The Fourth Robredo Daughter

Chapter 33 - You

After her engagements in Mindanao, Leni immediately flew back to Manila to prepare for her birthday rally in Macapagal Blvd. in Pasay City.

People already went to the venue as early as 5 o'clock in the morning to secure the perfect spot and get a good view of the future President and her team. People also came to see the crowd favorite senator, Risa Hontiveros.

After the lunch Risa's house, the Robredo girls went home to prepare for their mom's birthday rally. When they arrived at their condo, they saw Leni sitting on the couch, resting.

"Hello ma! Nandito ka na pala." Aika said

Then the three girls greeted their mom.

"How's the lunch at Risa's house?" Leni asked

"It's good ma. They had a surprise for Jorge." Tricia replied

"Kita ko nga. Risa sent me photos and videos of you earlier. Masaya ako that you're getting along with her kids." Leni said

"We're like sisters naman na with them ma but of course, Jorge is the favorite Robredo girl." Jillian said

"Really? Sabi nila?" Leni asked

"Yes. Sabi ni Tita Sen." Tricia replied

"I mean, we get it ma. Si Jorge ang pinakaclose sa kanila kasi mag-bff sila ni Anje and she's a beauty enthusiast like Issa." Tricia replied

"Ang importante, nag-enjoy kayo." Leni said to them

"We did, ma. Ikaw, nakakain na po ba kayo?" Jorge asked Leni

"Tapos na ako. Mag-prepare na kayo para by 4 PM makaalis na tayo papuntang Pasay." Leni told her girls

The girls prepared themselves for the Pasay rally. Jorge took a bath again, "para fresh" she said and they went to Pasay. Since it is Saturday, traffic is expected along Makati and EDSA. While they were on the road, Jorge is streaming the Pasay rally on youtube. She is seated beside Leni.

It was the senatoriable's time to give their speech. When it was Risa's time to give her speech, she removed the earphones connected to her ipad and put it on speaker.

Risa started her speech and laid down her platforms and advocacies. After that, the people started shouting, "I LOVEYOU, RISA."

"She is indeed the crowd favorite." Leni said

"Next to you, ma." Jorge replied

After a few moments of silence, Risa said.

"Sige na nga, speaking of love. *chuckles* Speaking of love. Alam niyo sabihin niyo sa akin kung totoo ito." Risa said and paused for a while the she continued

"Meron kasing kasabihan na, kahit ano man ang ibigay ng taong mahal ka. Walang-wala po iyon sa matignan ka lang minsan ng mahal mo."

Someone shouted from the crowd

"Lenrisa layag!"

Then Risa chuckled.

"Uyy. Kinilig." Jorge said and laughed

"Ano daw ba ang sabi?" Leni asked

"Lenrisa layag." Jorge replied

"Lagi kong naririnig ang Lenrisa. Ano ba ang Lenrisa?" Leni asked

"Ship niyo po ni mama Risa." Jorge replied

She realized it was too late for her to take away what she already said.

"Ship? Barko? May barko na ipinangalan sa amin ni Risa?" Leni asked

"Tita ka talaga, ma." Jorge replied and laughed

"Sasabihin ko na nga po, ma. Loveteam niyo po kasi yun ni Mama Risa. Ang cute niyo lang together." Jorge replied

Leni went silent.

"Ma, galit ka ba?" Jorge asked thinking that her mom is angry because of the LenRisa ship

Leni looked at her and said.

"Galit? Hindi ah. Natutuwa nga ako at may ship pala kami ni Risa." Leni replied and looked away

She then whispered "LenRisa layag" and smiled

"Uyy si mama, napapangiti. Kinikilig." Jorge teased her mom

"Huwag kang maingay, may sinasabi si Risa." Leni told her daughter

Jorge stopped talking and continued to watch the livestream.

"At dahil, birthday ni VP Leni, hayaan niyong kantahan ko siya ng maikli ay kayo na rin po." Risa said and started singing her own version of "You" by Basil Valdez

You give me hope
The strength the will to keep on
No one else
Can make us feel this way

And only you, VP Leni!
Can bring out all the best we can do
We believe you turn the tide
Make us feel real good inside

It's your smile
Your face, your lips that I miss
Those sweer little eyes that stare at us and make us say
"We're with you through all the way"

And it's you!
Who fills the emptiness in me
It changes everything I see
When I know I got you
with me

"Happy birthday, VP Leni. Mahal ka namin. Ipanalo na talaga natin to para sa lahat!" Risa finished her speech and went down the stage

After Risa's speech, Jorge exited YouTube and looked at her mom who is also looking at her.

"Oh. Bakit po inexit ang live?" Leni asked

"Tapos na po kasi si mama Risa eh." Jorge replied

"Ikaw na bata ka. Ang biased mo." Leni told her daughter

"Si mama Risa naman po kasi talaga main bias ko sa TRoPang Angat."  Jorge replied and laughed

"and only you, VP Leni!" Jorge said mimicking Risa's song

"Parang naka-San mig na yata si mama Risa bago kumanta ah." Jorge commented

"Ang ganda kaya ng boses ni Risa." Leni countered

"Hindi ko naman po sinabing hindi maganda ma. Maganda naman po talaga boses ni mama Risa." Jorge replied

Leni stayed silent and Jorge started to mimick Risa again.

"How beautiful is the morning."

"Seeing you putting them up there and lighting up my world is more than enough." Jorge said mimicking her mom

Leni looked at her sternly and said

"JORGINA AMALIA GERONA ROBREDO, tigilan mo yan."

Jorge grinned at Leni and said.

"Ma, akala ko ba ikaw ang liwanag sa dilim tapos iba po pala nagpapaliwanag sa mundo mo?" Jorge teasingly asked

"Ikaw talagang bata ka, oo." Leni said and started to tickle Jorge

"Tama na ma. Suko na'ko." Jorge conceded and behaved as they were nearing Diokno Boulevard

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The rally went on smoothly. People sang Leni the happy birthday song. Several singer artists serenaded her and the best surprise was Vice Ganda's performance and announcement of support to her.

Leni's heart is so full seeing her supporters. She is so grateful for the kakampinks braving the heat of the sun and the crowd just to show their support.

For others, it is a game for power but for her, it is a quest for good governance and a better Philippines.