Cameras flashed, microphones echoed, and the crowd roared with excitement.

Okay everyone, are you excited? the host shouted.

The audience screamed even louder, filling the entire hall with energy.

“Grabe, ang init ng mga fans natin! So without further delay, let’s welcome Drey Gil and Zein Shion!”

The crowd erupted, shouting their names as the two stepped out, smiling and waving at their fans.

“Dreyyy! Ang gwapo mooo!”

“ZEINNN! ZEINNNN!”

The noise inside the hall grew even louder as the cast of Forevermore appeared.

“Hello! Kumusta kayo? Let’s have them sit first.”

They sat down.

“Okay, let’s start with Ms. zein—the very gorgeous, fresh, GenZ star. How are you?”

zein smiled and waved. “Thank you. Hello everyone! I’m doing great. I’m so happy to be here and see all of you. Sobrang saya ko—thank you for inviting us.”

“No, thank you for accepting our invitation!” the host replied with a laugh.

“So, how about Mr. Drey Gil? Kumusta?”

Drey smiled. “Ahm…”

“Wait! Bago ka sumagot—anong kinain mo at mas gumwapo ka ngayon?” the host teased.

The fans screamed.

Drey laughed shyly. “Wala naman… stress nga eh. But siguro—good company.”

“Wow! Good company? Si Zein ba ‘yan?”

The crowd went wild.

“Hahaha, oo naman. But I mean the whole team. We have a good team for this movie—that’s what I meant.”

“Ay sus, ang simple lang ng tanong—defensive agad!” the host joked. “Anyway, to make this more exciting, what can we expect from your tandem, DreZein?”

“Ahm… ikaw na?” Drey asked Zein.

“Hindi, ikaw na,” Zein replied.

“Hays, kayo na lang kaya?” the host interrupted, making everyone laugh.

Drey chuckled. “The story is about two people from different walks of life who meet accidentally. Along the way, they fall in love—but it’s not easy. They face a lot of challenges, especially family disagreements.”

“Yes, and marami pa kayong aabangan,” Zein added.

“Like what?” the host teased.

“Anong like what?” Zein reacted, making everyone laugh.

“Okay, let’s move to Q&A! Fast talk with Charlie!”

“First question for Drey—from Dreynism: rate Zein from 1 to 10 as a lead actress.”

“Hmmm… siguro 5.”

“Wow ah!” Zein reacted.

“Sakin 4 ka lang!” she joked back.

“Joke lang!” Drey laughed, holding her hand, making the crowd scream.

“Wow, may pa-holding hands!”

“Ganun talaga siya—touchy,” Zein said playfully.

“Seriously, Zein is a 10. Magaling siya, and I really feel the connection when we’re taping.”

“Speaking of connection—wifi, bluetooth, or spark from the heart?” the host teased.

The fans screamed.

Drey laughed. “Ahh… I think it’s more of connection in acting. Mas nailalabas ko yung role ko with her. It’s new for me kasi ibang partner ako before, so malaking adjustment—but in a good way.”

Zein nodded. “Tsaka bro ko si Drey—parang kuya ko siya. I mean, kaka-30 lang niya, diba?”

“Grabe ka naman mag-reveal ng age ko!”

“Hahaha! 34 ka na pero mukha kang 20!”

The host laughed. “Magaling din ‘to sa basketball, guys!”

“Okay, next question—may chance bang maging kayo ni Drey?”

The fans screamed again.

Zein smiled. “Well, first time ko siyang makatrabaho, but masasabi ko he’s a good man—family-oriented, funny, respectful, kind, and a gentleman. Parang everything you’d want in a guy.”

The crowd squealed as Drey tried to hide his smile.

“But… bro lang talaga ang tingin ko sa kanya,” Zein added. “And he sees me as his little sister. Right?”

Drey nodded. “Yes.”

“Okay, next question—Drey, paano ka magparamdam if you love someone?”

“Through actions,” he answered. “Like, pagsisilbihan ko siya, liligawan ko siya every day.”

The host swooned while Zein smiled at him.

“I’m not really an expert,” Drey continued, “but I’ve been in a relationship for 8 years. I noticed mas nagiging masaya yung babae when you’re consistent.”

The audience clapped, and someone shouted, “Drey, ako na lang!”

Drey laughed.

“Grabe, pang–Mr. Universe ang sagot!”

“Walang ganun!” he joked.

“Meron ngayon!” the host laughed.

“Last question—from dreylizforever. Okay lang ba, Drey?”

“Oo naman.”

“How are you and Liza?”

