Theo Magazine: Propitious Collaboratives

propitious FEBRUARY 2016

collaboratives love is in the aiR

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Quotes to Express Your Love

Need ideas for Valentine’s Day? We got you covered!!

Add 7 love songs to your playlist this month!

#RelationshipGoals

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Literary Love Places to be with You Best Quotes #RelationshipGoals Being Cheated On JTA Couple Boyfriend Graduated Finding Love University Love The Millenial’s Guide

Kyla Cabatit KC Constantino Gabriel Goseco Amiel Hernandez Moshe Lacson Pam Linarez Angelo Madlambayan Daniel Salita Faisal Tabusalla

Waiting My sweet, let us live and Love.

Days grow shorter.

Nights grow longer.

Waiting for the day you depart.

Adventures partaken.

New ones will be Waiting for the day you arrive and begin your new chapter.

Schatzi, my sweetheart.

Earth and Ocean create Mountains of distance.

Even the Walls of Berlin create separation that can never compare.

Fischer’s birds stay together Forevermore together.

There will be a time for us.

Even in Spring’s darkest day full of thunderous rain.

When you return new flowers will blossom.

I’ll be Waiting

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Keeps Me Going Waking to the blinking light the good morning message and to the thought of you Moving with your hand in mine white soft skin can truly stop time Feeling your love and your fears Knowing you'll always be here That's what keeps me going

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Nothing Can Compare Nothing can compare to the way you look at me and the way I look at you two visions create one goal one dream nothing can compare to the way we hold each other past, present, and future love is timeless and so you are to me

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nothing will ever compare. one goal, one dream, one future, together.

These poems were originally written for my love for poetry and then revised for my LIT 14 class back in my freshman year. Recently I revived and revised them for the purpose of sharing it in this article. We were tasked to write poems on love and I had such a good feeling doing it because of where I was positioned at that very moment. It was just the beginning of my relationship with Angelica Alberto.

2013 was the year I entered Ateneo. Angelica and I had been dating for about 6 months at that time and we were pretty much a new couple. It was very exciting for the both of us since we entered the same university together and we were ready to do so many things together. We wanted to join different orgs. We wanted to be in the same classes as much as possible. We wanted to try all the food places in Katipunan. We went on dates, studied together, went to school together, joined organizations together, and exercised together. It was a very happy, new, and exciting year for us and that was the same year that I was tasked to write these poems. And so I did. I wrote them. They were about being madly and deeply in love and just wanting to be with each other all the time. They were about the amazing times that we’d never forget.

Fast forward. Three years later. 2016. We’re still together and going strong while we’re at it. We won’t lie though. Things have been rough, tough, and there have been times when we’d feel like we’ve had enough – that things were too much. But then we remember why we were in it in the first place. We remember all the things we’ve shared and done together. We remember the happy times. It’s not always about rainbows and butterflies but there were a lot of rainbows and butterflies and there still can be more of them. Now we’ve matured as a couple and have become more comfortable with each other. We don’t always see each other and we don’t do everything with each other unlike before. We’ve also moved on to more serious matters such as school and where we plan on working or what we plan on doing after college. We’ve been so caught up with this busy, tiring, stressful, and emotional rollercoaster life that we forgot about some things – things that are small, yet important. And this is why we pause. We pause, amidst all the stress and disorder. We pause to look back and remember.

This is also why I call this article Literary Love.

My interest in literature, particularly writing songs, poems, and other anecdotes have allowed me to immortalize those moments and feelings I shared with Angelica. This is something I am thankful for and I encourage whoever is reading this to do. If you love someone, write about him/her. Express yourself. Keep it safe. Because you’ll never know when you might need it. When times get hard and confusing and when decisions have to be made, it’s important to look back and ask yourself. “Who do I love?” and “Why?”.

(liteRaRy F a i s a l Ta b u s a l l a

lOVE

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best quotes you can send the person you love

by Moshe Lacson You see, not all guys are gifted with words that can make a woman swoon like Shakespeare or Drake.

If there’s one thing that frustrates me personally about love is that it’s hard to put it into words. It brings up so much emotions in our lives that can range from agony to ecstasy that words could not express. Luckily, some of the world’s greatest artist, poet, musicians, hopeless romantics (like ourselves), have managed to articulate this thing called love using words so simple and perfect.

