Jordan.
Astrud.
Astrud, why are you here?
Astrud. Wait, Astrud...
Who's that, Jordan?
Zoey, I know I'll always be like this.
I don't know how to be cool sometimes,
to be the right one for you
or for your friends.
But I know in my heart that I love you.
I know that you love me too.
Ellis is proposing!
- It looks fake! - Is it a diamond?
Is that a diamond or just zirconium?
Stop!
Asshole! Stop it!
What's wrong?
Ma'am, you picked the perfect fabric.
If we make this into a curtain, the sunlight won't pass through at all.
It's perfect.
I can put sparkles on the front side here, here, and here
to blind your neighbors!
What do you think?
Are you mocking me?
I'm not here for a curtain.
I want a dress.
A dress?
You're such a genius!
How did you know the secret of the experts?
Rajo, Fern, Michael Cinco...
They all use this fabric so it retains its form.
I have an idea.
I'll make a dress, whatever design.
Let's use what's left for curtains.
They will match.
- Pretty! Glam! - This is gold.
I think it's more of a yellow? It complements your skin.
Are you saying I look jaundiced?
Let's try the other couture shops.
No, ma'am, please!
Let's compromise. Let's just call it mustard!
Mustard. Ma'am!
Hang on! I can't lose that sale!
So? Still on that grind mindset?
You know what.
Let's face it.
The brand does lack focus.
It's a tailoring shop.
We make curtains, and we make uniforms too.
Come on.
Curtains and uniforms are our bread and butter.
That's what pays us.
I know!
But actually, our baby products are a big hit.
The teddy bear and panda?
I sold a lot of nursery items yesterday.
You should've come.
I got free drinks from the boys.
Tequila Thursdays, remember?
You told me it's Tequila Tuesdays?
What? No, it's Mojito Tuesdays.
Mondays, Margarita Mondays. Then it's Whiskey Wednesdays.
Yesterday, it was Tequila Thursdays.
Today, it's Bacardi Fridays.
I've got nothing planned for tomorrow.
I won't be in later.
Because there's free booze at a wedding in Tagaytay.
You know what it is?
It's Andrew's. My friend who's a waiter?
Remember him?
Didn't know he was queer till he fell in love.
My Raffy doesn't want to go. He's being homophobic and all.
So I have an extra seat for Friday.
Are you listening?
I said I've got a plus-one.
Dad and I are gardening.
- Girl, this is free booze. Come with me! - I'm busy!
The chef at the wedding
is Jordan.
What's their color motif?
One mention of Jordan and you're asking about the motif.
Girl, that was two months ago. Remember?
This is proof that you haven't moved on.
Stop it. Will Jordan be there?
He will. He's really the chef.
Andrew caught a rich boyfriend, so they can afford to hire a chef.
You know Jordan is chef to the stars now.
Now I'm having second thoughts about bringing you with me.
Do you need to see him?
What should I wear? I have a dress with sequins.
Or should we go for a classy champagne?
- Yeah! - Don't!
- Gorgeous! - This is a wedding.
- Not a carnival. - Even on the back.
Wear something else.
Whatever.
Jordan. Sequins.
It looks like we're here, Dad.
Yup, we're here.
The app says we're here.
Swanky venue.
Dad, you can drop me off here. I'm getting out.
Don't you want them to see my new ride?
Come on, Dad. Don't cry about it.
Vicenta is my ride home, so don't worry.
Are you sure?
I might go look for plants here.
Don't you need to start packing?
You're moving to the townhouse today.
I've been there for a week.
Come on. Join me there.
Maybe next time.
You always have time to buy a new pot of kalachuchi.
Please, Dad. Move in with me.
I'm lonely.
What's the matter, Dad?
Honey, we've got lots of beautiful memories at the apartment.
Not this again, Dad.
You're talking about Mom. You're so corny.
Her wedding ring is still clogging the sink, remember?
That's why you won't leave.
Come live with me.
Move by next week or I'll have you kidnapped.
Anyway, Dad, I can't have this conversation right now.
- I should go. Love you! - Okay. Love you!
- Be safe. - Bye! Get home safely.
Go straight home! Yeah.
Don't drive around.
- Don't stay out late. - Okay!
Drive safely!
- Bye! - Take care!
Astrud! Come here!
We need you!
Let's go in!
Hi!
I'm sorry.
But Ms. Vicenta Purongcanan didn't RSVP for a plus-one.
So Ma'am Astrud Estrellado is not part of the headcount.
Can't we just share one seat please?
We're open to anything.
This is a wedding, not a jeepney.
Sorry, Astrud.
Are you kidding me?
Where are we? We're in Tagaytay.
You just saw my dad drive off.
We agreed you'd be my ride home.
Gay men are getting married.
Their vows will be 14 pages long and I'm here?
It'll be freezing. What am I supposed to do?
You're so dramatic.
Why don't you go to a spa?
Are you high?
You want me to go to a spa? Wearing a copper cocktail dress?
You want me to walk in these heels?
I think it's more like gold?
It's gold.
Sure, let's focus on that.
I'll just look for a sucker to help me.
Hey, come on.
I'll go over there.
- Astrud! - I need a girlfriend.
You need a girlfriend?
Want me to buy you one?
- Follow me. - You want that?
Are you crazy?
I did have a date but she stood me up.