“ahmm….We’re good. She’s busy with international projects, and I’m also focused on mine like  Forevermore. We’re both doing well.”

Zein glanced at him and smiled.

Time passed, and the segment came to an end.

“Invite everyone to watch your new show.”

“Yes! Please watch Forevermore, airing on Channel 8 starting Monday, April 25, 2026. Hindi niyo po ito pagsisisihan.”

“Watch it, everyone—kikiligin kayo, promise!” Zein added.

“Thank you so much for being here. We’re happy to have you!”

“Thank you, everyone!”

After the SM Artist show with Zein, they headed straight to their second guesting—an open talk show hosted by Tito Boy Rond.

On set…

“Standby… and in 1, 2, 3… action!”

“Magandang hapon sa inyong lahat! Ito po si Boy, and welcome to Open Talk!” (opening music plays)

“Ngayong hapon, excited ako dahil makakapanayam natin ang dalawang sikat na artista ng industriya—isang nagbabalik at isang nagse-celebrate ng kanyang 8 years in showbiz. Please welcome Drey Gil and Zein Shion!”

(Music plays as the audience claps.)

“Hello!” Tito Boy greeted them warmly, giving each a kiss on the cheek.

“Hello, Drey… hello, Zein. Have a seat.”

“Welcome to Open Talk. Kumusta? Kumusta ang tambalan?” he asked with a smile.

Drey nodded. “Ahm, we’re good. Masaya… and—” he glanced at Zein, “very comfortable ako katrabaho si Zein, especially with a good team.”

Zein smiled. “Same here po, Tito. Drey is very approachable and very ‘light’ to work with.”

“Light?” Tito Boy raised an eyebrow playfully. “Ilaw ba ‘yan o ano?”

The audience laughed.

“Ahm, I mean po, magaan siyang katrabaho,” Zein clarified. “Parang nagkaka-connect kami, so hindi mahirap ilabas yung emotions.”

“So you mean, hindi ka nahihirapan?” Tito Boy asked.

“Yes po,” Zein answered.

“Okay… so Forevermore. Ano ang dapat naming abangan sa movie na ito?”

“I’ll answer po,” Zein said. “The story revolves around two people who grew up in very different situations in life. One is a dreamer, while the other doesn’t really value the dreams that others fight for.”

Drey added, “Parang ano po, Tito Boy—she dreams of something that I already have but don’t appreciate.”

“Ohh, interesting. Tapos?”

“So along the way, they meet… and that’s where everything starts,” Drey said. “No spoilers!” he added with a laugh.

“Okay, we’re excited to see that. This April 25, Monday, right?”

“Yes po,” Zein confirmed.

“Alright! Let’s do Open Talk. Let’s start with Zein…”

Okay, Zein, diretsahang tanong—ito ang isa sa gustong malaman ng mga netizens. Grabe, yung trailer niyo, pumatok agad. Trailer pa lang, panalo na!”

Zein smiled and nodded. “Opo.”

“First question: anong pakiramdam makatrabaho ang isang OG at heartthrob ng BAS-BNC?”

“Hmm, si Drey po kasi… I feel at ease working with him. Kahit first time pa lang namin, napaka-convincing ng acting niya, nadadala ka talaga. Halimbawa sa mga iyakan scenes, parang nahahawa ako sa emotions niya. Tsaka he’s very patient and a true gentleman. Yun po,” Zein answered.

“Mahalaga talaga sa trabaho yung connection, ‘di ba? Kasi pag intimidated ka, mahirap sumabay.”

“Opo, Tito Boy,” Zein replied.

“Okay, next question—Drey, how’s your heart right now?”

Drey smiled. “Hmm… I’m happy and moving forward, Tito Boy.”

“Moving forward… okay. So, open ka na ulit for a relationship?” the host followed up.

“Yes. It’s been two years since naghiwalay kami. I’m not closing any doors, pero hindi rin ako nagmamadali. Time will come,” Drey answered honestly.

“Okay, third question for Zein—single ka pa ba?”

Zein laughed. “Tito Boy naman, on the spot! Hahaha. Well… not single, not taken—nasa gitna po, may nangliligaw.”

“Ohhh, who is—”

“No po, Tito, bawal pa muna sabihin! Hahaha.”

“Okay, Drey—may nililigawan ka ba?”

“Uhm… wala…” (long pause) “Wala pa sa ngayon, Tito. Hindi ko pa ramdam. And I don’t want to be in a relationship kung hindi pa ako fully healed.”

“Yes, tama ‘yan. Focus on what makes you happy, Drey. We’ll support you.”

