#NewClassicRTMC

Chapter 14
Moon

After Isaiah left, Ike and I stayed at the studio. He allowed me to record one of my songs, using my guitar as an accompaniment. We did a few takes with his direction. And while mixing and mastering my recording, he made it sound high quality by adding beats and synthesizing the whole music production. He just whipped everything within a few minutes, and it was a masterpiece.

"Ang galing!" I exclaimed after I heard the final output. "Marunong ka rin pala noong ginagawa ni Isaiah kanina."

I realized that he knows just as much as Isaiah. Masyado akong namangha sa mga ipinakita sa akin ni Isaiah na nakalimutan kong parehas silang nag-aral ng music production.

"Of course," he simply said with a bitter tone and rendered the whole production we did.

Napanguso ako. While we were recording earlier, he didn't seem to be in a foul mood anymore. Kaya nga lang ay mukhang bumalik na naman ang kanyang pagsusungit. Naisip ko na baka hindi niya gaanong nagustuhan ang kinalabasan ng aming nirecord. That thought seethed uncomfortably in my stomach.

Just as when I was about to ask him if I did something he didn't like, he suddenly turned to me with his palm laid out. Gulat akong napatitig sa kanyang kamay na nakalahad.

"Give me your phone," he ordered me.

Kahit na hindi ko alam kung para saan, sa takot ay agad kong ibinigay ang kanyang hinihingi. Mabilis niyang binalik ang tingin sa monitor. He connected my phone to the computer using a USB cord. Kita kong inilagay niya ang kantang nirecord namin papunta sa aking files. Nang matapos sa pagkopya ay ibinalik niya rin agad sa akin ang cellphone.

"Here..." Maingat niya ring isinuot sa akin ang isang headset. "You can now listen to your song on your phone."

My worries were completely replaced with excitement. Isinaksak ko ang headset sa aking cellphone bago hinahanap ang kanta sa music library. And once I found it, without ado, I pressed the play button and turned the volume up.

My heart welled up with different positive emotions as I heard my song playing. I was glad to check off another item on my list of goals. It was a dream for me to record and produce my own song. Ike made it happen in just within a day. I couldn't stop smiling while lip-syncing and lightly swaying my head.

That moment, it felt like I was inside my own world. I forgot that I was with Ike. That was why when I was done listening to my song, I was surprised when I saw him standing in front of me while holding a familiar guitar in hand.

I quickly removed the headset and placed it down beside me. My eyes didn't leave the guitar.

"Is that..." Out of shock, I couldn't finish my question.

He nodded and handed my guitar to me. "I asked a friend of mine to refinish your guitar when I saw it broken," he explained. "He did his best to recreate its original look. I tried playing it earlier this morning. I could say that nothing's changed with its music quality."

Hindi ako makapaniwalang nakalimutan ko ang aking gitara. Dala-dala namin ito papunta ng Maynila. I wasn't aware that I didn't bring it with me to the condo the day we arrived. I was also too preoccupied to play my guitar that I didn't look for it even when I organized my things. I had no idea that Ike had it refinished.

"I planned to give it to you as soon as we arrived here, but I forgot because of Isaiah..." he explained, his voice strained.

Like a fragile porcelain, I held my old guitar carefully which looked entirely brand new. I tried playing it using the chords of the song we recorded. It reminded me of the day I first held it to try and play. It brought tears to my eyes.

As I blinked up to Ike, a tear of joy and gratitude fell from eye. I smiled and said from the bottom of my heart, "Thank you, Ike..."

Ike's features softened like he got disarmed by my emotional reaction. His eyes finally showed warmth after acting indifferent. And in the end, a smile touched his lips which made everything better. "I'm glad that you're happy."

That warm moment with Ike stayed in my mind during the following days. I was constantly in a great mood, especially because I was finally getting used to the life here in Manila.

Staring at the mirror, my lips parted as I saw myself looking different and younger. Unlike my get up for the profile shoot last time, the makeup artist and stylist overdid themselves for the Road to Record photoshoot.

They went for that cute K-Pop style with my makeup, telling me that they were going for a very fresh and dreamy look. They put small gems under my eyes and some glitters. They also curled my hair into a wavy style and did a waterfall braid.

I was wearing a sleeveless white dress up to my knees with a blue ribbon at the center of its collar. It was my outfit for my own promotional photos. Pagkatapos ng unang concept ay saka pa lamang ako kukuhanan para sa profile photo at moving poster para sa survival show kung saang denim jeans at iyong shirt ng Road to Record ang aking isusuot. Ang sabi ng aking stylist ay magkakaparehas kami ng lahat ng mga kasali.

