Valentine’s Day is the day that we lovers express their love through greetings and gifts. More often than not, Valentine’s Day is often celebrated by couples by going on dates such as dinner dates, movie dates, and museum dates.
Photo from MarryFromHome
But what about couples in a long distance? Worry no more because we gotchu! If you want a Valentine’s LDR date that goes beyond the usual virtual movie dates, why not try video games? It has been found that the act of play can be essential to maintaining a healthy, loving, long-lasting relationship.
Would You Rather
This game is most of the time played in groups but this doesn’t mean that it can’t be played by long-distance couples. Whether you have been together for a time or just recently, knowing your partner more in a fun way is never a wrong move.
For those unfamiliar with this game, all you just need to do is ready questions that start with “Would you rather…” An example of this is, “Would you rather I visit you there or you visit me here?” and you can further escalate this question and start being flirty. You can also utilize Would You Rather question prompts for free online.
Wordle is such an inclusive game. This means that couples in a long-distance can do it too! Wordle is an online game that tests your vocabulary, especially in English. So if you want to play a game that needs several brain cells, or both of you love to challenge yourselves, World is the best for you!
Photo from The Times
To play Wordle, you need to install it first. It is available on Google Play or Apple Store.
Paired
Paired is an app that allows you to know your partner deeper and brings you two together. You can test your partner’s knowledge about dreams, beliefs, childhood, and even intimate moments.
Photo from sextechguide
If you wish to play Paired, you can access the application on Google Play or Apple Store.
Scrabble
Scrabble has the same concept as Wordle, and in this time and age, Scrabble is now not only limited to face-to-face scrabble games because online scrabble games have also been recently developed. And just like all other online games listed here, it is also for free!
Photo from Games.lol
Pokipet
If you want to take care of a pet of your partner together but cannot because of the distance, then worry not! While you are still long-distance, you can temporarily use co-parenting online games such as Pokipet!
Photo from iTunes Gift Card
If you wish to take good care of a virtual pet with your partner, you can download Pokipet on Google Play or Apple Store.
Celebrating Valentine’s Day is different for each and every couple which shows that no matter how you celebrate it, what matters most is that you are with your person and you are enjoying your company.
The emergence of technology and its fast progression enlighten and help us live easier. The once-traditional practices are now incorporated with various technological tools that aim to make lives easier.
In contemporary times, communication recognizes no boundaries, time, and space. With the help of social media, loved ones can be contacted with just a few clicks. This is also applicable in looking for a potential romantic partner.
Photo from New York Post
Gone are the days when men visited women’s homes or serenaded them in front of their yards because of the popularity of online dating sites that in just one swipe and one click, might lead you to the love of your life.
With Valentine’s Day spirit roaming around the neck and cranny, I assure you that it is too late to find yours. And we have listed the 5 best dating sites you should try.
Bumble
Known for its feminist features, Bumble is one of the few apps that puts the power to women. Launched in 2014 by a former Tinder employee, it has similar swipe features as Tinder where swiping is based on your attraction to the user. Swipe right is for accepting/liking and swipe left is for rejecting. But what makes Bumble different from Tinder is that women must message first within 24 hours to keep the match.
Photo from Medium
SIGNUP PROCESS
If you are new to Bumble, signing up is easy.
Registering your email/phone number, and setting up your password only takes a few minutes. Once done, you will need to verify your account via phone call. After creating an account, it then allows you to personalize your profile by adding prompts and including further unique information that sets you apart from others.
UNIQUE APP FEATURES
Except that Bumble gives women the power to make the first move once finding their match, it also offers other unique features.
The Questions Game – for those users (especially new ones) still trying to learn in striking conversations, the question game is the best fit for you. From the chat screen, you can select the “questions game” on the right-hand side of the text box and then shuffle through the questions until you find one you like or type your own. You and your match both have to answer before the results are revealed.
Bumble BFF and Bumble Bizz – Bumble is not exclusively a dating app. It also prides its non-dating features. If you are looking for new friends, you may join Bumble BFF. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for potential business partners, you may join Bumble Bizz.