Drey smiled. “Thank you po, Tito.”

“Last question, Zein—kung may sasabihin ka sa ex mo, ano ‘yon? A message na hindi mo nasabi sa kanya?”

“Hmm… siguro, thank you for the memories. And sana mahanap mo yung tamang tao para sa’yo—at magseryoso ka na,” Zein said with a smile.

“Wow, maganda ‘yun—malalim! Hahaha.”

Everyone laughed. “Ikaw naman, Drey?”

“Uhm… I hope you’re happy. Chase your dreams, and let the world see how capable and beautiful you are… inside. I’m happy for you, and patuloy kitang susuportahan. I’ll always be your biggest fan,” Drey said, smiling with a hint of pain.

“Wow… ‘yan ang tunay na lalaki. Masakit talaga mawalan ng mga taong mahal natin, ‘no? Pero yung patuloy mo pa rin silang sinusuportahan—ibang level ‘yon ng pagmamahal.”

Zein nodded in agreement. “Si Drey po talaga, Tito… masasabi ko na he’s someone a girl would really want to be with.”

Drey smiled shyly. “Hindi naman. I think  all men have different ways of expressing their love. Nasa babae na lang po ‘yon kung paano nila maa-appreciate.”

“Yes, and that’s why, Drey, I believe soon you’ll get what you deserve because of your big—”

“Ahhahaha, big butt?” Drey joked.

The host laughed. “Hahaha—big heart!”

Everyone laughed.

“Hahaha, thank you po, Tito Boy,” Drey said.

“Okay! Thank you for coming. We’re happy and excited for both of you. Please invite everyone to watch your new movie.”

So yun mga Kapamilya, iniimbitahan po namin kayo na manood ng Forevermore. Malapit na po itong ipalabas ngayong April 25, Monday, sa Channel 8. Gabi-gabi po ‘yan, 8 PM,” Drey stated.

“Yes po! At mapapanood din po ito sa Netflix. So sa mga hindi makakapanood sa TV, huwag po kayong mag-alala—available din po siya sa Netflix,” Zein added with a smile, facing the camera.

“Once again, Drey Gil and Zein Shion!”

Everyone clapped.

“Thank you so much for coming. We’re excited to watch your new movie,” Tito Boy said as he congratulated them and handed flowers to both.

“Maraming salamat sa inyong panonood. This is your Tito Boy, and this is… OPENNNN TALKKK!”

(Music plays.)

The show ended, and Drey and Zein spent a little time entertaining the fans and chatting with the crew before heading out with their management head.

AT THE PARKING LOT…

“Anyway, Tita Kathy, I’ll go ahead po. I need to stop by somewhere—I’ll just drive myself,” Drey said.

“Okay, but Drey, remember—maaga kayo bukas. Both of you. May fan talk kayo, 10:00 to 11:30 AM. Klaro ba?” Direk Kathy reminded.

“Opo, Tita. I’ll be there. Sige po, bye!”

Drey gave Direk Kathy a beso on the cheek, then did the same with Zein. “Ingat kayo.”

He got into his car and started the engine.

Pumunta si Drey sa isa sa mga ampunan na matagal na niyang sinusuportahan sa BGC. Lihim siyang dumadaan dito after work para kumustahin ang mga bata at makipaglaro sa kanila. Malapit ang loob niya sa mga ito—and the kids adore him just as much.

Pinark ni Drey ang kotse at bumaba, may dalang food para sa mga bata at sa mga sisters.

“Oh, mga bata, huwag magkagulo! Mag-behave kayo,” sabi ng isa sa mga sister.

“Drey! Mabuti at napadaan ka. Napanood namin yung guestings mo with Ms. Zein—pati mga bata, gusto na rin daw maging artista!” natatawang sabi ng sister.

Drey smiled. “Talaga? Idol niyo na ako ngayon?”

Umupo siya kasama ang mga bata.

“Kuya Drey! Gusto ko maging artista—yung may baril, tapos tatakbo, magtatago, tapos babaril—bang, bang!” excited na sabi ni Mikoy.

Si Mikoy ang isa sa mga batang pinaka-close kay Drey.

Napangiti si Drey at ginulo ang buhok nito. “Ganun ba? Eh dapat kumain ka muna nang marami. Hindi sila tumatanggap ng action star na kasing payat mo—parang bangkay!”

Nagtawanan ang mga bata.

“Ako gusto ko maging Darna!”

“Ako leading man, kagaya mo, Kuya Drey!”

“Ako gusto ko yumaman!”

