Chapter 47: The Flower of La Trinidad
Flora's Point of View
Eight years before the present time.
Several years have passed since I accepted the offer to become a soldier. It has been years of internal struggle—torn between my duty as the sugo of La Trinidad and my own feelings as a Filipina.
I am well aware of the abuses the Spaniards inflict upon my countrymen: the sting of the whip, the groans of the oppressed, and the people waiting for a hope that is slowly flickering out. But as a sugo, I carry a command from the diwata of La Trinidad: to tend to her territory and protect this land blooming with flowers and fields.
As an ordinary young woman, I lacked the courage to defy the government or anyone else. I felt rage whenever I witnessed abuse, but I was afraid—afraid for my own life and for the lives of the Filipinos whom the Spaniards held by the throat should I choose to use my power for others.
When the diwata first called me, I was just a simple girl in La Trinidad, a maiden who preferred tending to flowers over wielding weapons. Manifesting my power was a mere accident; when the Spaniards discovered what I could do, they captured and imprisoned me.
I was terrified, unable to comprehend why I was being treated like a criminal. But one day, General Romeo, the sugo of Batangas, arrived. That was when everything changed for me. He offered help, but it came with a condition.
He wanted me to serve the government as a soldier, to serve under their flag; in exchange, I could protect my hometown. In truth, I loathed the idea of serving the Spaniards—people who cared nothing for us, people who trampled on the dignity of Filipinos.
I would tremble with rage every time I saw wealthy Spaniards reveling in riches while Filipinos starved due to the blatant inequality in our country.
But I had no choice. Who was I? Just a weak girl, unskilled in combat, with no strength to rise against an empire far too powerful. General Romeo made me understand that I could save no one if I let my anger rule me. He clarified that I wasn't being used by the Spaniards; rather, I would use them to gain control over what happened in La Trinidad.
Regardless, becoming a soldier was incredibly difficult for someone like me. I was just a girl with no special abilities and a faint heart. The idea of becoming a soldier for the nation seemed like madness.
Fortunately, General Romeo never left my side. He became my guide, teaching me things I never thought I was capable of. Although I was a few years older than him, he seemed chosen by the gods for his brilliance and courage.
He always seemed to know the right thing to do, and his words were filled with the conviction that one day, our efforts for the Filipino people would bear fruit. In his eyes, I saw hope—a light I had been searching for amidst the darkness of this nation.
I had nothing else to hold onto but General Romeo's words, so I worked hard and followed him wherever he went. For years, I trained under his guidance.
He taught me how to handle weapons, how to control the power of my diwata, and how to stay firm even when my heart was full of doubt. He treated me like family, and that was perhaps the most beautiful thing to happen to me after becoming an orphan.
After finishing my training, I served as a soldier under his command. However, before long, he recommended that I study medicine in Manila. I couldn't understand why he wanted me to stop being a soldier, but he believed that people like me should never stop dreaming.
"You have a long way to go, Flora," he told me then, his voice full of belief. "Don't spend all your time as a soldier merely following orders. You will be stronger for La Trinidad if you become strong for yourself."
To be honest, the training was hard, but I had grown comfortable in Batangas as one of his subordinates. But he reminded me that true strength isn't just what I show in battle, but how I present myself as a successful individual. Thus, I had no choice but to agree. With his help, I went to study in Manila.
As an "Honorary Spaniard," it wasn't difficult for me to enter a prestigious university. But Manila? It was a whole new world—far from the fields of La Trinidad, far from the flowers that gave peace to my heart.
My first year in Manila was spent entirely on studying and staying in the dorm. I knew little about the city—the noise of the vehicles, the crowds; life here felt much faster than in the province.
I had no other routine: go to class, eat, and sleep. But one day, amidst my monotonous life, I met Andoy. Andoy was also a student, but unlike me, he was a pure Filipino without the privileges of the Honorary Spaniards.
Despite this, he was full of industry. I saw him every day—delivering water, working on pipes, fetching and dropping off children. It was as if he never grew tired.
Sometimes, he would be the one delivering food to my dorm. If I was running late for class, I would hire him to take me on his motorcycle. In our brief conversations, I noticed his simple personality; he was always smiling and greeting everyone.
