To Win a Loser's Heart

Step 2: Brag

He won.

Bongbong was smiling and waving elegantly at the media in front of him as he was walking out of their house. He was just declared as the president-elect of the Philippines after he received more than 30 million votes.

Deep inside, his heart wanted to jump in joy and excitement. He just beat his political rival, Leni Robredo, with more than 15 million votes difference.

This was heaven.

"Senator, ano pong pakiramdam n'yo na nanalo kayo?" A woman from ABS-CBN asked with her huge microphone.

His lips curled automatically. "We already expected it naman." He began — his hands moved to his waist unconsciously. "Hindi ko nga alam why they even tried eh." He said jokingly, looked at his family beside him and laughed with his audience.

Another woman stepped forward. "Ano pong message n'yo kay Vice President Robredo?"

He wet his lips and looked at the camera. "Better luck next time." Then, he flashed his most handsome smile.

After that, they did not give any answer and went directly to their van. The media tried to follow them while they were climbing up, but the guards stopped them until the family were all seated.

To celebrate his victory, they were heading to Naga for a staycation. Of course, this was his idea to mess with the vice president who was supposed to be in the city as well while waiting for the results.

"Diretso na po ba, Sir?" Asked the driver who just started the engine.

"May dadaanan pa po tayo, Manong Pedring. " He handed his phone to show their first destination and the driver nodded.

On their way, Aimee would not stop sharing information about the places she would like to visit in Naga. When Bongbong announced that he was planning to celebrate at Leni Robredo's hometown, his youngest sister was the most excited in all of them. She instantly became the family's organizer - finding a hotel for their stay and restaurants to dine in. 

At dawn, they arrived at their first stop. They were greeted by a crowd of people in their property in Manila. Bongbong asked his cousin to step out of the car with him as he showed him what this was all about. 

"Fuck." Martin cussed - looking at the view behind their van. "This is insane. You are insane." He emphasized with his arms wide open and his jaw on the floor. 

Lined up behind them were four-wheel vehicles of Bongbong's supporters with banners of the president-elect - congratulating him for his victory. 

"Don't tell me..." His cousin said with disbelief. 

"We will have our victory parade in Naga." He continued with a malicious smile plastered over his face. "I can't wait to see the vice-president's face when she sees us. I bet she's going to send us out of Naga."  There was a hint of excitement in his voice. 

Martin frowned at him. "You keep complaining about Aimee being obsessed with Leni Robredo tapos ikaw 'tong may paganto." He pointed out.

He beamed — showing his white set of teeth. "I just want to remind her that I won." He turned his attention to the crowd gathered outside their rides. "Guys, thank you so much for your support! Let's go to Naga!"

The crowd cheered. Bongbong waved his hand before he gestured his cousin to walk with him to a pickup truck. With that, they continued their journey to Naga City — waving to the people on their way with a smile across his face.

They also started seeing the media waiting on their route to Naga which took hours — including their stops for breakfast and lunch.

He was already sitting on the cargo of the pickup truck when Martin called him to stand up. "Bongets, malapit na tayo sa property ni Robredo."

Bongbong fixed him self — wiping his sweat and combing his hair with his finger then he stood to wave at the crowd who saw them. His eyes was then captivated by a woman who seemed to be dragged out of her house by her staff.

It was Leni Robredo herself.

She was wearing a pink polo. Their eyes met they passed by in front of them. The crowd around her was trying to shoo them away without noticing how the time slowed when their eyes locked. There was no sorrow in hers — unbothered. Unimpressed.

Despite the noise of their bantering people, her voice echoed — authoritative yet comforting. "Awat na. Dae magpasaway."

It stopped.

Even his supporters went quiet as if they were slapped in the face. It lasted for seconds as they were passing by the estate. Her eyes did not look at him again after that. On the other hand, he searched for hers — even after a few more meters.

"Ako'y tinamaan. Puso'y tinamaan..." Martin suddenly blocked his view and sang beside him with so much emotions — bringing him back to reality.

He threw a glare at him.

After that interaction, he felt down. He was not sure what was disappointing him. Was it the fact that she was not bothered by her loss? Or was it because he did not get to talk to her?

"Sir BBM," One of his supporters called his attention. "May nakapagsabi po samin na may party daw po ang kampo ni Leni lugaw mamaya." The old man said.

He smiled at the 'Leni Lugaw' remark. The vice president was bashed for her unique campaign of giving porridge to the less fortunate. He did not think it was something that should be hated but he gained advantages because of it.

How can that gentle looking soul manage those comments?

"Ay gano'n po ba?" He asked.

The old man nodded. "Opo." Then added. "Shot puno daw."

He stifled a laugh — imagining the vice president say that phrase out loud.

Did she really say something like that?

He gave a polite nod and tapped his back. "Sige po. Magshoshot puno din tayo."