Want to know more? You may visit Bumble’s Website for more information.
Tinder
Launched in 2012, it has swipe features based on your attraction to the user. Swipe right is for accepting/liking and swipe left is for rejecting. Unlike Bumble, Tinder allows anyone from the matched parties to initiate the conversation.
Photo from tinderpressroom.com
SIGNUP PROCESS
If you still don’t have a Tinder account, setting up one is just easy.
Once you’ve downloaded the app from the Play Store or Apple Store, click “Create Account” and enter your phone number to register. A text message will be sent to your phone containing the verification code. Once done, you can connect your Google or Facebook Account. Once the technical registration is completely set up, you can already personalize your profile.
Filipino Cupid is one of the earliest online dating sites to exist in the Philippines. Established in 2001, it has helped Filipino singles connect with their potential partners around the world.
SIGNUP PROCESS
Creating an account is just as easy as looking for your perfect match on FilipinoCupid.com. You just need to register here which only requires your Name, Age, Gender, Dating Preference, Email Address, Password, and a confirmation of the site’s Terms and Conditions. After a successful registration and account verification, you can further personalize and complete your profile.
Photo from @FilipinoCupid on X
This dating site has member levels which are Standard, Gold, and Platinum. In Standard, you can already customize searches, send interest to profiles, and communicate with all users including Gold and Platinum members.
What FilipinoCupid.com draws from other dating sites is that it has audio/video chat. However, this feature is only available to premium members.
To learn more about FilipinoCupid.com, you may visit their official website.
AsianDating.com
Similar to FilipinoCupid.com, AsianDating is also under Cupid Media Network and has connected thousands of Asian singles worldwide. AsianDating prides its wide scope of membership from the USA, Europe, Philippines, Thailand, China, Japan, Vietnam, and other countries.
Photo from Gridinsoft
SIGNUP PROCESS
Because AsianDating.com is under the same corporation as FilipinoCupid.com, creating an account for AsianDating is just as easy and similar to FilipinoCupid.com. You just need to register here which only requires your Name, Age, Gender, Dating Preference, Email Address, Password, and a confirmation of the site’s Terms and Conditions. After a successful registration and account verification, you can further personalize and complete your profile.
Similar to FilipinoCupid.com, AsianDating.com also has member levels Standard, Gold, and Platinum with each level having different features to enjoy.
Running succesfully for ove 40 years, this makes Blossoms the veteran dating site among all dating sites in this list. This is a popular pay site in the Philippines and is ideal for the guy looking for serious relationships or who is ready to settle down. And becaause this has been running for over 40 years, many successful stories has been witnessed already. So if you’re the kind of guy or girl who wants to make things and relationships serious, this is the best option for you!
Photo from Telegra.ph
SIGNUP PROCESS
Similar to other dating sites, creating an account on Blossoms is pretty much easy. All they ask in the registration is the name, email, gender, and password. To further verify, it requests its users to enter their basic information, birthday, age, location, a brief information about you, and they also ask for your photos (12 max). You may also participate with their top 10 feature, which basically asks for 10 things you want people to know about you, and 10 things you want to know about other people.
If you wish to know more about Blossoms.com, you may visit their website.
It’s time to succumb to the sky and the sea because Moana 2 calls us to join her in a new adventure!
Disney’s CEO Bob Iger announced on CNBC that Moana 2 is set to grace the cinemas this November 27th. Iger revealed that Moana 2 was supposed to be a TV series, but because he was impressed with the footage, it was turned into a feature film instead, especially with its popularity.
Photo from Disney Movies
“We can’t wait to give you more of Moana and Maui when ‘Moana 2’ comes to theaters this November.”
According to Disney, Moana 2 offers new adventures for Moana, Maui, and a brand-new crew of unlikely seafarers.
“After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced,”
Disney added.
PEOPLE BEHIND MOANA 2
Dave Derrick Jr. will direct Moana 2. Meanwhile, the music for the sequel will be by the duo Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear. Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, who worked on the first film’s music, will also contribute to the sequel’s music.
