In the beginning

Santa Fe, Nueva Vizcaya, is a quaint town in the northern provinces of the Philippines, often serving as a bus stop for commuters. The town's economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, with rice farming being a primary activity. The local community also produces various goods, such as strawberry jams, wine, and flowers, particularly in the barangay of Villaflores, where most residents work in the rice fields.

Marie, a twenty-one-year-old woman with long hair, fair skin, and almond-shaped eyes, stands at five feet seven inches tall. Her beauty is striking, making it surprising that she lives in the province. She walks through the rice paddies, carrying a plastic bag full of food for her father, who is plowing the fields with his tractor.

"Pa, here is your lunch!" Marie calls out happily. Her father steps out of the tractor and sits under the shade of a tree to enjoy the meal his daughter brought.

Tomas, her father, is a farmer with a slim build, tanned skin, and a hoarse voice. He did not finish high school due to poverty. Lita, his wife, has a chubby physique and, like her husband, did not complete high school because of financial hardships. She owns a small eatery a few blocks from their modest Nipa Hut. Tomas and Lita married young and faced several miscarriages before the miracle of Marie's birth brought joy into their lives.

"Thank you for the lunch; it's delicious," Tomas says gratefully. "Take care on your way home, okay?"

"I will," Marie replies. "You take care too, Father."

Marie walks from the rice fields to her mother's eatery to help out during the summer. It is one in the afternoon, and the farmers are resting with their carabaos and tractors. Marie sits on the stairs, staring blankly at the fields.

"What's bothering you?" her mother asks.

"Mama, is there any chance of me studying in Manila?" Marie inquires.

"Well, of course, dear," her mother replies cheerfully. "We will find a way for you to go to college."

"Really?" Marie is surprised. Suddenly, Kanor, one of their neighbors, enters.

"Aling Lita, are you really planning to send Marie to college?" Mang Kanor asks skeptically. "There's nothing for a province girl in Manila."

"Really?" Lita mocks. "My daughter has big dreams, and I will make them possible!"

"We'll see," Kanor says, walking out.

"Don't you worry, Marie. I will do anything to ensure you go to college," Lita assures her daughter.

----

Evening Discussion

That same night, Lita, Marie, and Tomas, the head of the family, sat down for dinner in their small but cozy Nipa hut. Their meal consisted of rice, fish, and swamp cabbage, a modest yet satisfying feast for them.

"Papa, I want to study in Manila," Marie told Tomas.

"Sure, we'll find a way," Tomas responded. "I want you to get a good rest. Who knows, a miracle might come."

"Sure, Papa. I'll wash the dishes and then go to sleep," Marie replied.

-------

A few hours later, Lita and Tomas sat across from each other at the dining table, drinking coffee and looking anxious about how to fund Marie's college education. Tomas lit a cigarette and stood outside their house.

"I know we can do something about it, Tomas," Lita told her husband. "I want Marie to succeed in life."

"I'll find a way," Tomas assured her.

"What will you do? Ask money from the landlord?" Lita asked. "I'm fed up with their harassment."

"Then what do you want us to do?" Tomas retorted. "We're just farmers. We can't even sustain our daily needs."

"I'll find another way to fund her studies," Lita said. "Even if I have to borrow from Doña Agatha."

"Don't you dare do that!" Tomas warned.

"Then what should we do?" Lita asked again.

"I'll handle it, but don't borrow from that woman," Tomas replied.

------

The next morning, Marie woke up early and turned on the television while cooking breakfast. Her parents were already seated at the dining table, watching the news.

"Karl Marino, the former president of the Philippines, is still missing. A search operation is underway to find his whereabouts," the news anchor stated. A neighbor, Jojo, came to visit and joined them in watching the news.

"Jojo, what brings you here?" Tomas asked.

"Oh, I just wanted to watch the news," Jojo replied. "Marinos, Marinos, everywhere you hear that name. In the capitalist world, there's Jasmine Marino; in the church, there's Cardinal Marino. It's exhausting."

"The people love them," Lita responded.

"That Karl Marino is lucky. He had those beautiful Japanese fighting for him, and now he's blessed with kids," Jojo added. "While we here still wait for a miracle."

"Would you vote for them?" Lita asked.