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AA Milne

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“The best love is the kind that awakens the soul; that makes us reach for more, that plants the fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. That’s what I hope to give you forever.”

Nicholas Sparks

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"I would rather spend one lifetime with you, than face all the ages of this world alone."

Lord of the Rings

Here are some quotes perfect for sharing to your lovers or means to understand the mystery of love:

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"If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you."

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"If I know what love is, it is because of you."

Herman Hesse

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"I choose you. And I'll choose you over and over and over. Without pause, without a doubt, in a heartbeat. I'll keep choosing you."

Unknown

“I am much more when I am with you.”

Unknown

"I saw that you were perfect, and so I loved you. Then I saw that you were not perfect and I loved you even more."

Angelita Lim

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"Thinking of you keeps me awake.

Dreaming of you keeps me asleep.

Being with you keeps me alive."

Paulo Coehlo

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“I love how you make me feel. Like anything is possible, like life is so worth it.”

Tom Hansen

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"I swear I couldn't love you more than I do right now, and yet I know I will tomorrow."

Leo Christophe

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“As he read, I fell in love with the way you sleep: slowly then all at once” The Fault in our stars, John Green

# Relationship

GOALS

n. A couple who is the best couple out there. They are the power couple. Everyone wants to be like them. The ideal relationship.

(urban dictionary)

by Joseph Angelo R. Madlambayan We all know that each and every couple has their magic to a successful and happy relationship.

Couples don't last just too easily. Love takes effort and initiative. As they say, love works in mysterious ways. With this, I tried to go around and ask couples what their key is to a happy relationship. Although they have different approaches, who knows, they might just be your very own #RelationshipGoals.

alyssa temeña & nick untalan How long have you been in a relationship?

3 years

What is the key to a happy relationship?

Let each other grow individually and remember the most important thing you can give them is your time.

Don't be afraid to joke around with each other and laugh a lot.

andre rulloda & angelica ignacio How long have you been in a relationship?

2 years

What is the key to a happy relationship?

The secret is to keep no secrets from each other! I was never afraid to show who i really was. After telling her all the questionable things i've done in my past, that's when i knew she genuinely loves me, because she stayed. And communication is key! We never kept things from each other. If i was bothered by something she did and vice versa, we'd tell it to each others face right away. Yes it leads to tiny arguments here and there, but it's perfect for us because we end up learning more about each other and learning to better ourselves along the way.

gelo madlambayan & cara tirona How long have you been in a relationship?

5 years

What is the key to a happy relationship?

Always make sure to listen to each others stories.

Listening is key especially when one needs assurance. Also, you can never say ‘I love you’ too many times. Our time is indefinite and we can’t waste a single day without letting the people know how much we love them. Aside from that, you should also make sure that you guys never sleep through a fight. Make sure that before sleeping, fix everything that has to be fixed. Don’t just “sleep on it” and forget about it the next day. Last but not the least, in the whole 5 years with Cara, i’ve learned to also set my priorities. It will surely help a lot!

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katherine bachar & nick bernie How long have you been in a relationship?

4 months

What is the key to a happy relationship?

Being in a long-distance relationship isn’t easy, and has its ups and downs, but we’ve been together for about 4 months now and I’m confident to say that we’re happy. That isn’t too long, but I guess the secret (at least for our case) is that we started out as the best of friends. And even if our relationship entered the next level, we still value that friendship with a bit more trust, effort, and communication. We don’t have to let each other know what we’re doing 24/7, and it’s not a simple give and take either. But we’re happy because we find the time to really talk and remind each other that we are committed. A simple “I love you” everyday should do the trick. ;)

chesca layug & gabriel dionglay How long have you been in a relationship?

1 year and 2 months

What is the key to a happy relationship?

There's no secret, really. Everyone is different, and so is every relationship. There's no distinct formula that could make every relationship happy and successful.

I guess the most we could say is, love one another for the other; not merely for the qualities you had first seen on the surface. That is genuine love, and that's the sort of love that's going to last. Everything will flow from there. When you love genuinely and authentically, you will learn to put your ego down.

You will learn to understand and know when to compromise. Grow with each other in pure love and laughter, and somehow, you'll just know, that this is how you'd want to spend the rest of your life with together.

chris antonio & nica jaucian How long have you been in a relationship?

A bit more than a year

What is the key to a happy relationship?

