Katatapos lang ng meeting ng lahat ng leaders para ma-finalize ang sasali sa year end party. There will only be six teams competing, kasama na ang support team. May iba na piniling hindi sumali dahil kulang sila ng performers at yung iba, like Seulgi's team, wants to prioritize their productivity muna. They'll help na lang daw sa Team Irene sa mga kakailanganin.

Pinaiwan ni OM Tiffany si Seulgi to talk about their scores naman.

"So Seulgi, how's your team?" tanong ni OM Tiffany.

Hesitant pa siyang sumagot pero alam naman niyang nakikita naman ng boss niya ang reports.

"Honestly boss, some of them are struggling. But I already talked to those agents who are performing poorly and for the last few days that we've done our coaching, I see some improvement naman po"

"I know it's not easy to be a leader and with these numbers, I know how stressful it can be. Your previous team mates can help you naman so just let Irene know, okay?"

"Yes po boss"

Lumabas na si Seulgi ng office ni OM after nila mag usap at bumalik na sa station niya. New set of reports came in and she was relieved na puro color green ang numbers for her team. Kaya naman pinagdasal na lang niya na magtuloy tuloy ito.

*****************************
DEFENDING CHAMPS

Chaeyoung: guys, meeting tayo after shift para sa line up.
Ryujin: sure thang boss chaeng.
Jisoo: pass muna ako jan. balitaan niyo na lang ako. may pupuntahan kasi kami ni jennie later eh.
Chaeyoung: noted.
Winter: ano nga po ulit ang role ko?
Chaeyoung: you said you play the guitar right?
Winter: ah opo.
Dahyun: sa office lang ba tayo o may pupuntahan?
Joy: sa labas na lang tayo
Winter: pwede naman po sa bahay
Lia: ay bet
Chaeyoung: okay. convoy na lang, di namin alam san yun eh
Ryujin: nakapunta na kayo sa area na yun.

Hindi kasi queueing kaya nakakareply agad ang tropa at walang bantay dahil nasa meeting na naman ang mga leaders.

DANCE LINE

Yeji: may meeting daw after shift.
Sana: saan itey?
Karina: sa bahay po namin
Momo: may food naman dun di ba?
Giselle: marami po. may doomsday pantry po sila ni Winter. hahaha!
Lisa: ayos yan
Jennie: may lakad na kami ni jisoo. balitaan niyo na lang kami
Yuna: di rin po ako pwede
Yeji: sige, sabihan na lang po namin kayo

Biglang bumuhos naman ang pasok ng mga calls ng makareceive sila ng email from their client na nag-down ang system ng isang site nila kaya naman hindi na nila natuloy ang pag uusap sa chat.

*****************************
Natapos ang shift ng lahat sila ay drained na sa kakasalita dahil hindi parin maayos yung kabilang site kaya naman wala ng mga energy ang team pagka-log out nila.

Isa isa silang tumayo sa mga stations, nagpaalam kay TL at pumila na para mag-finger sa biometrics.

"Boss, makakasama ka ba kina Winter? Paguusapan na po sana yung line up?" tanong ni Chaeyoung na nagpresentang punong abala sa performance nila.

"Sunod na lang siguro ako. Send mo na lang sa akin yung address"

"Sige po boss. Ingat po kayo"

Lumabas na din siya at dumiretso na sa smoking area kung saan alam niyang nandoon ang yosi buddies niya.

"Saan pala tayo later?" tanong ni Lisa.

"Mawawala yung surprise pag sinabi namin agad" sagot naman ni Ryujin.

"Sira ka ba? Paano kami makakapunta? Susunod lang kasi kami ni Rosie at susunduin pa namin sa bahay yung mga bata"

"Neighbor daw po namin sila TL Irene" sagot naman ni Winter.

Sabay sabay napa.'ehh?' ang tropa. Nakangiting parang ewan naman si Ryujin.

"Keye nemen pele" sagot naman ni Joy.

After nilang magyosi, pumunta na sila sa kani-kanilang mga sasakyan. Sa FJ Cruiser ni Winter nakasakay sina Karina, Giselle at Ningning. Sa Honda Yaris ni Ryujin ay andun sina Lia, Yuna, and Chaeyoung, sa Honda HRV ni Yeji ay kasama niya sina Chaeryeong, Momo and Dahyun at sa Geely Okavango ni Lisa ay kasama niya sila Rosé, Sana and Tzuyu.

Habang nasa biyahe, tumawag na si Karina sa office ng subdivision para masabihan ang guard on duty na may mga kasama sila na papasok at may susunod pang isang sasakyan. Nag-confirm naman agad ang kausap niya.

******************************
"Mumma" masayang bati ng kambal kay Rosé pagkapasok niya ng bahay. Maagang nagigising ang dalawa kapag may pasok sila ni Lisa. Thankfully, her sister Alice offered to help out watching over them since she resigned from her previous law firm.

