A Chef's Kiss (ɢxɢ) ✔️

CHAPTER 22

6 years later

"Seriously, Tommy?" bulalas ko sa aking talent manager na si Thomas o mas kilala sa mundo ng showbiz bilang si Big Tom. His name fitted him a lot because he has the power to make anyone relevant in the Elite industry. Isa ito sa mga pinagkakatiwalaang talent manager ng Philippine show business at isa sa mga top producers sa nangungunang Entertainment Company ng bansa na IBN Network.

In fact, Tommy is the producer of my own show called Cooking Pleasure with Chef Yen that is aired from Monday to Saturday in IBN channel.

"Do I look like I'm joking to you?" seryoso ang mukha niya. "I'm not kidding around, Yvonne. Will you accept it?"

"No." matigas kong sagot. "I'm a professional chef, not an actress."

"Correction, you're a celebrity chef."

"Whatever. Hindi ko tatanggapin ang offer mo na yan. Bakit mo naman ako isinama sa casting? I can't even act."

"Hold up, stop right there. Baka nakalimutan mo, you're under IBN Management, aka home of the biggest stars. Just a few workshops and you'll be more than ready to take the role. Trust me."

I blowout a heavy breath. "Why me?"

"And why not?"

"Seriously, bakit ako?"

"Because this project is not a typical lovey-dovey drama. It's a cooking show and soap opera rolled into one. It's like teaching the viewers how to cook while they're enjoying the show's main spice which is the leading character's love story. The management wanted a real chef, someone who really knows how to cook, and since you possessed a main lead appeal with a talented cooking skill, they want you."

"Haha," sarcastic akong tumawa. "I'm flattered, but no. Ayoko."

"Oh come on, Yvonne. Ikakasiya ng mga fans mo 'to, promise.

I sighed.

Ever wonder why I landed in the Elite world? I tell you why.

6 years ago, 3 months after my graduation. I opened a YouTube account that contains vlogs about my cooking. It took a while before my channel became known. The number of viral videos I gained has given me the title as the sexiest female chef in town. Umabot sa iba't-ibang social media platforms ang pangalan ko, at sa loob lamang ng tatlong taon ay humigit nasa 8 million yung subscribers ko. I was flattered for the amount of people supporting my passion in cooking. It was overwhelming and very unexpected. At dahil sa pag vlo-vlog ko ay nakapag-ipon ako ng malaking pera para makabili ng sariling bahay at lupa.

I was at the peak of my YouTube career when Tommy reached out and offered me something. At first, I was hesitating. But since it's a once in a lifetime opportunity, tinanggap ko. Pina guest niya ako sa isang afternoon variety show sa IBN para magluto, and that episode spreads fire in the internet. Ang daming nag-request para pabalikin ako, which is ginawa ko naman. Naging regular yung guesting ko sa loob ng isang taon at nag-resulta yun sa mataas na ratings ng show.

IBN Network saw my potential kaya kinuha nila ako bilang exclusive talent. I have guessed in several shows under the company until they gave me my own show named Cooking Pleasure with Yen, and became a popular celebrity chef.

And because of this, I have established my very own restaurant and called it Yen's Garden. As of now, my restaurant has 5 branches around metro manila, and it's co-managed by my mother. Time flies so fast diba? kung dati karinderya lang meron kami, ngayon restaurant na. I'm truly am blessed, and I thank God for all of this. 

Ang daming pangyayari sa loob ng anim na taon, lalo na sa'ming magkakaibigan. At sa sobrang daming ganap ay di ko na maalala kung ano yun.

Sue is now a CPA and an in-demand fashion designer. Maggie and Gail are now the country's top award-winning News Anchors and Journalists. Rivah on the other hand continues her studies as an Aviation/Pilot student in Atlanta International Flight School and a mother to a cute baby girl.