"Associative Looseness"

(this poem opened my eyes to the beauty of writing and feeling)
used it for how many times before :)

somewhere i have never travelled,gladly beyond
any experience,your eyes have their silence:
in your most frail gesture are things which enclose me,
or which i cannot touch because they are too near

your slightest look easily will unclose me
though i have closed myself as fingers,
you open always petal by petal myself as Spring opens
(touching skilfully,mysteriously) her first rose

or if your wish be to close me,i and
my life will shut very beautifully, suddenly,
as when the heart of this flower imagines
the snow carefully everywhere descending;

nothing which we are to perceive in this world equals
the power of your intense fragility: whose texture
compels me with the color of its countries,
rendering death and forever with each breathing

(i do not know what it is about you that closes
and opens; only something in me understands
the voice of your eyes is deeper than all roses)
nobody,not even the rain, has such small hands

e.e. cummings

I feel my feet and they are cold,
My hands are shivering and it is also cold
I sit quietly contemplating on my silence
As I wait –
Spastic breaths I take
My eyes closing with every minute that passes
I wipe my hands sweating amidst the coldness
Of the place, and of my state

You came…
I feel my blood rush to my head
You still get me nervous,
You still give me the uneasiness I feel the first time I met you
You still give me the tingles
You still make me shiver in anticipation
Then you smiled…
Would you believe I would get high every time you do that?
It’s as if an angel came down on earth to give me a glimpse of heaven
And I did.
I love the way you make me feel.
I love how you could push my troubles away with just your kiss
I love how you could make me smile in the most unexpected circumstances
And how you make me smile with just your grin

@aymi

(To all of you, who have been a part of this, my sincerest gratitude for taking this journey with me :)


HAPILY EBER APTER?
Unibersidad ng Pilipinas Manila
Copyright Pebrero 2001
By the
Up salinlahi & PA 161



SETTING
Act I
Overture : ANGELS soundtrack
Scene 1 : Palasyo g Pili
Scene 2 : Bahay ni Cinderella
“ A dream is a wish your heart makes” --- Cinderella
Scene 3 : Sa kagubatan
“Colors of the Wind” --- Pocahontas
Little Red Riding Hood
Scene 4 : Sa bayan
“ A whole new world” --- Jasmine and Cris (duet)
Scene 5 : Sa Palasyo
Scene 6 : “Go the Distance” --- Megara and Cris (duet)
Gypsy Dance --- Esmeralda and the dance
“Belle” --- Belle
Scene 7 : Sa bench
Scene 8 : Sa palasyo ni Sleeping Beauty
“I’m kissing you”
Scene 9 : Sa gubat
“Someday my prince will come” --- Snow White
Scene 10 : Sa creek
“Reflection” --- Mulan
Scene 11 : Sa dagat
“Part of your world” --- Ariel

Act II
Scene 1 : Sa Palasyo ng Pili
Ballroom Dance Extravagance
“Father and Son” ---King Raf and Prinsipe Cris
Scene 2 : Sa ballroom ng Pili Palace
“Awit ni Maria Clara” --- Maria Clara
Finale : Isang modern dance na sasayawan lahat ng members

Cinderella : A dream is a wish your heart makes
Pocahontas : Colors of the Wind
Jasmine : A whole new world
Megara : Go the Distance
Esmeralda : Baila dance
Belle : Belle/Beauty and the Beast
Aurora : I’m kissing you
Snow White : Someday my Prince will come/I’m wishin’
Mulan : Reflection
Ariel : Part of the world
ANGELS’s : soundtrack only/Independent Women
King n Cris : Father and Son
Maria Clara : Awit ni Maria Clara
Bertha’s score : Gregorian Chant



PRODUCTION TEAM
Production Manager : Prunella Santos____________
Sponsorship : Elvira Arafol,_Czarina Cua__
CREATIVE TEAM
Playwright and Director : Immaculate L. Cariaga
Set Designer : Joffrey Baylon

Costume Supervisor : Shiela Parungo

Sounds Supervisor : Liway Paguio,Heather Tejada
Assist. Sounds Supervisor : Euvie Amutan

Lighting Supervisors : Eva Mariquina, Farrah Romero

Consultants : Dr. Pacita Gavino
Ms. Juliet Bien



SCRIPT OF “HAPILY EBER APTER?”

CAST
Lola Monang : Monaliza Contreras
Prinsipe Cris : John Paul Soto
Maria Clara : Mia Paola Cosme
Evil witch/Bertha : Elvira T. Arafol
Cinderella : Niña Duque
Pocahontas : Merbennyl Cruz
Jasmine : Prunella Santos
Megara : Mae Tomelden
Esmeralda : Heather Tejada
Belle : Czarina Cua
Aurora : Angie Sisracon
Snow White : Trina de Guzman
Mulan : Monalisa Abibico
Ariel : Michelle See
King Charlie : Joffrey Baylon
Queen Latifah : Alissa Angeles
Basti : Raslanie Bangcola
Inday : Maileen Baleta
Angel J : Japhet Cerdenia
Angel E : Erwin Teves
Angel D : Dale Batalla
Red Riding Hood : Immaculate Cariaga
Margarita : Maripet Cabauatan
Petra : Yvonne Kessip
Elizabeth : Maui Terrado


COMPANY ENSEMBLE:


SYNOPSIS

Noong unang panahon, ay may isang prinsipeng nananarahan sa isang marangyang kaharian. Isang gabi sa kanyang pagtulog, ay dinalaw siya ng isang kakaibang panaginip. Sa panaginip, kanyang nakita ang babaeng karapat-dapat niyang pakasalan. Naglakbay ngayon siya upang hanapin ang babae sa kanyang panaginip, kasama ang matalik na kaibigang si Basti. Sa kanyang paglalakbay ay madami siyang nakilalang mga prinsesa, sina Cinderella, Pocahontas, Jasmine, Megara, Esmeralda, Belle, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Mulan at Ariel, at si Little Red Riding Hood. Sa kanyang pakikipag-sapalaran ay wala siyang nauwing pakakasalan sa palsyo. Dahil sa nakitang panlulumo ng anak, nagbigay ng isang piging ang hari at nag-imbita ng mga prinsesa sa buong kalupaan, upang sa piging ay malayang makapili ang prinsipe. Sa piging, lahat ng prinsesang inimbitahan ay dumating. Nalito ang prinsipe at sa huli ay nagdesisyong piliin si Ariel, ngunit, ng hindi nila inaasahan ay dumating ang bruhang patay na patay sa prinsipe. Abot-kamay na lang ng bruha ang tagumpay ng dumating ang prinsesang kababata ng Prinsipe. Sa kanyang pagdalo ay nawalan ng bisa ang mahika ng bruha. Umibig agad ang prinsipe sa bagong dating, at hayagan nga itong pinili sa lahat ng tao. Sa galit at desperasyon ay tinangka ng bruhang patayin si Maria Clara, ngunit naagapan agad ito ni Mulan, at nawala na nang tuluyan ang bruha.
Nagsaya ang buong kaharian dahil sa wakas ay magkakaroon na ng prinsesa ang kanilang lupain sa katauhan ni Maria Clara na sa kalauna’y magiging kabiyak ng kanilang prinsipe, si Crisostomo Ibarra.



ACT I

(curtains close)
(Spotlight to the storyteller)

Story teller : Oooh…kumusta na kayo? Namiss nyo ba ako? Pasensya na kayo’ akoy namahinga ng kaunti. Masakit kce ang rayuma ko e! o papano?di kwentuhanna naman tayo? Aaaah… oo nga pala, ipinagako kong ikukwento ko ang paglalakbay at buhay ng isang prinsipe… aahh… oo naalala ko na… hala sige, tumahimik na kayo’t makinig sa aking kwento. Ito ay pinamagatan kong “Hapily Eber Apter”

Scene 1 Sa kaharian ng Pili. Magbubukas ang palasyo sa signal ng dalawang ANGELS. Pakatapos ay babalik sa pwesto sa saliw ng tugtuging ANGELS… at saka lalabas si Prinsipe Cris at…
(lights on)

Palasyo ng Pili

Inday and Petra : Ang mahal na haring Raf at Queen Latifah!!!
Prinsipe Cris : Ina, Ama … intindihin nyo naman ako. Kailangan ko siyang hanapin.
Queen Latifah : Sino ? sino anak? (alalang-alala at paypay ng paypay sa sarili)
Prinsipe Cris : (nagsasalitang parang nananaginip) Ang babae sa panginip ko, ang napakagandang dalaga na naglalakad sa alapaap, nakalutang sa hangin, nakangiti sa akin…
King Raf : (tatayo mula sa upuan) Mahal kong reyna, tila yata ang anak mo ay namamalik-mata? Ipatawag mo nga si Inkong Ursula?
Prinsipe Cris : Ama! Masyado ka naman! Hindi ito isang pangarap, alam kong makikita ko sya, at magiging masaya kaming dalawa, dito… dito sa palasyo (pipikit muli).
Queen Latifah : (malungkot) Ay! Ay! Huhuhu (iyak) ang anak ko’y binata na. Parang kailan lang, yung ganito ka pa kaliit, (isisignal ang kamay ng size) dumedede at umiihi sa higaan, huhuhu… ngunit ngayon… waaaaah! (sigaw na iyak)
Prinsipe Cris : (lalapit sa ina at tila ipinamukha ang sinasabi) Ina hindi na ako bata. Ako’y isang matapang na mandirigma.!
Queen Latifah : Waah! ang anak ko … huhuhu!!!
King Charlie : (ayaw pa ring maniwala) Tingnan mo ang ginawa mo sa ina mo, umiiyak tuloy sya! (yayakapin si Queen Latifah at sa tonong galit)
Prinsipe Cris : (tonong inip) Amang hari, kailangan ko nang umalis, pagkat ang taxi ay naghihintay na.
Bruhang Bertha : Bakit ka pa aalis eh nandito naman ako? (biglang susulpot at tsatsansingan si Pri nsipe Cris)
Prinsipe Cris : (sigaw) Bertha! Asaw ang kailangan ko at hindi aswang! (aalisin ang kamay ni Bertha at mandidiri)
Bruhang Bertha : Grabe ka, tignan mo … sa akin ka rin babagsak!
Prinsipe Cris : In your dreams, bruha!
King Charlie : Tama na yan! Sige, Prinsipe Cris. Ibinibigay ko na ang aking bendisyon. Ikaw ba’y nagiisa o magdadala ng kasama?
Prinsipe Cris : Kung maaari po sana si Basti na kaibigan ko (lalapit si Basti at aakbayan siya ni Crris)
King Charlie : (babasbasan si Cris at paalisin na) Sige humayo kayo’t bumalik ng maaayos…
Prinsipe Cris : (kukunin ang mga gamit) Salamat po, Ama. Paalam na! Babalik akong dala-dala sya! (aalis na siya, pati na rin siKing Raf n Queen Latifah and ANGELS)
Bruhang Bertha : (pagkaalis ni cris at basti at lahat ngf tao sa stage sya ay magsosolo)
Hah! Tignan ko lang kung may makita ka! Wala ng gaganda pa sakin, no? ako na lang yata ang natitira sa aming magandang lahi. Sandali, paano nga pala kung makita nya yung babae? Anong gagawin ko? Ahh … ano pang silbi ng itinuro sa akin ng lola kong si Insiang ang pamosong black magic ng aming angkan. Hahaha !!! Magiging akin ka Prinsipe Cris, akin! Hahaha! At darating na ang matagal ko nang pangarap, ang maging reyna ng kahariang ito. Bruhahaha!!!!
(lights off)
(spotlight focuses on the storyteller)

Storyteller : Umalis na nga si ang prinsipe na kasama si Basti, and dakilang alalay na walang silbi! Naglakbay sila sa hilaga at kanluran, patuloy na naglalakad sa ilalim ng buwan. Isang araw, kanilang nakita isang bahay na may nakatira. Sa pagod at puyat, silay kumatok, baka sakaling sila’y makapasok.




Scene 2 : Sa isang bahay, bahay ni Cinderella

(lights on)

Cindirella : (nag-aayos ng bahay st kumakanta ng “A dream is a wish your heart makes” … nang biglang may kumatok…malakas na katok)
A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes
A dream is a wish your heart makes, when your fast asleep
In dreams you will lose your heartaches, whatever you wish for you keep
Have faith in your dreams and someday, your rainbow will come smiling trough
No matter how your heart is grieveing, if you keep on believing
The dream that you wish will come true….

Prinsipe Cris : (sigaw) Tao po! Tao po! Tao po!
Basti : (sigaw) Makikikain po! Tao po! Tao po!
Cindi : (bubuksan ang pinto) Ano pong kailangan nila?
Prinsipe Cris : (hinihingal) Kami’y mga manlalakbay at pagod na pagod, kung maaari sana ay dito kami’y magpahinga?
Cindirella : (masaya at papasukin sila) Ikinalulugod ko po! Kayo po’y pumasok at maupo at ikukuha ko po kayo ng maiinom. (aalis)
Basti : Miss pwede coke? Salamat ha! (pagkaupo nila ay igagala ang paningin sa paligid)
Prinsipe Cris : (kakalabitin si Basti) Basti , Basti napansin mo ba? Ang laki ng bahay nila, napaka-malumanay nyang kumilos… parang isa syang… isa syang prinsesa (pabulong ngunit malaks pa rin)
Basti : (gulat) Prinsesa? Naka-unifrom na nga ng katulong, prinsesa? (hindi makapaniwala)
Prinsipe Cris : (mapilit) Hindi iba talaga ang pakiramdam ko baka baka sya na nga ang hinahanap ko (tatayo at tila mananaginip na naman na hawak ang dibdib)
Basti : Ala grabeh! Unang babaeng nakita eh na inlove na.
Cindirella : (papasok na may dalawang coke na dala) O, eto na! Pasensya na kayo ay yan lang ang maiibigay ko.
Prinsipe Cris : (uupo ulit at tatanggapin ang inumin) Ok lang yun, Binibini (pause)…
Cindirella : Cindirella, Cindirella ang pangalan ko.
Prinsipe Cris : Ako si Prinsipe cris at ito si Basti (tumayo muli at nakipag-kamay)
Basti : he… (magsasalita sana ngunit inunahan na siya ni Cris).
Prinsipe Cris : (mayabang) Nabanggit ko kaninang kami’y mga manlalakbay, naglakbay kami pagkat mayroon akong hinahanap (pause)…
Cindirella : Ano yon?
Prinsipe Cris : (bantulot pa daw) Ikaw! (pause) Ang babae sa aking panaginip, ang prinsesa ng buhay ko (parang nagdedeadma sa reaksyon)
Cindirella : (gulat at napapailing) Prinsesa? Ngunit ginoo, kayo’y nagkamali, nakikita nyo namang ako’y isang hamak na chimi-aa, at kailanman ay di maaring maging prinsesa. Isa pa, ako’y may step mother at step sisters.(pause) … Papatayin nila ako kapag nalaman nilang ako’y nagpapasok ng estranghero…(pause)
Prinsipe Cris : (lalapitan si Cindirella atnahawakan sa balikat) Gano’n ba? Ngunit kung iyong mamarapatin, nais ko sanang ikaw ay isama sa aking kaharian upang kailanman ay di ka na muling maghihirap pa…
Margarita and Elizabeth : (papasok ng basta-basta at di mapapansin si Cris at galit kay Cindirella) Cindirella! Cindirella! Ano ba naman at di mo pinalantsahan ang damit namin?
Margarita : Ni hindi mo nilabhan ang aking magandang roba! Ano na ngayon ang isusuot ko mamayang gabi?
Elizabeth : At bakit kanina ka pa namin tinatawag eh hindi ka sumasagot?
Cindirella : Ate Margarita, ate Elizabeth…
Margarita : Aba! May bisita pala tayo?
Elizabeth : Oo nga! At mukhang iginagalang?
Margarita : bakit naman dito sa kusina mo kinakausap ang atong mga bisita Cindirella? Bakit hindi mo papasukin sa loob nang makilala naman sila ng ating butihing ina?
Prinsipe Cris : Hindi na kailangan mga binibini..
Margarita : Margarita… at ito ang aking kapatid na si Elizabeth
Prinsipe Cris : Ikinagagalak ko kayong makilala… ako si Prinsipe Cris ng Kaharian ng Pili at ito si Basti. Nais ko lamang sanang makahingi ng pahintulot na kung maaaria ya makausap ko nang sarilinan ang inyong bunsong kapatid na so Cindirella?
Cindirella ; wala na tayong dapat pang pag-usapan mahal na prinsipe. Kung maaari sana’y umalis na kayo!
Elizabeth : Cindirella!Cindirella! hindi ganyan ang tamang pagtrato sa mga bisista! Lalo na sa isang maginoong prinsipeng tulad ni Cris!
Margarita ; Oo nga Cindirella! Ang mangyari ay anyayahan natin ang ating mga bisitang umakyat sa sala nang sila ay makapagpahinga ng mabuti… mauuna na kami doon at ihahanda namin ang kanilang uupuan. Asikasuhin mo muna sila Cindirella…
Aaaahh, Cris…hihintayin ka namin sa sala ha? (aalis silang nakataas ang kilay kay Cindirella)
Cindirella : Naku! Naku! Umalis na po kayo mahal na ptrinsipe, siguradong mapapahamak na naman ako kapag nagtagal pa kayo rito pleasee?! (kinukuha ang mga gamit at natarantang pinaalis ang mga ito)
Prinsipe Cris : Ngunit!? (nakatayo pa rin at itinutulak na ni Cindirella)
Basti Boss tara na, tumanggi e! wala ka nang magagawa…. (nasa pintuan na at dala pa rin ang coke)
Prinsipe Cris : Cindirella… tanggapin mo sana ito. Ito ang aking calling card. Kung kailangan mo ng tulong,o kapag malungkot ka at kailangan mo ng kausap, hwag kang magdadalawang isip na ako’y puntahan o tawagan. Ako’y laging andito para sa iyo. (iaabot ang card, pause, magtitinginan)
Cindirella : (pause) Maraming salamat! Paalam! Pagpalain ka sana sa iyong paghahanap…paalam!!!!
Prinsipe Cris : Paalam!
Basti : Bye! (isinara na ni Cindirella ang pintuan at hangos na pumunta ito sa sala)
(lights off)
(spotlight on the storyteller)

