14

Mahal, mahal na mahal kita
Hindi ako magbabago
Asahan mo ito
Mahal,mahal na mahal kita
Ang puso ko'y iyong iyo
Asahan mong maghihintay sa'yo

Miguel’s repertoire consisted originally of a combination of upbeat songs and ballad. At the last minute, he decided to forego most of the upbeat songs. He certainly was not in the mood tonight.

The audience certainly did not notice his melancholic choice of songs. If ever they did, they did not mind. He finished the song, to a thunderous applause. He nodded his head in recognition. In the corner of his eye, he saw Adrian and Laarni clapping with the crowd.

“Thank you. This next song is very special to me. I actually composed it myself.” Miguel began. “This song, I would like to dedicate to someone special to me. Wherever this person is…” he eyed Laarni’s table. “Sana marinig niya ito.”

““Paano nga ba napasukan ang gusot na ito?Di naman akalaingMagbabago ang pagtingin sa'yo ooooh...”

* * *
There was something in the song that made Laarni feel uncomfortable. She had heard the song before, but there was something different about hearing it this time. There was more angst, more passion, an intensity she had not felt the first time she heard it then. Something was tugging at her heart, but she could not make it out

“Adrian, I’m not feeling so well.” Laarni said.

“You want more water?” Adrian offered as he raised his hand to call the waiter’s attention.

“No. I’m ok. Let’s just finish this set, then let’s go.” Laarni said.

“But, Miguel…”

“I’m sure maiintindihan niya.”