sariling gaod ulit tayo dito kasi headcanon ko na marami rin unreleased photos ni maris si malens. ;))
hbd mama reese's pieces. <3
INSIDE MLGR'S CAMERA ROLL
Anyone who ever interacted with Risa, however brief that was, can tell that she's an affectionate person. Besides her charming smile, that signature naniningkit eyes, and that malambing voice, there's just something about Risa that radiates warmth. So, it wasn't surprising that when little Frankie was born, that natural malambing side of hers tripled (if that was even possible), and witnessing that, I couldn't help but fall deeper into the person that she is.
We were in the middle of a workday when I decided I'll drop by her office. Ask her out for lunch. I even called her secretary earlier just to be sure she has the lunch off. Sometimes kasi, my Pangga would often work and eat or have lunch meetings. Medyo workaholic din kasi, something I couldn't call her out on since ganoon din ako.
When I got to her office building, I saw a few familiar faces, our colleagues, and some of the Tropa, we chatted a bit. Promising to set something up soon for us to properly catch up with one another. When I reached her office door, I couldn't help but smile at the huge pride flag attached to it.
I was welcomed by her staff, obviously sanay na rin sila since just like Ris is a frequent visitor in my office, I'm a frequent visitor in hers as well. They all greeted me discretely seeing as I made a shushing gesture — wanting to surprise my Pangga. They all smiled and gestured for me to go ahead, I nodded my thanks and checked on the bouquet I was holding.
When I lightly knocked on her door, I was surprised when it suddenly opened, and a slightly alarmed Risa greeted me.
"Oh, what's wrong? May problema ba, Ga?" I asked immediately, seeing as she looked like she ran to open her door.
When she finally realized who I was, she calmed down and gave me that sweet smile of hers, "Mahal.. you're here. What are you doing here?" Before I could even answer, she ushered me inside her office, softly closing the door behind her and that's when I knew or more likely saw the reason for her "alarmed" look earlier. Our little Frank is asleep on her couch, one of the throw pillows was on the floor directly below him, a safety measure in case he rolled around in his sleep.
"Sorry, I had to get the door agad that's why medyo mukha akong nagpapanic.. I thought the knock would wake him up."
"Bakit nandito si Frank?" I asked as I settled beside him, lightly tapping his leg. Cute rin talaga nitong apo namin.
"Kiko called me, may work emergency raw siya. He was supposed to be the taong bahay since it was Hannah's first day back at work after her maternity leave kaso he was called in. He called me first and I said yes since it's a slow day naman. I thought I'd get a little more Frankie time.
I couldn't help but smile at her as she kneeled on the carpeted floor, combing through Frankie's hair.
"He looks just like Kiko did.. cute cute."
"Mana sa Wowa Sen," I said as I couldn't help but find her gushing cute, nag ba-baby talk pa.
She smiled at me and finally noticed the bouquet I was holding, "Is that for me or.. gusto mo lang hawakan yang flowers?"
I rolled my eyes at her, smiling as I hand her the flowers, "Yes, it's for you. Kanino pa ba? I was going to ask you out sana. Kain tayong lunch but I think we'll have to have a rain check on that one."
Ris nodded, smiling as she stared at the flowers I just gave her.
"Anong gusto mong kainin, Ga?" I asked as I took out my phone to order something for us.
"I don't know, Love. Anything will do and thank you for this. I love it. I love you."
"I love you too," I leaned down and captured her lips in a soft kiss.
I ordered our usual, buti nalang it was nearby and kilala na rin kami kaya mabilis ang delivery. Throughout our lunch, Frank stayed asleep.
"Tulog na tulog pa rin ang Baby Frankie natin." Ris observed as she checked up on him. Making sure he's still okay.
I wrapped an arm around her waist as we stood over Frankie and watched him sleep for a while. It was a soothing scene, it also helped that Risa would coo at him every once in awhile, obviously smitten with our apo.
When our lunch break is over, I decided to stay since Risa had to go back to work. I offered to look after Frank since she has papers to read and sign daw, good thing it was a slow day for me. Much slower than Risa who was on the clock.
Thankfully, Frank stayed asleep. He woke up for a few minutes, a milk break of sorts before he fell right back in.
I was busy tinkering with my phone when I looked up only to see Risa closer to the sofa. Earlier, she was at her desk reading a newspaper.
