktima sa provincial hospital dito sa Nueva Vizcaya at bukas ay aasahang makukuha na ito ng kaanak ng biktima. Balik sa studio.”
Meanwhile Jullian Robles, an intern at one of the country's leading news stations; a bold and fearless intern admired by many, including some veteran news casters. Ibang klase rin kasi ang galing ng dalaga. Mismong propesor niya ang nag pasok sa kaniya sa trabaho niya ngayon, dahil sa bilib at hanga nito sa kaniya.
Nagtapos si Jullian na Magna Cum Laude sa kursong mass communication sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas, kaya kahit mga katrabaho niya na ilang taon nang nagtratrabaho sa istasyon ay nirerespeto siya.
Once the camera is turned off, her colleague passes her phone.
“Juls, may tawag sa’yo galing kay Sir Santiago.” Nagtatakang kinuha ni Jullian ang phone niya.
“Hala, bakit daw?”
“Baka sisante ka na.” Pang-aasar ng ka-trabaho niya kaya pabiro niya itong hinampas sa braso.
“Kuya Remy naman, ‘wag ka naman magbiro ng ganiyan!”
“Joke lang hehe. Impossible naman na tanggalin ka. Uto-uto ka rin eh.”
Jullian took her phone from the man as she answered the call.
“Hello, Sir?”
“Oh, Juls…” the producer began “I called because I want you to cover the press conference of Mayor Sevilleja this Wednesday.”
“Hala, totoo po ba?!” she exclaimed, wide-eyed in disbelief.
“Yes. May problema ba?”
“Wala po sir, nabigla lang po ako.”
Natapos ang tawag nang may malapad na ngiti sa labi si Jullian. Malaking opportunity kasi sa kaniya ito bilang nagsisimula sa media industry, lalo na’t malaki ang pangalan ng Sevilleja sa bansa.
~
Wednesday came smoothly, but the anxious yet thrilled feeling enveloped the young intern mainly because, for her, this was a big deal. Hindi lang dahil sa trabaho, but also for her personally.
Her confidence and unbothered demeanor prevailed as she stepped into the maroon marble tiles of the conference hall. May iilang media mula sa iba’t ibang istasyon na rin siyang natanaw sa labas ng conference room, kaya’t nag paalam muna siya sa team niya at dumeretso sa bathroom.
As she retouched, she skimmed the questions in her phone to double-check her prepared inquiry for later’s conference.
As Jullian busied herself on her phone ay hindi niya napansin ang maingay na mga boses mula sa labas kasabay ang pagpasok ng isang dalaga.
An oddly soothing scent filled the nose of Jullian, kaya agad na napa-awang ang kanyang ulo at tinignan ang repleksyon ng katabi niya mula sa salamin.
Tila nabuhusan ng malamig na tubig ang dalaga when she realized that she was standing inches away from the known mayor of Nueva Vizcaya. Ito na rin kasi ang unang beses na nakakita siya ng isang Sevilleja sa personal.
“Pass me the tissue.” The woman spoke while applying her lipstick. Kinagulat naman ito ni Jullian kaya’t napatingin siya kay Silver. She looks at her from head to toe, noticing how petite and graceful the woman is. Her fair skin matches her long white sleeves, with her black trousers and loafers. Her aura reflects how powerful and influential her family is.
Ilang segundo natigil si Jullian sa mukha ng dalaga, thinking how the hell that the girl has no single pores, and how her skin glows as if she’s looking directly at the sun.
“I said pass me the tissue.”
The girl returned to her trance when she noticed that the mayor was looking at her as if she was doing something weird. Kaya’t nagmadali niyang pinasok ang gamit niya sa sling bag niya at tumingin sa dalaga. “ May kamay ka, bakit hindi ikaw ang kumuha?” she spoke staring directly at the woman at agad din na tinalikuran ito.
She hated it when people acted superior to other people, lalo na’t galing sa mga pulitiko na umastang parang hindi galing sa tax ng mga pilipino ang sahod nila. She would’ve get her a tissue kung ang tono niya ay nakikisuyo, hindi yung nag-uutos. Kasi first of all, hindi niya trabaho ang maging utusan ng mayor. Serbisyo niya ang mag-ulat ng balita sa publiko.
Second, she hates the Sevillejas. Marami na kasi siyang mga balitang napapanood tungkol sa pamilya na ‘to, at kadalasan pa rito ay puro mga masasamang balita. Hindi niya rin gusto na pagtatayo nito ng political dynasty sa bansa.
Silvano Sevilleja Sr., a former president. His two sons are also in politics, except sa yumaong gobernador ng probinsya at ama ni Silver. Most of them are in politics, kung hindi man ay connected yung business sa pulitika, at para kay Jullian, corruption starts with dynasties. For her, kaya lang nakapasok ng politika si Silver dahil as nepotismo at influence ng pamilya niya, and this piques her guts. Lalo na’t ganito ang una nilang interaksyon.
Nagtungo siya sa loob ng conference room kung saan sinalubong siya ng team niya.
“Ready na tayo, Juls. Nandito na si Mayor.”
Agad na silang nag ready, from camera and their earpieces. Kasabay naman nito ang pagpasok ng mayor sa loob na bakas ang inis sa mukha ng dalaga ngunit agad niya rin itong tinago nang makatayo sa stage.
The conference starts where she greets all of the audience at nag simula sa kanyang speech— debunking allegations that Sevillejas was part of smuggling and drug syndicate.