Hi! Oh, my gosh, you're here too?
Handsome. I know.
I wasn't talking to you, but to him.
Ellis?
Exactly. Ellis! Don't you recognize me?
How are you? It's been so long.
They're grooms. It's a gay wedding.
You don't know who's top, do you?
Watch your mouth!
You're worse than my Raffy.
At least, he's only rude on Twitter.
Watch the one where he's not naked.
They must be looking for me. I'll go ahead.
Good luck.
Me, too, man.
Just text me when you've made up your mind, okay?
- You can do it. - Wait for me.
Ellis! Ellis!
I have a bit of a situation.
You see, I left my invitation in Manila.
Did you get to RSVP for a plus-one?
Yeah.
Maybe you can get me in with you.
I did register a plus-one, but I don't know you.
Hey, come on. We do know each other!
Wow, has it been that long? Is my face so forgettable?
I don't know you.
But sure, I'll get you in if you admit we've never met before.
Okay, fine. We've never met before.
Okay? Happy?
Why do you need to get in?
Is it rude if I say it's none of your business,
considering I asked for your help?
A little.
Because my ex is inside.
He's the chef.
I really need to talk to him.
That's why I wanted to get in.
But it's okay. Forget it.
I'll just find a way to get home.
I might book a ride.
I wonder how much is it to travel to Quezon City from Tagaytay?
Gosh, I'll probably sell myself to the driver just to get home
'cause I can't get in.
Me too.
You'll sell your body too?
No.
I also need to see my ex.
She's inside.
- You have an invitation, so just go in. - No.
I meant I need my ex to see me with a new girlfriend.
Wait.
Are you serious?
Where's the camera? Where is it?
Is this a prank?
Pretend to be your girlfriend?
Come on!
It's easy.
Just come with me. I'll introduce you.
Just pretend to be sweet. All will be above the waist.
You can leave after that.
Go meet with your ex-chef.
He's not an ex-chef, okay?
He's my ex. There's a difference.
- But he's still a chef. - Yes.
But nevermind. Forget it. I don't want to do this.
Even though I was the best actress in our school.
It's fine.
Look at you.
Nothing.
You focused on hair care.
Overall impact, so-so.
We don't look good together.
I guess you won't see your ex-chef, then.
Why are you cursing at me?
Okay.
All right, here.
You're worried about what others might think.
And I thought you were the type who focuses on character, not looks.
Too bad. You look pretty in a copper dress.
What did you say? Copper?
It's copper? It really is.
Hear that? Earlier you said this was gold.
I'm wearing a copper dress.
Because of your great eyesight,
Yes! I will be your five-minute girlfriend.
One condition. Leave that here.
You can't bring a pot to a wedding.
That's my gift.
Stop. Just do a money transfer.
As for you, girl, this is a flower. You better not eat it.
Look after it, okay? This guy...
Ellis, right? Ellis will come back.
Come on. Babe, let's go!
Let's go, love.
"Love"? Really? Babe?
I like it.
Fine. Babe. Love. Let's go.
Okay.
- Let's dance! - "Love"? Really?
Did I get pooped on?
It's a butterfly, not a roach.
- This is really it. - We arrived early.
Oh, man. We're in the big leagues now.
Let me try this.
Really? Okay, spell it.
Please enjoy it.
A fancy name for a boring food.
Where's the chef's station?
It's over there.
Hey, thanks.
I'll see you around.
Hey, wait. Where are you going?
I still need to introduce you.
I thought I could slip away.
Fine. The sun is about to set.
Let's go. Show them my beauty.
Wait a second.
Shouldn't you get to know me?
You should get to know me at least.
Nah, let's just go with something like you're a man of mystery.
And say something like love is blind, love at first sight.
They won't buy it.
Let me tell you some things.
- Okay, go. - Okay.
I'm Ellis. Ellis Perry Sumilang.
My family is a pioneer in the landscaping business.
I grew up in Malolos, the land of ensaymada and pinipig.
Only child, menopause baby, but have nephews and nieces.
I was their nanny.
Me too!
Because I love plants I studied at Polytechnic State University
with a specialty of Conocarpus sericeus and Codiaeum variegatum.
But I'm also an expert on ground cover and tropical perennials.
After graduation, I became a landscaper in Solenad.
Just a subcontractor for now,
but you know the grass paths that dogs poop on in BGC?
I planted it all.
That's me.
So you have nephews and nieces.
You like kids?
Eight to be exact. And I changed all of their diapers.
- Hey, Astrud! - Okay.
You scared me. Hang on.
What's the fuss?
Excuse me. Who are you?
This is Ellis, my babe. If anyone asks, we're together.
Okay?
I'll just borrow my BFF.
What's up?
Yeah, it's my fault you're with that guy.
But don't you find him geeky? He's giving serial killer vibes.
Don't be silly.
Astrud, drop him. He's probably high as a kite.
He's a landscaper.
He might turn you into fertilizer.
Not at all. Come on.
He's legit. Let me show you.
Babe, come here.
- You're a landscaper? - Yes.
Okay, choose one.
The best among these four choices.
April Showers, Firetree
Purple Narra, Philippine Sakura.
Which is the best?
Impressive. You like flowers?
they are perfect for wide areas.
If you're patient and persistent, they'll take five and six years to bloom.
