Chapter 8
The MMA gym was nearly empty, save for the rhythmic echoes of fists hitting pads and the occasional sharp commands of a trainer. Dim overhead lights cast long shadows on the worn-out mats, adding to the gritty atmosphere of the late-night session. The air smelled of sweat and resin, a familiar scent that Maco found oddly comforting.
In the ring, Maco moved with calculated precision, her fists connecting solidly with the mitts her trainer held up. Each jab and kick was measured, deliberate, as if she was trying to drown out her thoughts with movement. Outside the ropes, Gene leaned against the barrier, arms crossed, her gaze never leaving her cousin.
"Come on, Maxx, alam mo namang makikinig si Mama sayo." Gene pleaded, her voice laced with frustration.
Maco didn’t respond, her focus unwavering as she threw a sharp combination—jab, cross, hook, low kick.
"Di niya ako tinatantanan," Maco finally chuckled, stepping back and rolling her shoulders. She turned her head slightly, eyes glinting with amusement. "Gene, it’s just a date."
Gene groaned, exasperation written all over her face. "Yeah, a date with a total stranger. Tsaka you out of all people should know na ayoko sa mga tao. Much less go on a date with someone I don’t even know!"
Maco smirked, continuing her routine as if her cousin’s distress was merely background noise. Her fists flew in rapid succession, each hit landing with satisfying force against the mitts.
"Oh? Bat di ikaw magsabi kay Tita na ayaw mo?"
Gene threw her hands up. "I don’t have the heart to reject her efforts. You know that."
Maco finally stopped, catching her breath as she wiped the sweat from her forehead. "So ano gusto mong gawin ko?" she asked, glancing at Gene.
"Kausapin mo nga siya. Reason out with her. I don’t know, maybe make something up." Gene was rambling now, desperate.
Maco raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Pagsisinungalingin mo pa ‘ko kay Tita, ah?"
Gene scoffed, arms still crossed. "Wow! First time?!"
A smirk played on Maco’s lips as she delivered one final, powerful punch before stepping away from the ring. She pulled at the Velcro straps of her gloves, removing them with practiced ease.
"Kelan ba yan?"
"This Saturday," Gene answered quickly.
Maco paused, processing. "This Saturday? Sa 7 mana, di ba?"
Gene nodded as Maco grabbed a towel and wiped the sweat off her face, deep in thought.
“Sige, kakausapin ko si Tita,” Maco finally said, tossing the towel over her shoulder. “Pero sasamahan mo ‘ko.”
Gene sighed in defeat. She knew she had no choice in the matter.
“Fine,” she grumbled in defeat.
The sun hung high in the sky, its heat bearing down on the winding provincial roads. It was almost noon, and Maco and Gene had been on the road for nearly three hours, making their way to Esparza—a small, quiet municipality nestled in Valencia’s countryside. The journey had been mostly peaceful, save for the occasional bickering over Gene’s driving.
Gene, as part of their deal, was behind the wheel, while Maco sat in the passenger’s seat, lazily watching the endless stretches of rice fields and scattered houses pass by. Behind them, in the backseat, were beautifully arranged flowers—an intricate mix of vibrant blooms that Maco had carefully handpicked from their farm earlier that morning. The scent of fresh flowers lingered in the car, blending with the crisp morning air that filtered through the windows.
Eventually, the paved roads gave way to narrower streets, lined with old wooden houses and lush gardens. The town had a rustic charm—quiet, simple, and far removed from the noise of city life. They finally pulled up in front of a modest yet elegant white house, its architecture reminiscent of old Filipino ancestral homes.
As they stepped out of the car, the front gate swung open, revealing a beaming young woman with deep dimples and an unmistakable warmth in her eyes.
"Ate Maxx!" she called out excitedly.
A rare, genuine smile spread across Maco’s face as she pulled the girl into a tight hug. "Namiss kita, Shan," she murmured, holding her a second longer before pulling away.
Maco gestured toward Gene with a smirk. "Driver ko nga pala," she quipped.