He was like the sun, bringing light even on the gloomiest days. In my second year in Manila, I joined a community group in our area. I simply wanted something to do aside from studying, and I was encouraged because they helped street children and orphans.
There, I discovered that Andoy had long been a member of the group, leading projects for the poor. I saw how determined he was—even when exhausted from work, he was there helping, always with a smile, always ready to give.
Because of the group, our meetings became frequent. Sometimes, he would pick me up from school even late at night, and despite his fatigue, he always had a story to share.
"Flora, you don't need to pay for the fare," he said once. "As long as you don't miss our projects at the orphanage, I'll give you a free ride every day."
I didn't know how it happened, but with every conversation, his kindness slowly found a place in my heart. Perhaps it was because, in my entire life, no one else had given me such attention aside from my brothers-in-arms at the camp and General Romeo.
I also realized I admired him—his compassion, his ability to make the world feel light no matter how heavy his burdens were.
One night, while on my way home from school, I got caught in a dangerous situation. The bus I was riding was held up. Three men were wielding knives, threatening the terrified passengers.
Unfortunately, I was among those paralyzed by fear at that moment. I tried to prepare myself as a soldier—I had trained for years, and it would be a disgrace to the General if I did nothing to save these people—but I froze. I didn't know what to do.
Chaos swirled in my mind as I heard the people's screams. I panicked, unable to move from my seat. I knew I had to act, but I was filled with hesitation; if I fought back, innocent passengers might get hurt.
If I used my power, the people beside me would be caught in the crossfire; the bus was too cramped to move properly.
How could I fight three armed men with hostages? For the first time, I felt true terror—not for myself, but for the people around me.
Suddenly, someone yanked one of the robbers out of the bus door. In an instant, the man hit the ground and lost consciousness. Everyone was stunned. Another robber stepped down to see what happened, but before he could move, he was met with a flurry of kicks and punches.
In the confusion, other passengers found a chance to escape. But I remained with the others at the back because one robber was still inside, holding a knife and waiting for the next move.
A few moments later, a young man climbed into the bus, grabbed the remaining robber, and threw him against a seat. I was shocked to see it was Andoy. His face, which was always smiling, was now deadly serious.
His eyes were full of determination. The remaining robber, enraged, lunged at him with a knife, but Andoy dodged it with the skill of a seasoned fighter.
With a swift knee to the stomach and a twist of the arm, he forced the robber to his knees. With one final blow, the man slumped unconscious on the floor.
The passengers were stunned, myself included. I couldn't believe it. He was just a civilian—a student—yet he saved us. As a soldier and a sugo, I should have been the one to act, but in those moments, I was paralyzed, merely watching the heroism of the man before me.
He immediately approached me, took my hand, and asked if I was okay. "Flora, are you hurt?" His voice was thick with worry.
The truth was, I wasn't hurt, but I couldn't answer him out of shock. I never imagined he would come to save me. He pulled me out of the bus and insisted I ride his motorcycle so he could take me to the dorm. When we arrived, he apologized.
"I'm sorry, Flora. I didn't make it in time to pick you up," he said, his eyes full of self-reproach.
I told him it wasn't his fault; in truth, I was the one to blame for leaving our meeting spot early because I had grown impatient.
But he couldn't let go of his guilt and promised it would never happen again. I saw genuine concern in his eyes. For the first time, I felt the weight of his care for me.
I knew he was kind to everyone, but at that moment, I wanted to believe there was a special reason why he worried so much for me. I didn't know what I was thinking, but I was truly happy that someone was looking after me.
Perhaps it was because I was used to being cared for by my brothers at the camp, and I missed that feeling of being special and protected.
From then on, Andoy and I became closer. We often talked, walked together, and collaborated on community projects. I could say I had found a friend who truly cared for me.
As a sugo, I knew that studying in Manila was part of my duty. But as a woman, I couldn't help but wonder: could I live a normal life?
I saw many young women studying, chatting with friends, and falling in love. Was it right for me to seek happiness like a normal woman despite being a sugo of the diwata?
Whenever I was with Andoy, the weight of my responsibilities seemed to vanish. His smiles, his stories, his kindness—all of it gave me a peculiar warmth.
