Von and Vin

Von Mañalac is...

Rockstar. Talented musician, singer, songwriter (Ogie Alcasid isdatchu?!?!). Super loyal, sobrang caring, sobrang loving partner. Super maalaga. Super suplado pero kay Vin lang ang kulo (kay Vin lang hinde suplado!). Very smart, pogi and sexy. He has more than if not all anyone could ever ask for. :P

Vin Ayuban is...

Singing Model? News critic? Flawless legs videoke queen, anime-like eyes, cute face. Very loyal, supportive, caring, OC. Loves to spill negative comments on other people but it's reality. Very smart, witty, beautiful and sexy. It's like having a Wikipedia and Playboy magazine in one.

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....when Von met Vin

It was an ordinary day at work. I heard some rumors that there’s a new chic from the new team. I didn’t mind coz I was in a relationship that time not until Drew approached me saying someone will barge on my call. She was Vin. She has long, straight, black hair, round eyes, cute lips, long legs, cute voice. She smiled and sat next to me with her headset plugged into my phone. I said to myself that the rumors were true, and this chic is hot. Sorry Von, cannot be, back to work. I was about to do a callout but I thought maybe she wanted to do it so I’ve asked. However, she just smiled and said she doesn’t want to. I want to impress her so I did a very good call. That didn’t last long. I took my break.

After a week or two, she’s working just like what we do. She asks questions sometimes but I can’t recall how I treated her. What I recall is that I can’t take my eyes off her beautiful legs and face whenever I see her. It’s just I know how to admire beautiful people, that’s it. When she got into a relationship w/ my former schoolmate, I used to tease her “mine” (that’s what they used to call each other) so I can get her attention whenever I see her. Honestly, I didn’t know why she went for that guy. I could be that guy but that’s not possible during that time. For more than a year, I really didn’t talk to her too much except when I assign tickets to her. She’s really good at work and I really trust her. She saves me from further escalations in the ticket that’s why she’s one of my favorites.

When she became an officer, we had this teambuilding at Fontana. This time, it’s really awkward coz I’m looking at her legs for a longer time. I even ruined my colleague’s alone time with her by joining their conversation. She asked me if we can have a picture together but I declined. But deep inside, I really wanted to. After saying a lot of convincing words, I finally gave in. That was fun. I had a chance to slightly touch her legs and skin. The night was great not until her boyfriend called and made her cry. I didn’t know why but I wanted to comfort her. However, she said she’s okay and went to bed. Game over.

Around May 2008, I broke up w/ my girlfriend because of too many valid reasons. It was the same month I think when I learned that Vin broke up w/ her boyfriend too. I remember that I chatted her in MSN asking her how she’s doing but I can’t recall the rest of the conversation. What I remember is her avatar in a sexy two-piece bikini. She’s very hot in that Avatar. I don’t know why but there’s this feeling saying I like her but to avoid that, I tease her to my good friend but he’s not really interested. I really wanted to tell her but I think it’s too soon given my current situation.

By June 14, 2008, it was my first teambuilding w/ my new agents – the queue managers joined by another team. I didn’t expect her to come but yes, she was there with her friends. She’s wearing small white shirt w/ red mini shorts. She was so gorgeous. But that time, I don’t have the guts to approach her so I’ve asked help from my very good friend – Red Horse beer. After a couple of beers in my belly, finally I have the courage to approach her. I sat beside her in the pool saying “How are the Pasayans?” She smiled and we started talking about them. The folks there noticed that we’re together and there were cameras everywhere. I was relieved coz finally; I can have pictures with whom I want, anytime, anywhere. Since that afternoon, I never went anywhere else. I just stayed beside her, followed her wherever she goes, and drank w/ her. That night, I’ve told her that I like her and asked if she wants to be with me. I gave her a deadline of 12mn but that didn’t happen. I was so drunk. I mean what I’ve said but she didn't gave in. Even though she didn’t give in, I had the chance to hold her hand, wrap my legs around her, hug her, talk and talk and talk while drinking. I had fun except when I woke up the next day – superduperhangover. On my way back home, I was thinking of what happened. I was guilty of saying that to her coz I wanted to be sure that I really like her and not because I’m sad or alone.

