Ikaw.. 

 

My paraluman. 

 

Your voice is music to my ears. We would stay up all night, and you would sing me a song until I fall asleep. 

 

Pero patawad, ang sabi mo. 

 

Because things changed. You changed. And you didn't even warn me about it. 

 

Baka tama ang kanta. Sa ating dalawa, may ibang nakalaan.

 

Kaya kahit nalulumbay ako.. kahit ayokong sumuko.. 

 

My paraluman, bakit ka lumisan? 

 

I'm setting you free. Because you look happy. You look happier with her. 

 

Ipinapaubaya na kita sa kaniya. 

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

 

I was always hopeful. Or maybe, because I just trusted you too much. I had faith in you. I had faith in us. 

 

I was so in love. We both were. O ako lang ba? 

 

Ako lang ba ang nagbigay ng kahulugan sa lahat nang nangyari, sa lahat ng sinabi at ginawa mo? Siguro nga. 

 

Para kang sumisinag na liwanag sa bituin. You shone the brightest. Iyang mga ngiti mong nakakatunaw, iba ang epekto sa akin. Ganito siguro talaga kapag in love. Balewala ang ibang mga tao, because I only had my eyes on you. Hanngang ngayon. Kahit hanggang ngayon, iyong iyo ako. 

 

Naalala mo ba.. noong bigla kang dumating sa buhay ko? Hindi ko inaasahan, hindi ako naghanap, hindi pa ako handa ulit, pero dumating ka, and you changed everything.

 

"Seulgi!" 

 

It was you. 

 

Fluffy and rosy cheeks, tan skin, black hair, petite body -- with a built like that of a dancer. You were standing in front of me, enthusiastically listening to your friend as she introduce each of us to you. 

 

"Lastly, Irene." ngumiti ako nang tumabi na sa akin si Joy. "This is Irene Alleje, our former SC President." 

 

You shone the brightest. You gave me a sweet smile before offering a hand, saying a name that I will never forget. 

 

"Seulgi Elizalde." 

 

You sat in front of me that day. 

 

Apparently, you are in your second year in grad school. Masters in Chemistry? You sure are something else. 

 

"Sa UP ka din nag undergrad?" you suddenly asked when everyone was busy. 

 

And I must admit, it made me giddy.

 

"No. I transferred from Ateneo." 

 

"Ah.. Med?" 

 

You were too cute and too curious. I couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle. 

 

"Luh, may something ba sa face ko? Bakit ka natawa?" mas lalo lang along natawa when you acted as if there's something on your face.

 

You even used a piece of wet wipes to check if there was something on your face.

 

"Eh.. pinaglalaruan mo naman ako, Irene." napataas ang kilay ko. "So ano nga, ano undergrad program mo?" 

 

"Political Science." you looked amused. 

 

Ayoko sanang magsound proud when I said my course, but my voice is always betraying me. 

 

"Oh.. you want to be a lawyer?" 

 

"Maybe. or a prosecutor? a judge?" 

 

You nodded then gave me a thumbs up. "Bagay sayo. You look intelligent and too pretty to be a lawyer." 

 

"I'm pretty?" 

 

"Ha?" judging by how surprised your reaction was, you must have said that out loud. 

 

Huli ka ngayon, Seulgi Elizalde. 

 

"Hindi. uh.. ano.. well, uh.." it made me laugh. You made me laugh. 

 

First meeting and you already have this effect on me? Grabe ka, Seulgi. 

 

"Ah, so I'm not pretty?" 

 

"Grabe! Hindi ah!' 

 

Napalakas ang boses mo doon at natawa ako ulit. I almost forgot about the group that we came here, with. I saw how Joy eyed you suspiciously before tapping you on the shoulders. 

 

"Wag mo harutin yan si Irene. She's too busy and you're not her type." 

 

"Ikaw naman, Joy. Binabakuran mo agad ako." I let out a small smile, "I'm just being friendly dito kay Irene." 

 

"Subukan mo lang talaga, Seulgi. Sinasabi ko sayo." 

 

"Hinaharot ba kita?" inirapan ni Joy ang tanong mo na iyon sa akin. 

 

"Hindi naman." I said while smiling and reassuring Joy that we're just being friendly. 

 

I should have seen the sign.. I should have been more careful, and more observant. 

 

"So.. have you experienced the paskuhan?" you asked. 

