The Queen & I (WLW)

Chapter 57 : Baby Girl

There was a time when I felt so intimidated to go inside a hotel or any shop in it. Feeling ko kasi hindi ko deserve na makatapak sa mga lugar na iyon.

Yung first time ko na makapunta sa decent hotel was when I was fifteen years old - sinama ako ng classmate ko sa isang birthday event ng tita niya in one of the hotels near sa SM Iloilo. Naala ko pa na hiyang-hiya ako sa damit na suot ko. Naka pink t-shirt at lumang maong lang kasi ako.

Fortunately, wala namang pumuna sa itsura ko noon. But these insecurities that I've had and yung mga moments na tinulak and nadapa ako sa buhay are vital and crucial for me to get through everything and come out so much better as a person — I've learned to overcome thoughts of not being good enough to deserve fine things — it took me years din to tell myself that I am simply more than good enough.

Fast forward to today, I couldn't count the hotels that I've been to - whether it's for a staycation, a meeting, or shopping. These past few weeks, labas pasok pa nga ako sa grand entrance of the Manila Peninsula — and I like it. I love the feeling of exploring the hotel's lounge, architecture and just the whole feel of it without thinking like I don't belong. The truth is, I love being in fine places like hotels now.

Manila Penn has one of the most beautiful hotel facade and lounge that I've ever seen here in the Philippines. It's white marble walls and columns are so elegant, I feel like a queen every time I step on its luxurious shiny ivory floors. Perhaps, this feeling of opulence is what made Francis Libiran set up a shop in this hotel.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, my dear". Sir Francis came out of his back office and kissed me on both of my cheeks. He looked at me and his eyes sparkled like I was the bride — which was why I could not pin point the exact reason behind his excitement — I was merely the bridesmaid.

"Hi. Sir!"

"Rabiya...", he grinned as he held my hand and scanned me from head to toe, shaking his head slowly. "Beautiful as always".

"Sir Francis, naman". I blushed at the compliment. Until now, every time somebody tells me I'm beautiful, parang pumapalakpak yung tainga ko.

"Your birthday's next week na ha! Advance, dear".

"Thank you, sir. Why not go to my mini gathering kasi? Sir Albert will be there too".

"Naku, I wish I could. I haven't seen Albert and Jonas nga for I think a year already, but I have to be in Cebu that day for a client's wedding".

"Aww, sayang".

"But, I have a present for you", he rubbed my hands.

"Nagabala pa kayo, sir. Nakakahiya naman". Well, but to be honest, na excite ako kung ano yung gift niya. Sir Francis gives really nice presents. His Christmas gift nga was lovely — a personalized porcelain dinnerware set.

"Sus, wala yun. I'll give them later, but first — are you ready for your third fitting?"

"Yes, po. And I cannot wait to finally see the entire design!"

Ilang weeks ko rin inabangan ito. From our very first fitting, kinukulit ko na si sir Francis to show me the complete design as a sketch, but he only revealed a rough draft of it causing my curiosity to grow. And now that we're in our last and final fitting, I will finally be able to see the gown in all its glory. For me, Francis Libiran creates the most stunning wedding dresses for the local market and I'm very excited to see what his talented mind has in store for Bernadette's wedding.

He chuckled. "Your wish is just about to come true — and more. Come, follow me".

And more? Now I'm intrigued.