Storyteller : Hay naku! Kawawang Cinderella, dapat bang mag-paalipin siya sa kanyang madrasta na kinamumuhian siya? Pati tuloy ang butihing Prinsipe ay nalulungkot sa kanyang kinasapitan…Tsk,tsk, tsk…nagpatuloy ngayon ang Prinsipe at si Basti sa kanilang paglalakbay, nang mapadaan sila sa kagubatan.

Scene 3 : Sa kagubatan

(lights on)

Pocahontas : (kumakanta ng “Colors of the Wind” ng may isang leon na humahangos)
Colors of the Wind
Pocahontas: You think you own whatever land you land on, the earth is just a dead thing you can claim ,But I know every rock and tree and creature, has a life, has a spirit, has a name
You think the only people who are people, are the people who look and think like you but if you walk the footsteps of a stranger you’ll learn things you never knew,
You never knew…

Lioness : (growls… tapos maririnig iyon ni Pocahontas, lalapit ngayon si Pocahontas sa kanya upang siya ay tulungan. Matatakot siya at uungol ng parang nagmamaka-awa)
Pocahontas : Ssssshhhh…(tinatangkang amuin ang hayop) huwag kang matakot, isa akong kaibigan… ano bang nangyari sa iyo? Bakit?
Lioness : (ipapakita ang dumudugong paa, umuungol) Growwwlll!!!
Pocahontas : Mahabaging langit! Natamaan ka ng pana! Marahil ay may pumasok na naman dito sa lupaing aming nasasakupan kung kaya’t nagawa ka nilang tamaan…(galit) kung sino man sila, magbabayad sila!!!
( kukunin ang tali sa ulo at siyang ibabalot sa sugat at saka aakayain ang Leon na umalis na at magtago upang hindi na siya maabutan ng mga mangangaso.)
O ayan, madali naang gagaling ang sugat mo. Sige, magmamadali ka na at magtago, magpahinga ka ng mabuti. Huwag kang mag-alala hindi ka na masusundan ng mga humahabol sa yo! Sige!
Lioness : (tatango at didilaan si Pocahontas bilang pasasalamat, tsaka aalis)

( papasok si Prinsipe Cris at mararamdaman ito ni Pocahontas, magpapa ulan ng sibat ang pana)

Pocahontas : Sino yan?
Prinsipe Cris : (lalabas na nakataas ang kamay) Paumanhin binibini! Kami’y manlalakbay at tila yata kami’y nawawala. Maari mo bang sa amin ituro, ang daan patungo ng bayan? At kung maari pa rin ay ibaba mo sana ang iyong sandata, at baka mangati ang kamay mo’t mabitawan mo ito…
Pocahontas : Ibababa ko lamang ito kung kayo ay magpapakilala! At inyong ilabas ang anumang armas na inyong ginamit sa pagtira sa isang lioness dito sa aming gubat! This is private property, you know?!
Basti : Sandali ano ka ba? Basta ka na lang namimintang, wala ka namang pruweba, pano mo mapaptunayan na kami ang tumira sa Leon? Aber, anong ebidensiya mo? Kailangan sufficient ang mga evidences mo para hatulan mo kami ng kamatayan! (galit)
Pocahontas : (lalong iuumang ni Pocahontas ang pana kay Basti) Ganun ba?
Prinsipe Cris : (haharang sa gitna nang nag-aaway nang Basti at Pocahontas) Teka, teka, Sandali!Hayaan mo muna kaming magpaliwanag. Ako si Prinsipe Cris ng kaharian ng Pili at ito naman si Basti, kami’y nasa isang paglalakbay, at wala sa iskedyul namin ang manghuli at pumatay ng Leon, ok? So, kung puwede ba… pakibaba na lang yang hawak mo? Maaari mo kaming mapatay diyan sa hawak mo a? e di wala ng bida!
Pocahontas : (ibaba na ang hawak na pana) Paumanhin… kayo kasi ay mga bago ang mukha dito, at ang inyong mga suot ay para kayong mga mangangaso, hindi kayo pagkakamalang prinsipe diyan sa ayos niyo! At kanina lamang ay may nakita akong sugatang Leon, nais ko sanang hulihin at dalhin sa aming Supreme Court ang mga may-sala!
Prinsipe Cris : Hindi mo kami maaring dalhin…labag sa batas ang gagawin mo…
Basti : Oo! Maaari ka naming kasuhan ng illegal arrest, o arrest without warrant!
Pocahontas : (mahinahon) Okay…I’m sorry. Ang pangalan ko ay Pocahontas mula sa tribo ng kero-keroppi! Naatasan kasi akong magbantay dito sa kagubatan ng ama kong Chief, at isa pa… mayroon rin akong hinahanap…
Prinsipe Cris : Ano yun Pocahontas? Maari ko bang malaman? Malay mo, matutulungan pa kita…
Pocahontas : Pag-ibig…ang nawala kong pag-ibig…(malungkot) Nagsumpaan kaming hindi kailanman kami magwawalay. Saksi ang langit, ang lupa, ang bituin, ang isda at ang mga kahoy ma ‘yan!At dito, dito kami magkikita upang muli naming pagitbayin ang aming pag-iibigan…
Prinsipe Cris : Naiintindihan ko…ngunit tila yata hindi na siya darating.Halos pababa na ang araw…hindi yata isang gawain ng magandang babae ang maglagi sa gubat ng nag-iisa at pagabi na. Iminumungkahi kong kayo ay umuwi na …(pause) Isa pa, maaari mi bang ituro ang daan papunta sa bayan, sapagkat kami ng aking kasama ay nawawala na… please?
Pocahontas : (iiling-iling at titingin sa malayo) Patawad! Ngunit yan ay hindi ko magagawa! Nangako akong maghihintay, kahit, kahit…basta kahit ano! Sige ihahatid ko kayo sa labasan…mag-iingat sana kayo.
Prinsipe Cris : (parang wala ng pag-asa) Salamat…Tila yata desididong desidido ka na. Marahil ay ganyan nga talaga (tatalikod). Sige, ako’y mag- iiwan na lang ako ng calling card, para sakaling kailangan mo’ko o bored ka na text mo na lang ako.
Pocahontas : (titingin kay Cris) May email add ka ba?
Prinsipe Cris : Ah oo, meron, kung gusto mo minsan chat tayo.
Pocahontas : Sige ba! (binabasa ang card)
Basti : Pa’no alis na tayo? (hahakutin ang gamit at handa nang umalis)
Prinsipe Cris : (one last look) Sige mahal na prinsesa, paalam na.
Pocahontas : (one last look) Paalam mag- ingat sana kayo! (tinginan, unang iiwas si Pocahontas, alis na sina Cris)
(may hahabol na babaeng magtatanong kina Prinsipe Cris at Basti nang daan patungong bayan, ito si Red Riding Hood)
Red Riding Hood : Sandali mga ginoo, maaari niyo po bang ituro sa akin ang daan patungong bayan? Kailangan ko kasing pumunta sa baha ng lola ko at tila yata nawawala na ako!
Prinsipe Cris : Papunta na kami ngayon doon, kung gusto mo ay sumabay ka na sa amin. Siyanga pala, ano ang iyong pangalan at tila yata nakadamit circus ka?
Red Riding Hood : Ako po si little Red Riding Hood, pero ang palayaw ko po ay Rose, short for Rosalinda! Ayyy amor! Ay amor!
Basti : Siyanga? O sige tara na!
Red Riding hood : Maraming salamat! Vamos!


(lights off)
(spotlight to the storyteeller)
Storyteller : Pangalawang beses ng na turn down ang prinsipe. Pano bayan? Di bale, marami pa naman! Itinuro nga ni Pocahontas ang bayan, at doon ay nakipagsapalaran ang prinsipe at ang kanyang dakilang alalay.

Scene 4 : Pamilihang bayan ng Mani

(lights on)
(Magbubukas ng maraming tao)

Little Red Riding Hood : (makikipagkamay) Maraming Salamat sa inyong pagdala sa akin dito! Dito na lang ako magtatanong ulit kung saan ba talaga ang daan. Hamo, pag nadala ko na ito sa lola ko, dadalhan rin kita sa inyong palasyo, sige…maraming salamat ulit.(alis na pero maglilibot-libot pa rin sa
Basti : (gulat na gulat at lilinga-linga) Boss, andaming tao! Andaming chicks!
Prinsipe Cris : (gulat din) Oo nga! Nakakatuwa silang pagmasdan! ( may babaeng humahangos at madadapa sa harapan nila) ooops muntk na! (sasaluhin ni Cris)
Jasmine : (tatayo) Salamat ginoo! (magpupunas sa sarili)
Prinsipe Cris : Walang anuman yon, binibining? (inalalayan pa rin ang babae)
Jasmine : Prinsesa, Prinsesa Jasmine ng Arabia.
Prinsipe Cris : Ako naman si Prinsipe cris, ikinagagalak ko kayong makilala. (iaabot ang kamay)
Jasmine : Ako man (aabutin at ngingiti)
Prinsipe Cris : (inquiring tone) Saan ang iyong punta? Tila yata kayo’y nagmamadali kaya kayo nadapa!
Jasmine : May hinahanap akong isang napaka-importanteng bagay, para sa king magiging (pause) asawa…
Prinsipe Cris : (gulat) Asawa?
Jasmine : (tango) Oo, ang lamparang nabenta ko non. Hindi kami maaaring magpakasal hanggat hindi ko iyon nailalabas. (uupo sa bench)
Prinsipe Cris : Ganon ba? (mag-iisip) Kung gusto mo sa akin ka na lang magpakasal, hindi mo na kailangan ng lampara para ako’y pakasalan mo pagkat ( aawit ng a whole new world, duet sila ni jasmine)
A Whole New World
P.Cris: I can show you the world, shining shimmering, splendid…tell me Princess now when did you last let your heart decide?
Jasmine: I can open your eyes, take you wonder by wonder, over sideways and under, on a magic carpet ride.
Both: A whole new world, A new fantastic point of view
P.Cris: No one to tell us no, or where to go, or say we’re only dreaming
Both: A whole new world
Jasmine: A dazzling place I never knew, but now from way up here it’s crystal clear, that now I’m in a whole new world with you.
Brideg part
Jasmine: A whole new wolrd
P.Cris: Every turn a surprise
Jasmine: With new Horizon’s to pursue
P.Cris: Every moment, it gets better
Both: We’ll chase them anywhere, there’s time to spare.
Let me share this whole new world with you…
Fadeaway A whole new world
That’s we’re will be
A thrilling chase
P.Cris: A wondrous place
Both: For you and me…


Jasmine : (aburido pa rin) Hindi talaga maaari, hihintayin ako ni Aladdin. Sige, saka na tayo magusap pag nagkita tayong muli. (aalis na nang pigilan ni Cris sa kamay)
Prinsipe Cris : (lungkot tone) Jasmine! Oh Jasmine! Dalhin mo sana ito, itong aking calling card, pag nagbagong isip mo. Puntahan mo’ko! (iaabot ang card)
Jasmine : (tatanggapin) Salamat! Paalam! (alis na tumatakbo, manlulumo si Cris)
(aalis na si Jasmine, naglalakad pa rin ang dalawa at mapapaupo sa bangko doon may isang babae)

lights off
spotlight to storyteller

Storyteller: Samantala sa palasyo ay alalang alala naman ang mga magulang ni Cris


Scene 5
Lights on

Queen Latifah : Anong araw na ngayon? Bakit wala pa ang anak ko? Baka kung ano na ang nagyari sa kanila! Hindi ko matatanggap kung may nangyari sa anak ko!! Huhuhuhu!!
King Raf : Mahal kong Reyna, huwag kang masyadong mag-alala! Hindi naman siguro ipapahintulot ng Bathala na may mangyayayri sa kaisa-isang tagapagmana ng trono! Pagtibayin mo sana ang iyong kalooban…sa kanyang pag-uwi, maaaring dala na niya ang babaeng kanyang pakakasalan!
Queen Latifah : Ngunit.. bakit hindi pa siya sumusulat? Kahit tumawag o mag-email? O kahit I-text na lang niya tayo? Masayado ba siyang busy para tawagan ang sarili niyang mga magulang?
King Raf : Ipagdasal na lang natin na walang masamang nangyari sa kanila ni Basti… angels! Halikayo! Pati na rin ikaw Inday! Magdasal tayong lahat!
(lalapit ang mga tinawag at sila ay magadaasal nga)
lights off
spotlight to storyteller

Storyteller : Kawawa naman si Queen Latifah.. Sige balik tayo sa adventure ni Prinsipe Cris. Si Jasmine nga uy humangos na umalis dahil nga hinanap pa niya ang lamapra, malungkot ang Prinsipe kung kaya’t pinapasaya siya ni Basti.
Scene 6
Lights on

Basti :(concern ang tinig) Boss, okay lang yan.. alam mo hindi naman kasi lagging oo ang natatanggap ng lahat ng tao, syempre may sad moments din… boss? Boss? (mauuna na kakaknta si Megara tapos kaya hinahanap ni Basti sa Cris ay dahil nakatayo na ito sa kabilang dulo at kumakanta na rin, iiling-iiling na lang si Basti na maglilibot sa palengke)
(kakanta ng “Go the Distance Duet, pagkatapos uupo sa tabi ng babae)