"They already had their breakfast and I already packed their things. What time pala kayo uuwi later?" tanong nito habang inaayos ang mga laruan ng mga pamangkin.

"Thanks sis. After lunch na siguro. Matulog ka na muna. Dalhan ka na lang namin ng food"

Nagpaalam na ang mga bata sa kanilang tita at naglakad na sila papunta sa sasakyan. Masaya namang binuhat nina Sana at Tzuyu ang mga inaanak at kinandong na sa kanilang lap.

Kakamessage lang din ni Chaeyoung kay Lisa kung saan sila pupunta at dahil nga halos similar lang ang address na binigay nito sa bahay na madalas nilang puntahan, hindi na nag search pa si Maps at binigay agad ang direksyon.

"Ay ang galing, magkapitbahay pala sila Winter at Wendy" natuwang sabi ni Lisa.

*****************************
Irene finished saving her coaching logs and was just about to shut down her computer when Wendy sent her a message na she'll be waiting for her in the parking lot.

Ever since they found out kasi na she's pregnant, Wendy makes sure na hindi siya maamoy ni Irene na amoy yosi. Mas naging sensitive kasi ang pang-amoy niya kaya naman Wendy makes sure din na after niya mag-smoke, she washes her hand, changes her clothes at mag-papabango siya.

Irene gathered her things at nagpaalam na kay Seulgi dahil late ng isang oras ang shift nila.

Pagkababa ni Irene ay dumiretso na siya kung saan sila nag park. Nakaabang na si Wendy para pagbuksan siya ng pinto.

"Ay nie, may meeting pala kami about the year end party. Sa house nila Winter daw and the team's already there" sabi ni Irene pagkastart ni Wendy ng sasakyan.

"Oh eh saan iyon?"

Irene checked her phone para sa message ni Chaeyoung and had to do a double look dahil sa unang tingin ay sarili nilang address ang nakita niya. "Huh!"

"Why? What's wrong?" tanong ni Wendy.

"Nothing. I just thought that perhaps Chaeyoung made a typo on the address where they are" sagot naman ni Irene while showing her the message.

"Oh. Oo nga noh. Well, let's go meet our neighbors then"

Wendy drove the familiar route going home at pagdating nila ng bahay ay lumabas ulit sila para pumunta sa kabilang bahay.

"Hi po TL, trainer Wendy. Pasok po kayo" bati ni Karina na siyang nagbukas ng gate.

Naunang pumasok si Irene at bago pa makahakbang si Wendy ay inextend ni Irene ang kanyang kamay na sakto sa mukha ni Wendy at napa-step back agad yung isa. "Can't let you in Nie. Kalaban ka namin"

Pigil tawa naman si Karina sa itsura ni Wendy na naka-hang ang bibig dahil sa ginawa ng asawa.

"What the? Walang wife privilege?"

"I'm sorry Nie. Can't spoil the surprise. Defending Champs baby!" pangaasar naman ni Irene with matching pag-tap ng chest.

Umiling iling na lang si Wendy. "Wow. That's how you wanna do it huh? We'll see about that Nie. Don't come crying to me when we get that title this year" pag-hamon nito.

"I'd like to see you try"

Nagpaalam na si Wendy at bumalik na sa kabilang bahay.

"Ang cute niyong dalawa tl" sabi ni Karina.

****************************
The following week...

"Guys, I'd like to take the lead for this performance" sabi ni Wendy habang nasa meeting sila ng support team.

All of them agreed din naman since experience wise, palaging present si Wendy sa mga performances sa year end parties ng company.

"So what's your plan Wendy?" tanong ni Henry.

"I'm pretty sure the other teams would get ideas from other musicals but fortunately, most of us here are talented enough to match the other teams. So I was thinking..."

She then discussed the ideas she had been thinking about.

"Yeah, we could definitely do that. I mean, we have enough people for the band and the rest would dance" sabi naman ni Chanyeol.

"Is everyone on board with their roles?" follow up question ni Henry.

Nagtaas ng kamay si Jeongyeon. "Sorry po, pero I'm still not confident in dancing because of my last injury. I played the bass po last time though"

Wendy took note of the line up. After much consideration from the other team members they finalized what their roles would be.

Jay would be on drums, Henry would be playing the keyboard, Jeongyeon on bass, Chanyeol on lead guitar and Wendy would be the rhythm guitar. Wendy and Chanyeol would also be on vocals along with Jieun and Jinki, while the rest would be the dancers.

"Guys, I'd like to take the lead for this performance" sabi ni Wendy habang nasa meeting sila ng support team.

All of them agreed din naman since experience wise, palaging present si Wendy sa mga performances sa year end parties ng company.

"So what's your plan Wendy?" tanong ni Henry.

"I'm pretty sure the other teams would get ideas from other musicals but fortunately, most of us here are talented enough to match the other teams. So I was thinking..."