When we got back to the office, I didn’t talk to her. I was ashamed of what I’ve done. I still look at her but I don’t want to be caught. I’m still thinking if I’ll pursue or not. I was afraid.

The company’s annual global picnic is finally set. She rode in the other bus w/ her friends and I’m w/ the boys. I was hoping that maybe they’ll transfer or maybe at the location, I’ll have the chance to be with her. I’m starting to draft my evil plan but I can’t think of any so I said to myself, bahala na. That turned good as we went to the party together. I’m not expecting that to happen but it did. We drank and next thing I know, she’s hugging me and I’ve hugged her back. She was so drunk. We’ve talked about getting together and how to never mind the people around us. I can’t recall the rest of the conversation coz I was a little bit drunk too. I decided to bring her to her room so she can rest. I was about to leave but I wanted to stay. I’ve thought about it several times until I decided to stay. She was so drunk and was crying. I was surprised that I’m already hugging and comforting her so she would stop. That was the intent but at the back of my head, what is happening is great. I’ve stayed all night hugging her. Morning came and I have to leave. I feel guilty on what I did coz it’s like I took advantage of her but I think I didn’t because now I’m sure that I really like her.

Back in the office, I didn’t talk to her for a few days. But after a while, I found myself chatting her again. I invited her to another teambuilding. We were together again, and most of the folks finally noticed that there’s something between us. The next day, it was the same Von – not talking again. I realized that this needs to be changed so I started to make the first move – get her number.

I invited her to watch Batman. At the cinema, I wanted to hold her hand but I was a puss, nothing happened. I even sent her home after that. We didn’t even have dinner. What a date. Later that night I wanted to see her again but she declined. That was a wrong move. Thinking of what happened, I finally decided to pursue her. I was on midshift and she’s on early night shift. I waited for her to grab some beers. That drinking session didn’t happen once but was followed by more sessions. I took baby steps before holding her hands, wrap my arms around, hug, and kiss her. Those drinking sessions made me realize that I really like her, and love her. I miss her every time we part ways.

In the midnight of August 20, I’ve asked her out after her shift. I went to Gerardos at 4am and waited there. This time, it’s not an ordinary drinking session. I’ll put my past behind, be brave and ready to be happy. I’ve asked her the most awaited question. She simply nodded then it rained. We’ve stayed until 8am I think. I was chilling and she hugged me tight. That morning was amazing. I was replenished and all of my fears were gone.

It’s true that not all girls are the same. When you get hurt, there’s something along the way that will take it away. I may have cursed God before but when she came, I’ve realized that He has better plans for me. What I am now is because of Vin. She brought me back to Him. She made me experience how beautiful life can be. As what the song says, “You’ve played your part, helped me restart, mended this wound that once was tearing my heart”.

Then she came along…

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....when Vin met Von

In Vino Veritas. In Wine there is Truth.

I met Von during my dark times. Twice. I guess I can say that he met me at an even darker time of his life, but thats his story to tell.

I met him in 2006, my team was fresh out of training and I was paired with him for a side by side observation. My eyes twinkled and my lips turned up to smile when we were introduced. He doesn't say much, he didn't even look at me that much. I was doing all the looking. From his curly long hair, nice eyes, beautiful nose to his pink lips.

After our first meeting, all I knew about him were from chismis here and there. They say that he is in a long relationship to a mentally disturbed girl (haha! their words not mine! In-english ko lang!) yet he remains faithful, good, loyal and committed. From all the chismis I've heard he instantly turned into a dream boy. As I said, I was at a dark time then and I never expected to meet a ruggedly bad boy looking good guy. I was impressed.

I used to sing "pangarap ka na lang ba.." whenever he passes by, after every small talks and ticket assignments. I have always been open to all my friends that he was my ultimate office crush, my dream boy. Cliche as it may sound, a dream that I never ever EVER imagined would come true.

2 years passed, then came a darker time in my life. I was upset, confused, disoriented and lost. Coincidentally, he was all things that I was. Dark times.

We were in Pansol for a team building. The team building was not for my team but I joined because I was at a dark time and I wanted to have fun. I honestly didn't know that he'd be there. I was doing my usual thing, videoke-ing, drinking, being silly. He was doing his usual thing, drinking, keeping silent and watching. And amidst all the other activities surrounding us, I found him single-ing me out. We were suddenly in one corner talking, drinking, laughing, sharing dark times, sharing food, drinking, sharing future plans which surprising includes each other, drinking, drinking and more drinking.