 

"Dito, sa UP? Of course." 

 

"Hindi dito, sa UST." 

 

Napataas ang kilay ko. Why is she talking about a different university's festival when we have our own?

 

"Why would I attend theirs? We have our lantern parade here." 

 

"You should experience UST paskuhan. The best yun, promise." ngumisi ka. "I'll take you there sa December!" 

 

Nginitian mo ako, iyong nakakatunaw. It made me disregard the signs.. the obvious sings.

 

Yes, you were being friendly. Kasi it didn't end right there. 

 

We met because of our friend. Joy said she wanted to introduce a close friend of hers studying in LB. Ang random lang, but she said that she wanted to introduce me to good people. That included you and Wendy, another friend of hers, now my friend, as well. 

 

Noong una, we only went out with the group. Until we exchanged numbers, and eventually, started going out nang tayong dalawa lang. 

 

"Nagw-work ka na?" you randomly asked on one of our 'friendly dates', as you call it. 

 

"Yeah, I'm working from home." 

 

"Because of the pandemic 'no?" I nodded. "Pero what's your plan after law school?"

 

"Study for the boards, malamang." what else would I do? 

 

You and your silly questions talaga. 

 

"About your job kase," 

 

"Edi I'll quit?" 

 

Umiling ka na lang and parked your car after announcing that we have arrived at our destination. 

 

You messaged me early and told me to get ready because you wanted to bring me to this famous place that serves Halo-halo and home-made siopao in Cavite. Sinundo mo ako sa Makati tapos, saka tayo bumalik sa Cavite para magbreakfast sa lugar na iyon. 

 

I slept late because of work, but I have developed fondness in you kaya kahit inaantok, sumama pa din ako sa'yo. Ikaw yan, kaya hindi ako tumanggi. 

 

"You sure this is the place?" tanong ko sayo nang makalabas tayo sa sasakyan. 

 

The place is giving a really homey vibe. It doesn't even look like it's famous sa City, dahil hindi ganoon kaayos ang appearance nito. 

 

"Don't judge the place by its appearance." natawa ako sa sinabi mo, "Masarap naman ang foods nila, promise." 

 

"Malinis naman?" I raised a brow when you answered my question with a shrug. 

 

Sa sobrang adventurous mo, ang dami ko nang nasubukan na hindi ko pa nagagawa noon. I was never a fan of street foods. Maybe because my parents were too careful. I have a history of amoeba kasi, and they don't really trust street foods, baka daw imaging dahiilan pa para magkaron ako ng hepatitis. The reach, grabe talaga ang mga magulang ko minsan. 

 

So when you found out about it, you made me try fishballs and squid balls na tinitinda sa loob ng campus. Nothing happened naman sa akin, and I liked it. After that, you made me try those na tinitinda sa labas. Mas maraming bumibili, mas exposed. Wala namang kaibahan sa lasa sa mas malinis. Wala din namang nangyari sa akin. My parents were just really protective of me. 

 

"Don't you trust me?"

 

Hindi lang halata, pero the place really seemed like it's famous. Maaga kaming pumunta pero madami na agad tao sa loob. 

 

Maybe this is worth the try.

 

Tinitigan lang kita as you said our orders. Parang lahat yata sa menu, in-order mo na. You said you wanted me to try everything dahil baka matagal bago tayo bumalik ulit sa lugar na ito. As it is located at one of the busiest cities in Cavite, laging traffic, kaya matagal ang byahe. Well, sabi mo naman, that's only if I end up liking the food.

 

"Yung mami, pancit, and siopao are to die for. Unahin mo 'tong mami while it's still hot." excited kang nilagay sa harap ko ang utensils, making sure that it's sanitized before I use it.

 

These small gestures of yours, alam kong wala namang basis ang lahat ng ito pero bakit ako nahuhulog? 

 

"Is this.." tiningnan kong mabuti ang nasa bowl. "Chicken?" 

 

I'm allergic sa chicken. I think I forgot to tell you about it. But I didn't want to disappoint you, so I still ate it. Iinom na lang siguro ako ng gamot pagkatapos nito. This won't hurt, right? 

 

"Masarap, diba?" I could only nod at your question. Kahit sa toto'y medyo nahihirapan na akong huminga. 

 

Hell, why am I even doing this? 

 

"The highlight of the trip is this!" 

