It’s been a while since I last poured a reflection about MayWard.
Although I’ve lay-lowed in the frequency and amount of time dedicated to fangirling about this pair, I still support them and still closely observing the progression of their relationship’s dynamic.
My MayWard experience is a combination of two passions: observing human behavior and fangirling, thus, it’s amazing. LOL
Anyhow, the tandem are busy promoting their movie left and right. This Sunday, they were on TV for ASAP and Gandang Gabi Vice.
MW in Chillout, an ASAP segment I always look forward to when they are guests because the hosts are funny, they were made to try a chemistry workshop wherein they have to look at each other and say things they like about each other.
From the last time I talked about MW here, their closeness has leveled-up. Before, it’s cute because they seem to be just bickering kids and occasionally someone teases them on having a crush on each other, but now, their gazes are bordering on intimacy that’s way beyond their wholesome image. Seriously. The sexual tension is so thick, you can slice it with a knife. Especially Edward’s eyes seem so comfortable on Maymay that I understand how she cannot contain the kilig. Especially Edward’s eyes are something. You’d always go back to it.
Anyway, there’s a part which went like this:
MM: You like my smile? I like the way you look at me.
Edward: *grins, holds Maymay* You like the way I look at you? I like your lips. *swallows*
Several times, we (fans) have seen Edward either swallow or wet his lips whenever he looks at Maymay. This is what I mean by intimate. Well, he is 17 after all, I’m pretty sure despite his really good up bringing, he is still at the mercy of his hormones. Maymay is pretty and has become sexier too, so what can a 17-year-old do? Unless he’s not attracted to girls, he wouldn’t have this reaction.
Honestly, before, I read Edward’s looks at Maymay as a sign of anxiety. Being on the shier side than his partner, Maymay is his comfort blanket in interviews, dancing, singing, doing whatever on stage. But now that he is more comfortable at doing these things, he still likes to look at Maymay. Actually, it’s more of a gaze, a loving, tender one. A gaze that will make you feel bitter towards your single life. That kind.
In interviews both him and Maymay always answer that they don’t know what will happen in the future so who knows if they will end up with each other or not. I believe them. Who knows anyway? When asked if he is courting Maymay now, he says that’s not in his mind right now. Maymay when asked if she will allow someone courting her, she said her priority is her job and providing for her family. So clearly, getting into a romantic relationship is not a priority for both which works well for both of them, too. The rest of this reading, I’ll expound more on the GGV episode.
Okay, came 10 PM, Gandang Gabi Vice (GGV) went on air with MayWard as guests. Of course the hosts grilled them with questions about love, liking each other, etc. I got a little bit irked with Maymay here because she couldn’t answer directly if she has a crush on Edward. I mean, it’s a crush. Crushes are supposed to be safe feelings of admiration. Yes, it can develop into something more, but if that’s not a priority for her anyway, then what’s the harm, right? Well the thing is, I’ve mentioned this before too, that Maymay likes Edward so much more than she could admit to anyone especially to herself. As open as she can be about her personality, her background, her body odor, whatever, but when it comes to matters of the heart, she is guarding it like those soldiers in Rizal park. It goes to show how much she was hurt of her previous relationship and despite probably having moved on from the guy, the pain it brought her has damaged her trust into going into another relationship. After being in a serious relationship for 3 years, I’m sure she won’t be playing around with the next one, so she’s so reluctant in opening her heart to the matter again because she’s afraid that history repeats itself. Add to the formula of being abandoned by her father and her grandfather passing away, the pain of abandonment has scarred her, so she’s afraid of gambling with it again. So, she’d rather focus on more important stuff like blessings of work and the fulfilment of her dreams, rather than paying attention to a relationship.
This, I’ve understood well enough about Maymay even from before, the revelation nowadays is the way she and Edward act like lovers. In the episode, Edward hinted that Maymay asks, maybe even demands, for his phone passwords, and gets jealous when he’s chatting away in his phone. Of course, these are things that, despite declaring Maymay as his closest friend, he can keep to himself. You now, privacy. I have a best friend of more than a decade, but we keep away from each other’s phones. Even if I’m the clingy type, I still would not ask for my friend’s password or whatever. Even parents don’t do that unless necessary. So if this is true, that’s kind of annoying of Maymay, but regardless, that’s a privilege a lover can have, right? And Edward, being the honest gentleman that he is, just gives his phone to Maymay. Haha! Maymay was flabbergasted to Edward’s revelation to the public which made her so defensive! Maymay is usually so open, and it’s actually obvious when she’s in denial, so this tells me that they are in a sort of understanding which is more than friends, but less than lovers. For Edward also to yield to this childish demand is telling that he gives Maymay access to he would otherwise stubbornly deny others. Even if Maymay gets annoyed at him for not granting her demand, he can continue denying her access to his phone because that’s his choice. But if he yielded because he didn’t want Maymay misunderstanding or getting jealous of girls or whoever, he’s protecting something he’s willing to sacrifice privacy which seems to be very important to him in general.