"Bah! Those brats only won because of their father, who was president, and their uncle, who is a cardinal," Jojo responded.

"I admire those people," Marie interjected. "I admire the Marinos so much."

Tomas and Lita looked at each other, taken aback by Marie's admiration for the Marino clan. A few minutes later, Banjo, Jojo's son, arrived. He was a slim, attractive young man who also worked as a farmer.

"Hi, Marie," Banjo greeted.

"Hello, Banjo. What brings you here?" Marie asked, wiping her hands after cooking breakfast.

"I brought something for you," Banjo said, handing over a plastic bag. Marie opened it to find another set of viands.

"Thank you for the food," Marie appreciated Banjo's effort. "Let's eat together. Come, Mang Jojo, join us."

Marie's family, along with Banjo and his father, sat around the dining table, chatting and eating the food served.

"I heard that Doña Agatha's son is returning from the States," Jojo mentioned.

"Who cares? She's still the same ruthless woman," Tomas responded.

"I'm starting to appreciate the Marinos," Jojo added. "When Karl Marino was still alive, Chuck Norriega visited us to ensure we were okay and that Agatha's husband hid in fear. But since Karl Marino went missing, Chuck has retired, and that woman is now acting like a queen."

"You're right. When Karl Marino went missing, the land negotiations stalled," Tomas added. "He forced Agatha to give us the land."

"Times have changed," Lita interrupted. "We used to enjoy President Marino's projects. Now, with President Lean in the presidential palace, it's pure evil."

"What if another Marino returns to Malacañang?" Jojo suggested. "What if it's Jiena Marino?"

"Well, she's no Karl Marino, but I heard she's a tougher version of her father," Tomas speculated.

"How do you know these things?" Jojo asked curiously.

"Watching TV, of course," Tomas answered. "That family is very complex and controversial."

"Did you see that tabloid before when Riko Marino and Emi Takei both kissed Karl Marino on the cheek?" Jojo asked. "Many were jealous of the president, to the point of spreading a rumor that Emi was living with Karl and Riko under the same roof."

"Enough of that jealousy," Lita responded. "Now, you'll be late for your planting session."

-------

Tomas and Jojo left the Nipa hut and walked towards the rice paddies to tend to the fields, while Marie and Lita went to their eatery to serve customers.

"I will help you, Aling Lita, Marie," Banjo volunteered, bringing a sack of rice to the store.

"Thank you, hijo," Lita told the young man.

"Marie, Aling Lita, I have to help Dad in the rice fields. See you later," Banjo said.

While Marie and Lita were busy serving customers, a group of men ran towards the streets. A blue sedan stopped in front of their eatery, and a woman emerged, walking towards the rice paddies with heavily armed bodyguards.

"Who is that woman?" Marie asked.

"That is Doña Agatha," Lita responded. "She is one of the richest landladies here."

Radiantly glowing under the sun, Doña Agatha, one of the landlords in the province, had regained her position. After the new commission led by Rafael Marino ordered the centralization of personnel back in Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao, the northeast was left vulnerable, allowing Lilia Amantor, an ally of the Marinos, to remain queen of the northeast. Doña Agatha controlled the rice and sugar industry in the province.

"Good morning, Madam. What can we do for you?" Lita asked politely.

"What's good about this morning?" Doña Agatha retorted. "Those people wouldn't pay their debts."

"It's not yet harvest season, Madam," Lita humbly replied.

"I don't need your opinion!" Doña Agatha yelled. "You lowly piece of trash!"

Lita lowered her head in embarrassment, while Marie tried to confront the arrogant landlady. However, Lita held her hand, looking at her straight in the eye.

"Do not do it," Lita said. "It's true; we're just lowly people living on land that isn't ours."

"Mama," Marie uttered, bursting into tears.

"You don't need to cry," Lita comforted her daughter. "All you have to do is work hard when you get to college."

------

That night, the Barangay Captain visited the Rafaras after hearing the commotion. Lita sat down infront of him, visibly unshaken by the events.

"Lita, I am so amazed that despite what happened this morning, you're still very composed," the captain told her.

"Captain, I shouldn't be shaken by that event, we're both humans," Lita responded.

"By the way, there is a beauty contest here in our town," the captain told them "I want to ask Marie if she's interested, the prize is thirty thousand pesos."

