FiLay moments I think about from Maria Clara at Ibarra
The only thing that keeps me sane right now while watching GMA’s historical drama, Maria Clara at Ibarra, is Fidel (David Licauco) and Klay’s (Barbie Forteza) enemies-to-lovers love story. Despite the show’s increasing tension between the padres and Crisostomo Ibarra (Dennis Trillo), FiLay (Fidel and Klay’s love team name) brings balance to the story with a bit of slow-paced romance and comedy. From a slap to an accidental kiss on the cheek, the two love birds never fail to bring light and kilig in the modern adaptation of Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere.
As Maria Clara at Ibarra begins to transition to El Filibusterismo, things get worse and better for the show’s main characters. “Worse” in the sense that the enemies are plotting more difficulties against Clarisostomo (Maria Clara and Crisostomo). “Better” because we are finally getting the long-awaited FiLay courtship. Every episode is something to look forward to as Fidel and Klay’s relationship progress to more than friends.
Here are my favorite FiLay moments from Maria Clara at Ibarra
Disclaimer: Minor spoilers ahead.
“Babu.”
The show introduced Fidel as a playboy businessman and Ibarra’s closest friend. While his arrogance immediately ticked off the vocal Klay, you could tell he was intrigued by her uniqueness. It seems like it was his first time to be turned down by a woman.
As a Gen Z, of course, Klay still mixes modern words into conversations. Thus, when she said, “Babu,” as another term for “Goodbye,” Fidel was left confused. But this, later on, turned to be a thing between them as he gets used to her strange language.
The slap of a feminist
Who would not forget FiLay’s first big fight? As they were traveling from Manila to San Diego, the two ended up arguing about the rights of the poor for fair wages. When Fidel’s red flags started to show up, Klay did us all a favor by spitting facts against his misogynistic beliefs. As he was about to hit her, she instantly slapped him in the face. That did eventually put him in his place.
The misunderstood abaniko
There were a lot of cute bickering scenes between them, but this one truly made me laugh out loud. Prior to Maria Clara’s (Julie Anne San Jose) abaniko tutorial, Klay was clueless about the language of the handheld fan.
When she was fanning to cool herself from the heat, Fidel happened to pass by and saw the fast movement of her fan. However, she did not know that it was a subtle way of confessing one’s feelings to a man. So, Klay was shocked when the assuming Fidel winked at her.
Fidel finally falls in love
Despite a horrible and scandalous day for Klay, I was left screaming out of kilig for Fidel’s sudden sweetness all throughout Ibarra and Maria Clara’s party at the lake. In fact, this was the time he realized that he was in love with Klay. His genuine concern for the binibini starts to show through simple gestures of affection such as offering her a drink, comforting her after an embarrassing puking session, and handing her a handkerchief while crying.
In spite of her impulsive outburst, Fidel falls for the strange woman he used to hate. And as an enemies-to-lovers obsessed bookworm, this always gets me excited every time. I absolutely love it when men are humbled by strong women.
The long-awaited confession
I have had my fair share of romance in my life, but I have never felt this captivated and thrilled by a love confession. Honestly, today’s men should step up their game. This is how it should be! There is nothing sweeter and more genuine than admitting your feelings personally.
The epic fail harana
I still cannot stop laughing at this scene. I mean at least Fidel tried because he knew Klay appreciated this same gesture when Ibarra did it to Maria Clara. Furthermore, the fact that he blamed the musicians for not adjusting to his voice made this whole thing funnier.
Contrary to this performance though, the real-life actor David actually sings well. As a matter of fact, he sang FiLay’s theme song, Kailangan Kita.
The stolen kiss
One thing they were fighting over flowers, then the next Fidel accidentally trips over, placing a kiss on Klay’s cheeks. Imagine me screaming in my bedroom as I rewatch this over and over again!
This scene would surely not be a big deal if it was set in the modern day. However, the conservative culture in this historical fictional world makes this simple kiss much more significant than kissing someone on the lips. Hence why Fidel immediately (and ridiculously) offered her marriage right after this.
Klay’s denial stage
Gwapo pala siya pag-galit. [He actually looks handsome when he’s angry.]
– Klay
Our main character is officially in denial of her feelings! Who would not fall for the look he gave her after expressing that he would do anything for her? Klay was literally silenced after that, and I know I would be as well.
Fidel as Klay’s personal shield
There are a lot of moments to mention like the time he saved her from being almost murdered by a man. But I absolutely love Fidel’s recent protective gesture to defend Klay and Sisa from the sadistic Doña Consolacion. This shows how far Fidel has come from the arrogant wealthy playboy he was when they first met.
From a snotty bad boy to a shy romantic softie, Fidel’s transformation would not be possible if he had never met his match.
Given that his character is not part of the original works of Rizal, Fidel’s true role in the show still remains a mystery. Would their relationship actually work once Klay finishes her mission in the book? Would Fidel be able to finally restore Klay’s trust in men? Thus, I cannot wait to see what is in store for FiLay in the next episodes.
What is your favorite FiLay moment? We would love to know in the comments. Interested in Maria Clara at Ibarra content? Click here to read more!