Go the Distance
Megara: I have often dreamed, of a far-off place, where a heroes welcome,
would be waiting for me.
P.Cris: Where the crowds will cheer, when they see my face
And a voice keeps saying, this is where I’m meant to be
Both: I’ll be there someday… I can go the distance
I will find my way, if I can be strong
I know every mile, will be worth my while
When I go the distance I’ll be right where I belong…


Prinsipe Cris : (inquiring tone). Tila may dinaramdam ka ring kagaya ko?
Megara : (malungkot) Oo… ako’y naging bihag ng diyos ng kamatayn, at ngayon-ngayon lang ako nakatakas.
Prinsipe Cris : (gulat) Eh, ano nang ginagawa mo dito?
Megara : Hinihintay ko yung sundo ko, si Hercules, nagpasabi kasi syang parating na sya, eh!
Prinsipe Cris : (satisfied na sa sagot at relax na sa bench) Ah… ako, ako’y isang manlalakbay na naghahanap, naghihintay ring kagaya mo sa darating na tamang babaeng siyang karapat-dapat kong pakasalan…syanga pala; Cris, ikaw?
Megara : Megara, (ngiti) (pause)(may makakaita sa kanya)
Persephone : (mapapalingon dahil narinig ang boses ni Megara) Megara?! Megara?! Ikaw nga! Kaytagal na natting hindi nagkita!
Megara : Persephone!!! Persephone!! Ikaw pala! Anong ginagawa mo dito? Bakit parang blooming ka yata?
Persephone : Nagsa-shopping ako kasi ikakasal na ko next week!
Megara : Talaga?! Kanino?!
Persephone : A.. eh.. secret, kasi hindi ko pa siya kilala… ah, sige e ano nga palang ginagawa mo rito?
Megara : Hinihintay ko si Hercules.. kilala mo siya di ba? Susunduin niya ako e.
Persephone : Hercules?? Susunduin kaniya?
Megara : Bakit tila yata gulat na gulat ka? Matagal nang kaalaman na kami ni Hercules ay magkasintahan!
Persephone : Sige Megara… Mauuna na ko… ciao!
Prinsipe Cris : Sino yun? Hindi mo man lang ako ipinakilala.. saying, may itsura pa naman.!
Megara : Hiwag mo na siyang pag=isispan pa ng masama dahlia ikakasal na siya. O sige balik tayo sa ating usapan… where were we?
Prinsipe Cris : Doon sa Megara!
Megara : Ahhh!!.. o sige…/ Megara, my friends call me Meg!
Prinsipe Cris : Megara? Ang gandang pangalan ha? Unique! alam mo (pause) kahit malayo na ang aking nalakbay at marami na akong nakilala, hindi pa rin ako nawawalan ng pag-asa na makikita ko rin ang babae sa aking panaginip. Tulad mo, hanggang kailan mo balak hintayin si Hercules?
Megara : Hanggang kaya ko.
Prinsipe Cris : Yan ang alam kong pag-ibig!nagtitiis, naghihintay…ngunit kapag hindi mo sya mahintay, maaari kang dumiretso sa aming kaharian, masaya don ito ang aking address… (iaabot ang card)
Megara : (kukunin) Salamat cris, napakbuti mo, papatnubayan ka ng diyos sa inyong kabutihan.
Prinsipe Cris : Salamat (ngiti)
Basti : (humahangos) Boss! boss! Halika dali! Madali ka!

(papasok ang mananayaw, at matitigilan ang lahat at mapanood lang.)

Prinsipe Cris : (pumapalakpak) Ang sexy!
Esmeralda : Salamat po! Salamat po! (aalis pero….)
Prinsipe Cris : (sigaw at hinahabol si Esmeralda) Binibini! Binibini! Sandali lang Binibini!
Esmeralda : Bakit po ginoo? May kailangan kayo? O baka gusto nyong mag- sponsor sa show namin?
Prinsipe Cris : (luwa ang mmga mata) Oo! Oo! Sumama ka lang sa akin, pakasal ka sa akin. Ako nga pala si Cris, ikaw?
Esmeralda : (sayaw muna) Esmeralda!
Prinsipe Cris : (sayaw muna) Esmeralda! Napakaganda…(pause)… ano? Sumama ka na sa akin! Higit pa rito ang makukuha mo! Ibibigay ko sayo ang lahat, pera, house and lot, ginto, pagmamahal.
Dancer1 : Oy Esmeralda, ano yan DOM? (tawa silang lahat)
Esmeralda : (tawa) Ewan , baliw yata to eh.
Prinsipe Cris : Oo baliw ako, baliw ako sa alindog mo. (naglalaway na sa kakatingin)
Esmeralda : Bastos! ( sampal) um manyak!
( kasama ng apat na mananayaw ni Esmeralda si Basti ay nag-papacute)
Basti : (naka-akap sa isa sa mga babae) Ladies, ladies, pasensya na kayo sa boss ko hah? Desperado na kasi eh. Pero kung gusto nyo akong ma-kontak, itong calling card ko, at Esmeralda ito naman sa boss ko. Actually pareho lang yan, pero kulay pink kasi yan, kaya mas maganda yun sa kin green, cheap. (pause)
Esmeralda : (aabutin) Salamat, sige papunta pa kami ng Broadway, eh, d ba girls?
Girls : (chorus) Siyempre naman! Sosyal na kami! For Broadway na ang talent namin hindi private performance. Pangit!!!
Dancer2 : Oh sige pogi (Basti) alis na kami, call me ha?
Basti : Oo, hwag kang mag-alala. At Esmeralda, pagisipan mo sanang alok ng boss ko.
Prinsipe Cris : (naglalaway pa rin) Oo, Esmeralda, pag isipan mo… para naman may makasayaw na ko gabi gabi!
Esmeralda : (pause) Sige, sinabi mo eh!
Girls : (kaway) Bye basti!
Basti : Bye (aalis na grupo ni Esmeralda)
(babalik sa upuan ang dalawa, malungkot si Cris at di mapakali si Basti)
Prinsipe Cris : Hay naku! Ano bang gagawin ko? Parang sinusundan na ako ng malas. O di kaya’y para akong sinumpa. Feeling ko tuloy parang outcast.
Basti : (ina-alo si Cris) Mahal na prinsipe, wala pa naman po tayo sa kalagitnaan ng ating paglalakbay. Marami pa pong darating. Maghintay – hintay po muna tayo dito, at may darating din tulog muna tayo…(pause) (pagkalipas ng ilang oras )
(Belle papasok at kakanta ng “Belle”) (kumakanta habang naglalakad)
Belle
Little town, it’s a quiet village
Everyday, like the one before
Little town, full of little people
Waking up to say …

Pssby1 : Magandang umaga Belle!
Belle : Magandang umaga rin po!
Vendor1 : Masaya ka yata?
Belle : Maliwanag kasi ang araw.
Pssby2 : Saan ang punta mo?
Belle : Dyan sa may tindahan, ako’y may bibilhin. Sige!
Basti : (yuyugyugin) Boss! Boss! Gising! Babae o ! ganda!
Prinsipe Cris : (tingin pero kunyaring ala lang) Asan?Asan?Asan?
Basti : Ayan o! yung may dalang basket…ganda no?
Prinsipe Cris : Oo nga! (supersmile)
Basti : Kaya nga boss puntahan mo na! (itutulak si Cris)
P cris : Oo! Tama ka! Sige pupuntahan ko na.
Basti : Boss sandali mag double mint ka muna! (ibibigay ang gum)
Belle : (ituturo) Pabili nga po nito. Magkano po sya.
Vendor2 : 500 plus vat
Belle : (gulat) 500 isang kalabasa lang?! 500.00
Vendor2 : Oo naman, kasi ang taas- taas na ng dolyar eh!
Belle : (inis) Pambihira sa iba nga ako bibili! (itatago ang pitaka saka mahuhulog ito)
Prnsipe Cris : (makikita ang pitaka at saka kukunin) Binibini ang iyong ingat yaman ay nalaglag!
Belle : Ay! Salamat! Maraming salamat ginoo
Prinsipe Cris : Walang anuman, ikinalulugod. Ko … (bow pa siya)
Belle : Sige, paalam na ginoo.
Prinsipe Cris : Cris, Cris na lamang magandang binibini!
Belle : Ako’y si Belle, ikinagagalak ko po kayong makilala Cris. Ako na’y magpapaalam, magandang araw…
Prinsipe Cris : Sandali! Belle! … ah… nais ko sanang humingi ng pabor.
Belle : Ano yon?
Prinsipe Cris : Kasi, isa akong taga-ibang lugar, ngayon lang kami nakarating dito, at nais ko sanang magpasama sa isang magandang restawran.
Belle : Oo ba! Sige tara na!
Basti : Boss san kayo punta?
Prinsipe Cris : Kain sama ka?
Basti : Siyempre naman.
Prinsipe Cris : Belle ito nga pala si Basti- alalay ko.
Belle : Kumusta!
Basti : Salamat! (aalis na ang tatlo na masaya)

(lights off)
(spotlight to the storyteller)
Storyteller : Dahil sa maganda ang kalooban at hangarin ni Prinsipe Cris. Natutuhan na rin syang mahalin ni Belle. Sila’y naging magkasintahan at masayang- masaya. Pati nga si Basti eh, masayang masaya. Hay, salamat naman… pero may isa pang problema, hindi pa nasasabi ni Prinsipe Cris na sya’y pakasalan at ayaing tumira sa kanilang kaharian. Ito na nga ang pagkakataon.

Scene 7 : Sa bayan
(magtatagpo si Cris at Belle, Mauuna sa tagpuan si Cris at nahuli si Belle ngunit bago nakarating sa tagpuan, ay hinarang ng isang matanda)
(lights on)

Oldlady : Ineng, ikaw ba si Belle? Ang anak ni Maurice na baliw?
Belle : Opo bakit po?
Oldlady : Hah … maganda? (sarili) mas maganda ako!
Belle : ano yun?
Oldlady : Ipinabibigay ng amo ko itong message niya, nag-text siya eh!
Belle : Sinong amo? At bakit? Tungkol saan?
Oldlady : Ang ama mo ay bihag ng aking among halimaw sa kanyang palasyo. Kung mahal mo ang iyong ama, tutubusin mo sya ng iyong buhay.
Belle : Ano! Bakit? Kailan pa? Mahabaging langit!
Oldlady : Basahin mo na lang yung text…. (tawa)
Belle : Mama mia! Bukas na ang taning ng aking pangtubos. Pano ba ito? (pause) Ama, parating na ako….

Ipapatugtog ang score ng Beauty and the Beast

Prinsipe Cris : (makikita si Belle) Belle! Belle Saan ka pupunta? Dito! Dito!- bakit ka malungkot?
Belle : May sasabihin sana ako sa’yo (pause… uupo si Belle sa bangko)
Prinsipe Cris : (tatakpan ang bibig ni Belle) Hindi… sandali lang. May sasabihin din ako sayo. Ok lang ba kung ako na lang ang mauna? (pause, tatayo at maglalakad-lakad) Sige… kasi belle, medyo matagal na rin tayo, di ba? Napag-isip isip ko lang , na sana… na sana, pumayag kang pakasal na tayo… (sabay luhod sa harapan ni Belle)
Belle : (gulat) Cris….?!!!
Prinsipe Cris : (kukunin ang kamay) Sandali… mahal na mahal kita at alam kong alam mo yan!
Belle : Mahal na mahal din kita…. Ngunit…
Prinsipe Cris : Bakit may ngunit? Kung mahal mo ako bat may ngunit? (tatayo at parang galit, titingin sa kawalan)
Belle : (paiyak na) Cris… mahirap ipaliwanag… (tatayo na din, nakatalikod si Cris sa kanya
Prinsipe Cris : (lilingon) Ipaliwanag mo at makikinig ako.
Belle : (uupo at iiyak na) Ang aking ama (pause)… kailangan ko syang iligtas… kailangan ko nang umalis ngayon. (tatayo ngunit luluhod muli sa harapan niya si Cris)
Prinsipe Cris : Hayaan mo’t tutulungan kita! Marami kaming kawal, tatlo! Ililigtas nating ang iyong ama!
Belle : (tatayo na) Di maaari ! hawak sya ng isang halimaw! Mahirap Cris! Ayaw kitnag mapahamak at isa pa… hindi pa ako sigurado sa sitwasyon, kailangan ko nang umalis!…. (iyak na tatayo)
Prinsipe Cris : (naguguluhan) Belle ano ang iyong sinsabi? (yayakapin niya si Belle na umiiyak na)
Belle : This is good bye (alis na)
Prinsipe Cris : Belle! Belle! (nakatayo lang at nang wala na si Belle ay naupo sa bench at nag-isip)

(spotlight to the storyteller)

Storyteller : Nalungkot ang prinsipe, akala nya , si Belle na ang babae sa kanyang panaginip. Hindi pala! Ngunit, wari ba’y never giving up ang spirit nya… nagdesisyon syang sundan si Belle, at iligtas ang kanyang ama. Hinanap nya si Basti,ngunit di nya ito makita,kaya nga makakita sya ng isang matanda ay nagtanong sya kung nasaan ang kaharian ng halimaw.

Oldlady : (itutro) Doon amang! Sa bandang kanan, pagpasok mo doon sy may isang gubat, lumiko ka ng kaliwa sa kanto, tapos may jeep dun, nakalagay Malacañang, sumakay ka at dadalhin ka na non sa halimaw.
Prinsipe Cris : Salamat po, Inkong, salamat: (aalis na, pasok sa pintuan)

(lights off)
(spotlight to the storyteller)

Storyteller : Naglakbay nga ang prinsipe, sumakay nga sya ng Jeep na may sign board na Malacanang. Ngunit, parang nawawala yata ang ating prinsipe! Kasi hindi halimaw ang kanyang nakita, kundi - ah basta tignan nyo lang na lang. Tsaka, wala ba kayong nahahalata? Agaw eksena yung matandang nakasutana ah! Ano kaya ang pakay non? Kanina pa yon labas ng labas. At ang tawa, pamilyar, parang si…

Scene 8 : Sa isang kaharian

(lights on)

(lalabas si Prinsipe Cris sa pintuan at matatambad sa kanya ang isang kahariang, tulog lahat ng tao, pero bago yon naunahan sya ng oldlady at nag-sprinkle sya ng sleeping glitters sa lahat.)

Oldlady : (tawa) Hindi kayo magigising kahit na sino ang dumating at halikan ka. (tawa) umm (think) magigising ka pero apter 24 hours pa… yan! Pero wala na syang pag asa… (tawa) grabe… ( may kaluskos)… ay may tao! Baka sya na nga …(tawa) hihhihi!!!
Ipapatugtog ang I’m Kissing you

Prinsipe Cris : (papasok) Tao po! Tao po! Magandang gabi May bisita po kayo! (think) Bakit ganito? Anong nangyari? Tulog lahat ng tao….isang prinsesa… napakaganda! At parang – patay na bato? ( gagalawin ang Prinsesa) hindi, tulog lang. (makikita nag signboard) “Kiss me and I will wake up”. (hahalikan nya… ngunit hindi magigising… maglulupasay sya at mag-eemote). .. Bakit? Sabi naman Kiss me and I will wake up, tapos di naman bumangon! Ano ba yan? Parang may sumusunod na malas sa akin… etc… (aalis na sya ngunit may nahulog na calling card sa sahig.)
Aurora : (magigising at tila mananaginip) hay!kay gandang panaginip! May prinsipe raw na dumating at ako’y hinahalikan, dito… dito… dito haay! ( makikita ang nahulog na calling card ) Ano ito? Calling card? Cris, Pili Palace, #1600 Pennsylvania St. Washington, Philippines… email? Phone? Pager ? – aba! Eh diyata’t totoo ang aking panaginip? Totoong may dumating ngang prinsipe at ako’y iniligtas mula sa mahimbing kong pagkakatulog! Hahanapin ko sya upang ako’y magpasalamat, at ___ , ummm alam nyo?! Yun! Hoy hoy!! Magising na kayo at wala na ang sumpa! (magigising lahat at aalis sa stage)

(lights off)
(spotlight ot the storyteller)

Storyteller : Ay ano ba yan! Oo nga pala ,no after 24 hours pa pala sya magigising sayang si prinsipe Cris, kung saan naghintay sya ng medyo matagal – tagal eh di nagkita sila ng prinsesa Aurora! Tsk tsk! Nasan na kaya si P cris? Baka naman, nagpakamatay na yon? Ah hinde… Ngunit, nakakaawa ang prinsipe, sino kaya ang makakatuluyan nya?