Photo from David Becker
However, the songwriter of the remarkable “How Far I’ll Go,” and “You’re Welcome,” Lin-Manuel Miranda is not expected to return for the sequel.
Moana was a success when it was released in 2016, generating $ 680M at the box office. At present, it can be streamed on the online streaming service Disney+.
No one should feel embarrassed for what their race is.
However, Korean YouTuber Tzuyang did otherwise, which earned her viewers’ ire.
Photo from @tzuyang on Youtube
In a YouTube Mukbang Video on January 28, Tzuyang is seen in a restaurant with her “Pinoy guest” named Ni Tong claimed to be one of Tzuyang’s Filipino subscribers. When it was Ni Tong’s time to speak and introduce herself, she was speaking in broken Korean with a thick Filipino accent, translating to, “Hello. I am Ni Tong, and I have a beautiful smile. I was formerly the wife of a farmer, but now I am a comedian,” in English.
Photo from @tzuyang on Youtube
However, it was found that Ni Tong was not Pinoy and the real name of the guest in the vlog is Kim Ji Young, a South Korean comedian pretending to be a Filipino and mocking the Pinoy accent, which is a clear racial mockery to Filipinos.
FILIPINO REACTIONS TO TZUYANG’S RACIAL MOCKERY
This revelation caused Tzuyang to receive numerous criticisms, especially from her Filipinos, whether subscribers or nonsubscribers.
Netizens aired their disappointment for poking fun at the Filipino accent, which should not be done in the first place.
“As a Filipino, I [felt] so proud at first when I saw that she is a Filipino. But the moment that it is revealed that she is not and she is copying or mocking Filipino accent, it made me bothered. Our accent is not a joke and should never be laughed at. Hope you all understand my point, thank you,”
Screenshot from Preview.ph
VIDEO TAKEN DOWN AND TZUYANG’S APOLOGY
The mukbang YouTube video, originally “[Philippine Flag Emoji] The Philippine Subscriber (?) was surprised [laughing emoji] Beef tripe rice noodles,” uploaded on January 28 was changed a week after in February to “Vietnamese restaurant where you eat in line [smiling emoji] Beef Gopchang Rice Noodles Mukbang,” after receiving heavy criticisms from Netizens. Sooner, the Mukbang Video was set to private.
Screenshot from Preview.phScreenshot from Preview.ph
Except for taking the Video down, Tzuyang also issued a public apology statement in three different languages (Filipino, English, and Korean).
“I want to extend my sincere apologies to our Filipino viewers and subscribers for any concerns caused by the video uploaded on January 28th with a Korean comedian,” she began.
“I hold great respect for the Philippines and feel genuinely grateful to the many viewers in the Philippines who enjoy my videos. However, it was a huge oversight on my part not to realize that the content we produced might unintentionally cause emotional pain, which was not our intention,” she continued.
If you want enemies to lovers, a trope yet a forbidden love that conquers all kinds of things, you’ll like Red, White, and Royal Blue.
The story follows Alez, the son of the US president and Prince Henry of the United Kingdom. The two are forced to be “friends” after crashing the Prince’s older brother’s wedding. But, as the pair grow closer, their love for each other blossoms, which pushes them into a whirlwind of a secret romance.
Photo from IMDb
Past Lives
Past Lives revolves around the story of a woman who tries to remember and reconnect with her crush back when she was a kid. Although the movie dwells more on romance than comedy, it’s still a good watch.
Photo from IMDb
Anyone But You
We can’t get enough of the beautiful Sydney Sweeney. The Euphoria actress stars in this romance-comedy called Anyone but You. The story is about Bea and Ben, who went on a first date yet didn’t quite have a blossoming romance. However, fate decided to play with them when they meet at a wedding in Australia and play “girlfriend and boyfriend.”
Photo from IMDb
Ghosted
It’s great to see Captain America back on screen again, this time in a romantic comedy. Chris Evans plays Cole, who falls in love with a woman named Samie, played by Ana de Armas. Unbeknownst to him, Sadie is a secret agent. In this tale of love, Cole finds himself saving the world with his crush.