It reached a point where I just wanted to be a normal woman—a woman who didn't have to carry weapons or serve the Spaniards. But deep in my heart, I could hear the call of the diwata.
I knew I couldn't turn my back on La Trinidad, no matter how much I longed to be free. "What should I do?" My mind was in turmoil, questioning if I was still on the right path and if my actions lead anywhere.
In my confusion, I decided to return to Batangas to speak with General Romeo. I didn't know how to voice my problem.
I was afraid he would laugh at me, or worse, be disappointed. How could I say I didn't want to be a soldier anymore because I just wanted to be a normal woman? My reason felt shallow, and I knew it, but I needed an answer; I needed to know what to do.
Upon arriving at the camp, I joined the other soldiers in training. The others were surprised to see me there since General Romeo hadn't mentioned my arrival.
Once a month, the General would call to check on me. Despite how busy he was, he never failed to attend to my needs in Manila.
While I was training, General Romeo arrived at the camp. He found me resting alone on the side. He approached me immediately, and standing before me, he let out a sigh that sounded like disappointment.
"The school called. You haven't attended classes for five days, and you didn't tell me you were coming here to the camp."
"If I hadn't asked why the training room was always open, I wouldn't have known you were here," he added.
I could only scratch my head, unable to give him a straight answer.
"You can't just do this, Flora. Do you have a problem in Manila?" he asked, his voice full of concern. He offered help immediately, and his kindness only magnified my guilt.
I couldn't tell him the truth—that I was confused, that I wanted a normal life, that I was afraid I couldn't fulfill my duty as a sugo.
I could offer nothing but an apology, making up an excuse that my studies were too stressful and I needed to relax.
I could see the doubt on General Romeo's face, but instead of scolding me, he just sighed.
He instructed me that I shouldn't do anything without informing him, especially regarding the camp. While he could indulge my whims, he wanted the rules and laws followed, for other soldiers would lose respect for his authority if his own "siblings" were the ones breaking them.
I apologized immediately. Since he was busy, he left shortly after. I lost the chance to tell him my problems—though I wasn't even sure if I could bring myself to say them.
The next day during training, General Romeo visited again. To my surprise, he joined me in practice. General Romeo was a strict man when it came to training; he became a different person entirely.
There are six of us whom the General considers his siblings—all of us are sugo of diwata from different parts of the country whom he has helped. He is kind to all of us, but he made us understand that during training and work, he is our leader, and he expects his orders to be followed. Yes, he was that strict.
After several hours of training, we were resting together. He approached me and gave me something to drink.
He sat beside me on the bench, wiping his sweat with a towel. The area was silent for a few minutes. As I drank my water, I was startled by what he said.
"Flora, do you have plans this Sunday?"
"Tomorrow? None, General," I replied.
"Good. Let's go on a date," he said, his voice tinged with nervousness.
I was so shocked my cheeks turned bright red from embarrassment. I never expected him to say that to me. My heart began to beat wildly.
Truthfully, I often accompanied General Romeo when he went out, but he had never once called it a "date." What was on his mind? I wasn't prepared for this.
"D-d-da-date? You want us to go on a date? Just the two of us?"
"Yes. Isn't a date meant for two people?" he asked.
But before I could answer again, he smiled—a smile full of confidence. "As your senior, you have to follow me, so you can't refuse," he said, though his face betrayed his own uncertainty. He couldn't even look me in the eye as his cheeks flushed.
In my entire life, no one had dared to ask me on a date, even though many of my fellow soldiers were men. General Romeo was a brilliant and reliable general, wealthy and elegant.
I was confused as to why he would date a provincial girl like me. Many women liked him, especially the daughters of wealthy families—maidens far more worthy than I.
My face was red with nerves; I didn't know whether to decline or nod. He didn't wait for my answer and simply left after stating the time and place of our meeting.
When the day of our "date" arrived, I went to the park in Batangas we had agreed upon. My hands were shaking as I walked toward him. Ever since he mentioned the date, wild ideas about our relationship had been racing through my mind.
Even if I wouldn't admit it, I had long harbored feelings for General Romeo. When we were younger, I viewed him as a brother because he took care of me, but as I grew older, I came to cherish his protective nature even more.