Scene 9 : Sa gubat

(lights on)

(papasok at kumakanta ng “Somday My Prince Will Come,” may oldlady na namang andoon at inaappreciate ang kanta nya)
Someday my Prince will come/I’m Wishing
Snowhite: Someday my prince will come, someday we’ll meet again
And away to his castle we fly, to be happy forever I know

Oldlady : Ang ganda ng iyong awitin Ineng. Maari mo ba kong pagbigyan ng isa pa?
Snowhite : Aba opo ! (kakanta)
I’m Wishin
I’m wishing, for the one I love
To find me, today….hahahaha….

Oldlady : Maraming salamt iha. Bilang pasasalamat ko ay tanggapin mo ang manggang ito. Pasensya na kung ito lang ang maibibigay ko, pero masarap yan, matamis at makatas, masustansya at pampalakas.
Snowhite : Maraming salamat po!
Oldlady : Sige iha kainin mo na!
Snowhite : Mamaya na lang po, itatabi ko na lang para mamaya eh may makain.
Oldlady : Hwag! Ibig kong sabihin ay… sana ngayon mo na kainin, dahil baka masira yan mamaya.
Snowhite : Ngunit hindi pa ako gutom, ilagay ko na lang sa ref para hindi masira.
Oldlady : Hindeh! Ibig kong sabihin ay… sana ngayon mo na kainin, sa aking harapan dahil magiging masaya ako kapag ginawa mo yon.
Snowhite : Sige po! Sinabe nyo eh! (kakagatin ang mangga, biglang sisigaw si Prinsipe Cris at aalis ang oldlady)
Prinsipe Cris : Binibin! Binibini! (mabibilaukan si Snowhite at bubugbugin ni Prinsipe Cris para lumabas ang mangga.)
Snowhite : (pagod) Hay! Salamat, salamat ginoo!
Prinsipe Cris : Mabuti na lang at naabutan ko kayo, nakita ko kasi sa gubat ang matandang kasama nyo kanina na tinuturok at tila kinukulam nya ang manggang hawak mo. Kaya sinundan ko sya at dito nga’ko dinala ng mga mata ko.
Snowhite : Salamat sayong pagmamalasakit, ginoo! Utang ko marahil sa iyo ang buhay ko… salamat! Maaari ko bang malaman kung ano ang kanilang panagalan upang kayo ay aking pormal na mapasalamatan?
Prinsipe Cris : (ibigay ang calling card) Heto o! basahin mo na lang.
Snowhite : Cris, isa ka palang prinsipe, ako nga pala si Snow white, prinsesa ng mga duwende.
Prinsipe Cris : Ikinagagalak ko po kayong makilala.
Snowhite : Ako rin! At mula sa aking amang hari, mga kaibigang duwende, at sa akin…Maraming Salamat!
Prinsipe Cris : Okay lang yun! Ito naman o! So, saan na ngayon ang punta nyo, prinsesa Snow white?
Snowhite : Sa ngayon, uuwi muna ako sa mga kaibigan kong duwende at pagkatapos ay maaaring lusubin ko ang walang hiya kong evil step mom – sya marahil ang nagpadala ng manggang may kulam.
Prinsipe Cris : Sino ang inyong kasama?
Snowhite : Ako at sina jolly , sneezy, sleepy,____, ____ at casper!
Prinsipe Cris : Kung inyong mamarapatin, nais kong maghandog ng tulong. Maraming kaming kawal, tatlo!!
Snowhite : Salamat na lamang! Ngunit kailangang ako mismo ang tumalo sa babaeng yon. Paalam na mahal na Prinsipe, hangang sa muling pagkikita! (aalis na)
Prinsipe Cris : Pero snow white??? (stretch hand for something)
Snowhite : Sapat na ang iligtas mo ang buhay ko, ang pagliligtas aming kaharian ay aking obligasyon bilang Prinsesa…salamat na lamang, mag-iingat ka sana sa iyong paglalakbay at mahanap mo sana ang iyong gusting makita.
(lights off)
(spotlight to the storyteller)

Storyteller : Umalis na nga si snow white habang naiwan na namang nag iisa ang Prinsipe. Lumong lumo na sya. Lungkot na lungkot at parang mawawalan nang tiwala sa sarili, ano na lamang ang sasabihin ng kanilang kaharian kung bigo ang kanyang paglalakbay? Anyways, nanatili sa may gilid ng creek ang prinsipe ng may….

Scene 10 : Sa creek

(lights on)
(kakanta ng “Reflection”)

Reflection
Look at me, I can never pass for a perfect bride or a perfect daughter
Can it be, I’m not meant to play this part?
Now I see, that if I were truly to be myself
I would break my family’s heart
Who is this girl I see, staring straight back at me?
Why is my reflection someone I don’t know
Somehow, I cannot hide, who I am, though I’ve tried
When will my reflection show, who I am inside?

Prinsipe Cris : Magandang umaga!
Mulan : Magandang umaga rin!
Prinsipe Cris : Isa ka bang sundalo?
Mulan : Medyo, (pause)… kasi wala pa talaga akong basbas galing sa aking ama, kaya nagdadalawang isip pa ako kung tutuloy o hindi…
Prinsipe Cris : (pause) Pareho pala tayo. Nagkakaroon rin ako ng agam-agam kung babalik pa ako sa aming kaharian?
Mulan : Saan kaharian?
Prinsipe Cris : Ako nga pala si P cris ng kahariang Pili.
Mulan : Mulan, dati magyo, tapos maraw, eh pangit daw kaya ginagawang Mulan.
Prinsipe Cris : Aaaah! (tatango-tango)
Mulan : Bakit ka nagdadalawang isip kung babalik ka sa iyong kaharian?
Prinsipe Cris : Dahil sa ako ay bigo… bigo sa babae, sa pag-ibig! Naglakbay ako upang hanapin ang babae sa aking panaginip, ngunit hindi ko sya matagpuan.
Mulan : Yan lamang ba? Napakasimple lang naman ng problema mo eh! Sa aming bansa sa Chi ang mga royal blood ay ginagawa ang lahat para pagsilbihan ang kanilang subjects, inuuna nila ang kapakanan ng nakararami kaysa sarili. Ibig kong sabihin, bumalik ka dahil may obligasyon ka sa inyong mga nasasakupan.
Prinsipe Cris : Ano kaya at sumama ka sa akin at maging heneral ka sa aking hukbong pangdigma?
Mulan : Hindi maaari! Bago ako maging sundalo at heneral sa isang banyagang lupain, kailaangang ang aking bansa ang uunahin ko!
Prinsipe Cris : Ngunit akala ko’y may agam agam ka?
Mulan : Naiisip ko bilang mamayan ng Chi, at isang mabuting anak, may obligasyon akong pangalagaan at protektahan ito laban sa kalaban. Kaya magpapatuloy ako…
Prinsipe Cris : Kung ganoon eh tatawagan ko ang aming kaharian upang magpadala sila ng reinforcements, marami kaming kawal ___ !!!
Mulan : Hwag na isang makabayang laban ito. Laban naming mga Chino, hindi mga Pilipino at kayo’y mga dayuhan.
Prinsipe Cris : Kung ganon, tanggapin ang transmitter device na ito, kapag pinindut mo ito, ibig sabihin nasa danger ka, at ako’y darating upang iligtas ka. Kapag ako naman ang pumindot, meaning ako ang nasa disgrasya at kailangan ko ang tulong mo.
Mulan : Deal! Sige hanggang sa muli! (aalis na)
Prinsipe Cris : Ting taw neh!!!

(lights off)
(spotlight to the storyteller)

Storyteller : Natauhan na din ang prinsipe, at nagdesisyon nga syang bumalik na sa kanilang kaharian. May dala man syang asawa o wala. Kailangan nyang bumalik, dahil yon ang ipinamukha ni Mulan sa kanya, Buti na lang at sila’y nagkita. Ngunit may isa pang problema, si Basti ang dakilang alalay ay nawawala, kayat nilibot nyang muli ang lugar ng may nakita syang maaaring mapagtanungan.

Scene 11 : Sa dagat

(lights on)
(kumakanta ng “Part of your World”)
Part of your World
Ariel: Look at this stuff, isn’t it neat? Wouldn’t you think my collections complete?
Wouldn’t you think I’m a girl, a girl who has everything…
Look at this throve, treasures untold, how many wonders can one cavern hold?
Looking around here you’d think…sure, she’s got everything…
I’ve got gadgets and gizmos, a plenty
I’ve got what’s its and who’s its galore
You want thing-a-mabobs? I’ve got twenty!
But who cares? No big deal, I want more…
I wanna be be where the people are
I wanna see, wanna see them dancing
Walking along on those, what you call that again? Oh! Feet!
Flipping your fins they don’t get too far
Legs are required for jumping and dancing
Strolling along down those, what’s that word? Street…
When it’s my turn, wouldn’t I love?
Love to explore that shore up above?
Wandering free, wish I could be
Part of that world…
Prinsipe Cris : Magandang araw!
Ariel : Magandang arw din naman! Anong maipaglilingkod ko?
Prinsipe Cris : Magtatanong sana, Kung may nakita kayong lalaking maitim, maliit na nagawi dito?
Ariel : Ang tinutukoy nyo ba si Basti?
Prinsipe Cris : Kilala mo sya?
Ariel : Oo naman, andito sya nong isang linggo, nag-aabang ng masasakyang liner, pabalik sa iyong kaharian.
Prinsipe Cris : Kilala mo din ako?
Ariel : Oo naman, nakwento nga nya na naghahanap daw kayo ng prinsesa.
Prinsipe Cris : Totoo yon! Actually girl of my dreams ang perfect definition nya.
Ariel : Ako po si Ariel, prinsesa ng mga sirena. Pwedeng mag-apply?
Prinsipe Cris : Apply saan?
Ariel : Ako na lang ang iuwi mo? Magiging mabuti akong asawa sa yo, promise! Basta makapunta lang ako sa magarang palasyo sa lupa, masaya na ako.
Prinsipe Cris : Paano, eh, isang kang isda? Hindi naman tayo talo no?
Ariel : Ayaw nyo po ba?
Prinsipe Cris : Hindi naman sa ayaw, gusto ko sana yung may mga paa naman para makasama ko sa lahat ng bagay. (makikitang malungkot si Ariel)
O, wag ka nang malungkot, maging magkaibigan pa rin tayo d ba? Ito kunin mo, pag kailangan mo ako, andyan ang email, celphone, pager at home address ko , tawagan mo lang ako…(horn ng liner)
Ariel : I don’t know when, I don’t know how, but I know something’s starting roght now,
Watch and you’ll see, someday I’ll be…part of your world…
(curtains close)

End of act 1
Break for 5 mins.


ACT 2

(curtains open)
(spotlight to the storyteller)

Storyteller : Bumalik na nga sa palasyo si Prinsipe cris. Tuwang-tuwa ang kanyang Inang Reyna dahil bumalik sya ng maayos. Nagduwang ang lahat sa kanyang pagbabalik. Ngunit nagkaroon ng bulong bulungan na bigo ang prinsipe. Ikinasakit ito ng damdamin ng butihing Hari, at nagpasya syang kausapin ang anak.

(lights on)
Isang welcome party na may Ballroom Dancing Extravagance


Scene 1 : Sa palasyo

King Charlie : (concern ang mukha) Anak , ano ba ang problema?
Prinsipr Cris : Wala ama! (iiwas at titingin sa kawalan)
King Charlie : (hahawakan sa balikat si Cris) Anak, pwede mo namang sabihin sa akin eh kasi (kakanta, duet, Father and Son)
Father and Son
It’s not time to make a change, just relax, take it easy.. you’re still young, it’s your fault there’s so much you have to go through…Find a girl sttle down, if you want to you can marry. Look at me, I am old but I’m happy.. I was once like you are now, and I know that it’s not easy to be calm when you find something’s going wrong, so take your time, think a lot. Thik of everything you’ve got, for you will still be here tomorrow, but your dreams may not…

Prinsipe Cris : Nahihiya ako ama, nasabihan na ang lahat na by March, eh, mag- aasawa na ako. February na wala pa akong bride to be.
King Charlie : (ngingiti-ngiti) Kung yan ang inaalala mo! Magagawa nating yan ng paraan. Agent J n E, A (sigaw)
Agent J and E, A : (humahangos) Bakit po kamahalan? (naka-pose pa ring ANGELS)
King Charlie : (sigaw) Magpadala kayo ng imbitasyon sa lahat ng mga prinsesa dito sa atin at sabihin nyong iyon ang engagement party ng mahal na Prinsipe.
Agent J and E, A : (sigaw) Yes sir! At your service! (saludo pa)
King Charlie : (pause) At hwag, nyong kalimutang bigyan ang prinsesang anak ng kaibigan kong pari!
Prinsipe Cris : (titingin sa ama) Ama alin po? Yung prinsesa dyan sa kabilang bakod?
King Charlie : Bakit anak may problema ba don?
Prinsipe Cris : (tatawa) Wala naman po, naalala ko lang na kalaro ko pala sya nong bata pa kami, ano kaya ang itsura nya ngayon? Baka ganon pa rin! Mataba, tinagyawat, kinky ang buhok… ama sigurado ba kayong iimbitahan nyo sya? (pause)
King Charlie : (taas ang kilay) Bakit? Ano naman ang masama don?
Prinsipe Cris : (kibit-balikat) Wala po kayong bahala!
King Charlie : Dapat lang ! Inday! Inday! (sigaw)
Inday : (humahangos) Kamahalan!
King Charlie : Tawagin ang reyna!
Inday : (di aalis) Opo (sigaw) Queen latifah! Queen Latifah! Tawag po kayo ng hari! Queen Latifah!
King Charlie : (kukurutin sa singit) Ba’t ka sumusigaw dyan? Tawagin mo! Puntahan mo! Dali!
Inday : Opo (aalis na)
Queen Latifah : (lalabas kasama ang dalawang alalay na sina Damas Noche at Mañana) O bakit honey?
King Charlie : Magkakaroon tayo ng malaking handaan sa susunod na linggo. Doon ay pipili ang ating anak kung sino ang gusto niyang pakasalan sa mga darating na bisita.
Queen Latifah : Yan! Yan maganda yan ipapadecorate ko na ang kaharian at magpapahanda na sa gabi ng piging. Halina kayong lahat!!

