Compiled by Pancho Parian
Nickey Zacate, 22, a communications student at Far Eastern University, is in that early “talking stage” of a relationship. But he has no plans of celebrating Valentine’s Day because it “will attract lots of people here in the metro.”
How has the pandemic affected his dating life? “Mahirap makipagkita due to restrictions and protocols.”
Sean Dadula, 20, a nursing student at Our Lady of Fatima University, is in a relationship. He said the pandemic actually gave him a chance to strengthen his ties with his girlfriend Shiela.
Nickey Zacate and Maderose Dela Cruz
“The pandemic gave us time to know each other further. It strengthened our bond since we had free time to talk to each other virtually. Alert level 2 has lessened restrictions and we are able to meet freely,” Dadula said. Their Valentine plans? “Maybe a dinner date like we did last year.”
Kayl Tobias is also planning dinner—or maybe lunch—with boyfriend JM Santiago, but not on Valentine’s Day itself to avoid the crowds.
Tobias, 20, studies visual communication at Bulacan State University. Like everyone else, their relationship was affected by the pandemic. “Hindi kami makaalis masyado because of the pandemic and hindi rin nagkikita. Always on a tight budget since walang allowance; busy in school. Since nag-pandemic nag-iba ang sistema sa pag-aaral, grabe ’yung workload.”
Date at home
Steven Poblete, 22, is married. The communications student at Far Eastern University (FEU) is planning to have a date at home.
“I’ll cook my wife’s favorite meal and watch action films since both of us are stressed from work/acads,” he said. Poblete thinks going out on dates is “difficult to do on a regular basis especially with the fear of being infected by the virus.”
Maniecel Jagonob, 22, and a communications student at FEU, is single. Her Valentine’s Day plans? “First day of in-person class! Kidding aside, I don’t have plans, except to do my academics and internship since I have classes and work on the 14th.”Trebby Canda is “single but may manliligaw.” The FEU student said, “Ever since talaga wala akong plan for Valentine’s kasi busy ako sa studies ko. It has always been my priority. Lalo na now, I’m doing my internship.”
Jewel Garcia, 22, is a civil engineering student at University of Santo Tomas. Being single, she has no plans for Valentine’s. “Ordinary day lang. Maybe I’ll eat with my fam and watch movies.”
James Pascua, 21, is also single. The FEU psychology student said, “I will attend classes and work on my projects for work. ’Di naman ’yan national holiday, charot.” —CONTRIBUTED INQ