Nang matapos ay nagsimula na ang entertaining of questions, at ilang minuto ang lumipas at nagkaroon na ng chance na magtanong si Jullian.
When she catches the attention of the mayor, ay biglang nagbago ang mukha nito ngunit agad din nawala. Jullian stare at the woman with so much poised, at kitang-kita ang confidence sa mukha nito.
“During 2019, isa ang Sevilleja sa big investors ng SALS corporation, na ngayon ay involved sa drug cartel and drug distributions. What can you say about this.?”
“Yes, our family was one of the investors of said corporation, but in 2022, we pulled all of our assets and investments sa SALS and until now we have had no contact with this corporation. After this event I will disclose all of the information about this.
Natapos ang press conference, yet Jullian felt unsatisfied. Hindi rin kasi mapapagkaila na magaling sumagot ang mayor nila. Lahat ng tanong na ibinato sa kaniya ay nasagot niya with unbothered at confident demeanor.
Yet, she’s not satisfied with the mayor's answers. Maaaring sanay na kasi ang mayor na magsinungaling tulad ng ibang pulitiko o baka totoo naman na walang koneksyon ang pamilya nila sa issue. She hopes it was the latter.
Nang makapag pack up na ay agad na dumeretso ang team niya sa sasakyan upang bumiyahe papuntang studio. Ngunit habang nasa byahe ay tumingin siya sa social media tungkol sa nangyaring event.
As expected, many people admired Silver, mapa provincial at nationally ‘man. Marami talagang taga suporta ang mayor ng Nueva Vizcaya, because she’s also the top performing mayor in national ratings. Madalas din siyang maging trending sa social media dahil sa mga programa niya at idagdag pa ang hindi maitatanggi na kagandahan nito.
Bungad nga ang ilang post ng mga nag kaka crush at humahanga kay Silver. This made Jullian scoffs.
“Dinadaan lang tayo sa ganda nitong mayor na ‘to eh.” Jullian remarked.
“Pero totoo naman, Juls. Maganda naman talaga si mayor, tapos mabait pa.” Sabat ng cameraman.
“Mabait? Parang hindi naman, kuya Nelson.” She replied while glancing at her phone now playing an edit of Silver
‘Walang hiya! Bakit may edit na?! Grabe naman siya i romanticized ng mga tao.”
Jullian internally screamed while watching the edits.
“Compare sa mga kamag-anak niya, may mas tiwala ako d’yan.” Sabat ni Kuya Nelson sa tabi niya kaya napadako ang atensyon niya sa lalaki.
“Madalas kasi yan mag organize ng outreach, isa nga yung kapatid kong may cerebral palsy yung natulungan niya. From assistance at mga gamot, tapos pinasok niya pa sa paaralan.” Jullian were listening at him intently, as if she doesn’t want to miss any information from him .
“Yung maganda pa sa kaniya ay hindi siya madalas magbigay ng ayuda, at mas tutok siya mag bigay ng trabaho sa mga tao. Hindi ba’t mas maganda ‘yun?”
Well, most corrupt politicians provide people with “ayudas” instead of social services. Isa ito sa mga politician red flags para kay Jullian. She hates the thought of people relying more on ayuda instead of actual services; something that people are entitled to. Kaya ang ending, nagiging “utang na loob” ng mga Pilipino ang dapat na karapatan nila bilang nag papa sweldo sa mga pulitiko.
“Pero hindi po ba’t isang malaking red flag siya dahil she's from political dynasty.”
She interjected, skepticism seeping into her voice.
“Hindi sa pinagtatanggol ko si mayor pero mataas din kasi ang pinag-aralan niya. ‘Di ba nag tapos siya sa kursong political science, at competent din naman siya, nag r-reflect nga sa kasalukuyan niyang ratings ngayon.” Nelson argued
“Tama ka naman Kuya Nelson. Pero wala talaga akong tiwala sa pamilya n’yan. Yung tito niya nga walang ambag sa senado tapos panay disagree pa sa mga batas na relevant sa generation ngayon. Typical politician na dinadaan sa drama ang gobyerno, imbis na mag focus sa mga issues para mapabuti ang bansa”
“Iba naman kasi siya sa tito niya. Tsaka sabi ko nga, sa lahat ng Sevilleja, sa kanya lang ako may tiwala. “ Nelson insisted, hoping to bridge the gap between Jullian’s doubts
~
Jullian was woken up by the loud continuous sounds of her phone notification— mostly from her work. Kasabay nito ang pagtawag ng boss niya.
“Juls! This is great news. Mayor Silver Sevilleja personally asked us for an exclusive interview!”
Jullian raised a brow. It is great news indeed, but what does she have to do with it?
“And you better prepare because she asked for you. Ikaw ang mag i-interview.” Biglang napabalikwas mula sa paghiga si Jullian nang marinig ito.
“ Totoo po ba! This is real deal!”
“Kaya mag prepare ka na. You will meet her this Saturday.” Huling sabi ng boss niya at binaba na ang tawag. Dahil dito ay hindi siya mapakali. Her? Personally asked by Silver Sevilleja?
Takot at pangamba ang bumalot sa kaniya. It was unlikely for someone like Silver to call on an exclusive interview, lalo na't mukhang nabastos niya pa nung huling kita nila.
~
Saturday came at kasalukuyan siyang naka-upo habang hinihintay dumating ang mayor sa studio. Her hands were trembling, while she constantly licking her lips as her mouths dried up from nervousness.
But when she suddenly got to glimpse the silhouette of the lady, ay napa awang ang labi niya.
