Not So Fast Talk

Today, I turned 31. 
Yesterday, we had a simple celebration in the lab. Big thanks to my lab babies and ancillary fam for the surprise! Today, I had a quiet lunch with my family and shared cakes with my neighbors. I’ve been gifted five cakes by family and friends—haha, sugar overload!

To celebrate my 31st year of existence, here’s a little something: a very informal and mejo kanal entry, showing my true self (while not oversharing naman).

Not So Fast Talk: 31 Frequently Asked Questions – Part I

1. Wala ka bang balak mag-abroad?

Dati, wala. Sa ngayon, wala pa ring ginagawa. Pero I might reconsider—lalo na’t nakakaloka ang gobyerno natin at ang hirap talaga mabuhay sa bansa.

2. May pamilya ka na ba? Anak? Asawa? Jowa?

NADA. WALEY.

3. Have you tried the apps? 

Nope. Di ko kinacount yung one time na pinatulan ko yung “Facebook Dating”—you create an account, select your crush who’s connected to you on Facebook, and if they like you back, you’ll know. HAHAHAHA. I uninstalled after a few days. Di kasi ako nacrush back ng crush ko. HAHAHUHU. Never tried talking to anyone. I’m that loyal—even to a crush. LOL.

My Gen Z staff keep pushing me to install the B app. I really don’t want to. I don’t think I have the time or energy to talk to random people online huhu. But two of my junior MTs joined the interhospital sports fest, and to encourage them to win, I said I’d install the app if they won. HAHAHAHA. Now I’m not sure if I should cheer them on or not.

4. What are your non-negotiables?

As long as he believes in God, loves his family, and treats people right—okay na!

5. Masyado yatang mataas standards mo, kaya ka single? 

Sino ba naman ako para magmataas ng standards, no? It’s just that I don’t want to force myself to like someone I don’t vibe with. I’d rather be single than be with someone I’m not in love with. And honestly, after my last heartbreak, everything changed. I’m not bitter, but my perspective on things has shifted.

6. Are you planning to have kids in the future?

It depends. If I get married and if we’re financially and mentally ready. Sarili nga natin, ang hirap buhayin, ‘di ba? Ang daming dapat ikonsidera—lalo na sa panahong ito.

7. Do you believe in destiny? 

Ay oo naman—yes na yes. Pero parang mali din yata ‘yun kasi hindi ako ume-effort lumabas and meet new people. HAHAHA. Baka sa kakanood ko ng romcoms ‘to. I believe the right person will show up at the right place and time. Kaso parang gusto na akong batukan ng friends ko kasi it doesn’t work that way daw. True love doesn’t magically appear.

8. Which profession do you wish your future boyfriend/potential husband would have?

May kanta para diyan: “I don’t care who you are, where you’re from, what you did…(tama ba?), as long as you love me." HAHAHA. Pero pass siguro sa medical field. Health workers often care for others but forget themselves.

9. What is your love language? 

Secret. If we’re close, you’d know.

10. What makes your heart flutter? 

When people are thoughtful—gifting me things they know I’d find useful, or recommending stuff they know I’d like, just from observation or a random conversation on a random day that they saved space for in their brain. To be remembered means a lot.

11. What is an ideal date or quality time for you? 

Kahit ano, basta we make time for each other and get to know each other more. Kahit tusok-tusok sa kanto date (KFC ba—Kikiam, Fishball, Calamares kung trip niya), or watch a super long documentary. Pwede rin magbasa ng kanya-kanyang libro in silence, or if he’s like me and loves writing poems, maybe create something together. That would be fun! Kaso, you know, I don’t want to overshare what I’m into. Some people find it easy to pretend to be someone they’re not.

So shhh lang.

12. What are your hobbies? 

During the pandemic, I learned to play the ukulele. I wanted to play my favorite songs but didn’t have anyone to accompany me, so I pushed myself to learn. I have three types of uke—Soprano, Tenor, and Baritone! Pero I haven’t done covers lately—no time.

I also like reading, but I haven’t finished a book since I moved to my current job.

I love writing poems. Mas feel ko ‘pag may inspiration. Kaso walang ganaps na nakakainspire lately, so… yeah, not much poems in here.

13. What do you do on weekends? 

You mean aside from chores? Once a month may execom ng Saturday. If walang other ganaps like PAMET stuff or check-up, I binge-watch, eat… pero mostly chores talaga kasi weekend lang ang time to do them. And of course, I look after my super cute niece when her mom has errands or chores to do.