DATING AND RELATIONSHIPS
More than Just Summertime Lovers: The Sincerity of Cebuanas Love
“Summer loving happened so fast
I met a girl crazy for me
Met a boy cute as can be”
— Summer Nights, John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John
I was riding a jeepney, sitting across from an interracial couple, when the driver played this song on the radio.
The man was a foreigner and the woman was Asian, a Cebuana. It made me think of the many tourists who meet a Cebuana and eventually form a romantic bond with them here in my lovely Cebu during the summer months, when it’s a great time to take a break from work and travel.
I couldn’t help but wonder, in a city that can be as warm as summer all year round, do people think Cebuanas are just summertime lovers or are they more than that?
Dive and dig into the depths of the sincerity of a Cebuana’s love.
They stand their own ground.
Strong and independent women? Yes, they are. Cebuanas are born and raised like that.
They are brave when it comes to dealing with adversities. They can even face hardship with a smile. They have strong convictions and can be outspoken.
When you’re dating a Cebuana, they appreciate your role as a man, but that doesn’t mean that you have to exert all the effort. They take the concept of give-and-take seriously. You can’t be just a man to them, they’ll show you how you can also be loved as a man.
And when times are hard to deal with, they will fight for you and beside you. Tough love? No. More like they love toughly–they don’t give up easily.
They’d love you like no other.
I know you must’ve seen the word “loyal” here, but Cebuanas are loyal and faithful.
Cebuanas express their love openly. It’s likely that they will introduce you to everyone they know. She’ll likely introduce you to her family, and you’ll spend time with them as if you’ve always been a part of them.
Given that most of them are religious, they’ll be faithful to you in the same way that they are to their church. They might even take you to church so that you can pray with them. Most Cebuanas will ensure that their relationships last and they are going to make it worthwhile.
Imagine a love that stems from faith. The purest love there is!
They’re wise and witty.
Many Cebuanas are wise and funny. They tend to think things through before acting. They have “diskarte” (strategy) mostly geared toward spending less, living wisely, and enjoying more.
Most of them are funny in the sense that when life gets tough, they cope with humor. You’re unlikely to be too gloomy with a Cebuana. Many of them will make you appreciate their optimism. Instead of moping over their problems, they find ways to overcome them.
Their culture is just as lovely as they are.
Have you seen how Cebuanos celebrate their festivals? If you haven’t, you’re really missing out on the fun!
Cebuano culture is diverse! There are many places you can go. Pick among mountains, seas, or urban areas. With a Cebuana, you won’t just experience being loved romantically, you’d also be able to experience life through many adventures.
Their upbringing will show you how unconditional love can be.
Religion is deeply ingrained in Cebuano culture. Cebuanas are raised to be obedient, modest, pious, and respectful of their elders. They were raised to love sincerely, emulating the pure love of their holy patron.
When they fall in love, they show you who they are. You can tell how they were raised. They have strong values, morals, and respect for traditions. Much of these beliefs are taught and passed down in families, and Filipinos are known for their close-family ties.
Cebuanas are for a lifetime of love.
They go beyond the typical summertime lovers. If you get the opportunity to get to know them, you’ll believe. Their love is supported by dedication and faith rather than just words and deeds. Winning a Cebuana’s heart is just like winning the lottery.