It was only natural to develop feelings for the person who looked after me, and I knew well that we weren't biological siblings. However, as time passed, I realized that the world General Romeo moved in was vastly different from mine.
He came from a wealthy family, surrounded by brilliant and educated people. Since then, I had stopped fantasizing about a relationship beyond that of siblings, especially since he seemed to have no interest in me. To him, I was just a younger sister he had taken in from the province.
As I approached, I saw him standing there, dressed simply yet elegantly. He looked serious, almost grumpy; I couldn't see any excitement on his face.
He greeted me casually and told me to follow him. We went to an amusement park. "We need to enjoy ourselves," he said, his voice carrying a hint of authority. "We're going to ride everything. We aren't going home until we've tried it all."
We did as he said, but as we went on the rides, I noticed his silence. He would ride, he would smile, but the smile would quickly vanish.
It felt forced, as if he were doing this just for my sake. When we took a break for a snack, he suddenly asked, "Flora, are you enjoying yourself?"
I pondered his question. Truthfully, I was happy. It was my first time on such rides, and though the sensation was strange, I enjoyed it.
When I told him that, a genuine smile appeared on his lips—a smile of relief. "I was afraid you weren't enjoying it," he said. "It would be shameful for me, as a man and your senior, if I couldn't make a woman happy on a date."
As we drank our sodas, he continued talking. "A lot depends on every action we take, Flora," he said, his voice turning serious.
"As sugo, it is our duty to protect the territories of our diwata. But it has become complicated because of the tension between the Spaniards and Filipinos. I know it's hard, but having a duty doesn't mean you have to forget yourself."
He reminded me that being a sugo wasn't just about fighting, but about finding peace in the land—and that I, too, deserved to be happy and free in the land I protected.
"No one holds your fate but you," he said. "You will be happy if you choose to be happy. I'll be direct with you: your duty is only to La Trinidad. It doesn't inherently include the people there; you chose to help them, and you must take responsibility for that choice. To do that, you must be strong." His words were like arrows piercing my heart.
"Sadness, fear, doubt—all of those weaken us. We cannot help others if we are weak."
As he spoke, I couldn't help but admire him. His serious face, his eyes full of determination—those were the exact words I had been looking for.
Then, he asked me, "Flora, is there something else on your mind that's troubling you?"
I froze. My internal question returned: how could I say I just wanted to be a normal woman? That I wanted to love, live simply, and leave the life of a soldier behind?
I turned red with shame when I remembered Andoy—his smile, his kindness. I couldn't tell the truth.
Knowing the General wanted to help me, I gathered my courage. "General, do you like me?" I asked, my voice trembling.
He suddenly coughed, spitting out his soda. "H-huh? What are you saying, Flora?" he said, his face turning beet-red with shock.
He stood up, clearly flustered. "Why would you think that?"
I bowed my head, embarrassed for myself. "Because... you asked me on a date. It's only normal to think you might like me," I replied, hardly able to look at him.
He stopped and we were both silent for a moment as we sat there. He shook his head again, and after a moment, he simply smiled. "Flora, I asked you on a date to see if you could still enjoy the simple things. I just wanted to see you smile." His voice was calm, but full of concern.
I pouted, feeling both shy and disappointed. "I'm not a child to be taken on rides just to be happy," I said, my voice laced with a bit of a huff.
"I'm disappointed, General. I thought... you asked because you were interested in me. You've known how I felt about you for a long time, but you never did anything."
"Huh? Ah... Er... I don't understand, what do you want me to do?" he stammered, looking anxious.
I felt even angrier and spoke sharply. "You're so mean; you don't even consider my feelings."
"Wait, I didn't mean to hurt you. And yes, of course I'm interested in you... and... and... I like you as Flora," he said, sounding like he was forcing the words out.
I got angry at him because he seemed unsure of what he was saying. "Huh? You're playing with my feelings as a woman."
He looked down and sighed. After a few moments, he admitted that our "sister" had told him to take me on a date to cheer me up.
"I didn't know what to do because Sister Abby was insisting I date you. I didn't know how else to help you, so I did what she said," he explained.
He immediately apologized. "Flora, I didn't mean to humiliate you. I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong idea." He sighed and sat down again.