She then discussed the ideas she had been thinking about.

"Yeah, we could definitely do that. I mean, we have enough people for the band and the rest would dance" sabi naman ni Chanyeol.

"Is everyone on board with their roles?" follow up question ni Henry.

Nagtaas ng kamay si Jeongyeon. "Sorry po, pero I'm still not confident in dancing because of my last injury. I played the bass po last time though"

Wendy took note of the line up. After much consideration from the other team members they finalized what their roles would be.

Jay would be on drums, Henry would be playing the keyboard, Jeongyeon on bass, Chanyeol on lead guitar and Wendy would be the rhythm guitar. Wendy and Chanyeol would also be on vocals along with Jieun and Jinki, while the rest would be the dancers.

****************************
Gaya nga ng napag usapan, may scheduling sa pag-gamit ng music studio kaya naman si Wendy ay napilitang umalis ng bahay at gumawa na lang ng plans with Seulgi dahil nanalo sa bato bato pick nila si Irene. Nagalangan pa ang kaibigan dahil nagtitipid nga sila pero libre naman daw ni Wendy.

"Sumama ka nga minsan sa praktis nila tol. Tamang spy lang" asar na sabi ni Wendy pagkalabas nila ng subdivision.

"Sasama naman kami ng team ko next week para gumawa ng props. And nope, ayokong maging spy. Malalagot ako kay Joy"

"Hindi naman sa na-o-offend ako sa pagka competitive ni Nie lalo't magkalaban kami ngayon pero grabe lang yung pagkasecretive niya about sa plano nila"

"That's TL Irene dude. Akala ko sanay ka na"

"I know. Minsan iniisip ko na lang na since she's pregnant eh heightened lahat ng emotions kaya damay yung pagkapalaban niya"

Napili nilang mag samgyup na lang kaya pumunta na sila sa naging paborito nilang restaurant sa may Kalayaan Avenue.

Six ordered meats after, nagtaas ng kamay si Seulgi para mag-order ng beers. Mabilis naman inabot sa kanila nung isang babae.

"Oh, it's just the two of you today?" tanong nito. Busy na ulit sa pag-nguya si Seulgi kaya si Wendy na ang sumagot. Familiar na sa kanya yung babae. Madalas kasi nilang maabutan kapag pumupunta sila dito.

"Ah yes. Everyone else is busy with something"

"I see. If you need anything else, just let me know, okay?"

Tumango na lang si Wendy at nagpatuloy ng kumain.

"Huwag na tayo magdagdag ng meat tol. Sasabog na tiyan ko" sabi ni Seulgi pagkasindi niya ng yosi.

Natawa naman si Wendy. "Ikaw lang naman kasi yung padagdag ng padagdag"

"Namiss ko kasi magsamgyup eh"

Alam naman ni Wendy na madalas din magdecline sina Seulgi at Joy pag niyaya nila silang kumain sa labas. Anything na would require them to shell out money, as much as possible, hindi na lang sila sasama. May target din kasi silang date for the wedding and they want to make sure na they have more than enough for the budget.

"Kamusta pala ang preparations?"

"May nakausap na kaming wedding coordinator na may contact na din sa pwedeng magkasal. Yung sa venues naman, medyo mahirap makahanap na papasok sa budget na tinatarget namin. Kaya tumitingin pa kami ng ibang options"

Wendy gave Seulgi the look and she knows what it meant. As much as possible, ayaw niyang um-oo dito dahil gusto din nila ni Joy na sila ang gagastos para sa lahat.

"My offer still stands, Seul. You're my best friend and I want to help"

"I know. Kapag siguro hindi na talaga kinaya"

"Just let me know ha"

After nila magyosi, nag-bill out na din sila habang inuubos ang naluto na nilang meat.

****************************
Since schedule naman nila Wendy gumamit ng music studio, sa kabilang bahay naman nagpraktis ang Team Irene. Kasama din nila ang Team Seulgi na tumulong sa paggawa ng mga props at costumes.

"I talked to the coordinator sa venue and gave them a visual on our performance. Since sa SMX ulit tayo this year, mas malaki talaga ang space na pwede nating magamit sa stage" sabi ni TL Irene sa team habang nagpapahinga ang mga dancers.

Inuna kasi talaga nilang tapusin at mairecord ang mga kanta para dire-diretso na magpraktis ang dances. And kapag napolish na nila ang routine ay tsaka nila pagsasabayin ang practice.

"Paano pala natin madadala yung mga props boss?" tanong ni Jiu.

"Boss, kinausap ko na si daddy na hihiramin natin yung isang truck namin para dalhin yun sa venue" sabi naman ni Ryujin.

"Thank you Ryujin. Inform mo na lang sila kung kailan nila kukunin dito. Most probably next week. Kaya ba Seul?"