Photo from IMDb
Elemental
This is an adorable story of yet another forbidden love that knows no bounds. Elemental follows the story of Amber, a woman of fire, who befriends a water guy. Despite being of different elements, they actually have a lot of things in common.
Photo from IMDb
Third World Romance
Pinoy romcoms, anyone? Third World Romance is a glimpse of reality. Charlie Dizon plays an outspoken cashier who falls in love with a chill grocery bagger. The couple navigates relationships in a world where everything comes at a cost.
What a lot of people don’t realize is that being single is amazing. With the premium given to relationships (and marriage as an extension), it’s not their fault that they may see singlehood as a sad fact, or one that constitutes “being left behind”. Recently, more people are embracing it, giving it a laugh, and practically echoing the 2015 “forever alone” rhetoric. While it’s fun to witness, it’s still sad to see that people defaultly deem singlehood as a phase, like a tragedy people would say “You’ll get over it soon” about.
Photo from Unsplash
Personally, I would say the happiest years of my life were when I only had myself to worry about. Of course it’s not a blanket policy, and I do see the value in relationships. But we all just have to understand that we shouldn’t hinge our happiness upon being with someone. You are perfectly fine being alone.
Now, a recent study has shown that long-term singles share common values such as creativity, independence, and freedom. The research uncovered that individuals who aren’t in a relationship prioritize things that might be overlooked because of society’s emphasis on romance and the necessity to make it your #1. Not being constantly boggled by the traditional notions of romance, single people, as per the study, have their minds on personal goals, family and platonic relationships, and mental and physical health.
Photo from Unsplash
Currently, 40% of adults in the U.S. are single, actively choosing the life of riding solo. This is a significant increase compared to previous years. Bella DePaulo, a 69 year old residing in Santa Barbara California, has spent her entire life unpartnered and mentioned that embracing one’s individuality brings an unparalleled fulfillment and psychological richness. Even today, singlehood is still stigmatized, but the study behind embracing what should be a moment of self-discovery and seeing the world in a way that no one is directly in your periphery helps people realize how much of a blessing being alone is.
Photo from Unsplash
Making your lover your everything is never a good way to go. What this dive into singlehood shows is the importance of tapping onto the different realms of life that involve love, just not a romantic one. The research further showed how singles have stronger social ties and involvement with their communities, and this is the very thing relationships are likely to blindspot people. Depending on a partner for everything cannot satisfy your needs and will most likely burden them while making yourself unable to stand without their presence. Building communities is something that is often overlooked because of how romantic love lies to us and makes us feel that it is all that we need.
This is in no way a cautionary tale that tells you to break up with your lover if you have one. It is very possible to be in a healthy relationship where both individuals have their own life and respective support systems outside of each other. What both the study and this article is telling you is that if you’re taken, you can learn a thing or two from single people who truly embrace a life that is not in conjunction with another person. A relationship is not a leash. And if you’re single, you don’t have to keep waiting. Enjoy yourself. Life is so big.
Photo from Unsplash
If you stop your fixation on looking for it, it’s more likely going to come to you at some point. And if it doesn’t, cite the great philosopher Ariana Grande and say “yes, and?”
In a shocking announcement. King Charles III is revealed to have cancer.
Photo from Middle East Eye
The king has been experiencing health issues since last month. Buckingham Palace announced that he would go to the hospital for a “corrective procedure. ”
On January 29, the king was discharged from the London Clinic and was reported to be better. However, he was also getting treatment for something else. The palace announced on Monday that the tests showed that the king had a “form of cancer.”
Photo from Wikimedia Commons
Moreover, no further details have been released as to what type of cancer it is. In addition, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated that King Charles’ cancer was caught at an earlier time, and he will continue getting treatment until he makes a full recovery.
Photo from PBS
With this recent diagnosis, the King will be stepping down from his public duties to focus on recovery.
The Philippines reached a significant development with its record low unemployment rate of 3.1% as of December 2023, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reports. The positive trend reflected by the number is highly indicative of the labor market’s inherent resistance against economic fluctuations and is a sign of the country’s dedication to improvement.
