Sweet and slow – that’s how Dodong (Yves Flores) fell in love with Cai (Barbie Imperial) in the well-loved afternoon series Bagong Umaga. We know you couldn’t get enough of their fresh chemistry, so be sure to check out this Kapamilya Toplist featuring their subtle love story.
It started with an accidental kiss when Cai had mistaken Dodong for Ely (Tony Labrusca). She was then mending a broken heart after Ely rejected her feelings and kissing a stranger just rubbed salt into her wounded ego. She was helpless, angry, and sad. But she found her calm in Dodong, the stranger she just kissed. She would later on discover that she’s the brother of Tisay (Heaven Peralejo), her biggest rival in Ely’s heart.
The happy-go-lucky Dodong didn’t mind the brewing conflict and social status. He likes her, and that’s all that matters. The guy was struck by Cupid so bad. Thus, he was the only one who can see the kindness behind her ‘maldita’ façade. He can be the most patient guy on earth when it comes to Cai.
Cai may hate Tisay to the bones yet she gets nothing but kindness from Dodong. If only words can kill, Cai could’ve murdered Tisay with her sharp, nasty talks. But not even those words can drain Dodong’s patience.
Dodong knows the girl he likes craves someone else’s presence. But determined and madly in love, he would not stop until he gets noticed. In an attempt to steal Ely’s attention, Cai orchestrated some trouble hoping he’d come to her rescue. But Ely never did. It was Dodong who showed up and figured her underhanded tactics. He low-key hinted at his feelings by lecturing her about what she truly deserves. He promised to always be her knight-in-shining-armor and to never make her cry.
Dodong’s suave ‘ligaw’ style slowly worked. He almost blushed when Cai enlightened her about the importance of honesty and education. The next scenes show Dodong and Cai’s friendship blossoming amid all the fuss around them. Diana (Glydel Mecado)’s revelations about their true identities – Cai being a Magbanua and Dodong as a Florentino – both damaged and grew their friendship.
Dodong still had faith in Cai’s goodness despite her bad behavior. He reminded her to be gentle towards herself, and to embrace who she really is instead of giving in to pain and anger. He told her, “Kaya nga hindi mo ako magustuhan kasi anak lang ako ng tricyle driver. Eh, ngayon, ikaw ang anak ng tricycle driver, hindi mo matanggap.”
Dodong said that if only Cai would learn to listen to her heart, life would be a lot more beautiful and easier to navigate. He remained the dependable Dodong who would listen and offer his shoulder for her to cry on.
“Huwag kang masyadong ngumiti. Sige ka, ma-i-in love ulit ako niyan,” he warned her. True enough, the feelings resurfaced. And so we end this video montage with that scene wherein Cai reminded Dodong that he also needs to be taken care of. He cupped her face, caressed her hair, and inched closer to kiss her.
Follow Dodong and Cai’s love story in Bagong Umaga on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, and A2Z.