"Ang ganda-ganda mo talaga! Nakakatuwa kang ayusan!" Ate Gina, my stylist, exclaimed while taking pictures of me using her phone. She had a very bright smile on her face.

"Kaya nga! Sigurado akong ikaw ang pinakamaganda sa mga babaeng kasali," dagdag puri pa ng aking makeup artist na si Ate Blessie.

Feeling bashful, I pouted my lips again. I wasn't being humble because I know that I'm really pretty, but I couldn't help but feel that way, especially because of Ate Blessie's exaggeration.

We had not met the other contestants yet to already conclude that way. I also heard that Willow's really pretty. She was mainly casted by Top Star Records because of her looks. Iyon ang sabi sa akin ni Mr. Joel. Nagkataon na marunong din siyang kumanta kaya talagang hindi na pinakawalan ng kompanya.

We were scheduled to meet three days later, a week before the shooting of the pilot episode. Mr. Joel told me that Willow was busy practicing for her first performance. Hindi ko tuloy maiwasang isipin kung ano ang aking gagawin. Hindi pa namin iyon napag-uusapan ni Ike kahit isang linggo at mahigit na lang ang binibilang na araw.

The good thing was I already had an idea in mind. There was something I wanted to do. I just didn't know yet if Ike would agree to it.

Ang balak ko ay kausapin siya pagkatapos ng aking shoot dahil abala siya sa shooting niya kasama ng ibang mentors para sa teaser. It was for the last promotional teaser before the pilot episode. Sa pagkakaalam ko ay isasama rin doon ang moving poster na ishu-shoot naming mga contestants.

"Miss Aleena, tawag na po kayo sa set." Pumasok ang isang staff sa loob ng dressing room upang tawagin ako.

Since I was already done getting ready, I immediately followed the staff. I didn't see the backdrop and the whole set design when we arrived at the studio because we went straight to the dressing room. My lips parted as soon as I saw everything. It was like a big land of sweets with giant gummies, candies, and chocolates. There were big rainbow sprinkles, made out of plastic, scattered on the ground. An acoustic guitar in colors white and pink was also placed on the set.

Naabutan kong kausap ni Mr. Joel ang isang babae. Nang makita nila ako ay agad silang lumapit sa akin.

"Aleena, this is Mrs. Molina, she's the creative director for your shoot today," Mr. Joel introduced me to her.

I politely smiled at her. "Thank you po," pasasalamat ko. "Ang ganda po ng set."

She chuckled softly. "It's my pleasure," she said and her eyes made a trip from my head down to my feet. "You really look good today. One look from your photos Mr. Joel sent me, I already knew that this concept will fit you the most."

"Tama ka nga, Mrs. Molina," Mr. Joel agreed to that thought while he was looking at me with a fatherly smile.

"I'm sure different brands for girls her age will try to sign her once she's introduced to the public," Mrs. Molina said like she was very sure of it. "Hindi ako magugulat kung magiging commercial model at endorser din siya."

Tumango-tango si Mr. Joel. "I also thought of that. It'll be a big step to build her fandom and give her more exposure to the public," sabi niya. "But of course, Aleena will have the final say, as well as her guardian."

I bit my lower lip. All I want to do is to make songs, and then release and perform them. I never thought of being a commercial model, and to be honest, I wasn't sure if I was going to be comfortable with. Pakiramdam ko ay hindi rin para sa akin ang ganoong trabaho.

"Guardian?" Mrs. Molina gave Mr. Joel a curious look. "I thought she's already turning twenty-three? She's already legal. Bakit may guardian pa siya?"

Mr. Joel let out an awkward laugh. "It's a different kind of guardian," he vaguely said, making it sound more suspicious. "It's hard to explain but it's not that important."

It seemed like he was getting cold sweats as he tried to explain things to Mrs. Molina. Kahit ako ay medyo kinabahan din. Even if they didn't directly tell me, I knew better that my personal relationship or connection with Ike, aside from being a mentor and mentee, shouldn't be brought to light. I knew it could cause some misunderstandings.

Mabuti na lang at hindi na nang-ungkat pa si Mrs. Molina. After that conversation, the shoot finally started. They took different pictures of me in different angles and poses. Most of my pictures were with the guitar prepared. According to Mr. Joel, it should be highlighted since it would be my greatest weapon for the survival show as a singer and songwriter.

The shoot went smoothly as I already got the hang of being in front of the camera somehow. Although I knew I wasn't in my best condition because of Ike's absence, I wanted to show him that I could also be independent. I didn't want to be such a big liability to him.

