(Last Two Minutes)

“Ma’am this way, please. Mr. Feliciano told us to accommodate you. He will be here shortly.” I saw her the moment she went out of the taxi. Today is our fifth anniversary.

I need to go along with my plan. Once again, I glanced at the small red box, took a deep breath, fixed my tux and put the box inside my pocket. Everything was ready. Mellow music filled the air. I cleared my throat. I do not have a good singing voice, but I want to do this.

“I wanna make you smile, whenever you’re sad, Carry you around when your arthritis is bad, All I wanna do, is grow old with you.” I went down my knees. “Will you grow old with me, Margie?” I am tensed. I know she loves me but I don’t know if she is ready to be with me as we grow old.

“Yes.”

I put the ring on her finger. I got up, kissed her on the lips, and hugged her tight. We were both crying.

After six months of preparation, finally, the day came. It was the first of March 2010, a day when a new chapter of our life unfolds. I never thought that she will still be more beautiful. But seeing her walking down the aisle, in long white gown which she embroidered herself, made me feel like I was a teenager again.

“I am happy to stand here in front of you to start a new life - together. You were my best bud, more than a brother, and my forever. And whatever happens, just remember this: I will always be here for you.” She told those words with tears in her eyes.

“Margie, from the day I saw you in pink ribbon, I told myself that I want to be by your side always. You were the only person who didn’t give up on me. Even on the lowest moment of my life, you didn’t live me behind. You kept telling me that you’re my number one fan. And since the beginning, you kept that faith for me. I’m so thankful for that. Like what I said before, we won the Nationals, my first National game because of you. And being your boyfriend for the past five years made me who I am today. I will always love you. Accept this ring as a sign of my love.”

“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride.” The priest announced.

Three months of living with her were the happiest days of my life. Though I am still on the league, she was my top priority. I did not mind going back and forth the Metro, just to go home to her at night. After all, it was only a three-hour ride.

We were from a grocery store that one rainy Saturday night. The memory was still vivid and seemed like it happened only a night ago.

As I put the grocery bags at the car’s compartment, I saw her staring at me. I asked her why, and she told me that she was so lucky to have me as her husband. But I know I’m luckier for she is my wife.

We were on the intersection waiting for the red light to turn green. I looked at her intently, told her I love her and held her hand when suddenly, out of nowhere, I was blinded by two striking lights coming towards us. I couldn’t move.

The next thing I heard was the sound of metals scratching and windows shattering. I felt numb. Then everything turned black.

*************************************************************************************

“Why are you panting, Sir? Same dream again?” Back to reality.

“Yes.”

“It ha been two years, Sir.” Mang Igme stated.

“I know. I just can’t forget that night.”

“You better rest, Sir. The event will be a few minutes from now.”

I just nod and kept myself silent. Mang Igme was kind enough to buy the cake for Margie.

We returned home quietly. I fixed myself, took another shower and wore another blue polo shirt and denim pants.

I grabbed the painting that will complete my collection, covered it with cloth and brought it to the car. I’m starting to get nervous. Will this launch be a failure or a success? I don’t have an idea.

When we arrived at the gallery, there were more people than I expected. Without further ado, I cut the red ribbon near the door and guided the guest inside. The white cloths from the paintings were removed. I can see the amazed expressions in the guest’ eyes. They were all busy looking at my paintings.

I went on the platform and placed the painting in its stand at the center. Then, Darla gave me the microphone to welcome the guests.

“No words can describe how happy I am to stand here in front of you. All of you might know what happened 21 months ago. And now, I’m starting to put back the pieces of my life. Thank you all for coming here this afternoon despite your own busy schedule. Maybe, basketball isn’t really for me and painting is. Who knows, right? These paintings here symbolize what I’ve been through; we’ve been through - my wife and I. Ladies and gentlemen, the star for tonight’s event -” I removed the cloth covering my masterpiece and went down he platform. Dome of my guests clapped, others wiped their tears.

