Cebuana: More Than Just a Summer Lover

Do you remember the musical Grease?

It’s a movie that’s built on summer romance. An exchange student meets a greaser boy, only to part ways after summer. But despite all the odds, they eventually end up together in the end.

Sadly, not all summer romances end the same way. Some are misled by their infatuation, while some people think of it as nothing more than just a brief fling.

In the words of one of the characters from Grease, “Summer lovin’ had me a blast,

summer lovin’ happened so fast.”

It’s a blink-and-you-miss-it kind of romance. Overly passionate and cuts when it gets good.

For the most part, there’s a mutual understanding between the two parties that this is nothing more than a fling, and they’re both there just to enjoy the ride.

This happens in the Philippines more often than you think. Specifically, in Cebu.

Cebu is blessed with pristine beaches and good weather. It’s no wonder why it’s the second hottest tourist spot right after Boracay. With all these tourists flocking in to enjoy the place, there’s no doubt that there’s a little bit of romancing in between trips.

It’s common to find a Filipina hand in hand with a foreign man here in Cebu, or anywhere in the Philippines for that matter. Foreign men are very appealing to them. Germans, Koreans, Americans — you name it.

Sadly, even Filipino people are prejudiced against Filipina/foreign couples. People like to assume the worst when it comes to these couples.

“She’s just after his money”

“He’s gonna end up cheating on her in the end”

“They’re going to break up in the end, mark my words”

Some of these criticisms are true to some extent, but that’s not always the case. Because contrary to popular belief, these “summer romances” actually end in marriage.

They don’t let the fact that they live at opposite ends of the world bother them. They find a way around it. It’s not as good as always being in each other’s presence, but at the very least they can still spend time with each other.

This determination to keep their relationship is what sets them apart from most couples. They are faced with trials and challenges that sometimes leave them at the brink of breaking up.

But they persevere. They meet each other halfway through their relationship.

Pity most people don’t see this side of them. Because in their eyes, they will forever be the gold digging Filipina with a desperate foreigner.

That, however, doesn’t stop these couples from loving each other. If anything, it keeps them together.

Like most Filpinas, Cebuanas date to marry. They’re not the kind to date out of a whim. You best believe that when it comes to the matters of the heart, they take this as seriously as their education.

They wouldn’t risk trusting their heart with a man who is leaving in 3 months unless they genuinely love them. They’re romantics like that.

Sure, they can’t help but give in to the allure of summer love sometimes. Their heart yearns for adventure and thrill once in a while.

But when it comes down to it, all these ladies want is a decent man to call husband. And if a foreign man happens to fit the bill, it isn’t anyone’s business but theirs.