He mentioned he couldn't understand why Abby wanted him to court me just to ensure I had a happy and stable life in the future. General Romeo told me frankly that he could give me or his siblings anything—money or attention—because nothing in the world was more important to him than the people he considered family.
He rested his arms on the table and looked at me. "Flora, you are kind, sweet, and beautiful. I think you are the perfect woman for any man."
My cheeks flushed at his praise, and I was speechless. But the fluttering in my chest stopped when he continued. "But a perfect woman like you doesn't belong with a sinner like me. Our missions as Filipinos are different. I have committed sins against many Filipinos that I can never take back."
He smiled, a smile tinged with sadness. "Live happily, Flora. Find a man who can give you a joyful life. A normal life, free from sadness and danger."
I looked down and asked him, "Is it even possible for people like us to have a normal life?"
He took a deep breath before answering. "I don't know, Flora. But it's not wrong to try. We are human too; it's only normal to seek happiness."
As a sugo, I knew I wasn't a normal person, and in truth, General Romeo was the only person I could rely on because I knew he would never abandon me. Perhaps there were many men who could love and care for me as he did, but for now, I just wanted to be with him, even if he only saw me as a sister.
Romeo looked up, deep in thought, and after a while, spoke again. "Ever since I met you, I noticed you always followed my orders," he said.
"I've never seen you refuse my wishes, unlike our other siblings whom I have to practically force. You didn't even argue with me, even when I ordered you to study in Manila, which I knew would be hard for you."
I smiled and admitted that I knew from the start studying alone in Manila would be difficult, but I trusted that everything he ordered was for my own good.
"But Flora, you need to find your own way to know what is right for you." He smiled, his words full of sincerity. "I am ready to be your brother, friend, ally—anytime, Flora. If you need help, I am here."
I just smiled and joked, "I hope 'boyfriend' was included in that list of roles. If I don't find a man who can give me a happy life, can it just be you?"
"My life is already too complicated, Flora, so don't add to it."
"What a waste. Surely you've known for a long time that what Sister Abby said about me liking you was true. Do I really have no chance with someone as rich and handsome as you?" I teased.
"Flora, no matter what happens in the future, you and our siblings are the most important things to me. And you will always be my only princess," he said with a smile.
I pouted and acted slighted. "I've been hearing that since I was a kid. You still aren't answering my question."
He laughed, scratching his head. "I'm not used to this kind of talk. I don't know what to say to you, especially since you get upset so easily."
"I have my own problems when it comes to relationships. As the General of Batangas, many families are desperate to marry me off to women I don't even know. If it were up to me, I'd also like to experience true love, like a normal person, but now isn't the right time to think about that."
I asked him, "Do you think it's okay for people like us to love normally?"
He pondered this while staring at the sky. "I suppose so. Our feelings are important—they are what give us strength." He suddenly looked at me. "Flora, is there someone else you like? Aside from me, of course."
I turned red and held my cheeks as I remembered Andoy. "H-huh? Someone else? No one!" I denied, but my heart was racing.
General Romeo smiled. "If there is someone you like, there's nothing wrong with that. If love gives you a reason to keep going, then go for it. Use that love as a weapon to drive you to become a successful and flourishing person."
I smiled at his words. "I will, sir. I will be strong because my beloved General ordered it."
He laughed and ruffled my hair. "You really are something. Go back to Manila and attend your classes. Don't waste the opportunity you've been given; not everyone gets one."
He stood up and reached for my hand, smiling as he invited me to walk some more. I didn't know exactly what to feel; I hadn't received a definitive answer, but knowing that General Romeo found it acceptable for me to live normally made my heart feel lighter. I felt as though I had been released from a heavy burden.
Two days after my "date" with General Romeo, I returned to Manila. When I arrived at the dorm, I didn't expect to see Andoy sitting in front of my unit, leaning against the door, crocheting clothes for the children at the orphanage.
That was part of a community project, and as I watched him, I felt a wave of admiration—for his kindness, for his dedication.
In those moments, I realized he was the first man to make me feel loved outside of my siblings. I knew General Romeo wanted me to find a man who would make me happy, and perhaps Andoy was that person, but I still hesitated to open my heart, especially as a sugo bound by duty.