Silver was wearing silk ashen brown cropped sleeveless, with a mini jacket, partnering her mini skirt, while wearing high beige stilettos. Kapansin-pansin din ang make-up nito na sinabayan pa ng kulot niyang buhok.
“Pucha! Nasa langit na ata ako? Bakit ang ganda? Pero saan ba punta nito? Sa photoshoot?” Her mind bombarding herself with questions habang nakatitig sa papalapit na babae. Silver wore her big smile, making her eyes disappear, at nginitian ang lahat ng tao sa studio kabilang si Jullian. Did she mentioned na iba pala ngumiti si Silver. Yung tipong kahit langgam sa studio nila ngayon ay masisilaw sa ngiti niya. She's glowing.
“I’m sorry if I made y’all wait. Nasiraan kasi ako ng sasakyan.” Silver spoke, glancing at Jullian then extended her hand para makipag hand shake.
Na malugod naman ni Jullian as they sat face to face from each other.
“It’s okay, Mayor. You’re just in time. Freshen up a little and we will start shortly.”
Jhoanna glanced at her flashcards at inaayos ito.
Ilang segundo ay lumapit ang isa sa mga tauhan ni Silver at may inabot kay Jullian.
“Ma’am, ito po yung list of questions. Ito raw po yung itanong mo kay Mayor.” The woman spoke and it made Jullian glance at the paper in the woman’s hand with furrowed eyebrows.
Tumingin nang diretso si Jullian kay Silver, not wanting her to miss Jullian intense gaze. She's pissed.
"I’m sorry but if ipipilit mo Miss Mayor na ibigay 'yang mga tanong na 'yan. Parang binastos mo na rin ako at ang mga katrabaho ko na mamamahayag na layuning ibigay sa publiko ang katotohanan at transparency na kailangan nila." She spoke in conviction at hindi nagpatinag si Jullian sa tingin ni Silver, as if they were fighting with their stares. One thing about Jullian was she will stick to her principles no matter what.
“Joyce, pasabi kay tito Fabian, we don’t need those questions that he provided.” Silver spoke kaya umalis na rin ang tauhan niya dala ang papel.
“My deepest apologies, Miss Robles. It wasn’t our intention to disrespect you and all of the people here. It was our mistake.” Silver continued with sincerity in her tone.
It build an awkward air between them but both of them chose to maintain a professional demeanor, kaya natapos ang interview ng successful, at lahat ng katanungan na binato ni Jullian ay maayos na nasagot ni Silver.
“Miss Robles, again I want to apologize for what happened. You’re right, I disrespected you and your work ethic.” Silver said, her expression earnest.
“Inaamin ko po na I got offended. Because same thing lang naman po yun sa idea na kung sinabihan kita how to serve the people bilang mayor for sure you’ll get offended din kasi trabaho mo po yun at alam mo kung paano gawin yun. Right?” Juliana responded, her tone firm yet calm.
“Yes, you’re right, and again I’m sorry. About last time rin sa restroom-” Silver got caught off when Jullian spoke.
“Pasensya na po kayo sa naging asal ko sa inyo last time.
“No, it wasn’t your fault. I realized that I shouldn’t have talked to you in that way. I was rude, napangunahan lang ako ng inis ko that day. I know that's not enough reason to be rude but I’m sorry. You actually caught my attention pa nga and I want to personally apologize. I thought that this might be the right way.”
“Sige na nga, parehas na lang po tayong mali.” Pabirong sabi ni Jullian. This time, the tense atmosphere around them dissipated and changed into a comfortable air.
“And to fully redeem myself to you. Are you perhaps open to volunteer at my upcoming outreach next Thursday?” Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Jullian nang marinig ito. Considering that she’s personally invited by the mayor.
“Gusto ko po pero may prior commitments po ako sa trabaho ko.”
“You don’t have to worry about it. Our outreach is about visiting various Indigenous tribes around our province. Magandang opportunity ito for them na ma cover ang kwento nila, and finally heard their voices through you Miss Robles.” She was convinced. No, she wants to tag along.
“Maganda nga po ‘yan mayor. I will talk to my boss about it.”
“About that, I've already talked to them at pumayag na rin sila. I just need your approval.”
Hindi na mabilang kung ilang beses siya na overwhelm sa harap ng mayor. Paano ba naman, ilang beses na siyang ginugulat ng dalaga. But she has still question in mind.
“Bago po ako pumayag. Genuine question lang, bakit po ako?”
Jullian saw how Silver's smile grew wider. Hindi siya magsasawang titigan ang nakakahawang ngiti nito— it was contagious.
“Kung may tiwala ang katrabaho at boss mo sayo, ganun na rin ako. Magaling ka, Miss Robles. You stick to your principles, at alam mong tama yun. Kailangan ng industriyang ‘to ang mga kagaya mo.” Her smile never left her face, kaya napatango si Jullian.
“Count me in.” Napatango si Silver habang may ngiti sa kaniyang labi at nagpaalam sa kaniya at sa lahat ng tao sa studio.
Hearing those words from Silver Sevilleja's mouth made Juliana look at her in a different light. Halos lahat na kasi ng checklist ng green flag bilang politiko ay pasok ang mayora.
Transparent. She’s willing to disclose all of the information to the public. Base rin kasi sa COA ay malinis ang track record nito at walang bahid ng corruption.
Accountable. May kakayahang umunawa ng pagkakamali at handa niya itong akuin.
Boses ng minoridad. Malimit ang mga politiko na pansinin ang minority people. But Silver Sevilleja is willing to be the voice of minorities.
