February is a season when couples show a little extra love for their partners, making this month more special than others. On the other hand, this can be a lonely time for single people who don’t have a special someone to celebrate with.
However, there are single Filipinas in the UAE, aged between 30 to 60 years old, who do not depend on others for their happiness. In an interview with The Filipino Times, these single ladies bared why they haven’t put a ring on it yet, and how they patiently wait—for many years—for “the one” to arrive.
Over 30, still single
Jennifer Siacor, Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Dubai, had her last relationship eight years ago, which did not work out. With that, she chose to be single and not date for many years.
“I had been in relationships. But I am a date-to-marry person, so in my past relationships, I invested years believing that they were the right partners for me,” Siacor said.
This Valentine’s Day, she is excited to celebrate it with herself, as she believes that spending time with ourselves allows us to truly understand and appreciate our own worth.
“I don’t feel lonely to celebrate without a partner. I am happy on my own and I do love my single life right now. Heart’s Day is a celebration of love even with friends. I have been celebrating Heart’s Day with my good friends in the past years, but this year, I think I want to celebrate it with myself,” she shared.
In her over 30 years of existence, she still believes that her love story is yet to unfold. She continues to wait, and pray, unceasingly, for Mr. Right to come her way.
“To all singles, know that there is beauty and blessing in our waiting. There is no expiration date in the waiting season especially for women. There is no such thing as overaged, because God’s timing is never early nor late—it is always perfect. It is better to stay single and wait patiently and joyfully than be in a relationship and live in regrets,” she advised.
50-something and single
There often exists an unwarranted stigma around navigating life alone. In the Philippines, single people are often judged if they are not married at a certain age, specifically, by 30. However, Nida Albatera, OFW in Dubai, is unfazed by this stereotype.
“I had a relationship once, 20 years ago. During those times, I wasn’t prepared yet to start a family of my own. It wasn’t the priority because I am the breadwinner of my family. So, we parted ways,” Albatera recalled.
In her 50s, she firmly believes that love does not have any age limit. The right person for you will always come in the right place and at the right time.
“I’m still waiting, and I still believe in love and marriage. If God-willing, I would love to have my own family in the future,” she shared.
This Valentine’s Day, Albatera looks forward to celebrating it with her dear friends, like she has always done before.
She encourages other single people not to settle for less or pressured by time, as she believes that there is someone prepared specifically to be in your lives, no matter how long it takes.
Unmarried in her 60s
If you have given up on love, or you think that love has given up on you, think again. Juvy Cabrillos, at 62 years old, is not closing any doors on love.
She had only one relationship before, she says, and it was with her childhood sweetheart.
“It was in 1980 and I was 18 years old. He was my childhood sweetheart, but we are not meant for each other,” she expressed. He was her first love, but sadly, the boy left her for another woman.
When asked if she is still open to marriage, she said, “Since I’m already a senior citizen now, marriage is not my priority.”
“Pero kung may dumating, kung ‘yun ang kalooban ng Lord, why not?”
Despite not expecting for a partner considering her age, she makes sure that she has enough love for herself and for the people around her, so if the time comes that a man walks in her life and asks for her hand, she will not hesitate to say, ‘I do’.
