I want to give gifts. To whom? To everyone. Why? Because they're special to me—like muffins. What's the occasion? Do you really need a special occasion to give a gift? Can't it just be because I thought of it?
Yes, I have an idea. That's how it is.
But seriously, I really want to give gifts to Aunt Gema, Kuya Angelo, Aries, the Ulupong siblings, and of course, Keifer. I realized that after everything that has happened, I haven't given them anything yet—especially to the people who take care of me.
I was still rolling around on my bed because I didn't have a clear idea yet. What I give them should be special too. It should come from the heart.
I'm already listening to my heart.
But how am I supposed to find gifts if I'm just here in my room?
I immediately got up and took a shower. It would be better if I looked for something in a place where there are many things to see—at the mall.
I moved quickly. I wanted to come back as soon as possible so I could plan how I would give the gifts to the others once I found them.
After getting ready, I went out of my room. I knocked on Aries's room and opened the door to say goodbye to him. He was talking on the phone, so I just signaled that I was heading out. He suddenly looked confused.
"Hold on a second," he said to the person he was talking to before turning to me. "What are you saying? What's with the hand gesture?"
I shrugged. What I did was quick and simple. I just spread my two fingers in the air, then pointed to myself before pointing toward the door.
"What's so hard to understand?"
I would have answered, but it looked like he had something to say to the person he was talking to on the phone, so he repeated his signal.
I just left him and walked away. I simply said goodbye. It's his problem if he didn't understand that.
Do you think my sibling is smart?
I walked out of the house quickly. Because of what I'm used to, I even looked around before fully stepping out of the gate. It's hard to say—someone might be playing a prank on me here.
"Don't let me catch someone playing tricks on me," I said. They won't get away with it.
When I reached the corner of our street, I rode a jeepney. I went to the nearest mall. It's big and has many shops where you can buy things.
I didn't get bored even though the mall had just opened, because there were already various items on display that could be bought as gifts. I went inside, and before I could walk far, a poster caught my attention.
A HERSHEY'S KISSES poster.
I suddenly thought of something. Our tastes are pretty much the same—especially when it comes to chocolate, just like the people at home. Since it's worth it anyway, I was already standing in front of a special gift. I immediately went to the shop shown on the poster.
It was right at the entrance, and I could already see the HERSHEY'S KISSES Festive Edition. I liked its packaging—the chocolates were boxed, and the design was beautiful. It's a white box with a snowflake pattern. There's also a red rectangular shape in front where the Hershey name is printed.
There are two kinds of HERSHEY'S KISSES chocolates in the box design: one is blue, meant for cookies and cream at the same time—gold in color, like creamy milk chocolate.
Since they're already boxed, there's no need to wrap them.
You can just give them like this, as long as you put the name of who it's for and who it's from.
Effortless. No need for fancy decorations.
Without wandering around anymore, I grabbed a lot for the people I planned to give them to
The cashier even smiled when she saw everything I was buying.
I was already excited to give them the HERSHEY'S KISSES.
After paying for what I bought, I walked out of the mall. I started thinking about how I would give them to make it special for my friends and Aunt Gema. I took a taxi so I could get there faster.
When I got home, no one was there, so it was easier for me to plan everything. I took my phone and left a message in the group chat.
Me:
I'm here at the house, come over later.
Ci-N was the first to reply to my chat.
Ci-N:
What is it? Is there food?
I rolled my eyes. This one really looks for food first.Anyway, I am giving them food.
Me:
There is.
Their replies came one after another.
They were guessing what kind of food I was talking about.
Felix:
What food is that?
Eman:
Did you cook?
Rory:
What is it? You sound excited.
Drew:
Just say it.
Blaster:
Food.
David:
What food?
Then I noticed something. It seemed like the King of the Ulupons wasn't replying. I quickly texted his number, thinking maybe he hadn't read my message yet. I waited a few minutes, but there was still no reply. I didn't want to call because he might be busy.
I guess I'll just wait until later.
I first went to the house helpers to ask for their help with my plan. They were happy with the idea I had.