Genuine. Kahit na ilang oras niya lang nakausap ang mayor ay kita na totoo siya sa mga sinasabi niya. Ni hindi nga man lang binulungan si Jullian ng intuition niya na nagsisinungaling o nagiging plastic ang mayora.
This time, she wants to give her a second chance. Baka nga ay iba siya sa ibang politiko
~
Outreach event
The journey to the event was silent, only the sound of soothing mellow music enveloped the van. It was 7 am in a morning at halos lahat ng volunteers ay tulog, kabilang na ‘ron si Jullian na nasa tabi ni Silver. Dito kasi siya inaya ng mayor sumakay imbis sa sasakyan kasama ng team niya.
But Silver is wide awake, glancing at the person beside her multiple times.
Meeting Jullian Robles was something for her. Bihira lang kasi siya maka tagpo ng taong tulad ni Jullian. She doesn’t expect that someone would say “May kamay ka, bakit hindi ikaw ang kumuha?” to her in their first meet.
Kaya ilang gabi rin hindi makatulog nang maayos si Silver— she wants to personally meet and know Jullian, and when she did, she only made the mayor more amazed than she is.
Ilang oras ang lumipas at nakarating na sila ng bundok, but unfortunately hindi rin kakayanin ng sasakyan na umakyat sa tarik ng bundok kaya napilitan silang maglakad at hakutin ang ilang gamit pa-akyat.
This serves as their first challenge because tomorrow there's another mountain that they need to climb at mas matarik yun.
Meanwhile nang makarating sa tuktok nagsimula na ang event at tinuruan sila ng tribo ng ilang traditional dances at paghahabi.
Nagsimula na rin ang mga palaro at iba’t iba pang mga agenda sa event. Nagkaroon din ng learning session para sa mga bata at mga matatandang hindi pa marunong magbasa o sumulat.
Jullian was enthusiastic. A smile crept on her face as she observed the people around them— it was lively and full of genuine people. She noticed that Silver walked in her direction— specifically towards Kuya Nelson beside her.
“Kuya Nelson! How’s Gab Gab pala?” Her eyes lit up, at masayang binati ang cameraman sa gilid ni Jullian.
“Okay naman po siya, Ma’am Silver. May mga improvements naman po, ngayon po ay patuloy pa rin po yung therapy exercises niya at sa susunod na taon ay graduate na ng elementary.”
“Mabuti naman kung ganon. Magpapahanda tayo kapag grumaduate kuya, tawagan mo ako ah.” Pabiro nitong sabi at tumingin kay Jullian.
Nagpaalam ang mayora sa cameraman at dumako ang atensyon sa tahimik na dalaga.
“You seemed happy.” Silver spoke while her gaze never left the girl.
“I am happy. Maraming salamat at dinala mo po ako rito mayor.”
“Call me Silver. Hindi naman siguro nagkakalayo ang edad natin. I’m only 24.” Jullian eyes widen. She didn’t expect the sudden small age gap between them. Na searched naman niya ang mayor pero mas nakatuon kasi siya sa mga balita tungkol sa kaniya.
“Honestly, I want you to be my friend. I think you'll be a good influence for me.” Silver spoke, her directness caught Jullian off guard yet she shrugged it off.
“Marami na nga nakakapag sabi niya” That sudden playful remark caught Silver off guard. Ito ang unang beses na nakapag usap sila na hindi niya nararamdaman na naiinis sa kaniya si Jullian
“Ewan ko sa’yo!”
Nabalot sila ng tawanan, as if their silent conflict vanished into thin air.
Nang sumapit ang dilim ay napagpasyahan na sa bundok na lamang magpalipas ng gabi, habang ang iba ay nanatili na matulog sa van.
Silver and Jullian chose to spend the night inside the house of tribes. Lucky for them na may mabubuti na nagpatuloy sa kanila at dito na rin nag hapunan.
They both settled back to back with each other sa isang maliit na banig, forcing themselves to fit in.
Jullian felt abrupt movements from her behind, pansin na hindi sanay si Silver sa ganitong higaan, kaya’t napa tingin siya rito.
“Okay ka lang?” Jullian’s tone was full of worry, totally bothered because of Silver's deep sighs.
“I’m… uncomfortable” She admits
“We can’t to anything about it. Dapat kasi sa van ka na lang natulog.” Halata na iritado ang boses ni Jullian, dahil na rin siguro sa antok “Silver maaga pa tayo bukas, baka mahimatay ka dahil kulang ka sa tulog.”
“Then allow me to do this.”
Nanikip ang dibdib ni Jullian when she felt Silver’s arms wrapped around her waist.
“S-silver…” Jullian muttered, barely whispering her name.
“I'm used to hugging my care bears while asleep. I'll just pretend you're one of my care bears para makatulog ako.” Silver spoke— Jullian could feel her hot breaths against her nape, making all of her hair rise.
“Ang bata mo naman!” Jullian tried to mask her emotions. Hindi niya rin gusto yung idea na baka marinig ni Silver kung gaano kalakas ang kabog ng dibdib niya ngayon.
“Shut up, let's sleep.”
The weird soothing feeling of Silver's hot breaths against her skin filled her mind. Kasabay pa ang lang pulgada ang layo nila sa isa’t isa, at ang makinis nitong braso na nakapalibot sa kaniya.
Jullian decided to caress Silver's arms to help her to get to sleep and surprisingly, it worked. Unti-unting nabalot ang sistema ni Jullian habang paulit-ulit na nag r-replay ang video edit ni Silver last time sa utak niya.
