Romance Anthologies

Deal It With Me - I *

* What if, hypothetically, Bongbong Marcos accepted Leni Robredo's offer of a one-on-one debate with her? 👀 Another pitched-in idea coming from amarantha_07! Pasensya na ho in advance if there would be statistical and situational mistakes na ma-eencounter niyo along the way (though I chose to play safe sasahsha). Also, the views and opinions put in here do not reflect the cast and the author herself, thus it is only for the sake of the storyline. italicized passages again mean flashbacks. Hehez, enjoooy.

PS. HAPPY 6K ROMANTHHHHH OMG HASHAHSAHAHAHAHA THANK YOU SM PO OPO < 33

⚠️ Mature graphic content.

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"...let us welcome on stage, the current Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines, Mrs. Leni Robredo."

Sa dagliang pagtawag ng emcee sa pangalan nito ay agad siyang umakyat ng stage at bahagyang ngumiti sa camera habang binabati ang mga staff na nasa likod nito at pati na rin ang host. She was trying her best to put on a sincere expression as she paid homage to each and every person working on the set as well as the online viewers who are watching at this precise now, whatever where in the world they may be. She kept telling herself that no matter what happens, everything is going to work out perfectly well in the back of her mind.

"Magandang gabi, Ma'am Leni," the host greeted.

"Good evening din sa'yo at along-lalo na sa lahat ng mga nakatutok ngayon sa kanilang mga TV screens, cellphones, at iba pang gadgets na hawak at gamit niyo sa puntong ito," the vice president herself acknowledged everyone.

"Kamusta ho ang inyong pakiramdam?" the other lady asked her.

"Good...well, great, actually," she replied. "I'm very looking forward to finally draw the line between us both. Dapat lang namang masagutan namin ang mga allegasyon laban sa aming dalawa at makaharap naming muli ang isa't isa para na rin magsilbing gabay sa ating mga botante ngayong halalan."

"That's very nice to hear Madam VP," the host's gaze shifted back to the camera. "Wag na nating patagalin pa, let us call on stage...the consistent strong frontrunner of our public surveys for the presidential run, Mr. Bongbong Marcos."

Her most formidable rival, who was dressed in a casual ensemble that was nearly entirely red, walked up on stage, smiled alluringly at the audience members, and shook hands with the emcee. Leni maintained his composure and gave the camera a shy smile while he went about his job of trying to convince the other individuals in the studio. He was unconcerned with the specifics of the situation. Bongbong snuck a few glances at Leni and offered his hand for a shake; she respected his presence and recognized his presence in a friendly manner and expression.

"Mukhang pinaghandaan po natin ang mangyayari ngayong gabi, Mr. Marcos..." the emcee commented as she let Bongbong sit down first and get comfortable.

"Nah..." pagtatanggi pa nito. "This is just another casual talk and banter, for sure."

The lady finds his answer very fascinating, "So you're not too threatened or something po ba, Sir?"

"What's there to get nervous about? As long as I know that I'm being true to myself, nothing bad will happen to me. Tonight is going to be just another passing night," he optimistically jested.

"Well then, let's formally start our open discussion and debate po, shall we?" the emcee tried to adjust her tone, making it cheerful yet not too lively, just enough to set the subtle buoyant aura to begin with.

One of the few channels that are maintaining information flowing toward the general populace is a collaborative Livestream that is being hosted by the official Facebook and YouTube accounts of UniTeam, Bongbong Marcos, and Leni Robredo. Notorious TV network stations are also carrying it on national TV. Not to mention the thousands of local, regional, and national radio stations who monitor social media and rely on it to communicate with their audiences and keep their audiences informed. Lahat ng mga nasa jeep, nasa bahay, nasa kalsada, nasa opisina, mga botante na nasa ibang bansa, ay nakatutok sa napakainit na tapatan ng dalawang dikit na pinagpipilian ng mayorya.