|| His Other Half || Camilo Madrigal {DISCONTINUED}

Chapter 12: Courting, The Filipino Way

Let me first explain what Courting in Filipino is.

Traditional courtship in the Philippines is described as a "far more subdued and indirect" approach compared to Western or Westernized cultures. It involves "phases" or "stages" inherent to Philippine society and culture. Evident in courtship in the Philippines is the practice of singing romantic love songs, reciting poems, writing letters, and gift-giving. This respect extends to the Filipina's family members. The proper rules and standards in traditional Filipino courtship are set by Philippine society.

In other words, it is where you serenade the person you fell for by the window and sing some love songs to them. Very common in the Philippines, especially before and the early stage of the relationship.

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"So... That's what Courting is..." Camilo said as he nods. Camilo asked Gabriel and Angelo what to do in the first stage of your relationshp with him. He just learned that you have previous suitors before but you payed no attention to them. He learned the best way to win your heart is to sing by your window at night. "She really like love songs... Especially if you wrote them yourself." Gabriel said as Camilo thought of a plan. Then it clicked! He has a plan! But he needs Dolores and Mirabel's help on this one. "Thanks guys." He thanked your brothers as he sets off to Dolores and Mirabel inside of Casita.

He knocked on the door of Dolores' new door with her name only on it. Dolores opened it and dragged him inside, "I'm guessing you heard our conversation?" He asked his older sister, "Dude, your planning to do this tonight, right?" Dolores said as Camilo nods, "Great! Let's get started!" Mirabel said as she took a piece of paper from her bag and a pen. "So, what do you want the song be?" Mirabel asked Camilo as he sighs, "That is why I'm seeking you both for help." He said as Dolores and Mirabel huddle up and wrote some words on the paper, "How about this?" Dolores said as Camilo reads the words, "Uh... Too cheesy.." He said as they gave another one, "It's not her style..." Camilo said as he stood up, "I'll go and asked Tia Julieta and Mamí. I think they have answers." Camilo said as both girls looked at each other and nod before Camilo left the room.

He then proceeds to find Julieta and Pepa in the kitchen talking with his Tio Bruno. "Mamí, Tia, Tio, I have something I needed you three to help for." Camilo said as the triplets attentions goes to the shape shifter. Julieta then understood what to do once Camilo explains, "A love song? My, you really are so in love with Y/N, don't you Camilo?" Julieta said making the boy blush and chuckle, "She's my everything Tia... Mi Corazon, I just love her too much." Camilo said leaning onto the counter, trying to calm himself down. Pepa then have an idea, "What about this song? Your father can teach you how to play the guitar." Pepa said writing all the lyrics she can remember and gave it to her son. Camilo reads it and it really shows his love for you, "How do you know this stuff, Mamí?" Camilo asked his mother, "Your Tio Bruno gave the idea to Felix and he serenaded it in front of Casita for me." Pepa said pointing at Bruno who looked away, "Your father asked me to do suggest something for him to court your mother and I suggested that." Bruno said as Camilo smile, "Thank you Tio Bruno." Camilo said as he searched for his father. "Ah... That boy is so head overheels with that girl... Does he know that they're a martial arts family?" Bruno asked Pepa, "Nope! But he will soon... After all, Tita Flora warn us something dangerous is coming." Pepa said as she drinks her coffee, "Let's hope that day will never come." Julieta comforted her two younger triplets with a smile.

Camilo then found Felix in town talking to the townsfolk, "Papí! I need some teachings!" Camilo said as he shape shifted into someone who's a fast runner... Angelo then he changed back to himself, "Mijo? What's wrong?" Felix asked his son when he lifted up the piece of paper, "Mamí said that you used to serenade her with this song? I need to learn the chords of this song." Camilo said as Felix smugly smile, "You have come to the right person, my son." Felix said as both males go back to Casita.

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Later that night, you were getting ready to bed when you heard faint guitar sounds. It sounded so soothing that it made you go out to the balcony of your home. You looked around and saw Camilo with the guitar on the ground. You gave him a small smile before he smiled back and continues to play the guitar. Unknown to you or Camilo... Dolores told everyone where Camilo is at and soon enough they are hiding behind some bushes nearby as they saw Camilo fiddling with the guitar and you on the balcony. Camilo opens his mouth and started to sing...

(Kilig yarn... Sana ol naman)

I love you too much
To live without you loving me back
I love you too much
Heaven's my witness and this is a fact
I know I belong
When I sing this song
There's love above love and it's ours
'Cause I love you too much

You couldn't believe your ears... You're seeing Camilo singing a composed love song for you. Your heart skipped a beat.

I live for your touch
I whisper your name night after night
I love you too much
There's only one feeling and I know is right
I know I belong
When I sing this song
There's love above love and it's ours
'Cause I love you too much

You can feel the heat on your face as he sings the words that you wanted him to sing to you.

Heaven knows your name I've been praying
To have you come here by my side

Without you a part of me is missing
Just to make you my own, I will fight

You stare at him lovingly as he stare at you back. You could swear that you saw hearts in his eyes. Then you noticed Isabela's vines lifting him up. Camilo noticed this also but it didn't ruined his performance.

I know I belong
When I sing this song
There's love above love and it's ours
'Cause I love you too much

I love you too much
I love you too much
Heaven's my witness and this is a fact

Camilo sings as he began closer and closer then he set his feet on the balcony where you stood.

You live in my soul
Your heart is my goal
There's love above love and it's mine 'cause I love you
There's love above love and it's yours cause I love you
There's love above love and it's ours if you love me
As much

He then gently grabbed your hand and kissed it, "You are absolutely gorgeous tonight, ganda." Camilo said as you giggle, "Cami... How did you..." You wanted to ask him how did he know about your love song affection... "Your brothers gave me the hint and I guess it was a success." He said as you shake your head, "Babe, it was beautiful but I think you should turn that way." You said as you turned his head to your father, mother and Lola, who stood behind you. He swallowed his saliva, "Really Camilo?" Your father said as Camilo nervously chuckled. "The song was beautiful by the way... And you have to come visit us tomorrow for this topic." Your father said as Camilo nodded then your father left. "Mijo, you are absolutely romantic. Keep it up." Your mother said as your Lola nodded her head before they go back to bed. You turned to Camilo and smiled. You kissed his cheek, "Thank you... You're the best." You said as you left to your room. Camilo stood there and chuckled before going down to the ground from the balcony. Then the family showed up, "So how did it go?" Mirabel asked her cousin as Camilo touches his nape with his faint blush... "It was a success." Camilo sheepishly smile as the Madrigals cheered for Camilo. You, on the other hand, is now rolling on your bed from the sweetness that your new boyfriend gave you.

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Ayiiiee! Kilig Kilig!

I wish someone would do that to me... Oh well... Translations time!

Tita means Aunt in Filipino and Ganda means Beautiful in Filipino also.