Prefer swift blooms? Choose caballero.
It blooms in a year and looks like a firetree.
Want something that blooms quickly?
There's Bougainvilla,
and Yellow Bells.
See?
And my love, don't buy a Purple Narra, okay?
Why?
Because there's no such thing.
- Right! I told you he's good. - Yeah.
- Dude! - Hey, man!
She's been looking for you.
Mind you.
I didn't tell them you got an instant girlfriend.
Let's go!
Wait.
Shouldn't you get to know me too?
There's no need. I know you.
Don't be a jerk. Listen up.
It's just me, Astrud, by the way.
Born and raised in Binangonan, Rizal, Philippines!
As a child, I was a daddy's girl.
We rented an ancestral house in Binangonan city.
Back home, money is tight. I'm not gonna lie.
It's small, no garden but it's full of plants.
Dad drives an ambulance for a living and we're happy,
but as to Mom, she had many dreams she couldn't afford.
I worked hard.
I thought, "One day, I'll buy my dad a big house
with enough space for a garden."
And Mom might cheer up a little.
Eventually, it became just me and my dad at home.
I preferred it that way. I hustled.
- Thanks! - I'll get this.
- Just buy two! - Okay.
You can pay tomorrow.
Phone credits? A foot massage? All right.
I tried my luck at everything.
You should put blush on your nose. It looks good.
It looks great on you!
Gorgeous, am I right?
You should buy it from my daughter.
Want to try these ones later? Leave it to me.
I saved money.
My dad helped me with college.
I graduated in Business Management.
Today, I'm a solo entrepreneur who owns a start-up company called
Curacha Cool Coutures and Kukurs.
What's "kukurs"?
Curtain making.
Number two supplier in the Calabarzon region.
So you're a curtain maker.
Yeah, so? Got something against curtain makers?
With no curtains, your neighbors will see it.
Okay, whatever. Like I have a choice.
I'll walk you there. I'll tell them.
Come on! Love! Come here.
Remember Zoey's friends, they're high class.
Tatler Asia high-class.
You know? Maybe level it up a bit so you're comparable.
I see.
Level up? Yeah, what is this?
Level up?
Sorry, I'm just giving you a heads up
'cause Zoeys' friends, they're...
This?
- Me! - Judgy.
Judgy. Judgmental?
You mean they're going to judge me?
Why? From what I know, I'm supposed to be your prop girlfriend.
You're going to show me off to your ex's friends?
Why do I feel like there's a Q&A?
Like it's a pageant.
Why?
You can't keep up? All right.
Fine. Did you hear that?
- You can't keep up? - Did I say that?
You're weak.
I didn't say I can't. I can totally do it.
You're provoking me.
After all this, don't bother me again.
'Cause I'll look for my ex.
Got it? Are we clear?
Your ex-fiancé who is still a chef.
Ex-fiancé who'll be my future
because after this, we'll be together.
Mark my word.
Unlike you.
Even though you have me, you're still a lowly peasant.
- A lowly peasant? - A bloody pleb.
Let's go. Where's this "panel of judges?"
Where?
I'll show you. Follow me.
Just relax, okay?
Babe, first name is fine.
But I call her "Love."
We're friends.
Zoey is not here yet.
And Rowan, the groom, he's still getting into his tuxedo.
- The groom? - Yes.
Maybe a gown?
You moved on so quickly.
She's an old friend of mine. We just reconnected.
If people are meant to be, life finds a way. Right, Love?
That's why I haven't been around for our trips.
- You know how it goes. - Girlfriend?
Ellis, I'm not your girlfriend.
- Girlfriend? - Nope.
Because we're engaged.
We're engaged.
You just found out?
No, it's 'cause...
He's always like this.
He's very considerate because of...
What's her name?
- Zoey. - Zoey.
- She's your friend! - Yes!
He thinks of her feelings. She may be uncomfortable.
But I feel that's a bit unfair towards me.
I said, "You should be proud of our relationship, babe!"
- Yes! - Exactly!
I'm with you on that, Astra.
Astra? Like the vaccine?
Astrud.
But if you're engaged,
The engagement ring...
Babe, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry I forgot to wear it.
- I feel so bad. - Don't worry, Love.
- It's okay. - Sorry.
We went on a trip last week and we had black caviar.
Have you tried it?
- All of you? - Yes!
- It was so good! - Yes.
But the ring got dipped into it so I had it cleaned.
Where? At Cebuana Devullier?
Why there? What is it?
Pawnshop. Do you go there?
Not me.
You?
Babe, I have it!
- I'm so sorry! I forgot. - You do?
- I have it here. - I love her.
There it is. Look. It's so shiny.
Pretty.
So pretty.
Babe, let's relive it?
Show them! Come on!
- It went exactly like this! - Like this!
Go ahead!
- You gained weight? - Slip it on.
Astrud! What a nice ring.
Love, your phone is ringing.
Is that mine?
Must be my dad.
- I'll be back. Excuse me. - He's the best.
I'll go with her.
- Love! - What?
That was amazing! High five!
I hate your friends. They're so stuck-up.
They're pissing me off.
Nevermind them. You pulled it off.
Yeah? Effective!
My job is done. I'm out.
We're done here.
You haven't even met Zoey.
- Yeah. - I didn't agree to that.
