CHAPTER 4

“Oh my god! Van!” Apple Abarquez-Mendoza exclaimed. She rushed towards Van who just emerged from the living room.

“Apple!” Van said as Apple approached her. “Kamusta na ka?” he planted a kiss on her cheeks.

“Here, pregnant!” Apple replied. After Pinoy Dream Academy, Apple pursued a singing career, but she failed to achieve superstar status. She continued singing in bars and town fiestas until she got tired of what was happening and gave up on singing altogether. It was around this time that Miguel Mendoza entered her life once more.

Miguel Mendoza entered the academy with then girlfriend Beatriz Munoz. However after the run of the show, the two decided that they are better off friends. Bea went on to finish her HRM course. Upon graduation, she flew to Dallas, Texas to pursue a course at the famous Le Cordon Bleu Institute. She returned to the Philippines two years later a chef. She opened her first restaurant, La Beateria, which proved to be a success. Bea became a celebrity Chef, hosting her own cooking show as well as expanding her restaurant empire which now includes La Beateria, Laarnia, Akademya and Neva.

Miguel, on the other hand, finally achieved his dream of stardom. Packaged as the Next Michael Buble, Miguel performed to sold out crowds, though mostly senior citizens. Once in a while, though, he would cross over and hit it off with younger audiences. While doing a concert in Cebu, he crossed paths with Apple, who happened to be his front act. The two hit it off immediately. Two years later, the two were married at the Cebu Cathedral (with Bea’s blessing). They have been blessed with a son Ryan Orange and another baby on the way.

“Van. It’s been so long.” Miguel said, coming behind his wife.

“Well, well well. Look who’s here!” a familiar female voice shouted. Van turned around and saw Bea coming out from behind him.

“Bea. It’s so nice to see you again.” Van smiled as he planted a kiss on Bea’s cheek. One by one, the other scholars started to gather around Van as if he were a prodigal son. Van was overjoyed with the reunion. It had been close to five years since he saw these people whom he shared a special bond with.

“Van! Oh my god! You’re here!” Cris exclaimed running from the kitchen. Van smiled as Cris’ arms enveloped him. “I thought you’re not going to come.”

“Of course, I will. I promised you ‘di ba?” Van replied.

“Hi, Van.” An uncomfortable voice said. Van turned around to see Hansen slowly emerging from the living room. Van nodded in recognition. Sen extended his hand. Van had second thoughts whether to shake his hand, but formality got the better of him. He shook Sen’s hand and forced a smile. This is going to be one long night.