Hello so I ended up getting a 40/50 on my fil exam so sadly no ibarra dom art rn but you guys still get elibarra art of rocco's elias and dennis' crisostomo from mcai because im just so nice
I Love You Since 1892 (2025) opting to still go for a pastel/beige color palette for almost all the characters is now depressing to me (despite me defending their costume choices before i even watched it).
since this was set in the 1890's and revolved around the elite, then the women should have had stiffer/starched/upright butterfly sleeves, but I'll let go of that nitpicky detail
If they could not afford the pinya outfits of MCAI, then they should have had focused into bringing in more colors and patterns instead. It would have been better for characterization too. The lack of variety makes distinguishing the characters challenging and annoying.
to compare:
Maria Clara At Ibarra (2022) - had same pastel colors but were more detailed and expensive
imo, CCP Noli Me Tangere 1992 still have the best costumes because they experimented on a lot of textiles and patterns more than MCAI and ILYS1892 ever could
tfw ccp nmt 1992 looks like they were lifted straight out of tipos del pais
👏WE NEED MORE 👏 STRIPES AND PATTERNS 👏 IF WE ARE DEALING WITH 👏 19TH CENTURY PHILIPPINES 👏 PEOPLE! 👏
Maria Clara "Klay" Infantes x Fidel de los Reyes y Maglipol
🏷️ Tags: Maria Clara "Klay" Infantes/Fidel de los Reyes y Maglipol, Maria Clara "Klay" Infantes & Crisostomo Ibarra, Pre-Relationship, Protective Crisostomo Ibarra, Harana
Summary:
As the eldest daughter with an absent father and a deadbeat step-father, Klay never expected anything from men. However, her newfound kuya might be able to shift her perspective.
Author's Note:
this fic is crossposted from my ao3 acc (strawbiekimbop)!
this fic is also unedited hehe i kinda feel like immortalizing younger me's work
enjoy the fic!
xo, strawbiekimbop <3
Klay never learned to lean onto someone.
She was born as a mistake. Her father, a married man with multiple children, decided it would be wise to lure her mother into a night filled with pleasure. Nine months later, as the consequences of their actions come to life, her mother found herself alone with no one to call home.
Her step-father, even though she never thought of him as a father-figure, was all bark, no bite. Bottles of alcohol scattered around his seat in front of the TV as he drank until the wee hours of the night. He beats her mom, Klay knows that. A first-aid kit became a staple in their household even before she decided to pursue nursing.
All men did was disappoint her. Instead of being strong pillars to support her and her dream, they became liabilities and hindrances.
So, when she came across Crisostomo Ibarra during her first day inside the novel, she was shocked to her core.
Even with a hint of hesitation, he accepted her. He let her sleep in his house, he fed her nourishing food, and treated her as an equal. She then thought that maybe, maybe men aren’t so bad after all.
However, due to the conservative nature of the old times, whenever they were to step foot outside of Ibarra’s not-so-humble abode, whispers ensued. An atmosphere of judgment replaced the supposed jolly feel of their surroundings.
“Ay, ayan na yung bruja!”
“Hindi ba nahihiya ang Ginoo? Nag-uuwi sa bahay ng babae kahit siya’y may kasintahang naghihintay sa kaniya! Ay, Dios mio!”
“Kaawaan sana ng Diyos ang ating Clarita. Kawawang dalaga.”
Let it be known that Klay never wanted to be with Crisostomo. Yes, she was infatuated with him. Ibarra with his strong frame and his good moral compass. Ibarra with his strong desire for equality. Ibarra with his sincere and genuine love for Maria Clara de los Santos y Alba.
But then, after a few days of thinking, it dawned upon her that Crisostomo is the older brother she was looking for. He’s that kuya she has been manifesting for whenever her tito threatens to beat her mother for the nth time. He’s that strong pillar she’s been praying for God knows how long.
It took Fidel’s unbelievably disastrous attempt to harana her for Crisostomo to admit that he sees her as a younger sister.
However, that admission wasn’t made to Klay herself, but to Fidel.
He invited his dearest amigo inside his house for a glass of wine. But even before Klay got to meet Fidel, Crisostomo sent her to her room.
Klay, as a strong-willed woman, hid behind one of the dividers that separates the living room and the dining area.
Crisostomo invited Fidel to take a seat on the couch. Her position only allowed her to see Fidel’s back.
Silence spread throughout the property. Only the soft night breeze and the wine being poured into glasses were heard.
“Didiretsuhin na kita, amigo.” Crisostomo started. He placed his arms on his thighs, an intimidation tactic he often used whenever he’s dealing with hard-headed friars. “Alam mo namang wala rito ang ama ni Binibining Klay, tama?”
