L0las short love stories

Table of Contents
1. Valentine’s Day Love Story………………………………………………………. 3

2. An Ill-Starred Love……………………………………………………………………. 6

3. Love Resumed………………………………………………………………………….. 8

4. Midnight Serenade…………………………………………………………………… 9

5. Compensated Love…………………………………………………………………… 10

6. Unrequited Love……………………………………………………………………….. 12

7. Twin Hearts – Twin Sweethearts……………………………………………….. 14

8. The Beauty and the “Best”…………………………………………………………. 18

9. A Secret Love……………………………………………………………………………… 22

10. Presumed Love………………………………………………………………………… 25

11. Candid Love…………………………………………………………………………….. 30

12. A Barrio Wedding ……………………………………………………………………. 39

13. Widowed Bride………………………………………………………………………….

14. Fathers on the Rescue……………………………………………………………….

1. VALENTINE’S DAY LOVE STORY
Quinong, of barrio Malbog, was one of the first graduates of the
newly opened Magallanes High School in the 1950s. He wanted to
pursue his dream of becoming a teacher but, sadly, his parents
couldn’tafford to send him to college. Persistent to realize his dream
he decided to go to Manila, find a job and strive to attain his goal. He
saved whatever he could earn at odd jobs and finally had enough for
his fare.

So, early, one Valentine’s Day, he took leave of his parents and
walked off, dropping at barrio Siuton, however, to pay his respects to
Lola Donie, with whom he had stayed during school days when he
was in the Elementary grades.

The old lady was happy about his plans and, as she blessed him,
Quinong teasingly asked her to foretell his future for him. Game
naman si Lola and took his hand, gently tracing the lines on his palm
and seriously announced, “You will be able to realize your dream.
Today you will meet the girl you’ll someday marry. She’ll be wearing a
red dress and you’ll see her as you cross the bridge at Caditaan.”

Quinong merrily laughed, “hahaha, you’re so serious Lola; hope it

comes true,” as he kissed her goodbye.

He was smiling to himself as he started to cross the bridge when he

saw a girl in red ahead of him. Quinong’s heart made a summersault,
recalling Lola’s prediction, as he hastened to reach her.

He was so disgruntled as he drew near, however, when he saw that

her arms and legs were covered with ringworms. Without even
looking at her face, he overtook her, not minding that he bumped her
and not knowing that she had fallen off the bridge as he rushed He
was just in time to catch the Alatco bus and was off to Manila.

It did not take him long to find a job as he was soon hired as a
gardener. As fate would have it, his boss liked him and allowed him to
study while working for him. Meanwhile, he had forgotten Lola’s
prediction and even had short-term romantic involvements.

And, to cut the story short, he graduated Bachelor of Science in

Education and soon, passed the Teacher’s board exam. His kindly boss
encouraged him to go home and apply for a teaching position.
He was already teaching when he met Venieng, also a new teacher. It
was love at first sight and, fortunately, she reciprocated his feelings. It
was Valentines’ day when they were wed.

During their intimate moment, Quinong was so astounded when his

hand felt a large scar on her, otherwise, smooth butt. ”What’s this?
Why and how did you get such a large wound? he asked with
concern.

“Oh. a horrifying incident; I don’t want to remember it,” she

vehemently responded.

“Why, what happened,?” he gently insisted.

And, with anger in her voice she related; “I was crossing the Caditaan
bridge on my way to town one Valentines’ Day when an outrageous
man bumped me off the bridge. I fell on a protruding bamboo and
would have bleed to death had not a timely fisherman came to my
rescue. What’s so hateful is that the man didn’t even look back to see
what had happened to me,” she ended with a sob.

“I’m so sorry, my darling!” cried the wretched groom when he

realized that this was the girl he had so strongly spurned; crushing her
into his arms as he kept whispering, ”I’m so sorry, so sorry,” without
Venieng’s comprehending as to why he was so sorry. In Quinong’s
mind he was hearing Lola’s prediction, “You will realize your dream.
Today you will meet the girl you will someday marry. She’ll be
wearing a red dress….”

“Oh, how right you were, Lola Donie. And I thought then it was just a
joke.”
2. AN ILL-STARRED LOVE
Ching wondered why Gener was always waiting for her midway on
her way home whenever she went to town to purchase goods for her
small coffee shop and sari-sari store. He was a new friend introduced
to her by a former classmate, Tom. Since then, he would be there,
take the basket full of goods from her, and accompany her through
the trail up and downhill to her store.

They didn’t chat; she was so shy, being younger for maybe five years.
(He had already graduated from high school when she was first year
before the war broke out.) As soon as they arrived at her store, he
would say “Goodbye,” and return to town. Although Ching was used
to going alone through the lonely trail, she was thankful, thinking that
Gener was such a caring and thoughtful friend.

The war had ended so Ching was back to school when she met a
friend who had a message for her.

“Gener sent word for you to watch the film ‘UNANG PAGIBIG’ nina
Tita Duran at Oscar Moreno,” she told her.

Ching was surprised; she had almost forgotten who Gener was. But
she was curious besides being a fun of the two popular movie stars.
So she went to see the film and was so amazed when she saw that
Gener was one of the supporting actors playing the role of a doctor.
She never fully looked at him when he was with her; too bashful as
she is. And now she realized that he was so handsome; slightly wavy
brown hair, captivating brown eyes,a nicely formed nose on an oval
face and tall; much taller than Oscar Moreno.
“So this is my friend; an actor!” she exclaimed. And she was proud
and happy.

The next time she met their common friend, his message was so
astonishing, she could hardly believe it. He sent word for her to watch
all his next films so she would know him better; to wait for him and to
expect him as soon as she graduates. He’ll be there to woo and win
her for his bride!!!

So he was in love with her then but was sure she’d refuse him at that
age. “How understanding and gentlemanly!” she thought.

But the last news she heard from their friend was so devastating and
heart-breaking. Gener was dead. Ching was too timid to ask why,
when or how although she grieved the loss of a thoughtful, caring and
loving friend.
3. LOVE RESUMED
Tia Saling was one of the loveliest ladies in town during her teenage
years. She had many admirers; young men, adults; even married men,
were attracted by her beauty.

At an early age, however, Tia Saling fell in love and became the
girlfriend of a young soldier from another town. They planned to get
married when she was of the right age. Of course, Sgt. Santos de los
Santos had to be on duty away from his sweetheart.