After minutes of chit-chattinh with some colleagues, I went back to Mang Igme. We still need to go to one place. I bought a dozen of white tulips first, today is something special.

(Key to Heaven Memorial Park)

I walked a familiar path until I reached a grave. I sat down the Bermuda grass. Then, I put the flowers and cake aside.

“Happy anniversary, Sweetheart.”

I missed her, so much. A few minutes later, I started to cry.

A broken joint that won’t allow me to play anymore is not hard to accept as I thought is. The difficult part was to endure the pain of living every day, knowing that Margie exist now, only in my memory. To cope with life, I decided to paint her smiling face and put all the paintings around the house. Those paintings constantly remind me of her promise: I will always be here for you.

Oh, and my masterpiece? The same picture when I saw her for the first time, the walking rainbow lass.

P.S.

Kimpoy Feliciano please follow me on twitter @GiE_feliciano …sana wish granted :)))) iloveyou mahal :****

The last time I saw her was when she said her goodbyes which seemed like years ago.

After the conference, the coach told us to have my vacation first. I went back to Bluewoods. I was excited to go home that Saturday to see her.

Ding dong. Ding dong.

An old lady in white opened the door.

“What can I do for you, hijo?”

“Is Margie there?”

“You are Paolo.” That was statement, maybe Margie told her that I will come. “I am Manang Lourdes, her housekeeper. Come in and feel at home.”

I was busy looking at the pictures displayed in the living room. Margie was so cute when she was still a baby.

“Pao…”

I turned around and saw an angel walking down the stairs. This girl really makes me dumbfounded sometimes.

Gone was the walking rainbow girl. What I see now is a lady in her white dress and flat sandals. Her braces and eyeglasses were gone, too. She was so beautiful. I felt a familiar feeling n my heart.

“Is something wrong?” She was staring at me.

I blinked. “Since when did you grow so beautiful that I haven’t noticed?”

“Stop flattering me.” She blushed.

“I am not.”

That weekend was unforgettable. It was so refreshing. With Margie, my world seemed to be perfect.

“So when will I see you again?” I did not reply. “You’re doing it again.”

“Doing what?”

“Staring at me. I am thinking that something is wrong.”

I smiled. “Have I told you that you are beautiful?”

“Nth time already, Pao.”

“Do you remember the day when you asked me what happened when we were in college?”

“Ahuh.”

“Now, I can tell you what happened.”

“Do I need to get tissue because this is something emotional?” She was obviously joking me.

“Silly you. But on a serious note, I became afraid of what is happening here” I pointed to my heart.

With all sincerity, I spoke to her. “You are my best friend. The best girl I have ever known. And when I was beginning to love you more than a best friend, I became afraid. I do not want to ruin the friendship that we had. I don’t want to put it at stake. So I decided to move away from you to protect our friendship.”

I saw her crying. I gathered all the courage I had to finish what I want to say.

“I love you Margie. All these years, you’re here in my heart. I tried to forget what I was feeling by having relationships with other girls. But I can’t. My heart seems to know only you.” I smiled.

She just smiled. I kissed her in the forehead and held her hand tightly. I know, we understood each other at that moment.

*********************************************************************************

“Is there anything wrong, Sir? You have stared at this painting for quite some time now.” One of the workers noticed me.

“Nothing. I just remembered something.” I smiled and walked to the entrance where Darla is talking to the floor director.

“I’ll be going home now, Darla. I’ll be back before the launch.”

“Okay, Sir.”

I nodded then headed to the parking lot where Mang Igme was waiting.

“Let’s drop by ‘Sweets and Delicacies’ first. I want to buy a chocolate cake.”

“For Ma’am Margie, Sir?”

“Yes. My pasalubong.”