(lights off)
Story teller:


Scene 2 : Sa palasyo

(papasok na ang mga prinsesa, kanya kanyang pa cute at papansin na sila, at in-aanounce ni basti ang pangalan ng mga pumapasok. Si Cindirella,si Pocahontas ay muntik ng di makapasok dahil sa suot nila, si Jasmine, Megara, Belle, Aurora, Snowhite, Ariel, at Esmeralda with the dancers, at si Little Red Riding Hood)

Basti: (announce) Atin pong bigyan ng masigabong palakpakan ang mahl na hari at reyna ng kahariang pili!(lalabas ang hari at reyna, kasama ang mga alagad)
Atin rin pong bigyan ng masigabong palakpakan ang mahal na prinsipe Cris!(pause) Tayo po ay narito ngayon upang ipaalam sa publiko kung sino ang babaeng magiging kabiyak ng prinsipe.
Basti: Ipinakikilala si bb. Cinderella!
Cindi: magandang gabi po Prinsipe cris!
P cris: Magandang gabi naman. Masaya’t ako nakarating ka.
Cindi: umaasa po akong kahit papaano’y mapagtuunan nyo ulit ng pansin.
P cris: salamt cinderella.

Basti: bb. Pocahantas!
Poca: Magandang gabi cris.
Pcris: magandang gabi rin poca. Umaasa akong hindi na ako matatamaan ng iyong palaso sa susunod na paglalakbay ko.
Poca: Hindi na cris, palaso ni kupido ang tatama sayo.
Pcris: ngunit may hinihintay ka?
Poca: Hindi siya tumupad sa aming usapan…
Pcris: ikinalulungkot ko…

Basti: bb. Jasmine
Jas: Hi!
Pcris: Bakit ka andito? Hindi ba’t kasl ka na kay alladin?
Jas: hindi ko natagpuan ang lampara’t natakot akong bumalik kaya dito ako pumunta.
Pcris: ganon?!
Jas: ganon!

Basti: bb. Megara
Pcris: Megara! Anong nagyari? Namali ka yata ng pinuntahan?
Meg: Naloko ako,kahit langgam walang sumundo sa akin. Napanis ako sa kahihintay, walang dumating kaya nang akoy sinabihang may piging naisipan kong dito na lang ako.
Pcris: Ah … nakakaawa ka naman. Pwede kang dumito hanagang kailan mo gusto.
Meg: salamat!
Pcris: walang anuman.

Basti: bb. Esmeralda
Es: ( nasasayaw) gandang gabi!
Pcris: Gandang gabi din: wala ba kayong show o performance? Akala ko nas broadway na ikaw?
Es: pinag-isipan kong mabuti ang alok mo, kaya ako andirito ngayon. Gusto ko na.
Pcris: Gusto mo ang alin
Es: --- magpakasal sayo! Kaw ha!
Pcris: ikaw kasi eh!

Basti: bb. Aurora
Pcris: Magandang gabi!
Au: maaliwas ang gabi noon nang ako’y iyong halikan.
Pcris: Hah!!!
Au: ramdam ko po hanggang ngayon ang tamis ng iyong halik,ummmm
Pcris: bb. Maghulisdili ka…
Au: Salamat pala sa paggising mo sa akin…
Pcris: walng anuman.

Basti: bb snow white
Sno: may pasalubong akong mangga para sayo,mahal na prisipe
Pcris: anong nangyari sa laban mo?
Sno: Natalo ko na ang bruha, ngunit namatay pa rin ang aking ama at si richard at kasama ko na lamang ay mga duwende, eh wala namang bagay sa akin kundi kayo lamang My prince.
Pcris: salamat sa mangga.

Basti Bb. Belle
Belle: magandang gabi mahal.
Pcris: ows?
Belle: totoo naman, eh napatay namin yung beast, nilason ni gaston at ngayon ay nais nyang magpakasal kami. Sabi ko hindi ko sya labs ang mahal ko ay ikaw.
Pcris: Belle d rin ako sigurado sa sitwasyon…
Belle: cris?!

Basti: bb ariel!
Ariel: Magandang gabi kamahalan!
Pcris: ariel the little mermaid?
Ar: opo!
Pcris: (tuliro)Akala ko ba, hindi kayo pwedeng- bakit may paa ka?
Ar: dahil po yan sa magic , saking wagas na pagibig.
Pcris: (tawa) may paa kana talaga! Saya naman!

Little RRH: (pagkatapos ng pagtawag ay sisingit ito at lalapit sa Prisipe at iaabot ang dalang basket) Ahhh, Prinsipe cris?
P Cris: O! Little Red Riding Hood! Eee, Rosalinda pala…andito ka rin?
Little RRH: Dinalhan ko lang po kayo ng malagkit gaya ng ipinangako ko sa inyo noon..
P Cris: Ahh…salamat, sige ibigay mo na lang sa aming mga kawal…
Little RRH: Sige po..


Basti: at ngayon kung sino ang bibigyan ng mahal na prinsipe ng bulaklak ay ang sya nyang magiging kabiyak! ( palakpakan)

( nag1round pa ng ikot si Pcris at mukahan ibibigay na nya kay ariel nang biglang pumasok si bertha at nahynoptize silang lahat.)
Bertha: ( tawa) muntik na pala akong nahuli! Pero ngayon , akin ka na ! kung medya- medya lang ang magic ko noon ngayon mas malakas na (tawa)
Alis dyan ariel, cris harap ka sakin, sakin mo bigay ung bulaklak. ( giggle) sa wakas! Ano ba yan? Lumuhod ka naman (halakhak) akin na…
(nang biglang)

MC: ( awit ni Maria clara/ ikaw. Mededefroze silang lahat at matatauhan. Hindi matutuloy ang pagbibigay ng flower. Ma e entice ni Maria clara si cris at iaanounce ni basti kung sino sya)

Basti: bb. Maria Clara!
(sasalubungin ni cris si Mc at on the way madadapa sya tapos aalalayan ni MC)
Pcris: magandang gabi Maria!
MC: Magandang gabi rin!
Pcris: kaytagal na nating di nagkita, ang laki ng pinagbago mo ang ganda ganda mo na na ngayon.!
MC: salamat pasensay na pala kayo at late ako, traffic kasi eh lam nyo naman pinas ito eh.
Pcris: ok lang un. Ang mahalaga , nakarating ka! Basti ang bulaklak para sa pinakamaganda at pinakadakilang prisesa’t ng buhay ko, para sa pagkahanap ko rin sa waks ng babae sa panaginip ko, ang mga bulaklak na ito ay sayo. Will u marry me?
Bertha: ( sisigaw at aagawin ang sandata ng mga kawal, ngunit agad dumating si Mulan at iniligtas nya si MC kay Bertha, patay na c Bertha at tuwang tuwa ang lahat)
Hindeh!
Pcris: mulan salamat!
Mulan: Pinindot moeh kaya ako andito!
Pcris: salamat talaga
Mulan: walang anuman sige ituloy ang selebrasyon.

Pcris: naalala ko Bb. Maria Clara, hindi nyo pa po sinasagot ang tanong ko.
MC: ano naman yung tanong mo?
Pcris: Papayag ka bang magpapakasal saakinat maging reyna ng buhay ko?
MC: (thinks) ummmhhh! OO pumapayag ako.
( nagsaya ang buong kaharian at naging magasawa nga sila)

story teller: kay layo layo pa kasi ng nilakbay, nasa katabi lang pala yung hinahanap nya. Ang babae ng kanyang panaginip. Ang sinisintang kababata ay say ring kanyang mamahalin hanggang tumanda. Naging maligaya ang kaharian ng pili at naging hari si Prinsipe cris at rey na naman si Maria Clara. Tinatawag na sila ngayong haring Crisostomo Ibarra at reyna Mariah Clara ng kaharian ng pili. Ika nga sa Ingles e … they lib hapily eber apter!

****The end*****

THE STORY

A big hush swept the palace that day. Priests were everywhere, running inconspicuously to a secret room; bringing cloths, perfumes, olive oils, and a big urn… where a suspicious occurrence was silently taking place.
” Why is this happening?”
“ Hush! Say not a word! Your eyes had not been opened, your ears heard no whispers, and your lips shall be sealed with faith. Go hence, and like a ghost place these things under the aegis of the clandestine ground!”

Daybreak came and things slowly return to its normal state. Merchants came and went in the city market. Architects continued building the great city of Tell-Al Amarna, creating huge columns for the splendid temples of the noon-god Aton. Artisans busily labors in inscribing hieroglyphs on the walls, telling the story of the great empire of Pharaoh Amenhotep IV, of his beautiful wife Queen Nefertiti and his six lovely daughters, and of his giving up the worship of the traditional Egyptian deity, the god Amun and conversing the whole kingdom into devotion for the noon-god Aton. However, not everybody was pleased with his decision, everybody meaning, the priests of Amun, who were devastated and angered by the sudden shift of faith by the pharaoh.
“ Who does he think he is? He had abandoned the faith his ancestors had worship for centuries! He is a madman!”
“ Be careful with your words brother! He is, after all the King of Egypt, the Pharaoh who has control over all our lives!”
“What shall we do? We should do something or we shall perish in the desert with nothing!”
“ Fear not, his reign shall be short lived, the gods shall help us. The true god Amun will help us!”
“What is hidden beneath your words, brother?”
“ You shall be a witness to it. Be patient.”
Years had passed and a girl in the age of 14 playfully wades in a hidden lagoon, where water from the Blue Nile gently turn and create a spawning pool of cool blue water. Where white lilies and wild desert flowers happily sink their roots for nourishment, and where tall palm trees grow, conceiving an enormous shadow enough to protect a hundred camels from the scorching heat of the sun. She is wearing a white satin wrap-around cloth, with a lovely blue laced shawl comfortly sitting on her shoulders, and an equally fabulous blue belt that brings out her noticeable curve figure and her tiny waist. This splendid dress is accentuated with gold round earrings, light shining grand necklace, gold armbands on both upper limbs, and two spectacular gold rings designed especially for her. The one on her left middle finger is a miniature of the sacred cobra, and the other on her right ring finger is the face of the goddess Isis, skillfully crafted by the city’s best. She now removes her gold sandals to feel the cool water on her little bare foot. While sitting in one of the green molded rocks, the wind gently blows her hair across her face, which somehow irritated her that she kept adjusting her gold hair band, when suddenly the smooth water is producing ripples. She was alarmed. No one knows of this paradise, her paradise. Her keen black eyes started to look for the trespasser, preparing herself for surprise, and a fight, if needed.
“ I didn’t know the Nile could create such a beautiful heaven.”
“You are entering a forbidden region!”
“ Yesterday I wandered where the Nile is going, so I decided to follow it, and here I am. Now I know it is for the bliss of a beautiful stranger.”
“This beautiful stranger has a name and I again remind you of your intrusion. If you do not leave at once, soldiers…”
“I am in no doubt that you have a name. For all the living creatures has a name. This plant over here, I think is named… however beautiful it is, I cannot seem to remember what it is called. But I will call it the flower of destiny…”
“I believe you have the capacity to name all the creatures you see. But I again for the third time …”
“Yes… I apologize. I must have disturbed your deep thought. I just have this urge to name you, like I’ve seen you before, I don’t know where, but…to tell you the truth I am not sorry I came here, I am comfortable here, and I am determined to stay as long as I want! And you my princess will just have to learn to accept that!”
“You are very rude! This is my lagoon and I intend to keep it that way!”
“Me? Rude? You are the one who refuses to share this miracle of land with other people! So you must be selfish then!”
“It is only you that I reject! You do not belong here!”
“Is it because the way I look? Though handsome and attractive… I am not welcomed because compared to you, my clothing is nothing but a rag?”
“You have taken my point and played with it cleverly. Nobody of lower stature could do such a thing! Only men with fine education could toy someone’s idea. So I believe you are the one who is so selfish to reveal your true identity!”
“You take interest in my true identity… whatever reasons, I am equally flattered. Thank you…so you insinuate that if I tell you who I am, I get to stay here…with you?”
“I might. On account that you will be discreet and prudent.”
“Very well then… I am Tutankhamun. I live at the Temple of Amun with my uncle. How about you?”
“Our tryst contained only of you introducing yourself, mine is not included.”
“I am impressed by your trickery. But if you do not tell me now who you are, I will still find out sooner or later… and I might be tempted to call you in another name, and it won’t be pleasant…”
“Ankhsenamun. Sixth daughter of the Pharaoh.”
“O… Ankhsenamun… pretty name for a pretty face.”
“You do not seem to be worried that I am a princess, a real princess.”

They stood there, mindful of each other's presence yet went against their wits not to converse. Both squint their little eyes to get a glimpse of each other in secret. She went around a rock formation and foolishly thought that she could stay there until he leaves, but he noticed her - and with the same foolishness positioned himself right across infront of her. She was irritated, while he smirked in his arrogance. Then, she felt tiny drops of water splashed on her feet, she retorted back with a handful of water and threw it directly at him. He laughed, then ran. She went after him splashing in the lagoon as they went along, laughing and enjoying themselves.

Breathless, they sat on a rock, with an ackward silence. Suddenly, the young man’s expression changed. From a sarcastic, arrogant and boastful lad… he became aware of a feeling, a feeling so vaguely familiar but comfortable in nature, a feeling of something deeper… a bond, between him and the princess… a bond he welcomed with awe…
“Whoever, whatever you are…I care less. For I know that I like you, just by talking to you, and watching you… and like this flower of destiny I have in my hands, I want to hold you, here in my arms. Bury my face deep in your shoulders, smell the sweet perfume in your neck, run my hands in your healthy breasts, and kiss you… kiss you until you and I become one…”
“Such passionate words you have. And deep expressive eyes… I am afraid I might let you… only that we are still strangers…”
“I am again saddened by your refusal. But I will not walk away knowing I found love and let it go. I will insist until you realized life is short…and every minute should be seized with love! Young as we are, we should not be careless! Or time will just pass us by…”
“You are so certain, and that is a great thing! I am willing to take this risk with you, but I assume that this moment is not impulsive…so I suggest that you come back tomorrow, the same time, this same place…and tell me again of your love, of your passion, and your desire. Then I will decide if I will give you mine…”
“I cannot blame you for taking precautions, but I assure you that I will be here tomorrow. I will not sleep tonight nor drink any herb…I will think of you. I will think of us, then rest. … You must also be fatigued but permit me to take just one kiss from your lips, then I will go.”
The lovers, young they seem to be, are very much gifted with the ability to love and to do anything for love. They parted ways and went in their each abode, dreaming of the coming tomorrow and it’s promises of love.