While he was away, however, a middle-aged, married, wealthy

merchant came a-wooing through the girl’s alcoholic father who was
won over by gifts and drinks. He ordered the poor girl to accept the
man’s suit and she couldn’t refuse.

Soon, Tia Saling and the merchant became man and wife and the
soldier was forsaken. Assuredly, she had a good life with her rich
paramour; living in a large house and lavished with everything she
needed. They had four children and all became professionals.

The wealthy merchant died during the war years leaving a still
beautiful widow. And the retired soldier came back after the war; still
single, still in love.

As expected, the love affair was resumed. They got married and lived
happily ‘till death did they part.
4. MIDNIGHT SERENADE (apologies to the composer)
It was the end of the school year; graduation day for the Grade VI
pupils. There was a dance in honor of the graduating cIass in the
barrio where Miss Rio was teaching. Young men from the neighboring
barrios came to attend it.

As soon as he arrived, Jun, one of the guests, saw Miss Rio and was so
attracted to her he danced only with her through the night, ‘full diet’.
He had fallen in love with her at first sight; a first love, as well.

It was midnight and the music was A Midnight Serenade. Jun’s eyes
were prickling with tears when he finally had the courage to whisper
“you must be mine forever more” echoing the lyrics of the song. And,
incidentally, Miss Rio “showed him someone else’s picture in a little
locket she wore.”

And so he went away, but left his heart in the barrio. All that
remained of the hapless romance are “the strains of A Midnight
Serenade”.
5. COMPENSATED LOVE
Edwin and Melvin grew up in the same community and were as
closeas brothers since childhood. Even when babies their parents, also
close friends, brought them up in the same atmosphere of love and
camaraderie. From kindergarten to High school, they were classmates
and always Alvin consistently topped the class and Melvin a close
second. Both took up Engineering in the same school and were again
topping their classes.

It was then that a hitch endangered their relationship. Both fell in love
with the same girl, Irma, a classmate. Edwin was already courting her
when Melvin knew about it.

You’d guess that would cause a break in their relationship? No way!

Their bond was too strong for even that case. Instead, Melvin helped
Alvin in his suit and kept his own feelings to himself.

They were already engineers when Alvin and Irma tied the knot with
Melvin as Alvin’s best man. And only then did they part ways.

Alvin was employed in a government agency while Melvin went

abroad to seek his destiny.

Even while they were separated by time and distance their

communication was constant. Alvin knew that Melvin never married
and Melvin was joyfully informed when Irma gave birth to a baby girl
whom they named after the mother; Irma. The only child, Irma grew
up also in regular contact with her parent’s friend.
Time ran quickly and it was after twenty years during the Holy Week
when Melvin came home for a visit and finally met the daughter,
Irma. He was completely amazed when he realized that she was a
perfect replica of the mother.

Being still single he realized, he still loved his friend’s wife. And the
daughter looked exactly like her mother. Melvin then decided to pay
court to the daughter of his friend. Unexpectedly, Irma had developed
respect, admiration and love for him through their communications
even before they meet and reciprocated his suit. And of course, Alvin
favored their love affair.

Not long after Melvin and Irma got married. And as they kissed,
Melvin whispered, “I have always loved….Irma.”
6. UNREQUITED LOVE
I’ve been wondering why my Aunt Ursula, a beautiful, wealthy and
kindly spinster, lived alone in a large, dilapidated old house. Her
companion, (if one could call him that) an ugly, scary old man-of-all-
works for her, lived in a shed adjoining the ancient mansion.

I could no longer hold my curiosity and finally gossiped around with

neighbors and relatives. So here is the story.

An only child of a wealthy couple, she grew up cosseted, deeply-

loved; sent to the best schools; was one of the creams of their society
at her time. Beautiful and highly educated, she had many suitors from
the high society but the young lady rejected all of them. As Fate
would have it, she fell secretly in love with their handsome gardener.
Although the young man had also fallen in love with her, he never
dared to pursue her; afraid that he would be spurned by her parents
as his position was that of earth against heaven.

And, indeed, for the first time in her pampered life, she was
reprimanded when they learned of their daughter’s secret feelings.
Although used to being given what she wanted at all times, Aunt
Ursula was an obedient child and kept her feelings to herself.

The old folks were now gone to the Great Beyond and she was left
alone although Tio Baldo, the gardener remained as her faithful
servant.

One night, something dreadful happened. She woke up to find that

her bedroom was on fire and she was trapped. The servant also was
wakened and ran into the burning house to save his mistress.
Unfortunately however, he was hit by a blazing piece of wood as he
entered the burning house.

The neighbors who came to their rescue saved both of them; Aunt
Ursula was unscathed but poor Tio Baldo was badly burned so that
the scars on his face and body had made him so ugly and scary.

With both their love unrequited, never revealing their love for each
other, they remained, however, as mistress and faithful servant
forever more.
7. TWIN HEARTS – TWIN SWEETHEARTS
When Manay Pening gave birth to female twins, Manoy Madoy, the
father, was so excited he immediately named them Merla and Myrna.
But then they realized, the twins were so identical they were
perplexed as to who is who between the two.

Both had loose curly hair, fair pinkish complexion and their weights,
heights and body build were alike. Fondling the one they named
Merla, the mother found a mole on her right temple. She then eagerly
examined Myrna and found her mole on her left temple. They were so
happy to know now that the twins had birthmarks for identification.
To make it further easier for her to know who is who, Manay Pening
made their dresses in the same style but always in different colors.

As the twins grew older and now could talk, the parents realized that
here was where one was so different from the other. Merla was soft-
spoken, so gentle, shy and sweet, like her mother, while Myrna took
after her father; gruff, bold and out-spoken.

Both decided to have bangs at school so they can have fun with their
classmates in recognizing them.

Attractive and beautiful as teenagers, Myrna had more male friends

than Merla as the later, being shy, seemed aloof and unapproachable.
She did have friends, however, through letters; she had many pen
pals from other countries. They were also popular at school and in the
community as singers; Merla being a sweet soprano to Myrna’s alto;
they made a perfect duet.
Most of the residents in their barrio were farm owners and were able
to send their children to college so that there were doctors, engineers,
teachers and other professionals from the barrio. Manoy Madoy and
Manay Pening were also farm owners and like most of the couples in
their barrio, they sent the twins to college taking up Nursing.

They were already college graduates when Merla broke the news to
her family that she had a distant relationship with one of her pen
friends, an Englishman, who was coming soon to claim her as his
bride.