Margie loves chocolates. And the chocolate cake from ‘Sweet and Delicacies’ was her favorite. I sat in the front seat, closed my eyes as memories flooded my mind again.

to be continue…

It was June 16, 2011 . I was browsing my Facebook homepage when i saw he’s video “Hi Miss..” PINOY BANATS! :) Sabi ko nun time na yun ang CUTE nmn nya…d sya nkakasawang titigan…ilang araw ko dn pinanood un video nya na yun…

Pagkatapos nawala yun Kimpoy Addiction ko dati…na bumalik lng ng bigla ko n nmn nakita sa hompage ng FB ko na nka Livestream c pao. e2 yun picture na first two LS nya na nkapanood ako 

after ko makapanood ng mga LS nya…super na adik na ako kay kimpoy…as in super love ko na sya…dq alam kung bakit…kung pano nangyari yun…parang SUDDENLY iTS MAGiC =))

My 1st three tweet dat he favorited :)

He’s first DM to me on twitter <3

He’s first PinoyMag cover…nahirapan ako mkahanap ng copy…1 week ko na hnahanap dq tlga matagpuan…kaya ang nangyare sa tita ko pa ako nagpabili sa Bicol…grabe lau ng pinanggalingan :)) 

I just bought this mag na Calla Lily un cover kasi andun c kimpoy :D

Mid-Term exam nmen is gumawa ng sariling Magazine Cover…Dahil love ko c Pao..sinama ko sya jan…nka display toh ngaun sa bahay nmen <3

This PinoyMag issue.. d nman ako nahirapan hanapin, bute na lng…khit yta monthly nsa PinoyMag si kimpoy d aq magsasawang bumili :)

@kimpoyfeliciano mahal i just want you to know how much i love you. Alam mo ba na makita ko lng picture mo at marinig ko lang boses mo buo na araw ko…yan ang epekto mo sa akin…ewn ko if naaalala mo pa ako..pero it was August 24, 2012 mid-term exam nmen pero d aq pumasko kasi uuwe ka..nagpunta ako sa NAIA para makita ka..sulit nmn kasi may HUG na may KiSS pa at may PiCTURE pa, sulit yun pag absent :))) Super na touch ako sau kasi nun nag Livestream ka the next day pinakita mo pa tlga un cake na bingay ko sau, sav mo pa “nakakahinayang kainin kasi ang ganda” . iLoveyou superman…i will always be here for you..

kung mapagbibigyan mo ako mahal na ma-follow mo sa twitter e2 usernym ko @GiE_feliciano :)

“When I saw this necklace at the mall, I remembered you. And this paintbrush was my lucky charm. I could still remember that I was holding this when I first approached you. I hope this paintbrush gives you luck also. I will miss you, Pao.”

I hugged her tightly. I heard a soft sob. Saying goodbye was never an easy thing, as an old song goes.

“I’m so sorry, Margie. I didn’t mean to leave you. I don’t know what happened, really. Maybe, it was fate’s way of telling us that we need to grow without each other’s sides. Don’t worry, I promise, I’ll make it up to you. I missed you too, Margie.”

“I got to go Pao.” She kissed my cheek. “See you soon.” She wiped her tears and smiled a me.

I smiled back. And I will be fulfilling my promise.

**********************************************************************************************

“Sir Pao, we’re here.”

Darla’s voice woke me up. We arrived at the gallery. It is a place near the Town plaza, an hour ride from our place. Everything is in order. I can smell the fragrance of white tulips that adorned the place. All the paintings were in the right place, covered with white cloth.

“I guess, everything is ready, Sir. The caterer will arrive in a few minutes. Guests confirmed that they will come. The ribbon to be cut is already prepared. And all of the paintings are here, except for one.”

“Yes, I know. I’ll be bringing it here later.”

I glanced at the whole area. I inspected everything from the tables and chairs down the curtains and lights. I want everything to be perfect for the launch.

My first art exhibit.

I could never recall when I was dreaming to be an artist. Painting is only a hobby. To be a famous basketball player was my ultimate goal, my lifelong career.

One of the cloths covering a painting slipped.

I am now staring at a man in his early 20s wearing a jersey number 6, having the ball in his hand and making his best for a game. His face covered with sweat, his eyes reflected fear - the same look that I had during my first game.

(Half Time)

43rd National Basketball Conference - Championship game.