I only need to meet her friends.
Wait a minute.
I've got somewhere to be.
I don't want to do this.
- Don't widen your eyes at me! - Hi!
LQ?
At the...
Your mask. Fix it or they'll know it's you.
Bummer, I dropped my stuff.
- What the hell. - Sorry, I dropped my mask.
Miss, you can have this.
I need help. I'll fix my mask.
- I'll take it off. - Wait. But now I've seen you.
- We will... - I will never forget that night.
Bummer, I dropped my stuff.
Wait, there's a lot of stuff.
- Miss, have this. - What's this?
I'm sorry. My mask broke.
Wait. But then I'll recognize you.
That's okay. You versus 400.
Here. All good.
Love you, love.
"Love" already?
So the story moves faster.
That was how I met him.
Yeah! Super cute meet-cute.
So cute!
I couldn't look straight at Jordan.
Jordan? I didn't say that.
Did you hear "Jordan"?
- No! - You said Jordan.
Giordavo!
I was wearing Giordavo when we met.
I couldn't look at him.
'Cause you know. His... His thingy.
So embarrassing.
Yeah, he looks all shy, but Ellis has an adventurous side.
The neophyte's nude run at the university!
Your mask. Fix it or they'll see you.
I was there!
- I was there... - Yes!
We supplied...
Our organization gave roses for the neophytes.
Then I saw a girl and a boy under a red cloth.
Our organization gave roses for our nude run...
That was where we met.
- Yes. - That's right.
We did meet there.
My thing was going up and down. I was staring at her.
We lost contact because she lost her phone.
- Yes. I lost it. - Hang on.
- Yeah! - Right? Like BS Botany or something?
How could you have met?
He cross-enrolled.
Cross-enrolled.
- Cross. - Yeah.
How did you court Astrud?
We didn't see each other
until I became a junior at an...
And we had a stall that sold seedlings.
She was with her friends.
Dude.
You're looking at her.
Remember, we're going back to UP Los Baños tomorrow.
Dama de Noche?
What?
Dama de Noche.
When this matures, it blooms every night.
Think of it as me giving you flowers every night.
Thank you.
Haven't we heard that story before...
You're just hungry. Have this. There.
Right? You were saying?
So I saw her and handed her a flower pot.
Then she had an...
allergy.
Dama de Noche?
What?
Dama de Noche.
Once it matures, it blooms every night.
Think of it as me giving you flowers every night.
I appreciate the flowers.
I smell nothing but sweat.
- An allergy ruined the moment! - Yeah.
- Do you remember? - Yes.
Of course! I remember. That was unbelievable.
My face just blew up and I looked like the Hulk.
- Yeah! - Like the Hulk.
- And it was so itchy! God! - For sure!
I'll continue my story.
No. I remember.
- You do? - I remember.
An ambulance came.
Sorry, honey.
You wanted coffee. Yet I'm at work.
Now you have to accompany me on a run.
It's fine, Dad. I want to see you in action.
Here, have some coffee.
- I have it anyway. - Thanks.
Then you got in the ambulance.
I did? You... That was us!
Yes. That was us. That was us.
- Zoey also had an allergy... - Man! Does she love to talk?
My baby is such a chatterbox.
Right.
Because I got Astrud in trouble back then.
It's okay, really.
If it wasn't for that, we wouldn't have had such quality time.
Yep. Destiny.
Wow, just from a seedling?
Seedling? Yeah.
It made me fall for him.
The garlands and flower arrangements? They'll wilt tomorrow.
Expensive bags, shoes, fine jewelry...
They don't impress me.
You know, Ellis.
It doesn't matter to him if he gets bashed or cancelled
or whatever his friends think of him.
Ellis has his own thing. He has his own style!
He doesn't need to follow the trends or listen to his friends.
He doesn't care about Korean glass skin. That's just how he is.
We got close at the hospital.
Am I right?
Do you have questions?
Zoey, I'm sorry.
At least, I'll be ready come Halloween.
I'll munch on some Dama de Noche.
Actually, you look like Annabelle.
Don't. Annabelle isn't showing at this time.
It isn't out yet.
Rama?
Okay, yeah.
Nevermind.
I'll just keep a bunch of Dama de Noche leaves in my backpack
for whenever we have an argument.
Why would we argue?
When we go on dates...
Why would I date you?
By the way...
Why would I go on a date with you when you haven't asked me yet?
Astrud?
Do you want coffee?
Coffee? Just coffee?
Look at me.
Absolutely not. Look at this damage you've caused.
Even a franchise is not enough.
Know how you'll make it up to me?
Tomorrow, we have a furniture fare exhibit, come with me!
There we go. Sorry, babe. Thank you so much.
Home furnishings are largely sold online these days.
We need to have amazing product shots.
Can you roll that out? Let's see.
Let me just set it up.
There we go!
Do you like that color? Looks good, right?
Can you move the sofa while I set up the camera?
In the center...
And I'll add some candles.
Right there. Perfect.
- There? - Looks great.
Nice.
- Let's give it a try. Like we're married. - Easy.
- There's our TV right there. A huge TV. - Alright, alright, alright.
- Wow. - I love it.
Nice. Is that a pillow or my belly?
It's soft. Just like a pillow.
- I think we have to do a test run. - Really?
Did you mind being my errand boy?