I was about to ask her why when Frank started to stir only for Risa to start reading aloud. Her soft voice fills the room, despite the article being farthest from a children's book, I can see the effect it has on our little Frankie.
He stopped fussing and went back into a deep sleep, his lips slightly ajar. Soft snores can even be heard as Risa kept on reading.
I couldn't help but smile at the obvious love and affection from her. I secretly took a photo of her, her face serious as she reads but her voice is gentle. I glanced at Frankie and I know it was enough. Enough for our little Frank to settle down and enough for me to know how much she loves this new role she has — Wowa Sen.
***
Finally! I was able to whisk Ris for a late dinner. We were so busy this week, we didn't have time for a proper date. This time, we were finally given a reprieve of sorts. Well, not really since we are still in the middle of the week but the kids, together with our staff, insisted that we go out. They'll hold down the fort daw while we go out on our date since it has been obvious at work ad at home how much we miss each other. What with our tempers getting shorter and shorter.
Our appetizers were just being served, and when Ris' phone bleeped, she looked at it with trepidation. Obviously, not wanting for it to be about work.
"Go na, Ga. Check it. I know you wouldn't be able to eat with you worrying about that text." She smiled, grateful for the free pass I gave her. We have this rule during date nights that we'd ignore our phones for a while. Keep it silent and we can only check it after dinner or at least halfway through our dessert.
"Sorry, Love. Medyo marami lang inaasikaso ngayon. Bawi ako promise." She said as she checked her phone. It was a work thing since she started reading, her wine glass in her other hand.
As much as she's breaking one of our sacred date night rules, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by her. I know I've said it before but I'll say it again, ang ganda ganda talaga but there's just something about work mode Risa that has me in a chokehold (as the kids would like to say).
To keep myself busy, I checked my phone as well. Might as well, right? I have nothing much to do since there are no new messages, instead, I kept on watching her, a habit of mine, really. I don't mind, I find it entertaining actually.
"Ga.."
"Hmmm?" She hummed in response without looking away from her phone. I couldn't help but smile. Ganda eh.
I started recording with my phone, "Ga.." I called again and this time she glanced at me. She playfully rolled her eyes upon seeing my phone directed at her.
"Ano ba 'yan, Love.. alisin mo na 'yan.." She tried to reach for it but I kept it away from her.
Her phone beeped again, so she gave me one last look before she went back to checking it again, "Ga.. Pangga.... Mahal... Love...." I kept on calling her with my usual endearments and despite not looking, I can see her fighting a losing battle as she tries to stop herself from smiling.
"Ngingiti na 'yang Mahal ko... Darling, smile ka na." At that, she broke into a huge grin, finally looking at me.
"Stop na Mahal.." She said, trying to hide her face with her hands.
I chuckled, putting my phone away, "Oh, wala na." I replied, reaching for her hand so I could see her face again.
"Para kang ewan.." She says and playfully rolls her eyes at me again.
"Mahal mo pa rin naman.." I jested which earned me a playful slap on my face, "Yabang." She replied as I covered the hand on my face with mine, "Totoo naman di ba?" I asked, kissing her open palm this time.
I watched her slightly tilt her head sideways, her smile turning soft that I couldn't help but melt a little, "Oo naman. Mahal na mahal."
We held each other's gaze before the sound of her phone made me let go of her hand.
"Sorry." She mouthed as I nodded waving her apologies away.
I went back to watching her instead. One thing I've learned from watching her is that she's very expressive, even in her silence, I could often tell what she was feeling.
"Bad news?" I asked and she looked up at me. Giving me a slight smile as she put her phone down, "Something like that but it's fine. Nothing a great food and an even greater company couldn't fix. Let's have our date night, hmm?"
I smiled, reaching for her hand, "You don't have to pretend with me, Love. If it's bad you can tell me and I'd be happy to listen. If not, that's okay with me as well, and if you want to leave we can do that too, but you don't have to pretend with me."
She smiled, giving my hand a light squeeze, "I know, and thank you.. but really, I'm fine. I want us to have this.. let's enjoy our date, okay? I'll tell you all about it tomorrow."
I nodded, kissing her knuckles before letting her hand go since the rest of our order started arriving.