The palace was filled with confusion when Ankhsenamun arrived. Women pour sand on their heads. Each servant holds perfumes and sacred oils. A familiar body lies on the table, surrounded with priests mumbling sacred chants only they could understand, and her mother, Queen Nefertiti along with her five sisters sat in seclusion consoling one another…
“Mother… its me….”
“Never do I expect to shed such tears for my husband…”
“Your eyes will swell…”
“I do not know how to control it, my eyes seems to have their own mind… they cry like my heart… they feel the pain… the pain of Egypt for losing such a great King… the pain of my children for losing their father… and the pain, the pain of losing the only man I ever and will only, love!”
“He looked so troubled dear sister… our Father died in pain!”
“He had suffered an unknown and unworthy death… I cannot let myself see him in that state! Go, and describe to me his gentle face… describe to me my father, my loving father… please?”
“Hush now… stay still, let not our grief make us suffer too… for I am certain father would be more hurt to see us like this…”
She stood there, gazing at the only father she had known. The most famous man in Egypt lies on the table, the grand King Amenhotep IV… his eyes were closed as if he was having a nightmare…how could a gentle and good man suffer such fate? Thinking of how happy she was minutes ago; how excited she was to break the news to her father; how she imagined her father’s reaction would be. She was his favorite daughter…the most loved, the most cherished. Now Egypt was left with no ruler.
The Vizier named Ayê, above all is the most troubled. He is the one who is now in charge of the kingdom. He must find someone to rule Egypt as the Pharaoh, and fast.
“What shall happen now, great Vizier?”
“ Who will succeed the king? Definitely not Queen Nefertiti…she is so poignant, she’ll bring the empire down if she’ll rule!”
“How about Prince Smhenkhara? Since the king has no son born to him as an heir, the prince can very well rule!”
“Prince Smhenkhara is a weakling! He only enjoys pleasures and women, he doesn’t have the right to rule Egypt… he is a menace!”
“ Then who shall lead the people of Egypt? If we do not find someone fast, the people will demand for a King!”
“Great Vizier, what are you thinking?”
“The King has no son. He only produced six daughters, which are not yet capable to run the kingdom. Therefore, the only thing we could do… is to marry off one of the princesses to have a King!”
So a plan has evolved….
The Vizier had ordered the ministers to put up a forum where He could announce the forthcoming fate of Egypt, in the hands of the unknown man, who would be king.
Servants are running around the castle, getting ready for the banquet; cooking the food; running perfumes and clothes for the Princesses to use… assisting their baths, wiping their bodies, keeping them comfortable, before the light of day would come.
However, one particular princess is not quite happy and excited to attend the banquet. Ankhsenamun is worried to her bones about what the events of the day would bring. She was to meet her sweet stranger at the lagoon; he would wait for her before the sun rests. And she would come, no matter what; she would lay her head in his arms.
“ Faster dear sister! You know how the Vizier acts when we are late…”.
“Yes, we should be there before he eats all the food! Hahaha!”
“Alright then, lets go… shall this banquet be long?”
“I hope so, I prepared myself enough to last a lifetime!”
“Can I leave right after his announcement? I have some matters to do…”
“I do not think that is wise dear Ankhsenamun, you know the rules… no one shall leave the banquet table until all is done.”
“But I have pressing things to focus on… can I just go? Just this once? Please? You Meritaten is our oldest sister, and you will be the next queen… hence you have the power to change the rules!”
I hope I could… I really wish I could have that much power to change tradition, to change my fate…if only I could…”
As the sisters walked towards the banquet room, the talks died down naturally. Waiting at the further end of the table is the Vizier, with a canny smile gracing his face, and beckoning them to come closer.
“Shall I start this conference, if you may? Due to the recent death of our beloved King Amenhotep, we are left with no male heir, who could easily ascend to the throne…instead we have here are six lovely princesses. As to conform to our tradition, one must marry in order for Egypt to have a King, in this case, Princess Meritaten… it is now your responsibility to choose a noble man to marry, so we can have a King!”
“As long as he is noble in deed, He has the right to marry me and be the King?”
“Noble… He must be of noble birth or he must come from a respected family, he must have high education so he can attend to the matters of the kingdom… and of course, he must have a good name!”
“And not to worry dear princess…. The council will choose the right King for you…”

TO BE CONTINUED...

Victoria, an accountant, is engaged to be married to boyfriend of 4 years Paul. One month before the wedding Paul has to go to Davao for a business conference.

In the airplane, seated beside Paul is Cecille, a freelance Interior Designer. The two struck a conversation immediately for Paul was excited with the wedding and Cecille is nice to converse with. He showed her a picture of Victoria, and even gave her a spare invitation card for the wedding and asked her if she could decorate the apartment where he and Victoria would stay. He said that Victoria likes the color green and she wants something spacious, maybe lots of mirrors or something to that effect. He got carried away describing Victoria that he related to Cecille everything that he and Victoria went through. How he met Victoria in the grocery store in the most awkward of situations (he was buying napkins for his sister). How he met her again in the dentist’s office (they have the same dentist). And how he proposed to her in a church. Cecille, irritated by Paul’s talkativeness, pretended to really listen and nod in agreement while scanning the plane’s safety manual. Paul then asked her to see if Victoria would love their wedding rings. While Cecille was busy playing with the rings, even putting them in her finger – the plane suddenly went berserk and with all of confusion – the plane went down.

Saddened by the tragic news of the plane crash, Victoria was overtaken by grief. She loved Paul very much and for two months she went to and fro asking if they have found Paul’s body, she saw Cecille.

The two looked at each other without knowing why. A feeling of longing overtook them, but was not able to converse or react to that feeling for Cecille was wheeled away to another room.

Victoria, finally giving up, she gave her dress away and burned all the invitations, etc…She retreated into her own world. And for a while, all she did was work and work and work.

Meanwhile, Cecille, recuperating from the plane crash has post-stress-traumatic syndrome that she refuses to remember what happened. In a few months, she’s back in the streets, working her ass up again getting projects.

IN the grocery store, Victoria was buying supplies for herself. When she reached for a napkin, she thought she saw Paul reaching for the same sanitary pad like the first time they met. Only to find out it was Cecille (they don’t remember each other). Cecille smiled and apologized, and got another set of sanitary pads. While Cecille was walking away, Victoria can’t help but look at her with a curious glance. Like there’s something she’s supposed to do but don’t know what. While Cecille was walking away, she looked back at Victoria with curiosity, she felt like she knew her from somewhere but can’t remember. She just shrugged her shoulders and continued shopping.

After doing the grocery, Victoria would usually stop by the shoe store and find out if there’s anything that finds her fancy. She got one slipper and tried it on. As she was looking at her feet in the mirror, another set of feet walked beside her, and asked if she’s buying that pair, coz it’s the only pair left with that size. She looked up to see it was the woman at the grocery store, the same feelings overwhelmed her and she kind of blush. Cecille noticed it and was quick in apologizing, she never meant to upset her or anything. Just that she likes the shoes and it’s the only pair left. She doesn’t want to go to another mall and look for her size. Victoria recovered and said it was ok – she was just shocked that’s all. Then she said she’s not buying it so Cecille can have the shoes. Cecille thought something was off with Victoria when she thanked her and proceeded to buy the shoes.

CECILLE was presenting a design layout to a prospective client. The client liked the design and commissioned Cecille for the job. The client then referred her to another business associate who are in need of additional interior designers for their condo projects.

VICTORIA is busy finishing the monthly financial report of the construction company owned by Paul’s family. Her boss, Mrs. Go, Paul’s mom, told her to keep low since she knows that Victoria is still grieving and she doesn’t have to work that hard. Which Victoria dismissed and said that she’d be better off working than sulking at home. So if there were anything more she can do for the company she’d be willing to work hard. So her boss assigned to her another account – the new condo, to handle the budget and to oversee that the materials used are according to plan and that all additional cost should be approved by her. She gladly accepted the job and said that she’ll get on with it. She then instructed Victoria to get in touch with the department head regarding the project.

CECILLE went to the construction company and presented her portfolio. The head of the department liked her works and hired her for the project. Although she cautioned Cecille that her materials should be within the budget since the company is really in a bad time since the demise of the boss’s son. She agreed and said that the reason why they like her concept is because it is a sophisticated urban look yet easily achieved by cheap materials and carefully chosen furniture. She then said that she’s going to canvass for the materials needed and needs time before she can come up with the financial statement and she needs to see the place of course. The head of the department said that she should talk with their budget officer and asked the secretary to call the budget officer but the secretary said that she already left. So the head of the department asked Cecille to call in the morning so that she’ll know if the budget officer would be available to accompany her to the site. Which she agreed, and bade goodbye for she has another appointment.
As she walked towards the closing elevator she yelled “Please Hold!” but Victoria didn’t hear it.

At the dentist’s clinic, Victoria was waiting for her turn when Cecille came in and said she has an appointment. Victoria froze for she thought that Paul just came in -then Cecille sat beside her. Victoria immediately recovered and was the first to smile, which was received warmly by Cecille. Victoria then said that they have bumped into each other in the most unforeseen of circumstances. It feels like déjà vu, but it’s totally fucked up. Cecille just smiled and shrugged her shoulders and out of nowhere said that Victoria’s face is familiar, and joked that maybe once they shared the same dream. They smiled at each other as one would smile when given chocolates and a dozen roses. They smile with a connection unknown to them both, yet it somehow binds them to meet. Strangers as they are – they don’t even know each other’s names. Huh. Victoria was called in first, and before going in she turned and looked at Cecille once more as if telling her to wait for her, and she would wait for her too. Cecille nodded and smiled. Victoria blushed.

While Victoria was inside, Cecille got a phone call from Dina, her sister asking her where she is, and if she could pick up her kids because she was caught by traffic and the children are already waiting. She said she’s near the school and she would pick the kids up. She had her appointment re-scheduled and hurriedly left. When Victoria came out, she was disappointed to see no one waiting for her. She looked around, even peeked in at the clinic again, but there’s no Cecille. She frowned and walked away.

While driving her nephews home, Cecille got a phone call from the construction company asking if she’s available by 9am tomorrow to meet with the budget officer and visit the site. She said ok and hung up.

Cecille went to the construction office to meet with the budget officer. While she was at the office waiting, Victoria came in and was glad to see Cecille sitting in the room. She smiled shyly as if asking, “how did you find me? Cecille was also shocked to see Victoria and just smiled and gestured her head in “I don’t have an idea” manner. The silence was broken by the head of the department and assumed they know each other already. But both disagreed and said that they don’t, and it’s just a long story. So the head of the department introduced them to one another as Cecille the designer, and Vicky the budget officer. For the first time, Cecille offered her hand in a handshake, and said “So, your name’s Vicky, huh? ”.

Cecille drove going to the site, and while in the car, both were speechless except for the occasional road directions from Victoria. A few glances and warm smiles were shared now and then, as Victoria took the liberty of time to gaze at Cecille, she reminds her someone very special to her. Although it’s weird because Cecille is a woman, and she’s also a woman – but there’s this magnet that draws her to Cecille. She noticed Cecille’s a little chinita, with a tanned skin, her hair in a sexy bob accessorized by black pearl earrings, and her bare back exposed through her spaghetti strapped blouse – her skin, it looks so soft – she was startled back from her gaze when Cecille turned to look at her and asked for more directions. Victoria directed her left to a stop at a building, and to the parking lot.

As the two of them are checking the condo units, and Victoria explaining the vision of the company, Cecille behind her was observing how she moves, her long wavy hair that bounces when she moves, her slim figure and her nice skin. And she wonders why her black-rimmed eyeglass somehow gives more appeal to Victoria instead of making her look conservative. And those lips… she snapped out of her thoughts and looked away. She’s a woman, and so is Victoria, it is NEVER GONNA HAPPEN.

“SO WHAT DO YOU THINK?” Asked Victoria. “Can you plan the design of the building? Choose one unit to be the model unit.”
“Of course. This is a dream job.” Cecille answered smiling.

“SO, YOU WANNA HAVE LUNCH? I know this good restaurant that serves really good food! It’s my treat so don’t bother saying no.” Asked Cecille.

Victoria was surprised when Cecille brought her to the Korean restaurant she and Paul used to go to. Somehow, she has an inkling what might be her feelings for Cecille. For so short a time, Victoria saw Paul in Cecille - in a very very weird way…how Cecille double checked if the car was locked; how Cecille opened the chopstick pack for her; how Cecille stays away from orange foods, except for the kimchi; and when she laughs… her heart sings. Too much coincidence?

“DO YOU BELIEVE IN REINCARNATION?” Victoria asked her friend Jona. “What if the person you are so in love with died and went to another body? How would you know if it’s him? Would he even recognize you? And what if that body – belongs to a different kind of person?”
Jona was amused by her questions, she asked if she thinks Paul was reincarnated and she’s met the person already. “That’s impossible,” she said. “Once you die, it’s either you go to heaven or you go to hell.”
“But what about unfinished business?”
“What about it? Don’t tell me you believe in that CASPER stuff. You’re too old for that.” “I know, it’s embarrassing but I’ve met someone, and I think she’s Paul.”

“SHE? She’s Paul? What do you mean SHE IS PAUL? As in, girl… Paul became a girl?” Jona laughed. It’s the most hilarious thing she’s ever heard. But when she saw Victoria with a serious face. She mellowed down and confronted her friend.
“Vhic, are you serious? If this is even true – are you going to be a lesbian?”
Victoria shrugged her shoulders and admitted that she doesn’t know what’s going to happen next. She’s just sure that there’s something going on … “BASTA.”

Cecille picked up her nephews once again and brought them home to her sister Dina’s house. She asked the maid to give them a bath and have some rest, their parents are going to be home soon and she would join them for dinner. As the kids went upstairs, Ian the youngest went to his parent’s room as he always does. Cecille heard Ian scream and hurriedly ran upstairs – she saw her sister at the side of the bed, blanket wrapped around her obvious nakedness and a man (not her brother-in-law) on the other side of the bed, hurriedly wearing his pants. She took Ian in her arms and covered his face with her hands and took him away, while staring accusingly at her sister.

During dinner, Cecille hasn’t spoken to her sister yet about what happened. Phillip, Dina’s husband, was just observing the silence when at last he can’t bear it anymore and spoke. He said that he’s glad Cecille decided to join them for dinner. Can’t imagine being alone in her apartment, he offered that Cecille could stay for the night. But Cecille kindly declined the offer, saying she’s still got a job to do. She just got this design account of a new condo building. Phillip asked what company – Cecille said ILC Associates. Then Phillip said that he knows the company and the son of the owner died in an accident, where Cecille was also part of. Cecille just ignored the conversation and continued eating, but Phillip went on and said that the owner’s son is supposedly getting married before that happened. “Poor guy,” he said… “No, poor girl,” Cecille commented.

As Cecille was about to leave, Dina caught up with her and said they needed to talk. Cecille asked, “What is there to talk about? It’s either you tell Phillip or I will.”
Dina said, “It’s not that easy.”
Cecille was furious, “Ian will probably be traumatized by what he saw – God forbids he saw anything – and you’re saying it’s not that easy? How could you do that to a loving husband, to your two adorable kids? I can’t be, I don’t want to be a part of that.”

At the office, Cecille was in a bad mood that she refuses to talk to anyone. Even to her secretary / close friend Myra who was obviously concerned with her. Cecille told Myra to go away, which Myra said ok, then turned around and said that the budget officer from the construction firm called and she wants to know when can she see projected cost for the materials and furniture for the model unit. Cecille said ok she’d call the budget officer herself. When Myra left, she thought for a while and decided to get back to work, to hell with her sister. She dialed the budget officer’s number…

Victoria was researching about reincarnations online. Then she decided to google Cecille Leano – up came her name under the survivor’s list of the plane crash that took Paul away. Cecille’s seat was 24E, Paul’s seat was 24F. They were seated together! She froze - a flashback from that day in the hospital where she went looking for Paul. That was Cecille – she muttered “oh my God” … then startled by the ringing phone. It was Cecille on the other line…

“HELLO VICKY, it’s Cecille, I got your message about the projected cost. I haven’t finished it yet. Would you mind if I give it to you before this week ends?”
No response.
“Hello Vicky? Are you there?”
Victoria, still shocked, was unable to speak.
“Hello?”
Victoria recovered for a while and said, “Yes, it’s ok.”
“All right then… are you, ok?” Asked Cecille with concern.
“I don’t know,” whispered Victoria. “I fucking don’t know!”
Weird, Cecille thought, and then hung up the phone.

Victoria came home very disturbed. She wasn’t able to eat, which made her mother concerned. She went to her room and took out Paul’s picture from her drawer. She was looking at the picture as if looking for some answers.
“Are you trying to tell me something, Paul?” Then she fell asleep hugging Paul’s picture.

