• Noel Winston-Vergara •

Today ; 3:40 PM

hi HAHA
busy ka???

not really
i'm just watching TV with my sister
hang on
she wants to say hi

hala HAHA

▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||||။၊|• 00:06

hi, natnat~
hihiramin ko lang sana saglit si kuya mo
saglit lang to, promise 😩👉🏼👈🏼

she said okay
and i'm saying always haha
do you need me for something ba?

actually, yes HAHA
i'll explain first before you say yes
hmmm
i have this pitch for an article
derived siya galing sa isang episode ng
the big bang theory HAHA
yung sitcom
anyway, sa episode kasi na yun
yung characters na sina penny and sheldon
may tinry silang love experiment

ah, that haha
yeah, i remember
that's the one where they try a questionnaire
right?

yes yes
kasi effective way daw yung questionnaire
para malaman yung compatibility
but according din sa results
lumalalim daw yung connection
after answering the questions
to the point na pwedeng ma-in love

oh haha
are you asking me to do the experiment
with you?

oo sana (?)
mas okay kasi kung di gaanong ka-close

ah haha
so that's why you can't ask your friends

oo shsjsj
i checked the questions
medyo personal yung iba
so pwede kang mag-pass HAHA

have you tried bumble?

hala HAHAHA
saan naman galing yun?

oh, no
i'm not implying anything naman
uhm
i just wanted to know if i'm your last resort

if i tell you na walang ibang pumayag
kaya ikaw na lang inaaya ko
what would you do???

hmm
i think i'll say yes pa rin
you got me there hahaha

ayun naman pala eh HAHAHA
so free ka ba later???

oh
we're doing this today?

sana HAHA
usually, di mahigpit sa deadline for website
pero in-announce kasi na last season na
ng young sheldon
so ayun
makiki-ride kami sa algorithm 😀👍🏼

oh
right haha
i just assumed we're doing this face-to-face
like they did in the show

gusto ko na kasing matapos yung artik
baka kasi matambakan ako
kung papaabutin ko pa next week
okay lang ba???
busy ka ba mamaya?
kung oo, okay lang naman
i know you feel obligated because
of what happened with my laptop
but you don't have to say yes
pwede naman siguro si jai

you don't have to take me to a guilt trip
hahaha
i told you before naman
i'm at your service, miss chua

HAHAHA okay
so what time pwedeng tumawag?

hmm
we can talk as early as 4:30 PM

okay okay
ready naman ako anytime
so ikaw na lang tumawag ah?

will do haha

thank you so much 🥺
for the record, di ako napilitan sayo

really?

only choice kaya kita
wala kang kalaban at all HAHA

Today ; 4:29 PM

Noel Winston-Vergara is calling you. . .

Accept || Ignore

( ✦ )

• Messenger Video Call •

( ✦ )

        As soon as she noticed Nowi had opened his camera, Karson set her lip balm down. She didn't want him to get the wrong idea — even if that idea was true. Totoo naman kasing ginugol niya ang paghihintay sa pagmi-make up. Dahil work-from-home sila, late siyang gumising. Late siyang nakapaligo.

        Hindi na rin sana siya magmi-make up.

Nowi: What was that?

Karson: What was what?

Nowi: Were you applying your lipstick? [smiling] Go on. I'm free naman for the rest of the day so. . . no need to hurry.

Karson: No, okay na, ha-ha. [clears throat] First off, hello and good afternoon. I'm Karson Chua of La Vie magazine. Thank you so much for agreeing to participate to this activity.

Nowi: [chuckles] You don't have to be formal with me naman.

Karson: Alam ko naman 'yon pero technically kasi, work pa rin 'to. Working hours, o.

Nowi: Okay, ha-ha. You do you, Miss Chua of La Vie magazine.

Karson: [tumikhim ulit] Uulitin ko lang sa 'yo 'yong context nitong activity, a? Hmm, itong activity na 'to kasi ay may scientific basis. These questions were developed by Arthur Aron. Besides compatibility, this experiment is designed to deepen your connection with the person — [purses her lips] — you're doing this with.