I was at the office the next day when I accidentally clicked on my phone's camera roll and there I saw the photos of Ris from last night.
Remembering the not-so-good news she received, I decided to send her a quick message. A little something to hopefully cheer her up.
Good morning, Ga. I hope today is better. I believe in you and as our Hontibredo bunch would like to say, go get that bakery. 🍞 I love you, My Fave Senator. 💖
Good morning, Love. Thank you and I love you too, Attorney ko. 💜
***
It's not a secret that I love to travel. Added bonus if it's a work engagement since mas tipid but I still get to see and explore the country I was invited in.
However, as much as I enjoy my trips, being away from Ris for so long is hard. Sure, we have our virtual dates and we try to keep in touch as much as possible, our messaging apps consuming most of our phone's batteries but it's still not the same as seeing and being with her in person.
It's Friday night here and Saturday morning back at home. I was just getting ready for one of our virtual date nights which are mostly just kwentuhan and catching each other up with how our week went when my phone lit up. A Facetime request from my Pangga.
"Hi Love!" She greeted me with much enthusiasm. I smiled, seeing her in her usual pambahay ensemble: sando, hair tied in a messy ponytail, and glasses.
"Daming energy, Ga. Good morning!" I waved at her and she waved back.
"Mukhang maganda ang gising natin ah. How was your day so far? Nag breakfast ka na?"
She nodded, still smiling as she started to relay her morning, "I just finished eating. Thank you for the scheduled delivery. I know I said I was craving waffles the other day but you didn't have to, Mahal."
I waved my hand, "Wala 'yon, Ga. It's the least I could do since I'm away and I couldn't take you out on a proper date. Consider it as my pambawi."
"Hindi mo naman kailangang bumawi but thank you. Ikaw, how was your day?"
I started telling her about my work engagement and my gala on the side as I was able to go for a walk around the city.
"Send me some photos, okay? I'll print it and put it in our photo album."
I nodded giving her a thumbs up. Risa likes to commemorate things, so, we have a lot of photo albums/books personally curated by her. At the end of the year, we'll each get a copy and it consists of all the milestones for each Hontibredo — celebrations, trips, promotions, and events. You name it. It's something we all look forward to and obviously collect. A keepsake of sorts.
"Anong plans mo today? Anything exciting?"
She giggled, giddy at something, "Darating ang mga bata mamaya. We'll eat dinner, dito lang sa bahay. Aika will cook daw. It's your recipe. Miss na namin luto mo buti nalang Ate Aiks, literal god sent found one of your cookbooks at home. She's going to try to recreate one of your dishes daw. That and I'll get to see our little angels, Frankie and Jessie. Wowa Sen time!" She exclaimed even clapping a little.
"Happy!" She added still smiling and I couldn't help but take a screenshot. Something to tide me over since I still have two weeks before I get to see that smile in person again.
"I'm glad and a little jealous. Daya niyo wala ako diyan. Miss ko na kayo." I pouted a little.
"We miss you too. Miss na miss na kita. If it wasn't for the work and the kids feeling ko sinundan na kita.. I was going crazy the first few days.. nalinis ko na yung buong bahay natin. I even baked. I baked, Mahal.. me, who, as you've said, could burn water. That's how much I miss you. I'm going stir crazy."
I couldn't help but smile as she tells me all this with so much emotion, complete with hand gestures pa.
"I miss you too, Ga. Hayaan mo two weeks na lang. Well, 13 days."
This time it was her who pouted, "I know.. I couldn't wait. Hay, as much as I'm happy to see our babies, I couldn't help but feel a little sad about it. I wish you were here."
"I know, Ga. Ako rin.. but don't worry, we'll set something up as soon as I arrived home."
"That's good. Pero maybe not as soon as you arrive."
"Why?"
"Wala lang.. I want you all to myself muna?" At that, we both started laughing.
"Duly noted, Pangga. Duly noted." I replied as she blushed.
***
Risa likes to drink and everyone knows she can hold her liquor down but what everyone doesn't know is that she gets handsy and extra affectionate when she gets tipsy. It doesn't happen often since she has a high alcohol tolerance and she drinks 2-3 cans or bottles at most during our night out with friends. However, Risa during Sangria Nights is a different person.
