Composite image of Presidents Trump, Duterte, and Xi. Photos: indianexpress.com and pacificislandtimes.com emember the song by Mary MacGregor that goes: Torn between two lovers, feeling like a fool? Well, Malacañang appears to be in that unenviable position, attracted to both Washington and Beijing—the two most eligible suitors in the world. But is Malacañang truly conflicted? Or is it craftily playing one against the other to get the most out of both? Let's analyze this from a soap-opera perspective. Washington, its long-time friend and ally, once vowed—via a mutual defense treaty—that it had Malacañang's back. Unfortunately, it kept uncharacteristically silent during the Scarborough Shoal standoff in 2012 when China unlawfully occupied the shoal. After that, the once close allies, gradually, drifted apart. But now Washington wants Malacañang back, and it is doing everything it can to win its heart once more. Beijing, on the other hand, appears to be the bad-boy in this love triangle. It believes it has Malacañang wrapped around its little finger. It took possession of Scarborough Shoal (Panatag), as well as Panganiban Reef (Mischief), Zamora Reef (Subi), and Fiery Cross Reef (Kagitingan), to show everyone that it could have its way with Malacañang. Surprisingly, despite Beijing's uncouth behavior, like sinking Filipino fishing boats, and thumbing its nose at U.N. courts, Malacañang appears to have a soft spot for Beijing and is always ready to forgive its many transgressions—seemingly mesmerized by its macho image. Chinese nationals receive VIP treatment while in the Philippines. They even have commercial establishments that cater exclusively to them. It looks like Bad-boy Beijing is close to finally winning the heart of Malacañang. But curiously, the two aren't making any marital plans. It appears that Beijing's multi-billion peso dowry of foreign investments has never been fully funded. Beijing seems to be holding back because it suspects that Malacañang still has feelings for its old flame, Washington. The two never entirely severed their close ties; in fact, they often engage in military exercises to keep their troops in top shape. Lately, Washington was thrilled when Malacañang stopped short of tearing up their BFF agreement (otherwise known as the VFA or Visiting Forces Agreement). In gratitude, Washington said it would share with Malacañang any COVID-19 vaccine it develops. Sadly, their relationship is still far from perfect because Washington seems to complain a lot. It often criticizes Malacañang for its violations of human rights, which creates unnecessary fiction in an otherwise smooth relationship. Sensing an opportunity to gain the upper hand, Beijing told Malacañang it would also give it access to any COVID-19 vaccine it creates. So Beijing now seems to be back in the running. It still has to work on its bad-boy image though, which only keeps getting worse. So this is where our love-triangle teleserye stands at this point in time. Who will eventually win the hand of our fair Malacañang? Will it be debonair Washington or macho Beijing? Will Malacañang finally decide? Or will it continue to play one against the other? A word of caution for the palace along the Pasig, that plan can backfire, and you could end up losing both. So, teleserye afficionados, stay tuned (Abangan). Published 6/20/2020