His schedule was also getting busier since the main shootings for Road to Record were already just around the corner. I even overheard from Mr. Joel that Ike didn't accept a solo endorsement deal from a famous local brand. He wanted to have free time whenever we weren't shooting for the show.

I kind of felt guilty because of that. Ever since I arrived in Manila, there wasn't a day we didn't meet. It was either we would be out for work or he would take me to their studio or visit at the condo. I didn't know if I was assuming but I thought he must be feeling pressured from trying to fulfill his promise to Auntie Divina that he would always look out for me.

Dapat nga ay kasama niya sa schedule niya si Mr. Joel, ngunit dahil nag-aalala siya sa akin na mag-isa ay pinasamahan niya ako sa kanyang sariling manager. He should be Mr. Joel's priority but he wanted to make sure that I'd be fine.

And because I was adapting well to the busy life in Manila, I wanted him to see that he didn't have to hinder himself from getting other projects that could increase his value as a celebrity or an artist. He didn't have to worry about me all the time.

"OMG!" I heard a restrained squeal from one of the staffs when we were down to the last few shots and the short clip needed for the moving poster.

I was easily distracted that I looked up to see that Ike had just arrived. The staffs, especially the women, who weren't used to seeing him in person were trying to keep themselves calm. They were all staring at him in awe.

Kita kong lumapit sa kanya sina Mr. Joel at Mrs. Molina. Bago tuluyang nakuha ng dalawa ang kanyang atensyon ay kita kong hinanap ako ng kanyang mga mata.

Ike's eyes fixed on mine and his lips curved into a smile as a greeting. An incredible rush of heat spread on my cheeks. I gave him a smile back and waved my hand a little.

"Aleena, last shot na pagkatapos iyong video clip na," pagtawag ng photographer sa aking atensyon.

Startled a bit, I snapped my eyes back on the camera. "Sorry po," I apologized and got ready for the last shots.

For some reason, I got more energized for the shoot. There was also an unexpected boost of confidence crept into my veins. It seemed like I just got started even though we were already working for almost three hours.

"Great! Beautiful!" The photographer kept shouting praises for me as he liked all my shots.

We ended the photoshoot after the last five shots. Pagkatapos noon ay binigyan ako ng maikling instruction para sa moving poster. They told me that I just had to slowly and gracefully turn my head to the camera from facing the wall.

"After that, just smile at the camera," the photographer continued with his instruction while Ate Blessie was doing some retouch to my makeup. "I think we can do this in just one or two takes if all is well. Are you ready?"

Feeling great, I nodded enthusiastically. Kaya naman pagkatapos ng retouch sa aking makeup at buhok ay nagsimula na ulit kami para sa huling shoot.

The spark of confidence kindled a fire of determination inside me. I wanted to finish the shoot for the moving poster in one take. Gusto ko nang matapos agad upang malapitan at makausap ko na si Ike. His presence served as a good quality of tinder that made the fire bigger.

Closing my eyes, I exhaled deeply and fell into a relaxed state. I emptied my head to clear any troubling thoughts in my head.

"In three, two, one!"

As soon as the quick countdown ended, I did what was instructed to me. I opened my eyes and slowly faced the camera, lifting the corners of my lips to a gentle smile.

"It's a wrap!" Mrs. Molina shouted and clapped her hands after they all approved that one take shot for the moving poster.

Nagpasalamat ako sa mga professionals at staffs na tumulong para sa aking shoot habang naglalakad pabalik sa dressing room. While they were reviewing the short clip, I saw Ike going there after that last take. Gusto ko man siyang sundan kaagad, I was held back by Mrs. Molina and the photographer.

They gave me constant praises for doing a great job. Mrs. Molina even told Mr. Joel that she would be glad to work with me again for another project. Hearing that from a well-known creative director like her, I couldn't help but feel proud.

I was on cloud nine, happy that I didn't disappoint anyone. I felt like I met their expectations. I felt great about myself and my performance.

Affections bubbled more inside my chest when I saw Ike waiting for me inside the dressing room. His eyes locked with mine right away. He was leaning on the vanity dresser but he immediately walked his way to me.

My eyes slightly widened and my heart went wild when I saw him reached his arm to me like he was about to pull me into a hug. I even closed my eyes for a fleeting moment and slightly bowed my head to brace myself for that possible intimate moment with him. However, as soon as I felt his hand gently ruffled my hair, I realized that I was wrong with my intuition.

"You did wonderful..." he whispered softly that I could feel his sincerity. "And you look even more beautiful today."

It was silly of me for expecting that he would hug me. But honestly, I wasn't disappointed at all. His praise was more than enough for me. From walking on cloud nine, he flew me to the moon.