Nowi: Mm-hmm, so earlier, you told me I can refuse if the question is too personal.

Karson: Yep, p'wede kang mag-pass anytime. I won't hold it against you. May iba ka pa bang tanong?

Nowi: [pauses to think] How was your day?

Karson: [hums] Okay naman. Nanood kami ng Holy Week specials nina Lilith tapos. . . kinausap ko sila Mama kanina. Cola's trying to cook — wait nga. [gasps] Ako interviewer dito, e!

Nowi: Hmm? Can't I ask you as a friend? [grins] Besides, you're not interviewing me naman. We're both going to answer the questions, e.

Karson: Oo nga pala. . . [bumuntonghininga] Start na tayo, a? Ire-record ko 'tong call, okay? Do I have your consent?

Nowi: [nods] Yeah, go ahead.

Karson: Kung bibigyan ka ng chance na makasama sa dinner 'yong kahit sinong gusto mo. . . sino pipiliin mo?

Nowi: Anyone as in even if they're dead?

Karson: It doesn't say that's not allowed so okay, kahit patay na, ha-ha.

Nowi: Hmm. . . I think I would choose Piolo Pascual.

Karson: Ha? [laughs] He's alive and well. Bakit tinanong mo kung p'wede 'yong patay na?

Nowi: I was counting my options in my head, e. Ha-ha, but yeah, Piolo Pascual.

Karson: Bakit? Should I expect an anecdote or idol mo lang talaga siya as an actor, singer, or as a father?

Nowi: None of the above. My dads like him. You know the film "Mallari," right? They attended the premiere last year.

Karson: Lumuwas sila ng Manila for Piolo?

Nowi: Yeah. [chuckles] That's how much they love him. How about you? Who would you choose?

Karson: Hmm, I don't know. Ayoko ng artista, e, kasi pa'no kung iba 'yong ugali 'pag walang camera? I think I would choose my father. Bata pa ako no'ng nawala siya so. . . yep. [smiles]

Nowi: Can I ask how he passed?

Karson: He always had a weak heart. Sabi ni Mama, pabalik-balik na sila ng ospital kahit no'ng bago pa 'ko pinanganak.

Nowi: Oh. . . I'm sorry to hear that.

Karson: 'Wag mo nga akong tingnan nang gan'yan. [tumawa]

Nowi: What?

Karson: 'Yong tingin mo kasi, para akong baby pug na nagpapapansin pero 'di pinapansin kaya nagmumukmok sa gilid.

Nowi: That's really specific, ha-ha.

Karson: [shrugs] So next question: would you like to be famous? If yes, anong klase ng "famous" 'yong gusto mo? May naiisip ka bang field?

Nowi: I experienced being the center of attention during elementary. I did not like it — ha-ha — so no. Never again.

Karson: P'wede kong tanungin kung bakit?

Nowi: Sure but I don't think you have to. It will probably come up naman with the questions.

Karson: Oh, okay. Ako naman. . . yes, gusto ko but no, 'di ko alam kung anong field. I like the perks it comes with. 'Yong makukuha ko 'yong gusto ko kasi VIP ako. [ngumiti nang malawak]

Nowi: That's reasonable. What's the next question?

Karson: This sounds dumb, ha-ha. Kapag may tatawagan ka, nagre-rehearse ka ba ng sasabihin mo?

Nowi: Yeah, ha-ha. I'm an introvert but it depends din kasi on who I'm talking to. So if I were to call someone I'm close na, then no, I won't rehearse. With you whom I've only known for months, I rehearse the stuff I say.

Karson: So kanina. . . [pumangalumbaba] before mo 'ko tinawagan, nag-rehearse ka?

Nowi: [chuckles, then nods] I do that all the time with you, though, even when we're talking sa chat. I'm not afraid of you naman. It's nothing like that.

Karson: E, ano? Bakit ka nagre-rehearse?

Nowi: [grins sheepishly] I'm afraid of what I might say to you.

Karson: [tumikhim] Nagre-rehearse din naman ako pero kapag for work lang; kapag interview, gano'n. 'Pag interview kasi, may mga sagot ako na gusto kong makuha kaya. . . need ko talagang mag-rehearse.