I was hugging a pillow and we kissed.
Yes! We kissed!
I think, if I remember correctly,
we were out late and you invited me to a motel.
Babe, I want noodles.
Noodles?
Where do we get noodles?
There.
I heard their noodles are delicious.
No way that happened! You're making it up!
Why would I?
You totally are.
We found a bar.
A mixed bar and you asked me to go in.
What? Now you're making it up!
There? Doesn't it look sus?
Look. He's wearing an extra small tee.
Love,
I need to tell you something.
What is it?
I'm fluid.
Hey! What are you talking about?
That really happened.
Fake news. You're a troll.
Go work for the government!
No!
- I don't remember that. - Hang on.
Why do I get the feeling that you both forgot what happened to you?
Are you vitamin-deficient? What's with your poor memory?
My best friend is looking for me.
What now, sis?
You're always popping out of nowhere.
Have you seen Jordan yet?
Girl, don't go near him.
He's being hard on them and grilling them.
What's with that stupid smile?
What? Nothing. It's nothing.
Don't give me that crap, Astrud.
- I know you. - It's nothing!
If you say so.
- But you know what... - So it's not nothing?
My babe, Ellis...
He's kind of a riot.
If only we'd seen each other sooner, before all this.
That's why he's calling you godlike.
Just because your heart stopped beating a long time ago.
It just coughs.
You don't believe in "the one" and stuff.
"The one"? K-dramas are like termites. They've turned our brains to mush.
- Making you believe in that crap. - You're cynical.
There's no "the one."
There's only the one you settle for,
the one you can live with.
Take my Raffy for instance.
I settled even if he's only got half a pair of balls.
What, really? Is it true?
Anyway, I'm worried about you. I'm scared about what you might do.
I thought you were going to get back with Jordan?
But Garden Boy is making things complicated.
You just met him. I repeat. You just met.
Not at all. I haven't laughed so hard. That's all.
The kind of laugh that lets you forget the whole world and your problems.
Only with Ellis.
Okay. I understand.
But isn't he trying to get back with his girlfriend?
You think you have a chance.
Zoey says she's stuck in traffic.
She wants us to wait.
Everyone has to wait for her?
Like she's the bride?
She said Ellis will wait for her.
Why? Did you tell her that her ex is already engaged?
That's why she wants him to wait.
It was actually Zoey's idea to invite you.
I told her, "It's your fault, girl!"
You rejected his proposal.
Right? A guy has got to mend his heart.
If that's true then why did she reject me?
If she'd accepted you,
she'd have to deal with your condition her whole life.
That threw her off. She thought she couldn't do it.
She's worse without you.
I don't know.
I'm not sure I'd want to spend my whole life
with someone who was just enduring me.
Exactly.
You found someone who doesn't endure you.
You're a perfect match.
It's like you already know each other.
Like you know everything about each other.
Not really.
Go to her.
If you met them just a while ago.
Hey, you're going to break your neck.
I got you some drinks.
Wow. Shameless!
Just checking the wedding.
I see.
Is this soda water?
Yeah. You look like someone who can hold her liquor.
You're observing me.
Those flowers take forever to bloom.
They need time and you'll need to keep a close eye.
They only flower once, but when they do, it's wondrous.
It almost kills them.
I know you because of your preferences in plants.
Of my father.
Those are his favorite flowers.
That's why I agreed to this.
- He's handsome too? - Nah.
He's pitiful.
I pity him.
When I was a kid, we didn't own a lot.
- The ambulance... - It's not enough!
It never is. It's never...
- Mom was in a tight spot. - What are these?
She was disappointed she married a man without ambition.
That's all? You plan on feeding us leaves?
One night her wedding ring fell into the drain.
She broke the pipes poking desperately to fish it out.
Filthy drain water flooded the floor.
Mom, the floor is flooding!
She even slipped on it.
- Mom! - Then she wept in it.
Just like the flood.
Tears from all those years of enduring.
You never know which will be the last straw that will break someone.
My mother decided leaving me was worth it just so she could leave my dad.
If Mom can live without us, we can live without her.
She doesn't have a room in my new house.
That's when I vowed to move to a new house.
A big house.
Somewhere he can plant a massive garden.
When I met Jordan, I knew he wasn't it.
Here, mister.
Are you ready to order?
One more round? Okay.
How about food?
Okay.
You were so in love. Is that wrong?
I looked the part.
What's the difference between a cook and a chef?
What?
No.
The chefs have made it.
Jordan was just a cook.
He was broke, shuffling from one restaurant to another.
I could see how our future would unfold.
We'd live in a small house,
the same kind my dad could manage for my mom.
Then he'd knock me up.
He'd need to get on a cruise ship, be a cook and earn more.
I'd stay home and wait for his check
while taking care of our children.
My kids would grow up just like I did.
I didn't want that!
I have bigger dreams for them.
I don't want to cook, eat, and sleep in the same room.
I don't want flooded sinks and broken pipes.
I don't want them to plant on concrete.
I don't want that kind of life.
In short, the life your father gave you?
I love my father.
But he is a failure.
I'm a bad daughter, right?
I said that to my dad who raised me.
So in your story with the chef, you're the one who left?
But I had money saved. I'm a hustler.
Curtain Queen.
I can sell all kinds of curtains, even coffin curtains.
