La Douleur Exquise: Imee Marcos

Chapter 69

Francheska Eloise Marcos' POV

I'm in Davao right now, I was supposed to be planning for my debut today, but Avery, Gabbie, and for some reasons, Tita Irene insisted that they plan the party.

Since I've got nothing to do, I went here with Tito Rod, he's announcing his retirement in politics today, so, I'm also expecting mom to arrive later aswell.. My phone rang 15 minutes before the event. It was mommy.

[Eloise] "Hello, mom? Where are you na?"

[Imee] "Love, I'm still at Ilocos."

[Eloise] "What? Pero Tito Rod is waiting..

[Imee] I still have a meeting with investors for the province. I'll make bawi later, I promise, love you.

[Eloise] "Okay, make sure ha!"

"Tito Rod.." I said as I entered his office.

"Yes?!" he replied as he was busy reading his script.

"What's that?" I ask.

"Script, sinulat ng assistant ko.. Full-english, ano ba yan.." he complained and napakamot sa ulo.

"You don't need that.. Speak from your heart!" aniya ko at kinuha ang papel.

"Hay nako, ano pala kaylangan mo?" he asked.

"Gutom ka na? Pabibilhan kita ng snacks sa labas?" he asked.

"No, wag na. Mala-late lang daw si mommy.." I said.

"Ah okay lang, sabihin mo lang kunin natin siya sa airport, besides may pupuntahan din naman tayo mamaya..." he replied.

"Tayo? Without mommy?"

"Yes, tayo.. I need help lang for something.." he replied and smiled. Ano na naman to Tito Rod.

"Sama ka? Sa kabilang opisina, magf-film ng video. Or dito ka lang? Dito nalang may aircon dito.." he said.

"No, sama ako.. I want to watch.." I said and followed him out of his office.

I just sat on a chair sa corner ng room and watched Tito Rod film his message.

"Mga gi-palangga ko na mga Dabawenyo, naa ko diri karun para i-anunsyo na ako'y magretiro na sa politika.

Gidahum ko na natuman nako ang akong responsibilidad ug gipangsaad isip inyong Mayor. Usa ka dakong kadungganan ug pribilehiyo ang pagserbisyo sa inyong tanan, ug ang pagsaksi sa paglambo sa atung siyudad.

Hantud sa kinahanglanon, mag-pundo ko na maduulan sa tanan. Daghang salamat kaninyong tanan, daghang salamat, Dabaw!"

Translation:

My beloved Davaoeños,
I am here today to announce that I am retiring from politics. I hope that I have fulfilled my responsibilities and promises as your Mayor. It had been a great honor and privilege to have served you for a few years and to have seen our city evolve.

Until needed, I will stay as someone to rely and to ask for help. Thank you so much everyone, thank you Davao!

___

I feel so lucky to have seen so many people in my life this passionate in serving the Filipino people.

[Cameraman] "Cut! Well done, Mayor!"

[Tito Rody] "Thank you! What time maire-release?"

[Cameraman] By six p.m. sir, after ma-edit.

[Tito Rody] By eight, please. May hinihintay lang ako.

"Hala, si Mayor, pumapag-ibig!!" people teased.