Remembering MMK

The recent episode of Maalala Mo Kaya (MMK) of ABS-CBN has been a trending topic (at least among my friends) because a lot of people can relate. It’s love month already and people are smitten by the idea of it — falling in love. So there goes the TV shows (and other mass media), commercializing “love.” Anyway, last Saturday’s MMK is about a girl who is so idealistic and who sets standards when it comes to her ideal man. She finds the qualities she wanted in a man, but unfortunately, this guy only likes her as a friend. And then he meets another man, who is exactly the opposite of what she hopes and wishes for. In any case, they fall in love. But the complication of it all, she loses her concept of “true love” because her father left her mother. Her parents used to be her peg of “true love” and “perfect relationship” and then, suddenly it falls apart. And so, this girl is shattered. But this guy “loves” her and wants to marry her. However, parents from both sides disagree. And then, I don’t know what happened next because I didn’t get to finish it. Pray, tell what happened. I just got snippets of posts from my friends. I surmise the idealistic girl and the prince in shining armor didn’t end up together.

But anyway, I really can’t say that I can relate to the story. But I used to. At some point in my life, I had an “ideal man.” And so are you, I mean, everybody does I think. So here is the list of qualities I used to (and sometimes wish to) have in a man:

1. God-fearing. Someone who goes to Church on Sundays. At least once or twice in his lifetime. Or all the more, every single Sunday. It is because I do. I go to church or the Feast (in Valle Verde Country Club, Pasig) every Sunday. And God has been so faithful to me and I am faithful to Him. So I want my man to be in touch with his God (even if it’s not my own God), too.

2. Family-oriented. Studies show that people who come from good family background are likely to grow up confident, smart, and successful. This is why I want my man to be close to his family (broken or whole, extended or nuclear). If a person loves his mom, brothers, sisters, lolos, lolas, cousins and other relatives, it is likely that he or she wants to build his or her own happy family. Besides, I’m looking for a partner whom I can build my family with. A partner who wants to be married someday and wants to have children.

3. Compassionate to Others. I want someone who “loves thy neighbor.” I want my man to be selfless, giving, and kind to others. I have participated in volunteer works and I want someone who shares the same passion. And if he is good-natured and kindhearted to others, I am sure that he can be a loving and good partner all the more to me.

4. Smart. This is a must. Haha! Some guy (who is a friend of a friend) once asked me what I want in a guy. And then, in his face, I told him that I like smart people. Actually, when I said that, I was being a little bitchy. He’s kinda bugging me the whole time and he’s ranting about girls who leave their boyfriends. And before he asked me that, he was arguing with his friends about the bills because they couldn’t compute the total. And so, with my comment, I was trying to tell him that I don’t like him. Haha! So there, I want someone who is smart, because I want to be stimulated mentally. I want someone who makes me think and someone who argues with me. Because after the kissing, hugging, and all the mushiness, I want someone who knows how to use that thing between his ears. And not only that thing between his legs.

5. Music-lover. I’m into music, rock bands specifically. And I play the guitar. So I want someone who can jam with me. And it’s really kilig when your man plays the guitar or sings in front of you.

6. Adventurous. I like taking trips. I like going to places. I like exploring, backpacking, and other adventures. So I want my man to be like that, too. Adventures will reveal how independent, smart, and helpful he is. Besides, I don’t like people who settle in their comfort zone and who are afraid to take on the world.

7. Strong. This is the best quality he should have. If he is strong, all the other qualities I listed will fall under this trait. If he is strong, he can be the man of my life! He should be strong enough to get hold of me (because I’m sly like that. Haha!) and strong enough not to let me go.

I just have this list, but I know we don’t really end up with the person we hoped and wished for. I just pray to high heavens that that person for me (if there is really) hopefully has one or two of these qualities. Or maybe not. But in any case, standards and idealism are just concepts. Social construct even. We really don’t know who or what kind of person will come. Or will never come. I’m not really sure about ideal man, fate, or destiny. But if these things are true, come on, universe, prove me wrong! I’d always consider giving in! Haha!