“Ako ito, si Natoy na mahal na mahal ka,” says the heart-warming line from Tubig at Langis that struck all our hearts with love and butterflies. It was a scene soused in emotions, happy tears, and a hopeful promise of a new life. And as Natoy (Zanjoe Marudo) and Irene (Cristine Reyes)’s love story continue to create buzz in social media until these days, here’s a Kapamilya Toplist giving you a nostalgic trip down the beginning of their tale.
Natoy and Irene were childhood sweethearts whose first meeting was filled with crying and bitterness. He caught her talking to an empty wall in an attempt to unleash her anger towards the mom who abandoned her. Natoy volunteered to lend a sympathetic ear and handed Irene a dream catcher afterwards, a symbol to remind her that she always has the choice to leave the bad memories behind. Natoy became Irene’s confidante since then, and the emotional attachment paved the way for a campus romance that would eventually come to an end.
Years went by and Irene fell in love with another a seemingly perfect guy named Jaime (Victor Silayan). She got pregnant but, soon, she discovered that Jaime is already married. The chain of events forced Irene to lose all her faith in love and in men.
After quite some time, Natoy and Irene crossed paths during a big event at their high school alma mater. The spark was strongly evident but the wall Irene built around her heart thwarted a supposed romantic connection. She tried to fight her feelings and push Natoy away.
Natoy, nevertheless, stood his ground and was unfazed by Irene’s fear and bitterness. He wooed her carefully, little by little, hoping not to scare her fragile and still broken heart. Natoy proved that he would always be there for Irene in times of trouble when he settled her family’s outstanding balance in a bank, an act she detested.
Irene hated Natoy for his kindness, her mind stuck with the belief that all men aren’t the heroes they claim to be. She was too scared to the risk, fall in love again, and only to end up drenched in pain.
For a moment, Natoy was irked with Irene’s perennial trust issues. And with a wounded ego, he begged to differ from her stern assumptions. He assured Irene that he is different from the other men, especially from Jaime. The scene ended with Natoy wearing his heart on his sleeve in a vulnerable and heartfelt confession.
A chain of tearjerker moments went on. Natoy boldly faced Irene’s family and asked her hand in marriage. The scene ended with the sweethearts wrapping each other in a tight embrace. Later, Natoy would share a conversation with Irene’s father to prove his sincere intentions.
An emotional marriage proposal unfolded next, with Natoy asking the help of Irene’s son to pull off the surprise. Before the wedding, Natoy and Irene vowed to let go of the past and, to embrace the beautiful future awaiting them.
Natoy and Irene sealed their love with a kiss in front of the Lord’s altar and the crying guests. Life, however, will never be smooth sailing as more conflict will arise and put their love to the test.