Photo from Nikkei Asia
Arsenio Balisacan, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary, details other initiatives and interventions such as the Lifelong Learning Bill, Apprenticeship Bill, and the Enterprise Productivity Act, and expresses his support for the ongoing upward trend of the country’s labor market. Balicasan puts his trust in the government’s pursuit of legislations that will provide better foundations for economic development and prosperity and has confidence in the economic sector’s ever-increasing momentum.
Photo from @ambalisacan on X
Additionally, the youth underemployment rate rose from 11.6% to 9.2% in around the same time frame from the previous year.
Photo from Jobstreet
The record-low unemployment rate in December 2023 is the result of the government’s continuous intervention that is targeted at the root of the economic system, as well as the commitment to bettering the country’s flawed labor market. Crucial decisions in the form of policies, consistent regulations amongst labor institutions, and constant self-checking will determine whether the Philippines will be able to keep its growing momentum afloat.
As doors close, another door opens. It so happens that the one that closed was Bea Alonzo and Dominic Roque’s relationship.
Photo from Inquirer Entertainment
Bea and Dominic’s breakup was announced by the King of Talk, Boy Abunda, himself, in his “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” on Tuesday.
Photo from Dailymotion
Although he added that there is a high possibility that the couples are still trying to talk, reliable sources have confirmed that the two have broken up.
“As we talk today, yes, hiwalay po si Dominic at tsaka si Bea,” Tito boy said.
Photo from Rappler
It can be remembered that the couple, now broken up, got engaged in Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar Bataan on July 18, 2023. According to Tito Boy, Bea has returned the engagement ring to Dominic.
During the announcement, Tito Boy also addressed some rumors circulating about Dominic and Bea. One of the rumors is a speculated prenuptial agreement.
“Yung prenup po ay medyo na-shock po ako because ang pagkakaalam ko po, many months ago, napag-usapan ho ito sa aking pagkakaalam,” he said
Photo from Inquirer Entertainment
Tito Boy also clarified that the two did not have any fixed agreement on their wedding plans yet to debunk the rumors that it was going to be held in Tagaytay in April.
“As originally talked about, nag-ocular po ang dalawa, tama ho ‘yun, sa Europa. And may mga lumalabas na kuwento rin na they went to Japan, tama rin po ‘yun and I think they were trying to talk things out,” he said.
Tito Boy also called out people who baselessly judged or accused either Bea or Dominic of the break-up.
Photo from PEP.ph
“To me, napaka-judgmental po nun. Yes, you and I have the right to comment. Yes, we have the freedom of speech pero ako, I appeal for kindness,” Tito boy addressed to those who judge Bea or Dominic.
Although Apple just dropped their iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro last November 2023. iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro are looked forward to this year as well. However, rumors have been circulating about Apple’s first foldable Phone, the iPhone Flip.
Photo from T3
How come?
Other phone brands have already created their flip phones. Samsung for one, has already launched their Galaxy Foldables which is one of the hits in the market with their latest Galaxy Z Flip 5.
Photo from CNET
IPHONE FLIP RELEASE DATE
Rumors about Apple’s first foldable phone have been circulating online for years—whether this is true or not remains a question. Despite the uncertainty of the iPhone Flip, what we know is that it is in the works, and well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (via 9to5Mac) predicted that it will be launched around the year 2026 or 2027.
Tweet from @mingchikuo on X
IPHONE FLIP SIZE
Ming-Chi Kuo further predicted that the iPhone Flip will have an internal screen size is around 7 or 8 inches. If indeed the iPhone Flip is to have 8 8-inch internal screen size, this will make it larger than the Galaxy Z Fold 4 which has a 7.6-inch display.
Photo from Forbes
IPHONE FLIP LOOK
Rumor has it that Apple is testing two looks for the iPhone flip. The first one has the same look as the Samsung Galaxy Z fold series.
Photo from Cashkar
Meanwhile, the second look Apple is checking for their iPhone flip is the same as the newly released Google Pixel Fold.
Photo from Tech Advisor
The rumors about Apple’s very own iPhone flip spreads like wildfire, it is still important to note that these are mere rumors that should be taken with a grain of salt.