My secret to a happy relationship would probably be communication. I believe the biggest mistake you can make in a relationship is hiding what you truly feel, or being unable to interact properly with one another, and this is precisely where communication comes in. You have to lower your pride and be able to tell each other what's wrong, and how you two can improve for each other.

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lanz puno & madi calleja How long have you been in a relationship?

8 months

What is your key to a happy relationship? Little gifts and surprises, don't plan everything, and communication.

jondrew amigo & glen deiparine How long have you been in a relationship?

We've been together for two and half years.

What is your key to a happy relationship?

Well, both of us being in our first relationships ever, it was a bit rocky at the start. There would be a couple of misunderstandings here and there, as we were still really trying to get to know each other at a deeper level.

For me, one key aspect that has led to us being together for this long was that we were really just friends at first. We met each other in the second semester of first year, and from there, we really just got close as friends. We became barkada later on that school year, and it was all good. I really didn't think of us together at all. Some circumstances between our group sort of forced us to spend more and more time together alone. I mean at first, I really didn't have any feeling for her, but then I really got to know her at a deeper level. Eventually, I did end up telling her that I had feelings for her, and we've been together ever since.

Another key aspect that I think has led us to where we are today is that even if we have our disagreements and occasional fights, we are always honest with each other and we admit where we went wrong and sincerely apologize for it. I think that we communicate really well with each other (well, most of the time LOL).

Lastly, I think that keeping things simple over the past two years has really led to some great memories that we will remember for a very long time. We never really try to do anything extravagant. I mean we never really have to spend too much or go too far to have a nice day or evening together. It could just be a quiet study session together or a food trip to a nice restaurant. That's not to say that you have to keep things simple ALL the time. I'm just saying that a good time isn't always such a diďŹƒcult thing.

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chino cornel & marjerie go How long have you been in a relationship?

We've been bestfriends for almost three years now (since we were freshmen in college).

What is your key to a happy relationship?

We decided to forgive shortcomings, to accept imperfections and to have a relationship that shared anything and everything, tiwala.

mike paz & nikita nitura How long have you been in a relationship?

We’ve been officially in a relationship for 7 months now.

What is your key to a happy relationship?

My secret for a happy relationship is constant support and care for my girlfriend. I make sure she's happy and doing well. :)

gio perez & pauline versos How long have you been in a relationship?

We've been dating for a year!

What is your key to a happy relationship?

Im not sure if theres a ONE big secret. But I know that you really have to really respect each other, know that the either one of you can always be at fault, or have boundaries. And whenever theres a problem always make sure that you work together and communicate like a team

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B E I N G C H E AT E D O N ft. denise francisco

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Daniel Salita

Q1: What happened? How did you find out? Were their any Q1: What happened? How did you find out?signs Were their any signs leading up to him cheating on you. leading up to him cheating on you.

The person he cheated on told me. He cheated on me with my bestfriend and with she was The person he cheated on told me. He cheated on me my the one who told me. My bestfriend and him were village mates that were friends before we met and I bestfriend and she was the one who told me. My bestfriend and him think he’s always had a crush on her. He also had a temper and were village mates that were friends before we met and I thinkhishe’s couldn’t manage moods. We had a fight one day and after always had a crush on her. He also had a temper and couldn’t manage we fought he went to her and kissed her. She told me, then I his moods. We had a fight one day and after we fought he him, wenthe to didn’t her confronted deny it, and in the end I forgave him and kissed her. She told me, then I confrontedand him,gave he didn’t him another deny it,chance. The fight was because he wasn’t treating me right terms of behavior. and in the end I forgave him and gave him another chance.

Theinfight was because he wasn’t treating me right in terms of behavior.

Q2: Why did you give him a second chance?

Q2: Why did you give him a second chance?

I gave him a second chance because I was immature back then I gave him a second chance because I was immature back really then and I better. I based my decision off of the and I didn’t know didn’t really know better. I based my decision feeling off of the I him. thatfeeling I reallythat loved really loved him.

Q3: Now that you’re more mature and looking back, would have given him a 2nd chance?

Q3: Now that you’re more mature and lookingyou back, would you have given him a 2nd chance.