At home, she's looser with her alcohol intake. It doesn't help that the girls, especially Issa, likes to hand her mom every new cocktail mix she could get her hands on.
Unfortunately or fortunately, I'm not entirely sure, it's one of those nights. I couldn't help but smile as I watched the girls, together with their Mama Ris sing along to The Foundation's Buttercup Build Me Up.
They're all a little tipsy, except for Jill, who surprisingly has a high alcohol tolerance, and the responsible ate and kuya, Aika and Kiko.
They're all sharing the microphone, dancing around as they belt their hearts out at the chorus part.
The song's about to end when Issa handed the mic to Risa, "Take it away, Mama!"
Risa being Risa, gamely took the mic and started singing. To my surprise, she looked at me, grinning from ear to ear as she sang the next part, "I-I-I need you-oo-oo.." She pointed at me as she walked closer, pinning me with her stare, "More than anyone, baby.. You know that I have from the start... So build me up, Buttercup, don't break my heart." After she finished the last part with much gusto, she immediately started giggling and sat on my lap, slinking her arms around my neck.
I pulled her close, but more to support her as she kept on giggling even going as tilting her head back.
"You're tipsy na 'no?" I asked knowing the answer already.
She shook her head like a child, biting her lower lip in an attempt to stop herself from laughing out loud. To avoid my knowing gaze, she reached for her glass instead, "No, I'm not." Prolonging the last syllable to make that T sound pop.
I couldn't help but smile, shaking my head as I try to pry the wine glass away from her hand.
She only held on to it tighter, grinning as she stole a quick kiss from me.
"That's not going to distract me, Ga. Enough na. You'll regret it tomorrow."
Once again, she shook her head, "Totally worth it," she replied confidently as she finished her glass in one go. Issa, being the tanggera, immediately refilled her mother's glass.
Risa giggled pulling me in for another kiss.
When we pulled apart, I hugged her, rubbing her back as I try to calm her down, "Behave, Ga. Sangria night tonight. Remember, nandito ang mga bata."
Risa pouted, "So, what? We can be quiet."
This time it was my turn to laugh, "Right.. but not tonight."
"But why?" Risa whined, pouting a little more. I couldn't help but give her a quick peck on the lips, making her forget what we are even talking about in the first place. Thank god.
She took a sip of her drink once again, grinning from ear to ear, "Totally worth it," she declared, looking at the glass in front of her.
I took a photo of her then, grinning and proudly holding her glass.
"Papakita ko ulit sayo 'to bukas.. bukas when you inevitably regret drinking this much." I said as I showed her the photo.
She leaned her head against mine, "You're probably right.. but it's still worth it. Besides, I have you to hold my hair up and rub my back while I throw up."
I smiled and planted a kiss on her temple, "Always, Ga. Always."
***
It was one of those work-from-home days where we get to lounge around in our pambahays whilst we do our work.
I got settled in my usual pwesto in the living room. Opting to work outside instead of in my home office. Besides it being maaliwalas, I have the added bonus of watching Ris do her thing and by thing I meant yoga.
"Aga mo naman diyan, Ga." I said as I watched her unfold her trusty purple yoga mat. She nodded and smiled at me. She's clad in a white shirt na mukhang akin pa nga ata and her purple leggings.
"Wala pa kasi akong meeting. Mamaya pang after lunch pati it has been a while."
"Right.. okay lang 'yon may iba ka namang workout." I mumbled, watching and waiting for her to get the innuendo and when she did it was so worth it.
She gasps, her eyes widening, "Ikaw ha.. parang iba naman yang sinasabi mo, Love."
I smiled looking away as I start typing with my laptop, "Wala naman akong sinasabi ah. Ikaw kung anu-anong iniisip mo. Di ba nag wa-walking ka every morning o kaya stretching. Ano bang iniisip mo?"
She rolled her eyes and looked away, "Ewan ko sayo, Love" her go-to answer when she doesn't want to talk about whatever we are discussing anymore.
I smiled, biting my lip as I went back to work. During my rest in between reading and replying to emails, I would look up and watch her do her poses.
Again, I'm struck by how fascinating it is. Rather, she is. Risa is an elegant woman, she has this finesse that just exudes elegance and softness, and just uniquely Risa, you kind of just want to watch her. Kahit wala naman talaga siyang ginagawa, she has this pull that would make you look at her.