Gene rolled her eyes but stepped forward nonetheless, offering a polite hug. "Nice to finally meet you, Shana."
"Hello! Nice to meet you din!" Shana grinned.
Maco chuckled at the realization. "Grabe, ngayon lang pala kayo nag-meet noh?"
"Yeahhh… pasok muna tayo! Kanina ka pa inaantay ni Amma, ate Maxx!" Shana said, ushering them inside with uncontained excitement.
The rich, savory aroma of Dinengdeng filled the air, wrapping around Maco like a familiar embrace. It was a scent that instantly brought her back—every visit to this house meant a warm plate of her favorite dish, lovingly prepared by Nanay Luz, Shana’s grandmother.
“Wow, ang bango naman niyan, Amma!” Maco exclaimed, making her way toward the dining table where Nanay Luz had just finished setting down the last dish with the help of Manang Mercy.
"Apo!" Nanay Luz beamed, her greeting just as warm and excited as Shana’s earlier.
Maco reached for her hand, pressing it gently to her forehead in a "mano" gesture before pulling her into a tight hug. "Namiss kita, Amma," she said, her voice softer now.
Nanay Luz chuckled, patting Maco’s back before pulling away. "Kamusta biyahe?"
“Ayun po, biyaheng langit!" Maco sighed dramatically. "Ang bilis magpatakbo nitong driver ko!" She shot a playful glare at Gene.
Gene, unfazed, rolled her eyes before stepping forward and offering her own mano . “Mano po, Amma,” she said respectfully. “Gene nga po pala, pinsan ni Maxx.”
Nanay Luz’s eyes widened with recognition. “Ay, eto na ba si Eugenia?” She held Gene at arm’s length, taking in her features. “Aba, kay gandang bata naman! Magpinsan nga kayo!” She then pulled Gene in for a polite, welcoming hug.
With warm laughter and easy conversation, they settled at the table. The spread was simple yet mouthwatering—the Dinengdeng was steaming, perfectly paired with crispy fried fish and heaps of rice. As they ate, the once-quiet house filled with the sound of stories, teasing, and the comforting clatter of spoons against ceramic plates.
For Maco, moments like this—good food, good company, and the warmth of family—felt like a rare kind of peace.
Once they finished eating and resting for a bit, the four of them headed out, piling into Maco’s car. This time, Maco was behind the wheel, her hands steady on the leather grip, eyes fixed on the road ahead. The drive was quiet but comfortable, filled with the occasional hum of the engine and the soft rustling of trees lining the provincial roads.
As they neared the memorial garden, a familiar weight settled in Maco’s chest—a bittersweet mix of warmth and longing. She pulled into a shaded corner and killed the engine.
They stepped out into the warm afternoon, the sun now high in the sky, casting soft shadows over the well-manicured lawns. Beneath the wide branches of an old acacia tree, they found the tomb, its presence quiet yet significant. The shade offered a welcome relief from the heat as they settled down. The name etched into the marble was one Maco had traced with her fingers countless times before.
She knelt down, carefully placing the fresh flowers she had handpicked from their farm into the vases on each side. Lilies and white roses—Ms. Sally’s favorites.
Shana lit the candles, setting them gently by the base of the stone, while she wiped away the specks of dust that had gathered over time. “Hi, Mommy,” she murmured, her voice filled with tenderness. “Happy birthday.”
Gene and Maco walked back to the car to grab the camping chairs and help Nanay Luz with the snacks and drinks they had packed. They would spend a few hours here, as they always did.
Maco had never missed a visit.
Sally wasn’t just Shana’s mother. She was Maco’s second mom.
She was the warmth Maco never found in her own mother’s arms, the gentle presence that had made her childhood feel safe—even when her own home never quite did.
The sun was setting outside the Montessori school, painting the hallways in hues of amber and pink. Most of the students had already gone home, but seven-year-old Maco lingered in the familiar Grade 1 classroom, her small hands carefully arranging building blocks on the floor.
From her desk, Ms. Sally watched with a knowing smile. “Maxx, hindi ka pa ba susunduin?” she asked gently, walking over and crouching beside her.