"I doubt about the judges," Tomas said.

"No, the judges are Emi Takahashi, Riho Tojou and Rina Marino," the captain boasted, "So there is no bias about that."

"How's that? The querida, the wife and the daughter," Lita responded, "anyway, do you want to join Marie?"

"Please Marie, I know you have the body and the looks and the brains," the captain begged.

"Well, I will," Marie promptly answered, "I honestly need the money for my college degree."

"Well then, see you tomorrow" The captain told them, leaving their hut.

"Marie, are you sure of this?" Lita asked her daughter.

"Yes Mama, I don't want to be a burden to you and Papa," Marie responded "And besides I want to see Rina Marino in personal, she's so pretty."

-----

That night, the Barangay Captain visited the Rafaras after hearing about the morning's commotion. Lita, still visibly composed despite the events, sat down with him at their modest dining table.

"Lita, I am amazed that despite what happened this morning, you're still very composed," the captain remarked, leaning forward with concern etched on his face.

"Captain, I shouldn't be shaken by that event; we're both humans," Lita responded calmly, her hands folded neatly on her lap.

"By the way," the captain said, shifting the topic, "there is a beauty contest in our town. I want to ask Marie if she's interested. The prize is thirty thousand pesos."

Tomas, who had been listening intently, interjected with a furrowed brow, "I doubt the judges will be fair."

"No, the judges are Emi Takahashi, Riho Tojou, and Rina Marino," the captain boasted, a hint of pride in his voice. "There will be no bias."

Lita raised an eyebrow, her skepticism evident. "How's that? The mistress, the wife, and the daughter. Anyway, Marie, do you want to join?"

"Please, Marie," the captain pleaded, turning his earnest gaze towards her. "I know you have the body, the looks, and the brains."

Marie, after a moment's contemplation, nodded. "Well, I will. I honestly need the money for my college degree."

"Well then, see you tomorrow," the captain said, standing up to leave. "Good luck!"

As the door closed behind him, Lita turned to Marie, her concern evident. "Marie, are you sure about this?"

"Yes, Mama. I don't want to be a burden to you and Papa," Marie responded earnestly. "Besides, I want to see Rina Marino in person. She's so pretty."

---

The next day, Marie arrived at the Provincial Capitol for the screening, accompanied by some friends and the Barangay Chairman. She was visibly nervous, her hands slightly trembling as she approached the registration desk.

"Captain, they're all beautiful," Marie remarked, glancing at the other contestants with a mix of awe and apprehension.

"Not as beautiful as you are," the chairman replied, patting her reassuringly on the shoulder.

The clerk at the desk looked up and asked, "What's your name?"

"Marie Rafara," she responded, her voice steadying. "Villaflores, Santa Fe."

"Okay, you're contestant number ten," the clerk said, handing her a number badge. "You can join the other girls."

Marie took a deep breath and joined the lineup of contestants from other municipalities. She could feel their eyes on her, some with envy, others with condescension.

"You can do it, girl!" one of her gay friends cheered from the sidelines, giving her a thumbs-up.

"I'm sure you'll never win this contest," a contestant sneered, her tone dripping with malice.

"What will you wear?" another mocked, a smirk playing on her lips. "A rice sack?"

Marie's heart sank momentarily, but her friends' continued encouragement lifted her spirits. "Don't listen to them, Marie. They're just jealous," one of her friends whispered.

---

After the orientation and screening, Marie walked home, her mind racing with thoughts about gowns and costumes for the pageant. As she traversed a secluded hill, three men suddenly blocked her path, their leering expressions sending a chill down her spine.

"Hi, beautiful!" one of the men called out, swaggering closer. "Care to have a drink with us?"

"No, I better go home," Marie replied, trying to keep her voice steady. She attempted to walk past them, but one of the men grabbed her arm.

"Don't be shy. We want someone to keep us company," another man said, his grip tightening.

"Let me go!" Marie exclaimed, her heart pounding as she struggled to break free.

"That's what we like!" one of the men jeered, his breath reeking of alcohol. "A strong woman."

Suddenly, stones flew towards the men, striking them with surprising accuracy. "Who the hell threw the stones?" one of them yelled, spinning around.