"What if we prepare even just a little food? Some desserts or maybe noodles?" said the cook
"Wouldn't that trouble you?" I asked.
"Oh no, it's just a small preparation."
I smiled before nodding. A small celebration should be fine.
I took my cellphone to check what time they would be coming home. Kuya Angelo looked like he'd be home late again. Tita Gema and Tito Julz too. Aries seemed buried in studying inside his room. He didn't even notice that I was already home.
By late afternoon, the helpers were done cooking. I expected someone from the Ulupong to arrive, but my confusion grew when no one came.
I pouted. Where could they be?
I checked our group chat and most of them had already replied that they would catch up later because they had errands, but the others weren't responding.
Why does it feel like they're all busy?
It was getting dark but still, no one arrived. I even tried calling the number of the King of the Ulupong, but he wasn't answering either.
"Ma'am Jay, still no one?" one of the helpers asked.
I pouted again. It looked like my plan had failed.
"Maybe we should just set aside the food. It seems like it won't push through anymore."
Sadness filled their eyes after what I said. They were about to turn away, but I stopped them. I didn't want them to feel sad or disappointed because of me.
"Wait, I just want to give this to all of you," I said as I handed them HERSHEY'S KISSES Gift Packs.
I saw their faces brighten.
"Oh, for us? Thank you so much."
"I was supposed to give them altogether but it looks like my friends won't be able to come, and Tita Gema and Kuya Angelo might come home late too."
"Oh, it's okay, the grand effort isn't important to us. Even this already makes us very happy!"
"I also want to thank you for taking care of me and for being patient with my stubbornness," I said, and they laughed.
"Hija, you're not difficult to take care of."
That made me smile. They said their goodbyes.I sighed deeply. Maybe I should just give the remaining gifts to Aries.
I went straight to his room and knocked. He was busy studying and looked annoyed. But because I'm extremely stubborn, I still moved closer to him and handed him a box of Hershey's Kisses.
He looked up at first but still accepted what I was holding out.
"I just want to thank you for taking care of me when I was sick and for rubbing my head. I hope you liked it," I said.
He stared at the box in his hand. "Did you do something wrong?"
"No! Can't I just genuinely want to give you something?"
He looked doubtful, but there was no evidence.
"Thanks," he replied.
I turned around and left him. When I reached the living room, I was surprised to see Yuri.
"Hey," he greeted me.
I smiled and immediately walked toward him. "Good thing you arrived. It's a shame the Ulupongs aren't here yet," I said, sounding slightly disappointed.
"Maybe they'll be here soon."
I pouted. "I hope so. I still have something to give. Anyway, have you eaten yet? I prepared some food."
I grabbed his arm and pulled him toward the dining area. The others weren't there yet, so I seated him and served the food.
He hesitated at first, but he didn't refuse.
"What is it? Why did you suddenly think of doing this?" he asked.
"I just wanted to give you all gifts. Like a thank-you and appreciation gift," I explained, and it seemed he understood what I wanted to do.
"They didn't say if they could come?" he asked.
I looked sad. "They're busy."
He shrugged. "Maybe we can wait for a while?"
"But I've been waiting for a long time already."
"Maybe," I replied and joined him in eating.
We talked for several hours. I checked my phone but still didn't receive a clear response if they were coming.
I was about to give Yuri his gift already. They really weren't coming.
I was about to stand up when I heard voices from the living room. Yuri and I looked over, and my smile slowly grew as people entered one by one.
It was Drew and Denzel, still in uniform from work. Eman still had his apron on. Eren looked messy, hair and clothes disheveled, with a bit of dirt on his face. The others were just wearing casual clothes. David was the last to come in.
"Sorry, we're late!" Ci said as she rushed to the table to look at the food.
"We still had work to do," Felix added.
"I followed their date first," Josh said, referring to Kit and Mayo.
"We just lost track of time chatting with Jay," Mayo explained while sitting at the table.
"Hey," David greeted me. "I think everyone made it."
I looked around to see if anyone else would come, but I felt sad when I realized…
Their Hari wasn't there.
I returned David's look. "Thanks."