Morning came. Kapansin-pansin ang pagiging busy ng mga tao as they preparing to move to another mountain.
Nag-almusal, naligo, hinakot ang mga gamit pababa ng bundok and they decided to left early para pumunta sa kabilang bundok.
“Jullian, are you okay?” Silver mumbles beside the tired looking woman inside the moving van. Kulang kasi sa tulog ang dalaga, dala ng back hug ng mayora ng Nueva Vizcaya!
‘Nagtanong pa talaga.’ Her mind spoke.
She wanted to blame the girl. Si Silver ang may kasalanan kung bakit gising na gising siya buong magdamag.
“I’m fine. Kulang lang kasi ako sa tulog.” Jullian said between her yawn. Ngunit agad din nagising ang diwa niya nang higitin ni Silver ang ulo niya at ipinatong sa balikat niya.
“Sleep. Para may energy ka mamaya.” Silver’s voice was low yet it was full of care. Hindi man kita ni Jullian but she’s wearing her soft smile as her nose filled the scent of Jullian’s conditioner, and that smile never left hanggang sa makarating sila ng bundok.
Jullian felt a slight tap on her shoulder, her vision still hazy as her eyes were slightly opened.
“Gising na, nasa taas na sila. Tayo na lang ang hinihintay.” A woman spoke, pero wala pa siya sa wisyo para tumayo, but again she felt a tap on her arms.
In annoyance, she pulled the woman closer, to the point na nakayakap na ito sa waist niya at nakahiga sa waist ni Jullian.
“Five more minutes, please.” Jullian pouted while her eyes remained closed.
Silver, on the other hand, was unable to breathe in the sudden proximity between her and Jullian— she stared at the girl’s face as her gaze slowly drifted to Jullian’s pouty lips.
Hanggang sa dahan-dahan niyang nasilayan ang pag buka ng mga mata ng dalaga. Their stares glued with each other eyes— no one dared to speak nor shift their gazes, just pure tension and unsaid thoughts.
Unti-unting naglapit ang mukha nila, hanggang sa tuluyang tinigil ni Silver ang katahimikan sa pagitan nilang dalawa.
“I want to kiss you, Jullian.” She admitted. A glint of surprise passed through her eyes, yet eventually, a smile crept onto Jullian’s lips, amusement dancing in her eyes.
“I love to see you try.”
She hoped that was the liquor talking. But no, since hindi naman siya uminom!
Hindi rin sure si Jullian sa sinabi niya pero she wants to try it, staring at Silver's lips as if it is some expensive wine that she wonders what it tastes like.
The playful challenge in her voice made Silver waste no time as she grabbed Jullian’s nape, pulling her closer, hanggang sa nagtagpo ang mga labi nila. The sound of their lips dancing filled inside the van. Countless grunts and soft touches around their bodies left them disheveled. Silver was fascinated by how soft Jullian's lips were, playfully biting into them. As her tongue wandered around Jullian’s mouth
“Ma’am Silver, magsisimula na po ang event.” A man tapped on the car window, breaking the moments between the two.
Startled, Silver and Jullian quickly fixed themselves, and Silver lowered the tinted window of the van.
She was grateful for the fully tinted window and she managed to lock the car door. Muntik na!
“Ay kuya, pasensya na po! Sige po, susunod po kami.” Jullian called out, a hint of urgency in her voice. Once the man completely lost their sight, ay parehas silang napatingin sa kawalan.
“Fuck, Jullian. That was hot.” Silver gazed aimlessly ahead, a wide grin involuntarily spreading across her face, her heart still racing from the close call.
“Anong hot hot! Muntik na tayong mahuli. “ Jullian exclaimed, stepping out of the van, leaving Silver bewildered as she processed the moment.
“Hey, you’re leaving just like that? Hindi mo ba nagustuhan? You gave consent naman ah!”
“S-syempre… gusto-” Jullian stammered, glancing back at Silver.“But that’s not the point.” She continued.
“Can we at least talk? I’m not used to running kaya hindi kita mahahabol!” Silver retorted, while catching up with Jullian phase na nagmamadaling naglalakad. “Did I make you uncomfortable?” Silver continued, her voice was gentle and soft, making Jullian slowly decrease her walking phase.
“No…” Jullian reassured her, yet wariness was evident on her face “Tatlong beses palang kasi tayo nagkikita tapo-”
“Then I will make ligaw to you, Jullian. I didn’t know na pinsan mo pala si Maria Clara. Pero nevertheless, liligawan kita.” Silver’s heart pounded with both excitement and nervousness, making Jullian stop on her track.
“Siraulo! Hindi lang talaga ako sanay sa mabilisan. Ginusto ko naman yung nangyari, but for now, dahan-dahanin muna natin.” Jullian replied, her cheeks flush in a tint of red as she explained.
Silver smiled and extended her arm towards Jullian. “Then we will take things slow.” She mutters. With a gentle tug, Jullian took Silver's hand, at magka holding hands na umakyat ng bundok.
~
Dating Silver Sevilleja, something Jullian didn’t expect to experience. Mainly because she did not like the woman’s guts before, but as the day passed, she slowly opened her heart to the older woman. Now Silver is in her condo— wrapping her arms around the young woman’s neck while pouting— sulking to Jullian that she doesn’t want to go home.
“Silver, you need to go home. Baka hinahanap ka na ng lolo mo.” Jullian muttered while still cuddling Silver in her bed.