When she went to her next pose, I decided to abandon all hopes of going back to work and instead succumb to my fascination that is Ris.
I sat in front of her mat, abandoning all pretenses that I don't watch her while she does her yoga routine.
She smiled at me as she changed to yet another pose, "You're distracting," she said in between breaths.
"I'm distracting? Me? Sino ba sa ating dalawa ang iniwan ang trabaho para panoorin kang mag yoga?" I said as I got comfortable on the floor.
She let out a chuckle, almost losing her balance in the process, "Kainis ka naman, Love. Go back to work.. you're distracting me."
I laughed, "Ako pa talaga.. don't mind me na kasi. Go on.. finish your routine. Matatapos ka na rin naman."
At that, she gave me a look and maintained her next pose. Oops. Nahuli tuloy na I really watch her during her yoga sessions. I watch her to the point that I can recite all her poses from start to finish. I secretly took a photo of her or at least tried to since she caught me what with my camera shutter betraying me.
I caught her smiling and shaking her head as I put my phone away. When she was finally done, she sat beside me as I readily handed her, her flask and towel.
I started dabbing her face and neck, kissing her forehead and cheeks.
"So.. are we not going to talk about how you know my routine?" She asked cheekily as I continued dabbing on her face.
I let out a sigh, rolling my eyes at her, even going as pinching her nose which made her laugh, "Yabang.. oo na.. Yes.. before you asked, yes. Guilty as charge. I watch you during your yoga sessions and yes, nasa sala ako instead of my home office because I like watching you. Okay na ba, Ga? Nasagot ko na ba yung mga tanong mo?"
She nodded, giggling at my admission as she slinked her arms around my neck, "Cute mo kahit nalang distracting ka also delete that photo."
I shook my head as I pulled her closer, wrapping my arms around her waist, "Ayoko and for your information, it's photos."
"Hay nako.. dali na delete it. All of it."
I shook my head again, this time lightly bumping my nose against hers, "Ayaw." I said as I steal a quick kiss from her.
"Love naman.." She replied, pouting and I couldn't help but steal another kiss.
"It's one of those for my eyes only."
Again, with the eye roll, this time with matching hampas na, "May makarinig sayo akala mo naman kung ano 'yan and that I send you those kind of photos."
I laughed, "Sabi ko nga hindi. Pero pwede rin naman."
At that, I earned another hampas, I laughed watching her face turn red, "Ito naman. Binibiro lang eh."
I pulled her and got settled on the floor, "We're too old for this, Mahal." She said as she snuggled in.
I pulled closer, placing a few soft kisses on her forehead, "What? cuddling? Never."
She giggled kissing my neck, "No.. lying on the floor.. one that is hardwood and might I add, very cold."
I smiled, holding her tighter instead, "5 minutes."
She chuckled giving in as I felt her get comfortable or as comfortable as she can be considering we are on the floor.
"I love you, Ga."
"I love you too. Mahal na mahal." She replied.
I smiled, pulling her tighter against me. Sure, we'll probably regret this later when the inevitable back pain settles in, but as we lay there cuddled up against the hardwood floor, I couldn't help but think that it was so worth it.
***
BIRTHDAY GREETING
mlgr: happiest birthday to this cutie since birth, the on-the-spot singer to my frustrated pianist self. who's quick to laugh at all of my tita and mom jokes, who can be quite intimidating especially when she's hangry (please do not be angry with me because of this photo) but really a softy who loves to cuddle and call everyone with sweet endearments, who couldn't go on vacations without her trusty purple yoga mat, whose kindness and dedication knows no bounds, the best mama to our hontibredo bunch and the best wowa sen to our little angels, frankie and jessie.
thank you for choosing to do life with me as your partner. we, the whole hontibredo bunch and i will always be here to support you.
happy happy birthday to my fave senator, my pangga, my darling, my better half — my ana theresia. i love you and see you later.
wag iiyak pag nabasa mo ito mamaya!! <3
love,
your lawyer, ekonomista, naninindigan, i love you sen. risa.
p.s yes, may mandatory wacky pic as requested by our hontibredo bunch.
---
if di ganito yung greeting wag nalang charot joke lang po kahit one dot lang, malens. emi. 🤟🏻
ctto po sa pics. <3