A man in his seventies, with white hair and a fair complexion, emerged from the shadows, standing a few feet away. "I did!" he shouted, brandishing an Uzi submachine gun. "Let her go or I'll break your necks!"

"Who the hell are you?!" one of the men demanded, his bravado faltering.

"You wouldn't know until you die!" the old man retorted, his eyes blazing. "I'll give you two options: let her go or eat lead."

Marie seized the opportunity to break free and ran towards the old man. The three drunkards, shaken by the threat, fled in fear.

"There you go," the old man said, lowering his weapon. "You're safe now."

"Thank you for saving me," Marie said, her voice trembling with gratitude.

"That's nothing. I'm glad you're safe," the old man responded, his expression softening. "My name is Caloy. I live in a nearby hut."

"My name is Marie," she introduced herself, offering her hand.

"What makes you walk alone late at night?" Caloy asked, shaking her hand warmly.

"I was looking for a gown for a local pageant," Marie explained.

"Oh," Caloy said, nodding. "I can help you with that."

"What can you do?" Marie asked, curiosity piqued.

"I'll let you borrow some bikinis and gowns from a local dress shop," Caloy offered. He led Marie to a nearby dress shop. Inside, the shop owner, a flamboyant and bubbly gay man, eyed Marie with interest.

"What can I do for you?" the tailor asked, his voice a mix of curiosity and skepticism.

"I want to borrow a gown and a bikini," Marie replied, her voice steady.

"Borrow?" the tailor scoffed. "What makes you think I will let you borrow?"

"Because the old man outside asked me to come here," Marie said, pointing to Caloy. "Don't worry, if I win, I will pay you."

"The old man and his charitable tactics," the shop owner sighed, rolling his eyes.

"What?!" Marie murmured, her confusion growing.

"Okay, I know you're joining the beauty contest," the tailor said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "But for me to let you borrow, you must solve this."

"The sun turns red, and the moon turns gold. Rise upon the men and unite as one," the tailor riddled. "What does the riddle imply?"

Marie pondered for a moment before answering, "The sun turns red, lives lost in a war that one doesn't want to happen. The moon turns gold, triumph upon the other, victory and justice for those who have risked their lives. Rise upon the men; only one man will conquer, and he will unite them."

The tailor's eyes widened in surprise. "There is training in living," he added.

"There is training in living; knowledge and wisdom are achieved daily," Marie replied confidently.

"Where did you learn those?" the tailor asked, visibly impressed.

"I read it from a book and newspaper," Marie answered.

"Very well, I will be your sponsor," the tailor assured, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "You really are a smart kid."

"Thank you, sir," Marie said, embracing the tailor, who returned the gesture warmly.

"You can call me Mama Nenotchka," the tailor introduced himself.

When Marie turned to leave, she noticed that Mang Caloy was nowhere to be found. She would have liked to thank him for his help.

-----

Back at the hut, Marie couldn't contain her excitement. Lita and Tomas, curious about their daughter's elation, paused their dinner.

"Where have you been?" Lita asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

"The tailor in the dress shop in the pueblo will sponsor me," Marie announced happily, her smile radiant.

Lita and Tomas exchanged glances, their own excitement growing. Marie quickly retreated to her room, lying down on her bed with anticipation for the event.

Three weeks later, the provincial fiesta and the pageant finally arrived. Lita and Tomas sat near the judges' table, eager to support their daughter. Banjo stood nearby, holding a large banner with Marie's name.

"Look, there's Doña Agatha, leeching with the governor," Tomas murmured, nodding towards the dignitaries.

"What's with the banner?" Lita asked Banjo, noticing the vibrant display.

"Moral support, Aling Lita," Banjo replied, beaming. "I want to show my support for Marie."

As the crowd buzzed with anticipation, the sound of a convoy pulling up drew everyone's attention, causing the excited chatter to momentarily quiet down. The sleek vehicles came to a stop, and all eyes were fixed on the lead car as the door slowly opened. Emerging from it was a stunning young woman, her beauty almost ethereal, as if she were glowing. The crowd collectively gasped in awe as she moved with a natural grace towards the stage.

Standing at the entrance of the stage, Doña Agatha, a woman of grace and stature herself, extended her hand with a warm smile. "It's an honor to finally meet the beautiful Rina Marino," she greeted, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

Rina accepted the handshake with a warm, genuine smile of her own. "Thank you for the praise," she responded softly, her tone sincere. "I deeply regret that my sister couldn't come. She's preoccupied with finding my father and managing other important affairs."