IN THE MORNING, Victoria told Jona what she found out about Cecille. Jona was ecstatic, can’t really believe she’s hearing this kind of things from Vicky. But considered the odds and said, “It might be him, it might not be him, the only thing to make sure is let’s summon Paul’s spirit.” Victoria frowned at her friend and told her to take her seriously, she’s really confused.
“I don’t know, Vhic, it sounds really impossible. You know that movie BIRTH with Nicole Kidman thinking that the little boy was her dead husband? It turns out the boy just read their love letters and then pretended to be the husband. What if that is what’s happening now, huh? What if Paul told Cecille everything about you and now she’s setting out to get you, pretending to be Paul. What if it’s like that?” Jona asked.
“But she’s not pretending to be Paul. I don’t think she knows I’m Paul’s fiancée, or I don’t think she knows Paul at all.” Answered Victoria.
“Then only one way to find out… get close.” Jona winked.

CECILLE went to the construction firm’s office to give the projected cost to Victoria. Obviously, Victoria set out a plan – to know the truth. Then she called on to Jona and showed her Cecille from a distance of course.
Jonah said that Victoria was lucky, if she were to be with a woman too, Cecille would be a catch! Victoria pinched Jona to get serious, but agreed that Cecille is really beautiful. Then Jona said Paul has good taste of choosing who to become when reincarnated then chuckled. That comment made Victoria think again – then smiled. An officemate, Ben, passed by and got curious about what the two are looking at, and whispered to them “So, what’s up with her?”
The two were startled and suddenly stopped. Exchanged weird glances and went their way. Leaving Ben to himself admiring Cecille.

BACK at her desk, Victoria with a thundering nervous spirit calmly tried to hide her smile. She reviewed the papers and said that it’s more than their budget allocation. “Could you cut down a bit, maybe with the furniture, canvass for more lower prices or better yet cheaper materials.” She asked.
Cecille was baffled by what she heard and raised her left eyebrow. ”What? You want to change my design?”
“No, not change. Maybe mold it into a cheaper but still as elegant as your design.”
Cecille shook her head.
“You don’t like?” Asked Victoria.
“It would mean more work for me and I haven’t got that time to canvass right now.” Answered Cecille sarcastically.
“It’s okay, I could come with you if you want. So that you won’t have to prepare a draft again. That ok with you?” Victoria asked.
“Are you sure? It doesn’t seem like its part of your job. And I’m not really sure you could help me choose – if you know what I mean?”
“Excuse me. I know enough to say which color goes with what and what style should go with… what…”
Cecille chuckled. “You’re funny. You’re just making it all up.”
Victoria smiled, “Am I? I’m glad I made you laugh.”

Pause.

“You look gloomy today.”
“That obvious, huh? It’s a long story. I don’t want to waste your time.”
“It’s all right.”

Pause.

“You want to have dinner. This time it’s my treat. You free?” Victoria asked.
Both smiled.

They decided to have dinner at a nearby restaurant that serves steaks. Victoria guessed what Cecille wants and true to it, she likes her steak medium rare, just like Paul, Victoria asked why, Cecille said because the meat is more tender and softer – just like what Paul used to say. As for her, she likes her steak fully cooked, the blood grosses her out. Cecille chuckled again and commented that, you can’t taste the richness of the meat anymore. “I don’t care,” said Victoria. “As long as there’s no blood.”

After eating, they decided to stop by for coffee but the coffee shop was full so they ordered the coffee for take out and agreed to drink it at the parking lot.
In the car, Victoria asked about Cecille’s concerns. Cecille relayed the thing with her sister Dina, “It was bad,” she said. Victoria asked, “Is it okay to comment?”
Cecille nodded.
“Have you asked her why she did it?”
Cecille shook her head. “You see, whatever the reason she did it, you should support her, she’s your sister.”
“Even if I think it’s wrong?” Asked Cecille.
“Maybe. But the worst thing that you could do is not accepting her. You may not understand her reasons but she is still your sister. And whatever she decides, you should be by her side. Not by her husband’s side. You never know. It might be your brother in law’s fault or something.”
“I know,” agreed Cecille. “It’s just hard for me right now.”
“Let things cool down a bit.” Victoria said.
“Yeah, that’s probably better.”

Silence.

Then Cecille said, “You have a nice silhouette against the light”.

Silence.

“Take you home?” asked Cecille. “Sure. Thanks”, Answered Victoria.

INFRONT of Victoria’s house, Victoria said her thank yous for having dinner with her and for taking her home. Cecille also thanked her for the dinner and the conversation, she said she really needed that. Then Victoria opened the door, just as she was about to get out, she came back in and planted a warm kiss on Cecille’s cheeks, as she whispered to her ear “thank you for the compliment”. Cecille looked surprised but Victoria’s smile pacified her, “you’re welcome”, she said.
Victoria smiled and closed the door. Then she came back and knocked at the window. Cecille rolled it down; Victoria peeked in and said, “You smell good. Goodnight” then rushed off inside the house. Cecille surprised by Victoria’s attitude, but quite liking it drove away smiling.

IN THE OFFICE, Victoria submitted her financial report of the month. As her boss, Mrs. Go was reviewing the papers, she asked about the condo project. She asked if Victoria already coordinated with the department regarding their constraints on budget. Victoria said, “Yes and I actually already met the new interior designer and I took her to the site already. We’re working the design to fit with the budget, but even though it’s like that I’m not going to compromise the vision of the artist regarding the design.” “That’s good,” Mrs. Go said. “You look better today than the last few months… do you like that kind of work?” Mrs. Go asked again.
“It’s all right,” Victoria said. Mrs. Go smiled and said, “Maybe you should stick with that project for a while. Get some fresh air away from the office, work the fields, huh?”
“Ma’am you don’t need to do that, I’m okay here at the office.”
“So you don’t like my idea?” Mrs. Go seemed hurt.
“It’s not like that.” Victoria sighed, and then smiled. “Okay ma’am, I think it’s a good opportunity for me to…to…grow professionally. Thank you very much, ma’am.”

At her desk, Victoria kept smiling and was approached by Jona.
“Hey! You smiling face, what’s up?”
“I got free time. The condo budget is the only thing I’ll handle now.”
“That’s great. You need some time off anyways.” Supported Jona. Then she whispered, “So, what happened with your Casper?”
“Nothing, we had dinner last night and coffee. She said I have a nice silhouette against the light. Then we went home.”
Jona chuckled. “So you found out nothing?”
“Not really nothing. She likes her steaks with blood, just like Paul.”
“Really? She likes her steaks tender eh? Then Jona got serious and said, “How about me? I like my steaks tender too. Maybe I’m Paul. What about that?”
Then she laughed. Victoria laughed with her too. Then Ben came and asked what the two of them are laughing about. Jona said no one and was about to leave when Ben asked Victoria, “Who was that girl at your table last week, the one you were looking at. What’s her name? Do you have her number?”
Victoria looked at him and sarcastically said, “She’s Cecille, the new interior designer. Why do you want her number?”
Ben just shrugged his shoulders and said, “I want to ask her out.”
Victoria frowned and said, “I don’t have Cecille’s number and even if I have it and gave it to you, Cecille wouldn’t go out with you.”
Ben asked, “Why?” Victoria just seriously said, “I just know. Ok?”
Ben left them mumbling to himself and Jona told Victoria, “You’re mean.”
Victoria said, “Of course I don’t want competition. I don’t want Paul to become gay.” Then they were laughing again. Then Jona got serious and asked Victoria, “What about Cecille? Are you going to be gay?”
Victoria said, “I’ll just cross the bridge when I get there, I just want to be with Paul. Just like that movie with Alec Baldwin and Meg Ryan, Prelude to a Kiss” she winked.

CECILLE was at her usual routine of canvassing materials and furniture when she got a call from Victoria. Victoria asked where she was and upon knowing Cecille was out looking for cheap materials, she asked if she could accompany her, just like what she promised last time. Cecille agreed and told her where she was. Victoria immediately left the office and went to where Cecille was. Cecille was with her assistant Myra and when Victoria arrived, Cecille asked Myra to go back to the office for people might be calling them. Myra said the office was too far for her to commute. Then Victoria said if they came there with a car, Myra could take their car for Victoria drove going there and she can give Cecille a lift later. Myra thanked her for her generosity and left them. Cecille smiled at Victoria and the two of them proceeded looking for materials that suit Cecille’s taste and design. After walking around, the two got tired and decided to have a snack. They ate nachos with salsa and jalapenos. And when they passed by the movie house Victoria saw the supposedly Filipino version of her favorite novels of all time, Wuthering Heights. She suggested that they go see it and compare if it stayed true to the story. Cecille laughed at her and told her she’s baduy to which Victoria laughed along to and agreed that it is baduy of her to be suggesting that.

They decided to call it a night. Victoria drove Cecille home. As Cecille gets off from Victoria’s car, she asked Victoria if she wants to come up, even for a while. Victoria smiled and asked Cecille if she’s sure about that. Cecille said why not, she could have some coffee or tea before she goes home, payment for the free ride.

IN CECILLE' S APARTMENT, she told Victoria to make herself at home, nobody would be disturbing them because she doesn’t have a help and not to ridicule the place because it’s been a while since she had the time to fix it. Victoria said it’s ok, she doesn’t mind, and then locked the door behind her. Cecille called out from the kitchen and asked what would she like, coffee or tea, Victoria answered tea. When she was done preparing the tea she went to Victoria and said that she’ll put on some music for them.

Cecille went into her room to get some CDs. Victoria followed her and stood at the doorway while Cecille was choosing from her CD collection which one to get. Victoria eased her way near Cecille until they are just 2 ft away from each other. Cecille turned around and found herself face to face with Victoria. In that instant, their bodies spoke like one as Victoria moved forward and Cecille supported herself against the wall as their lips meet in the most passionate of kisses. They closed their eyes as they savor the softness of each other’s lips. And when Victoria let go to breathe, her eyes transfixed at Cecille’s lips, a small sigh came out from Cecille, then hesitated to Victoria’s another attempt to kiss as she softly said, “I’m not…” Her words are stopped by Victoria kissing her lips again while saying, “I know. I know.” With their lips doing the talking, Victoria trailed her hands from Cecille’s ears to her neck, down her cleavage, and to her waist and then gently unbuttoned Cecille’s pants. This surprised Cecille as Victoria smiled a little at her reaction, and then kissed her again, pinned against the wall, their bodies dancing to a silent music. Victoria slid her hand inside Cecille’s opened pants to feel her butt and took Cecille’s leg up to her waist so their bodies gyrate closer and they can feel their breasts rubbing against each other.
Cecille, getting caught up with Victoria’s intensity wrapped her arms around Victoria’s waist, as she slides her hands upward, slowly feeling her soft skin, as she takes off Victoria’s blouse, and instantly, as soon as Victoria’ face was free from the blouse she kissed her mouth with such gentle ferocity that Victoria just let the blouse fell… then Victoria whispered, “Your tea will get cold.” Cecille answered with a smile and then kissed her again.

VICTORIA woke up an arm’s length from Cecille who was sleeping face down with her bare back exposed. Victoria smiled, she never thought this could happen, it was so easy, it seems like she knew what she was doing but she’s actually never done it before. As she caresses Cecille’ back she noticed three little horizontal marks near her spine. She got curious and looked closer. It’s a scar of some sort. Then she thought it’s probably from the plane crash. She then gently kissed Cecille’s back, careful not to wake her up, and got out of the bed as noiseless as she can. She scanned the room for her clothes and saw them on the floor, she picked them up one by one, and then smelled her blouse. She frowned, it’s a little stinky, and then she saw Cecille’s closet. She tiptoed towards it and gently opened it, she saw a T-shirt and wore it. With only the T-shirt on she then carefully went out of the room.

CECILLE woke up in her own bed. She stretched and yawned as she always does everyday. Then she noticed that she’s not wearing anything under the blanket, and realized what happened last night. She got nervous and with only her eyeballs moving she tried to see if Victoria is still in the bed with her, and when she saw no feet, no figure beside her she fully turned her head, she thought that maybe she already left, then gave out a sigh.

With her white top and string pants Cecille went out of the room and was surprised when she saw Victoria going about in her kitchen. She was cooking. Then Victoria saw her, “Hey! I’m sorry if I woke you up. Come, sit. Sit.” She then served Cecille a cup of coffee, “Careful, it’s hot.” Victoria then proceeded on blabbering while Cecille looked on with a curious face.
“I decided to cook us breakfast, I hope you don’t mind me tinkering in your kitchen.”
She then served the breakfast plate with bacons and scrambled eggs, “You like your eggs scrambled, right?” She then went back to the kitchen to get some fork. “Oh, by the way, I borrowed your shirt, mine’s a little stinky, is that ok?”
Cecille nodded.
“C’mon now, eat. Eat.”
Victoria sat down in the table in front of Cecille ready to watch her eat but then she realized, “Oh, and I have to go now, coz I have to go to work and I need to stop by my house to shower and change. I’ll return this shirt to you. Don’t worry.” Victoria smiled and went to the bedroom to get her pants and other things. She went back to the dining area while buttoning her pants and while she was fixing her sandals, Cecille spoke.
“Vicky, last night, was…”
“Great! I know!” Victoria interrupted, smiling.
“Yes, it’s great, but you know… I’m not, you know.”

Pause.

“A lesbian? I know. Me too.” Victoria answered back and went to where Cecille was standing and wrapped Cecille’s arms around her waist with a smile. Cecille gave out a sigh.
“You want to be one?” asked Victoria rubbing her forehead against Cecille’s forehead with a sly smile.
“Then what are we doing?” asked Cecille completely bewildered by Victoria’s action.
“Right now? Hmmm… I’m about to kiss you.” Victoria then gave Cecille a quick smack on the lips, then stepped back to see Cecille’s reaction for she bowed her head after the kiss. Cecille looked up to Victoria and said with a smile, “You’re really something.”
The she kissed Victoria’s open mouth. Then they giggled after that.
“So, I’ll see you later?” asked Victoria. Cecille nodded.
“Pick you up? Pick me up?” asked Victoria again. “Pick you up.” Answered Cecille.
“Okay, I’ll see you later.”
They kissed again, smiling at each other. Cecille not wanting to let go of Victoria’s arms around her waist, but Victoria pulling it and laughing, and giving Cecille quick kisses as she gestured she’s got to go. Cecille conceded and Victoria left.


AT VICTORIA’S DESK, Jona came by for a small talk. “How are you? You’re mom called me last night. Where were you?” she asked.
“At a friend’s house.” Victoria answered with a smile.
“You have a new friend I don’t know about? Hello? I’m your only friend!” Jona sarcastically commented. “Anyways, none of my business, right?”
“Right!” agreed Victoria. “Hmmm, by the way, I’ve got news about my Casper.”
“You mean Cecille?” Victoria just smiled and whispered, “I saw her scars from the plane crash. Three marks on her back.”
“Really? She showed it to you?” asked Jona.
Victoria shook her head. “Then how did you see it?” asked Jona again.
Victoria just smiled and looked away. “Don’t tell me… hello? Are you serious?” mocked Jona. Victoria shrugged her shoulders and smiled to herself. “I’m happy. Like before with Paul. I’m back.” She muttered to Jona. Then her cell phone beeped. Victoria excitedly jumped out of her chair and told Jona Cecille’s waiting for her downstairs. Jona irked and with sympathy said, “You don’t know what you’re getting yourself into.”

VICTORIA gave Cecille a peck on the check when she got into the car. Both of them are smiling like children with secrets. Victoria asked where they are going. Cecille just said anywhere would do as long they are together. Victoria smiled and kissed Cecille.

MONTAGE
They are trying on clothes and Victoria would pull Cecille in the fitting room and make out.
They would walk hand and hand towards their car in the parking lot but would let go when they see other people.
Victoria would visit Cecille at the condo project and steal her away for a couple of minutes to make out in the vacant room. Giggling.
They would take pictures of each other and take weird poses in tagaytay.
While sitting on the beach watching the sunset, their silhouettes blur.

