As P'Freen and I walked together to the stage to meet our fans, we were greeted with loud screams and applause. The MC began the event program, and we did our part, which included singing, dancing, and interacting with fans. It was exhausting, and there were times when I thought I might collapse, but P'Freen was quick to notice and would whisper for me to take a break and rest. I told her it was just a matter of time before the fan meet ended, so I might as well stay. She reluctantly agreed and went to look for our CEO and my manager, but I hugged her and whispered that I could stay for the autograph signing and meet the fans up close. The fans who witnessed our sweetness cheered loudly. P'Freen had no choice but to agree, though she remained very attentive to me.
During the fan meet, as the fans lined up to meet us, I started to feel cold and was shivering, even though I was wearing a T-shirt. P'Freen noticed and signaled to my manager to bring me a jacket. As my manager left, a young fan, probably around 16 or 17, approached and smiled at me. I smiled back, signed the poster she was holding, and she excitedly said, "You're so pretty, Yoko! I flew all the way from the Philippines just to see you because I really like you!" I was so happy and grateful when I heard that. I asked her, "Who are you with? You look too young to travel alone." She smiled and replied, "My mom has a business conference here, so I came with her. But I'm with my cousin now."
I smiled at the girl, who exuded an air of wealth, as she handed me a paper bag and said, "I wanted to give this to you. It's a famous brand from the Philippines, and I'm so proud to share it with you." Smiling back, I opened the bag and was stunned to find Folk City clothing inside. There were about ten itemsâcaps, jackets, shirts, and a hoodie that looked identical to the one Lalisa Manoban had recently worn in an Instagram post.
For those who don't know, Lalisa Manoban, a Thai-born global superstar, has an enormous influence, and everything she wears sells out almost instantly. I vividly remember seeing her in this black Folk City hoodie. I adored the design and wanted it so badly, but I didn't even try to get one because I knew it would sell out in no time. With my hectic schedule leading up to the fan meet, I didn't have a chance to research where the brand was from or how to order it.
So, I was completely taken aback when the fan told me it was a Filipino brand. The quality and style looked so high-end, like something you'd expect from luxury labels in the US or UK. I was genuinely impressed.
I pulled out the jacket from the bag, and it smelled so good. I asked the fan if I could wear it since I was cold, and she happily replied, "Of course." I asked her how she got the jacket, since I had seen Lalisa wear it. She confirmed it had sold out in minutes but told me her sister was the COO of Folk City. I was shocked. I had known the girl was rich from the way she dressed, but I didn't realize she was that rich. I thanked her, and she smiled and waved as she left. I saw her approach a woman in her early 20's, and they left together.
P'Freen looked at me curiously and was also shocked to see me wearing the Folk City hoodie. She asked, "How did she get that?"
"Connections," I said, laughing.
P'Freen sulked, saying, "She only gave me a book because she knows I love to read. I like clothes too, especially when they're the exact ones worn by Lalisa!"
I laughed and offered her some items from what the fan had given me. P'Freen was shocked and asked about the jacket I was wearing. I quickly responded, "Not this one." She laughed and picked out a shirt from the items.
"I hope the little girl won't mind?" she whispered playfully.
I reassured her, "She seems kind. I'm sure she won't mind."
After the fan meet, that's when the soreness and exhaustion hit me. P'Chai immediately attended to me, and that's when I collapsed.
I woke up in the hospital with my mom by my bedside. She immediately stood up when she saw me wake.
"Baby, how are you feeling?" she asked.
"Hi, Mom. I'm fine. A little bit of a headache, but I feel better now than yesterday," I replied.
"I bet you do. Ms. Chai said you were burning up during the fan meet but you kept going. Yoko, please don't do that again. There won't be another fan meet if you don't take care of your health," my mom scolded.
"Yes, Mom, sorry for worrying you," I said quickly.
My mom squeezed my hand and asked what I wanted to eat. I told her I just wanted some water, so she got me some. While I was drinking, the door opened, and my family came in. My dad, a judge by profession, stared at me worriedly and asked how I was feeling. I reassured him that I was fine and that he shouldn't worry. P'Lookmhee and P'Chai also came in. My sister came to my bedside and hugged me, while my brother did the same on the other side. Our youngest sibling, whom my parents adopted after his biological parents died in a car accident, signed to be with me. He was only 3 when the accident happened and miraculously survived, but he lost his ability to speak. The doctors said it was due to nerve damage in his brain. His dad was my dad's friend, so he decided to adopt him. He's now 5 and we all learned sign language to communicate with him. He's our precious little boyâso sweet, brave, and a true survivor. I would give my life for him. I love him so much, just like he's my own brother. We all love him. He climbed up onto my bed and pushed my younger sister, Nana, aside so he could hug me all to himself. Nana and he often bicker, but I know she loves him deeply. My younger brother, Bam, laughed and held Luke steadily.
As the eldest, I love my family so much.
Our CEO came over and asked how I was feeling. I told them I felt better and apologized for worrying them.
My manager smiled and said, "P'Freen was in a panic when she saw you collapse, repeatedly saying, 'I told her to leave already!'
I smiled and reassured her, "I'll call P'Freen later."
"P'Chai showed me the baskets full of fruit and flowers from fans. She also informed me that our next series was trending, along with me, when fans found out I was rushed to the hospital. They noticed I was wearing the same Folk City hoodie that Lalisa wore and started shipping me with her. I laughed and told my family, 'How I wish!'
They all laughed, and my dad ordered food so we could all eat together.
I was discharged from the hospital after two days.