"We understand that, Ms. Marino," Doña Agatha replied, her eyes reflecting sympathy and understanding.

Rina nodded, appreciating the consideration. "But I did bring my stepmother and aunt," she added, turning slightly and motioning toward the second car. The crowd's murmurs of curiosity grew louder as two more figures emerged.

As Riho and Emi stepped out, the crowd's reaction was immediate—gasps of recognition rippled through the audience. The glamorous duo, known for their connections to the former president, added an extra layer of intrigue to the event.

"This is my stepmother, Riho, and my aunt and manager, Emi," Rina introduced, her tone formal yet friendly.

In the crowd, Tomas leaned closer to Lita, his voice barely above a whisper. "Wow, the former president's wife and mistress in one place. This is something you don't see every day."

The audience remained visibly mesmerized, not just by Rina's beauty but also by the combined presence of Riho and Emi, two figures who carried their own share of infamy and allure.

As Rina walked ahead with Riho and Emi by her side, she turned to them with a firm tone. "Look, we came here to watch and appreciate beauty. I don't want to hear any derogatory comments. I'll sit in the center so that the two of you won't have a chance to fight again."

Riho shot a sidelong glare at Emi, her voice laced with irritation. "Ask that hag to stop mugging me."

Not missing a beat, Emi shot back with icy sarcasm. "Look who's calling who a hag."

Rina, exasperated, reached out and pinched both of them on the arm. "I said no fighting! Will you two please stop, just for once?"

They grumbled under their breath but relented, allowing Rina to lead them to their seats.

Once seated at the judge's table, Rina found herself flanked by her stepmother on the left and her aunt on the right—a deliberate placement to keep them from bickering. But as the program began, Rina's initial excitement quickly gave way to annoyance.

The first contestant took the stage, and Emi wasted no time in making a cutting remark. "Fat," she declared, barely concealing her disdain.

Riho followed suit, dismissing the second contestant with a single word. "Prawn."

When the third contestant stepped up, Emi didn't hesitate. "Is that a face, or what?" she quipped, her tone dripping with contempt.

Rina, though frustrated, couldn't help but join in as contestant number four appeared. "Lollipop body," she muttered under her breath, almost against her will.

Emi added her two cents. "She ate too much before going on stage."

Riho, now leaning in closer, scrutinized the fifth contestant with narrowed eyes. "Isn't that woman pregnant?" she murmured skeptically.

As the sixth contestant made her appearance, Emi's voice turned sarcastically admiring. "Wow, look at that nose—airstrip."

By the time the seventh contestant stepped up, Emi had reverted to her original critique. "Fat."

Finally, Rina tried to find something positive to say about the eighth contestant. "She's beautiful, but she looks stupid," she remarked, unable to hide her frustration.

Riho, unimpressed with the ninth contestant, simply echoed Emi. "Fat."

As they leaned back in their seats, seemingly agreeing that the contestants so far had not impressed them, the tenth contestant emerged. The sight of her caused all three women to sit up straighter, their expressions shifting from disdain to surprise.

Emi was the first to speak, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "Look at that body. It's like Mako's or Jiena's—it's godly."

Riho nodded in agreement, her usual harshness softened. "And those chests… you can't tell if they're flat or not. It's similar to Kyoko's—or even yours, Rina."

Rina, her critical eye now softened by appreciation, added her own observation. "She looks like a female version of Rafael, with a bit of Kanna Fontierra in her facial features. Looks like we finally found someone who fits our criteria."

"You bet," Emi responded, her tone carrying a rare note of approval.

The program moved on to the question-and-answer portion, and the host invited the judges to ask the questions. Emi's eyes lit up at the prospect, but Riho quickly objected, almost causing a commotion.

"Emi questions like an assassin—she wants to kill those contestants with her words," Riho complained, crossing her arms.

Emi shot back, "What do you expect me to ask? Math questions? This isn't a quiz bee, Riho!"

"That's enough!" Rina interjected, her patience wearing thin. "I will ask the questions."