Maco shrugged, keeping her eyes on the blocks. “May meeting pa si Mama,” she mumbled, not wanting to sound disappointed.
Ms. Sally sighed softly before ruffling the little girl’s already messy hair. “Oh di dito ka muna,” she said with a chuckle. “Tutal, may tatapusin pa din naman ako.”
Maco beamed, her dimples peeking out. She always stayed late in this classroom, long after the bell had rung. Here, she wasn’t an obligation. She wasn’t an afterthought.
Minutes later, four-year-old Shana waddled into the room, her pigtails bouncing as she clutched a stuffed bear. “Ate Maxx!” she squealed, running straight into Maco’s lap.
Maco laughed, catching her effortlessly. “O, nandito ka na pala! Anong laro natin?”
Ms. Sally stood by the doorway, arms crossed, shaking her head in amusement as she watched the two girls giggle on the floor.
The school auditorium buzzed with excitement. Parents filled the seats, cameras in hand, chatting as they waited for the recital to start. Behind the stage curtain, ten-year-old Maco sat on the floor, legs crossed, hands clenching the hem of her dress.
Her performance was about to start, and she had scanned the audience more times than she could count.
Her parents weren’t there.
She had known they wouldn’t come, had told herself she didn’t care—but the disappointment sat heavy in her chest.
She looked down at her shoes, trying to blink away the sting in her eyes, when a familiar voice broke through the noise.
“Anak, ayusin mo yang postura mo. Anong sinabi ko sayo? Stand tall, diba?”
Maco’s head snapped up. Through the side curtain, Ms. Sally was standing in the audience, waving at her with the biggest smile.
Maco blinked. “T-Teacher?”
Ms. Sally pointed to Maco's older sister Vicky and little Shana on her lap, who was clutching a handmade sign that read GO ATE MAXX! in colorful crayon scribbles.
Maco couldn’t help but laugh, the nervous weight in her stomach easing.
And when she stepped on stage, the loudest cheers came from the woman who had always shown up for her.
“Maria Corazon Villafranca! Principal’s office. Now.”
Sixth grader Maco groaned, rubbing the back of her head as the disciplinary officer walked past her desk.
She barely had time to put her notebook away before someone grabbed her wrist and dragged her out of the classroom.
“Patay ka,” Mia whispered, eyes wide.
“Siya po kasi!” Maco muttered, referring to the older boy she had punched during recess. He had been teasing Shana—calling her names, pulling her braids—and Maco wasn’t about to let that slide.
When they got to the office, Maco slumped in the waiting area, already preparing herself for the scolding of a lifetime. Her mother was never going to let her hear the end of this.
But when the door opened, it wasn’t her mother who walked in.
It was Ms. Sally.
Maco sat up straight. “Teacher?”
Ms. Sally crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. “Ano na naman tong narinig ko?”
Maco looked down at her hands. “Sinabunutan nila si Shana.”
At that, Ms. Sally’s expression softened. She sighed, walking over and crouching in front of Maco. “You can’t just fight everyone, anak. Alam kong gusto mong protektahan ang kapatid mo—”
Maco frowned. “Kapatid?”
Ms. Sally smiled knowingly. “Hindi mo ba napapansin? Para na kayong magkapatid ni Shana.”
That made Maco pause.
Shana had always been by her side, trailing after her in the hallways, playing tag with her and Mia, tugging at her sleeve whenever she felt shy.
And Maco… Maco had always looked out for her.
“Pero next time, ‘wag suntok agad ha?” Ms. Sally added, tapping Maco’s forehead. “Makipag-usap ka muna.”
Maco grinned. “Eh paano kung ayaw makinig?”
Ms. Sally sighed. “Ay naku tong batang to!”
Mia giggled from the other side of the room.
It was a common sight in the Montessori school parking lot.
Five kids running around, playing tag on the grass, waiting to be picked up.
Maco, along with her younger sister Justine, Mia, her younger sister Gabrielle, and little Shana.