When he saw me, he was startled and immediately stood up. "Flora!" he said, taking my arm. "I'm so glad you're back!"
Before I could answer, he suddenly hugged me. I was completely shocked, feeling the tightness and warmth of his embrace.
"I'm sorry," he said, quickly letting go. "I was just so happy."
My cheeks burned, and I couldn't look at him. My heart was thumping loudly in my chest. "Y-you didn't have to do that," I said, but my heart felt like it would burst from the thrill.
For the first time, I felt the unique joy of being hugged by a man I liked. We stared at each other, both shy and speechless.
The moment grew awkward, and after a while, I said, "Can I go inside now?"
Realizing he was blocking the door, he stepped aside quickly. I took out my key, but before I could enter, he spoke suddenly.
"Flora, I'm glad you're back. The kids at the orphanage will be so happy to see you again." His face was lit with joy.
I smiled and teased, "Is it only the kids at the orphanage who are happy? I thought maybe you missed me too."
I expected him to say he missed me, but I wasn't prepared for what came next. He suddenly pulled me out of the doorway and hugged me again.
"Flora, I was so worried when I couldn't find you. I was scared something had happened to you." His voice was full of sincerity. "If you're going to leave again, please let me know, okay? It drives me crazy wondering where you are."
I froze, unable to believe what he was doing. I pushed him away slightly, my face burning with embarrassment. "I don't have to tell you! And I didn't tell you to worry!" I said huffily.
But inside, I was overjoyed to know he cared. He apologized for his actions and suddenly took my hand. "Flora, do you have a boyfriend?" he asked.
I was stunned, nearly steaming from the sheer thrill of it. "W-why are you asking that?"
He smiled, his cheeks flushing. "Since we started spending time together, everything changed. The world seems brighter, and I'm excited for every day. Whenever I'm with you, my heart beats so fast. If this isn't love, I don't know what is." He looked at me intently.
"If you don't have a boyfriend yet, I want to court you."
The world went silent. I didn't know what to say. My heart was leaping in my chest.
"W-why are you saying this to me?!" I said, covering my face to calm myself. He smiled, unable to look me straight in the eye.
"I like you, Flora. But if you love someone else, I will stop. I just want to know if I have a chance with you." I didn't expect those words from him. I couldn't even think straight because I was so giddy.
I wanted to scream; my cheeks were so hot, and I felt butterflies in my stomach. I felt like I was going to explode. In my extreme embarrassment, I ran inside my unit and slammed the door. But as I leaned against it, I realized I liked him too, and this was the chance I had been waiting for to be a truly normal woman.
He was a good person, and I could see he was serious; I should take this seriously too. But it was all so sudden, and I wasn't prepared for a confession of love the moment I got home.
Then it hit me that I hadn't given him an answer before running inside. I was afraid he would think poorly of my reaction. I opened the door again, but he was no longer there.
I rushed to the corridor and looked down, seeing him walking away with his head bowed, clearly dejected. Without a second thought, I called out to him. "ANDOY!"
He looked back immediately. From the corridor, I gathered my courage and shouted, "I don't have a boyfriend! I-it's o-okay with m-m-me if you c-c-court me!" My voice was shaking, but I had to say it.
He didn't move, just staring up at me. It was then I noticed there were other people on the street who had heard my shouting. I was so embarrassed I wanted to disappear.
I covered my face in shame. But when I peeked through my fingers, I saw him smiling—a smile of pure joy.
"You're so cute today, Flora," he said.
It was as if an electric current surged through my body. Overwhelmed with giddiness, I ran back into my unit and shut the door.
I was annoyed at my own shyness, but I knew my heart was full of happiness—the kind of happiness I had only ever dreamed of. Andoy was the person who made me feel this way, and I wanted it to last forever.
That day became the start of a reason—a reason to succeed, to flourish, and to reach for the dream of a happy life.
But eight years later, everything slowly changed. The sweet and compassionate Andoy, the man who gave me my first love, joined the rebels.
He is now the one fighting against the Spanish government—the same government I serve as a soldier. The memories of our love are still fresh, but our worlds have been torn apart by war.
How can I face and pour out my love for the man I adore, even as we walk such different paths?
End of chapter.