We'd Still Worship This Love

The cool Quezon City breeze whipped across Tripp Marco's face as he trudged home from his latest audition. His eyes were fixed on the cracked sidewalk, hands shoved deep into the pockets of his worn jeans. At 27, he knew he was no spring chicken in this industry, but he wasn't ready to throw in the towel just yet. Tripp's mind wandered back to a time when his life was awash with color and light - quite literally. Five years ago, he was a rising star in the world of photography, his keen eye capturing the essence of models for high-end fashion magazines in bustling Makati studios. "You're going to be the next big thing in photography!" they'd tell him, and Tripp would smile modestly, always believing there was more to learn. Who could have predicted that from behind the camera, he'd end up aspiring to be in front of it? The transition wasn't as smooth as he'd hoped. A talent scout had spotted him, dazzled by his good looks and natural charisma. "I know you're already 24," the scout had said, "but trust me, there's still a market for older idols. Especially those with your looks and talent!" Tripp had been hesitant. He knew the usual age for idols to debut was between 15 and 18. But the scout had been persuasive, painting a picture of an evolving industry that craved maturity and authenticity. "Plus, your photography skills? That's a unique selling point!" the scout had exclaimed. And so, Tripp had taken the plunge, becoming part of CONNECT:02z, a group of five men, all over 20 years old. They were supposed to be unique, a breath of fresh air in the idol scene. The reality, however, was less glamorous. They never quite reached the heights of popularity that other groups enjoyed. As Tripp walked, he passed a billboard featuring one of his former group mates. Renz, once their lead vocalist, now a solo artist with a hit song. Jake had become a principal dancer in a prestigious company. Mark had landed a supporting role in a Netflix series in Hollywood, while Carlo was now the leading man in a primetime teleserye. And Tripp? He was still trying to find his footing. The past year had been a whirlwind of auditions. Sometimes, he'd land a role as an extra. Occasionally, he'd get a short cameo. But more often than not, he faced rejection. As he passed a coffee shop, he caught a glimpse of himself on the TV inside - a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment in the background of a primetime drama, holding a tray of drinks without a single line of dialogue. Tripp sighed, thinking of his mother's unwavering pride even in these small moments. At least someone still believed in him. As he continued his walk home, Tripp reflected on the complexities of the showbiz industry. It wasn't just about talent, he realized. It was about connections, timing, and marketability. Sometimes, no matter how skilled you were, if you didn't fit the current trend or lacked the right connections, success remained elusive. He thought back to his days as a photographer, how naive he had been to think he understood the industry then. Being in front of the camera was a whole different ball game. The pressure, the constant scrutiny, the need to always be "on" - it was exhausting in ways he hadn't anticipated. Turning onto his street, Tripp spotted a group of teenagers practicing a dance routine. It reminded him of his days with CONNECT:02z - the grueling practice sessions that stretched into the early hours of the morning, the vocal training, the personality development classes. The strict diets, the pressure to maintain a perfect image, the never-ending fan service. Being an idol wasn't just about singing and dancing; it was a lifestyle, selling an image and a dream. But what happened when that dream didn't quite take off? Tripp's mind drifted back to his audition earlier that day. It had been his fifth audition of the day, a testament to his determination as a rookie in the industry. He couldn't afford to be picky about roles, often playing a game of chance in hopes of landing even a small cameo or extra part. "Okay, and... Cut!" the casting director's voice had rung out, signaling the end of his performance. To be honest, Tripp had already felt the weight of failure settling in his chest, despite knowing he had given his all during the audition. He was always his own harshest critic. Still, he reminded himself that there was no use crying over spilt milk. He could only hope that he'd be accepted, even though he knew the chances were slim. There was no harm in hoping, was there? "Thank you so much!" Tripp had said, slightly bowing his head towards the casting director, producer, and scriptwriter who had overseen his audition. The scriptwriter had smiled warmly. "Thank you for auditioning. We'll contact you when the results are out. You may go now." Tripp had expressed his gratitude once more before exiting the audition room. As he stepped out, he had decided to head home, his mind already processing the day's events. Now, as he finally reached his small apartment, Tripp paused at the door. The journey from photographer to idol to aspiring actor had been filled with more downs than ups. He was still a no-name, a D-list actor at best. But giving up wasn't an option. He hadn't achieved his dreams yet, hadn't proven himself to those who doubted him - or to himself. The casting director's polite "We'll let you know" still rang in his ears, along with the overheard whisper to an assistant: "Another idol trying to be an actor. Don't they realize it takes more than a pretty face?" Those words stung, but they also fueled Tripp's determination. He knew he had more to offer than just his looks. He had life experience, a unique perspective from his time as both a photographer and an idol. He understood the industry from multiple angles. Tomorrow would be another day, another audition, another chance. And Tripp Marco would be ready, armed with his experiences, his determination, and the unwavering belief that his time would come. The spotlight was out there, waiting for him. All he had to do was keep reaching for it. As he turned the key in his lock, Tripp allowed himself a small smile. In this world of show business, persistence was often the key to success. And if there was one thing Tripp Marco had in abundance, it was persistence. The next morning, Tripp awoke to the harsh buzz of his alarm. He groaned, reaching for his phone to silence the incessant noise. As he scrolled through his notifications, he noticed an email from his company, StarLight Entertainment. His heart skipped a beat, hoping for good news about potential roles or auditions. Instead, it was just another generic message about an upcoming company event. Tripp sighed, a small frown creasing his brow. When was the last time they had actually sent him information about an audition? Shaking off the thought, Tripp began his daily routine. He had learned early on in his career that maintaining a strict schedule was crucial in the entertainment industry. After a quick shower and a light breakfast, he settled down at his desk, opening his laptop to check for any casting calls he could apply to independently. As he scrolled through various websites, Tripp couldn't help but feel a twinge of frustration. Most of the roles seemed to be looking for fresh faces, emphasizing "new talent" and "young energy." At 27, Tripp felt caught in a strange limbo - too old to be considered a fresh-faced newcomer, yet not established enough to land more mature roles. Still, he persevered, submitting his profile and headshots to several open calls. As he worked, his eyes occasionally drifted to a framed photo on his desk. It was a group shot of CONNECT:02z from their debut showcase. Five smiling faces, full of hope and ambition. Tripp's gaze lingered on his own image, wondering what that version of himself would think of where he was now. The sound of his phone ringing snapped Tripp out of his reverie. It was his friend and former group mate, Jake. "Hey, man! How's it going?" Jake's cheerful voice came through the speaker. "Hey, Jake. I'm doing alright. Just sending out some applications for auditions. How about you? How's the dance company treating you?" There was a slight pause before Jake replied, his tone a bit more subdued. "It's great, really great. Listen, Tripp... I heard through the grapevine that StarLight is holding auditions for a new drama next week. Have they contacted you about it?" Tripp felt a cold weight settle in his stomach. "No, they haven't mentioned anything to me. Are you sure about this?" "Pretty sure. My choreographer friend is working on it. I thought... well, I thought you'd be a shoe-in for at least an audition." Tripp forced a laugh, trying to keep his voice light. "Oh, you know how it is. They're probably just finalizing the details before they let everyone know. I'm sure I'll hear about it soon." The conversation continued for a few more minutes, but Tripp's mind was elsewhere. After saying goodbye to Jake, he sat in silence, staring at his phone. Why hadn't StarLight told him about this audition? It wasn't the first time he had heard about opportunities through the grapevine rather than his own company, but he had always chalked it up to miscommunication or oversight. Determined to get answers, Tripp decided to visit the StarLight office. He quickly got dressed, opting for a smart-casual look - you never knew who you might run into at the company building, after all.