I invited them to enjoy the food. I wasn't even sure if what I prepared would be enough. It seemed lacking for them.
"Where's Keifer?" Blaster asked.
They looked at each other before turning to me.
"He's busy," I answered.
"Busy where?" Ci asked.
"At home, with his siblings, with his enemies?" Edrix jokingly asked, as if reminding everyone that one person's life was being taken care of.
They all shrugged, and so did I.
While they were busy eating, I grabbed the paper bag to get the gifts.
Ci was the first to notice what I was holding, but because her mouth was full, she couldn't speak properly.
"Thank you for coming," I started.
"You're still strong," Rory said.
"You might faint because of hunger," Eman teased.
We all laughed because it was kind of true.
I continued, "I also want to thank all of you for everything you've done for me. I want to show my appreciation by giving you gifts."
I was a bit stuttering while speaking, but I managed.
"Why do you sound scared when you talk?" Calix asked.
I didn't smile. I was serious.
"Guys, I want to give you gifts," I clarified.
They were Ulupongs after all. They love teasing.
I took out the HERSHEY'S KISSES Festive Edition, and they immediately cheered.
"For us?!"
"Oh! What is that? Why is there so much?"
"We get some too?"
"Kisses!"
"This is good! It's my favorite!"
"Let's trade, I want the gold one!"
"Is there cookies and cream? That's mine!"
I handed each of them a Hershey's gift pack, making sure it was secure in their hands so no one could steal from another.
I saw how happy they were receiving them. Some didn't even wait and opened theirs immediately, like Ci.
"I just want to show how thankful I am. We've been through so much together, and I feel like I haven't properly thanked you yet. So I ended up just giving chocolates," I said, and they smiled at me.
"Oh wow, you're getting sentimental," Mayo teased.
I glared at him. "Do you want me to take it back?"
They quickly hugged their packs. "No! No taking it back!"
Ci laughed happily. "Jay, thank you! This tastes so good! It feels like I'm celebrating my birthday!"
"At first it tastes strong, then it slowly melts. Creamy and rich. It's so comforting!"
It was like a signal — they all opened their packs. Only Denzel kept some, planning to give them to Grace.
Suddenly, I realized something. The Ulupongs' Hari wouldn't be coming. Besides that, my female friends — Rakki, Mica, and Grace — also hadn't arrived. Even Percy.
I turned back to get the remaining HERSHEY'S KISSES.
"Can you give those to the girls? They haven't replied because of my busyness," I said.
I handed Ci the one for Rakki, Calix got the one for Mica, and Denzel got the one for Grace. I also gave Rory the one meant for Edrix's friend Freya. Felix got the one for Percy.
They smiled and thanked me.
"Jay, can I have more HERSHEY'S KISSES, please?" Blaster said.
"You're already out?"
"I didn't even notice." He rubbed his head. "The sweetness is perfect — not overwhelming. Just right for enjoying every piece. The shape is cute too. I want more!"
They really finished them fast.
These people are greedy — each hiding their gift packs so no one would steal them. Especially the ones who eat fast. Real Ulupongs!
"Just one pack each, okay?" Yuri said, already nibbling on his chocolates.
The other Ulupongs thanked me too. They said they'd just buy more HERSHEY'S KISSES tomorrow. But they joked that free ones taste better.
I smiled seeing them happy receiving their gifts — even though part of me still felt sad because not everyone came.
They accepted it. But I still felt sad because their King wasn't there. It should have been him receiving the Hershey's Kisses Festive Edition box I bought. I know chocolate is his favorite—that's why I bought it—but he just keeps hiding it.
After a few hours, the Ulupong group started saying their goodbyes and leaving. Denzel still needed to accompany Grace. Calix, on the other hand, would take Mica home, while the others, including Drew, went to rest. I thanked them all, especially David.
After they left, I looked for Yuri, who was staring at the gift box. He smiled briefly before looking at me.
"Thank you for this."
I smiled too. "Buti naman at nagustuhan mo."
("I'm glad you liked it.")
We talked for a bit before he finally said goodbye. I heard his car drive away.
