The 36th of Michael Benedicto
Twenty-year-old Francheska Dela Cruz, an aspiring writer was hired in one of the biggest publishing companies in Metro Manila and her first assignment was to interview a philanderer who had a scandalous reputation in his time. Driven by the determination to keep her job and to be noticed by her boss, Dale Trinidad made her decide to push through with the assignment. She found herself in the old capital city of Pasig City, near the Municipal Hall at the heart of Sandoval Avenue in Acacia Alley. A crowded and ragged place with people from all walks of life, Conversations with Micheal Benedicto brought her to the world of passion and lust. His overwhelming vast adventure with all kinds of love and each of his women portrayed a big role in his life. From his first encounter of a carnal affair with his supervisor in his first job to numerous women that came his way. His insatiable desire towards lonely single mothers and older women tainted his reputation and the radical conclusion of his story. All thirty-six women portrayed a big role in his life and shaped him for who he is. Francheska was not just an attendee to Michael's story. She was also about to find out her true identity and the confrontation of reality. It spanned two generations separated by fate, each had its struggle, its pain, lies, betrayal, and joy. Through this encounter, they will finally realize their connection and the real meaning of love, self-sacrifice, acceptance, and forgiveness. That in the end, love is all that matters.
Read
Chapter: Chapter 14The more that I stayed away from them, the more circumstances seemed to draw us near. It was Saturday, February 1st, 2003, the Lunar New Year. You see, Binondo has been the center of Filipino- the Chinese community for centuries. While my mom was praying insideFo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple, my sister kept on insisting that we buy some “Tikoy” or Nian Gao to Mandarin or better known as Chinese mooncake. It is a sticky cake and they believed that if one eats this cake during the Lunar New Year, your family will always be together and will prosper. Family ties are very important for Filipino-Chinese people.As a tradition, we participated in the Eight Lucky Rituals which comprised of lighting the first incense, the ringing of the gong, and so forth and so on. My sisters and mom greatly enjoyed them but since I converted to Christianity, they were more like customary observance for me.Me, my sisters Agnes, Esther, Gina, and Mia were watching the Dragon Dance near Ongpin stre
Last Updated: 2021-01-03
Chapter: AmiraI didn't meet my boss that morning because he had an urgent meeting in Calcutta, India. Nevertheless, I sent my previous report since it is already due for editing. I went to Uncle Mike's place and he greeted me with a happy smile this morning. He seemed to be having a good day. "My daughter Mia is coming home. Her company assigned her for remote work so she will be staying with me." Uncle Mike beamed with happiness. "That's great, uncle. You won't be alone here anymore." "I am not really alone. My neighbors are all kind and some of my relatives live near here." His face brightened up he looks 10 years younger than his age. Cheska saw that and she suddenly felt admiration for Mike. He's ...very...handsome. She shrugged the thought from her mind. He continued his story. My almost a year's relationship with Lorna at that time did not last long. Her husband was about to go home and she has to prepare herself for his coming. Besides her children are growing f
Last Updated: 2020-12-21
Chapter: AdriannaListening to Uncle Mike’s revelations appalled Cheska a lot. One cannot believe it was a narration from a person whom everybody loves in this area. He has the kindest face she had ever seen and somehow, familiar. She went home late that evening, she was engrossed in his story. Deep inside her, she wanted to stay longer but she was also thinking of Uncle Mike’s condition. He easily gets dizzy and tired. “I had this health issue since I fainted that day, haha.” He jokingly tells her. “Uncle I want to take you to a doctor to check your health. That’s not a good sign.” She’s genuinely worried about him. Uncle Mike is like a father to her and despite his turbulent past, he is a good man. He looked at her and smiled, “I wish you were my daughter.” The whole Sunday Cheska just stayed home. It rained the whole day and her mom sent her messages. Nothing in particular just asking her how she’s doing and if she is eating well. She assured her she was okay. She looked at her dad’s p
Last Updated: 2020-11-25
Chapter: Chapter 11The year 1999 before the millennium hit, the economywas doing well and inflation was no longer felt.Katerina was nine months pregnant at
Last Updated: 2020-11-25
Chapter: Chapter 10Rosemarie likes to be entered from behind and all fours. She never faces me whenever we make love. She said that looking at your partner seems personal. Rosemarie Guevarra, even at the age of 50, still got the
Last Updated: 2020-11-24
Chapter: Chapter 9December 21, 1996, Saturday. It was our Christmas party. It was a gratifying evening and despite the economic crisis that our country was facing at that time, our company was generous enough to give their employees a big party and lots of gifts. It was the most joyous event that we’ve had. I was talking to my colleagues when Martina joined us. She’s wearing a red dress that highlighted her silky smooth skin and
Last Updated: 2020-10-26