This is what we call, galawang jowa. JOWA! JOWA! JOWA! Lol.
Speaking of Edward, I just really… SIGH. If only we can all have an Edward John in our dull single life. He’s really the type you’d want to end up with till the day you die. I mean, the way he carries himself, the way he answers difficult questions, his perspective speaks so much of his amazing, humble upbringing. When he was asked his thoughts on being partnered with Maymay and accusations of his “sweetness” towards her as just part of the job, he bravely answered that he would never do something he doesn’t want to do. His parents taught him that. So being partnered with Maymay, going through the belly of dirty Showbiz, he’s willing to go with it because he likes it. Note, he basically kicked asses of bashers while cementing his determined personality at the same time. Note, he said this without batting an eyelash. The way he speaks leaves no room for doubt. So impressive. In a girls vs boys face-off in GGV, the girls said boys always break their promises, so the host ask the boys if they admit to it. Edward said of course no, only bad men/boys do that and he’s not one of them. His best friend, Marco, is actually that guy, but he knows better than to play the loyal bro and tolerate that side of his, so he’d rather defend the number of men who are actually good like him. Kisses also mentioned about some men collecting girls and then just selecting one for which he expressed distaste for. Edward said that a person should just chose one and be given one chance then that’s it. Shows how loyal he is to the person he likes right?
That’s why for whatever the fans hated about Edward liking Heaven in PBB, sorry, but it really happened. Edward is smart, but he has admitted that when it comes to girls, he’s kind of clueless about them. But I think, he had always been true to his feelings which I respect as well. Inside the house, I think he’s very interested in Maymay and perhaps he already had special feelings to her, but it wasn’t until they went out that he’s able to probably have a name for it. After all, the outside world is a better ground for testing their feelings as the PBB condition is controlled. The outside world is a better space to test free will and honesty.
Edward also thinks that girls shouldn’t be treated like balls that men can play with. See? A gentleman. He mentioned before that his parents always taught him that, to always be a gentleman to girls. He is playful, but he is always respectful of them. You can see it the way he hugs, his touches, his concerns. When it comes to Maymay especially. There’s this undeniable body language between them that I’m curious if they’re even aware of. I mean, when in public then Maymay cries, Edward would subtly graze Maymay on the arm with the back of his hand, like a whisper speaking of concern and comfort. There’s almost no space between them when they are sitting together, unless their chairs are apart. They lean towards each other, their body moves towards the direction of each other just to have their elbows or shoulders touch. He doesn’t mind touching her armpit, his hands seems so at home on her arms, shoulders, back, or even her underarm, while Maymay on some rare photos were found leaning her head on Edward, her hands would casually touch his knees and thighs, she’s more open to touching his face now, and her body leans towards him even if she cannot establish eye-contact with him.
So in conclusion, I think there’s already an understanding between these two. In Pinoy cultural terms: MU (may Mutual Understanding of feelings). These two have dreams to fulfill in their young life and they are genuinely enjoying and are at home with whatever they have right now. Perhaps they act like lovers, but they’d rather not give a name for it. These kids are one of the most honest in the industry, so I’m sure whenever they say they are not “mag-jowa” yet, they mean it. We see it differently because as fans, we chose to see what we wish them to be. I’m sure these two will get there. There will come the day that they will be ready to be in a relationship, so I’m just happy that they are grounded and smart enough to be patient and prioritize. They can be the best of friends and be as sweet and caring and loving to each other as lovers can ever be, but without the strings and demands of the label and the heart.
P.S.
I’m very happy to the amount of exposure Maymay gets and I think she really deserves it. Nonetheless, as a big fan of Edward as well, I hope he gets his exposure soon. Maymay has the mass appeal and she’s damn talented (I’m so proud!), but Edward is kind of reserve and awkward. Right now, more people recognize Maymay while Edward is recognized as Maymay’s partner, but knowing his talent in acting and just the gem of a man and of a human being that he is, I hope he gets his big break soon, too. I hope he also gets recognized for his talent as Edward John Barber, not just the Ward of MayWard. He deserves that recognition, too. Soon please!
Love these kids to bits. Looking forward to the movie on Wednesday! ❤
Such is Life // 