Nowi: Oh, okay. I get it.

Karson: For you, ano ang "perfect day"? I'll answer while you think. [laughs] Simple lang akong tao, e. Basta 'di ako nagmamadali sa umaga, may time ako for hot coffee, good day na 'yon agad for me. Ikaw?

Nowi: I like my job but my perfect day would be the weekend. I like having time to workout and spend time with my family. [squints] What?

Karson: Wala naman. [natawa] 'Yong sagot ko kasi, kape, tapos ikaw, family. Nagmukha naman akong selfish bitch do'n.

Nowi: That wasn't my intention naman, Miss Chua. [pouts] Sorry.

Karson: [bites the inside of her cheek] Don't pout. Alam kong 'di mo intention 'yon, saka ano ka ba? I'm just joking. Sineryoso mo naman ako agad.

Nowi: I take everything seriously with you kaya.

Karson: Sure, sabi mo, e. [scrunches her nose] Next question is kailan ka last na kumanta?

Nowi: Earlier, ha-ha, in the shower.

Karson: [chuckles] Same. If you're 90 years old and given the chance to live the rest of your life with the mind or body of a 30-year old, anong pipiliin mo? 'Yong mind or body?

Nowi: I'm choosing the body of a 30-year old and the mind of 90-year old me.

Karson: Kasi nagwo-workout ka, 'no? Pero what if may dementia ka pala or Alzheimer's?

Nowi: Still the body, ha-ha.

Karson: O, sige, choice mo naman 'yan.

Nowi: Why? Oh, you're choosing your mind, 'no?

Karson: Oo naman! I think life would be easier that way. Life as in 'yong remaining days ko as a 90-year-old, a?

Nowi: Hang on. If you're keeping your 90-year-old body, won't that mean you're prone to sickness na?

Karson: Hmm, I guess? Okay lang naman. Ninety years old na ako no'n. Siguro naman, by then, wala na 'kong gusto pang gawin.

Nowi: But you'll get sick.

Karson: Hypothetical lang naman 'to. [tumawa] Ang bilis mo namang ma-invest?

Nowi: Hmm, I'll take care of you na lang siguro. [pouts] I'm choosing to have the body of a 30-year old, e.

Karson: 'Wag ka ngang magpa-cute. [nangingiting umiling] Ito, kung may chance kang baguhin 'yong pagpapalaki sa 'yo, anong babaguhin mo?

Nowi: Nothing at all. I love my dads. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for them. You?

Karson: Same. Ganito ako ngayon because of my family, and I like me right now.

Nowi: Mm-hmm, same.

Karson: Same saan?

Nowi: Uh, I also like. . . me right now. [clears throat]

Karson: May pangarap ka bang gawin or i-pursue? If mayro'n, bakit 'di mo pa rin siya pinu-pursue?

Nowi: Hmm, I would like to attend and finish a marathon. I haven't done it because well. . . I would have to train and prepare my body first.

Karson: That's true. 'Di ka p'wedeng sumabak nang basta-basta sa marathon, e. Ako naman. . . gusto kong matutong tumugtog ng kahit anong instrument.

Nowi: If you're worried about time, there are online classes naman.

Karson: It's not that, ha-ha. Impatient ako pagdating sa pag-aaral ng new skills. Ang overwhelming din kasi 'di ba, ang daming aaralin na chords? [shrugs] It takes too much time and energy.

Nowi: It's never too late naman, e.

Karson: Alam ko naman 'yon. [bumuntonghininga] Next question is ano 'yong greatest accomplishment mo?

Nowi: You first while I think.

Karson: The me from 3 years ago would say nothing. Ayoko kasing mag-label agad ng greatest achievement sa buhay ko pero before 'yon, a? Ngayon siguro, ang greatest achievement ko is 'yong may work ako na gusto ko. With that job, nakakapag-provide ako sa family ko. I know it sounds small, para tawagin kong "greatest achievement" pero. . . bihira kasing makahanap ng work na gano'n.

Nowi: Can I copy your answer na lang?

Karson: [natawa] Sige pero ibahin mo nang kaunti.

