THE HEART’S DAY is here yet again. All Bedan lovebirds must have had their plans laid out for their dates and romantic celebrations. But amid all the cheesy quotes and romantic ambiance that will infuse Valentine’s Day, why don’t we shed light on the singles–those not-yet-readies, the hopeless romantics?
As we celebrate love with couples today, let’s also take a moment to learn about the exciting plans our single Bedan friends have in store. We’re interested in hearing all about it!
The Gift of Giving
Amid all the hyped flowers or crochets given during Heart’s Day, Shannen Bundang, a first-year student from the Department of Marketing Management plans to give gifts to a Bedan who’s also single and is looking for someone this coming February 14. “Alam ko maraming magbibigay ng flowers tulad ng roses, tulips, and sunflower or ‘di kaya crochet. Sa ’kin naman gusto kong magbigay ng origami flowers… kasama na siguro ‘yung panghaharana. Medyo old-school no?” said Bundang on his traditional preference in meeting people.
Bundang, being a No Girlfriend Since Birth (NGSB) type of person, admits that “Isa rin sa dahilan kung bakit ako single ay torpe ako.”
For Bundang, it is all about the effort and not the price. “…’Di ko man ginastusan, pero pinag-effortan ko naman.”
A Hearty Meal for One
Jamie Escuadra, a sophomore student from the Department of Political Science, plans to treat herself to a hearty Korean barbecue meal this Valentine’s Day. “Siguro ano… it-treat ko sarili ko ng samgyup (samgyeopsal),”
Escuadra shared that the feeling of being unprepared mentally and physically to participate in a relationship is the ultimate reason why she is still single. “Eh kasi ako, marami pa ‘kong insecurities na kailangan kong ayusin kaya gusto ko pag ano pag pumasok ako ng relationship… dapat healthy.”
Escuadra is all about self-love right now, ever applicable even on Valentine’s Day, “…, is-spoil ko like bibilhan ko sarili ko [sic] lahat ng mga gusto ko, gan’on.”
Date with Fam
Miguel Garces, another student from the Department of Political Science, considers himself fun and happy. However, he is still single, given he’d like to discover more about himself.
Initially, Garces planned to attend an orchestra concert and treat himself to dinner afterward. Still, the arrival of his relatives ought to change his itinerary, now focused on accommodating his family. “…Ngayon, dadating tita ko… to see Intramuros, oh sige samahan ko na [sic],” said Garces.
Garces then hopes to stay in a classy hotel with his aunt, saying, “[sic] Manila hotel kami, tas ayon, shopping…those are my plans for this coming Valentine’s.”
A Heartfelt Prayer
The Bedan Pastoral Ministry’s (BPM) President, Jestony Lumabi, believes that this year’s Valentine’s is special as it coincides with Ash Wednesday, a period in Christianity that marks the start of the Lenten season.
In line with this holy celebration, Lumabi is looking forward to engaging in prayer, saying, “So, what would be the best thing to do is actually to pray, kasi ano yan e, kasi double meaning na ngayon yan e.”
Lumabi believes that this “act of prayer” not only marks the season of Lent and a chance to change one’s life. “Rather than na you go out there, doing nothing… so mas maganda na mag-dasal ka, humingi ka, at may darating sayo”, he added.
Attend a Meaningful Mass
Val Pura, a second-year student from the Department of Psychology, mentioned that he is not single by choice but because of the circumstances wherein most of his crushes have boyfriends already.
On his plans this coming Valentine’s, Pura shared, “Usually talaga I attend mass kasi feast day siya ng katukayo kong Santo, si St. Valentine, and since it’s Ash Wednesday, magsisimba talaga ako…mag Way of the Cross, yun na ‘yon,”
Pura then emphasized the importance of self-love before committing to a relationship. “You can not give what you don’t have,” said Pura.
Friendships and Self-care
Moleene Cruz, a first-year student from the Department of Marketing Management, looks forward to spending Valentine’s Day with her friends. Even if her companions are busy that day, she will go on with her day by buying flowers for herself or visiting a museum or perhaps a cafe.
For Cruz, being in a relationship is not her priority at the moment, saying, “My study, friends, and my family, including my dog, are my priority.” She is also wary of men due to cheating among personalities circulating in social media, “…ang hirap magtiwala sa mga lalaki.”
Despite her single status, Cruz reiterated the need for treating one’s self in Valentine’s even without the need for company, “For the single ladies and gentlemen out there, it is your time to spend alone because it is fun I promise! You can be happy without the accompany [sic] of others.”
A Sensible Nothing
When there is no problem in the first place, why fix it? Karl Bascon, a senior from the Deparment of Political Science, believes that there are instances wherein engaging in a relationship can become a hindrance to pursuing other endeavors, such as academics and responsibilities.
In this regard, Bascon plans to do nothing at all, citing the pressures of having a partner, especially on a day like this. “I’ve hated February 14 because if you’re in a relationship, there is a kind of pressure coming from your partner, kasi ‘di ba, you have to do this–there is a certain expectancy,” said Bascon.
However, Bascon has a few things to say to those singles celebrating Valentine’s alone. “Find yourself in a situation that, not only would lessen… your loneliness but would replace that with a certain kind of love that you’d feel is more wholesome than a partner.”
From the insights of these Bedans, it is true that being “single” does not impede the enjoyment of any activity whatsoever (amidst the misconception that Valentine’s is only for couples). Remember, Valentine’s Day isn’t just for lovers. Love is celebrated in many forms – with family, pets, friends, and self. After all, self-love is always the best love.
Such also begs the question, what are you planning to do this month of love?
(with Thirdy Pabilico)