A Right Balance In Love (Kolehiyo De Manila Series#01)

Prologue

"Please inform me of my schedule, thank you."

"Miss, someone emailed you in your email. They want you to be their guest for their research week seminar, kaso po imposible po na tanggapin niyo dahil sa Pilipinas pa po ito," lumingon ako kay Vien nang sabihin niya 'yon. "Si Mrs. Castillo po 'yung nag-email sainyo."

Kinuha ko ang phone ko at tinignan ang email nito.

Good Day, Miss Gonzales!

I invite you to be a guest speaker during our upcoming Research Week, which will be held from December 10 to December 15. Your competitive spirit and dedication to research during your college years would bring valuable insights to our students.

I know you work as an interior designer in Switzerland and have also been honored to speak at various international events. Your experience and perspective would benefit our students, even if your field is somewhat different. We are confident that your research background and professional journey can inspire and educate our attendees.

If you agree to join us, the council will cover the cost of your ticket to the Philippines. We would be truly honored to have you share your knowledge and experiences. Please let us know your availability and any requirements you might have.

Thank you very much for considering our invitation. I look forward to your positive response.

Warm regards,

Mrs. Castillo

Mrs. Castillo has been part of my high school and college years! I know that I was competitive in our research in college. Lately, I've been invited to speak in front of a large audience in another country because I presented our paper on the international stage in my last year in college. It has given me a lot of opportunities.

"What's my other schedule in the Philippines that falls by this month?" I asked my secretary.

"Celebration po ng golden anniversary ng hospital, mauuna po 'yung celebration bago 'yung sa research seminar kung tatanggapin niyo po." Vien handed me the schedule.

I got my phone and searched Mrs. Castillo's facebook account. Nakita ko na online siya ron at kaagad naman ako nagtype ng message sakanya. Kasend ko palang ng message ay kaagad naman itong nakaseen.

Anna Cristina Castillo: Thank you, Selene. Patulog na sana ako nang makita ko na nagttype ka ng message, hinihintay ko talaga ang reply mo. Ang sabi ko nga sa council ay hindi ako hahanap ng iba hangga't hindi ka tumatanggi. Buti nalang ang isa rin sa kabatch mo noon ay pumayag din. Just send me your full details so I can send it to the council so they can book a flight for you.

Selene Camille: No need na po, Mrs. Castillo. It's my way of expressing gratitude to you po, marami na po kayong nagawa saakin nung high school at college ako. Thank you too for trusting me on this, Ma'am.

Humaba ang usap namin dahil sa schedule ng seminar. I need to go home before December 3 because my parents are expecting me to attend the anniversary. Ilang years na rin akong hindi umuuwi dahil puro ako trabaho.

"Please book my flight two days from now, and I'll return after the seminar." Tumango naman si Vien at kinuha ang iPad niya. "Ako na bahala magreply kay Mrs. Castillo. Just send me my flight details."

Nagpaalam na ako kay Vien at umuwi na. Binilisan ko na magdrive dahil naghihintay sa bahay ko si Tia! Ang reklamador pa naman non.

"Buti at dumating na ang isa sa highest paid interior designer sa Switzerland!" Nakita ko ang tatlong maleta niya. "Kanina pa ako rito sa labas ng bahay mo at kulang nalang ay manigas na ako."