“I’m sure he doesn’t mind if I spend another night here, honeybunch.” Jullian wanted to cringe as she heard the mayor’s endearment she made for her. Though deep inside, she likes it.
No. She loves it.
“Maybe he doesn’t mind. But I do.” Jullian whispered, making Silver look at her, causing the sudden proximity between their faces that made Jullian hardly catch her breath. “Ayaw mo na ba sa’kin?” Silver pouts na nagpa baliw pa lalo kay Jullian.
“Putangina! Hahalikan ko ‘to, sabihin mo gawa!” Her mind spoke but as much as she wanted to kiss Silver. She wanted to respect the boundaries that they both built with each other
Ang hirap naman na siya pa yung nag set ng “take things slow” tapos siya rin yung unang sisira nun ‘di ba?
“Hindi naman sa ganun, Silv, but I respect your lolo. He doesn’t know about me, about us. Para sa akin parang ang disrespectful na nandito ka sa condo ko nang hindi niya alam kung ano ba talaga yung tungkol satin.” Jullian explained. As much as she wants Silver to stay beside her— sleeps on her bed, cuddling her until they both fall asleep. She believes Silver’s grandfather deserves to know the relationship between them. Yung hindi parang nagtatago.
“Okay…” Silver nods and proceeds to hug Jullian as if her body seeks Jullian’s.
“Then let me bring you to our house tomorrow. Ipapakilala na kita.”
Jullian eyes grew wider. Kahit kailan talaga lagi siyang nagugulat sa mga desisyon ni Silver.
“Hoy?! Bukas agad? Hindi pa tayo umaabot ng isang buwan.”
“Ipapakilala pa lang naman kita bilang nililigawan ko, not girlfriend. Unless…” Hindi man kita ni Jullian but Silver plastered a playful grin on her face making Jullian roll her eyes.
“Tse! maghintay ka mayor. Hard to get ako.”
“I’m just kidding, honeybunch ko. Hindi kita pini-pressure kasi hindi ka naman pressure cooker.” Jullian felt Silver’s embrace tighten making her smile.
“Ewan ko sa’yo! Pero, sige. I’ll go with you tomorrow.”
~
Silver couldn’t help but admire Jullian who was in awe while her eyes wandered inside Silver’s mansion. Hindi siya makapaniwala sa laki at ganda ng tahanan ng mayor, making her speechless.
When they got to the living room, they were welcomed by the figure of an old man with magazines in his hands.
At first glance, Jullian immediately felt how strong the old man's aura was—intimidating and powerful. But when his eyes met Silver’s, he became soft, smiling ear to ear welcoming his grand-daughter with his arms. Napansin niya rin ang pagkakahawig ng mukha nito kay Silver— parehas nawawala ang mga mata kapag ngumingiti.
“Sino naman ang magandang dilag na kasama ng aking apo?” Jullian almost hitched her breath when the old man’s eyes glued to her, looking at her from head to toe with a smile on his face.
“Lo, this is Jullian. Nililigawan ko po.” Silver's straightforward personality made Jullian even more nervous. Kung bakit ba naman kasi sa lahat ng magiging manliligaw ni Jullian, yung blunt at kung ano-ano ang pumapasok sa isip pa.
Well, hindi naman siya nag r-reklamo.
“At last apo! You’ve finally found someone.”
Silvano's smile grew wider at tumayo mula sa kinauupuan niya. He extended his arms and wrapped them around both Silver and Jullian, making Jullian surprised.
“The moment Silver said na may ipapakilala siya. I knew it was someone important”
The old man continued. Inaya sila ni Silvano sa dining area kung saan naka handa ang iba’t ibang pagkain.
Na ipinagtaka ni Jullian, nasaktuhan pa ata niya na may party sa bahay ng Sevilleja.
“Sino pong may birthday?”
“Silly! These are for you. To welcome you.” Silvano replied as he sat across the table, gesturing to the two women to sit.
“Hala nag-abala pa po kayo. Hindi na po kailangan.” Jullian was indeed embarrassed. She didn’t expect this kind of big gesture from the former president. Ang akala niya pa nga ay magugulat ito at ma d-disappoint kaya medyo kabado siya kanina. But seeing his wide smile on his face— Jullian was touched.
“Honeybunch, let him be. Ngayon pa lang kasi ako may pinakilala kay lolo. Panigurado nag e-enjoy siya.” Silver squeezed Jullian hand making Jullian cheeks turned red as tomatoes.
“You both call each other honeybunch? Adorable! Let me send a quick message to our family group chat! Ipagkakalat ko na may girlfriend ka na Silver!”
Excitement was obvious in Silvano’s face as he giggled while typing on his phone.
“Lo, nililigawan ko palang po.” Sabat ni Silver.
“Doon din naman papunta apo. Hayaan mo na ang lolo mo.”
“But Jullian might be uncomfortable about it, lo.”
As much as possible, Silver wants to consider Jullian. She doesn’t want to overwhelm or make her uncomfortable.
“Silver, let Sir Sevilleja enjoy it. I’m fine with it.” Sabat naman ni Jullian kaya tinignan siya ni Silver with a soft smile plastered on her face.
“Apo, as much as I want to agree with you. But the way you called me Sir Sevilleja was making me cry. Call me lolo na lang, please.”
The dining area surrounded a cozy atmosphere where the laughter of the three could be heard. Hindi inaasahan ni Jullian na ganito ang magiging resulta ng pagkikita nila ng lolo ni Silver. She wanted to punch her past self na pinag-isipan niya nang masama ang mga Sevillejas. The way Silvano spoke, his words tinged with power but it does not hide the genuine kindness and care towards other people.