 

Nilagay ng server sa table namin ang dalawang baso ng halo-halo. I heard this place is famous for it. Umagang umaga, kakain tayo ng halo halo. Oh, the things I do for you talaga. 

 

"Masarap siya." 

 

"See? I told you.." 

 

I have to finish all these quick dahil nararamdaman ko na ang epekto ng chicken sa katawan ko. My skin feels itchy, at naiinitan din ako. I don't even have my inhaler with me kaya wala akong magawa kahit na nahihirapan akong huminga. 

 

"Is there something wrong, rene?" umiling na lang ako sa tanong mo na iyon. "Namumula ka.." 

 

Muntik kong itaboy ang kamay mo when you attempted to hold it. Your aura changed, and you looked really worried. 

 

"Magbabayad na ako. I'll take you to the hospital."

 

Tumayo ka at lumapit sa counter to pay for our orders. You were so excited about this trip but you couldnt even finish your halo-halo because of me. Bumalik tayo sa sasakyan mo and I immediately gave my bag sayo. I'm too tired to even look for my anti-allergy so I made you do it, instead. 

 

"! You didn't even tell me that you're allergic to chicken?!" 

 

"I.. I didn't want to ruin the fun.." 

 

"What's fun kung may nangyari na masama sayo? I'm so stupid. Freaking stupid!" 

 

I couldnt stop myself from smiling. This is the first time I've seen you react this way. It's too cute. You're too cute. 

 

Hinawakan ko ang kamay mo at pinisil iyon. It was enough to make calm, and shut you up. 

 

"I'm fine. I think I just need to rest.." 

 

"I'll take you home, then." 

 

Tumango ako at sinuot ang seatbelt. Tahimik ka lang nagdrive. I was constatly stealing glances na binabawi ko din agad dahil hindi pa umaaliwalas ulit ang mukha mo. I wanted to ask you where we're going, lalo nang marealize ko na hindi pa-manila ang dinadaanan natin. 

 

I didn't know that when you said na you'll take me home, you were talking about your house, in Dasmariñas.

 

Kaya ngayon, nasa harap ako ng mommy mo, pinapainom ako ng buko juice na freshly harvested from your farm daw. First time mo akong dalhin dito and your mother was also thrilled because this is also your first time bringing a woman home daw. 

 

Oo nga pala, alam nga pala ng parents mo na biual ka and they have nothing against it. They have been waiting for you to introduce someone to them, kaya natuwa ang Mommy mo nang makita ka ngayon na umuwi nang may kasama. 

 

"Mom, I brought Irene here so she could rest. So if you'll please.." nagulat ako with how you interrupted my conversation with your mother. 

 

You also don't look very pleased. Is it because your mom is telling me stories from your childhood? Gusto kong matawa ngayon sa harap ni Tita, because you're too grumpy. 

 

"Oh! Oo nga pala, I'm sorry about that, hija." Tita Shey smiled and I knew right away where you got that beautiful eyes of yours. "Na-excite lang talaga ako because this is the first time Seulgi brought someone home." 

 

"Ma, let's not say that repeatedly." 

 

"Ang sungit mo talaga." I softly chuckled sa sinabi na iyon ni Tita. "Oh, well.. I will leave you be since I got a call from the hospital, too."

 

"It was nice meeting you po, Tita." 
 

"Likewise, hija. I'll see you again next time." 

 

Hinila mo na ako papunta sa kwarto mo and I must admit, I feel really comfortable sa presence mo, kahit with your mother. 

 

Your mother is an Anesthesiologist, your father is a Neurosurgeon. Your older brother is a Psychiatrist, and you're a Chemist in the making. That explains the certificates and diplomas in your living room. Achiever naman pala lahat kayo sa family mo. 

 

Your room looked like the way I imagined it. Neat, organized, minimalist. 

 

Nginitian mo lang ako at nauna akong pinapasok. You have books. Lots of them. Nabanggit mo sa akin before about your collection, because you love reading books. Especially science finctions. 

 

You're one of a kind. 

 

Napatingin ako sa isang corner ng kwarto mo. There were two different guitars and a violin. You saw me staring in that direction. I felt you beside me, smiling. 

 

"I started when I was young. You know how a typical Asian family requires their children to study and play instruments?" I nodded, then chuckled simultaneously. "Sit on my bed. I'll play a song for you." 