“Ako gusto ko makapagpasaya ng tao!”

Tahimik na nakinig si Drey, smiling habang pinapakinggan ang mga pangarap nila.

“Mga bata, maupo na kayo nang maayos. Kakain na tayo—may dala si Kuya Drey na Jollibee!”

Excited na nagsitakbuhan ang mga bata papunta sa mesa.

Lumapit si Drey kay Sister Jane. “Ahm, Sister… hindi na po ako magtatagal. Dumaan lang po ako, na-miss ko kasi sila. Maaga pa po ako bukas. Babalik na lang po ako sa Sunday.”

“Oh, akala ko dito ka na magdi-dinner,” sabi ni Sister Jane.

“Hindi na po, sa bahay na lang.”

Yumakap si Drey kay Sister Jane.

“Mga bata! Enjoy kayo sa food, ha? Uuwi na si Kuya Drey. Maaga pa work ko bukas, pero babalik ako sa Sunday—maglalaro tayo.”

“Promise po ‘yan, Kuya?” tanong ni Mikoy.

“I promise,” nakangiting sagot ni Drey, sabay halik sa ulo ng bata.

“Magpakabait kayo dito. Tatawagan ko si Sister Jane—pag hindi kayo behave, walang Jollibee!”

“Behave po kami! Si Mikoy lang hindi!” sigaw ng iba.

“Hindi kaya, no!” depensa ni Mikoy.

Nagtawanan sila.

“Sige na, bye-bye!”

Lumabas si Drey at naglakad papunta sa parking lot. Sumakay siya sa kotse, pinaandar ang makina, at binuksan ng guard ang gate.

“Ingat po, sir.”

Ibina ni Drey ang bintana. “Salamat, kuya.”

Alas-otso na ng gabi habang nagda-drive si Drey pauwi sa VGC. Nakikinig siya ng music at sabay kumakanta.

“I know I can treat you better… than he can…”

Tahimik ang daan habang dumadaan siya sa isang shortcut—medyo madilim, maraming puno, at bihira ang sasakyan. Madalas itong daanan para makaiwas sa traffic.

“Tell me why are you wasting time… if you could be with me instead…”

Biglang may babaeng humarang sa gitna ng kalsada.

Napapreno si Drey.

“Ah—shit!”

Bahagya siyang napasubsob sa manibela.

May kumatok sa bintana.

“Hey… are you okay?”

Ibinaba ni Drey ang bintana, halatang inis. “Baliw ka ba?! Bigla ka na lang haharang! Paano kung hindi ako nakapreno?!”

“Sorry na! Hindi kasi ako pinapansin ng mga dumadaan…” paawang sagot ng babae.

Isinara ni Drey ang bintana.

“Wait lang, sir! Na-flat kasi gulong ko… stranded ako. Can you help me?”

Napailing si Drey. “Wow ha. Mukha ba akong mekaniko?”

“Hindi… pero baka pwede mo na lang akong ihatid or tulungan makarating sa repair shop? Please?”

Napabuntong-hininga si Drey. Wala na siyang choice.

“Saan ba yung sasakyan mo?”

Bumaba si Drey sa kotse at sinundan ang babae papunta sa sasakyan nito sa gilid ng kalsada. Sinuri niya ang gulong at napailing.

“Malala na ’to. Wala ka bang spare wheel?” tanong niya.

“Wala,” malungkot na sagot ng babae.

Tiningnan siya ni Drey. “Natamaan ka ba kanina?”

Ngumiti ang babae. “No, I’m fine.”

“Sige, hahatakin ko na lang kotse mo. Sumakay ka.”

Ipinark ni Drey ang kotse niya sa harap at nagkabit ng lubid para mahila ang sasakyan nito.

“Okay ka na ba diyan?” sigaw niya.

“Yes, I’m fine,” sagot nito na may ngiti.

Dahan-dahang nagmaneho si Drey habang naghahanap ng repair shop. Makalipas ang halos isang oras, nakakita rin sila ng maliit na talyer.

Bumaba si Drey. “Ahm, good evening po.”

“Good evening, sir,” bati ng mekaniko. “Ano pong problema?”

“Na-flat po gulong niya. Baka pwede pong maayos.”

Sinuri ng mekaniko ang gulong. “Malala po ’to, ma’am. Baka matagalan.”

“Kuya, may spare wheel ako. Pwede po bang iyon na lang?” tanong ni Drey.

“Ano pong brand ng kotse niyo, sir?”

“Mercedes.”

Napakamot ang mekaniko. “Naku, hindi po pwede. BMW po kasi kay ma’am.”