Indeed it was a news break. Myrna who had so many men friends
didn’t have a boyfriend. While the silent one was now getting
married!

John, the Londoner, had set the date for his coming. And the famMily
was prepared and ready to receive him. Manay Pening, Manoy
Madoy, Myrna, the 2 younger siblings with some relatives were
excitedly, waiting while the supposed bride-to be was vacillating in
her room.

John was accompanied by another young man when he arrived. As

soon as they entered the sala, he saw Myrna and without so much as
a greeting, hugged and kissed her, picking her up with so much love in
his eyes as he now greeted the stunned parents. The astounded
Myrna was squirming out of John’s arms and shouting, in utter
consternation.

”Hey, put me down. I’m not your Merla,” when finally Merla came
out of her room and saw what was happening. The family was now
laughing riotously at the mishap.
Calm and composed, Merla greeted John whose eyes were traveling
from the girl shaking his hand in welcome to the one who had
wriggled out of his arms; discomfited by his blunder while wondering
how in the world could he have chosen his girlfriend just looking at
them. Then he recalled that Merla had informed him about their
secret identification. He now gently raised the bangs on the right
temple of the one whose hand he was holding and saw the mole.
Swiftly he then knelt before Merla, offered her a ring and announced
in a loud voice, “I love you; will you marry me?”

And the soft-spoken, shy girl now responded loud, clear and joyfully, “
I will, you dope!” and rushed into his waiting arms amidst the
resounding cheers of the family.

The younger man who had been sitting unnoticed, now stood up to
greet the parents and introduce himself.

“I am James, John’s twin brother. I came with him not just as a

companion. I came because I have also fallen in love with the other
twin through the pictures and Merla’s letters. I also wish to ask for her
hands in marriage.”

The family was flavergasted anew at the turn of events and the
parents were so dumbfounded. James now went and knelt before
Myrna, produced a ring and announced. “I’ve been in love with you
since I saw your picture. I want you for my wife. Will you marry me?”

For the first time in her life, the gruff, bold and out-spoken Myrna was
struck-dumb; mesmerized by the love and sincerity shining in James’
eyes. For a while, James patiently waited in suspense as Myrna was
silently in tears. Then, so softly that only James heard, she whispered,
“Yes I will.”

Pandemonium broke out when James shouted, “Yeeeeeees!”and with

fiery passion hugged Myrna, to the great amazement of the family.
The parents specially were in askance as to how Myrna so easily
accepted the man without even having been wooed.

It was now revealed by Myrna that she had been seeing the pictures
of the twins and was secretly praying and hoping against hope that
James would also fall in love with her so she and her twin would still
be together.

All Manoy Madoy could say was, ”Alright. Let’s set the date for your
weddings. But not so soon so you can all get to know one another.”

Three months later the community was agog with joy as the wedding
bells were ringing for the wedding of the popular twin hearts to their
twin sweethearts.
8. THE BEAUTY AND THE “BEST”
(ENVIOUSNESS IS PERVERSE)

Perla and Carla are close friends and neighbors. They had been friends
from childhood and now that they are both married they always
spend their leisure hours chatting. And each time they met one would
be crying while the other proudly relating her happy life. Why?

Perla and Jun were sweethearts and had their parent’s consent when
they were wed. While Johnny was forced to marry Carla after he
abused her in his drunken state.

Perla is beautiful; long wavy and silky black hair, a well-shaped nose,
fair complexion and a nicely-proportioned body which her husband is
so proud of. Because of her beauty, Jun, her husband, loved her so
much he spared her from any work that might mar her smooth skin or
bruise her dainty hands. So, although Jun worked daily as a carpenter,
he woke up early to wash their clothes in a nearby river, and iron
them when he came home at night. He prepared breakfast and waken
his wife to eat with him before he would leave for work, making sure
that she had nothing to do all day except prepare their food for lunch
and supper. And Carla would enviously watch them from her window:
kissing before Jun leaves.

Carla, however, was brown-skinned, pug nosed, with high cheek

bones and fat. So, her husband, Johnny, envied their neighbor, Jun,
and maltreated Carla.
Being an only son he receives a monthly allowance from his wealthy
parents and spends it on gambling and drinking with his barkadas all
day long.

So Carla was a lavandera for their living. He would wake her up with a
shout, a kick or a slap to serve him his breakfast before leaving for his
daily pleasures while Carla would be washing dirty clothes for their
neighbors. In the evening, when Johnny comes home and finds the
food she serves him not to his taste he would be enraged and hurt
her.

Carla had no other recourse but cry and pray. She believed in
miracles.

One morning, Carla was badly beaten because the breakfast she
served was not to his liking; she had no milk nor creamer for his
coffee, had Margarine instead of the Australian butter he loved for his
bread and neither had she eggs and ham. Johnny had sniffed
disdainfully and slapped her severely, left the food she served
untouched and was still grumbling as he went out to gabble his
favorite breakfast in a restaurant

Carla was sobbing pitifully as she picked up the large basin-full of dirty
clothes and went to the river. While soaping the clothes, Carla was
talking to herself, crying and lamenting over her unhappy situation.
Suddenly she was astonished when she saw a man standing before
her. He was smiling gently when she looked up as he asked, “Why are
you crying, my child?”

Carla was reluctant to spell-out her problem. But she saw the
seriousness and kindness of the stranger. So, she opened-up. “My
husband is so cruel; he’s always maltreating me. He doesn’t love me
because I am ugly and he’s envious of the beautiful wife of our
neighbor.”

“Ah, let’s see if we can do something about that,” as his hands gently
smoothed her face, softly pinching her nose, then finger- combing her
mousy hair, sliding his gentle hands down to her sides, waistline and
butt, “Now, look at yourself in the river.”

Carla shrieked with delight at what she saw. Shiny, silky and a
bouffant shoulder-length hair, smooth, pinkish light brown
complexion on an oval face with a cute nose and a shapely body and
exclaimed, “Is that me? Oh, thank you so much, Sir. But who are you
that you can perform this miracle!”

“Just call me Tio Ente.” And he was gone.

Carla joyfully finished her laundering, briskly hitched the basin to her
head and strode happily home.

Johnny was loudly growling for food when she came in but was dumb-
stricken and open-mouthed at what he saw. When at last he found his
voice, he whispered, “Carla? Is that you?”