Not just that, I'm also the Uniform Empress.
Every uniform you need for sales ladies, government workers,
I supply it.
That's how I bought a townhouse for my dad with a backyard.
That's awesome!
You don't look happy.
Happy?
Probably because even though I got him a house,
and gave up Jordan so that I could afford it,
it wasn't enough.
Dad still prefers to live in our old house.
He'd rather wallow in Mom's memories.
That's how it is.
You resent your mother for leaving you for money.
But you left Jordan for the same reason.
You're not different from her.
What makes you think you can say that?
You don't have the right.
Sorry. Sorry, am I wrong?
It's true, though.
Are you okay?
You don't hold back, do you?
I'm just kidding.
Hey, where are you going?
Look. I want to watch!
I wanted to be a flower girl.
I hope you and Jordan work things out.
Because thanks to you,
Louisiana told me Zoey wants me back.
Really?
Congratulations.
See? We're so convincing.
We fooled them. We convinced them we're so in love.
That's great. Fantastic team-up.
You want to know how those two met?
It was at the restaurant where I proposed to Zoey
and she rejected me.
She needed time.
I was frustrated and I punched Rowan.
I kept punching him.
The waiter arrived.
It was Andrew. He pulled me aside.
Rowan lost a tooth because of me.
But at least they met each other.
So you're saying?
The universe planned it.
It was the hand of Destiny or God or whatever you want to call it.
Why can't it be mere coincidence?
Even the deal we made.
He knows about it.
He has a plan for us.
Everything happens for a reason.
Ellis, there's something I want to tell you.
I know I'll regret it if I don't tell you.
- What is it? - Something weird did happen.
- That day with you and Zoey. - Yeah?
- That time with the ambulance. - Yes.
Didn't you wonder why I knew about how it happened?
Why? Why do you know that story?
Because I was there.
My dad was supposed to drive me back to school.
But an emergency call came in, so he had to take me to work and I saw you.
Insane, right? Small world.
I've got another one.
The story about the nude run? I really was there.
Our organization did supply the roses.
I saw a girl and guy under a curtain sheet.
It was you guys.
The universe is telling us something.
The ring I put on your finger.
Where did you get it?
This?
Don't tell me you walk around with an engagement ring in your purse?
No.
Four months ago, you picked that up in BGC.
How did you know?
That's my ring.
I threw it when Zoey rejected my proposal.
Then I saw a poor abandoned cake on a bench
that somebody just left for some reason and I ate it.
The chocolate cake with drippy chocolate toppings?
How did you know?
I left that cake. That was my cake.
See?
There were many instances where we could have met.
But, we didn't.
What if we just don't see it?
That the two of us were meant to be and you're my "the one"?
- Don't be jealous! - More!
Ellis, I need to go.
I can't fall for you.
Zo...
Astrud?
Zoey, nice to meet you.
Come on, Ellis.
Let's meet Rowan and Andrew.
Come on! Hurry!
Astrud, how stupid can you be? Why do you like him?
You're jealous?
Get fucking real!
Things were going so well until that Zoey showed up!
Why did she have to butt in?
Keep going.
Unless none of it's true.
That's my ring, isn't it?
It's my ring now.
You're probably wondering
why someone like me would fall in love with Ellis.
"They're worlds apart."
That's a stretch. I don't think about you.
Why would you assume that?
Let me tell you about our life anyway.
No make-believe.
Back when we were in college, he was a puppy following me around,
hoping for crumbs.
What lunatic would travel from Los Baños
every Tuesday and Thursday just to be with me?
Until that time, I lost all my friends.
Don't mind them.
I've been made fun of my whole life.
I'm going to buy some plants for landscaping.
What about you?
How long have you been together?
Louisiana told me you used his plus-one.
To make me jealous?
Zoey!
Zoey?
- Where did you go? - Coming!
We'll have a toast!
- I'm coming! - They're already dancing!
If Zoey is still in love with you, why did she let you go?
It was at the party.
The night I saw Zoey give up on me.
At a party?
After our graduation, Louisiana threw a retro disco party.
Zoey pushed me to attend it.
You really nailed that costume. Authentic!
Isn't that your daily wardrobe?
Zoey.
I saw it in Zoey's eyes.
I couldn't even show up then.
Forget about showing up for anything else.
I was certain that at that moment,
she had given up on me.
You got embarrassed by that?
So what if you're dorky on the dance floor?
I struggled to deal with it.
So then what happened after that? You broke up?
She acted like nothing happened.
Didn't even mention it.
We just went with the flow.
One night, I proposed to her.
But her eyes clearly told me
that I'd lost her.
Now she wants to get me back.
Her eyes still have the same look.
Maybe she just needs someone on her arm.
Someone waiting on her.
It's her definition of love.
That's not love.
We haven't filmed you.
My advice for you is to always be there.
It's more important to be there for each other
And don't throw it away.
When they all come around, stay strong.
Do you agree?
I'm buying some plants for landscaping.
Really? Can I come?
I was going to say "to dance," but okay.
And with that, let's make good on our advice.
Which one? Which piece of advice?
Come on. Let's dance.
Let's show Zoey that you do know how to dance.
And you're dancing for yourself, not for anybody else.
This isn't part of our agreement.
I know but we're going to do it.
I'll leave these here.
- Let's go! - I won't dance.