Most of the students had already gone home, but the five of them were always the last ones left.
“Ako taya!” Maco asked, cracking her knuckles.
Shana immediately ran behind Mia. “Ate Maxx, ‘wag ako!”
Mia smirked. “Takbo, Shans, takboooo!”
Shana shrieked as Maco bolted after her, her laughter filling the air as they ran in circles around the benches.
From the side, Ms. Sally sat on the school steps, watching them with amusement.
“Oh baka madapa kayo ah,” she called out.
Right on cue, **Shana stumbled—**but before she could hit the ground, Maco caught her by the waist and swung her around.
Mia clapped. “Nice catch!”
Shana giggled breathlessly. “Ate Maxx, ang bilis mo!”
Maco grinned, ruffling her hair. “Syempre, ako pa?”
Ms. Sally shook her head with a soft smile.
Maco didn’t realize it then, but those afternoons—filled with play, laughter, and the feeling of being wanted—would be some of the most precious memories she’d carry into adulthood.
Maco let out a slow breath, pulling herself back to the present. She turned to Shana, who was still talking to the gravestone, recounting the things she had done since their last visit.
Maco sat down on one of the camping chairs, watching the flickering candlelight reflect on the marble.
“Miss ka na namin, Ma’am,” she whispered, almost to herself.
Because no matter how much time passed, Sally’s presence would always remain in the spaces between them—in the warmth of Shana’s laugh, in the kindness she had taught them, in the memories of a love that never faded.
It was time to leave.
Gene and Maco helped Shana put her bags into the trunk of Maco’s car, making sure everything was packed securely. The sun had begun its slow descent, casting a golden glow over the fields as they stood by the front porch, saying their goodbyes.
Amma pulled Shana into a tight embrace, patting her back gently. "Mag-iingat ka, anak."
Shana smiled, hugging her grandmother even tighter. "Opo, Amma. Tatawag po ako lagi."
Maco gave Amma a small bow of respect before grinning. "Huwag po kayong mag-alala, aalagaan ko po itong si Bebe."
Amma chuckled, her wise eyes twinkling with fondness. "Alam ko naman, apo. Wala akong duda."
With one final hug, they climbed into the car, and Gene started the engine. The familiar scent of the province lingered in the air as they pulled out of the driveway, leaving behind the quiet comfort of home.
The ride back to the city was anything but quiet.
Laughter and music filled the car as Maco flipped through different playlists, each song igniting old memories.
As the city lights slowly came into view, Maco turned to Shana from the passenger seat, her tone teasing. "Akala ko di ka na magbabago ng isip."
Shana scoffed, flipping her hair dramatically. "Ako din nga eh. Pero na-realize ko, hindi ko pala kayang mag-stay forever sa probinsya. Hello?" She gestured to herself. "Sa ganda kong ‘to, uwak at palakang bukid lang ang makaka-appreciate? No, thank you."
Maco and Gene chuckled, shaking their heads.
Shana leaned back into her seat, her voice a little softer now. "Tsaka si Amma rin nag-push sa’kin."
Maco gave her a knowing smile. She had been hoping Shana would accept her offer to join her on the campaign, at least for now, while she prepared for her board exam. Knowing that Amma had encouraged her decision made Maco all the more relieved.
They arrived at Maco’s unoccupied condo, where Shana would be staying for the meantime. Everything had already been prepared just for her—fresh linens, stocked-up essentials, even a few things Maco had picked out herself to make Shana feel at home.
"Wow, Ate Maxx! Para akong VIP dito ah," Shana said, spinning around the living room with a grin.
Maco smirked. "Syempre. VIP ka naman talaga."
With Gene’s help, they unpacked her things, setting up her space just the way she liked it. By the time everything was settled, exhaustion was beginning to set in, but the warmth of the day lingered.
After one last round of teasing and goodnights, Maco and Gene left, leaving Shana to settle into her new home.
As they drove away, the city lights flickering through the windshield, Maco let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
It was a long, beautiful day—and something told her it was just the beginning.