By the way, I'm Junel, 28 years old, single, and working as a computer engineer in Manila. I'm just a quiet person, I prefer home and work to idlers. But sometimes, no matter how focused you are on your goals, something really comes into your life that will change your plans—and your heart.
Last year, I went on vacation to Tarlac. It was a festival in our town. I still remember the many people, games, bands, street food, and fairs. It's been a long time since I've been home, so I missed the simple joys of life in the province.
I was with my cousin Arnel. He invited me to play bingo at the plaza. Nothing, just a trip. I said, “Okay, I haven’t played bingo in a while.” While we were playing, someone suddenly spoke into the mic—the one announcing the call. When I raised my head to see who it was, it was like time stopped.
That's where I saw her—Kristine.
She was emceeing at bingo. She was wearing a simple T-shirt and jeans, her hair was just tied up. But her presence was powerful. She was no ordinary woman. She looked like an actress—actually, she resembled Marian Rivera. But besides her beauty, there was something different about her. I can't explain it, but I felt like I was suddenly speechless.
Arnel must have noticed that I was quiet. He suddenly said, “Would you like me to introduce you?”
Of course, I was embarrassed at first. But because Arnel was naughty, he approached Kristine. And there we were, talking. Kristine was nice. Smiling. Simple but with a touch of history. I asked if she had been an emcee for a long time. She said it was just part-time during fiestas. She helps her relative who organizes the fair.
Of course, I was embarrassed at first. But because Arnel was naughty, he approached Kristine. And there we were, talking. Christine was nice. Smiling. Simple but with a touch of history. I asked if she had been an emcee for a long time. She said it was just part-time during fiestas. She helps her relative who organizes the fair.
That's where I was most impressed with him. He wasn't arty. He didn't impress. He was just a genuine person. And that's where my frequent visits to Tarlac began.
Every weekend, I go home. Sometimes, I bring pasalubong. Sometimes, I'm just there to eat kwek-kwek and fishballs with him. No socializing, no art. But I'm so happy.
And at an unexpected time, he answered me.
I thought that was where the story would end—happy and complete. But of course, not everything was that easy. When my parents found out about Kristine, they suddenly became cold.
“Are you sure about him?” my dad asked. “He didn’t finish, son. He might just be a burden to you one day.”
My mom said, “Son, I’m not saying he’s a bad person. But we just want someone on your level. It’s a waste of all your education if that’s all you’ll be partnering with.”
It hurts. It's like they don't see Kristine's character. It's like she's lacking just because of her state in life. They don't know how she makes me happy. How kind and caring she is. And most of all, they don't know how much I love her.
I want to fight for Kristine. I want to shout that she is the one my heart chose. But I also can't abandon my parents. They are the reason why I got to where I am today. I owe them a lot.
Until now, I'm still here in the middle. Every night, I think. My heart or my parents? I'm happy with Kristine, but what if my family doesn't accept me forever because of her? Can I do that?
But I also wonder—what if I leave Kristine? What if she really is the one for me, and I just let her go out of fear? Can I live with a "what if" in my heart?
I just want a simple life. I want someone to share my life with. I don't need someone rich or with a title. What I want is someone who is true and reliable. That's Kristine.
I hope, one day, my family will accept him too. I hope they see what I see in him. And I hope, it's not too late for us.
Now, the story isn't over yet. But in my heart, I already know who I love.