“Okay boys, let’s do this. Perez after getting the ball, pass it to Velasco. Trick them! We are left behind 7 points. We can still win this game. Feliciano, focus on this game. I know this is your first national game and you must show that you’re worth to be a part of this team. Don’t forget the defense. Those bastards cannot win this game.”

Prrrrrt.

The sound of the whistle signals that the 15-second timeout has lapsed. Fourth quarter, 77-84, the opponents are leading. Last ten minutes. This might be the start of another chapter in my life, or the end of my dream.

I need to give my best.

“I know you’ll be the best player in the country. I believe that aside from talent, you have the passion for basketball. You were always telling me that being in court and playing a game is your life. I know you can.” Her voice echoed through my mind, the words that she gave me before I left three months ago. Adrenaline rushed through my veins.

“Feliciano!” Perez, our team captain shouted.

The ball was passed in my direction. I set my mind -  we will win this game. I leap through the air and targeted the ring, shoot!

“Three points from Feliciano!” Exclaimed the announcer.

8 minutes 13 seconds, 80-84

5 minutes 49 seconds, 82-86

2 minutes 30 seconds, 84-86

The crowd was cheering. They were shouting the name of our team. “Lions. lions” can be heard through the coliseum. The ball is with our opponent.

I am panting. The last two minutes of the game seemed to be an hour.

1 minute 03 seconds. I saw the ball towards my direction. I grabbed it, ran to the other side of the court outside the three-point area. Everything seemed to be in slow motion.

10 seconds. I jumped, straightened my arms and threw the ball.

Five seconds. The ball was still in the air. My heart throbbed fast. It was a do or die situation.

Three seconds. The ball was near the ring.

One second. Shoot!

I knelt down and covered my face. We won! My heart was still throbbing. I can’t believe it. We won!

Eeeeeeeeeee. The buzzer. Game’s over.

After the shaking-hands-and-bow-to-fans-ritual, I looked for my mobile phone. I must call Margie.

“Margie!”

“You sound exhausted. Just finished a game?”

“We won Margie. We won!”

“I told you, you can make it!”

“Thank you. It was because of you.”

“What? I am not doing anything. Oh, I just got home. The game is now in the news.”

“I’ll be going home on the weekend. I’ll pick you up, okay? We will celebrate.”

“Sure.”

When I started training. I start making it up for Margie. I called her every night just to ask how her day was. She was now starting to put up her boutique of personally made design of dresses and blouses.

I kept on missing her. The last time I saw her was when she said her goodbyes which seemed like years ago.

This is the 3rd part of my story…hope your not tired reading it :) 

I was holding my sketchpad when someone tapped me on my shoulder. It was Margie.

“Hey! Why are you still here? The coach dismissed you early?”

“It’s already six! And you’re not yet done with the  stage design? You are really a turtle, Margarita!” I exclaimed.

“Whatever! As long as it will be the most artistic design ever, I am willing to go home late.”

We both love arts. She is into designing stuff while my passion is painting and sketching. She plays with numbers, I play the ball. Though opposites, we were inseparable. We were always partners - may it be laboratory, class reporting and even on our promenade. I had the greatest high school experience because she was by my side all those four years. We went to the same university. She took up Fashion Design, mine was Computer Science. Being in college was more difficult. We seldom had time to talk or text each other. My group of friends became larger, same as hers. And when I became part of the basketball team of the university, I barely had time to see her. I even had girlfriends. Time came when we greeted each other only with a nod.

I was fourth year when the Basketball League of the Philippines asked me to join their team. This was my ultimate dream, to play for the Philippine team. One decision came to my mind: I won’t attend the graduation. Instead, I’ll be training to be the best basketball player in town.

Margie came to our house the day before I leave for Manila. I was surprised. It has been eons ago since we last talked each other. She was losing weight, maybe because of her course requirements. Seeing her like this gave a sting to my heart.

“I heard that you were chosen by the league. You’re leaving?”

“Tomorrow.”

“When will you come back?”

“I don’t know.”