Walo naman silang tulung tulong ng team niya sa paggawa kaya mas mabilis lang matapos. 80% done na din sila kaya tumango na lang siya in response.
Natapos ang break time ng dancers kaya nagtuloy na sila sa practice. Lisa and Momo took charge sa pag-choreograph with some input from Seulgi na din at si Irene ang mag-ooversee ng mga ibang details.

"It was a great run everyone. Just a little more polishing on the movements then we can have both teams practice na. The problem now is, the instruments we will use for practice. Kasi for sure Wendy's team would be using what we have for practice din"

"The guitars, bass and keyboards are covered boss. Kasi may sarili ding equipment si Winter. Yung drums na lang ang problema" sabi naman ni Chaeyoung.

Natahimik ang buong team. Tamang isip kung may kakilala ba silang may banda o tumutugtog.

"How much is a drum set ba?" bulong ni Jisoo kay Chaeyoung.

"Do we need like a real drum set or pwede na electronic?" tanong ni Jennie na nakatingin sa phone na nagsesearch pala online.

Nagkatinginan ang mga tutugtog.

"Either works fine honestly. I mean may pros and cons kasi silang dalawa" sagot ni Ryujin.

"Pero kasi what we wanted to show is an authentic bar set up and mostly acoustic drum sets are what they use" dagdag naman ni Chaeyoung.

Nagkatinginan naman ang dalawa sa team at nagkasundo.

"Kami na po bahala sa drums" sabi ni Karina.

Lahat napatingin sa dalawa.

"No no no. Huwag kayong gumastos. We'll just look into renting na lang. Meron namang ganun di ba?" sabi naman ni TL Irene. Siyempre ayaw naman niyang maglabas ng pera ang mga agents niya para lang sa isang performance.

"Order placed na po boss. And besides, gusto ko rin po makumpleto yung equipment ko" sabi naman ni Winter.

"Maghati-hati na lang tayo sa bayad since tayo din naman gagamit nun" sabi ni Jisoo.

"No need na po. Promise. Okay lang po talaga" sabi ulit ni Winter na sinangayunan naman ng girlfriend niyang si Karina.

"No, we cannot let you shoulder the expenses. Name the price Winter. Magbibigay kami ng share" sabi ni TL.

May ilan pang nagpumilit na paghatian ang bayad pero firm ang dalawa na hindi sila pagbayarin.

*****************************
The day of the year end party came and half of Team Irene, mostly the dancers ay kina Winter nakitulog dahil nag-last minute practice pa sila and yung iba ay gusto lang makisama.

2 PM pa ang call time nila but TL Irene advised everyone to be at the venue an hour before para hindi na hassle just in case may kailangan pang bilhin.

Winter woke up early like usual and prepared brunch for everyone. Literal na gigising na lang talaga sila para kumain.

Una niyang pinuntahan ang kwarto kung nasaan ang 4th batch na sina Yeji, Chaeryeong, Yuna, Lia and Ryujin. Sumunod naman ay ang room kung nasaan sila Momo, Dahyun, Sana and Tzuyu then pinuntahan na niya ang room kung nasaan sina Ningning at Giselle and lastly ay ginising na niya si Karina.

She laid beside her and kissed her forehead, her eyes, her cheeks, her nose then her lips. She had been doing this ever since they got together and it never fails to give Karina a smile when she wakes up.

Once everyone had eaten, nagayos na din sila ng gamit and updated their group chat about their status.

DEFENDING CHAMPS

turtlerabbit: rise and shine maderfaders!
nobangsnolife: *sent a photo* aja daw sabi ng kambal
rosasayrosas: awww cuties
mom2bae: good morning team! see you all later.
sasofasichaeng: good morning!
sasofasichaeng: hayop! sino nag set nung mga nicknames??
splitpamore: all set for later. inaantay na lang yung pinakaunang nagising @katalk
katalk: sorry naman. si jagiya kasi eh ang tagal maligo
jiminiwin: mabagal ka lang talaga kumilos jagi. *peace sign* "kissy face*
naeviscalling: let's go!
handsupintheair: parang minamalat ata ako *sad face*
nabongjing: uy walang ganyanan ning. bibirit ka pa!
seulseul: may baong salabat si joy
seulseul: ambaho naman ng nickname! papalitan utang na loob!
jinli-a: sino po ba admin nito?
wanpogi: hi guys! "evil smirk"

wanpogi was removed from the group...

*****************************
"Good evening YSJ!..." pagbati ng host and everyone cheered. He started telling them about the flow of the program and hyped them with some preview of the different group's performance.

Wala naman talagang specific na theme but most of the teams got inspiration from different musicals. Kaya naman lalong naexcite ang ibang employees.

A representative of each team was called on stage to describe what they would be expecting to see. No mention of course of the actual movie or musical they will perform and it got everyone else anticipate the competition.

