In the high-stakes world of politics, love and betrayal often walk hand in hand. Six years ago, Alicia Go, a psychology student, fell in love with a mysterious woman she met while living away from home for college. That woman was Theresia Aguerro, t...
It was the last day of being Ms. Go; she was not mentally ready for her wedding. Alicia spent time with her sons and family, and now she was on the balcony of their house, nagmumuni-muni habang umiinom ng wine.
"Anak?" her dad said. She turned her head and looked at her dad, who was now pouring some wine into his glass.
"Yes, Dad?" she replied.
"You looked unhappy. Why?" He sensed something wrong with Alicia; it started the day when Risa left. "Ikaw lang yung ikakasal na bukas, tas malungkot. Anong problema?" Alicia smiled and slowly sat in the chair, placing her glass on the table.
"Nothing, Dad. I was wondering what will happen tomorrow," she said coldly.
"Sabihin mo na sa akin ang totoo, Waping. Alam kong iniisip mo pa si Risa." Alicia smiled and held her back against the chair to feel comfortable. "Waping?"
"Wala namang nagbago, Dad. She's still the one I love, but I have to face my decision. Wala eh, nakatali na ako—" she whispered, bowing her head, her hair falling down, trying to hide her face, which was now full of tears.
"Hindi pa naman eh," he walked closely to Alicia and held her hand. "Follow your heart, Anak. Wag kang magpapakasal sa lalaking hindi mo mahal. Choose her. Call her." Alicia felt enlightened when she heard her dad's words. She directly got her phone and called Risa...
..........Risa's POV.........
In a packed community hall, the air was thick with tension as Senator Theresia stood at the podium, advocating for the SOGIE Equality Bill. She passionately discussed the importance of protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, sharing stories of discrimination and resilience that resonated with the audience.
Alicia, sitting in the front row, felt a mix of hope and fear. As a mother of twin boys, she worried about their future in a society that still struggled with acceptance. She glanced at Risa, her partner, who was intently listening, her expression a mix of determination and concern.
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When it was time for questions, a local activist stepped up. “Senator, what specific measures will you implement to ensure this bill isn’t just words on paper?” Theresia responded confidently, outlining a plan for educational programs and support systems. But just as the crowd began to cheer, a conservative opponent interrupted, questioning the bill’s necessity. The atmosphere shifted, and Risa, emboldened by Theresia’s words, stood up to address the opposition.
“Discrimination is a daily reality for many of us,” she asserted, her voice steady. “This bill isn’t just necessary; it’s long overdue.”
Alicia felt a swell of pride as Risa spoke, realizing that the fight for equality was not just political—it was personal.
"How does this bill balance religious freedom with the rights of the LGBTQ+ community?" Sen. Jinggoy questioned her. Jinggoy was against it, that's why he needed to defend his opinion not to grant it.