Nowi: [laughs] No, but really, I have the same answer kasi. I like that I like my job but I still have the time for my friends and family. Some people kasi. . . they overwork when they like their job. I'm glad I'm not like those people.

Karson: Ay, totoo 'yon. Nawawala 'yong work-life balance kasi nga, gusto nila work nila.

        Sabay silang napatunghay nang may kumatok sa pinto ni Karson. It was Monica. She carefully opened the door, leaving enough room for her to squeeze in.

Karson: Hala, wala sa 'kin 'yong mascara mo. Si Lilith gumamit no'n kahapon. 'Di pa ba niya binabalik? Katukin mo na lang, tulog pa yata 'yan.

      Karson gestured toward her phone. Only then did Monica realize she was on a call. Kaagad naman itong bumulong ng "sorry".

Nowi: [waves] Hi, Mon.

        Monica waved back. Sadya nitong binagalan ang paglalakad habang salitan silang sinusulyapan ni Nowi. She squinted her already small eyes. In response, Karson shooed her away.

        Patawa-tawa lang na lumabas ng kuwarto ang pinsan niya.

Karson: [clears throat] Sorry for that. Kung gusto mo palang tumayo saglit para mag-CR o uminom ng tubig, go lang. Medyo marami pa kasi 'to.

Nowi: No worries, I'm good. I'm by the beach kasi, so I have food and water with me.

Karson: Ohhh~ malapit lang ba sa inyo?

Nowi: Yeah, ha-ha. It's a 5-minute walk.

Karson: Inggit naman.

Nowi: I would invite you but my dads are really pushy. I don't think I can introduce you without them thinking you're not just a friend so. . . I guess we'll see?

Karson: Anong "we'll see"? [laughs] Anyway, 'yong next question ay medyo related sa sinabi mo. What do you value most in a friendship?

Nowi: With my friends, I love how we understand each other. We just immediately know what we need or when one of us needs help. You?

Karson: Gusto ko 'yong walang bilangan. I mean, sure, nagjo-joke kami kay Jai na nagiging palamunin na namin siya. [chuckles] But he's always welcome here. It's the same with Lilith and Mon. For example, 'pag alam naming pagod si Mon para gawin 'yong nakatoka sa kanya, kami na lang ni Lilith gagawa.

Nowi: It's always nice to have good people around. Everything just feels easier. [sighs]

Karson: Mm-hmm. For the next question, what is your most treasured memory?

Nowi: Gardening with my dads. They have a small garden kasi at the back of our house here in La Union. It's really small but they grow vegetables and fruits there.

Karson: Ako naman. . . I have this vague memory of my father. Not sure kung anong oras 'yon o kung kailan pero parang after lunch? Nakatalikod si Mama, e, naghuhugas ata. Then kami naman ni Papa, nasa mesa pa rin kami, kumakain ng orange. [chuckles] I remember him giving me one.

Nowi: That's a really sweet memory.

Karson: Yep. [clears throat] Next question naman, ano 'yong most terrible memory mo?

Nowi: Hmm. [bites his lip]

Karson: You can pass. Kung masyadong personal, okay lang mag-pass. [smiles]

Nowi: I'm not planning to, it's just a bit tricky. My most treasured memory is kind of linked with my most terrible memory kasi.

Karson: Ha? Pa'no nangyari 'yon?

Nowi: I told you I used to go gardening with my dads, right? So uh. . . the thing about my dads kasi is they used to dress me up. A lot. Ha-ha. It's fine with me naman but not with the other kids.

Karson: Ay, hala. Don't tell me na-bully ka dahi—

Nowi: Mm-hmm. A few of my classmates saw me gardening with my dads. I was also really feminine back then. I wasn't sporty. I was really thin, e. Anyway, they told the other kids that I'm probably gay, too, because of my parents. I cried a lot when I heard about it. Ha-ha.

Karson: Oh, my God. I'm so sorry that happened, pero napagsabihan naman ba 'yong mga bata?

Nowi: Yeah, ha-ha. Thankfully, the principal wasn't homophobic or anything. It's not a terrible memory because I cried. My dads apologized to me kasi. . . which only broke me more.