I kinda would, because of hindsight bias. At the time I wasn’t I kinda would, because of hindsight bias. At the time I wasn’t aware of aware of how he was treating me. But if I had known then I how he was treating me. But if I had known then I would’ve broken would’ve broken upupwith him because I deserve better. If it with him because I deserve better. If it happened now, I wouldn’t just happened now, I wouldn’t just forgive him, I would find the root forgive him, I would find the root of the problem and not and just not be just be satisfied with an excuse that was of the problem given. satisfied with an excuse that was given.

Q4:cheating What will Q4: What will you do if you find the reason for him onyou you?do if you find the reason for him cheating on you?

It depends on why he did it, what his intentions are after, and what he intends to do after it in order to gain back myIttrust.

Like, on when depends whyI was he did it, what his intentions are after, and immature I would only consider the present but now I would consider what he intends to do after it in order to gain back my trust. the past and the future. What about his past actions made Ihim that, Like, when wasdo immature I would only consider the present but what would his intentions be for the future given now he I would did that consider to me?the past and the future. What about his actions What should I expect from him, what does hepast expect frommade me? him The do that, what would his intentions be for the future given he did that to me? What should I expect from scope widens when you’re more mature. him, what does he expect from me? The scope widens when you’re more mature.

From separate interview: If you really love the person, I don't see why not eh,separate especially if the From interview: guy's super sincere about being sorry. I feel like people If when you really lovesay thestuff person, I don't see why not eh, especially if like once a cheater always a cheater it's kind the of ignorant of howsincere real about being sorry. I feel like when guy's super say stuff like once a cheater always a cheater it's kind of shit can be, parang they still have an idea that people the perfect relationship ignorant of how real shit can be, parang they still have an idea has no stuff like that. There's no set standard on what the perfect that the perfect has no stuff like that. There's no set relationship is because only you can decide whether it's the relationship perfect standard on what the perfect relationship is because only you one for you. "There is no right person, only the person you make can decide whether it's the perfect one for you. "There is no right." When they hear that someone cheatedright on them, person,they onlyalways the person you make right." When they hear think the other person is at fault totally becausethat theysomeone fail to see cheated that the on them, they always think the other way they've been in the relationship may actually have beentotally the because they fail to see that the way person is at fault in the relationship may actually have been the reason too. What I find scary nga is when I see they've couples been who don't fight too. What I find scary nga is when I see couples who at all eh, cause most of the time people would reason think they're so perfect. don't fight all eh, cause most of the time people would think It's only when you see the worst of people (cheating) whenatyou realize they're so perfect. It's only when you see the worst of people you do truly love them or not. I hate it especially when they break up (cheating) when you realize you do truly love them or not. I hate with the person without even thoroughly talking through, ifwhen you can't it itespecially they break up with the person without even face dealing with realities like that, how can you expect to deal thoroughly talking with it through, if you can't face dealing with the realities of marriage "You're going to look foolishlike if you realities that,give" how Ican you expect to deal with the realities super disagree to that, I would think it shows of courage. marriageIt"You're may look going to look foolish if you give" I super to what that, other I would think it shows courage. It may look foolish to other people, but why should you disagree care about foolish to other people, but why should you care about what people think other people think

J TA C O U P L E

ft. victoria isleta and brett zambarrano

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Q1: What are the challenges? How did you make it work?

Brett: There’s no physical contact when you’re continents apart. You can’t really do anything about it. I like to preoccupy myself with other things because before JTA, I spent most of my time with Vicky. While she was on JTA I did a lot of things and focused on me. There’s also an awkward time of day when she’s asleep while I’m awake. I had to make an extra effort to communicate in other ways.

Vic: Just get hugs from your friends. It was super different from before when we were used to spending a lot of time with each other.

I guess you just have to keep yourself busy and be available when you can.

It’s also I guess hard coz you can only talk through technology and we had to spend more money on phone plans. It’s also not that fun to just keep chatting. After a while you get sick and tired of typing. If I wanted to tell him something and he was asleep because of the time difference I might forget to tell him.

Communication is important too like for example if you have a problem with your partner, you can just keep it in coz he’s not there to see you. However, it’s not healthy coz it can build up and you’re just keeping in all this anger and the other person wouldn’t know. It’s healthier for the relationship if you just talk about it.

Q2: How has your love grown? How has it made you stronger?

