Chapter Text
Chapter 1: The Rivalry Begins
Jhoanna paced nervously at the back of the debate hall, her worn-out notes filled with underlined phrases and statistics. The Inter-University Debate Championship was just moments away, and this year was a big deal. Not only was the spotlight bigger—broadcast live on several student-run networks—but the stakes were higher. She knew this was more than just a debate; it was a battle for pride between UP and Ateneo, the maroon versus the blue. And to Jhoanna, it was personal.
She flipped through her notes one last time. 'Political dynasties in the Philippines contribute to the cycle of poverty, corruption, and inequality,' her voice echoed in her mind. The arguments were all there, perfectly laid out. Walang tapon, she told herself.
Her confidence, though, wavered slightly when a name was announced.
“Representing Ateneo, please welcome Aiah Arceta.”
Jhoanna’s heart skipped. Of course it was her—Aiah Arceta, Ateneo’s golden girl. A calm, collected ace debater with a reputation for surgical precision in arguments. It was said that she never flinched, no matter how heated the exchange. Jhoanna had seen her in action once. That girl could slice through points with such grace that even her opponents couldn’t help but admire her.
But not Jhoanna. No, for her, this was a fight.
As she watched Aiah glide effortlessly onto the stage, her pressed white blouse and navy blazer perfect, her confident posture intact, Jhoanna's brows furrowed. Okay, so maybe she's calm. Maybe she’s collected. But I’ve got fire, she thought, determined to keep her edge.
She took a deep breath as she was called to the stage herself.
The debate topic: "Resolved: Political Dynasties are the Root Cause of Socioeconomic Inequality in the Philippines."
Jhoanna stood tall behind the podium, eyeing Aiah from across the stage. They hadn’t officially met before, but Jhoanna could already feel the tension brewing between them.
Game face on, she thought.
"Good afternoon," Aiah began, her voice steady, carrying the room’s attention with ease. "While I respect the proposition’s sentiment, to single out political dynasties as the root cause of inequality is overly simplistic. Dynasties are merely a symptom of a much larger, systemic issue—the entrenchment of neoliberal policies and the lack of genuine land reform."
Jhoanna's jaw tightened. Great, she thought. Here comes the neoliberal excuse.
When her turn came, she leaned into the mic and smiled, sharp and bold. "For my rebuttals, Ms. Aiah. Political dynasties aren't just symptoms—they're enablers. Sila ang nag-i-insure na walang pagbabago. Sabihin mo nga, ilang dekada na ang mga pamilyang nasa gobyerno na walang accountability? Si Bongbong Marcos, anyone?" Her voice hit like a punchline, and the audience chuckled.
Aiah raised a brow. "Sure, but your argument assumes that removing dynasties automatically solves our problems. What about the corporate elites behind them? ‘Yung mga oligarchs na may hawak sa ekonomiya natin? They fund these dynasties, yes, but even without political families, these elites would continue to control resources."
Jhoanna leaned forward slightly, her voice poised but heated. "Ah, so oligarchs naman ngayon ang may kasalanan? Let’s not shift the blame. Ang tanong dito, sino ba ang nagpapalakas sa oligarchs? Sino ba ang nagpapasa ng mga batas na nagbibigay ng power sa kanila? Political dynasties, Aiah. Kasi wala sa kanila ang accountability. They rule as if they own the country—because, in many ways, they do."
There was a palpable silence as the points hit hard. Jhoanna watched Aiah closely, waiting for a flicker of emotion. Something. But Aiah, ever composed, simply smiled.
"True, but consider this—if you dismantle these dynasties, does that immediately democratize our institutions? Would you say a non-dynasty politician, let’s say a bureaucrat from the middle class, would do any better against the powerful corporations?"
Jhoanna’s lips twitched. She had to admit, Aiah was good. Too good. But she wasn’t about to give up ground.
"Look," Jhoanna countered, flipping her hand in a dismissive gesture, "you’re making it sound like we have to choose between two evils. I say, why not fight both? We’re here to challenge the status quo. And dynasties, they are the worst offenders. They represent everything wrong with our system—pamana ng posisyon, pamana ng kapangyarihan, pamana ng pang-aabuso."
Jhoanna noticed Aiah’s smile widen, almost in approval. But there was still no crack in her calm demeanor. Not yet, anyway.
As the final applause for the debate died down, Jhoanna tried to shake off the adrenaline still buzzing in her veins. Solid performance, she thought. She had made her points, stood her ground, and threw in just the right amount of sass to keep the audience engaged.
But then there was Aiah.
The way she kept her cool. The way she dissected each argument with the precision of a surgeon. It was... irritatingly impressive.
She didn't want to admit it, but a small part of her respected that calmness under pressure. Atenista nga, she mused. Laging polished, laging composed. Pero bakit parang nakakainis na attractive? Ugh, no. Focus, Jhoanna. Focus.