”Of course I am! Why? Don’t you know me anymore?” as she shyly
kissed him which woke him up from his stupor, grabbed her in a
strong hug, kissing and joyfully dancing her around the room even
without music; forgetting that he had no food on the table.

Carla’s make-over was the talk of the barrio the following day.
And of course, Carla and Perla had their chat; the former, joyful and
thankful; the later secretly envious that now it was Carla who was
attracting so much attention.

“What happened? Who made that change in you? Where did you go?”
were her queries when Perla saw Carla. Carla told her story and Perla
secretly decided to meet TioEnte.

The following day, Jun forgot to kiss Perla goodbye as he

enthusiastically admired the beauty of their neighbor’s wife which
made Perla so angry. She dumped the clothes that Jun had ironed into
a basin and strode off to the river to wash them hoping TioEnte would
see her.

She was irritably scrubbing the already clean clothes, forcing herself
to shed tears and calling for TioEnte to help her. And soon enough, he
did.

“Why were you calling me, my child,” he asked.

And she answered fretfully, “So you are TioEnte? You made my friend,
Carla, beautiful- more beautiful than I am. So my husband admires
her more now than he does me. Make me more beautiful, TioEnte,”
she ordered.

“Enviousness is perverse and you must learn a lesson. Come,” and he

finger-combed the glossy hair, making it dry and stringy, pulled her
nose so it looked like a bird’s beck and slid his hands down her sides,
losing her waistline. Then he said, “Now, look at yourself in the river.
That’s what you got for being envious.”
When Perla did look at herself, she screamed in fright and anger and
was about to hit TioEnte with her wooden bat (pokpok, palo-palo) but
he was no more.

Anger and crying cannot change what had happened to her and
neither would regrets.

All Perla can do now is to accept the situation and pray, as Carla did,
for a miracle.
9. A SECRET LOVE
Fourteen year-old Carl was out of school after he graduated from the
Elementary grades. Having nothing to do, he spent the mornings of
week days fishing with the net fishermen (parasarap) and spent the
afternoons, gallivanting

One afternoon, he sat on the protruding roots of a large acacia tree

near the gate of the Elementary school to watch the school children as
they came out after dismissal, fascinated by the young girls. Tom, a
Grade VII friend, came to sit with him just as some classmates were
also coming out, one of whom attracted Carl so much he excitedly
asked Tom who she was.

“Which one among them?” Tom asked.

“The one with shoulder length hair, kayumanggi and walks so

gracefully.”

“Ah,that’s Cherry; bakitba?” Tom queried.

Carl didn’t reply; just kept on looking at her until she had passed
by.The truth was that he was so enchanted by the girl, he promised
himself secretly, then and there, “I’m going to woo and win you when
the right time comes.”

Since then, every afternoon, he would be there, just watching ‘till

dismissal and she would pass by him. Only then would he go home
blithely..

The following school year they were both 1rst year students in High
School. He often saw her but he didn’t even befriend her though she
was there in his heart even as he got involved with different girls.
The World War broke out in December, that year and, throughout the
4 war years,he saw her only ones. He had a girlfriend when he was 15
but the relationship didn’t prosper.They were back to school after the
end of the war and he saw her quite often. Still, he never showed any
interest in her; just secretly admiring her.

After graduating from High school, the Elementary school needed

Emergency teachers fo lack of qualified ones. Both of them applied
and both were appointed.

Like a bull freed among cows in a ranch, Carl had the time oF his life
playing along with as many girls who responded to his philandering.
Being handsome and eligible he had several involvements which all
just dissolved until he became known as a playboy.

And it was then that he realized he was squandering his time

foolishly. The school authorities were informed about his
reprehensive conduct and wanted to dismiss him if it were not for the
fact that they lacked teachers. So he was just transferred to another
barrio.

The episode roused Carl’s doltish heart to its true sensibility.

Cherry and some young lady teachers had a clique who, at the end of
every teacher’s meeting, would go for coffee or ice cream at a local
shop. Some bachelors, with Carl, joined them and they would later go
promenading to the park or pier. It was a jolly group but Carl noted
that Cherry was indifferent towards him though she was friendly with
the others.

uDuring one of their jaunts, a roaming photographer took several

snap shots of them. When Cherry saw the pictures she noticed that in
all of them Carl was either at her back, beside her or crouching in
front of her. However, she just thought it was ac oincidence. But the
group thought otherwise, and they were right. For at last, Carl’s secret
love was now ‘impatient to be free.’

And so, on one of their jaunts at the pier with all their friends
gathered around them, Carl, in a soft voice declared to Cherry, “ I love
you, have loved you for a long time and now want to marry you. Will
you marry me, Cherry?”

The gaily chattering group was startled into silence; while Cherry,
caught laughing stood open – mouthed in shock.

There was a long moment of silence but soon the group was clapping
merrily while Cherry was crying angrily, “Why are you making a fool of
me? What have I done to you so that you are ridiculing me before this
group? Do you see me as another cheap toy for you to play with?” her
tears falling as she tried to slap Carl. But Carl caught her hand and
knelt before her.

In a loud voice now he announced ”I want all of you to be witnesses

of my seriousness in my declaration that I love this girl and will wed
her any time. I fell in love with her when she was 12 and I was 14 but
have kept my secret love, waiting for the right time. And now is the
right time.”
So, the secret love has now been shouted; it’s ‘no secret anymore.’
Looking lovingly at Cherry, he continued. “I know you don’t like me
because of my stupid past. But please believe me now that I’ll never
love any other girl if I can’t have you.”
That was the start of a year-long courtship. Finally, Che
10. PRESUMED LOVE
Tom was Coring’s friend even when in her first year at high school
before the 2nd World War broke out. During the first years of the war,
he and his adoptive family were evacuees in the same barrio where
Coring and her parents resided.

Coring was only thirteen years old then but she was tall; taller than
most of her older cousins and had a matured outlook in life. Hence
she was included in their social activities like picnics, dances and
parties or bayanihans with farmers; planting or harvesting palay, corn
and peanuts. In all these activities Tom and hs cousins joined them..

Both Coring and Tom were fond of reading and Tom lent her books
which he also borrowed from friends. They treated each other as
siblings; the teener looking upon Tom as an older caring and
thoughtful brother. He was an orphan while she was an only child.

During the last two years of the war, Coring’s family transferred to
another barrio nearer to the town proper and opened a sari-sari store
with a coffee shop.