Brett: I think it was valuable for us to get used to not being with each other again. A lot of it was for individual growth. We got to explore new things, she explored Europe, I explored my life, and in doing that you can say our relationship grew because it didn’t feel like a relationship where we needed to be with each other all the time. I think a relationship post-JTA fosters independence. Like, before JTA I would always just choose to be with her and forego other things. I think both of us learned what we wanted as individuals and what we wanted to prioritize. Once we knew that and when we got back together, we understood from each other that sometimes there are things that I would opt to do as opposed to spending all of my time with her. I think we developed an understanding of the importance of growing individually despite being in a relationship. I think before we always looked at each other as a measure of how well we’re doing. I think being apart from each other, we learned to look at different avenues to help us understand our own self-worth and where we wanted to go in life. I think knowing that as an individual and knowing that between each other helps us understand more about our relationship as a whole and helps us move forward as a couple.

Vic: I agree. Because we’re blockmates and we’ve always been together, it was very hard to get used to. It just helped us grow. I think the relationship doesn’t hold us back from doing our own individual stuff.

Q3: Tips for future couples in case one of them decides to go on JTA? Brett: Don’t let yourself revolve around that person coz it would be kinda painful for you. I guess when you’re in this strange state of being alone but in a relationship, you should try to discover yourself more. If you really want to be with the other person, this will be one of the few months you have to yourself. Use that time wisely, learn something new, be active in orgs, join a team, serve at church. Do what you wanna do. You do you.

Vic: I was expecting it to be easier than it was coz I was expecting to just always be having fun, exploring, and travelling. But there are times when you just have to be alone coz there are only a few of you and you’re left with your thoughts. I think Brett found it easier coz he was able to preoccupy himself. It was also hard coz I didn’t just miss Brett. I also missed my friends and family and I got homesick. It’s also hard seeing beautiful places and wanting to share it with him but you can’t but I guess we can always make plans to see it in the future.

B O Y F R I E N D G R A D U AT E D ft. melissa del rosario

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Q1: What are the differences in your relationship between before and after grad? What are the challenges you faced during that time?

Before his graduation, we would see each other at least thrice a week, especially since we had a lot of common breaks and we had training. I met him because of the rowing team, so because of that, we spent a lot of time together before and after training. But then of course, it was also hard to hang out with his friends because he was two batches above me and we had nothing in common. He stayed friends with his HS barkada, so it was very hard for me to relate… and the girls in their barkada were all from one school so they had their own mannerisms and way of communicating. I dreaded hanging out with his barkada because I always felt out of place. But we hung out and spent a lot of time together in school. One thing I never asked him to do was bring me to class, which is weird because that would be the most common thing for college couples to do. I don’t know why, but I don’t believe in it. In second semester, we were classmates so I would see him every MWF… Being classmates with him was weird because he was a senior and in the official curriculum, I think there was no way for us to be classmates but luckily, he shifted and didn’t take SA21 yet so when he found out that I was taking SA21, he made sure to enlist in the same class that I was pre-enlisted too. I thought that was sweet and kinda weird, but it was okay.

After graduation, it got hard because he left the country for a while to travel. I mean, I did too but I had a lot of free time on my hands because I was back in the Philippines and he was in the States… and then right after he got back, he had to start working straight away. During summer, it was hard and I was still adjusting to it because he didn’t have that much time for me or he would rather spend time with his friends because they were nearer to him and things like that. I got very impatient with him because it was summer and I really had a lot of time. It was a good thing I had summer semester to take my mind off it. We went through a rough spot for a while because it was a weird transition. It went from seeing him a lot to seeing him once a week. That was really hard for me because he didn’t get it and I thought I was being reasonable… Up to now, I don’t know if I was being reasonable. I remember talking to my siblings and I remember one of them telling me in exasperation “Can he try harder?” But then I don’t know. I understood though. He was working in the North and I live in the South (aka the typical problem of being in a relationship with someone who lives on the opposite end) I think, especially since we weren’t in a relationship for so long, I thought it was okay for me to not care as much about the relationship or I felt like if this was it, then this is the end. But this was in summer though.

When I moved back to QC when classes started because I have a condo, it got easier because he also got transferred to Gateway. Funnily enough, we saw each other more often and it was okay. Sure, it sucks that I can’t make him kwento kaagad when things happen to me, but I kind of appreciate our relationship more that I can’t really do all the things that I want to do. But at the same time, I kinda get sad that I can’t eat with him in JSEC or no one messages me out of no where to hang out. You know, it makes me sad that it happens but at least I see him often and he tries really hard and I try really hard.