They drew lots in front of everybody and the six teams now know in which order they will be performing.

Prior to the event ay nagkaroon din ng technical rehearsal para malaman ng coordinators kung gaano katagal ang kinakailangan to bring in and bring out the props for each team. To make sure din na may element of surprise lalo ay may schedule din ang pagpasok nila sa loob ng event hall.

Level up ang lahat when it came to their props and costumes dahil may
kanya-kanyang pasabog ang bawat team.

*****************************
Cicero

Lipschitz

Pop

Six

Squish

Uh uh

Cicero

Lipschitz

He had it comin'
He had it comin'
He only had himself to blame
If you'd have been there
If you'd have seen it

I betcha you would have done the same

Pop, six, squish, uh-uh, Cicero, Lipschitz
Pop, six, squish, uh-uh, Cicero, Lipschitz

The crowd went wild sa finale ng performance ng Team Sunmi. First of the two all girls team sila and since originally may male partners ang ginayahan nilang movie, some of them were wearing suits. Pero agaw pansin talaga ang mga naka-costume as Velma, Annie, Liz, June, Hunyak, and Mona. Plus points na din sa lahat ng tumugtog na members ng team including their team leader.

As the last note ended, nagtayuan ang lahat ng employees para palakpakan ang Team Sunmi. Hawak kamay na humarap ang lahat ng members bago sila nag-bow ng sabay sabay at bumaba ng stage.

Sinimulan na ding ibaba ng staff ang mga props na ginamit at ipinasok na ang gagamitin ng susunod na team.

"That was one heck of a performance! Do you guys agree?" tanong ng host and everyone was cheering. "But that's just our first team for tonight. We've got five more in store for you. So sit back, relax and enjoy!"

When the props were set up, umakyat na ng stage ang Team JB.

The music played and the audience were grooving to the music of Summer Nights from Grease. Na sinundan naman nila ng Grease Lightning at bentang benta sa crowd ang pagportray ni Jackson as Danny Zucko. Then they finished off with You're The One That I Want.

Right after nilang makababa ng stage ay inayos na ulit ang set up for the next performers. Wala masyadong malaking props dahil kasama na sa mismong sayaw ang gagamitin nila.

Nag Iba ang lighting at para kang natransport sa isang concert ng nagsimula na ang tugtugan sa mga kanta ng Queen like Bohemian Rhapsody, Don't Stop Me Now and We Will Rock You.

The three vocalists dressed up with iconic wardrobes ni Freddie Mercury while the dancers did a whole new choreography sa mga kanta.

After the third team, they had dinner na muna kaya naman unahan na naman sa pila sila Momo, Jeongyeon at Lisa dahil nasa dulo ulit silang table na malapit sa buffet table.

Nilapitan naman agad ni Wendy si Irene para sabay na silang kumuha ng food sa isa pang table na para sa leadership and support team.

"Why are you all dressed and covered up Nie? Magpeperform ka din noh?" tanong ni Wendy. Super secretive pa din kasi si Irene until the day of the event. Kahit sabay silang nagpunta sa venue, hindi siya nag bihis with Wendy in the room.

"It's a party nie. So I want to dress up" sagot naman ni Irene.

"Sige I'll act surprised na lang din when I see you on stage later" dagdag ni Wendy and Irene knows na her wife knows na din naman without even telling. Intuitive naman din kasi ang asawa niya.

When they got their food, nakiupo na si Wendy sa table ng Team Irene. She noticed na everyone is covered up as well meaning na whatever they were underneath it ay part ng pasabog nila tonight.

She does miss performing with the tropa and for sure they had lots of fun during their practice.

"Bakit may kalaban dito?" bungad ni Joy pagbalik niya sa table nila. Kasunod din nito si Seulgi na may hawak na dalawang plato.

Naubo naman si Wendy pagkatapos niya isubo yung carbonara.

"Ay grabe ka naman Ligaya. Huwag kang sasama sa after party ah" biro nito.

Tumabi naman agad si Joy at niyakap si Wendy. "Eto naman hindi ka na mabiro"

"Yosi buds. Kita kita after kumain ah" sabi naman ni Jeongyeon na dumating na din para puntahan si Nayeon. Kasunod nito si Mina na tinabihan na si Chaeyoung.

*****************************
After nga nila kumaen ay lumabas ang yosi buddies. Nadagdagan na naman sila ng dalawa kaya sakop na nila ang halos kalahati ng smoking area.

"Sasayaw ba si Irene?" tanong ni Wendy sa tropa. Kanya-kanyang iwas ng tingin dahil yun din ang instruction sa kanila. Hinuhuli lang talaga ni Wendy kung may bibigay.

"Buti pa kayo kasali sa performers" sambit naman ni Seulgi. Siya lang kasi ang hindi talaga kasali sa line up since her team chose din not to be included muna.