Napag-usapan pa nga nila ang ilang societal issues na nararanasan ng bansa at surprisingly na pareho sila nang paniniwala— nasa tama at kampi sa mga Pilipino.
They’ve also talked about the past accomplishments of the former president. Where he admitted his mistakes and shortcomings na sana ay nasolusyunan.
In Jullian’s mind. She truly misjudged Silver’s family. Siguro ay nabulag siya sa paniniwala na lahat ng mga makapangyarihang politicians ay mga corrupt at kriminal. Bilang nagtatrabaho sa industriya kung saan mahalagang may alam at marunong kumilatis, Jullian was truly embarrassed.
~
After Jullian met Silver’s grandfather, ay napapadalas na rin ang pagdalaw ni Silver sa condo ni Jullian. Nalaman niya na nga rin na quality time, physical touch, at word affirmation ang top love language ni Silver eh.
Araw-araw ba naman nasa condo niya. Tapos mag tatampo pa ‘pag pinauwi. Favorite lines niya na nga yung “Ayaw mo na ba sa’kin, honeybunch?” With matching pout while beautiful eyes. Kaya lagi ‘ring napapasabi si Jullian ng “Sige na nga. 30 more minutes”
Hanggang sa tuluyan nang natulog si Silver sa condo ni Jullian kaka “30 more minutes”
Ayaw din ni Silver na nahihiwalay yung katawan ni Jullian sakaniya. It’s either nakayakap o nakahawak sa kanya ang dalaga. Pero kahit gaano ka needy si Silver. Hinding hindi mapapagod si Jullian ngumiti nang todo everytime Silver sulk or cling on her.
She doesn’t want Silver to miss the sound of her heartbeat whenever they’re close to each other.
Gusto ipadama ni Jullian kung gaano kalakas ang epekto ni Silver sa kaniya.
Na ang pangalan ni Silver ang sinisigaw ng puso ni Jullian.
And Silver never missed a single heartbeat.
Kaya hindi rin siya mapapagod ipaalam kay Jullian kung gaano siya kahalaga sa buhay ni Silver.
~
A smile crept on Jullian’s face as she stared at Silver’s picture that was sent to her earlier. Ngayon ay hindi nakadalaw sa kaniya ang mayora marahil busy ito sa city hall. But Silver never missed making Jullian smile by sending her a message like “Honeybunch, ready mo na ang kape at tinapay para sa burol ko. Hindi ko na ata kakayanin mapa layo sa’yo. It's like I'm dying” making Jullian shook her head.
Out of boredom and to distract herself from missing Silver ay binuksan na lang ng dalaga ang television. Usually, when Silver is in her condo they often do random things; baking, watching a movie, playing card games, and even doing the most boring chores like washing the dishes can be entertaining whenever they’re both together.
Nang mapunta sa news channel, Jullian made herself comfortable watching with apple juice and chips in her hands. But the moment she heard the news, her system wrapped in mixed emotions, her ears and eyes glued on the television.
“Sa kakapasok lamang na balita. Kasalukuyang senador na si Fabian Sevilleja huli sa isang drug operation sa Nueva Vizcaya kung saan nagkaroon ng engkwentro sa pagitan ng pulis at ng grupo ni Sevilleja. Sa kasamaang palad ay nakatakas ang senador at hanggang ngayon ay pinaghahanap pa ng mga awtoridad. Ayon sa imbestigasyon ng mga pulis ay matagal nang nasa watchlist ang senador.”
Hindi malaman ni Jullian ang mararamdaman niya.
Magagalit?
Malulungkot?
Tama ba talaga ang pagkakakilala niya sa pamilya ni Silver?
Jullian can feel the impending tears slowly dripping from her eyes. The feeling of betrayal consumed her. Gusto n’yang pakinggan si Silver pero hindi niya alam kung maniniwala ba siya sa kaniya. But she wants to trust her.
Kasabay nang pag punas ng luha niya ay ang alingawngaw ng katok sa loob ng unit niya. She knew it was Silver.
Dahan-dahan niyang tinungo ang pintuan at pinihit ang door knob kung saan ay sinalubong siya ang nag-aalalang mukha ni Silver.
“Jullian…”
Her wary tone made Jullian break her heart. Ngunit hindi niya manlang magawang lapitan si Silver.
“Please tell me na wala kang kinalaman…” Jullian broke in tears again sobbing as she speaks. “Tell me na tama yung pagkakakilala ko sa’yo. Tell me na iba ka sa pamilya mo.”
Maraming ayaw si Silver; spiders, body odors, someone chews with their mouths open, and many more she could think of. But nothing beats the sound Jullian makes whenever she’s crying, lalo na ‘pag siya ang dahilan.
“Jullian. I don’t know a single thing about what Tito has been doing. If I knew I’d be the one who would put him in jail.”
“How could I trust you, Silver? Hindi ko na alam kung anong paniniwalaan ko” Jullian said between her cries. Hindi na napigilan ni Silver ang sarili niya at niyakap si Jullian. Seeing her lover like this seems like a torture.
“Because I would never, ever love a person like him, Silver.” She continued. Imbis na panghinaan si Silver. Jullian amused her more, how Jullian really sticks to her morals and principles.
Mas lalo niya lang minahal si Jullian.
Silver blame herself for making this happen. Dapat noong una pa lang na nagkaroon ng issue sa drugs at smuggling ay nagkahinala na siya.