When the American Liberating forces came, Coring was informed that
Tom had sailed in a paraw, (a large sail boat commonly used then for
long-distance sea travels) to Tacloban, Leyte where business was
brisk. Again he sent her books and reading materials and they
communicated through letters. Both of them were back to school and
for a couple of years they exchanged chummy and chatty letters
telling each other their experiences. She even childishly told him
about her admirers as she would have told an older brother.

~Soon, however, Tom’s letters had changed their tune. The usual
friendly letters were now love letters. Coring was perturbed. She did
love him but with a love for the older brother she never had. Not
wanting to offend him, she decided to just ignore his bid and
continued writing him friendly letters.

But Tom was not to be put off. He was adamantly insisting and
persisting; threatening the muddled girl that he would end their
friendship if she refused him.

“So what if you don’t want my friendship anymore?” Caring crumpled

the letter and threw it away after reading it for the nth time;
extremely hurt. “Much do I care!!!” then flung herself on her bed and
started sobbing. She realized she did care. She did not want to cut
their communication. She felt pain and sorrow for a lost friend. She
did not want to lose his friendship; she knew that she would miss his
caring, his thoughtfulness and constancy.

Coring was in a quandary.

Ninay, Coring’s co-teacher, usually spent her weekends with Coring to

catch up on their chit-chats and share their personal problems.

“Suppose you try accepting him; be his girlfriend. There’s nothing to

lose, he’s far away, anyway. Just experience the feeling of being
loved.” Ninay urged. “Look at me. I’m happy with Sonny. It’s a nice
feeling having someone to love.”

“But I’m sure about my feelings for him. I don’t love him as a
sweetheart. He’s not my dream boy. If ever I accept someone I’ll
make sure I love him and want to be with him for always,” Coring
asserted. “However, I really don’t want to stop being Tom’s friend. I’ll
sorely miss his thoughtfulness, caring and constancy. I have other
suitors but I’m close only with Tom. Does it mean that I’ve fallen in
love with him?”
“If that’s how you feel, perhaps you have. Try saying yes and be his
girlfriend. Who knows, someday you’ll realize you do love him.”

Coring’s mind was in turmoil for a few days when she did not receive
a letter from T0m. She missed her friend making her realize that,
perhaps indeed, her feelings for him was more than just that of a
friend. And so when he wrote again, she finally decided to say yes.

Tom’s next letter was filled with jubilation; the succeeding ones with
longings and plans for their future. Caring was happy for him but she
still doubted her feelings.

Tom’s communications were so constant, sending gifts on all

occasions. Once he told her that he was having their house built on a
small island surrounded with white sand. a Paradise especially for her.
He sent her pressed red roses with petals thick as velvet, picked from
the bed of roses in their Paradise.

During her birthday, Coring received a very large package hand carried
by a friend. She was amazed to find a large Basey mat. her name,
CORING, enter woven at its center, large red roses surrounding it. It
was beautiful but she did not want to accept it. To her it is wrong to
accept costly gifts so she wanted to return it. But the friend wasn’t
going back so Coring had no other recourse than to keep it.

Their‘s was a distance relationship and regular communication was

enough for Coring. She never yearned for their actual meeting

Out of the blue, Mon entered the picture. Aggressive and persistent,
besides being physically attractive; his approach was so unique and
the humble barrio lass was flustered and so flabbergast And she
assumed that the guy was drunk and just playing a game with her. She
was resentful that the man had wakened a new feeling in her. At the
very first touch of his hand in a hand shake, she felt hot blood
whooshing through her veins; a tickling sensation running down her
spine. It vexed her that this man caused it.

She was infuriated that she was physically attracted and despite her
inherent humility, her ego was touched. Although Mon knew that he
could have a choice among the local beauties he had chosen her.

And Coring was now fascinated. Within the short period of Mon’s
special attention; weekend serenades, visiting, accompanying her to
church, dancing with her, whispering sweet nothings, seemed to be
having such a mesmerizing effect on Coring Now she felt she was
being attracted by his irresistible charms. No one among her suitors
had affected her the way Mon did. She was captivated by his winsome
smiles, his tantalizing eyes, even his funny wisecracks; characteristics
which she once detested.

“What’s wrong with me?” Coring muttered to herself. “Has my high

moral values diminished? “I’m sure I’ve fullen in love with Mon.”

She now decided to do what was right. She had dallied for so long,
afraid to hurt her friend and now she was hurting him as well as, the
man she loved. She had to be honest to Tom, to Mon and to herself.

She now got paper and fountain pen and wrote:

“Dear Tom,

I’m sorry I have to hurt you after all. When I said “yes” to you I wasn’t
sure I really loved you then. The love I felt for you was a love I would
have given to the older brother I never had. But I was selfish. I wanted
to hold on to your friendship. I did not want our communication to
stop.

Now I know what true love is. I have fallen in love with someone else,
someone with whom I want to spend my whole life. Please try to
understand, forgive and release me from the promise I so foolishly
gave.

Bless me as you would a wayward kid sister and do think kindly of me.
Thank you so much for your caring and loving friendship.

Your wayward kid sister”

Coring was sure that Tom would be offended but she was stunned
when she received a large envelope filled with burnt paper; her
letters!!! That was the last she heard from Tom.

11. CANDID LOVE

“I love you and I want you to be my wife. Will you marry me?” Sam
blurted out to the bewildered girl he was dancing with, even before
they could dance a few steps.

“Huh? What did you say?” as she pushed him so hard making herself
stumble and would have fallen if the man was not fast enough in
catching her in his arms as she was falling. Smiling tenderly, he drew
her close as he fondly looked at the pale face of the astonished girl in
his arms.

It was the traditional Christmas ball of the local teachers in the

Central School.

It is customary in the rural areas during such dances that the ladies sit
in chairs lined along the three sides of the ballroom.

The men stand at the far end where the bandstand is as they wait for
the music to start so they can rush to the ladies they want to dance
with; a pity if they’re late and someone else had taken their choice.

Sam strolled to the band master and people knew that he would be
requesting for a special piece. Electronic sound system then wasn’t
the popular provider of music as it is now; it was either a string band
or an orchestra called de bronze − for special occasions as this one
was. The hall was abuzz as to who the girl would Sam dance with for
his special piece; some ladies secretly hoping fervently it would be
her.

When the opening notes of “Fascination” filled the air, the young men
went rushing for the girls they had wanted to dance with. Sam,
however, was late and someone else had taken the girl for whom the
piece was requested.
So disappointed, Sam sat on the chair the girl had vacated,
impatiently cracking his fingers as he waited for the music to end.