VICTORIA woke up irritated by something scratching her nose, she opened her eyes to see Cecille scratching her nose and smiling at her across the bed. “Good morning.” Cecille greeted Victoria who was yawning and stretching herself. “Good morning” Victoria answered back smiling. They lay there side by side facing each other. Smiling at each other with no apparent reason. Then Cecille said, “I LOVE YOU”.
Victoria smiled and kissed Cecille’s forehead, her nose, then her lips, and whispered, “I love you.”

DINA WAS SITTING in the living room with a stern-faced Phillip, she was sobbing. While Phillip regains his composure by sipping his brandy, he tries to hide his tears by looking at the ceiling and when he’s sure that the tears would not fall, he spoke, “Why?” Dina did not answer but continued crying. To which Phillip stood and faced the wall. “Am I not enough for you?”
Then he turned around and faced Dina as he struggled to stopped the words that are going to come out of his mouth, “PERVERT”
“I’m sorry Phillip. I was lonely. I was stupid. Nothing I say now would make you hate me less” Dina said crying looking at Phillip.
“I don’t hate you” Phillip answered calmly.
Surprised by what Phillip said Dina momentarily stopped crying and looked at Phillip. Phillip then faced her again and in an instant his hand was about to hit Dina’s face but stopped, withdrew his hand and whispered,
“I regret the day I met you. I regret the day I married you. The air that you breathe out is poison to me. You’re the devil incarnate.”
Phillip left Dina in the living room weeping. She never felt so low in her life. To be told that she’s the devil incarnate. She closed her eyes.


AT THE CONDO PROJECT, Victoria came to visit Cecille and just like before she stole her away from what she was doing and they hid in one of the finished rooms. They were giggling as they make out unmindful of the wind that opened the curtains exposing what they were doing to the people who may pass by outside. Mrs. Go at that time was inspecting the progress of the condo project. As she was about to pass through the window and see Cecille and Victoria making out, Jona happened to see the two first and the coming Mrs. Go. Jona rushed towards Mrs. Go and with a loud voice greeted her good morning. Victoria and Cecille were startled, they fixed themselves and went out of the room. Mrs. Go saw Victoria and greeted her and said that she was looking for her. Victoria smiled and answered all of Mrs. Go’s questions until she left.
Then Jona grabbed Victoria’s arm and led her to a corner. With an angry voice she confronted Victoria. “What on earth are you two doing? Playing around? You want to get yourself fired? You want both of your assess fired?”
Victoria struggled to free herself and succeeded and with an accusing tone answered Jona, “What do you care? I’m not doing anything wrong!”
“Wrong!” Jona shouted. ‘You are making out with A GIRL!” she put the emphasis on the girl. “A GIRL Victoria, a girl. And you don’t think that’s wrong? Huh?

Silence.

Then Jona spoke again, “You’re my friend and I want you to open your eyes. I don’t want anything bad to happen to you. This has gone too deep. People are going to know.”
“What are you really doing?” Jona calmly asked Victoria.
Victoria faced Jona and with wavering certainty said, “I love… her”
Jona smirked, “HER? Don’t tell me you love her? HER Victoria. HER!”
Victoria fell silent and looked away.
Jona wide-eyed with what she just heard shook her head, “No. You don’t love her, you don’t love Cecille, you loved Paul, and you just think she’s Paul, which was very stupid. Mahal mo siya pero hindi siya ang mahal mo. And don’t you think that’s unfair to her?”
Victoria felt her knees weaken, she searched for a chair and finding none leaned against the wall and slowly sat on the floor. She closed her eyes as if meditating and looking for the answers inside of her. Jona knelt down to level with Victoria, with a calm voice she said, “You have to fix this before it gets worse. Before you hurt anyone else. Before you hurt Cecille.” Like a child, she stroked Victoria’s hair and patted her shoulders. Then Victoria whispered, “Leave me alone please.”
Jona hesitantly got up and left. As she turned around the corner, Cecille was there.

JONA WAS SURPRISED to a halt. Then Cecille asked, “Who’s Paul?”
Jona exhibited no reaction and quietly answered, “Her dead boyfriend.”
Cecille was surprised and chuckled, “Are you kidding?”
“I wish I am”
“How could she think that?”
“You were seated beside Paul in that plane crash.”
“So?”
“And the two of you met again where she and Paul first met. And you and Paul like the same things, and your scars…”
Cecille confused with what Jona was saying shook her head.
Jona then tried to convince Cecille, “Don’t you see? She’s just playing with you. She’s living this fantasy that Paul was still alive, in you. She doesn’t really lo…” Jona caught her tongue and stopped.
“I’m sorry” Jona said guiltily and walked away.

CECILLE went home to her apartment. Opened her drawer and took out a zip plastic bag. Visible inside it were two white gold wedding bands. She took them out and read the inscriptions inside it – VICTORIA + PAUL. As she was reading the inscriptions, realizing what had just happened. Tears fell from her eyes. “So it’s true,” she said. “So it’s true.”
Then her doorbell rang. She wiped her tears placed the plastic bag on her bed and opened the door. Dina was outside with a suitcase. She was sobbing. Cecille understood what happened and with opened arms accepted her sister. They hugged each other as if the world doesn’t care about them anymore. They were the only ones who cared about each other truly. They both cried at the fate that they have. It’s them again. It’s just them sisters again. Cecille wiped the tears from Dina’s eyes and bitterly smiled. Dina smiled back bitterly and wiped the tears from Cecille’s eyes.

VICTORIA went to the condo project again to meet with Cecille. Cecille was avoiding her until Victoria cornered her and with an impatient tone asked, “What’s going on?”
Cecille just looked at her, wrung her arm free and walked a few steps away.
“I heard everything.” She said.
“What everything?” Victoria asked.
“The other day.” Victoria was surprised and bowed her head and placed her face on her palms. She didn’t say anything. Cecille was just observing her, trying to stop her tears.
Victoria looked at her, finding no voice, just mouthed the words I’m SORRY, her face wet from her tears.
Cecille bit her lips and looked away. Tears freely flowing now from her eyes, she didn’t try to stop them anymore. She tried to speak, but no words are coming out. She closed her eyes and said, “I’m not sure what I should feel right now.”
Then she faced Victoria and sneered at her as she says, “I thought you loved me because you love ME, not some dead guy I was with on a plane!”
Then she chuckled. “Don’t you think you’re a bit too old for fantasies?”
Cecille shook her head, “It was all lies. Nothing’s real.”
Then she took out the zip plastic bag with the white gold wedding bands from her pocket and threw them in front of the sobbing Victoria. “There,” she said crying, “DREAM’S OVER” then she left.

DINA OPENED the door of Cecille’s apartment and was surprised by her two children waiting outside, all smiles they both shouted, “MOMMY!” Dina gave them the tightest hug and led them inside, she was teary eyed while talking to them, stroking their hair, their back, and kissing them again and again, as she asked, “Who brought you here?” The children in a chorus said, “DADDY!” Dina was surprised and turned around to see no one at the door. She told the kids to stay put she’s just going to talk to daddy. She went out, down the hall and into the street to find Phillip about to ride his car. Then Phillip felt her presence and turned around. Dina looked at Phillip with questioning eyes, she gestured, “I don’t understand.” Phillip went closer to her and lovingly stroked her face. Then he seemed to have realized something and stopped what he was doing and placed his hands in his pocket. He said, “I need to go away. I can’t stand being this way, with you.” He turned around and walked back to his car. He looked back at Dina and said, “Come back home. The children needs you.” He smiled at her and started the engine. As he drove away, Dina burst into tears as she saw a suitcase at the back seat. Phillip left her the house, and the children.

THE HEAD OF THE CONDO project reported to Mrs. Go that the initial construction was done and it’s ready for occupancy. Among the group gathered to report their progress was Myra, Cecille’s assistant. They are now going through their finances and Mrs. Go was surprised to see Jona reporting instead of Victoria.
“Stop. Stop. Where’s Victoria?” she said.
“Ma’am, she ahh… she, she turned the project over to me.” Jona nervously answered.
“Why would she do that? Why? Where is she now?” Mrs. Go’s tone higher than usual.
“She said she has to do something very important ma’am”, Jona again answered, looking around to see all eyes on her.
“More important than her job? I don’t understand this. When she comes back tell her to see me in my office, okay?” Mrs. Go ordered Jona.
“Ma’am, I don’t think she’s coming back, anymore.” Jona hesitantly answered. Mrs. Go raised her eyebrows in a surprised manner and looking at Jona for more information.
“She resigned.” Jona said.
“I didn’t get any resignation letter.” Mrs. Go said. Then Jona took a sheet of paper from her files and gave it to Mrs. Go, “I was going to give it to you later but I guess that’s too late now.”
Mrs. Go read the letter carefully, calmed down and let out a big sigh.
Myra looked amused with the show and shook her head with disappointment.


AT CECILLE'S OFFICE, Myra was giving her an update about the meeting. Then out of nowhere said, “It was quite a show, you should have been there.”
“Why is that?” Cecille asked.
“Victoria resigned. Jona was the one who reported everything.”
Cecille surprised by what she heard turned around to listen carefully at what Myra was saying. “Mrs. Go doesn’t even know that she resigned. She got angry then calmed down. It was weird. If it were me in Mrs. Go’s shoes, I would have fired her ass in an instant!” Jona chuckled to herself amused by what she just said.
Cecille thought, “Why would she do that? Why would she resign? The project was over; they are not going to see each other anyways. Why did she have to leave her work?” Then she closed her eyes and said to herself, “She really doesn’t want anything to do with me anymore.” Tears rolled down her cheeks.

IN HER ROOM, Victoria was sitting on the edge of the bed, contemplating on whether or not to open the drawer of her side table. On top of the table is a picture of Paul and her during happy times. She took the picture and looked at it lovingly, stroking the frame glass. Then she smiled. She opened the drawer and took out the rings.

CECILLE and Dina were sitting in the living room, watching the kids play video games. Cecille then broke the silence and said, “Ate, may I ask you something?”
Dina smiled and nodded, “I’ve been waiting for you to open up actually.”
Cecille gathered up her courage and said, “What would you do, if the person you love doesn’t really loves you – I mean she loves you but not you. She thinks you’re the reincarnation of someone she knew before.”Dina laughed and said, “Phillip said I’m the devil incarnate.”

Pause.

“He did? He was just mad I’m sure.” Cecille comforted.
“Yeah, forget about it. So continue.”
“That’s it.”
“That’s it?”
“Just tell me what would you do if a person loved you because she thought you’re someone else!”
Dina frowned. “I don’t understand.”
“Well, it’s like this. I was seated with her boyfriend, who died in the crash. Then we met in circumstances similar to how she met her boyfriend before. And I just found out the reason she came after me was she thought I was her dead boyfriend!”
Dina looked confuse and with wide-open eyes she said, “Boyfriend? RE-incarnation? SHE???”

PAUSE.

Dina recovered and still disbelieving what she just heard clarified, “This person is a GIRL?”
Cecille nodded.
“ARE YOU A LESBIAN?”
“I don’t know. I only felt like this with her.”
“IS SHE A LESBIAN?”
“I don’t think she is… she thinks I’m her dead boyfriend that’s why she liked me!”
“So she seduced you?”
“I can’t really say, seduced. More like… she made me fall for her.”
“She said she loves you?”
Cecille nodded.
“And all the while she thinks you’re her dead boyfriend?”
Cecille nodded.
“IS SHE NUTS???”
Cecille laughed and then realized the silliness of the situation.
Both of them laughed out loud that the children looked at them curiously. Dina waved them to go back to what they were doing.
Then Dina faced Cecille and said, “Do you love her?”
Cecille nodded.
“Seriously?”
Cecille nodded.
“How did you know?”
“I just do.”
“You realize… that, she’s, a girl?” clarified Dina.
“I know. But still, I love her.”
Dina fell silent.
“But this situation you’re in. It’s really weird. How could she think you’re her dead boyfriend? Maybe it’s her only way of getting to you, if you know what I mean.” Dina teased Cecille smiling.
“That you’re so beautiful even girls fall in love with you,” Dina continued with a wink.
Cecille surprised by the sudden change of mood played along with Dina.
“Maybe,” she said. “So you don’t mind if I have a relationship with another girl?” she cautiously asked Dina.
Dina smiled at her and stroked her hair. “You’re my sister, you’re all I have left, now that Phillip left me.””Phillip left you?”
“Yeah, he left me the house. I don’t know where he went. I guess he can’t really stand being with me anymore.”
“I’m sorry, Ate.”
“It’s all for the better, I actually don’t blame him for leaving me. I can’t really force myself to love him… I was unfair.”

Pause.

“At least I got the kids.”
Cecille smiled and looked at the children still playing unmindful of the talks behind them.
“As I was saying, you’re my only family, and I want nothing but your happiness. Kahit kanino mo pa makuha yun basta hindi ka nila masasaktan.”
They hugged each other tightly that the children seeing them hugging came rushing towards them and laughing they had a group hug.

AT THE CEMETERY Victoria placed flowers on Paul’s grave. She then knelt down on the soil and took out the rings from her bag. She then took out a small shovel and started digging a small hole beside the grave. She placed the rings inside the hole and covered it with her hands. She rested a bit and looked at Paul’s gravestone. She spoke to Paul as if he were there, “Paul, I don’t know if you can hear me. I love you very much. I waited for you. And I thought you came back through her.” She chuckled. “And it was really stupid of me to think that, because why would you come back here, you’re happier in heaven. I’m sorry, the thing is, I love her… I love her now… and I don’t want to lose her. That’s why I’m giving you the rings back.” She patted the soil on top of the hole to level it with the ground. “Come to think of it, you might have or you might not have a part in this, I want to thank you. For bringing her to me.”

CECILLE WAS WALKING along the hallway going to her apartment when she noticed someone was waiting for her near her door. She slowed to a halt a few feet away from Victoria and inches from her door. She did not dare look at Victoria. She clutched the keys inside her hand.
Victoria spoke in a low voice, “I’m sorry. What I did was unfair; it was very unfair to you. You don’t deserve to be treated like that.”
Finding no response or movement from Cecille, Victoria continued with her litany.
“You are your own person. I made a really big mistake by thinking that you might be someone else. It was very childish of me to be thinking that way while I am with you. You’re right, I’m a bit too old for fantasies. To believe in re-incarnation, to believe that you could be Paul, it was really overboard.”
Cecille still stood there unwavering, not looking back at Victoria but intently listening to what she was saying.
“But don’t you think it was a good thing? That stupid belief, led me to you. That I really found the person that I love most in this world, in you. Because you are the one I love. You Cecille, and not anyone else. So please don’t think that everything that I said, everything that we did were all lies. It was all real, as real as my feelings for you.”
Victoria began to weep. Still, Cecille just stood there facing her door.
“I would understand if you don’t want anything to do with me anymore. I’m just here to tell you, that I will cherish the moments we had. But if you could find it in your heart to give me one more chance, I love you so much Cecille.”
Cecille then inserted her key and opened the latch, she stepped inside the apartment. Victoria then shook her head, crying, waiting for the door to close. But instead, Victoria saw a hand; Cecille’s hand was at the door, palm facing up, she was waiting for Victoria to reach out for her hand.

Victoria wiped her tears and reached for Cecille’s hands. They were standing face to face at the doorway, Cecille holding Victoria’s hand. Cecille then wiped the still flowing tears from Victoria’s eyes, and with such calmness said, “You’re a very silly woman.”
She smiled and gently placed a light peck on Victoria’s lips. Victoria then hugged her while still weeping, and Cecille giggling over the situation. She soothed Victoria and they both started laughing. They finally entered the apartment and Cecille closed the door behind them.

***************
March 6, 2007