She let her guard down. At nagawa niya pang ipagtanggol ang tito niya.
“Alam ko na hindi mo magagawang maniwala sa'kin ngayon, Jullian, and I totally get it.” Silver spoke, then she placed her lips on Jullian's forehead trying to calm her down.
“Please, give me three days to figure things out. I will do anything para mahuli lang ang tito ko and anyone in my family who is involved in any illegal businesses.” She continued. Buo na ang desisyon niya.
After the day Fabian Sevilleja ran away from the police, ay sinunod ni Silver ang pangako niya kay Jullian.
Kinausap niya ang lolo niya about her plan because she trust her grandfather. She knows na wala siyang kinalaman sa illegal acts ng tito niya.
Nakipag tulungan sila sa pulis. They told them all of the possible places na pwedeng pag taguan ni Fabian. With the help of Silvano ay napag-alaman na buong pamilya pala ni Fabian ay sangkot sa drugs around the country, at iba pang mga illegal business such as killing of drug lords that they see as their competitors.
Silvano didn't hesitate to put them in jail.
To clean Silver's name in the public and to Jullian’s eyes. Silver organized another press conference where she disclosed all of her transactions at mga perang pumapasok sa accounts niya— her accounts are clean with COA on her side.
She almost decided to step down being mayor but her grandfather stopped her.
“It was my fault after all. I built our dynasty in the government, kaya if you need to put every family member in jail to achieve a better government. Do it. But never be discouraged, apo. Everyone needs to know how much you love our country. Kailangan nilang malaman na kailangan nang tapat na tulad mo sa gobyerno.”
That statement Silvano said, lingering on Silver's mind.
She didn't do this just because she wanted to prove something to Jullian. But because deep down, gusto niya rin maranasan ang isang gobyernong tapat na handang mag serbisyo sa bawat Pilipino.
Sino bang may ayaw nun ‘di ba?
Three days passed at tuluyan nang nahuli si Fabian Sevilleja, at tatlong araw niya na rin hindi nakikita si Jullian.
Three days of hell for her, surviving every minute of it. OA na kung OA pero miss na miss niya na si Jullian.
Agad siyang pumunta sa condo ni Jullian with a bouquet of flowers in her hand at kinatok ang pinto ng unit ng dalaga.
Binibilang ang bawat segundo, hanggang sa marinig niya ang yapak ng dalaga.
Nang mag bukas ang pinto at mag tama ang mga mata nila. Silver felt a single tear escaping from her eye.
A heartfelt embrace from Jullian— something she has craved for the past few days.
She did not expect a simple hug could ease all of her worries and problems.
“Na miss kita, honeybunch” Jullian mumbles. A chuckle escaped from Silver's lips between her sobs as she finally heard the endearment she made from Jullian's mouth.
Gusto niyang ulit-ulitin ang bawat salitang yun hanggang sa masanay ang tenga niya.
“I missed you, honeybunch. Sobra pa sa sobra.”
“I'm sorry if I didn't trust you that day.”
“You don't have to apologize. I did the right thing for you and for the people.”
~
They have settled on Jullian’s couch— talking about what happened.
Nakita lahat ni Jullian ang efforts ni Silver and was enough to say that starting today, she will trust Silver no matter what.
“Nalaman din namin na tito has been stealing money from the government and using it for his illegal acts. Inis na inis ako nung nalaman ko yun, honeybunch. I couldn't believe that I've been living with a criminal for so long.” Silver rants out, wiping her tears while encircling her arms around Jullian’s waist with her head placed on Jullian's shoulder.
“Alam mo ba kung bakit ito yung trabahong pinili ko?” Jullian suddenly spoke, caressing Silver's palm. Silver could only raise her brow.
“Newspaper writer ang nanay ko habang ang tatay ko ay public lawyer and they're both activists. They spend their whole lives voicing out how shitty our government is at pilit na dini-diretso ang baluktot na pamamalakad.” Jullian said, reminiscing how her parents became her role models.
“And they both died fighting for that principle. Na red-tagged sila. Kaya inis na inis ako every time a politician rejects press freedom.”
Kahit na ilang taon na ang lumipas, for Jullian, iba pa rin ang sakit.
“At kung kapalit ng paniniwalang may pag-asa pa ang Pilipinas ay kamatayan. Then so be it. Patuloy akong aasa.” Ganun man ang sinapit ng magulang ni Jullian. This just made her more brave dahil alam niyang nasa tama siya.
“Then let's hope together, Jullian.”
Silver stared at Jullian's brown orbs. Every word meant for her to feel na handa si Silver samahan si Jullian, that she's not alone.
“Can I finally kiss you, Silver?” Jullian asked, which made Silver surprised. A favor that she didn't expect Jullian would ask.
“P-paano yung take things slow?”
“Sinasagot na kita.”
Jullian didn't waste a single second and grabbed Silver's nape as she pulled her close making their lips touch.
Hearing their synced heartbeats against their palm with their mouths brushing against each other.
It was a thrilling yet magical moment for both of them.
~
Years passed, and Silver Sevilleja won national elections and became the president of the country while her wife, Jullian Robles became a professor at UP at kinikilala bilang well-respected veteran news anchor.
Unfortunately, Silvano Sevilleja died right after Silver became president. Hindi man nasubaybayan ang apo niya sa pagiging presidente ay malakas ang loob niyang magagampanan ni Silver ang trabaho niya at mas magaling pa sa kaniya, with Jullian beside her.