Later that evening, Jhoanna found herself reluctantly dragging her feet toward the Maginhawa night market. She had agreed to meet some friends there to unwind after the debate, but her mind was still spinning from the exchange. The crowd, the colorful lights, and the smell of street food filled the air, offering a temporary distraction.
Just as she was about to bite into her isaw, she spotted a familiar figure, standing under a string of fairy lights, looking a little out of place but intrigued by her surroundings. It was Aiah.
Jhoanna’s brows furrowed. Ano'ng ginagawa niya dito?
Aiah noticed her too, and to Jhoanna’s surprise, she waved.
"Jhoanna?" Aiah called out, her voice cutting through the buzz of the night market.
Jhoanna blinked, caught off guard but trying to keep her cool. "Yeah. What are you doing here? Hindi ba usually Katipunan side ang territoryo n'yo?"
Aiah chuckled softly, clearly amused. "I heard Maginhawa has the best street food. Thought I'd check it out." She gestured to the stalls. "I see why it's a favorite."
"Let me guess," Jhoanna said, arching an eyebrow. "Katipunan’s too posh for you tonight? Or naghahanap ka lang ng bagong debate partner?"
Aiah laughed, and for the first time that evening, Jhoanna noticed how her laugh softened the sharpness of her demeanor. "No debating tonight. Just food. Although, if you're up for another round, I won’t say no."
Jhoanna snorted. "Yeah, kasi you love a good argument."
"I love a good argument," Aiah corrected, her tone playful. "And you, Jhoanna, bring up good arguments. Kahit na hindi tayo nagkakasundo."
Jhoanna found herself grinning despite her best efforts. "Flattery won’t work on me, Arceta."
Aiah raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Who said I was flattering you? I'm just stating facts."
The casual banter made the night market feel smaller, the crowd around them fading into the background. Jhoanna shifted awkwardly on her feet, unsure how to respond to this version of Aiah. Gone was the cold, calculated rival from the debate stage. This Aiah was more relaxed, maybe even a little curious.
“Okay, but seriously,” Jhoanna said, finally breaking the momentary silence, “I thought you'd be celebrating somewhere with your Atenean friends. You know, sipping on overpriced coffee or discussing abstract concepts.”
Aiah’s smile widened. “Wow, may ganon ba talaga kaming reputation?”
Jhoanna shot her a playful look. “Oh, please. Alam mo namang totoo 'yan.”
Aiah shrugged, unbothered by the teasing. “You’re not completely wrong, but believe it or not, sometimes we like things simple too. I just wanted to try something new.”
Jhoanna eyed her curiously. “So you’re really here just for the food? Walang hidden agenda? You’re not here to debate me about the best tapsilog in town?”
Aiah laughed again, and this time, Jhoanna felt a strange sense of accomplishment. Was it possible that she, Jhoanna Robles, just made Aiah Arceta laugh?
“I’m off the clock tonight,” Aiah said, a lightness in her voice. “Besides, we both know Maginhawa’s the best for street food. Katipunan can’t compete.”
“Well, I didn’t think I’d hear that coming from an Atenean,” Jhoanna quipped, taking another bite of her isaw. “You’re full of surprises.”
“Maybe you just don’t know me well enough yet,” Aiah responded, a hint of challenge in her voice.
Jhoanna’s heart skipped at the implication. Was this Aiah trying to... get to know her? No, that couldn’t be right. They were rivals, after all. Competitors. They weren’t supposed to get along.
But here they were, standing in the middle of Maginhawa, sharing laughs and trading sarcastic jabs like it was the most natural thing in the world.
“So,” Aiah said, changing the subject, “about the debate earlier. You really think dynasties are the biggest problem in the Philippines?”
Jhoanna raised an eyebrow. “Ah, eto na. Debate round two na ba ito?”
“No, seriously,” Aiah said, crossing her arms. “I get your point. But you didn’t even mention systemic inequality or how economic elites contribute to the power imbalance. Hindi ba obvious din 'yon?”
Jhoanna paused, considering Aiah’s words. “Sure, they play a role. But ang punto ko, dynasties are the gatekeepers. Kung wala sila, maybe we’d have a fighting chance to challenge those elites. Pero how can we, when the same families keep controlling everything?”
Aiah nodded thoughtfully, clearly considering her point. “Fair enough. But do you really think removing dynasties would solve all that? Won’t other elites just take their place?”
Jhoanna sighed. “It’s not about one solution solving everything. It’s about opening the doors for more democratic participation. Kasi kung hindi natin sisimulan diyan, saan pa?”
There was a moment of silence as the two of them stood there, absorbing the weight of the conversation. It wasn’t just about politics anymore—it was about their worldviews, their deeply held beliefs, clashing and blending in unexpected ways.
“You’re passionate,” Aiah said quietly, breaking the silence. “I like that about you.”
Jhoanna blinked, taken aback. Wait, did Aiah just say she likes something about me?
Before Jhoanna could respond, Aiah continued, “I mean, you stand by what you believe in. That’s rare these days. Kahit na hindi tayo nagkakasundo, I respect that.”