The next days, I convinced myself that what happened was still part of my dreams. Everyone who were with us that day already started asking and teasing us to each other. I kept on convincing them, myself included, that there was nothing and there would be nothing else afterwards because we have absolutely nothing in common. But, I was wrong.

Our drinking session in Pansol was followed by more discreet meet ups, breakfasts and hang outs. He would IM me before my shift ends, in the middle of the night, pick me up, treat me for a drink then take me home. He would wait for me until my shift ends at 4am when his shift ends at 10pm. He would send me cheesy text messages that I never thought he ever had in him. To sum it all up, Von made me believe that dreams do come true.

Everyone who knows us both would say that we two are very different individuals. I used to think that we can never get past our differences but I was proven wrong. Our differences has brought us closer, made us stronger and taught us more things about each other which makes our relationship more interesting.

4 years ago I met a Von Manalac. 2 years ago he became my Von Manalac. I have never felt more lucky, more blessed, more happy and more loved ever since same way as I have never given as much love and care as I have given to anyone before. On August 20, our 3rd year, amongst all other things to celebrate, I would like to start with thanksgiving. Thankful to God for making us cross each others paths, for taking us out of the dark times, and for giving us not the perfect person but the perfect partner.

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The Proposal
By: Von Mañalac

Vin told me that her ideal age to get married is 27 years old. At that time, she’s already 26. I told myself that if I will fulfill her ideal marrying age, then I’m running out of time. I only have 1 year left to propose. Too bad, I don’t know how. I’m not a romantic person. I do things simple. I don’t do complicated surprises and that never happened in my entire life.

Some do it in the car, in a restaurant with a quartet band in the background. Some do it through skydiving, scuba diving, or plainly in the pool w/ floating rose petals. Some do it in the beach, in the bars, airports, bus terminals, parties, everywhere. Damn it. I don’t know how to come up w/ an idea.

November 2009, I planned to propose in Caramoan islands. But that didn’t happen. There’s no “This is it” feeling. You know what I mean. Weeks and days passed by and it’s already December. By September 2010, she’s already 27. I need to come up w/ something.

By December 2009, Vin started this business selling planners for next year. That somehow gave me an idea. I need to start 2010 right and the way to do it is to make that move on the 1st day of 2010. So, I’ve decided to invite her to watch fireworks in Eastwood for the New Year’s Eve and she agreed. We’re excited because this will be our first time to celebrate New Year away from home. I’m planning to propose during the fireworks show. At that night, we had dinner at Johnny Rockets. We watched the entire show w/ bands like Freestyle and Arnel Pineda. I kept the ring in a guitar string wrapper to make it discreet. Having it still in the box will make it obvious and she’s really good in busting out surprises. Finally, the fireworks show started. This “This is it” feeling is still not in me. I don’t know why but there’s something that’s keeping me off from doing it. After the show, we grab some drinks and went home.

We bought extra vodka on our way to their house so we can still hang out. That will also help me buy some time to think how to make the move. At their garage, she showed her planner and said she’s start to write something. Suddenly the “This is it” feeling came into me!

I grab her pen and told her I’ll write first. She’s clueless but it looks to me she knows that I’ll do something. We were laughing and that kills my concentration. I was really excited but I can’t stop laughing. Then I started to shut up and wrote slowly “Maria Vanessa Ayuban, Please marry me...” I took the ring out of the guitar string wrapper and showed it to her. There was a huge smile in her face w/ her teary eyes full of joy. Of course, she said Yes! I knew she won’t decline coz after all; Von Mañalac is once in a lifetime opportunity! Just kidding. We hugged and kissed each other afterwards. The heavy feeling in my heart slowly went out. I can’t explain what I felt. If there’s a word that will surpass happiest, then that’s it.

Whoever is reading this, I know you’ll say that’s it? Well, that’s not just it. It’s the “This is it” feeling that counts. It doesn’t matter how you do it as long as it’s from the heart and you really mean it. Complicated surprises may add points but for me, it’s the true intention and desire to do it. I thank God coz knowing Vin, she appreciates what I did.