I think what makes it work is because we both want to stay together and we’re both very committed to each other. That’s sort of premature to say, but we talk about it and we’re both content with each other. I accept him for everything and he never fails to make me feel special… Okay, maybe sometimes he has his lapses but still! He buys me Krispy Kreme (my fave) and Serenitea when he can and it’s a great surprise. Our relationship is sort of the same, but he talks about work and I still talk to him about school.

Right now, he’s transferring to another company, so for the past two weeks, he’s been on vacation and he tries very hard to be part of my college experience (because I have complained to him about it before).

I’ve been very much enjoying it, but at the same time, I know it’s not the same and I don’t think it’s meant to be the same experience. And to be frank, I sort of enjoy having my time in school and having my time away from him because it really helped me to be more appreciative of the situation and having him in my life.

Finding Love b y k y l a m i c h a l v. c a b a t i t

Worried you haven’t found someone special? Feeling alone with so much love to give, but none to give love to? There’s no need to be alarmed or wallow in despair! Love moves in mysterious ways, and comes when you least expect it. As they say, love is like a rosary—it is full of mystery!

And so we asked our peers questions about their “special someone”. At first, the questions seemed fairly straightforward and simple. However, it proved to be difficult for most. We got replies in the form of smiles, long pauses, and “ano nga ba?” This just goes to show that you can find love in the extraordinary, but also in the silent of our hearts, the humdrum of everyday.

So, never give up! Our capacity for living and loving is as immense as the ocean—immeasurable, untiring, and profound.

Love always, in all ways!

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How did you meet your special someone?

— What do you like most about him/her?

Miguel, 21 I play badminton. The girl I used to like played badminton. Her partner eventually became my girlfriend. She’s loving and patient.

Keisha, 19 We met during summer 2013 in Ahead Tuguegarao. We became lunch buddies and friends. He’s very patient with me Vince, 19 We met in Church. We were choirmates.

We became close friends and started talking consistently every Sunday. She moves me to be a better person.

Edge, 22 We met through a common friend. She brings out the best in me.

Claire, 19 We met through a common friend when we were in line for the 1st PMSA GA of the sem. He lets me use the age card.

Lanz, 19 I met her when I was reserving a venue.

She makes me happy and I love her smile.

JG, 16 I met her at the PMSA GA. I was in line and she was behind me. She’s really clingy —that feeling na she’s always thinking about you.

Rois, 19 I met her in an org event. She’s passionate in everything she does.

Bernie, 18 I met her through Health Sci. She never fails to make me smile. She makes me want to be a better person.

Steve*, 19 She was my balldate. She’s very different every single day.

Patricia*, 19 I met him at a soiree. He’s very thoughtful.

Veronica*, 19 I met him through Health Sci. He gets me.

Cheska, 18 I met him at a soiree with AHS. We were best friends…

Max, 20 I met Matt at NSTP because we were in the same jeep. He doesn’t judge me when I’m being weird. He’s the only person who doesn’t judge me.

Poch, 19 I met her before but I didn’t remember. I met her first when I acted for my TA play.

Little did I know that destiny would allow us to meet again when I ended up late for an exposure trip. I ended up going to the Kythe flying activity where I met her again.

From then we talked, and became friends.

And I almost went to HK with her, but she said no. I like her quirkiness.

Carlo, 21 I met her in first year. She’s my blockmate.

She’s lively and fun to be with.

Kat, 19 He was the ex of my friend. He’s whipped.

Erique, 19 We worked together for the training program in CODE. He’s patient.

Chino, 21 We met because we were blockmates. She is fun and I feel happy to be with her.

Josh*, 19 She was the friend of my cousin. I met her in my house cause she was with my cousin.

I don’t know what I like the most. You can’t really choose an attribute to like the most.

Rafa, 21 We met in EnLit. We hated each other because we were both anal. Then we realized we have the same group of friends.

Her roommate was Ekay, and her close friend was Matt. When we realized we had mutual friends, we started hanging out. We got closer and started going out. I never found the right word for it. She is able to bring joy wherever she goes. She makes it a point to lighten up everyone’s day even if it’s a person she doesn’t really know.