As the lady was led back to her seat by her partner, Sam immediately
stood up, vowed gallantly and smilingly asked, “May I dance the next
piece with you.” People were amazed when they realized that the
piece Sam had requested was intended for Charing. Nobody expected
the flambouyant playboy to choose such a plain girl as Rosario.

“Aha!!!, so the special piece is for Rosario!” Pening, one of Sam’s old
flames exclaimed. ”What’s wrong with Samuel? Losing his taste for
beauty?”

“Hmm, he’s probably cloyed up by the beauties he had strung up and

would like to find out if plain girls are just as easy to get,” chirped
Auring, Pening’s close friend.

“Hey, I’m not that easy but I did fall in love with him and I just can’t
understand why he suddenly ditched me.” Pening retorted
defensively.

”Aw, perhaps he’s attracted by the way she dresses; hehe, just look at
her; close-necked blouse and midi skirt! She probably thought she’s
going to church.”

“Hoy, isn’t that the new teacher who doesn’t look like a teacher at
all!” hissed the ultra- modern Patsy.

“Exactly,” twitted someone else beside her.

That was the reaction of some envious girls. But there were also those
who liked Charing and were happy for her.
 “Look at them, oy! Sam is so serious while Charing is so astonished
you’d think she’s seeing a ghost;” some were just watching, surprised
at Sam’s’ apparent admiration for the shy, bewildered girl.

“He’s probably drunk and mistook me for someone else,” Charing

thought uneasily.

But the next piece had hardly started when Sam was already holding
her hands and pulling her up. He then drew her into his arms in quite
a cavalier manner when the music filled the air, deftly guiding her
clumsy steps in a whirling waltz.

“When you are in love,

It’s the loveliest time of the year;

stars twinkle above

and you can almost touch them from here,”

chanted the chrooner of the band.

They had only gone a few steps when Sam blurted out his declaration
which so startled the girl that she pushed him away so hard, almost
stumbling had he not caught her in his arms, holding her closer.

“What did you say?” she repeated as she struggled to free herself
from his arms.

“You heard me right, Charing. I said I love you and I want to marry
you,” gently replied Sam, “And you better stop glowering at me as
though I am the Big Bad Wolf salivating for the Little Red Riding Hood
or I’ll kiss that anger off your soft lips right now and shout out what I
have just told you,” in the usual bantering way he used to do to his
former girlfriends which made Charing even more furious, trying
desperately to get out of his arms as he waltzed her around the dance
hall.

“So ridiculous! How can you be proposing marriage when you’re

neither my suitor nor admirer? We’re not even friends. What kind of
game are you playing?” her eyes flaring as she stood still and stopped
following Sam’s dancing steps.

“Charing please, you’re making yourself the cynosure of all eyes, do

you like that? Everybody is looking at us now..

“So what if they are? You are the one who’s attracting their attention
by your false pretentions! You think, just because I am like this you
can easily make a fool of me,” she hissed, tears now prickling her fiery
eyes.

“No Charing, please listen to me. I’m not trying to fool you. I truly love
you as you are and I am serious in my intentions. Dearest one, stop
looking at me as though I am so hateful. All eyes are upon us now and
they think we are quarreling,” Sam pleaded lengthily. “Please look
around.”

Charing did and saw the varied reactions of their audience; some
looked amazed, some irritated and disgusted, while others where just
waiting to see what Charing would do. Somewhat embarassed, the
girl’s anger gradually receeded as Sam waltzed her to the lively music.

ikaw kasi, what have I done to you that you suddenly decided to play
a game with me?” she murmurred. “Do you see me as another medal
for you to hang on your chain?
“Oh no! I’m not joking! I’ve never been more serious in my whole life
than I am tonight. I’ve been waiting so long for a chance to tell you
how much I love you, my darling, do believe me,” realizing that this
girl was so different from his former pursuits.

“I’m not your darling!” she breathed furiously.

“But you’ll soon be, I’ll make sure you do,” brusquely quipped Sam
which further angered Charing.

“Hambog!” the music had ended and as Sam led Charing to her seat
he followed up with “Please save all your next dances for me,”
unmindful of Charing’s sharp look.

“So over-bearing, arrogant, braggart, self-centered, brazen,” grooping

now for more words to whisper to herself being unused to squabling
ever.

The next music played were all modern: tango, rumba, chacha and the
latest craze, mambo, that Sam loved so that he was already prancing
as he approached Charing who was smiling to herself knowing that
Sam would be disappointed. She didn’t like to dance modern dances.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Quintillan, hindiakomarunongn’yan,” looking up at

him with a smile that was more of a smirk.

“Why are you so formal, Charing? I thought we are friends,” Sam

remonstrated.

“An acquaintance and not that close,” she countered.

“Well, let’s fix that.” Standing before Charing, he extended his right
hand for a handshake which Charing perforce had to take, “I’m
Samuel RosQuintillan, Sam to friends, short for Samuel,” shaking her
hand with both of his, not releasing it until she finally gave a short
sneer, “Alright, alright! Sam nanga, and now my hand, please.”

“That’s my girl!!! So sweet to my ears!” he enthused as he released it

reluctantly.

Sam now sat on an empty chair beside Charing and they chatted
amicably enough until sweet music was played.

When the music finally changed to a dreamily soft melody, he eagerly

took her into his arms, gently pressing her soft body to his hard one.
She felt his warm breath on her brows and couldn’t restrain herself
from thinking. “So he isn’t drunk; and he doesn’t even smoke. And
what lotion is he using? Smells good,” suddenly pushing Sam away
when she realized she had lost herself in the sweetness of his
embrace.

“Please, darling, what now?”

“Nothing, and stop calling me ‘darling’ or I’ll leave you here right
now,”

“Ah, okay, okay. I’m sure you’ll be someday, anyway,” muttered Sam
softly. “I won’t stop until you’re finally mine.”’

Gently loosenin og his hold, he continued, “Believe me, I love you and
I’ll never love anyone else if I can’t have you. But take your time. I’ll
be waiting until you finally accept me. Just please don’t make me wait
too long,” as they gently swayed to the sensuous music. He tenderly
smiled down at her with his tantalizing eyes, filling her with an
emotion that was so new. A thrill trickled down her spine making her
weak-kneed so that she now held closer to him; hiding her blushing
face on Sam’s shoulder. Pleased at what Charing did, he drew her
tighter, softly singing the music being played:

“I’ll be loving you always,

with a love that’s true always,”

Charing gradually relaxed, mesmerized now by his sweet voice as they

drifted to the liltingly sweet melody,

“Not for just an hour, not for just a day,

Not for just a year, but always.”

