Even though the LGBTQIA+ community has somehow achieved the freedom to express themselves according to their gender, we can all agree that there are things they still struggle with. They may already be recognized, but they are still not completely accepted by the society and be able to freely love the person they like due to the mockeries and snide remarks they could get.
And that was portrayed by Angela Trajano, Kristoff Garcia, and Batit Espiritu in the latest episode of ABS-CBN Entertainment’s Love Bites titled “Hearts of Pride,” which premiered last Friday, October 21.
It follows the story of couple Jibe (Kristoff) and Chichay (Angela), who met through his cousin and her friend Aldrin. Sparks indeed flew instantly between them on the first time that they met and they eventually fell in love with each other and became a couple.
Although they unconditionally love each other, they’re able to prove that love alone is not enough in order to sustain a relationship as they also had to address various issues and misunderstandings along the way. Perhaps scared to be misjudged, it was difficult for Jibe to tell their family and even their friends about their relationship. Chichay may understand him, but it pained her that she couldn’t share to the world the pure love they share.
Then one day, Jibe finally mustered the courage to ‘fess up to his family about their relationship, but it was seemingly met with unfavorable reactions as he went home dejected. But he assured Chichay that they’re going to accept her eventually, they just need time to process it and adjust, which made her emotional.
While things were already looking up for them, Jibe seemingly had a change of heart when their homophobic friend (Batit) reminded him that they cannot get married here in the Philippines since same-sex marriage isn’t allowed yet, and that they won’t be able to bear their own child since Chichay is a transwoman. This caused Jibe to become indifferent towards her, which ensued to their intense quarrel and breakup.
Despite he’s the one who called it quits first, Jibe was truly remorseful of what he did. His friend may have taunted him to replace Chichay with a woman who could give him a family of his own and told him that their relationship wouldn’t last because of how complicated it is, but Jibe defiantly implied that the problem is on people like Batit’s character. He told him that they can get married overseas and adopt a child if they’re going to want one.
Getting a girl could be good idea, but Jibe’s heart still beats for Chichay. He uttered, “Kahit siguro sino pa ang mahanap ko, hindi siya ‘yong mahal ko. Hindi siya si Chichay. Kahit mahirap, siya pa rin palagi ang pipiliin ko. Gano’n ka-simple.”
They were able to make amends after Jibe went back to Chichay and expressed how sorry he was for breaking up with her and for not being able to contribute much in their relationship. As she reminded him that true love should not be keeping score and that his acceptance of who she is is already enough, he went on to apologize for putting his focus on the things he would not have rather than the things he already has – which is her, most importantly.
She may be frightened to get hurt again, but Chichay expressed her willing to give their love another shot. It wouldn’t be easy, but Jibe is up for the challenge of winning her heart again. And he succeeded as they’re able to rekindle their romance and even celebrated their fifth anniversary. He also finally mustered the courage to tell the world about their relationship by posting a lengthy and heartwarming message for her on social media that truly made her kilig.
“Ang love at buhay, hindi parang sa mga pelikula’t libro. Minsan, ang taong darating para sa’yo ay ‘yong hindi inaasahan, pero pipiliin mon ang paulit-ulit maging sino man sila, kahit kumplikado.”
Directed by Dado C. Lumibao, “Hearts of Pride”, which is based on the real-life love story of Jibe Villanueva and Chichay Castro, is a great reminder for us of what true love means – choosing the person we love even during the times that they are unlovable. As we all know, being in a relationship isn’t always rainbows and sunshine because there will surely be instances that we’re going to get tired of them or hate them. But we must always choose to love them no matter what.
At the same time, we must also not be afraid to give love another try after someone broke our heart, nor give our partner a second chance after he/she erred. Although this is a case-to-case basis, we saw how love is lovelier for Jibe and Chichay the second time around.
As newbies, Kristoff Garcia and Angela Trajano did impressive jobs in playing their respective characters, not to mention that they’re chemistry was also remarkable. And after playing bit roles in the previous appearances he had, but Pinoy Big Brother alumnus Batit Espiritu also arguably was able to shine more in this project as he astounded us with his performance as the homophobic friend.
Stay tuned on ABS-CBN Entertainment's YouTube channel to not miss the next episodes of “Love Bites” every Friday at 8PM!