"May QCR pa naman eh" sagot naman ni Jisoo.

"I know. Wala eh. Kailangan ayusin ang scores ng team"After nga nila kumain ay lumabas ang yosi buddies. Nadagdagan na naman sila ng dalawa kaya sakop na nila ang halos kalahati ng smoking area.

"Sasayaw ba si Irene?" tanong ni Wendy sa tropa. Kanya-kanyang iwas ng tingin dahil yun din ang instruction sa kanila. Hinuhuli lang talaga ni Wendy kung may bibigay.

"Buti pa kayo kasali sa performers" sambit naman ni Seulgi. Siya lang kasi ang hindi talaga kasali sa line up since her team chose din not to be included muna.

"May QCR pa naman eh" sagot naman ni Jisoo.

"I know. Wala eh. Kailangan ayusin ang scores ng team"

"Balita ko naman kayo nag asikaso nung props niyo eh"

"That's the least we could do tol. Pero proud ako sa naging outcome. Mano-mano namin trinabaho yun ah" proud na sabi ni Seulgi.

Unting catch up pa sila bago bumalik lahat sa loob ng event hall at sakto din naman na magreresume na nga ang program.

"Balita ko naman kayo nagasikaso nung props niyo eh"

"That's the least we could do tol. Pero proud ako sa naging outcome. Mano-mano namin trinabaho yun ah" proud na sabi ni Seulgi.

Unting catch up pa sila bago bumalik lahat sa loob ng event hall at sakto din naman na magreresume na nga ang program.

*****************************
They were the second to the last to perform and while the fourth team was on stage, TL Irene gathered everyone backstage.

“Alright team, this is it! We’ve perfected everything we planned for this performance so let’s all give it our best”

Lahat ay pumped dahil excited na din sila sa gagawin nila. From the band members, to the vocalists, the dancers and even yung mga tumulong lang sa props and costumes.

“Defending Champs tayo so everyone will be expecting one hell of a show” sabi naman ni Chaeyoung.

The rest of the team nodded in agreement.

When the coordinator told them to get ready, nagpuntahan na sa kani-kanilang entrance ang team.

Team Peniel just concluded their performance and while the staff were bringing down the props, nakaabang naman ang mga magdadala ng props nila. They went all out even sa props at ginaya talaga nila yung nasa movie kaya naman mas maraming staff ang tutulong sa kanila.

When they were called, umakyat na sa stage sina Chaeyoung, Ryujin, Jisoo, Winter at Dahyun. After a few soundchecks, nagdim ang ilaw and pumuwesto na ang mga dancers. Jisoo then gave the signal and after that, their performance started with Irene leading the first song.

Show a little more,
Show a little less,
Add a little smoke
Welcome to Burlesque,
Everything you dream of,
But never can possess
Nothing's what it seems
Welcome to Burlesque

Hiyawan naman ang crowd nung lumiwanag ang stage at kita ang buong team. Most of the cheers were because of their costumes din. Similar to what they wore in the movie but with more cover sa skin.

Napanganga na lang si Wendy when she saw what her wife was wearing. Hindi pa nagshoshow masyado si Irene kaya naman hulmang hulma ang kanyang katawan sa kanyang suot.

Oh, everyone is buying,
Put your money in my hand,
If you got a little extra
well, give it to the band

Show a little more
Show a little less
Add a little smoke
Welcome to… Burlesque

The lighting was changed and an instrumental was played as they prepare the set of props. At nang umilaw na ulit ay may anim na dancers sa gitna ng stage na nakaupo sa mga chairs. Rosé began singing as Lisa and Karina who’ll be portraying as Ali give life to the movements.

It's a cold and crazy world that's ragin' outside
Well, baby, me and all my girls are bringin' on the fire
Show a little leg, gotta shimmy your chest
It's a life, it's a style, it's a need, it's Burlesque

Salitan naman sa next lyrics sina Nayeon, Joy.

E-X-P-R-E-S-S, love,
Ladies, no regrets
E-X-P-R-E-S-S, love,
Ladies, no regrets

Then Lia and Ningning joined in as the music started to build up. Sigawan mula sa crowd ng dumami ang mga dancers sa gitna.

Fasten up
Can you imagine what would happen if I let you close enough to touch? (Oh-oh)
Step into the fantasy
You'll never wanna leave, baby that's guaranteed (Why?)

It's a passion, an emotion, it's a fashion, Burlesque
It'll move you, goin' through you, so do what I do, Burlesque
All ladies, confident, flaunt it, boys throw it up if you want it
Can you feel me? Can you feel it? It's Burlesque

Burlesque
Burlesque
Burlesque
Burlesque
Burlesque
Burlesque

The tempo then changed while the staff arranged the background and props and since ilang beses na din naman na-practice ito sa technical rehearsals, mabilis na nilang nagawa ang pagpasok ng malaking letters spelling out Burlesque.