“Pao…”

Pao will always be the pet name she calls for me. And I haven’t heard that name for so long. I was dumbfounded and just stared at her.

“What happened to us?” A question that I couldn’t answer. I chose to keep quiet.

“We were close before tight? What happened?”

“I’m sorry Margie.” That’s all i could say.

“Margie.” She smiled bitterly. “I missed the way you say my name. I missed my best friend.”

“Margie…”

“I just dropped by to say goodbye. I know you’ll be the best player in the country. I believe that aside from talent, you have the passion for basketball. You were always telling me that being in court and playing a game is your life. I know you can. And i’m giving you this, so that you won’t forget my name when you reach your dream, Pao.”

She handed me a necklace, with my initials as pendant. She also gave a used paintbrush, the same paintbrush that she was holding when we first met.

here’s the second part of the story :) enjoy reading

TO: @kimpoyfeliciano

        MAHAL thank you sa pag like ng first part ng story :) iLOVEYOU FOREVER SUPERMAN <3 …may request sana ako…pwde mo ba ako ifollow sa twitter? THANK YOU

                                                          Love,

                                                               @GiE_feliciano

“Good morning sweetheart. I will go to the gallery today to chech if everything is in proper place. I’m afraid you can’t come with me.”

As always, she just smiled.

I fixed myself, I took a bath, shaved my three day old stubbles and wore her favorite blue polo shirt and denim pants. As i looked at her, she was still smiling. She was beautiful as always, my Sweetheart - Margie.

I saw Darla when I went down the first floor of our home. She was always punctual, my very efficient personal assistant. She was holding a cup of black coffee.

“Good Morning, Sir Paolo. According to your schedule today, first of March, you will be going to the galley at 7 in the morning. Will we pursue it?” she asked.

“Yes, of course. The event will be later at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, right? I want to make sure that everything is in order.”

“Noted, sir.”

“And please tell Mang Igme that we will use tha black vios.”

“Yes, Sir. Have a good breakfast.” and then she left.

I just nod and sip my coffee. After a while, Darla returned. I guess the car is ready.

“Sir the car is ready.” See? I was right.

As I look up, I saw Margie.

“Darla, look at Margie. She is gorgeous, isn’t she?”

“As always, Sir.”

She smiled at Margie. She then went outside to wait for me in the car.

“Bye, Sweetheart. See you later.” I kissed her cheek.

(Crayons and Jersey)

Our is not a perfect love story.

Margie and I were friends, the best of friends actually. I met her when we were in 1st year high school, fifteen school years ago. She was my first friend at Holy Mother Academy.

“Hi. You’re the new student right?” A girl in pigtails wearing eyeglasses holding a paintbrush approached me.

I just atared at her.

I wondered how pink ribbon, yellow earrings, orange wristwatch and emerald ring fit perfectly at her. Man, she is a walking rainbow!

“Are you embarrassed? I didn’t mean to scare you. Teacher Hanna told me to talk to you. And she assigned me to be your partner.”

“Paolo.” I offered my hand.

“Margarita Tenorio Secreto, 12 years old. I live at Phase 2, America Street, Bluewoods Subdivision. I’m an only child of-.”

I chuckled. She look adorable while blabbing and introducing herself.

“I’m sorry. I just want you to be comfortable here in the HMA.”

I smiled. “Kim Paolo Vivas Feliciano, 13. We just moved into town. Phase 4, Detriot Street, Bluewoods Subdivision.”

“Oh! We’re subdivision mates. I’ll call you Pao.” And she flushed her smile.

Being a transferee, adjusting to a new environment and school was a big  problem. But I never felt being out of place because of her.

May kasunod pa pong part ang story na ito…sa susunod na araw ko na lng po ipopost. Wala na po kasi oras…Sana magusto mo MAHAL @kimpoyfeliciano …Ginawa ko talaga 2 para sau…

You can follow me on twitter :) here’s the link https://twitter.com/GiE_feliciano

THANK YOU!

Lahat ng tao may hangganan.. Parang ako lang hanggang sayo lang :”>