Fidel took a sip before answering. “Oo, amigo.”
“At dahil sa aking pamamahay naninirahan ang binibini, sa akin ka makakatikim sa oras na siya’y iyong saktan.”
“Hindi naman hahantong sa ganyan, mi amigo. Makakaasa kang tunay ang aking pag-ibig sa kani-”
Crisostomo raised his hand, silencing Fidel. “Ayan din ang sinabi mo sa mga kababaihang iyong ‘inibig’ sa Europa.”
Fidel let out a small chuckle, albeit showing his nervous habits.
“Hindi laruan si Binibining Klay na maaari mong itapon sa gilid matapos mo siya gamitin. Huwag mo siya ihalintulad sa mga babaeng nakilala mo sa Espanya na madaling maloko at malinlang, Fidel.”
Fidel shook his head, setting down the wine glass he’s been holding for the past minute.
“Amigo, maaasahan mong hindi ko siya sasaktan. Mauuna pa akong bawian ng buhay bago ko siya masaktan o hayaang masaktan ng mga taong nakapaligid sa kaniya. Taos-puso kong iniibig si Binibining Klay.”
Klay felt her heart beat out of her chest. She reached out to her chest, trying to calm the erratic beating of her heart.
Crisostomo relaxed from his position. He leaned back and gave his dearest friend a smile.
“Paumanhin kung ika’y natakot ko, Fidel. Sadyang napamahal na sa akin si Klay. Kahit na sa magkaibang sinapupunan kami nanggaling, siya’y tinatrato ko bilang aking nakababatang kapatid. Kung buhay lang ang aking ina, malamang ay inampon na niya si Klay.”
It was at that moment that Klay decided to retreat to her room.
She flopped down to her bed, eyes unfocused. With shaky hands, she grabbed a pillow and screamed her heart out.
Klay hadn’t known that her feelings of trust and respect was returned by Crisostomo–
No.
Kuya Crisostomo.
For the first time in her life, Klay slept contentedly, knowing that just across the hall, there’s her kuya that will protect her from all the evil in the world and potential suitors.
She’ll deal with her conflicting feelings for Fidel in the morning.
Translations:
“Ay, ayan na yung bruja!” = There's the witch!
“Hindi ba nahihiya ang Ginoo? Nag-uuwi sa bahay ng babae kahit siya’y may kasintahang naghihintay sa kaniya! Ay, Dios mio!” = Does he have no shame? He has another woman in his house even if he has a girlfriend! Jesus Christ!
“Kaawaan sana ng Diyos ang ating Clarita. Kawawang dalaga.” = May the Lord have mercy on our Clarita. Such a pity.
Kuya = older brother
Tito = uncle
Amigo = friend
“Didiretsuhin na kita, amigo.” = I'll be direct with you, my friend.
“Alam mo namang wala rito ang ama ni Binibining Klay, tama?” = You do know that Klay's father is not here, correct?
“Oo, amigo." = Yes, my friend
“At dahil sa aking pamamahay naninirahan ang binibini, sa akin ka makakatikim sa oras na siya’y iyong saktan.” = And you know that you'll answer to me once you hurt her."
“Hindi naman hahantong sa ganyan, mi amigo. Makakaasa kang tunay ang aking pag-ibig sa kani-” = That won't happen, my friend. I can assure you that my love for her is true-
“Ayan din ang sinabi mo sa mga kababaihang iyong ‘inibig’ sa Europa.” = That's exactly what you've said about those women you "love" back in Europe.
“Hindi laruan si Binibining Klay na maaari mong itapon sa gilid matapos mo siya gamitin. Huwag mo siya ihalintulad sa mga babaeng nakilala mo sa Espanya na madaling maloko at malinlang, Fidel.” = Klay isn't a toy you can easily discard once you're done with her. She's not the same as those women back in Spain that are easily fooled and deceived.
“Amigo, maaasahan mong hindi ko siya sasaktan. Mauuna pa akong bawian ng buhay bago ko siya masaktan o hayaang masaktan ng mga taong nakapaligid sa kaniya. Taos-puso kong iniibig si Binibining Klay.” = My friend, I can assure you that I won't hurt her. I'd rather die than hurt her or let her be hurt by the people around her.
“Paumanhin kung ika’y natakot ko, Fidel. Sadyang napamahal na sa akin si Klay. Kahit na sa magkaibang sinapupunan kami nanggaling, siya’y tinatrato ko bilang aking nakababatang kapatid. Kung buhay lang ang aking ina, malamang ay inampon na niya si Klay.” = I'm sorry if I sacred you, FIdel. Klay is very dear to me. Even if we were born from different mothers, I still treat her like a sister. If my mother was still alive, she'll have her adopted immediately.