For the next thirty minutes, Rina conducted the Q&A, her vast photographic memory serving her well as she pulled from her experiences and knowledge to pose thoughtful questions. However, it was clear she was growing tired—not just from playing referee between Riho and Emi, but from the sheer effort of trying to elevate the competition. Finally, she reached Marie, contestant number ten.

Rina offered Marie a warm smile as she addressed her. "Hello, contestant number ten. How are you feeling right now?"

Marie smiled nervously. "I feel a bit nervous."

"Good," Rina replied with a slight grin. "Now, my question is: how would you deal with smugglers?"

"Hey!" both Emi and Riho exclaimed, snapping Rina back to reality.

Realizing her mistake, Rina quickly shifted gears, adding a lighthearted touch. "If you won this pageant and sat on the throne, how many voltages would you want?" she joked, prompting the audience to laugh. "But seriously, the real question is: if you won the title, what would be your first role as Miss Nueva Vizcaya?"

Marie took a deep breath before answering with confidence. "The first thing I will do if I win as Miss Nueva Vizcaya is to help educate the children about the importance of learning and how they can contribute to our society. In this generation, we need to emphasize education to address the problems left unsolved by our past leaders. As Miss Nueva Vizcaya, I will dedicate myself to being a role model for the kids. Thank you."

The audience erupted in applause, standing in ovation at Marie's thoughtful and articulate response.

"I haven't heard an intelligent answer in ages," Emi murmured, her usual sharpness softened by admiration.

"Well, Dad was an idiot," Rina remarked, her tone a mix of jest and satisfaction. "Anyway, it looks like we have a winner." She quickly calculated the tallies from Riho and Emi, her mathematical prowess coming to the forefront.

The moment of truth arrived as the hosts received the final results. Rina, Emi, and Riho ascended the stage, ready to crown the new Miss Nueva Vizcaya alongside the governor. As usual, Riho and Emi maintained a distance from each other, with Rina strategically positioned between them.

"And the winner is!" the host announced, the tension in the air palpable.

"Marie Rafara, contestant number ten!" the other host declared. Marie, visibly shocked by her victory, stepped forward to the center of the stage, where she was adorned with the sash of Miss Nueva Vizcaya. As Emi and Riho tussled over the crown, Rina deftly took it from them and placed it gently on Marie's head.

"Congratulations, you deserve it," Rina said warmly to Marie. "From one beauty queen to another."

Marie beamed, clearly overwhelmed by the moment. "Ma'am, I'm a really big fan of you and your family," she gushed, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

Rina smiled radiantly. "Oh, thank you for your appreciation." She turned as Nenotchka, a familiar face, approached them. "And if it isn't Nenotchka, the ex-beauty queen."

"It's been a long time, Rina," Nenotchka responded, her tone nostalgic. "Time flies. I remember helping you during your Miss World journey."

"And I believe this girl is your new protégé?" Rina asked, nodding towards Marie.

"Yes, and I must say, it's like seeing history repeat itself. The way she talks—it's reminiscent of you and your sisters," Nenotchka replied, pride evident in her voice.

Marie, still processing the whirlwind of events, looked at her mentor with wide eyes. "You know each other, Mother N?"

"Yes, I was Rina's close-in makeup artist when she won Miss World," Nenotchka explained.

Marie, deeply moved, bowed in respect. "It's an honor to be mentored by you."

Nenotchka waved off the gesture with a smile. "Oh, you don't have to do that."

As the conversation flowed, Doña Agatha approached Rina with a proposition. "Miss Marino, I would like to invite you to visit our province next week for our Santacruzan."

Rina, ever gracious, considered the offer. "If you want me to be Queen Helena, I would recommend this beauty queen instead of me," she suggested, glancing at Marie. "She's a resident here, so she should be the one to showcase the beauty of this place. She's now a model of your province."

Doña Agatha nodded in agreement. "Well, if that is your wish, then I will follow it."

Emi, ever the pragmatist, chimed in. "Will there be food?"

"Yes, there will be, Madam," Doña Agatha assured her.

"Rina, we will stay here," Emi declared, leaving no room for debate.

Rina sighed, resigned to the decision. "Whatever you say."

As the night drew to a close, the mood was joyous, especially for the Rafara family. Despite the challenges they had faced, Marie's victory was a testament to her hard work and determination—she had won the title fair and square.