Jhoanna found herself smiling despite the sudden rush of nerves. “Thanks... I guess.”
She stared at Aiah, whose eyes gleamed with mischief. “I’d love to continue this conversation. Maybe over something less… street food?”
Jhoanna raised an eyebrow. “Are you... asking me out, Arceta?”
Aiah grinned. “Maybe I am. Interested?”
Jhoanna felt a strange flutter in her chest—a feeling she wasn’t entirely comfortable with, but also wasn’t willing to ignore.
“Alright,” she said after a pause, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible. “Pero you better be ready for more arguments.”
Aiah’s smile widened, and for the first time that night, Jhoanna saw a flicker of something deeper in her rival’s eyes. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
That night, as Jhoanna walked away from Maginhawa, she found herself replaying the conversation in her mind. Aiah Arceta, her supposed rival, was turning out to be more complicated than she had thought.
And for the first time, Jhoanna wasn’t sure if she was excited about their next debate... or something else entirely.
Jhoanna could still feel the energy from the debate pulsing through her veins as she and Aiah parted ways. She hadn’t been able to stop thinking about the unspoken challenge between them—the sharp exchanges of ideas, the surprising moments of connection. But as she made her way through the campus, her thoughts were quickly interrupted by a familiar voice.
“Hoy, Jho!” It was Maloi, her best friend and fellow Iska. Maloi was short but fierce, her passion for activism and social issues almost rivaling Jhoanna’s own intensity. She jogged over, closely followed by Colet, who was taller and sportier, her UP volleyball jacket slung over her shoulder, and Sheena, the rowdiest, the dancer and their bunso.
“Kamusta ang debate?!” Maloi asked, barely containing her excitement. “Balita ko, Ateneo ang kalaban mo.”
“Oh my god, ang init daw kanina!” Sheena chimed in, eyes sparkling. “You guys were trending on Twitter.”
“Trending?” Jhoanna echoed, a little stunned. “Di naman siguro…”
“Excuse me, girl, pero ang dami mo kaya fans online,” Colet grinned, holding up her phone to show a tweet that read: ‘Iska Queen Jhoanna Robles owns Ateneo’s golden girl in inter-uni debate! 🔥 #UPvsAteneo #DebateRoyalty’
Jhoanna cringed. “Ayoko nga ng ganito,” she muttered, but her friends laughed it off.
Maloi nudged her. “Eh, mas malala pa kung Atenista ka pa rin at talo ka. Good thing you didn’t let that Arceta girl outshine you.”
At the mention of Aiah, Jhoanna hesitated. “Si Aiah,” she began, “she was… really good.”
Maloi blinked. “Wait, what?”
Colet smirked. “Hala, are you saying you found an Atenean that wasn’t pretentious?”
“I mean, sure, she's composed. Pero iba siya,” Jhoanna admitted, much to the disbelief of her friends. “We didn’t agree, pero she’s not your typical Atenean. She made some valid points… kahit na mali siya in the end.”
Sheena giggled. “Oh my god, you like her.”
“What?!” Jhoanna sputtered. “I never said that!”
Maloi crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “Hmmm. Well, you better keep your guard up, Jho. Baka she's trying to charm you para manalo next time.”
Meanwhile, on the Ateneo side of Katipunan, Aiah, calm as ever, walked into the Starbucks near campus where her friends were already gathered. Mikha, Aiah’s study partner and confidante, was scrolling through her laptop, while Stacey, the resident fashionista and kikay queen, was sipping a matcha latte. Gwen, the voice of reason in the group, was checking their schedules for upcoming org events.
“Aiah, you were amazing!” Mikha exclaimed the moment she saw her. “I swear, you were so composed out there.”
“Thanks, Mikha,” Aiah said, taking a seat. “But Jhoanna from UP was tough. Sobrang galing ng mga points niya.”
“You were just as good,” Stacey chimed in. “Also, she’s pretty, diba?”
Aiah raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t notice.”
Mikha and Stacey exchanged glances, clearly not buying it.
“Ganda kaya ng chemistry niyo onstage,” Stacey said, barely hiding her grin. “Debate version ng enemies to lovers.”
Aiah shook her head. “It wasn’t like that. I just… respected her arguments.”
“Sure,” Gwen said, smirking from over her notebook. “Just arguments.”
Mikha turned her laptop to show the same Twitter trend Colet had shown Jhoanna earlier. “Well, Twitter says otherwise. Fans are already calling this ‘The Intellectual Showdown of the Year.’”
Aiah sighed. “People really get carried away with these things.”
“Maybe,” Gwen said, leaning back. “But you didn’t hate debating her, did you?”
Aiah paused, thinking back to the fire in Jhoanna’s eyes, her passion, her stubborn insistence on her point of view. And then there was that strange feeling she got after the debate—the odd thrill of anticipation for their next encounter.
“No, I didn’t hate it,” Aiah admitted quietly. “In fact, I’m kind of looking forward to the next one.”
Stacey practically squealed. “This is too good!”