Napatingin si Drey sa babae. “Sige, ayusin niyo na lang po. Maghihintay na lang siya.”

“Opo, sir.”

“Salamat.”

Pabalik na sana si Drey sa kotse nang bigla siyang hinawakan sa braso.

“Ayy teka.”

Napatingin siya.

“Iiwan mo ako? Dito? Mag-isa? Gabi pa?” nakapout na sabi ng babae.

Nagulat si Drey. “Ha? Dapat ba samahan kita? Hindi nga kita kilala.”

Binuksan niya ang pinto ng kotse.

“Paano kung matagalan? Paano kung may mangyari sa’kin?” dagdag nito.

Napapikit si Drey at napahawak sa noo. “Kinokonsensya mo ba ako, miss?”

“Hindi, pero—”

Sumingit ang mekaniko. “Sir, ma’am, baka bukas niyo na lang balikan. Hindi ko po matatapos ngayon.”

Napabuntong-hininga si Drey. “Sige. Ihahatid na lang kita. Saan ka ba?”

Ngumiti ang babae. “Ah, sige kuya. Bukas na lang po ulit.” Sumakay ito sa kotse niya.

“Wow, ang ganda talaga ng Mercedes. Magkano ’to?” tanong nito, halatang tuwa.

Tahimik lang si Drey habang nagmamaneho.

“Sungit naman,” bulong nito, may smirk.

“Saan kita ihahatid, miss?” tanong ni Drey.

Iniabot ng babae ang kamay niya. “Catarina Claes. You can call me Rina.”

Hindi siya pinansin ni Drey. “Saan nga?”

“Sa Wezlome,” sagot nito, medyo mahina.

Napatingin si Drey. “Mamahalin doon ah. Dapat bayaran mo ’ko sa abala.”

Ngumiti si Rina. “Bababayaran kita… kapag sinabi mo pangalan mo.”

Napatawa si Drey nang mapakla. “Na-blackmail pa nga.”

“Ano nga?” excited na tanong ni Rina.

“Drey Gil.”

Ngumiti si Rina. “Nice meeting you, Mr. Drey Gil.”

Tumango lang siya.

“Andito na tayo,” sabi ni Drey nang huminto ang kotse.

“Hindi mo man lang ako pagbubuksan?” biro ni Rina. “Sa amin kasi—”

“BU-MA-BA KA NA,” madiing sabi ni Drey.

Sandaling natahimik si Rina, pero ngumiti pa rin. “Oo nga. Baba na ako.”

Iniabot niya ang pera. “Ito—30k para sa abala, 20k sa gas. Thank you ulit. Till next time, Mr. Drey Gil.”wink at him.

Bumaba siya ng kotse.

Nagulat si Drey at agad siyang sumunod. “Teka! Rina! Hindi ko ’to matatanggap!”

Binati siya ng mga guard habang papasok. Lumingon si Rina at kumaway.

“Thank you, Drey.”

Huminto si Drey sa gate pero pinigilan siya ng guard.

“Sorry sir, hindi po kayo pwedeng pumasok.”

“Ibabalik ko lang sana ’to,” sabi niya, sabay taas ng pera.

“Pasensya na po.”

Napabuntong-hininga si Drey. “Sige. Pakibigay na lang. Sabihin mo, may pera ako.”

Iniabot niya ang pera at bumalik sa kotse.

Habang nagmamaneho pauwi, napailing siya.

“This day hasn’t been good to me.”

Catarina Claes—ang nag-iisang anak ni Wez Kye Claes, ang makapangyarihang may-ari ng WEZLOME Hotel chain— hindi lamang isang tagapagmana ng kayamanan kundi isang babaeng hinubog ng sariling ambisyon. Sa murang edad na dalawampu’t lima, nakilala siya sa industriya ng pelikula bilang isang matagumpay na producer na nakatrabaho ang ilan sa pinakamalalaking pangalan sa Hollywood tulad nina Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio, at Brad Pitt. Sa kabila ng kanyang marangyang buhay, pinili niyang magtungo sa Pilipinas hindi para magpahinga, kundi upang personal na siyasatin ang operasyon ng WEZLOME branch na ipinamana ng kanyang ama sakanya at tuparin ang isa pang layunin—ang makipag-ugnayan sa mga Pilipinong artista para sa kanyang susunod na pelikula, “Love Surpassed Culture,” isang proyektong magtatangkang patunayan na ang pag-ibig ay walang kinikilalang hangganan, kahit pa magkaiba ang mundong pinagmulan.