They danced to all the next pieces except when it was modern and
she smilingly watched Sam gyrating in apparent pleasure with
someone else.

“May I visit you tomorrow?” Sam whispered when the dance was
over.

“What for?” quickly retorted Charing. “You’ll only be wasting your

time.”

“That’s for me to decide,” replied the guy complacently.

“Bakit pa?” exclaimed the girl crossly, “I’m sure there are lots of
beautiful girls waiting for you and will be happy to see you; bakitako
pa?” she railed, striving to control her annoyance as she saw the
confident smile on his lips.

“I’m also sure you’ve heard so much titillating gossip among the
teachers about me,” he muttered dryly. “Just give me a chance and
more time to erase that ugly image from your mind. Sige, see you
tomorrow. Goodnight,” abruptly turning away as her companions
were coming for her

Charing noted the broad shoulders as he turned away and unwillingly

recalled the warmth of his embrace as they danced.

“Dangerous,” she told herself. “To be associated with such a man is

hazardous, the last thing I want.” She foresaw what would happen
should she accept the attentions of such a man. She knew he would
feed her with flatteries, compliments and attention until she finally
succumbs to his physical attraction; and then, good bye. His ego has
been satiated; he has had his fun.

“I will never allow myself to be caught in his web,” Charing assured

herself.

Sam had been linked to several young ladies and was popularly
known as a playboy.

Fair complexioned, finely shaped nose and tantalizing eyes; he has a

certain way of finding humor in any situation, making people laugh at
his cracks and seemingly good-natured raillery.

To Charing, however, Sam is conceited, arrogant, over-bearing and,

admittedly, handsome. “Someone who should never be trusted by a
plain girl like me.”

In contrast, Charing is an old-fashioned, humble, kind-hearted; a

conservative barrio lass who considers herself as the plainest girl in
town. Plain Jane, she calls herself. Brown skin, high cheek bones, a
pug nose – no wonder an elder prankish cousin often teased her with
‘Negrita, pangit at pango,’ which was probably why Charing
developed a very low self–esteem.

Her redeeming factors, if one would consider them so, are her deep-
set eyes, glimmering when pleased but throwing flames when
angered; her well-formed brows that needed no plucking, and a
determined slightly cleft chin.

Charing never used make up except loose powder. Her clothes were
usually close-necked or collared blouses with long straight or flounced
skirts – medis – which, thankfully, was in vogue at that time. Thus, she
was dubbed “swating” (barrio girl).

Oddly, however, despite her reticence and limitations, ever since she
was just 13, during the war years, Charing was already attracting
suitors, some seriously wanting to marry her. Although young and
inexperienced, she was respectful and polite in her refusal of those
offers so no one was offended. Instead they were more persistent,
hoping that at the right time she would finally give in.

Would Charing and her moral values be strong enough against Sam’s
perseverance, candor and open-hearted love?

Make your own conclusion for me, My Dear Readers, thank you..

12. A BARRIO WEDDING

Even during the war years life went on as usual. There were fiestas,
dances, picnics, parties and weddings. I was present in one of the
most pompous weddings of the time in our barrio.

I was 16 and I had among my friends, Mela, a baby faced, plump yet
pretty 20 year old, whose house was beside oursso we werein each
other’s home quite often.

Mela had several suitors.When her father realized that she was then
of marriageable age he talked to her seriously. “Be practical, Mela.
You have many admirers. Choose someone who can give us a carabao
so that I don’t need to rent one when I plow our small kabas-an (rice
field) and who can build you a house so you can live independently.

Among her suitors, Mela was attracted by the winsome smiles of the
handsome Jess. But Jess was the eldest of 8 children of TiongPinoy
who was a farm laborer and Jess was an Elementary grades dropout.
Fanny was Mela’s schoolmate and close friend in High School when
the war broke out and his parents were storeowners. And here was
the spoiled only son of a well-off couple, jolly and gay Joe, who had
been bored, shifting from course to course and was now eager to get
married instead. His parents owned a large kabas-an, several hectares
of farm and coconut plantations, and yes! severalcarabaos. And, he
was a likable fellow; anyway,soMela accepted his suit in obedience to
Tata Selmo’s wishes.

Joe jumped with joy and shouted, “Yehey, let’s get married
rightaway!”

“Not so fast, my dear. We have to follow the traditional processes.

Your parents have to ask for my hands; proposal (presentasyon
opamalaye), my parents may ask for a dowry and you’ll have to serve
(mag agad), while waiting for the wedding date,” explained
Melacheerfully.

“Yes, yes!!! We’ll be there on Sunday, Okay, darling?”

That Sunday,indeed, the parents of Joe came with some relatives,

food and a large glass jar (damajuana) full of tuba. Mela’s parents had
also invited some relatives so it was a jolly group now starting to drink
the tuba and the tipsy drinkers as usual at such gatherings,
exchanging naughty rhymes called terigsikan. And the pamamalaye
was on.

Joe’s father then stated their purpose and Tata Selmo replied. “We
are happy to receive your son as Mela’s future spouse. But I hope
you’ll agree to something we’d like to ask.”

To which, TioDulfo, Joe’s father readily replied, “Okay Padi.What is

it?”

“I’m a poor man and I don’t own a carabao…”before he could

finish,the now tipsy Tata Selmo,interupted him with, “ Ayos, Padi, I’ll
giveyou one of my torillos. What else?”