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T h e M i l l e n n i a l ’ s G u i d e t o L o v e S o n g s : A P l a y l i s t

G I O

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G O S E C O

The Millenials, a generation characterizing the youth today, is yet again bringing about change in society. A new wave of trends in fashion, hobbies, and food is what is being talked about in different media. The Internet is the biggest platform for such ideas in the matter to circulate. Things are more accessible than ever, and everyone wants to try to climb the mountain everyone has been climbing nowadays, or eat the food that people are posting in their Instagrams, or even discovering what it means to be a millennial through the plethora of write-ups available online.

Included here is the music industry today. Aside from the advances in musical technique or instruments, music is delivering different messages today.

Unsurprisingly, love is still a source of inspiration for songwriters. But gone are the times of The Temptations, with Build Me Up Buttercup, or Earth, Wind, and Fire, and their hit-song, September. Although these songs will be remembered, different messages of love are being sung about in different genres today.

Certainly a culture gap exists. The music styles are different; a renaissance of electric and techno music is on the rise. Indie bands with their alternative sounds dominate the music landscape. This is coupled with the messages these artists present in their music. Even with a timeless theme such as love, new ideas and perceptions are communicated and developed. Is love still the same?

Below is a list of handpicked music from the indie scene with the motif of love. These have been released in the past three years at most, so they definitely give a fresh perspective on love. So without further ado, here are a few recommended songs from very decent bands for your pleasure for you to decide whether love is the same or not.

Too Much Time Together by San Cisco San Cisco is known to make playful songs. In their latest album, Gracetown, this song probably tops the list of being the most fun and playful.

As the title suggests, the guy feels like he and his girlfriend are spending too much time together. Undeniably, he admits his love for her, but he feels like he needs his own space. The word, “clingly” comes to mind. Its lively vibe is a great way to start the morning.

Electric Love by Borns Electric Love is a passionate piece complemented by techno riffs and old school drums and electric guitar. The title of the song is apt in more ways than one. The song is simple; praises are being sung about the love interest. The lyrics are pretty old school itself, yet refer to current pop culture instead of classic themes. The band is composed of guys, but it definitely unlike a boy band like the Beetles.

Where We Started by Dinner and a Suit Everyone enjoys a good heartbreak song to relate to his/her feelings.

Dinner and a Suit created an excellent song that doesn’t only encapsulate the feelings of loss and sadness but also that of wishing and longing, making the song even more heartbreaking. Those who have gone through breakups know the feeling of wanting to go back to the beginning of the relationship, back to where things started. But past the honeymoon phase, that’s probably where true love begins, to be able to choose your partner everyday despite the challenges. Regardless, everyone longs for happier times when things were easier and better. This is a relatable song for a melancholic feel.

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You’re the One for Me by Great Good Fine OK Going with the distinct sound style of the band, their single, You’re the One for Me is complex piece with a simple meaning. The persona is convincingly telling his love interest that she is the one for him, and likewise, he is the one for her. However, it would seem that the feeling is one-sided as he is competing for her affection. It’s a song of longing, seeking for love from a person that he might not be able to get. The lyrics are repetitive, but can symbolize the persona’s relentless despite his seeming hopelessness. Overall a well-composed song with a techno and laidback vibe.

For You by Fickle Friends With its techno vibe and smooth vocals, this song is a very neat and chill. The lyrics however are deep, and it resounds with those who love someone but that person loves someone else. The persona expresses her conflict regarding the matter. Feelings of despair are expressed as the song builds up towards the end. Even with the dramatic feelings, the song remains to be chill yet passionate. It’s a very interesting song that you can listen to at anytime of the day.

We Won’t by Jaymes Young This duet has a mellow vibe with a conflicted theme. The deep bass and the backup vocals permeate the somber mood. The song is about a couple who are trying to reach the next level, yet have their own reservations. They already are intimate with each yet feel like they should stop. They question if they should get closer yet don’t want to be serious with each other. They can, but they won’t. It’s a great song for rainy days.

It’s Strange by Louis the Child The persona in the song is stating her commitments to remain single, to not leave herself vulnerable after a bad breakup. This happens in the verse, but when the chorus comes, she immediately finds someone that may just be the one for her. This is followed by a solo of techno beats that just pumps good vibes. Makes you wonder if she’ll just end up getting hurt again or if the person she found will truly love her.

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