Karson: Kasi nag-sorry sila sa 'yo kahit wala naman silang kasalanan?

Nowi: Exactly. [smiles] I think they assumed that I cried because I was called gay. But it's not that naman. I cried because I didn't get why. [chuckles] I just. . . didn't get why my friends avoided me for being hypothetically gay.

Karson: Hay.

Nowi: Don't look at me like that, Miss Chua. I'm not a wounded baby pug. [laughs] What about you ba?

Karson: [bumuntonghininga] No'ng sinabi sa 'kin ni Mama na wala na si Papa. Sobrang bata pa no'n ni Cola kaya. . . sa 'kin lang niya sinabi. I don't remember crying. That time kasi, hindi ko pa kasi gets na 'pag wala na 'yong tao, wala na. 'Di ko gets na nangyayari 'yong gano'n na mawawala na lang bigla 'yong isang tao, and you can't do anything about it.

Nowi: But now that you have a better understanding of how death works, how are things? Where are you with your process?

Karson: Habangbuhay na yata akong magluluksa. [tumawa] I don't see it as a bad thing, though. That way kasi, 'di ko siya makakalimutan. [tumikhim] Next question na tayo?

Nowi: Shoot.

Karson: What roles do love and affection play in your life?

Nowi: For me, love and affection make up our home. Without my parents' love for each other, they wouldn't adopt me, e. They wouldn't adopt Natnat. I wouldn't have a family to come home to every weekend. [sighs] God knows where I would be, ha-ha.

Karson: I would love to be realistic and say na. . . 'di naman pinapaikot ng love ang mundo pero — [natawa] — ang hypocrite ko naman kung sasabihin kong wala siyang bearing sa buhay ko. E, kaya nga ako nasa dating apps, 'di ba?

Nowi: [shrugs] You said it, not me. [chuckles]

Karson: [laughs] But seriously, mahal ko si Mama pati si Tito Ronnie. Rocky 'yong relationship namin pero no'ng bumukod ako, do'n ko na-realize na tao lang din si Mama. Nai-in love din. I realized that that doesn't mean na 'di niya minahal si Papa.

Nowi: Mm-hmm. No two loves are the same. It's different everytime.

Karson: [points at Nowi] F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Nowi: [nods, smiling] So what's the next question?

Karson: Are you still good? 'Di mo ba need mag-CR or uminom? [reaches for her tumbler behind the camera]

Nowi: [drinks from his water bottle] I'm all good.

Karson: [sips water] Okay, okay. Last three questions na tayo. Hmm, kung magiging close friends tayo, anong dapat kong malaman? May pa-disclaimer ka ba or something?

Nowi: I just found out from Warren and Je because they pointed it out but uh. . . sometimes, I come across as arrogant.

Karson: Totoo 'yan, ha-ha. It's why you keep on rubbing me the wrong way. Parang lagi kang may hidden implication.

Nowi: Ah, that's true din naman. But you should know that most of the time, I know what I'm saying. I'm intentional din kasi, e.

Karson: Alam ko. [grins] So for my disclaimer, hmm. . . flight-risk ako. My walls are very tall, pagdating sa lahat ng klase ng relationships. Advance kasi akong mag-isip so habang 'di pa nangyayari, pinoprotektahan ko na sarili ko.

Nowi: So when you feel like you have to protect yourself, that means you're starting to care na, right?

Karson: Yep, ha-ha.

Nowi: Would you protect yourself from me?

Karson: Depende pero mukhang harmless ka naman, e. . . friend. [chuckles]

Nowi: [mumbles] You don't have to protect yourself from me naman.

Karson: Ano 'yon?

Nowi: [blinks innocently] Nothing, Miss Chua. What's the next question?

Karson: Okay, I'm not fishing for compliments but. . . kunwari, 'di tayo magkakilala. Anong gusto mo about me? Parang first impression na posit—

Nowi: Your eyes sparkle. [smiles] I like that you're passionate about a lot of things.

Karson: A. . . [ngumiti] okay, noted.

Nowi: How about me? [leans closer to the camera] What do you like about me?