I stared at that person first, trying to recognize who he was.
In fairness, he was handsome—even in the dark.
"Keifer!" I shouted his name before running toward him.
I hugged him tightly, as if my life depended on it. I could feel how much he cared for me through the way he held me.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to be this late," he said while hugging me back.
"It's okay, I'm fine," I replied, unable to hide the excitement in my voice.
He pulled away from the hug before I could kiss him on the cheek.
"So, what is it? Why did you invite me?"
"There's something I want to give you," I said, then quickly ran inside the house.
I grabbed the Hershey's Kisses Festive Box that was originally meant for me, but I decided to give it to him instead. I came back out quickly.
"This…" I said as I reached out and placed the box into his arms.
A smile slowly spread across his face as he accepted my gift. "For me?"
Not really—just kidding.
"Yes, because I want to thank you for everything you've done for me."
His smile turned sweet. "You don't have to thank me. That's already part of our routine."
"Routine?"
"You do impulsive things, and then I'll take care of those things," he answered with a laugh.
I pouted. "So you're saying I really don't think about what I do."
He laughed louder, as if agreeing with what I said. I love how warm his smile is.
We talked for a while, and I shared with him what happened earlier while he wasn't there. I wished he had been there,to eat, but the food the Ulupongs were eating had already run out. He was supposed to stay longer, but he received a message from them, so he was forced to go home.
I also watched him leave before I went inside the house.
I gave back the HERSHEY'S KISSES that were left in my room. I thanked Tita Gema, Kuya Angelo, and Tito Julz so much for still saving some for me. I was the only one who didn't have any.
It didn't take long before Tita arrived as well. I immediately greeted them.
"Jay, how was your day?" Tita asked.
"Long story, but before that, I'd like to give you something first."
I took out the gift box from behind me and handed it to them one by one.
"What is this for?" Kuya Angelo asked.
"I just want to properly thank all of you, and this is the way I thought of. You've all been there taking care of me even though my head is completely messed up."
Tita Gema and Tito Julz laughed lightly. Kuya's face, however, was serious—I couldn't really tell what he wanted to say.
"Thank you, Jay. Even if you don't have to do this, I appreciate it," Tita said.
"Thanks," Kuya said before leaving.
"He liked it," Tita whispered to me.
We talked for a while longer, and I explained what happened throughout my entire day. I also told her that I went to see my friends. She laughed at what I did, but I didn't ask for forgiveness since I was still preparing something. She just laughed and said it was fine.
I went back to my room after our conversation. They needed to rest as well.
"I don't have any HERSHEY'S KISSES," I said to myself.
I guess I took more than I should have. I ran out.
Someone knocked on the door, so I immediately looked to see who it was.
It was Aries who came in, bringing what I had given him.
"Here," he said as he handed the HERSHEY'S KISSES back.
"Why? Don't you want it?" I asked worriedly.
He smiled. "I heard you don't have any. I don't want you to go hungry."
"Hey, I can just buy more later."
"Then just include mine in what you'll buy for me."
"We can also share," I suggested, and it seemed like he liked that idea even more.
He smiled. He opened the box before sitting next to me. I did the same. We were between chocolates, and I couldn't stop smiling.
"Is it good?" everyone asked.
"Velvety, satisfying…" he said with a nod. "…creamy, the right amount of everything…"
I laughed because I couldn't tell if he was exaggerating or not, but it was effective. So I took one to taste.
"Ah! It melts easily on the lips," I said while chewing, savoring my food. "It's like my taste buds are waking up." I laughed at what I said, but that really is how it feels!
"Even though each piece is small, it feels like a full and indulgent experience," Aries added. No wonder we all enjoyed the taste of HERSHEY'S KISSES.
Then he suddenly grabbed a lot of Kisses, leaving me with only three! Seriously!
"Thank you," he said teasingly.
I just smiled while savoring the Hershey's Kiss I was eating. It's different when you feel appreciated too.
Like HERSHEY'S KISSES, it doesn't have to be big to be special. Simple and small moments—like what happened today—can fill the heart with joy and satisfy the soul.