 

I was thrilled. Sinunod ko naman ang pinagawa mo. I sat on your bed and made myself comfortable because that's what you said I should do. 

 

You sat on a stool in front of me with a huge grin on your face and I couldn't help but display a huge smile, as well. 
 

Because you're too cute. And you're too pretty, and cool. 

 

"Huwag mo akong masyadong titigan. Baka lalo kang mahulog." 

 

"What?" 

 

You just shook your head when I replied, absent-mindedly. 
 

 

What did you just say? 

 

You coughed, then started strumming your guitar. The sound really is calming. It's funny how one note could make me feel a thousand things.

 

Sa unang tingin, agad na nahumaling
Sa nagniningning mong mga mata
Ika'y isang bituin na nagmula sa langit

 

The lyrics.. of the song.. reminded me of how I felt when we first met. 

 

Hindi ko mawari ang taglay mong tinatangi
Sadya namang nakakabighani
'Di maipaliwanag ang nararamdaman

 

You were so beautiful then - even today. I couldnt take my eyes away from you. You were like a work of art that deserves more than just recognition. You're supposed to be taken well care of, you're supposed to be loved. 

 

Namumukadkad ang aking ligaya
Sa tuwing ika'y papalapit na
Hawakan mo ang aking kamay

 

You have no idea how much you bring happiness to me. Your messages, your voice, your presence. Everything you do brings joy in me. Even when I'm always stunned, even when I'm always lost for words because of the things you do. 

 

Oh, Paraluman
Ika'y akin nang dadalhin sa
'Di mo inaasahang paraiso

 

And right at this very moment, I realized, I fell hard. 

 

 

So hard. 

 

 

Palagi kitang aawitan ng Kundiman
'Di magsasawa, 'di ka pababayaan
Isasayaw kita hanggang sa walang hanggan

 

 

"Galing naman.." I clapped my hands as you put your guitar back in its place. 

 

You sat in front of me again after it, enthusiastically waiting for my reaction. 

 

"Didn't know you're that talented." 

 

"It's something I would like to keep for myself.. and for people special to me.." 

 

Napatigil ako at tumitig ng malalim dahil sa sinabi mo na iyon. 

 

Recently, you have been telling me things, you have been making me feel things that I don't know which are true, and which are not. 

 

Tama ba na makaramdam ako ng ganito? 

 

Tama ba, na natutuwa ako at nage enjoy sa atensyon na binibigay mo sa akin, because it's making me really special, like I'm an expensive gemstone. 

 

Tama ba, na maramdaman ko na gusto mo din ako?

 

"Seulgi I.." hindi mo na pinatuloy ang sinabi ko. 

 

Ngumiti ka, hawak hawak ang kamay ko at pinisil iyon. 

 

"I know. And I feel the same.." 

 

=

 

 

It was one of those days.. when your mother invites me to your house, and I would come unannounced. 

 

I would try to tell you about it, but you're too busy to care, too busy to talk to. 

 

And honestly, I don't know what to feel. I don't know how to react. Because I don't know why this suddenly happened. 

 

You, losing your interest in me. 

 

Did your feelings for me change, too? 

 

"Seulgi, you're finally home." 

 

I greeted you when your mother announced your arrival. Your forehead was ceased as if it was asking why I'm here. As if I'm unwelcomed, or that you don't want to see me. 

 

You've been avoiding me. My calls, my messages, everything. So when your mother told me to come, I immediately took the chance as I wanted to talk to you, too. 

 

Paraluman, anong nangyari? 

 

Dinner, with your parents was peaceful and quiet. Tito and Tita were asking your questions, and you would only speak to answer them. Para kang taong isang tanong, isang sagot. Their questions were answerable by yes or no, at iyon lang talaga ang lumalabas sa bibig mo. 

 

I felt that Tita and Tito also realized your mood kaya hindi na sila nagtanong pa ulit. You finished your food early at nagpaalam kang mauuna na sa kwarto. I wanted to follow you immediately, but it would be too impolite of me to suddenly leave your parents on the table. Kaya tinapos ko muna ang kinakain ko, bago magpaalam na susundan ka sa taas. 

 

"Irene?" I was on my second step of the stairs when your mom called me, suddenly. "She can be moody, at times. I hope you understand." 
 

Ngumiti na lang ako at tumango. 