Pumuwesto na si Momo and Yeji sa gitna as Nayeon started singing.

She comes through the club looking for a good time

Gonna make that, shake that, money on a dime
Don't need a sugar daddy, she can work it just fine
Up on the table, she'll be dancing all night

Hey, hey, yeah, hey, Babydoll, just come to life
Under the spotlight
All the girls wanna fall in line

Then the rest of the vocalists joined in.

We say
He-eh-eh-hey
Here come the ladies 'bout to give a little show
He-eh-eh-hey
Here go the boys, you gotta show a little more, more, more, more

Hit it up, get it up (Won't let you rest)
Hit it up, get it up (This is not a test)
Hit it up, get it up (Gotta give me your best)
So get your up, show me how you burlesque
Hit it up, get it up (Won't let you rest)
Hit it up, get it up (This is not a test)
Hit it up, get it up (Gotta give me your best)
So get your up, show me how you burlesque

Ningning belted out the next part.

Lemme hear you say
Yeah-eah-eah-eah
Say yeah-eah-eah, yeah-eah-eah
Say yeah-eah-eah-eah, yeah!
Say yeah, yeah, yeah-eah yeah

The rest of the team are now on the stage and giving everything they got. Lahat determined na ma-defend ang title.

Hit it up, get it up (Won't let you rest)
Hit it up, get it up (This is not a test)
Hit it up, get it up (Gotta give me your best)
So get your up, show me how you burlesque
Hit it up, get it up (Won't let you rest)
Hit it up, get it up (This is not a test)
Hit it up, get it up (Gotta give me your best)
So get your up, show me how you burlesque

Until the very last note, everyone did as they practiced. And the roaring cheers they heard after their performance gave them more energy.

When they got down ay nag-gather ulit sa back stage and everyone was hugging their partners... except Chaeyoung, Nayeon and Irene.

"Kung hindi tayo manalo sa ginawa natin, ewan ko na lang ah" masayang sabi ni Lisa.

Nung medyo kumalma na ang lahat, nagsalita na si TL Irene. "I'm so proud of all of you guys. I have a good feeling about this one!"

At muli na namang nagcheer ang buong team.

******************************
There was no introduction made for the last team to perform. Right after malagay lahat ng props ay umakyat na sa stage sila Wendy, Jeongyeon, Henry, Chanyeol at Jay then nag-go signal ang isa sa mga staff sa coordinator na sumignal din kay Jay for them to start. All the lights were turned off so everyone’s attention was on the stage.

Jay started with a few beats on the bass drum then a chorus of “Whoa” followed, the crowd already knew that this performance was really meant for the finale. Then at the center, Chanyeol stood, spotlight on him, and instead of a cane as a prop like PT Barnum, he held a guitar.

Ladies and gents, this is the moment you've waited for (whoa)
Been searching in the dark, your sweat soaking through the floor (whoa)

The lights and all the performers were shown on stage.

Don't fight it, it's coming for you, running at ya
It's only this moment, don't care what comes after
It's blinding, outshining anything that you know
Just surrender 'cause you're calling and you wanna go

Where it's covered in all the colored lights
Where the runaways are running the night
Impossible comes true, it's taking over you
Oh, this is the greatest show
We light it up, we won't come down
And the sun can't stop us now
Watching it come true, it's taking over you
Oh, this is the greatest show

The music mellowed down as the lights were dimmed. Jiuen and Jinki walked in the middle as they started the next song. Hyuna and Dawn were the highlighted dancers this time.

You think it's easy
You think I don't wanna run to you
But there are mountains
And there are doors that we can't walk through
I know you're wondering why
Because we're able to be
Just you and me
Within these walls
But when we go outside
You're gonna wake up
And see that it was hopeless after all

No one can rewrite the stars
How can you say you'll be mine
Everything keeps us apart
And I'm not the one you were meant to find
It's not up to you
It's not up to me
When everyone tells us what we can be
How can we rewrite the stars?
Say that the world can be ours
Tonight

While everyone was swooning over the voices of Trainer Jiuen and Jinki, the song was building up at the same time, they were all shocked to see two people flying over the stage. No one has ever attempted to do such a risky routine and the Support Team knew it that’s why they took the time to learn the art of aerial dancing. They even had to send out a formal document sa coordinator ng SMX para sa nirequest nilang set up.

All I want is to fly with you
All I want is to fall with you
So just give me all of you

Is it impossible?

Say that it's possible

As the tempo changed once again, inaanticipate nila ang mga susunod na mangyayari. Wendy moved to the center as she started singing along with some back up.

When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
Gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I'm meant to be, this is me

Look out 'cause here I come (It's everything you ever want)
And I'm marching on to the beat I drum (It's everything you ever need)
I'm not scared to be seen (It's everything you ever want)
I make no apologies, this is me (It's everything you ever need)
(And it's here right in front of you)

This is me

Wendy held the last night bago nagbagsak ng beats si Jay for it to transition sa finale song.

