The transforming power of love is limitless and it can save anyone even from the darkest past. Take a look at the character of Ian (Cris Villanueva), whose desire to love and be a good father to Tisay (Heaven Peralejo), inspired him to change into a better person. In this Toplist from Bagong Umaga, we witness how Ian walked the path of kindness and love as he tried to win Tisay.
It was soul-crushing for Ian to know that the girl he threatened, insulted, and tried to bring down to hell is his biological daughter. His conscience devoured him alive that night he got the DNA results. As though shaken up by an explosive wake-up call, Ian answered and decided it was time for a radical change. A part of it was feeling small over Tisay’s genuine kindness and admirable character. He didn’t want to look evil opposite a loving child. He wanted to be a good example instead.
However, the process was painful than easy. His effort to reach out would be rejected many times. Tisay would insist that Jose (Keempee de Leon) and Monica (Nikki Valdez) will remain her family.
In the middle of trying to survive from the ocean of guilt, Ian got another wave of hard truth. In a conversation with a furious Ely (Tony Labrusca), the hotshot doctor realized how his wickedness corrupted everyone around him especially Cai (Barbie Imperial) and Maggie (Sunshine Cruz). He mused on how Cai learned to tell lies and play the victim because of his monstrous example.
He thought he’s been the best CEO but never a good family man. And he was scared Tisay would see him the same way. She’s the light that grew seeds of changes and love in his heart. “Kung hindi pa dumating si Tisay, hindi ko makikita kung ano’ng mali sa akin,” he said.
Despite the struggle, Ian stopped at nothing to win his daughter’s love. It took him a lot of tiny steps but he knew each of those matters. He started with trying to engage her in little conversations. He helped her settle Monica’s hospital bill. From small ways, Ian took a leap of faith by donating his kidney to Monica.
While Maggie thought it might be a good way to repair the hospital’s tarnished image, Ian maintained that he isn’t donating his kidney for selfish reasons. He simply wanted to be of help, thus keeping it a secret from the public. He even thought it was time to step down and focus on what really matters – family and not stature or wealth.
The night before the transplant, Ian had an intimate conversation with Maggie. His voice was mellow and full of love that there was no hint of how evil he used to be. He promised to fix their relationship with their daughters and start anew. The couple finally opened their eyes to see the essence of happiness. Maggie would note the irony of living in fortune yet feeling empty, in contrast to Jose and Monica’s impoverished yet happy life.
Ian saw a flicker of hope when Tisay dropped by his hospital room before the operation to thank him. “Alam kong matagal pa bago mo kami lubusang matanggap bilang pamilya mo pero baka ito ang simula,” he told her, and she smiled through tears.
The recent episodes promised a good start for Ian, Maggie, and Tisay but Diana (Glydel Mercado) is determined to ruin their lives. Don’t miss an episode of Bagong Umaga on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, and A2Z.