 

Kinakabahan ako kahit paakyat pa lang. Something's telling me na hindi maganda ang magiging resulta nito. I have always been afraid when it comes to confronting you. I'm afraid that this would only end up like those petty fights we had. 

 

More so, I'm afraid that I would only lose you during the process.  

 

"Don't you know how to knock?"

 

I tried hard not to flinch when you said that. Naabutan kitang nakahiga at hawak hawak ako phone mo, nakangiti pero agad din nawala ito nang pumasok ako sa kwarto. 

 

Let me guess... Joy? 

 

It was almost as if I'm not in the room. You were too focused on your phone to even notice me. Limang minuto ako halos nakatayo lang sa dulo ng kama mo, pinapanuod ka, kahit na unti unti nang kumukirot ang puso ko. 

 

"What?" you asked, with a hint of annoyance when you finally noticed me. 

 

"May problema ba?" you looked even more annoyed dahil sa tanong ko. 

 

"Wala." tipid na sagot mo. 

 

Sa totoo lang, I've had enough of these answers of yours. Palagi mong tinatanggi. Kahit naman obvious yung sagot, I just want it to come from you. But if you keep on denying it, wala itong patutunguhan. 

 

Tahimik lang akong umupo sa dulo ng kama mo, pinapanuod ka habang nagt-type sa phone mo, ngumingiti pa kung minsan. 

 

Parang gusto kong lunukin na lang ang pride ko, kahit ang totoo ay nasasaktan ako sa ginagawa mo -- without even realizing it. 

 

"Can you sing a song for me, please?" tanong ko sayo pagkatapos ang mahabang katahimikan. 

 

Tinitigan mo lang ako, I was ready to be rejected, again. I got used to it. 

 

"Sure." 

 

Kinuha mo yung gitara mo. The same one you used the first time I came here. 

 

But today's different. From your mood, your facial expression, the vibe, and the constant sighs. Today is a lot different.

 

Paano nalimutan ang lahat
Na kahit konti, walang pasabi?
Paano nalimutang banggitin
Na nagbago pala ang pagtingin? 

 

Unang strum mo pa lang ng gitara, alam ko na agad ang kantang itutugtog mo. 

 

I was kind of expecting this, actually. 

 

 

Wala na rin naman kahit na balikan
Wala na ang tamis nung ika'y nahagkan
At sa huling paalam, naintindihan
Na sa ating dalawa, may ibang nakalaan

 

 

For months that we've been together -- although not officially, I was able to get to know you, memorize everything about you, and learn about your personality. I know when you're happy, I know when it's real, or when you're just pretending.

 

We were okay, before. But this month, you started acting different, sometimes cold. Uninterested. 

 

I have long prepared myself for this day, although this is the eventuality that I keep on pushing. I don't want to let you go, yet. 

 

I don't want to lose you. But then I realize, I already lost you a long time ago.

 

"I'm sorry, Irene." 

 

Hindi mo na natapos ang kanta. Bumuhos ang mga luha na matagal kong inipon, matagal kong pinigilan. At sa unang pagkakataon, nakita din kitang naglabas ng luha, para sa akin. 

 

Sa unang pagkakataon, narinig ko ang pinaka tunay na 'sorry' mo. 

 

Sa unang pagkakataon, pagkatapos ng napakatagal, narinig ko ang boses na dati mong ginagamit sa akin. That soft, beautiful voice that's full of love and concern. 

 

"I want us to stop whatever this is that we have." 

 

Hindi ako agad nakapagsalita. Gusto kong marinig ang sasabihin mo. I was always the one telling my side. Ngayon, gusto kitang mabigyan ng pagkakataon. 

 

Gusto kitang marinig, gusto kong malaman ang mga dahilan mo. 

 

"Umpisa pa lang, this never should have happened." 

 

Tumango ako, as I cannot stop myself from bawling in front of you. 

 

Ang hirap pala na inipon ko ang lahat ng 'to. 

 

"I.. i was just confused.." umiling ka, "Maybe.. or maybe not." 

 

Tinitigan mo ako with that pleading eyes of yours -- like you're asking me to let you go and set you free. Because that's the right thing to do. 

 

"I'm sorry, for hurting you. For making you feel unwanted. For being rude."

 

At sa unang pagkakataon, nakita kitang humagulgol, may kasamang panghihinayang, pagsisisi, sa boses mo. 

 

"I'm sorry, for everything.." 