- I won't! - Come on!
Just a moment!
Come on!
Astrud, I don't want to!
- Come on! - Astrud!
We're just going to enjoy it.
- Astrud! - Nice.
See? Look, this is easy.
Like this.
This is a piece of cake. Your turn.
There you go.
Wait, just stay here. I have an idea.
There. See the music is cool!
I requested the song.
Yeah!
Okay.
Look at me.
Close your eyes.
Close them!
See?
Now we can dance!
Just follow my lead.
Look closely. Just like this.
Then you'll turn it up a notch.
There! There you go.
See, you're a natural!
Nice, see?
You're good! A natural.
Look closely. Catch this. Hurry.
Nice!
It's so hot!
Astrud!
Astrud, what's the matter? Astrud!
Hey, what is it?
Stop running. Do you plan on going in circles?
Ellis, I'm too old to fall for tricks.
This was just an ex-deal.
We're fooling ourselves.
You're getting what you want.
And I'm going to get what I want.
Let's not believe our own lies, please.
What if I tell you I'm no longer pretending?
This is the way I am.
I can sense if I love someone.
And I know for sure that I love you.
You're crazy!
You said it yourself.
Love is like a plant.
You need to take care of it.
What we have, you and I...
You know what we are?
We're just flowers in a vase.
Tomorrow, we'll wither.
You'll wonder why we even wasted time on each other.
Ellis, must we really give each other false hopes?
And hurt each other?
Astrud.
Hold on.
Why are you so scared?
Love hurts. It's a fact.
It matters when it's real.
And what we have? This is real.
You're the one. I've waited for you for so long.
I've waited for this, to feel this certain.
I feel it in every bone.
Like I've been missing something, and now I'm complete.
That's how I feel. It's like we already know each other.
I've loved you for ages even if we just met today.
Now I know love isn't measured by length of time.
Because when you're in love, time means nothing.
Hours, minutes, years...
That's all a blur, but you remain clear.
I don't mind getting hurt.
Laughing though I'm sad. Feeling tenderness even when I'm angry.
Because now I know I've found it.
I've found you and I surrender everything.
I surrender everything to this true love.
I love you.
- Ellis. - Do you love me too?
I told you it's impossible.
It's not that easy.
I'm certain about you.
I wasn't talking about you. I'm not who you wish I was.
You made a mistake then.
You're making it again.
She already told you. I'll say it again.
Astrud, my answer is the same.
I'm not a loving person.
Ever since my mom left us,
something happened.
It broke.
It's hardened.
I grew up laughing through everything,
acting perky, sassy,
acting like a manic pixie dream girl.
But this thing? You're going to cut yourself with it.
I will only hurt you.
I don't understand.
I don't want people to love me.
What I want is to rise.
I'm envious of people that have what I don't have.
Light beige and greige.
Every time I see a couple,
honestly, I keep thinking,
"Don't fall for it. They all leave in the end."
I don't want to be left behind like my father was.
That's why I need to get ahead.
That's what Mom left us for.
Nice clothes and jewelry and expensive food.
- You're still short. - I'm sorry, sir.
I can't do this.
If you're struggling with the rent,
you'd better find a new place to move to.
I told myself, "I can't live like this."
"Not like this."
Two applicants will come in tomorrow.
Interview them.
What for? We're all set.
I should focus on the shop. I'll sell things.
I thought this was our dream?
This isn't mine. It's your dream.
We'll open a restaurant. It'll fail. We'll need to close it down.
Then we'll think of a new concept.
We'll open another restaurant, and it will fail again.
Until when should we keep chasing your dreams, and not mine?
Till we're neck-deep in debt?
Until I can't feed you once we get married?
Yes. We've been through this.
I don't want to talk about it.
Is it hard to understand? I want to buy my dad a house.
I want a steady income.
Deep inside, you don't have faith in us.
You're selfish.
I'm the only one who will never leave me.
- We're over, Jordan. - Astrud.
Wait, Astrud.
Trudy?
Anybody home? Astrud?
- Dad. - Jordan.
Good morning.
Is Astrud there?
She left. You just missed her.
Okay, Dad. Please give this to her. Tell her it's from me.
I will.
I'll go now.
- Get home safe. - Yes, sir.
Sorry, I'm late, honey.
Yeah, for three hours.
Where did you go?
Antipolo?
You visited Mom?
She called and said she's lonely.
For God's sake! How can you be such a loser?
Did you forget that she left us?
It's been just the two of us since then.
But you're still clinging on to Mom?
She doesn't deserve your love.
She's all alone now.
Shouldn't we give her our love? She needs it more.
So you've forgiven her?
Yes.
Don't worry.
The day will come
when Jordan will also forgive you.
Me? Why would Jordan have to forgive me?
What did I do to Jordan? I did nothing.
Did you measure him based on how he can make you rich
instead of his ability to love you?
I don't know where you picked that up.
Or rather I didn't raise you well.
But I never thought that love was about
what someone could bring to the table or how they could serve you.
You know where I picked it up?
From you. I learned it from watching you.
I never want to be like you.
I'd rather...
I'd rather leave first than be left behind.
I'd rather be the one who dictates the worth of a person.
I don't want to be like you.
But let me ask you this.
Are you happy?
Hello, who's this?
It's Jordan's cellphone?