Karson: First impression dapat so hmm. . . I like how I can't read you. No, wait. Uhm. May times kasi na nababasa ko iniisip mo. May times na hindi. I guess I like how you make me wonder about what you're thinking. 'Di kasi halata sa mukha mo.

Nowi: [inhales sharply] Then should I be more direct with what I want?

Karson: Actually, about d'yan 'yong last question. Medyo morbid pero kunwari last night mo na tonight, and you can't communicate with anyone.

Nowi: So I'm hypothetically dying, yeah?

Karson: Yep, so. . . anong pagsisisihan mong 'di mo sinabi?

Nowi: That's really hard. [clicks his tongue] I guess I'll regret not telling someone that they piqued my interest?

Karson: A. . . e, bakit 'di mo pa sinasabi sa kanya?

Nowi: I'm still in the process of watering and taking care of my feelings kasi. They haven't reached the point I want but it's only a matter of time. [smiles softly] You?

Karson: Anong ako?

Nowi: You haven't answered, Miss Chua.

Karson: I'll probably regret not being honest with myself. May 'di pa kasi ako maamin sa sarili ko, ha-ha.

Nowi: That's a really cryptic answer. [chuckles]

Karson: Alam ko. [huminga nang malalim] Same din sa 'yo 'yong reason kung bakit 'di ko pa inaamin sa sarili ko. Ayoko kasing pangunahan, so I'm entrusting it to time like you.

Nowi: Oh, okay, but at some point, we still have to decide for ourselves. Time won't do everything for us.

Karson: I know that. [drinks from her tumbler] Anyway, ayon lang 'yong questions. Thank you so much for agreeing to participate. Halos two hours din pala tayo dito.

Nowi: Yeah, I know, ha-ha. [flips the camera] Look, the sun already set. It was still bright when we started, ha-ha.

Karson: Hala, ang ganda~ [bumuntonghininga]

Nowi: [switches to his front camera, smiles] Yeah, it's pretty.

Karson: Thank you ulit, a? You don't know how much this means to me. Maglalagay ako ng snippets ng convo natin sa article pero rest assured na sa 'tin lang 'yong personal deets.

Nowi: Got it, ha-ha. Anyway, it's pretty cool you asked me to do this with you, knowing this could lead to us falling in love.

Karson: Hmm?

Nowi: I'm just. . . really honored.

Karson: Same. [may kung anong inabot sa likod ng camera, natawa]  Baka mamaya, in love ka na sa 'kin, a? [natigilan nang 'di umimik si Nowi] Joke lang kasi. Seryoso ka na naman, e.

Nowi: [laughs] I don't have to answer that, right?

Karson: P'wede ka ngang mag-pass.

Nowi: How about you?

Karson: [tumunghay] Ha?

Nowi: Are you in love with me yet, Miss Chua?

Karson: Hmm. . . not really.

Nowi: Ouch. [pouts]

Karson: Hala, wait. [waves her hands dismissively] Feeling ko, mas close na tayo kasi mas kilala na kita pero. . . I wouldn't say I'm in love.

Nowi: What would you call it, then? [squints]

Karson: Ewan ko? 'Wag mo nga akong i-hot seat. [rolls her eyes] I'm the interviewer here.

Nowi: Sure, if you say so.

Karson: Pero seryoso. . . sobrang thank you sa pagpayag. Thank you rin for your honesty.

Nowi: It's nothing, ha-ha. I enjoyed it naman. I like knowing more about you so. . . thank you for letting me get close to you.

Karson: [purses her lips, then clears her throat] Anyway, I have to go. Ita-transcribe ko pa kasi 'yong call natin para sa quotes. Uuwi ka na rin, 'di ba?

Nowi: Uh-huh. We're having dinner at home. [stands up] My dads are texting me na so. . . I have to go na rin. Message me if you have questions pa, yeah?

Karson: Okay, okay. Bye, Nowi~ [waves]

Nowi: Always a pleasure talking to you, Miss Chua. [smiles]

[Video Call Ended]

( ✦ )

• Twitter •

dump 🔒 @kscpriv
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