This is the greatest show!

Where it's covered in all the colored lights
Where the runaways are running the night
Impossible comes true, it's taking over you
Oh, this is the greatest show
We light it up, we won't come down
And the walls can't stop us now
I'm watching it come true, it's taking over you
Oh, this is the greatest show

All the performers gathers sa stage habang nagsasagutan ng lyrics ang mga vocalists from all the songs they used.

This is the greatest show (oh!)
This is the greatest show (oh!)
This is the greatest show (oh!)
This is the greatest show

The performance ended with several confetti cannons going off and the crowd went wild as they cheered on the last team.

*****************************
"I feel sorry for all the judges tonight. I cannot for the life of me know which one outdid the others. But luckily, that's not my job. So while they are still tallying the scores, let's spin the wheel to see who are the lucky winners for our raffle" the host said and everyone turned their attention to the screen.

A few household items were given out but the most anticipated grand prize is the new Honda City Hatchback RS.

"Before we announce the winner of the grand prize, we would like to thank everyone for doing an excellent job with your prospective accounts. All the hard work you've done is much appreciated and in return, we would like to give back more so wait until our Quarterly Company Review for the details" paganunsyo ng president ng company na si Miss Boa.

Lahat ng employees ay excited na kaya naman pinaikot na ang roleta.

"And our lucky winner and now the proud owner of a brand new car, congratulations to....Seulgi Kang! One of the newest team leaders"

Nagpalakpakan ang lahat ng employees at mas malakas ang hiyawan sa may pinakadulong mga table. Yung tinawag ay muntik ng mabilaukan ng paghahampasin siya ni Joy, na hindi na napansin na kumakain siya...ulit.

"BABE! OH MY GAD! MAY SASAKYAN NA TAYO!" masayang na medyo o.a na pagkasabi ni Joy.

"Ha?" sabi ni Seulgi.

"TL Seulgi? Are you here?" pagtawag nung host.

May malakas na sumagot ng 'Yes!' kaya naman tumingin na ang lahat sa direksyon kung nasaan ang nanalo.

May ilan pang seconds na delay kay Seulgi bago niya napagtanto ang mga nangyayari. Kailangan pa siyang hilain patayo ni Joy mula sa kinauupuan niya at pinagtulakan papunta sa stage.

Habang naglalakad siya papalapit ay hindi pa din siya makapaniwala sa mga ganap. Kanina lang eh busy siya sa pagkain dahil alam niyang hindi siya swerte sa mga bunutan.

Nagulat pa siya nung kamayan siya ni Miss Boa pag akyat niya ng stage. Inabot naman sa kanya nung representative ng Honda ang isang bigger replica ng susi ng kotse.

"That's a great way to start the New Year TL Seulgi. Congratulations once again"

Medyo awkward pa siyang nag-smile at humarap sa lahat. Then when it really dawned on her ay winagayway na niya ang hawak niya at mas lumawak ang kanyang ngiti.

******************************
Nagkaroon ng intermission performance from the guest artist kaya naman ay lumabas na ulit ang yosi buddies para properly ipagbunyi ang tropa.

"Tangina Seul, merry christmas naman pala talaga!" masayang sabi ni Lisa.

"Sakto din kasi di ba nag-lelessons ka na?" tanong naman ni Chaeyoung.

Tumango na lang si Seulgi dahil nagsisindi pa siya ng yosi.

"Oh road trip na tayo niyan. Pabinyag mo sa may Antipolo para sulit kahit papaano ang byahe" sabi naman ni Jeongyeon.

"We have a place in Tagaytay if you guys wanna go" sabi ni Winter at natuwa naman ang tropa sa kanilang narinig.

Nagbabadyang team building na naman ito.

******************************
Pagbalik nila sa loob ay announcement na din ng winners for the competition. Ni-recall ng host ang mga prizes which would include a trophy and a cash prize. 15k for the 3rd runner, 30k for the 2nd runner up and 50k for the champion.

Every team is manifesting a win for this year's contest. May ibang nagdadasal, may iba naman na panay ang sigaw ng name ng team, meron ding tahimik lang na nagaabang. Habang ang defending champs ay nag-halo ang excitement at kaba.

Inabot na ng main judge sa host ang envelope para sa winner.

"Settle down everyone. Now, for our 3rd runner up, garnering a total score of 91.5%, please give it up for Team Sunmi for their rendition of Chicago!"

Naghiyawan ang tinawag na team at nagtakbuhan na papunta sa stage. Inabot naman ni Miss Boa ang enlarged check kay TL Sunmi at nagpapicture na ang buong team.

When they got down, binuksan na ng host ang isa pang envelope. "I will now be announcing the champion for this year's contest. Garnering a total score of 97.3%... please give it up for..."