I'm Jordan's mother. He can't come to the phone.
We're at the hospital.
He took a whole bottle of sleeping pills because of you, Astrud.
You're right.
The people I hate the most are just like me.
Like my mom. Envious, overambitious.
Ellis, we weren't fated to meet...
not because we weren't meant for each other.
God didn't want us to meet.
We don't deserve this.
He knew I would hurt you.
Astrud?
Just hurt me.
- I don't mind because it's you. Hurt me. - No, that's not it.
I need to find Jordan. I need to talk to him.
Why do you want Jordan back?
- What do you expect from him? - It's not love I'm expecting from him.
- It's forgiveness. - Forgiveness?
It's better if you said you still love him.
If it's forgiveness you want, you should learn to forgive!
Baby, is that you?
Astrud?
I'm glad you called.
I forgive you.
May I know...
- if it ever made you happy. - Happy?
Astrud,
you may not understand this,
but someday,
life will make you understand.
A day will come when you feel like you're at the end of your rope.
When you're repelled even by the air that you breathe.
And you get an urge to be somebody else,
to lead a different life.
That's a load of crap.
We make our choices.
You chose yourself over me and Dad.
I hope the day never comes that life too...
asks you to make a difficult choice.
That day has come, Mom.
Ellis.
- I did it. - What?
Because of you, I did it. I called my mom.
She forgave me.
And I've forgiven her too.
- My turn? - You owe me a story.
The real reason why you and Zoey broke up.
The truth?
Zoey didn't turn me down because I didn't belong in her world.
There's another thing she couldn't deal with.
I've lived with this my whole life.
When I was a student, I used to get into brawls all the time.
Every time I feel ashamed,
I unexpectedly explode.
After that, I tried fixing myself, Astrud.
I went through the entire healing process.
And I think I'm in a good place now.
I'm doing better. I know I am. Trust me.
Do you believe me?
You're a bit strange?
So what. I am too.
You have issues? So do I.
You have wounds. I have my own.
We're a match.
I like you.
But I need to finish what I came here to do.
I need to speak to Jordan.
What for?
He needs to decide.
For the two of you?
Not just for us both.
So I'm giving it all up to the universe.
Or to destiny?
Doesn't matter what it is.
Only he knows what Jordan's decision is.
If he releases me,
and you'll accept me,
we can be together.
But if Jordan thinks we need to get back together,
that's what we'll do.
Will you be okay with that decision?
What's meant to be will be, right?
What's meant to be will be.
I'm glad you didn't forgive me back then.
Why?
Because I still needed to forgive myself.
Now I've confronted all of my sins.
When I ended up at the hospital, I thought that was the end for me.
I know that back then, you thought of me as a loser.
And that's why you left.
This is what you wanted, right? For me to try harder in life.
Who knew I'd actually make it.
I just followed your lead. I became more ambitious.
- Is that how you met your girlfriend? - The girl you saw?
That was nothing. It was over months ago.
Which brings me to why are you still here?
Four and a half months.
I just found out last month.
That's why I insisted on coming here to look for you.
If you don't want to raise the child, that's fine with me.
I'll understand. I can manage on my own.
I just wanted you to know.
Because my father raised me
and nothing compares to growing up with your own father.
All my life, I always wanted a complete family.
That's why I came here.
I know that I've hurt you so much.
That's why I leave the decision up to you.
Do you want it?
But you don't love me anymore, do you?
This is more than us now.
This time, I want to put our child's happiness before my own.
I will give you time to think.
Astrud...
wait.
I'm sorry. This is the only ring I have in my bag.
It's temporary.
It's not a real silver ring. Is that all right?
That's not even silver. It's dark grey.
- It's silver. - It's not.
- Why are you laughing? - Nothing.
We always agree when it comes to colors.
Who?
No one.
Astrud.
Trudy,
Don't mind that.
We were just joking around. I'll give it back.
Astrud, I think you have to wrap it up.
Stay here. I'll be right back.
Wait. I'll just go check on him.
Wait.
Ellis!
Astrud.
- Hey. - Ellis.
I just gave the orchid to the groom.
Are you okay?
I thought something happened.
I was gone for five minutes.
I told you I'm going to be okay. I can handle myself.
Thank you.
For me too.
Thank you.
So...
is this goodbye?
This is goodbye.
I guess I was wrong.
We weren't meant to be.
They're a little rowdy but like yeah, Jerome's team...
He'll take care of it.
Look out for Phalaenopsis. Make sure to restock immediately.
Got it. And about the...
I'll go ahead.
- Astrud! - Ellis!
How long has it been? One year?
- How's it going? - I'm doing well.
Just doing some shopping for the love of my life.
You love her very much, don't you?
Didn't I tell you? I always knew you were a fierce lover.
You know what this one taught me?
There's a kind of love that's just an illusion.
There's true love, past love, future love,
but once you have a kid, it's all rolled up.
Illusion, true love, past, future...
And where's her Daddy?
Nowhere.
Didn't work out. We did try to make it work.
But our worlds just drifted too far apart.
We've hurt each other too much.
So now I'm with my Jorel.
Jordan Ellis.
It's a year since we met?
Why did we meet again?
Because of God?
Destiny?
Or maybe we're meant to be?
Well, we could be meant to be.
But at least now, we'll choose to be.