 

Ano ba ang dapat kong sabihin? 

 

Na matagal ko nang alam na dito hahantong ito? 

 

We were happy, we were perfect, noong una. 

 

Bakit kita kailangang ipaubaya ngayon? 

 

 

= 

 

 

Ganon pala talaga kung minsan. 

 

Instant happiness can easily give you instant pain. 

 

Hindi ko pinansin ang mga babala. 

 

I never had you for myself. Umpisa pa lang.

 

Kung pwede lang burahin ang parte na iyon sa mga alaala ko, matagal ko nang ginawa. 

 

Noong gabi na iyon, umuwi ako nang parang walang nangyari. Isang beses lang akong umiyak, sa harap mo. Pagkatapos ay wala nang kasunod. 

 

Mayroon pa ba akong maiiyak kung sa gabi gabi ay nailalabas ko na? Dahil bago mo pa sabihin sa akin, handa na ako. 

 

Handa na ako, dahil alam ko na what we have will end eventually. 

 

Masaya pa din naman ako noon. Pero hindi sapat na ako na lang yung masaya. It would be selfish of me to ask you to stay, kahit na obvious namang masaya ka sa kaniya. Mas masaya ka, kapag wala ako sa buhay mo. 

 

Kaya kahit ako yung nasasaktan, kahit ang sakit na parang pinipilit ko na lang yung sarili ko sa buhay mo, nag stay ako. Pinili pa din kita, hindi ang sarili ko. Kasi gusto kong ikaw yung tumapos, hindi ako. 

 

I didn't want to end it immediately because I don't want to live with guilt and regrets, sakaling mali ang mga naiisip at nakikita ko. Pero sino nga ba ang niloloko ko noon? Sinira ko ang sarili ko dahil sayo, para sayo. 

 

But even after everything, I can't fully blame you. I don't want to blame you. 

 

Because even when you tore me to pieces, you were also the person who made me the happiest. You were the one who kept me going. 

 

And now that you're gone, I have to push myself and keep going - -and live for me, for myself. 

 

"Buti naman pumayag ka na icheck ang UST paskuhan this year." Jennie chuckled beside me and got her lighstick ready as the final performer will begin. 

 

"For a change." I displayed a small smile. 

 

Natandaan ko, few months ago, you encouraged me to check on this annual festival in Espanya. I looked forward to it, kasi akala ko magkasama tayo. 

 

I pictured myself na katabi mo habang pinapakinggan natin ang mga kanta na dati'y ikaw lang ang tumutugtog sa akin. I imagined a romantic night and a beautiful memory with you. 

 

Pero sino nga ba ang niloko ko? Nanaman. 

 

Sinubukan kong itago ang emosyon ko habang nakatingin lang sa stage. Nagsimula nang tumugtog ang banda. 

 

At kung hindi nga naman mapagloko ang tadhana, 

 

 

May dahilan pa ba para lumigaya?

Kung sa piling niya ika'y masaya

Ayoko na lang mag salita

 

 

Natawa na lang ako sa sarili ko. I would lie if I say that I'm over you. Hindi naman ganon kabilis iyon. 

 

Hindi ko din alam, kung bakit sa dinami-dami ng kantang pwedeng patugtugin, itong bago pa ni Adie. 

 

Para akong paulit ulit na sinasaksak ng kanta. 

 

Oh paraluman ba't ka lumisan

di na kita maaring madala sa paraiso

 

 

And it was as if life wanted to play with my feelings more, it let me see a glimpse of you, and her, smiling at one corner, happily swaying to the tune of the song. 

 

 

Palagi ka niya sanang ingatan 

Wag pagsawaan, wag karin pabayaan 

 

 

Our eyes met and you couldnt even give me a small smile, even a fake one. 

 

Isasayaw kita

Sa panaginip na lang nga

 

 

Joy looked in my direction too and my eyes quickly shifted to where her hands were. 

 

 

It was intertwined with your right hand. 

 

 

Kinagat ko ang labi ko at mapait na ngumiti, sapat ang distansya para makita niyo iyon. 

 

 

I was like a planet - you were my sun, the center of my life. Our connection was like the axis.

 

 

But now that you're gone, the axis was broken, and I was cast away in a really, really far distance. 

 

Unreachable. 

 

 

Hanggang dito na lang. 

 

 

Paalam na.