The shy TioDolfo softly continued. “If possible I want a house built for
themso they will live independently. It should be ready for them after
the wedding.”
“Okay, okay,Padi. Tomorrow we’ll start building it on our residential
lot behind the Chapel. So. when will the wedding be?” he happily
asked. “Right after the house is done!”replied Tata Selmo blithely.
The next day, they started to build the house and Joe begun his
pagaagad (serving at his bride-to-be’s home until the wedding);
fetching water, pounding rice, chopping firewood, bringing some
edibles helping Mela in the kitchen where I could often hear their
happy laughter pealing; enjoying each other’s company,
In a month’s time the house was done; now the wedding. The Chapel
bell was merrily ringing and the whole barrio population was present
to witness the grand wedding.
The sumptuous reception was held in a large camalig hastily
builtforthe purpose. All the barrio people; even the children were
invited. A young carabao, fattened pigs and chicken were slaughtered,
oh, so numerous dishes, I couldn’t taste all! But, although that was
the first time I have tasted carabao meat, I liked the tender steak and
the bulalo.And of course, the usual dulce in the barrio –
pilimoledoand carmelitos.
After the dinner the young men removed the barrowed tables and
lined the chairs along the sides of the camalig for the ladies. The
Barrio Orchestra then started to play the Pantomina and thenewly-
weds started to dance. I was startled when I saw relatives from both
sides came to pin crisp bills, kaya lang Japanese money, on the clothes
of the dancers; coins wereshowered over them , now they were
genuine old Phippine coins - which the delighted couple joyfuly
gathered; pasakatan. After the pantomina, everybody could now
dance ‘til midnight.
The parents and relatives now accompanied the newly-weds to the
new house. The groom’s father went up the 5 wooden stairs, followed
by the bride and groom, opened the door and gave thr keys to Joe. As
Joe lifted Mela and entered the lighted house, somebody showered
them with raw llrice as the crewd clapped their hands shouting,
MABUHAY!!! The door was closed and a post board hang; JUST
MARRIED,
13. A WIDOWED BRIDE
They were both students in High School when Lito fell in love with
Ludy, So he started to court her. Now they were new College
Graduates; Lito still persisted in his suit as he was truly in love with
the demure and dainty Ludy. But the modest girl had promised herself
that she would say “yes” only to the man who would surely marry
her. She wanted only one boyfriend in her lifetime.
And so she was very careful in choosing her future groom from among
her many suitors. Finally, however she realized that the tall, dark and
handsome Lito was worthy of her trust and love; soon she accepted
him as her boyfriend. But Ludy still did not like to get married.
The over-joyed Lito was however ready for marriage; and without her
knowledge, proposed to her parents who approved his proposal. And
so the date was set for their wedding. Of course she had to obey her
parents.
A few days before the wedding, Lito went swimming in the sea,
fronting their house. As he came up from his swim, Lito unfortunately,
thread on a bamboo thorn (the thorny manrurugi bamboo). It was
deep and serious but he just ignored it as he was busy and excited on
the preparations for their upcoming wedding.
Everything was now ready. The night before their wedding Lito had a
very high fever his jaws locked, and was diagnosed as having tetanus.
Although seriously ill on their wedding day he refused to go to
hospital and insisted on going on with the wedding ceremony.
The wedding rites were being performed and as they were saying
their “I dos” Lito fell unconscious, suddenly dropping in the arms of
the devastated bride who sat with him in her arms on the church
floor.
To the astonishment of the horrified crowd, although hysterically
weeping, Ludy had the presence of mind to request the priest to go on
with their wedding ceremony which he did. Just as the priest said
“you may now kiss the bride” the groom breathed his last and Ludy
was the one who kissed the groom! Her very first and last kiss ever.
Ludy was now a widowed bride.
All the preparations for the wedding were then utilized on the wake
of Lito’s death.
Although she had many suitors later, Ludy never got married and lived
a widowed life, faithful till the end.

14. THE FATHERS’ CONSPERACY

Chito had mixed feelings when he received the call to service
as a constable in the Philippine Constabulary. He had been
expecting it but now he felt sad that the love of his life, Lina,
has not given him any hope as yet. He knew that in some way
she liked him and hoped that before the call arrives, he would
be assured of her love.
He was then highly anticipating as he went on his way to visit
her.
As he approached their house, however, he was bewildered
when he before could say, “Good Afternoon” Lina shouted
“Go away! I don’t want to see you!!”
“Why? What’s wrong?” he asked but she slammed the door
shut and there was nothing he could do but go away.
Sadly, he told his family about what happened. Tata Ambo, his
father assured him that he would arrange things. The next day
he sadly left to answer his call.
What he did not know was that Lina’s family was in turmoil.
Nena, the pet of the family, the eldest of four, had fallen in
love with a scoundrel who had gone away, leaving her with an
unborn baby. The parents were so furious they had
commissioned the two brothers, Titong and Lilong to watch
over Lina and banned any suitor to visit her. And so although
Lina was ready to say “yes” to Chito, she now refused to even
answer his letters. She was also so disgruntled at what
happened to her beloved sister and promised her parents that
she will never fall in love with anyone.
Tata Ambo, Chito’s father was a farmer. Every weekend, he
would go to town to sell some products.
Incidentally, Lina’s father, Pay Pipoy, was his friend and he
often dropped at their house and gave them some of his
products, on his way to town. Sometimes he would leave a
prasko of tuba on his way to town and on his way back, they
would be chatting over the drink.
Now, the two fathers knew of Chito’s and Lina’s situation and
they made a resolution over their drinks. Pay Pipoy was in
favor of Chito’s suit and Tata Ambo was gratified. They
conspired on a surprise for their progenies.
Chito was coming home soon on a furlough. Tata Ambo
suggested that they would come to propose his marriage to
Lina as soon as he arrives and Pay Pipoy approved his plan.
It was therefore a great astonishment to, Chito and Lina,
when Tata Ambo’s family came to propose (presentar.)
Pay Pipoy pretended to be surprised, “Oh, Amigo, what’s the
reason for your visit?” as he welcomed them.
“Chito is here now and we came to propose his intentions to
marry your daughter, Lina.“
“Aw iyo? Where are you, Lina? come here”
Lina came out of her room and was so dismayed to see Chito
and his family.
“Why Papay? What’s the problem?” she asked
apprehensively.
“Sit down, Chito has something to say.”
Tata Ambo now prodded Chito to propose to Lina. Chito
reluctantly knelt in front of Lina and spoke softly, “I have
loved you for so long and want you for my wife – will you
marry me, ha, Lina?”
Bewildered, Lina asked her father, “What do you say, Papay?”
“Go on. Say what you feel in your heart. Tell him what you
want to say.” And the flabbergasted girl happily pulled Chito
up.
“Yes, I will!” And Chito shouted, “Yehey! At last!” hugging the
happy girl as both families clapped joyfully.
Although Lina was dumbfounded, she couldn’t hide her joy
that at last, she was now exonerated of her promise to her
parents that she would never fall in love.
Chito and Lina now were given the right to set the date of
their wedding. And as Christmas was coming soon, they
happily tied the knot on Christmas Eve.